Global Climate Change

First off I am sure you are unaware that even though universally it is called global warming, the correct term is global climate change.

Second I will be using this data that i collected in class tomorrow

Third- there is Global Climate Change and I have no idea how you can be so blind

Forth- see you all in class tomorrow

NOTES

Theories
1. Astronomical theory of climate change.
· Which is the tilt of the earth relative to its plane of travel about the sun is what causes seasons. The theory that the poles will switch and winter will become summer and vice versa.
· This ice age theory is expected to occur in the next 50,000 - 100,000 years

Laws
1. Clean Air Act
· is the comprehensive federal law that regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources. Among other things, this law authorizes EPA to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to protect public health and public welfare and to regulate emissions of hazardous air pollutants.
2. Clean Water Act (CWA)
· establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters.
3. Atomic Energy Act
· utilization of atomic energy for peaceful purposes to the maximum extent consistent with the common defense and security and with the health and safety of the public… meaning- to develop guidance for federal and state agencies containing recommendations for their use in developing radiation protection requirements.

Facts
· Climate is the average pattern of weather over the long term. The earth’s climate has warmed and cooled for millions of years, since long before we appeared on the scene. There’s no doubt that the climate is growing warmer currently; indications of that change are all around us.
· The oceans, which cover more than 70% of the earth’s surface, play a fundamental and complex role in regulating climate. The oceans absorb huge amounts of solar energy; ocean currents transport this heat from the equator toward the Poles. In the past, long-term, natural oscillations in the oceans’ capacity to store and transport heat have led to global temperature changes. Ability to tell data through satellite measurements of microwave energy emitted by ocean waters. Microwave energy—like visible light and infrared radiation—is a form of electromagnetic radiation.
· Changes in climate dramatically alter the planet’s snow- and ice-covered cryosphere. With variations in the earth’s temperature, thousands of square miles of snow and ice can accumulate or melt. Changes in snow and ice cover, in turn, affect air temperature, sea level, ocean currents, and storm patterns. Snow and ice help keep the earth cool by reflecting between 60% and 90% of the solar energy that shines on them back into space. Reduction of snow cover and sea ice may lead to increased warming, as more solar energy is absorbed.
· Many species inhabit precisely bounded ecological niches, and even small changes in climate may cause fundamental disruptions in habitat or food availability. In the past, animals could respond to these pressures by moving from one place to another. Today, however, land development has constrained and fragmented ranges and travel routes, making species migration in response to climate change much more difficult. Moreover, loss of key predator or prey species may affect the life cycles of other organisms in the food chain.
· Interpreting past and present climate data is difficult, but predicting future climate change—and its possible effects—is even more challenging. Researchers use complex computer simulations called climate models to predict long-term weather patterns. A model’s reliability depends on the number of variables taken into account and the accuracy of measurements used.

Disease—like malaria
Flooding of homes
Drought

Waiyaki and education (NOTES)

What does education signify for Waiykai? à Meant rebirth, as in raising the white man’s wisdom- Learn the white man’s education and then use it against them. Another factor, it is his response to his father’s call and the mission his father gave him. Education is not only the fulfillment, but the fulfillment of the prophesy. We never find out what he teaches the students, he beats them though. What do you think is being taught in the school? My guess is teaching them how to read. What is important to teach- other ways of life; How to more or less survive in other cultures. Know your enemy- be aware of their tactics. Spreading a political message in a sense; it is easy for the children to believe messages that are taught, it is simple to brain wash. Inoculate against colonial influence. Tactical warfare- understands your enemy in order to fight back.
Page 92, their children can speak a foreign language; their children can read and write.
Page 93- song. Showing school to community, and has children sing song. Interesting. What is left- the battle of wits and the mind. Waiyaki is intimately connected to the things he learned at the mission.
What exactly is the purpose of education in Waiyaki’s mind, how does he think about it? Is it a set of skills? Is it an idea of rebirth?
I think education is used in order to survive. He uses it as a tool to not be colonized. He uses it to bring people together. He does not want to fight the white people. The purpose of education is not to overthrow, it is a way to survive in their world. That explains why there is a group not accepting his methods.

thoughts on circumcision

Alright, well like other students in the class i was unsure of the exact practice which takes place during a femal circumcision. So i looked it up- wholey hell was my first though. First off there can be different forms of female circumcision; one of which merely involve minor cutting of the anatomy, but in the case of ritual defloration more radical forms require the complete removal of the parts of the labia. Even more appalling is infibulation, in which the entire parts of the female anatomy are removed and then fastened shut with either thorns or a thread. for those of you who are always inquisitive in class- there is a small opening for urination and "that time of the month". This is all done to ensure that she is virginil, which was seen as desirable. Once married, the woman has to be cut open before intercourse. In some cultures the anatomy is cauterized or rubbed with nettles to destroy the nerve endings! Wholey hell!!! No thank you. That is so desterbing, but then again- that is our culture. Our culture sees the strange in the familiar, meaning giving up the familiar idea that we live our lives only in terms of what we decide in favor of the intially "strange" notion that society shapes these decisions, as it does all our experiences. To give you, reader, and idea an example would be; much like the selection of a mate, the choice of how many children to have woudl seem to be personal. Yet social patterns apply- in the united states the average number of children per family is 2, while in Cambodia it is 4, and in Niger it is 7. So i guess my point behind that is, who are we to say what is culturally acceptable when we are not even intergated in such a society? For our society it is acceptable for the male to be cirsumcised, but odd for the female, this would be strange for the Kikuyu area and its people.

March 24th, thoughts on Nietzsche

Well, there are a lot of things I think about when I think of Nietzsche. First off, Nietzsche's views are very unlike the popular and conventional beliefs and practices of philosophers of his time. His philosophies are more than just controversial and unconventional viewpoints, however; they are absolutely extreme if taken out of context or misinterpreted. Also, if looked at from a different perspective, Nietzsche's work seems to parallel that of the Nazi ideology (not to say he was). For instance, Hitler and the other Nazi leaders did not to indulge in any act of independent creative thought in order to arm their movement with ideas. And in the first few pages of the assigned reading, or the preface, Nietzsche express how "we are necessarily strangers to ourselves" and we are absent minded. Then Nietzsche points out a few more things; firstly, the basis of Nietzsche's philosophy is the complete lack of authority. No God, no order, no rules, only the individual and their own short life. This in itself suggests anarchy which is generally chaotic and dangerous in itself, much like Hitler and the Nazi regiem. With this statement alone, he lays a treacherous foundation for one's thoughts and beliefs.

Next, this only occured about page 17; Nietzsche states that he has given honor to God, but then soon-there-after states that God is the father of evil. So here was my shock... as I have stated several times, I am not that biblically well rounded: but I was shocked when he refered to God as the creater of evil. How could he be? I immediatly thought... he created the heavens, Adam and Eve, all creatures, the Earth!! Then, when I actually stepped back and looked at the broader picture, Nietzsche is right... if God created good and moral, then he had to have created evil. It was just that I have never envisioned God to do such a thing, but as Nietzsche says, "as was only fair" to say such a thing.

And those are my thoughts for today, that I was going to express in class, and I was super pumped for class today- but after I sat there for about 10 minutes and realized no one was there, and that maybe I should check my email just to find out that it was cancelled, a little piece of my died inside... that is how much I love CIE! Alright, later class.

the idea of intellectual laziness

Early this class, Ed claimed that maybe people are using the bible incorrectly, and there is a lack of intellect when interpreting it. Yes, i am not as well rounded biblically as I would like, but I still have an opinion towards the matter. I think that there is no right or wrong way to interpret the bible. An opinion is just that, an opinion. Due to such, the world has such a religious diversity. I am very glad that there is not just one main religion, I would hate to be a part of global lemmings, all following one idea. Even then, I think someone would be rebellious enough to come up with their own idea. So, i do not agree at all that the bible was misinterpreted... I don’t think a belief can be misinterpreted. That is what it is- a belief. One’s own interpretation- Lots of intelligent thinking, with numerous ramifications.

Why does Darwinism matter? (creationism v. darwinism)

Why does Darwinism matter? In a sense, it shouldn't because it is a belief- there are so many religions, opinions, and beliefs that this "problem" should be just a fly on the wall. Never-the-less, humanity is making a mountain out of a mole hill.

There is a difference between Darwinism and Creationism, one is based on data and the other is based on belief. So why does it matter? Well in the earlier days of Christ, about 6,000 yrs. ago, the only belief was the of the lbreal interpretation of the bible. Everything that occured in the bible, was the actual happening of that time. The idea of “creation science” is derived from most religions that God created the universe-including humans and other living things-all at once in the relatively recent past. Creationists say that creatures started out as distinct and separate organisms when God created them and they do not believe that organisms change into complete differently and distinct animals through evolution. There and then lies the conflict, the problem lies when Creationism argues that faith should take precedent over science, basing its beliefs on one book for guidance, the Bible.

My question is, what if you were not raised with this biblical guidence?! Darwinism concerns itself as a science, which is explained by scientific methodology. Biological evolution concerns changes in living things during the history of life on earth. It explains that living things share common ancestors and over time evolutionary change gives rise to new species. Additionally, Darwinism greatly impacted the scientific world purely through its specific doctrine. The enlightenment had paved the way for rational thinking and observation. People were willing to accept scientific data as fact and they were able to objectively consider theories that went against the church.

Even with that biblical guidence, why does it matter which side you believe? Neither idea can be proven right or wrong. Yes, there is a certain realism that dictates over the other. Creationism is based primarily on ones interpretation of the bible. As opposed to Darwinism: which is based on data. But who cares! Why do people choose to believe what they believe?

I think it has a great deal to do with the way in which you are raised. If you are raised with the guidence of the bible, and attend church every Sunday, then you may leave towards the more mystical belief of Paley. If you are more individualistic and brought up as so, then you may lean more towards Darwinism. My theory comes to: which idea gives people more comfort?

Personally, I lean more towards Darwinism due to its data and realistic view. Yes i would live to live with a mystical view much like Paley, but I was not raised with the bible. In all honesty, I have only read the children's bible, and I only truely know the story of Christmas. Due to my lack of biblical knowledge, do I not have an appreciation for Paley? NO! Because of my lack of biblical knowledge, is it assumed that I will jsut surpass the biblical beliefs all together... no, thank you very much! I like the belief of evolution.

You can't tell me that the world is undergoing evolution even now as I type. Fact- Global Climate Change. The world is re-setting itself from humanitarian mistakes. Fact- babies have tails, until born. Why does it fall off? So yes, due to factual things (also I am an environmental major so that helps) I believe in evolution. On the other hand, I do not liek the idea that we are on the earth just to live, and our life comes to an end at the grave. I like the comforting idea that there is a life after death, because then what are we living for?

All in all, I lean more towards Darwinism, because I am a more factual person. And then I also support Paley, with his idea that everyone is here for a reason, and there is a life after death.

Darwinism thoughts

The text book version of Darwinism is said to be the descending from a common ancestor. However, in all honesty is is nothing more than a mutation (which are random on a microscopic level). More complex species evolve into simpler ones. There is also a need for species struggle, competition, and the manifest of reproductive success.

Branching off from Darwinism is the idea of natural selection. Again the text book version of the term is: it is the process by which favorable heritable traits become more common in successive generations of a population of reproducing organisms, and unfavorable heritable traits become less common. Additionally, as we have discussed in class: Natural Selection was key to Charles's understanding of the process of natural selection. Darwin realized that the most fit individuals in a population are the ones that are least likely to die of starvation and, therefore, are most likely to pass on their traits to the next generation.

Karl Marx The communist Manifesto Notes

Communism is a theory that states that society should own all property. There should be no private ownership and labor is organized so that all members of society will benefit. Communism is based on the theories of Karl Marx and writing.

Karl Marx was an idealist. He observed the cruelties and injustices that the poor working class endured during the period of industrial revolution, and was then inspired to write of a society in which no oppression existed for any social class of people. Marx believed in a revolution that would end socialism and capitalism, and focus on communist principles. The Manifesto describes the goals of the communist party for ending exploitation of the working class and creating a society in which there is equality in society without social classes.

Marx uses reason to explain what will happen to society due to the materialism of the Industrial Revolution. Marx reasons how society will become classless under the rule of communism. The proletariat, defined as the lower working class, will take over the bourgeoisie, defined as the upper class, because of the difference in capital between the two classes. The two classes clash because both are consumed with wants of material items and power but only the bourgeoisie has an abundance of these two items. The proletariat then revolts to gain equality and thus society becomes classless. Marx's manifesto was inspired by the emergence of the modern working class- he seems to developed a socialist outlook through the principle of socialism. Marx’s "scrutiny" illustrates his belief in the unless change that's occurring between the Bourgeois and the Proletariat. The class relationships are defined by an era's means of production.

One of Marx's arguments is that the society created by the bourgeois is so powerful and out of control that it can no longer be controlled. Thus the illusion to the Sorcerer. The modern bourgeois society, he explains "a society that has conjured up such gigantic means of production and of exchange, [it] is like the sorcerer, who is no longer able to control the powers of the nether world when he has called up by his spells." His remedy for this situation was an overthrow of the ruling bourgeois society and the beginning of the proletariat society.

Another argument that Marx brings out that is relevant in today's society is the distinct class differences. He mentions how 10% of the people have virtually all the property.

Notes/ thoughts about William Blake's Proverbs of Hell

In Blake's Proverbs of Hell, it seems as though he is expressing that; with the good, there always is the bad or the opposite. It seems paradoxyl and almost expresses dualism. How people actually act as opposed to how they ought to act. The proverbs express ideals verses reality.

The author is discussing vitality of life force, philosophical power or thoughts. Morality. Blake is using the expression of power or energy as being better. Excess leads to wisdom. He is expressing how it is overall better for things not to be contained, more or less to be set free. For instance the line about the bird flying with it's own wings.

The author also eludes to God and is associating God with physical power. It seems as though Blake's conception of Hell is not as a place of punishment, but a source of unrepressed, philosophical energy. Blake eluded to the readers a repressive nature of conventional morality and institutional religion. A life force that is hard to contain in words, something that is or reflects a violent force about it. Blake praises carnivorous animals that survive based on predatory habits.

Overall, within Blake's suggestive, simple, and rich with illusions proverbs, which reflect wisdom. There is a hopeful, faithful, and positive mood expressed by the numerous proverbs. It is a strategy for simplifying ideas. There is a kind of beauty to these statements even though they are not clear- which in turn draws in the reader with a sense of depth.

Last thoughts on Tintern and it comparative to London

Due to the beginning of class and "google-ing" Tintern Abbey (which is beautiful) I realized that perhaps Wordsworth really was touching base on religion. It would make sense, due to every other poem he writes expressing God or some biblical reference. The poem seems to have a subtle strain of religious sentiment; though the actual form and structure of "Abbey" does not appear in the poem, the idea of Tintern Abbey-- which, thanks to google, is a place consecrated to the spirit and had the Cistercian monks (or White Monks) who lived at Tintern followed the Rule of St. Benedict--fills the scene, almost as though the fields and forest themselves the speaker's abbey. Pretty much what i am saying is that even though he did not refer directly go God or biblical references, he did allude to it with the title and main point of the poem. As we also discussed in class, there are several different ways to relate to nature, poetry in the way wordsworth presents it is just one form of that. Nature represents a counterweight to society. Nature ought to be with us all the time as a state of mind, as opposed to an actual forest.

Okay, well for the last 30 seconds we had of class, we touches base on London by William Blake. London is a dismal and sad poem, it is sensually filled and emotionally as well. The poem London expresses the tension, sounds, and meanings of a collapsing city. The poem expresses a dark and sad city to the reader, through the tension within the poem’s "voice." As opposed to Tintern Abbey which is a reminisence of childhood and beautiful nature. Wordsworth says that in those days, nature made up his whole world: forrests, waterfalls, mountains, and woods gave shape to his passions and his love. Due to both time and innocense has now past, he does not mourn it. I think Wordsworth realizes he cannot resume his old relationship with nature, but he has been somewhat compensated with new set of "mature gifts." (For instance, he can now "look on nature, not as in the hour / Of thoughtless youth; but hearing oftentimes / The still, sad music of humanity.") Due to this he can now sense something more powerful, and fundamental in things such as the light of the setting suns, the ocean, and the state of mind.

Feb. 18th thoughs/ notes

Alright, so this class we only touched base on one poem (Tintern Abbey). The question was raised- What is nature according to Wordsworth? I believe he thinks nature is a state of being. An escape one can go to when needing to get away from the non natural aspects of the world. It is as though his state of nature is a meditation or spiritual bond with such. However, Tabbie raised an interesting point, that it is possible that Wordsworth's religion is nature itself. I can see where she is coming from, i think that he is so connected mind, body, and soul with nature that it in turn has become his prayers and religion and spiritual connection. The brilliant thing about it is that nature is so general and available that anyone willing and aiming can attain it. There is yet a label on it. He is ascribing a quasi religious reference to nature, and we can recognize the spiritual power to nature with a capital “N”. Another question that was raised was what is nature and what is it's opposite. Nature is, foundationally, anything spacious and green. It is untouched my humanity. Nature brings out, especially in Wordsworth and his writtings, the appreciation for the aesthetics (which is the mind and emotions in relation to the sense of beauty) that consoled him by incorporating all together, the wonders of nature, his past experiences, and his present mature perception of life. As opposed to "not nature" which is anything that has been tainted by human hands, anything that has not naturally evolved. Anything that is materialistic or concrete. It is industrialization, migration, expansion, politics, rules, laws... Again, another question was raised- What kind of person do you think Wordsworth was? I think that wordsworth was a young man coming to realization. He was realizing his loss of time is his loss of innocence. For example, when you are young you are constantly outside in nature. Nothing it ailing you and you are somewhat set free to explore. I have come to realize that as you grow older and being to have a mature outlook on life and nature is no longer an escape. Life begins to hit you, and you cant escape it anymore. Lastly, the underlying message of the poem, to me, is that even though life comes at you fast and your childhood is soon just a memory in the past, you are still able to escape everything (humanity, life, the hustle and bustle) and come into touch with your inner self. Whenever you want to come into contact with who you truley are, go to nature. Go to a place in which you cant be touched by anything but emotions, beauty, and self. I think that at first i did not have such an appreciation for this poem as i do now. Due to writting this blog and our class discussion i better understood the angles of the poem and actually have gained a great appreciation for this poem.

Song to the Men of England
In "Song to the Men of England" Shelley addresses the impoverished working class who are exploited by the ruling class. Again, he criticizes the system, but pays special attention to the mistreatment of those who work with the land. Shelley sympathizes with the working class, all the while demanding to know why they allow themselves to be exploited. The purpose of "Song to the Men of England" is to motivate the laborers to revolt. Shelley recognizes that they work only to have their products and profits seized by the ruling class; however, he urges that they take action rather than just complaining about their problems.

…There really wasn’t a word that stuck out in particular to me as much as the phrase “Bees of England,” because it really classifies the people as the working class. He compares the masses to bees, insects that work their whole lives away so that the Queen (or King, in the case of England) does not have to perform any honest work herself. Shelley seems to both pity and scorn the working class for allowing themselves to be victimized by those in power.

Sonnet: England in 1819

...The word that really sticks out to me in this poem is “leech-like,” because I find it interesting how it seems as though all of Shelley’s poems mimic the same pattern which is England at its worse; especially since he directs this phrase/ word at the rulers and higher class of England.

William Wordsworth's poems

Lines (Tintern Abbey)
This poem uses the dramatic monologue, a poem in which the poet is addressing a listener who never speaks but is referred to, in order to take you on a series of emotional states by trying to sway himself, his sister, and eventually his readers. The loss of innocence and intensity over time is compensated by gathering knowledge and insight. Wordsworth proves that although time was lost along with his innocence, he in turn was able to gain an appreciation for the aesthetics (which is the study of the mind and emotions in relation to the sense of beauty) that consoled him by incorporating all together, the wonders of nature, his past experiences, and his present mature perception of life.

Note- Wordsworth was inspired to write Tintern Abbey after a fifty mile walk with his sister. It was added at the last minute to the end of the Lyrical Ballads. Though its inception was impulsive and it did not fit with the rest of the poems, Tintern Abbey undoubtedly had a “worthy purpose” of its own. Tintern Abbey is renowned for its references to politics and society and its insight into the life and mind of Wordsworth.
(http://ssad.bowdoin.edu:8668/space/Manipulation+and+Reception)

…The word that stood out the most to me was “pleasure,” because it seems as though it sums up the importance of the poem. Wordsworth has just went on a 50 mile walk with his sister, and all he can talk about is how it was a riveting experience to be out in the wild and alone with just his thoughts, and emotions.

Composed upon Westminster Bridge, Sept. 3, 1802.
“Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802” is a prime example of the way in which nature captured Wordsworth’s heart.

…The word that stood out to me the most was “splendor,” because this expresses Wordsworth’s love for London. This is expresses how he looks upon London as a place of splendor, and is in awe of the vision of beauty he sees before him. The fact that he uses the words “Dear God!” shows that he is taken aback by what he observes.

The World is too much with us; late and soon
The speaker of this poem is Wordsworth, talking about materialism. "The world is too much with us; late and soon, getting and spending, we lay waste our powers" is basically saying lately no one has payed attention to anything except for money and greed, using their (industrial revolutionaries/citizens of London) power to gain more power.
In line 8, Wordsworth speaks of being "out of tune", meaning the people are not doing as nature intended; greed and control is taking over everyone's life course.
There is a reference to three religions at the end of the poem ("Great God!" - Christianity, "a pagan suckled..." - Paganism, and "Proteus... Old Triton" - Greek Mythology). As the greater majority of people in London at this time were Christians (or catholic), the way Wordsworth says he'd rather be a Pagan (or his sight and sound of the Greek Gods) shows how disgusted he is in the demoralization of ideals at this time (further emphasizing the materialism at the time).

…The word that stuck out to me the most was “Nature,” because there is so much biblical references, that the word Nature or even God leaves it somewhat open ended. As opposed to A Pagan or even Proteus (the Sea God) is more specified. It seems to relate to all.

William Blake's poetry

London

This poem is a lyric ballad that expresses the tension, sounds, and meanings of a collapsing city. The poem shows the reader a dark and sad city by through the tension in the poem’s voice, expressing sounds and anger that escapes beyond the boundaries of the poem itself. It is a sense based poem; there is sight, emotion, things heard, etc.

…The word that stood out the most to me was “weakness,” because following that word there is a repetition of the phrase “in every…” To me it seems as though every person, man or woman, is feeling the same way, with weakness in their hearts. It seems as though the society is being eroded by the strict policies of London.

Proverbs of Hell
It seems as though Blake's conception of Hell is not as a place of punishment, but a source of unrepressed, somewhat philosophical energy. Blake eluded to the readers a repressive nature of conventional morality andinstiutional religion.

…The word that stood out the most to me was “God,” just because throughout the poem, the poet declares the uniqueness of his vision when compared to the conventional wisdom of "the present world," not to mention the vision of the angels and demons. So it was just interesting to me that his poem was directed towards both evil and goodness.

Connection between personhood and the ability to feel pain.

This passage is about the question that was raised in class when we were on the topic of Elizabeth Cady Staton. Nathan asked what the connection between, or assuming, personhood (in a broad sense) and the ability to feel pain was.

The ability to paint a picture is at odds with cold hard truth. Staton is suggesting that the slave holder can recognize the oppressiveness of the slave situation. And at the same time essential saying, the slave doesn’t feel it, or it is different that it doesn’t hurt so much. By extension, Stanton is also saying the same thing about the statement, that all woman are in the position of slaves in respect to male dominant society. Men might recognize, but woman don’t experience this as brutality. Therefore, slaves and woman both have the capacity to be hurt, they therefore have rights...

February 11. Pg. 44-73 in reader

So the reading, within the homework which we had to do, that caught my eye the most, was Fredrick Douglass's "What the Fourth of July Means to the Negro." I found it interesting that the first part of Douglass's speech praises what the founding fathers did for this country, but then the speech soon developed into a condemnation of the attitude of American society toward slavery.

I also have a question, did Douglass considers himself a citizen of America, and an equal to the spectators in attendance....?

I found it interesting how he tells the audience that they have gathered to celebrate the Fourth of July, but all the while reminding them that the nation is young, and, like a young child, it is still capable of positive change. Therefore he was advocating for them, but then he apologizes to them... so did he feel as though he was different than them?

And lastly, i found that the real subject of his speech is American slavery. He condemns America for being untrue to its founding principles, in both the past, and the present. The audience must fulfill what the founders of the country advocated.

Overall, it was very powerful, and i enjoyed the read, because history has always been of interest to me, especially the civil war and slavery periods.