Radiocarbon dating and food production

1. Explain to the best of your ability how radiocarbon dating works, and what some of the problems inherent with this type of testing are (pages 94-96)?
Radiocarbon dating is the method of using "naturally ocurring" carbon to determine the age of a material dating back to 50,000. To be honest I don't quite understand how it works. I do know that there can be some flaws in the process though. For example you must have a large amount of carbon to use radiocarbon dating. The carbon from the plant or animal body can sometimes be mixed with that of another plant or animal or the charcoal from a fire as it emitts carbon. Another problem with radiocarbon dating is that the ratio of carbon in the tmosphere can change sometimes due to temperature. This effects the way the carbon is measured resulting in wrong date.



2. What part of the world would you have wanted to live on if you were alive 1,000 years ago?
Well, if I wanted to live in any part o f the world 1,000 years ago, I would probably live in Mesoamerica. This is because, based on the chart in the book guns, germs, and steel, Mesoamerica produced the most different variety of foods. Therefore meaning you would have a healthy an complete meal almost everyday. It domesticated corn, beans, squash, and turkey.

The war from an Incan view

April 18, 2010,
Scientist Greg Presley has found the diary of an Incan Warrior. It tells of the war form another point of view. The book will be in my possession as of tomorrow.
Signed
Day Benet

April 19, 2010,
I have the diary. It explains the war in intricate detail.
"We gathered around our king not knowing what was to come. Fear was present in all the eyes of our men. After around twenty minutes a thing that looked somewhat similar to us came carrying a book that was engraved with different signs. He approached Atahullapa without permission, and started to make strange sounds as if it were crying. Atahullapa was amazed that someone would do something in front of the king himself, but like all great men, showed it courtesy and took the thing's book instead its life. The thing probably had not known of Atahullapa's importance for if the creature did, it might not have tried to grab the book from Atahullapa's hands. Furious, our lord slapped the thing, and threw the book to the ground, not wanting anything that came from such a piece of filth. The next thing we knew, hundreds of them came pouring from passage ways, and gates surrounding the city. Some of the things had bodies that reflected the sun while others looked like white dots. They carried sticks that made loud noises that echoed around. Most of our men, including I had not seen anything before, like this. The men were terrified and began climbing on top of one another, forming towers of 6 or 7. Slowly the pile would collapse and all but 1 or 2 of the men would die or be seriously injured. Many men died, but luckily I managed to reach high ground. From there I could see my city demolish thanks to these beings. Atahullapa was taken by these things, along with the lives of my fellow men. After the violence had ended and it was safe to come from my place of hiding, I climbed down the arch and saw what was left of my home. Not one was alive, and we had been robed of our treasures. If only there was something we could have done to stop this destruction.”
Tests have been done and the diary dates back to the 1830s. The tale of the Incan war against the Spaniards is complete.
Signed
Day Benet.

Maori and the Moriori

What role did ‘geography’ play in the story of the Maori and the Moriori?
Geography played a great role in the story of the Maori and the Moriori. The Maori came from a population of farmers, therefore meaning they depended on farming for food. The land in which they lived was not the type, durable to grow tropical crops due to the cold climate. Unlike the Maori, the land of the Moriori was fertile and suitable for growing tropical plants. To the Morioris the fertile land was not of much use, as the Moriori were hunters and gatherers. When the Maori heard of the Morioris tropical islands, they killed all of the Moriori and claimed their land for themselves.

Neanderthals vs. Cro-Magnon

Long ago , on the continent of Eurasia, south of Germany, lived the Neanderthals. The Neanderthals were a species similar to humans today, but with larger brains. They used crude and unpolished tools, and their hunting skills were unimpressive. Among the Neanderthals lived a young, cowardly boy named Gemo. Gemo was very selfish, and only thought of himself. One day Gemo went to the pond to gather some water to last the evening. As he filled his bucket with the clear warm water, he heard a noise come from the bush a few feet ahead. Seconds later hundreds of Cro-Magnons came pouring from behind the bush. Gemo looked around in freight for he had heard about the evil ways of the Cro-Magnons. (The Cro-Magnons were a species similar yet very different from the Neanderthals. Firstly they were far more advanced than the Neanderthals. They made tools of distinctive shapes, and weapons with multiple tools.) Gemo, not knowing what to do, quickly tried to run, but was easily captured by the soldiers.
"Show us were you're people are." Said the man who was supposedly the leader. Though Gemo was a coward, he was not easily fooled. "Why? If I show you, you will kill them and I. What's in it for me?"
"If you show us, we will spare your life." Was their response. He thought about the offer and decided to accept as he was likely not to get a better deal.
"We will leave at night," said Gemo, proud he was in control.

Night crept upon the village and quickly it was dark.Gemo, followed by the group of Cro-Magnon soldiers, travelled through the forest towards the village of the Neanderthals. After about an hour of walking, they reached the outskirts of the peaceful village. Not one soul was awake and all sources of light were extinguished. Silently the soldiers tiptoed into the village. suddenly a noise came from behind! One of the soldiers had trampled over a bundle of tools. The clanking of the tools woke the sleeping villagers. When looking around to find the source of the noise, they were puzzled to find Gemo with the Cro-Magnon men.
"Attack!" Said the leader as loud as he possibly could. One by one, men, women,and children were slaughtered....
After all had been killed, Gemo looked around in amazement, for he thought his men would not have gone so easily and chances were that they would win. He was mistaken.

BLATANT- I chose this image for BLATANT because this is the point in the Star Wars Series, when Anakin becomes Darth Vader, willingly and openly.


ADVERSE- I chose this image for adverse because the water is one of the many obstacles keeping the squirrel from getting his acorn.


DISINTERESTED- This image shows how the client is not interested in what the seller has to offer.


FACTOID- This image shows how everyday, (in this case every week) tiny pieces of information, that are not always true, turn into headlines on newspaper, and articles in magazines.

Dungeons and Dragons

The passage below is a response to Beatrice's accusations that dungeons and dragons was responsible for her sons death.
Personally I do not agree with her.
To view the link visit this website: Dungeons and Dragons


To start, Beatrice I am very sorry for your loss. Losing a child must be heart breaking. (I would highly recommend seeing a psychiatrist). But in the case that your son did it due to dungeons and dragons, you might want to check your sources. First of all, the example of some of the warning signs that might lead to "THE DARK SIDE" are things that all kids do. What child doesn't question their parents rules. I wouldn't call them a child if they didn't; and i think all kids have played indoors without an adults supervision. Apparently you were born as an adult because if you knew anything about being a kid, you wouldn't have been nearly as stupid to have used those as examples of warning signs.

Oh, maybe you should try reading more books that way the ones you haven't read are given a chance to defend themselves. Its like saying a kid hung himself and at the top of the stack of books was Dr. Seuss, therefore meaning that the cat in the hat was encouraging him to commit suicide!!!!!! Does that even seem realistic.

Now lets go back to the very word that started this, CULT. As told in the article, the definition of cult is: A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. There aren't many kids I know who would know the definition of cult right of the bat, and even fewer kids who would take the time to look up the definition. So I am guessing that your son probably didn't know the meaning of the word. But if he did I am guessing he did not interpret the way you were thinking. From my point of view, it looks like Billy had a tough life, constantly being watched by his parents (what he ate, how much he slept, who all his friends were, etc.). If Billy was infulenced by this book the must likely explaination for his death would probably be that he was in under the guidence of an authoritarian, like his mother. Does that sound familiar.

Maybe you should be thinking about how you could have been a better mother rather than blaming books for your sons death. And I am guessing Billy probably didn't want it this why.

Images

I walk across the street on an average day, and see faces in the clouds looking down at me. I think about my wife who lies dead in the locked closet. Crash! A flying frame falls onto my leg. I am no longer an atheist.




Band, Bang, Bang!!! The sounds of the gunshots crackled behind him.
"Faster Speedo, faster!!:" He cried, as his turban began to unravel. He looked back and saw his enemy had retreated.
"Slow down boy." He whispered into the Camel's ear. Trot, Trot, Trot. The galloping sound slowly died out. Once the came to a halt, Indieous checked his turban to make sure the diamonds had not fallen out. He looked forward at the beautiful sunset and wondered how his mother found the hidden gun....



1, 2, 3, GO!!!!!!!!!!!
I fly in the sky,
My hair flys back as the wind blows,
ANd time goes by and by.

I see the world from up high
The buildings are gray and black,
I look forward and see the sun
Rise from the dark in which light it lacks

A voie calls my name,
I look forward and see my damzul in distress
She is stuck in an evil keyboard,
With no keys it has to press.

I take my cape and wrap it around
My fair maiden who is crying
I give a great pull and she is free
From her pain and fear of dying.

She looked at me with eyes of hope
Her face looked red and teary
She gave him a great big kiss and said
"You came in the nick of time, for I was getting weary!"

Violins

One day, you wake up in hospital. In the nearby bed lies a world famous violinist who is connected to you with various tubes and machines.

To your horror, you discover that you have been kidnapped by the Music Appreciation Society. Aware of the maestro’s impending death, they hooked you up to the violinist.

If you stay in the hospital bed, connected to the violinist, he will be totally cured in nine months. You are unlikely to suffer harm. No one else can save him. Do you have an obligation to stay connected?

I would probably stay in the bed for nine months. I would probably ask for a reward, but if I they had nothing to give, I would still do it. I definitely would not like staying under those conditions, even if I had a tv, laptop, food, and other luxurious things. You wouldn't be able to walk, or take a regular shower, or do any form of physical activities.

If the circumstances were different, and the person in the bed next to me was a criminal then I would not offer to save their life so easily. It would depend on what they did and how serious it was. No matter how much I hated that person, I would still do it, because who am I to say wether a person should die or not.

Book Review

Where do I start. Before the seventh book was released, I had read the whole series at least three times. J.K. Rowling, is one of those authors that can keep you one the edge of your seat no matter how many times you have read the book before. To summarize the story, Harry Potter is a young boy who was marked from birth as the chosen one to defeat Lord Voldemort. In the seventh book, Harry leaves Hogwarts School of Witch Craft and Wizardry, to continue his quest in search of the seven horcruxes. With the help of Hermione, Ron, and the Order of the Phoenix Harry is able to destroy all that Voldemort turned to for support. All that is left is Voldemort himself.
This is without doubt, Rowling's best book, out of the whole series. It has everything from fantasy and magic, to battles, and love. One of Rowling's amazing abilities, is that in all her books, she emphasizes the fact that good will always dominate evil, but keeps it so interesting that the reader may think otherwise. I am sure many fans felt the same way I did when they realized that the end to the amazing series had been written. Though it is the end of Harry Potter, it is the beginning of a new series waiting to be written. Rowling has really lifted me through these books, and I hope she can do the same for those in the generations to come.

SLC

When I first came to this school it was a complete blur to me. I was not familiar with the way of teaching. And then I entered Mr. Ross' class. School seemed more like a debate club than the traditional learning environment. For once I was excited about waking up in the morning and going to school. One of my many weaknesses is writing an essay. I have always been bad at that because I never knew what I was going to srite about, and how to put that into words. I think my writing level increased because I was able to write about something that I was actually interested in. I also felt more confident in myself. I think this school has really allowed me to open up and be confident enough to share my opinoin. My goal this year, is to improve my english and my knowledge of history.

Card of the board

Once upon a time, there was a man named Bore. (Person closest to left side). Bore was a man who could not afford as much as bread, let alone a business suit. One day, as Bore was walking down a dark alleyway, a streak of light from the heavens dawned upon him, or that is what he thought. The next moment it was pitch black. When he woke, he was lying in a bed. He was dressed in a night gown that was as clean as soap and smelt like detergent. He looked around a and noticed a large pile of presents, were waiting for him in an isolated corner. Not even curious about who sent them, he tore the wrapping paper off his many presents. There were around twenty neat, and ironed business suits that were all his. He quickly changed into the suits, wearing one on top of the other. As he tried to get up from his crouched position, he fell over, with the weight of the suits pulling him back. He cursed in pain, but stopped a second later, as something had caught his eye. It was a brown, cardboard, box!!!!!!!!!! Years ago he had encountered a brown, cardboard box identical to this one. It had taken him to a faraway land called card of the board. This was the one place where life made sense, where he had friends and a home to stay in. His life was perfect there, until seῆorita Erossa came a took it from him. (She claimed that she needed it to mail a laptop that was broken by Togaines, a misunderstood, man). But now was his chance. He took the box and put it over his head; nothing happened, and then he started to spin. Faster...Faster.... He fell to the ground with a thud. As he looked around, he could see all his friends, (the one who was kicked out of his house by his wife, and had nowhere else to sleep, the two wonderers, and the rich man who thought he could get back to earth by taking the box off and putting it on). He inhaled the clear air, with the distinct smell of grass, and he knew he was home.

My movie- A look at Humanity

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bADjouoyd2U

vocab 2

Unanimous- this picture represents unanimous because it shows that everyone was in agreement, or they all agreed on a concept.


Tranquility- I chose this picture because it is a very soothing and calm image. It is relaxing and peaceful.



Flourish- this picture reminded me of flourish because the flower is gradually growing.



Tundra- this picture reminded me of tundra, because it was a vast, flat land that was frozen.

Misunderstandings

He knows she thought, as she starred at the man who had just taken her picture. Terrified she quickly passed through trying to find a safe place to hide. She ran until she reached a dark ally way where she was safe. Taking a quick glimpse, she checked to see that she had not been followed. How did they find out was her only question. Had someone found the body upstairs, had someone seen her husband die. She couldn't go home to check, as the cops were probably there this very moment waiting for her. Maybe I should confess, she thought. I've heard that the punishments are not that harsh if you come forth. It would be a great risk but it would also be a relief. That night she pondered on wether approaching the police was the best thing to do. The sun rose and the sound of chains rang in her ears. She decided that it was better to go forth then to be taken forth. As she walked to the station she took in her last breaths of freedom as they would be gone for a long time. It had been a little more than an hour before she could see a building in the distance. Closer and closer she came until she reached the entrance. She was going to miss waking up to the beautiful sun light. One... Two... Three. She entered the Station with a look of sadness on her face. This was it, her life of consequence had begun. "I did it," she said out loud, "I murdered Bendy Keith." Suddenly everything became silent, it was almost as if they had not known what she was talking about. And then it hit her!!!!!!! That man wasn't a cop, he was a photographer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

riddle

A dumb lady is on an airplane just about to go to sleep, when a man sits next to her and says let's play a game. She agrees and he explains the game. He says, "I will ask you a question, and if you can't answer you give me 5.00, then you ask me a question, and if I can't answer I will give you 50.00". So the man asked his first question. "What is the highest mountain?" Not knowing the answer, she gives him 5.00. Then she asks her question "What goes up a mountain with four legs, and comes down with five?" Not knowing he gives her 50.00. He then asked her what the answer was. Secretly she gave him 5.00 dollars.

The Library of Dust

October 3, 1927
Dear diary,
today I was entered into the Oregon Hospital Facility. I cannot recall the incident (or for that matter anything) that caused this mental issue, but I heard it was serious. Apparently my name is Samuel James Codden, and I am 17 years old. I lived in Salem and I was in 12th grade. That is all I've been told about my personal life. Good-bye for now.


October 8, 1927
Dear diary,
The environment here is very depressing. We are not allowed to go outside, let alone on the ground floor. Despite all my sorrows, I recently made a friend. Her name is Gabriel, and she has the most beautiful smile. She has been here for 3 years; her parents registered her into the hospital when she was only 12, due to a physical injury, that cost her, her legs. She told me that this was the most dreadful place in the world, it was as if she were locked in a prison and all the joys in life had been deprived from her. Sometimes, I hear her scream in her sleep, about being beaten or treated brutally. It seems so real, like she is calling for help, but whenever I stretch my hand out, her cry for help is silenced. Tomorrow, I am going for my first treatment. I hope that they find a cure so I can go home. I want to meet my family.


October 13, 1927
Dear diary,
Like Gabriel, I am having horrifying dreams. Sometimes I dream about a women (I am almost sure is my mother), holding me and begging to let me stay while a man is pulling me away. One of my more outrageous dreams is of the doctors, torturing me and beating me as though I was possessed by an evil spirit. This is entirely false as they are my friends.

October 22, 1927
Dear diary,
I am starting to wonder what the scientist do to their patients during the experiment. As I was being guided to the medical room, by Doctor Leveingston, I heard a young girl scream from one of the rooms, a few corridors down. She kept saying Please don't hurt me, and I don't need help. Another time I saw Gabriel wrapped in an electrical jacket, lying on a flat platform. Every few seconds her body would jump and then she would scream in pain. When she returned to the dorm I was curious and asked her what had happened. She responded as if she had not known what I was talking about.


December 21, 1927
Dear diary,
Sorrow has crept upon me. My dear friend Gabriel recently passed away due to a heart condition. It is strange how one goes into a medical room, perfectly fine, and then comes out with a heart condition, and dies that same day. We had a beautiful memorial and decorated her bed with tulips (her favorite flower). Sadly, we were not able to set her body free, (like we could do in a traditional funeral) as her ashes were taken by the doctors. I will miss her dearly, for she was my best friend and she knew me like no one else did. I am happy to know she is in a far better place than she was.

December 26,1927
Dear diary,
I feel so alone without Gabriel. It is the saddest thing, not waking up to her beautiful smile. It is as if there is no reason to live. Christmas was especially depressing. I received no presents nor letters from friends or family. A few of the others that resided in my dorm, were overjoyed to receive gifts from their loved ones. If only I was as fortunate as them.

January 11, 1928
Dear diary,
the strangest thing happened early today. I was on my way to the restroom, to take my evening bath, when I had some form of vision. It was as if I could see the past. At first it was a bit hazy and then gradually the image became clearer and clearer. I was in a room, lying on a flat platform, and wrapped in an electrical jacket, (the same one that Gabriel had worn). Within a few minutes I was put through the same painful process my friend had experienced. After that it was all a blur. A few wires were put onto my head and then everything around me turned black. It is strange that I cannot recall this event as
it surely took place today.

February 3, 1928
Dear diary,
everything is starting to make sense, the dreams of torture, the young girl's cry for help, the wires, not being able to remember what goes on in that room, Gabriel's heart failure. Electric shocks and brain modifications cannot heal injuries as serious as those patients in this hospital. My only question is why. Why would someone use torture as an antidote.

February 10,1928
Dear diary,
I am afraid of what the future folds for me. If I stay then my fate is death, but if I try to escape, my plans will surely not carry through. In these times I wish I had someone to share my feelings with.


April 16, 1928
Dear diary,
time is becoming less. I have decided to attempt an escape but my chances are slim. My plan is, when the sun sets and the darkness approaches, I will go into the bathroom and from there, climb out of the window. Directly below the window is a metal stair case which leads safe ground. As I will be climbing, there is no possible way I can carry anything that I will not need. This means I will be departing from you.

April 19, 1928
Dear diary,
today is that day, my departure. I would not have been able to make it without someway to express my feelings of sorrow. Thank you for being there for me. Good bye for now.

April 20, 1928
Dear diary,
as I predicted my plan backfired. It was all going well and I actually thought that I might make it, when Doctor Debris, called out my name. I was terrified and fear filled my body. She came over and asked me how I managed to get outside. I panicked and all my dreams of hope shattered. I heard the owner of the hospital discuss my punishment with the caretaker. A few of the doctors tried to explain that it was not my fault, and that my mind was unstable, but they did not stand a chance. I am afraid that this very moment might be my . . . . .

Texas legislation

Dear members of the Texas Legislation,
I would like to convey my feelings of disgust towards your actions during the voting session. Though I have to admit, it was quite classy, it was dishonest. The thing that makes me laugh though, is that people like State Representative, Debbie Riddle, pass laws requiring American Citizens to to present their ID cards, when voting, (in the name of integrity), while she herself is going against her law. I think hypocrite is the word !!!!! I have to hand it to State Rep. Donahue and Hamilton who were so kind and voted for four of their fellow Reps. That is real friendship. If there were an award you two would surely have won it. For others like Elkins, it was so kind of you to take the time and make sure that your friends had already voted. It is such a shame that people like you are giving up your lunch and restroom breaks just to vote for your nation. I am proud to call you my fellow Americans. This is to all The State Representatives out there. You should be very proud of yourselves. You have made a great influence on my teacher and he speaks very highly of you. keep up the good work and carry a cup with you in case you miss the restroom break.
Sincerely your Friend,
Jaleh
Visit ross-ed.org to view the video.

Man/Beast

In my opinion, man and beast can be very different, yet very similar. To me, a beast is a wild, untamed, violent, creature that always chooses violence over peace. Man on the other hand has the choice to make their own decisions unlike other animals, that follow their instincts. I think man and beast become one when man chooses to be violent. This is what I think of man and beast's similarities and differences.

Scissors

"Hurry, Jamie and don't run with scissors." Said the teacher. "You said to hurry." Replied Jamie. "Yes, but safety always comes first!" Mrs. Patterson scolded. "I want my scissors to turn red though!" Cried Jamie. "Your scissors won't turn red by running with them!" shouted Mrs. Patterson. "Anne's did, and she ran with her scissors."

VOCAB PICTURES

ACCORD- I CHOSE THIS IMAGE BECAUSE IT REPRESENTS AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN TWO MEN. IT MADE ME FEEL AS IF THERE WERE A BOND OF UNITY HOLDING THEM TOGETHER.

PRECIPITOUS- THIS PHOTO REMINDED ME OF PRECIPITOUS BECAUSE IT LOOKED LIKE THIS PERSON HAD NOT EXPECTED SOMETHING AND IT CAUSED HIM TO ACT SPONTANEOUSLY.

PARADIGM-THIS PHOTO SIGNIFIES MANKIND AND HOW WE LOOK AT ISSUES THROUGH EACH OTHERS EYES (OR A WORLDVIEW) AND TAKE IN CONSIDERATION HOW IT WILL EFFECT THE OTHER PERSON.

DEDUCT- IN THIS PHOTO I THOUGHT OF SOMEONE DEDUCTING (WITHDRAWING) MONEY FROM THEIR SAVINGS.