This picture is of the museum Bryson visited.
This picture is of an Australia Citizenship certificate.
This is the website for Australia Citizenship:
http://www.citizenship.gov.au/
Thursday, March 24, 2011
IRP Blog Post # 12
In this section, I cam across the subject of citizenship. The author explains that "until 1949 there was no such thing as Australian citizenship" (Bryson 157). I think this shows how far behind Australia is from the rest of the world. America was able to get away from the authority of Britain in teh 1700's, yet, for Australia they have been up until recently, still under the wing of Britain. Australians still pledged allegiance to Britain, and went to war in her name. Bryson talked about the Immigration Museum he visited.
This picture is of the museum Bryson visited.
This picture is of an Australia Citizenship certificate.
This is the website for Australia Citizenship:
http://www.citizenship.gov.au/
This picture is of the museum Bryson visited.
This picture is of an Australia Citizenship certificate.
This is the website for Australia Citizenship:
http://www.citizenship.gov.au/
IRP Blog Post # 11
"... I concluded that Australia was of essentially zero interest and did not actively think about it again for thirty years.... But this was nothing like that....it was so totally not what I had expected" (Bryson 145-146).
This quote descibes the judgements Bryson had about Australia. He never imagined he would end up liking Australia, or having any interest in it at all. He pictured it to be much like Southern California. Yet, when he arrived for the first time he was shocked and fell in love with the country.
I picked this quote, because I never expected Bryson to not be interested in Australia at any point in his life. His story gives me the image that its his second home and there's no place else he would rather be. Also, I liked this quote because it shows the theme, that people need to open their eyes and experience new things; one cannot just judge something before trying it. I think this quote gives the reader the message of how important it is to go outside your comfort zone and experience new places when you get the chance.
This quote descibes the judgements Bryson had about Australia. He never imagined he would end up liking Australia, or having any interest in it at all. He pictured it to be much like Southern California. Yet, when he arrived for the first time he was shocked and fell in love with the country.
I picked this quote, because I never expected Bryson to not be interested in Australia at any point in his life. His story gives me the image that its his second home and there's no place else he would rather be. Also, I liked this quote because it shows the theme, that people need to open their eyes and experience new things; one cannot just judge something before trying it. I think this quote gives the reader the message of how important it is to go outside your comfort zone and experience new places when you get the chance.
IRP Blog Post # 10
In this last section, Bill described the death of one of the Prime Ministers, Harold Holt. Bryson described the December 1967 day, when Holt waded into the surf at Cheviot Beach. He knew the dangers of these waters, and yet proceeded to dive right in. Instantly he vanished, and his body was never to be found.
I thought this little piece of history was insane. It seems so strange that a man in such high power could have just vanished. I decided to research more on Cheviot Beach and discovered this video. It documents a journey to the Holt Memorial.
I think it is sad that Holt's body just vanished, never to be seen again, yet, he should have known the dangers. Bryson explains that the only unusual thing about his death was that he was the prime minister. I thought this was scary because it just shows me how dangerous and unpredictable Australia can be.
I thought this little piece of history was insane. It seems so strange that a man in such high power could have just vanished. I decided to research more on Cheviot Beach and discovered this video. It documents a journey to the Holt Memorial.
I think it is sad that Holt's body just vanished, never to be seen again, yet, he should have known the dangers. Bryson explains that the only unusual thing about his death was that he was the prime minister. I thought this was scary because it just shows me how dangerous and unpredictable Australia can be.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
IRP Blog Post #9
" You could see it in the easy, confident gait and sun-drenched smiles of the vacationers in every photograph. These people were happy. I don't mean they were happy. They were happy. They were living at a good time in a lucky country adn they knew it....In the 1950s Australia was probably the least confident nation in the English-speaking world.(Bryson 122).
" These days, it is true, in terms of gross dollars accumulated per head, Australia is no longer near the top. It comes in at number 21, in fact. But I ask you, which would you rather be- third richest and thrilled because you have an electric jug and at least one radio, or twenty-first richest and living in a world where you can have everything a person could reasonably want?" (Bryson 128-129).
This two qutoes describe the happiness of the people in Australia. I think the first one is intersting because even though they were the third richest country in the 1950s, they were the lease confident. Also, I like how Bryson put the two different times in perspective. Although they may not be one of the top richest countries in the world, the people are happy and live in a country full of beauty and wonder.
" These days, it is true, in terms of gross dollars accumulated per head, Australia is no longer near the top. It comes in at number 21, in fact. But I ask you, which would you rather be- third richest and thrilled because you have an electric jug and at least one radio, or twenty-first richest and living in a world where you can have everything a person could reasonably want?" (Bryson 128-129).
This two qutoes describe the happiness of the people in Australia. I think the first one is intersting because even though they were the third richest country in the 1950s, they were the lease confident. Also, I like how Bryson put the two different times in perspective. Although they may not be one of the top richest countries in the world, the people are happy and live in a country full of beauty and wonder.
IRP Blog Post #8
" They were packed with large family groups enjoying Australia Day, picnicking and playing cricket with tennis balls. Adelaide has miles of good beaches in its western suburbs, so it surprised me that such numbers of people had forsaken teh shore to come into the city...It seemed odd, too- but again pleasing- that in a country of so much space people chose to crowd together to relax." (Bryson 125).
Bryson describes Australia Day, which was occuring during his time in Adelaide. He compared it to his childhood memories of celebrating the 4th of July. I decided to further research it, and discovered the above pictures. I also found the website for Australia Day, with videos, pictures and information about the celebration.
I think the last line in the above quote is inspiring. I find it interesting that even though the people in Adelaide have so much space to have their own celebration, they chose to spend it in the parks, surrounded by one another.
http://www.australiaday.org.au/experience/
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
IRP Blog Post # 7
In this section of my reading, there was a passage about a young man Thomas Austin who released 24 imported rabbits from England into the Australian wild in 1859. The passage describes how the rabbits eventually ruined the land and livestock, since there was no predator of a rabbit, the species multiplied rapidly. Until, a virus, myxomatosis was introduced to Austrailia.
" The weapon deployed against teh rabbits was a miracle virus from South America called myxomatosis. Harmless to humans and other animals, it was phenomenally devastating to rabbits, with a mortality rate of 99.9 percent....It took a while for things to get rolling, but today Australia's rabbit numbers are back up to 300 million and climbing fast." (Bryson 112).
I was intersted in this virus and decided to research it and find out what made it so deadly to rabbits. This link provides information about the virus and how it is spread, as well as symptoms of the virus.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1803&aid=3422
" The weapon deployed against teh rabbits was a miracle virus from South America called myxomatosis. Harmless to humans and other animals, it was phenomenally devastating to rabbits, with a mortality rate of 99.9 percent....It took a while for things to get rolling, but today Australia's rabbit numbers are back up to 300 million and climbing fast." (Bryson 112).
I was intersted in this virus and decided to research it and find out what made it so deadly to rabbits. This link provides information about the virus and how it is spread, as well as symptoms of the virus.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1803&aid=3422
Thursday, February 24, 2011
IRP Blog Post #6
http://www.pictureaustralia.org/apps/pictureaustralia;jsessionid=F97B707CD9F93028948449043B731A43?action=PADisplay&mode=display&rs=resultset-4753931&no=2
This website describes the lethal goblin fish. Bill discusses how he read about this deadly fish in Jan Morris's book, "Sydney". He explains how he never heard about this species of fish until this book. Yet, he describes that in such a vast country like Ausdtralia it is nearly impossible to know all the dangers that lurk in the waters of this country.
I found this interesting because it demonstrates how big our world is. It seems that we are secluded in the world of our own lives, and we do not even know what is around us. It's strange to think that we live in a world and we might never encounter something, yet someone across the globe lives with it daily.
This website describes the lethal goblin fish. Bill discusses how he read about this deadly fish in Jan Morris's book, "Sydney". He explains how he never heard about this species of fish until this book. Yet, he describes that in such a vast country like Ausdtralia it is nearly impossible to know all the dangers that lurk in the waters of this country.
I found this interesting because it demonstrates how big our world is. It seems that we are secluded in the world of our own lives, and we do not even know what is around us. It's strange to think that we live in a world and we might never encounter something, yet someone across the globe lives with it daily.
IRP Blog Post # 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wit023qqzjg&feature=related
This video documents various places in Australia in 1969. In this section Bill mentions both the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. He went into the history behind each piece of architecture.
Interestingly, the man who built the Opera House, Joern Utzon, a Danish architecture never got to see his creation. After a dispute in 1966, he never came back to the site.
The history behind the bridge is interesting as well, because when it was being built in 1923, the builders wanted to make it the longest single arch span ever created. Yet, in 1932, right before the bridge was going to be opened, the Bayonne Bridge in New York opened and was 25 inches longer than the Harbour Bridge.
This video documents various places in Australia in 1969. In this section Bill mentions both the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. He went into the history behind each piece of architecture.
Interestingly, the man who built the Opera House, Joern Utzon, a Danish architecture never got to see his creation. After a dispute in 1966, he never came back to the site.
The history behind the bridge is interesting as well, because when it was being built in 1923, the builders wanted to make it the longest single arch span ever created. Yet, in 1932, right before the bridge was going to be opened, the Bayonne Bridge in New York opened and was 25 inches longer than the Harbour Bridge.
IRP Blog Post #4
"I walked for miles, through Kirribilli, Neutral Bay, and Cremorne Point, and on through the prosperous precincts of Mosman before at last I came to Balmoral with a sheltered beach overlooking Middle Harbour and a splendid waterfront park shaded with stout Moreton Bay figs, the loveliest tree in Australia by far. A sign by the water's edge noted that if you were eaten by sharks it wasn't because you hadn't been warned." (Bryson 57).
I chose this quote, because in just one sentence, he describes five different placed he traveled through. There was a lot of description and details in the first sentence. I also liked this quote because I feel it represents Bill Bryson's writing styles. Although this book is not a real diary, his move by move descriptions make it feel as though I am on the journey with him. I connected this to Che's "The Motorcyle Diaries" because Che's memoirs also make it seem as though I am on the journey with him.
I chose this quote, because in just one sentence, he describes five different placed he traveled through. There was a lot of description and details in the first sentence. I also liked this quote because I feel it represents Bill Bryson's writing styles. Although this book is not a real diary, his move by move descriptions make it feel as though I am on the journey with him. I connected this to Che's "The Motorcyle Diaries" because Che's memoirs also make it seem as though I am on the journey with him.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
RAFT Assignment
Dear Che,
It seems so long ago when we embarked on this journey. We have come a long way and much has happened throughout our travels. I feel as though the journey lasted forever, yet it passed by all too quickly. The people we met, the places we saw, and the adventures we took on will always be a part of me. We started off as young men, looking for a change of pace and adventure. Now we are older and wiser, yet still the same adventurous youths we once were. Although our travels brought us some unfortunate events, such as the death of La Poderosa, our days in the arid desert, quenching for thirst, and the hard labor we put in after being caught stowing away on a boat, our travels brought me one thing that makes up for all the harsh times.
Traveling around South America has taught me much about different cultures and places. Each country had a unique characteristic about it, as well as similarities with each other. For example, our journey through Chile presented us with their warm hospitality and never ending food. The people were generous and allowed us to sleep in their homes. Yet at other times during our traveling, we were faced with harsh conditions and left stranded to fend for ourselves. Most importantly, I learned that the best way to travel is with a friend. The places we experienced were majestic on their own, but sharing those experiences with my dear friend, made them even better. Our traveling taught me that life is just one big experience, but it is important to have someone with you whom you can share it with.
I hope that we get the chance to embark on a new adventure together someday soon. I know the youthful, curious explorers still lives inside us both. I miss you and hope you are doing well. I pray for your health and happiness every day. Thank you for all the memories and adventures you have shared with me.
Your Dear Friend,
Alberto
It seems so long ago when we embarked on this journey. We have come a long way and much has happened throughout our travels. I feel as though the journey lasted forever, yet it passed by all too quickly. The people we met, the places we saw, and the adventures we took on will always be a part of me. We started off as young men, looking for a change of pace and adventure. Now we are older and wiser, yet still the same adventurous youths we once were. Although our travels brought us some unfortunate events, such as the death of La Poderosa, our days in the arid desert, quenching for thirst, and the hard labor we put in after being caught stowing away on a boat, our travels brought me one thing that makes up for all the harsh times.
Traveling around South America has taught me much about different cultures and places. Each country had a unique characteristic about it, as well as similarities with each other. For example, our journey through Chile presented us with their warm hospitality and never ending food. The people were generous and allowed us to sleep in their homes. Yet at other times during our traveling, we were faced with harsh conditions and left stranded to fend for ourselves. Most importantly, I learned that the best way to travel is with a friend. The places we experienced were majestic on their own, but sharing those experiences with my dear friend, made them even better. Our traveling taught me that life is just one big experience, but it is important to have someone with you whom you can share it with.
I hope that we get the chance to embark on a new adventure together someday soon. I know the youthful, curious explorers still lives inside us both. I miss you and hope you are doing well. I pray for your health and happiness every day. Thank you for all the memories and adventures you have shared with me.
Your Dear Friend,
Alberto
Thursday, February 10, 2011
IRP Blog Post 3
http://www.outback-australia-travel-secrets.com/the-ghan.html
This link provides information about the train "The Ghan". This train travels across Australia and through the Outback. Bill Bryson used this train as a means of travel. He described the compact quarters and simple living in the cabins of the train . I think this ties well into the theme, no matter what the conditions, if the journey is worth taking, so are the hardships. For Bill, the squished room on the train was not important, the fact that he was able to experience the scenery was worth the small living space.
This link provides information about the train "The Ghan". This train travels across Australia and through the Outback. Bill Bryson used this train as a means of travel. He described the compact quarters and simple living in the cabins of the train . I think this ties well into the theme, no matter what the conditions, if the journey is worth taking, so are the hardships. For Bill, the squished room on the train was not important, the fact that he was able to experience the scenery was worth the small living space.
IRP Blog Post 2
This image is a room in the Dug-Out Underground Motel. It is located in the side of Smith's Hill in White Cliffs. Bill and his fellow traveller, Trevor pass through this town with their Australian tour Steve Garland and his wife Lisa.
The motel, as well as most homes in White Cliffs are built into the side of the hill in an attempt to cool off. Bill describes this town as unbearable and unreal. With a population of 80 and the recent discovery of electricity in 1993, Bill concludes that this is truly a different place.
When I saw this picture of the motel, it reminded me of the underwater hotel being built in Dubai.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
IRB Blog Post 1
"'a swollen stinger that could give him 20 minutes of agony and, if he's unlucky, an unsightly allergic reaction to carry on his torso for life....' It occured to me that Australians are so surrounded with danger that they have evolved an entirely new vocabulary to deal with it" (Bryson 17).
The first part of this quote is a part of an article in the "Sydney Morning Herald" weekend magazine, written by Deirdre Macken. Deirdre and a photographer Glenn Hunt are acting as tour guides for Bill Bryson in his journey through Sydney. Although he has been to Australia many times before this adventure, he confesses that he never had a chance to truly see Sydney and "The Outback."
I decided to choose this passage because it demonstrates the intense and dangerous situations Bill has found himself in Australia thus far. In this passage a dangerous jelly fish is just a few feet away from him, and the Australians are simply telling him not to worry. I think this passage is important because it demonstrates the Australians non chalance way of life and easy going personalities.
The first part of this quote is a part of an article in the "Sydney Morning Herald" weekend magazine, written by Deirdre Macken. Deirdre and a photographer Glenn Hunt are acting as tour guides for Bill Bryson in his journey through Sydney. Although he has been to Australia many times before this adventure, he confesses that he never had a chance to truly see Sydney and "The Outback."
I decided to choose this passage because it demonstrates the intense and dangerous situations Bill has found himself in Australia thus far. In this passage a dangerous jelly fish is just a few feet away from him, and the Australians are simply telling him not to worry. I think this passage is important because it demonstrates the Australians non chalance way of life and easy going personalities.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
180 Degrees South Reflection
"Books are a great start, but there is no substitute for just going there."
I believe that this quote relates to Jeff Johnson and his journey to Chile because it sums up the reason why he started the journey in the first place. Jeff Johnson was always an adventurous kid, and thrived for new experiences. But I believe the thing that truly inspired his journey, was the stories of Yvon and Doug. After reading and learning about their amazing accomplishments and journey to Chile, Jeff truly wanted to travel that same route and find the two in South America. This connects to the quote because Jeff had read about Yvon and Doug and their crazy adventures, but it was not enough. Reading it is not the same as actually experiencing it.
This quote has the same meaning for my life and future. In just six months, I will be embarking on an unfamiliar journey- college. After years of being taught about college and life after high school, I will finally experience it for myself. Last year, as I was searching for the right college I read countless texts about colleges and the lifestyles they each had to offer. Although I have read about college, it will not be the same as truly living it.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Blog Post # 12- Swimming World Coach remains
Sean Hutchison, the coach of the USOC Professional and Post-Graduate Center in Southern California,will remain the coach. Earlier, there was a rumor that Hutchinson was resigning. He coaches swimmers who are a part of the Fullerton Aquatic Swim Team (FAST), associated with USOC. The rumor of his resignation began with reports that he acted inappropriate with his swimmers. But, after no evidence of this improper behavior showed up, the rumor of his resignation was dismissed.
Do you think that Hutchinson should leave the program after these rumors? How will he be able to recover after having so many allegations agasint him?
This websited describes in depth Hutchinson's work and goals as a coach:
http://www.teamunify.com/Contact.jsp?team=king
Do you think that Hutchinson should leave the program after these rumors? How will he be able to recover after having so many allegations agasint him?
This websited describes in depth Hutchinson's work and goals as a coach:
http://www.teamunify.com/Contact.jsp?team=king
Blog Post # 11- NYT Books- Publisher Tinkers with Twain
This article describes the current controversial issue over a certain word used in the classic novel, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". The word "nigger" appears 219 times throughout the novel, which has cause some concern and discomfort among teachers. One professor from Alabama, Mr. Gribben brought the idea to have a new edition of the novel to a publisher in July. The term will now be replaced with "slave". Many people are angry at the fact that this classic will be changed and have a new edition. The usage of the word reflects the culture of life during that time. Yet, many book stores have already pre-ordered the book, which will be ready for publication in February. One teacher, who opposes the new edition, described how the language she hears in the hallways is more offensive than the language in this novel.
How do you feel about the new edition? Do you think this book should be banned from schools, or maybe just certain age groups?
In this link, the author of the blog voices his opinion about the new edition of the classic novel:
http://themoderatevoice.com/97181/huck-finn-censored-and-sanitized/
How do you feel about the new edition? Do you think this book should be banned from schools, or maybe just certain age groups?
In this link, the author of the blog voices his opinion about the new edition of the classic novel:
http://themoderatevoice.com/97181/huck-finn-censored-and-sanitized/
Blog Post #10- CNN Peace in Sudan
In Sudan, an upcoming election will decide whether Southern Sudan should seperate from Sudan and form a new country. After a civil was between the north and south, which ended in 2005, part of the peace deal was a referendum on the independence of Southern Sudan.
The voting will take place in three days, which makes actor George Clooney very excited. As as activists he is hopeful that there will soon be peace at such a chaotic time. George has frequently visited Sudan and even has an organization that will be monitoring violence related to the voting. They will be doing so by using satellite images to get a "birds eye view" of the situation in the country.
Do you think that the voting will be able to come to a clear decision and help the problems going on in Sudan? Do you think it is likely that Southern Sudan will become a seperate country? Also, I think it's nice how celebrities are getting involved in international affairs. Do you think George Clooney's involvement in this situation will affect it in anyway?
Here is a link describing teh atrocities of the Sudan civil war:
http://www.newsweek.com/2009/10/07/africa-s-last-next-war.html
The voting will take place in three days, which makes actor George Clooney very excited. As as activists he is hopeful that there will soon be peace at such a chaotic time. George has frequently visited Sudan and even has an organization that will be monitoring violence related to the voting. They will be doing so by using satellite images to get a "birds eye view" of the situation in the country.
Do you think that the voting will be able to come to a clear decision and help the problems going on in Sudan? Do you think it is likely that Southern Sudan will become a seperate country? Also, I think it's nice how celebrities are getting involved in international affairs. Do you think George Clooney's involvement in this situation will affect it in anyway?
Here is a link describing teh atrocities of the Sudan civil war:
http://www.newsweek.com/2009/10/07/africa-s-last-next-war.html
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