The afternoon of April 17, a reporter made a phone call to the public to reflect a mountain road in the urban areas in the garbage pit lane, the often large in this burning garbage, the odor is very unpleasant pungent, advised the public not to the surrounding of such an immoral thing to do, it was called "Mind your own business."
Then, reporters rushed to the burning of the scene and saw the net has not fully burn the garbage, including mats, blankets and other items, but those who see the burning. Living in the vicinity of a female public, told reporters that the burning of garbage is often men, every time the wind smoke burning garbage near home飘进
Public areas, air pollution. Residents have to discourage men, but the other side being unreasonable, but also said residents骂骂咧咧Mind your own business. Hope that the authorities concerned to stop this as soon as possible.
2009年4月23日星期四
Bid farewell to "rickshaw" China Hefei pilot garbage "no landing"
Reporter yesterday from the Board was informed that the capacity of China in Hefei, Hefei is planning to change the traditional human garbage collection, the implementation of residential area "garbage is not running on the road" project, the people at the door of the refuse will be a farewell, "a rickshaw."
The life of China in Hefei reform range of Domestic Waste Collection and Transportation District, as well as the three zones to four. City of the choice of four major roads for at least 5 pilot, roads on both sides set up appropriate standards for the waste bins or the trash, cleaners are responsible for cleaning the nearest refuse collection directly into the standard waste bins or barrels, no longer bear the garbage sent to transfer mission stations; removal workers responsible for cleaning up along the way the use of special vehicles, land transportation, the road out of the use of pilot rickshaw collection, waste removal practices. At the same time, the scope of the pilot road gate at the street door-to-door garbage collection to implement.
Area residents will also pilot the implementation of "garbage is not running on the road" project. Four urban areas and three zones in each district to choose at least two area residents (of which, including the New River to lake-based), cell size of more than 500, the pilot land transportation means, be classified as "barrels per day on the train" methods and "barrel-for-barrel" approach. "A barrel on the train" that is configured in the district standard trash can, by the manual or the use of regular car battery will be kept to a residential trash can focus on supporting the construction of clean rooms, treatment delivered to the refuse transfer station. , "Bucket-for-barrel" approach that is, from time to time to clean and empty the trash sent to the standard front of the building area residents, at the same time to replace the barrels filled with junk, to a refuse transfer station.
The life of China in Hefei reform range of Domestic Waste Collection and Transportation District, as well as the three zones to four. City of the choice of four major roads for at least 5 pilot, roads on both sides set up appropriate standards for the waste bins or the trash, cleaners are responsible for cleaning the nearest refuse collection directly into the standard waste bins or barrels, no longer bear the garbage sent to transfer mission stations; removal workers responsible for cleaning up along the way the use of special vehicles, land transportation, the road out of the use of pilot rickshaw collection, waste removal practices. At the same time, the scope of the pilot road gate at the street door-to-door garbage collection to implement.
Area residents will also pilot the implementation of "garbage is not running on the road" project. Four urban areas and three zones in each district to choose at least two area residents (of which, including the New River to lake-based), cell size of more than 500, the pilot land transportation means, be classified as "barrels per day on the train" methods and "barrel-for-barrel" approach. "A barrel on the train" that is configured in the district standard trash can, by the manual or the use of regular car battery will be kept to a residential trash can focus on supporting the construction of clean rooms, treatment delivered to the refuse transfer station. , "Bucket-for-barrel" approach that is, from time to time to clean and empty the trash sent to the standard front of the building area residents, at the same time to replace the barrels filled with junk, to a refuse transfer station.
2009年4月22日星期三
Shanzhai G2 we like: Sciphone Dream G2, the cheap Google Android phone
Oh look! While we're still waiting for anything besides a rumor that the HTC Magic (G2) Android phone will come to China, Sciphone's released their version: the Dream G2. It's here and, at only 750~800RMB, even cheaper than we originally thought it would be.
You laugh, but the Dream G2 actually sounds like a decent phone - especially for the price. It uses the Google Android UI, packs a 208MHZ ARM9 core processor, a 2.9-inch touch screen, built-in Opera web browser, 2mp camera and FM radio. It even claims to have Wi-Fi, which we thought was illegal for phones around here!
We have no idea how well it works, though we're actually tempted to take it out for a spin if it has half the features it says it has.
the difference between junk trash rubbish grabage
garbage is not grabage landlord you misspelled it!
junk
junk mailjunk food junk especially the meaning of point of abstraction such as junk mail spam junk food junk food
The other three are more specific that is not only things, garbage
trash trash Americans trash garbage like trash
rubbish
The British like to use garbage rubbish
garbage Americans often refuse garbage, particularly in the kitchen eating leftovers cold Sunburn
junk
junk mailjunk food junk especially the meaning of point of abstraction such as junk mail spam junk food junk food
The other three are more specific that is not only things, garbage
trash trash Americans trash garbage like trash
rubbish
The British like to use garbage rubbish
garbage Americans often refuse garbage, particularly in the kitchen eating leftovers cold Sunburn
In urgent need of lifestyle as the theme to the English article!
Another life Another change
Life always were chose all time , chose survival or death , chose continue or give up . Life is very difficult that for choose . Life always were chose all time, chose survival or death, chose continue or give up. Life is very difficult that for choose.
The earth is round , human all same , all have body , all have head , all have brain , all can thinking . why some people can drive the sports car gallop on the road ? why some people can eat some food count for hundreds upon thousands dollars every time ? why some people can inhabit very beautiful and expensive house and some people almost cannot find mere place for sleep ? why ? why ? why ? Did you ask youself any questions before like this ? the answer is not . almost all of the people never think about this , and they didn't care about this , maybe they real like this lifestyle , maybe they life get by , maybe they already lower their head to God . The earth is round, human all same, all have body, all have head, all have brain, all can thinking. Why some people can drive the sports car gallop on the road? Why some people can eat some food count for hundreds upon thousands dollars every time? why some people can inhabit very beautiful and expensive house and some people almost cannot find mere place for sleep? why? why? why? Did you ask youself any questions before like this? the answer is not. almost all of the people never think about this, and they didn't care about this, maybe they real like this lifestyle, maybe they life get by, maybe they already lower their head to God.
What's means succeed ? what's means mature ? what's means riches ? what's means exist ? what's means dead ? Maybe you said , only achieve our hearts desire is succeed ; your age reach at 18 years old is mature ; you think of you already have money enough is riches ; maybe you think about you can make your heart normal fuction is live and if your stop breath is dead . no no no , wrong theory . we survive in the world is not only in ord to eating to sleepping , no no , not like this , we need improement ourselves , we need choose another lifestyle , another change . What's means succeed? What's means mature? What's means riches? What's means exist? What's means dead? Maybe you said, only achieve our hearts desire is succeed; your age reach at 18 years old is mature; you think of you already have money enough is riches; maybe you think about you can make your heart normal fuction is live and if your stop breath is dead. no no no, wrong theory. we survive in the world is not only in ord to eating to sleepping, no no, not like this, we need improement ourselves, we need choose another lifestyle, another change.
I have a dream , you too , I always pursuing exceeding , I hope you too . we need change our life , we need enjoy our life . I have a dream, you too, I always pursuing exceeding, I hope you too. We need change our life, we need enjoy our life.
At the present , many many many worker working never stop , and only for a little money sell themselves , it is not worth . too foolish , too stupid , everybody need rest , whatever how stronger their are , how poor their , only for keep full of your bingy is not real meaning for life , you must be change your life , you have no choice , if you can't I think you'd better go to die ! At the present, many many many worker working never stop, and only for a little money sell themselves, it is not worth. Too foolish, too stupid, everybody need rest, whatever how stronger their are, how poor their, only for keep full of your bingy is not real meaning for life, you must be change your life, you have no choice, if you can't I think you'd better go to die!
Another life another change , I get ready for this , and you ? Another life another change, I get ready for this, and you?
I wrote this by myself I wrote this by myself
another, another,
THE LIFESTYLE PROJECT THE LIFESTYLE PROJECT
Karin B. Kirk, 329 Little Wolf Road, Bozeman MT 59715, kkirk@montana.edu Karin B. Kirk, 329 Little Wolf Road, Bozeman MT 59715, kkirk@montana.edu
John J. Thomas, 8 Piping Rock Circle, Saratoga Springs NY 12866, jthomas@skidmore.edu John J. Thomas, 8 Piping Rock Circle, Saratoga Springs NY 12866, jthomas@skidmore.edu
ABSTRACT ABSTRACT
The Lifestyle Project is a way for students to learn about environmental alternatives by modifying their own lifestyles. It is a three-week exercise for students to reduce their impact on the environment by changing the way in which they live from day to day. The project has fairly rigid parameters, allowing students to achieve a gradual but definitive change in their everyday habits. Students choose three categories from a list of six: heat, garbage, electricity and water, driving, eating, and activism. They write about their experiences in journals, which are incredibly insightful, illustrating just how profoundly the project affects them. At the end of the project, students have had an experience that may be life altering, affecting not only the students themselves, but also their friends and families. We felt that we unexpectedly stumbled across a real solution to an environmental problem. The Lifestyle Project is a way for students to learn about environmental alternatives by modifying their own lifestyles. It is a three-week exercise for students to reduce their impact on the environment by changing the way in which they live from day to day. The project has fairly rigid parameters, allowing students to achieve a gradual but definitive change in their everyday habits. Students choose three categories from a list of six: heat, garbage, electricity and water, driving, eating, and activism. They write about their experiences in journals, which are incredibly insightful, illustrating just how profoundly the project affects them. At the end of the project, students have had an experience that may be life altering, affecting not only the students themselves, but also their friends and families. We felt that we unexpectedly stumbled across a real solution to an environmental problem.
Keywords: energy conservation, water conservation, waste reduction, environmental education. Keywords: energy conservation, water conservation, waste reduction, environmental education.
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION
The Lifestyle Project was created in 1993, borne out of a physical geology class discussion about Earth’s resources that left students and teachers alike wondering about a creative approach to environmental awareness. The project was conceptualized rather hastily and was presented to the students during the following class. The vast majority of the students loved the idea and opted to take on the challenge. What followed was quite an amazing experience in education, wherein we all came face to face with our personal environmental decisions and experienced both triumphs and frustrations. When we read the students’ journals that recorded their actions, thoughts and feelings throughout the Lifestyle Project, we were incredibly moved. Over the years the Lifestyle Project has been modified, offered in an additional course, and taught by several instructors. It has become a fixture in both our physical geology and environmental science courses. The Lifestyle Project was created in 1993, borne out of a physical geology class discussion about Earth's resources that left students and teachers alike wondering about a creative approach to environmental awareness. The project was conceptualized rather hastily and was presented to the students during the following class. The vast majority of the students loved the idea and opted to take on the challenge. What followed was quite an amazing experience in education, wherein we all came face to face with our personal environmental decisions and experienced both triumphs and frustrations. When we read the students' journals that recorded their actions, thoughts and feelings throughout the Lifestyle Project, we were incredibly moved. Over the years the Lifestyle Project has been modified, offered in an additional course, and taught by several instructors. It has become a fixture in both our physical geology and environmental science courses.
OUTLINE OF THE PROJECT OUTLINE OF THE PROJECT
The Lifestyle Project asks each student to choose three different ways in which they are interested in changing their habits. The possible categories are: use of electricity and water, heat, automobile usage, food consumption, waste production and environmental education or activism. For each category the rules are clearly defined, such as turning down the heat three degrees or eliminating the use of the car. Each week the project becomes more rigorous, as the students have to meet the requirements more frequently. For example, during the first week of the project students who have chosen the automobile usage category must spend two days without driving their car. Instead they must seek alternatives such as the campus bus, walking or bicycling. During the second week they must forego the comforts of their cars for three days. For the third and final week, they must leave their cars parked for four days. The idea is a gradual but definite change that follows a structure, rather than simply telling the students to drive their cars less. The Lifestyle Project asks each student to choose three different ways in which they are interested in changing their habits. The possible categories are: use of electricity and water, heat, automobile usage, food consumption, waste production and environmental education or activism. For each category the rules are clearly defined, such as turning down the heat three degrees or eliminating the use of the car. Each week the project becomes more rigorous, as the students have to meet the requirements more frequently. For example, during the first week of the project students who have chosen the automobile usage category must spend two days without driving their car. Instead they must seek alternatives such as the campus bus, walking or bicycling. During the second week they must forego the comforts of their cars for three days. For the third and final week, they must leave their cars parked for four days. The idea is a gradual but definite change that follows a structure, rather than simply telling the students to drive their cars less.
METHODS OF INCORPORATING THE LIFESTYLE PROJECT METHODS OF INCORPORATING THE LIFESTYLE PROJECT
For the project to be successful, some context should be provided within the course. This can be achieved several ways. Three options are presented here, which can be used alone or in combination. The critical point is that when the project begins the students need to be eager to take on the challenges. Otherwise they will not have enough incentive to really try out the alternatives that the project offers them. For the project to be successful, some context should be provided within the course. This can be achieved several ways. Three options are presented here, which can be used alone or in combination. The critical point is that when the project begins the students need to be eager to take on the challenges. Otherwise they will not have enough incentive to really try out the alternatives that the project offers them.
Originally the project was introduced in a laboratory discussion about energy resources. We set up a mock town meeting to discuss a fictional campus-wide energy shortage and how to overcome it. Faced with the idea of adding a coal burning or nuclear power plant, or the complications of carpeting the campus with solar cells, the students realize that no form of energy is without significant environmental impacts. The notion of conservation arises during the discussion, and the students are challenged to see for themselves if conservation can really work. Originally the project was introduced in a laboratory discussion about energy resources. We set up a mock town meeting to discuss a fictional campus-wide energy shortage and how to overcome it. Faced with the idea of adding a coal burning or nuclear power plant, or the complications of carpeting the campus with solar cells, the students realize that no form of energy is without significant environmental impacts. The notion of conservation arises during the discussion, and the students are challenged to see for themselves if conservation can really work.
Alternatively, the project can be introduced with a baseline assessment. The students are asked to rate their environmental impacts, and then to take an Eco-rating Quiz. The quiz is a multiple-choice questionnaire relating to the categories included in the lifestyle project. At the end of the quiz the students score themselves so that the feedback is immediate and often shocking. Very few of the students have a low score indicating a low environmental impact. Alternatively, the project can be introduced with a baseline assessment. The students are asked to rate their environmental impacts, and then to take an Eco-rating Quiz. The quiz is a multiple-choice questionnaire relating to the categories included in the lifestyle project. At the end of the quiz the students score themselves so that the feedback is immediate and often shocking. Very few of the students have a low score indicating a low environmental impact.
Another way to introduce the project is quantitatively. The students are provided with worksheets to record their consumption of energy, water and food, and production of waste for two days. After the students have recorded their activities, they are given spreadsheets so their records can be converted into BTUs of energy, gallons of water and pounds of garbage. We provide them with all the formulae and conversions they need to complete the calculations (available at http://www.skidmore.edu/~jthomas/lifestyleproject ), but they collect the data, do the calculations, and analyze the results. The figures are eye-opening and students begin thinking about their impacts on the environment. Another way to introduce the project is quantitatively. The students are provided with worksheets to record their consumption of energy, water and food, and production of waste for two days. After the students have recorded their activities, they are given spreadsheets so their records can be converted into BTUs of energy, gallons of water and pounds of garbage. We provide them with all the formulas and conversions they need to complete the calculations (available at http://www.skidmore.edu/ ~ jthomas / lifestyleproject), but they collect the data, do the calculations, and analyze the results. The figures are eye-opening and students begin thinking about their impacts on the environment.
The Lifestyle Project assignment is then introduced to the students. The assignment reflects the changes we’ve made to it over the years, but the categories or details can be changed or modified to fit a particular course, audience or campus. The Lifestyle Project assignment is then introduced to the students. The assignment reflects the changes we've made to it over the years, but the categories or details can be changed or modified to fit a particular course, audience or campus.
THE LIFESTYLE PROJECT AS IT IS PRESENTED TO THE STUDENTS THE LIFESTYLE PROJECT AS IT IS PRESENTED TO THE STUDENTS
Our discussions in class have left us thinking about changes we could make in our lifestyle that would be beneficial to the environment, would be realistic to make, and might even improve the quality of our lives. Our discussions in class have left us thinking about changes we could make in our lifestyle that would be beneficial to the environment, would be realistic to make, and might even improve the quality of our lives.
The rules: The rules:
1. The idea of this project is to make changes in your lifestyle that will have a beneficial effect on the environment. The changes aren’t difficult, but they are significant. Mostly they will require planning and thinking about your actions. 1. The idea of this project is to make changes in your lifestyle that will have a beneficial effect on the environment. The changes aren't difficult, but they are significant. Mostly they will require planning and thinking about your actions.
2. You will slowly increase the degree or frequency of the changes, week by week, for a total period of three weeks. You can pick which days will count as your “project days.” 2. You will slowly increase the degree or frequency of the changes, week by week, for a total period of three weeks. You can pick which days will count as your "project days."
3. You will keep a journal with entries for each day that you complete your project requirements. 3. You will keep a journal with entries for each day that you complete your project requirements.
4. For whatever reason, you can bail out part way through and complete an alternative assignment instead. 4. For whatever reason, you can bail out part way through and complete an alternative assignment instead.
5. The Lifestyle Project involves making changes to your personal lifestyle. If you feel that these changes might negatively affect your health, happiness, and well being in any way, or if they conflict with your religious or philosophical beliefs, then you may choose another assignment. 5. The Lifestyle Project involves making changes to your personal lifestyle. If you feel that these changes might negatively affect your health, happiness, and well being in any way, or if they conflict with your religious or philosophical beliefs, then you may choose another assignment.
Choose any three categories from the six choices below. Don’t pick something that you already normally do, as the idea of this project is to make changes. Some changes won’t be possible in your particular living situation, so obviously you can’t pick those. Choose any three categories from the six choices below. Don't pick something that you already normally do, as the idea of this project is to make changes. Some changes won't be possible in your particular living situation, so obviously you can ' t pick those.
The Categories: The Categories:
1. HEAT - Expand your comfort zone by turning your heat down 3 degrees Fahrenheit from its normal setting. Continue lowering the heat by 3 degrees every week until you have reduced it by 9 degrees at the end of three weeks. The heat reduction applies for the entire week. This option is limited to those who have control over their own thermostats and who have cooperative housemates! 1. HEAT - Expand your comfort zone by turning your heat down 3 degrees Fahrenheit from its normal setting. Continue lowering the heat by 3 degrees every week until you have reduced it by 9 degrees at the end of three weeks. The heat reduction applies for the entire week. This option is limited to those who have control over their own thermostats and who have cooperative housemates!
2. GARBAGE - Spend each project day producing no waste at all. You will have two waste-free days the first week, then three days the second week and four days for the last week. The idea of reducing your input to landfills follows a certain hierarchy. The best thing is to reduce the amount of garbage you make by simply using less, buying less, and wasting less. The second option is to reuse whatever you can to avoid buying new things that will eventually end up as garbage. Recycling is the last option, to be used only when the first two options fail. So on your waste-free days you must live by these rules, and not contribute anything to the landfill on those days. Even though some types of plastics are recyclable, if you aren’t able to recycle a particular type of plastic, it counts as garbage. Make sure you write on both sides of the paper, make copies only when necessary, and use the backs of old paper instead of using a fresh sheet. It is considered cheating to just hang on to something until you’re given waste-free days pass, and then throw it out. Toilet paper does not count as garbage; it goes to the wastewater treatment plant, not the landfill. Cigarette butts are exempt from this category as well, because quitting smoking is beyond the scope of this project. However, all butts must be put in the garbage can, not on the ground or out your car window. 2. GARBAGE - Spend each project day producing no waste at all. You will have two waste-free days the first week, then three days the second week and four days for the last week. The idea of reducing your input to landfills follows a certain hierarchy. The best thing is to reduce the amount of garbage you make by simply using less, buying less, and wasting less. The second option is to reuse whatever you can to avoid buying new things that will eventually end up as garbage. Recycling is the last option, to be used only when the first two options fail. So on your waste-free days you must live by these rules, and not contribute anything to the landfill on those days. Even though some types of plastics are recyclable, if you aren't able to recycle a particular type of plastic, it counts as garbage. Make sure you write on both sides of the paper, make copies only when necessary, and use the backs of old paper instead of using a fresh sheet. It is considered cheating to just hang on to something until you're given waste-free days pass, and then throw it out. Toilet paper does not count as garbage; it goes to the wastewater treatment plant, not the landfill. Cigarette butts are exempt from this category as well, because quitting smoking is beyond the scope of this project. However, all butts must be put in the garbage can, not on the ground or out your car window.
3. ELECTRICITY AND WATER - Trim the fat off your excess energy consumption by reducing your water and electricity needs by at least 50%. To do this, you can do the following things: turn the lights off when you're not around; turn on only one light instead of two; study next to a window; leave the TV and the stereo off; cook meals that don't require lots of burners at once or long cooking times; use the microwave instead of the stove or oven; take a shower at half the usual duration; turn the water down in the shower so it's not full blast; take a cooler shower; don't leave the water running while washing, shaving, brushing your teeth, or washing dishes; skip the blow dryer and electric razor; don't use any unnecessary appliances; run the washing machine and dishwasher only when totally full; and hang laundry to dry instead of using the dryer. If you do all of these things it is possible to cut your consumption by 50% or more. The first week, you'll do this on two days, and you will add one more day each week, until you have four days for the last week. 3. ELECTRICITY AND WATER - Trim the fat off your excess energy consumption by reducing your water and electricity needs by at least 50%. To do this, you can do the following things: turn the lights off when you're not around; turn on only one light instead of two; study next to a window; leave the TV and the stereo off; cook meals that don't require lots of burners at once or long cooking times; use the microwave instead of the stove or oven; take a shower at half the usual duration; turn the water down in the shower so it's not full blast; take a cooler shower; don't leave the water running while washing, shaving, brushing your teeth, or washing dishes; skip the blow dryer and electric razor; don't use any unnecessary appliances; run the washing machine and dishwasher only when totally full; and hang laundry to dry instead of using the dryer. If you do all of these things it is possible to cut your consumption by 50 % or more. The first week, you'll do this on two days, and you will add one more day each week, until you have four days for the last week.
4. LEAVE THE CAR AT HOME - Experience the thrill of the outdoors by riding your bike, walking or taking the bus in your daily travels. Hitching a ride with your friends or roommates does reduce the amount of driving, but is also just too easy, so avoid that option unless there are no other alternatives. You will start with two days and increase the number of car-free days per week by one, until you have four days of bike riding (or whatever) during the last week. 4. LEAVE THE CAR AT HOME - Experience the thrill of the outdoors by riding your bike, walking or taking the bus in your daily travels. Hitching a ride with your friends or roommates does reduce the amount of driving, but is also just too easy , so avoid that option unless there are no other alternatives. You will start with two days and increase the number of car-free days per week by one, until you have four days of bike riding (or whatever) during the last week.
5. EAT EFFICIENTLY - The production of meat requires a large amount of water and energy, and also produces considerable waste. Approximately ninety percent of the grain grown in the US is fed to livestock. If you ate the grain crop directly, instead of the livestock, you would be using resources more efficiently. For example, 16 pounds of grain fed to beef cattle produces only one pound of edible meat (Cunningham and Saigo, 1999). The majority of the calorie content is used up by the animal for metabolism. This means that you ingest only about 6% of the original calories produced by the grain crop. Another way of looking at this is by the amount of water required to produce different foods. For example, it takes 160 gallons of water to produce a loaf of bread, but it takes 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef (Cunningham and Saigo, 1999). By reducing the amount of meat that we eat, we can have a smaller environmental impact. So, for your first week, spend two days feasting on healthy and delicious fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, and yes, even cheese doodles; just cut out the meat on these days. Add one vegetarian day each week, until you have four days by the end of the project. You should also be very vigilant about not wasting food during the project. Think of all the resources that go into the production of the food that are wasted if food is thrown out. 5. EAT EFFICIENTLY - The production of meat requires a large amount of water and energy, and also produces considerable waste. Approximately ninety percent of the grain grown in the US is fed to livestock. If you ate the grain crop directly, instead of the livestock, you would be using resources more efficiently. For example, 16 pounds of grain fed to beef cattle produces only one pound of edible meat (Cunningham and Saigo, 1999). The majority of the calorie content is used up by the animal for metabolism . This means that you ingest only about 6% of the original calories produced by the grain crop. Another way of looking at this is by the amount of water required to produce different foods. For example, it takes 160 gallons of water to produce a loaf of bread, but it takes 2500 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef (Cunningham and Saigo, 1999). By reducing the amount of meat that we eat, we can have a smaller environmental impact. So, for your first week, spend two days feasting on healthy and delicious fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, and yes, even cheese doodles; just cut out the meat on these days. Add one vegetarian day each week, until you have four days by the end of the project. You should also be very vigilant about not wasting food during the project. Think of all the resources that go into the production of the food that are wasted if food is thrown out.
Note: If you eat a balanced diet otherwise, you don’t need to worry about getting enough protein without meat. An average adult needs about 40 grams of protein per day (Cunningham and Saigo, 1999). Vegetarian sources of protein include whole grain bread (4 g per slice), beans (7 g per serving), pasta (7 g per serving), peanut butter (7 g per serving) and yogurt (11 g per cup). In any case, you should consult a physician or nutritionist before making changes to your diet or if you have any questions about your ability to complete this aspect of the project. Note: If you eat a balanced diet otherwise, you don't need to worry about getting enough protein without meat. An average adult needs about 40 grams of protein per day (Cunningham and Saigo, 1999). Vegetarian sources of protein include whole grain bread (4 g per slice), beans (7 g per serving), pasta (7 g per serving), peanut butter (7 g per serving) and yogurt (11 g per cup). In any case, you should consult a physician or nutritionist before making changes to your diet or if you have any questions about your ability to complete this aspect of the project.
6. CREATE YOUR OWN CATEGORY - There are many different things that you can do to lessen your impact on the environment or to have a positive effect on the environment. Be creative and come up with your own way of making a difference. You could write letters to your senators, volunteer with the Sierra Club, spend time cleaning up the woods, set up a carpooling system or recycling system in your dorm or workplace, find ways to educate others about the importance of conservation, or change your lifestyle in a way not described in the categories above. Invent your own category and discuss it with your instructor before the project starts. 6. CREATE YOUR OWN CATEGORY - There are many different things that you can do to lessen your impact on the environment or to have a positive effect on the environment. Be creative and come up with your own way of making a difference. You could write letters to your senators, volunteer with the Sierra Club, spend time cleaning up the woods, set up a carpooling system or recycling system in your dorm or workplace, find ways to educate others about the importance of conservation, or change your lifestyle in a way not described in the categories above. Invent your own category and discuss it with your instructor before the project starts.
THE LIFESTYLE PROJECT JOURNAL THE LIFESTYLE PROJECT JOURNAL
The students keep a journal of their activities in the project with one entry for each day of participation. Journal entries include exactly what they did to meet the requirements of the project, such as their thermostat temperature, the length of their showers, their mode of transportation and their diet. Students are also asked to describe how the lifestyle changes affected them. Reading the journals has become one of the highlights of the semester. It’sa real privilege to gain insights into the actions, thoughts, and lives of the students. Often a student will write a long saga about the attempt to make it through 24 hours without producing garbage by avoiding over-wrapped junk food, using a cloth towel instead of paper towels, writing on the back sides of junk mail paper, only to be foiled by a late-night fast food wrapper and a pile of greasy napkins. The journals are collected weekly and returned within two days. The instructor writes plenty of comments, suggestions and encouragement in the journals. Students are encouraged to make the journals themselves environmentally-friendly, so they are often e-mailed, or written on the back sides of scrap paper, or constructed entirely of materials that were destined for the landfill. The journals are also the basis for grading the project. For each week of the project the journals are graded out of 10 points. There is usually a homework assignment added to the project each week, such as calculating the BTUs for shower use or computer time. The weekly grade is based on the completion of the homework assignment and also on the quality of the journal and the degree to which the student is adhering to the project. It is difficult to assign a letter grade for something so subjective, but some criteria include the effort the student puts forth, the depth to which the students describe the details of their project, their sincerity and the commitment they demonstrate. The students keep a journal of their activities in the project with one entry for each day of participation. Journal entries include exactly what they did to meet the requirements of the project, such as their thermostat temperature, the length of their showers, their mode of transportation and their diet. Students are also asked to describe how the lifestyle changes affected them. Reading the journals has become one of the highlights of the semester. It'sa real privilege to gain insights into the actions, thoughts, and lives of the students . Often a student will write a long saga about the attempt to make it through 24 hours without producing garbage by avoiding over-wrapped junk food, using a cloth towel instead of paper towels, writing on the back sides of junk mail paper, only to be foiled by a late-night fast food wrapper and a pile of greasy napkins. The journals are collected weekly and returned within two days. The instructor writes plenty of comments, suggestions and encouragement in the journals. Students are encouraged to make the journals themselves environmentally-friendly, so they are often e-mailed, or written on the back sides of scrap paper, or constructed entirely of materials that were destined for the landfill. The journals are also the basis for grading the project. For each week of the project the journals are graded out of 10 points. There is usually a homework assignment added to the project each week, such as calculating the BTUs for shower use or computer time. The weekly grade is based on the completion of the homework assignment and also on the quality of the journal and the degree to which the student is adhering to the project. It is difficult to assign a letter grade for something so subjective, but some criteria include the effort the student puts forth, the depth to which the students describe the details of their project, their sincerity and the commitment they demonstrate.
THE ACTIVIST PROJECT – ANOTHER PROJECT OPTION THE ACTIVIST PROJECT - ANOTHER PROJECT OPTION
This option is offered to students who are interested in becoming more active in campus environmental issues. The activist project provides an alternate project for students who feel they already lead an environmentally sound lifestyle, or for students that are not interested in changing their personal lifestyle. Students are encouraged to investigate an environmental issue on campus. Examples include junk mail overflowing from campus mailboxes, waste reduction from the dining halls and campus recycling. Before embarking on a project, students meet with the instructor to help them organize their plan and generate solutions. Students use weekly journals to record their plans, meetings, phone calls, and any roadblocks that they encounter. At the completion of the project, students give a short presentation to the class about the results of their efforts. This option is offered to students who are interested in becoming more active in campus environmental issues. The activist project provides an alternate project for students who feel they already lead an environmentally sound lifestyle, or for students that are not interested in changing their personal lifestyle. Students are encouraged to investigate an environmental issue on campus. Examples include junk mail overflowing from campus mailboxes, waste reduction from the dining halls and campus recycling. Before embarking on a project, students meet with the instructor to help them organize their plan and generate solutions . Students use weekly journals to record their plans, meetings, phone calls, and any roadblocks that they encounter. At the completion of the project, students give a short presentation to the class about the results of their efforts.
RESULTS RESULTS
The impact of the project is greater than we could ever have expected. The students don’t realize what they are getting into at the start. It looks easy, but it is not! The most compelling way to illustrate the results of the project are with the students’ words themselves. At the beginning of the project, students reflect on their typical lifestyles, “I love long, hot showers, and I listen to my stereo and watch TV constantly. I leave Christmas lights on in my room most of the time because I don’t like coming home to a dark room.” “My thermostat is usually set at 85 degrees because I am from Florida.” “My car is my life. In two years I put seventy thousand miles on it.” The first week of the project is difficult for students, many of who have never conceived of the idea of conservation until now. “My general mentality was really challenged. I was constantly stopping myself from doing things I do everyday. By the end of the day I was questioning everything I did.” The project challenges the students to come up with new alternatives to their usual habits. “As we were headed to the parking lot to drive downtown I realized it was a project day and I couldn’t use my car. At first I was upset that I couldn’t just do what I wanted, but then I decided to walk and my friends agreed to walk with me. We ended up having a nice walk and just had some time to relax and talk.” The students become suddenly awakened to the impacts of their everyday habits. “It seems impossible to not produce garbage for even one day. At first it didn’t sound like a big deal, but after trying it for just this first day I realized just how much garbage I normally produce! It’s embarrassing!” The impact of the project is greater than we could ever have expected. The students don't realize what they are getting into at the start. It looks easy, but it is not! The most compelling way to illustrate the results of the project are with the students' words themselves. At the beginning of the project, students reflect on their typical lifestyles, "I love long, hot showers, and I listen to my stereo and watch TV constantly. I leave Christmas lights on in my room most of the time because I don't like coming home to a dark room. "" My thermostat is usually set at 85 degrees because I am from Florida. "" My car is my life. In two years I put seventy thousand miles on it. "The first week of the project is difficult for students, many of who have never conceived of the idea of conservation until now." My general mentality was really challenged. I was constantly stopping myself from doing things I do everyday. By the end of the day I was questioning everything I did. "The project challenges the students to come up with new alternatives to their usual habits." As we were headed to the parking lot to drive downtown I realized it was a project day and I couldn't use my car. At first I was upset that I couldn't just do what I wanted, but then I decided to walk and my friends agreed to walk with me. We ended up having a nice walk and just had some time to relax and talk. "The students become suddenly awakened to the impacts of their everyday habits." It seems impossible to not produce garbage for even one day. At first it didn't sound like a big deal, but after trying it for just this first day I realized just how much garbage I normally produce! It's embarrassing! "
As the project continues and becomes more rigorous, students find themselves defining new habits and rituals. “Today I cut my showering time down to four minutes. I As the project continues and becomes more rigorous, students find themselves defining new habits and rituals. "Today I cut my showering time down to four minutes. I
Life always were chose all time , chose survival or death , chose continue or give up . Life is very difficult that for choose . Life always were chose all time, chose survival or death, chose continue or give up. Life is very difficult that for choose.
The earth is round , human all same , all have body , all have head , all have brain , all can thinking . why some people can drive the sports car gallop on the road ? why some people can eat some food count for hundreds upon thousands dollars every time ? why some people can inhabit very beautiful and expensive house and some people almost cannot find mere place for sleep ? why ? why ? why ? Did you ask youself any questions before like this ? the answer is not . almost all of the people never think about this , and they didn't care about this , maybe they real like this lifestyle , maybe they life get by , maybe they already lower their head to God . The earth is round, human all same, all have body, all have head, all have brain, all can thinking. Why some people can drive the sports car gallop on the road? Why some people can eat some food count for hundreds upon thousands dollars every time? why some people can inhabit very beautiful and expensive house and some people almost cannot find mere place for sleep? why? why? why? Did you ask youself any questions before like this? the answer is not. almost all of the people never think about this, and they didn't care about this, maybe they real like this lifestyle, maybe they life get by, maybe they already lower their head to God.
What's means succeed ? what's means mature ? what's means riches ? what's means exist ? what's means dead ? Maybe you said , only achieve our hearts desire is succeed ; your age reach at 18 years old is mature ; you think of you already have money enough is riches ; maybe you think about you can make your heart normal fuction is live and if your stop breath is dead . no no no , wrong theory . we survive in the world is not only in ord to eating to sleepping , no no , not like this , we need improement ourselves , we need choose another lifestyle , another change . What's means succeed? What's means mature? What's means riches? What's means exist? What's means dead? Maybe you said, only achieve our hearts desire is succeed; your age reach at 18 years old is mature; you think of you already have money enough is riches; maybe you think about you can make your heart normal fuction is live and if your stop breath is dead. no no no, wrong theory. we survive in the world is not only in ord to eating to sleepping, no no, not like this, we need improement ourselves, we need choose another lifestyle, another change.
I have a dream , you too , I always pursuing exceeding , I hope you too . we need change our life , we need enjoy our life . I have a dream, you too, I always pursuing exceeding, I hope you too. We need change our life, we need enjoy our life.
At the present , many many many worker working never stop , and only for a little money sell themselves , it is not worth . too foolish , too stupid , everybody need rest , whatever how stronger their are , how poor their , only for keep full of your bingy is not real meaning for life , you must be change your life , you have no choice , if you can't I think you'd better go to die ! At the present, many many many worker working never stop, and only for a little money sell themselves, it is not worth. Too foolish, too stupid, everybody need rest, whatever how stronger their are, how poor their, only for keep full of your bingy is not real meaning for life, you must be change your life, you have no choice, if you can't I think you'd better go to die!
Another life another change , I get ready for this , and you ? Another life another change, I get ready for this, and you?
I wrote this by myself I wrote this by myself
another, another,
THE LIFESTYLE PROJECT THE LIFESTYLE PROJECT
Karin B. Kirk, 329 Little Wolf Road, Bozeman MT 59715, kkirk@montana.edu Karin B. Kirk, 329 Little Wolf Road, Bozeman MT 59715, kkirk@montana.edu
John J. Thomas, 8 Piping Rock Circle, Saratoga Springs NY 12866, jthomas@skidmore.edu John J. Thomas, 8 Piping Rock Circle, Saratoga Springs NY 12866, jthomas@skidmore.edu
ABSTRACT ABSTRACT
The Lifestyle Project is a way for students to learn about environmental alternatives by modifying their own lifestyles. It is a three-week exercise for students to reduce their impact on the environment by changing the way in which they live from day to day. The project has fairly rigid parameters, allowing students to achieve a gradual but definitive change in their everyday habits. Students choose three categories from a list of six: heat, garbage, electricity and water, driving, eating, and activism. They write about their experiences in journals, which are incredibly insightful, illustrating just how profoundly the project affects them. At the end of the project, students have had an experience that may be life altering, affecting not only the students themselves, but also their friends and families. We felt that we unexpectedly stumbled across a real solution to an environmental problem. The Lifestyle Project is a way for students to learn about environmental alternatives by modifying their own lifestyles. It is a three-week exercise for students to reduce their impact on the environment by changing the way in which they live from day to day. The project has fairly rigid parameters, allowing students to achieve a gradual but definitive change in their everyday habits. Students choose three categories from a list of six: heat, garbage, electricity and water, driving, eating, and activism. They write about their experiences in journals, which are incredibly insightful, illustrating just how profoundly the project affects them. At the end of the project, students have had an experience that may be life altering, affecting not only the students themselves, but also their friends and families. We felt that we unexpectedly stumbled across a real solution to an environmental problem.
Keywords: energy conservation, water conservation, waste reduction, environmental education. Keywords: energy conservation, water conservation, waste reduction, environmental education.
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION
The Lifestyle Project was created in 1993, borne out of a physical geology class discussion about Earth’s resources that left students and teachers alike wondering about a creative approach to environmental awareness. The project was conceptualized rather hastily and was presented to the students during the following class. The vast majority of the students loved the idea and opted to take on the challenge. What followed was quite an amazing experience in education, wherein we all came face to face with our personal environmental decisions and experienced both triumphs and frustrations. When we read the students’ journals that recorded their actions, thoughts and feelings throughout the Lifestyle Project, we were incredibly moved. Over the years the Lifestyle Project has been modified, offered in an additional course, and taught by several instructors. It has become a fixture in both our physical geology and environmental science courses. The Lifestyle Project was created in 1993, borne out of a physical geology class discussion about Earth's resources that left students and teachers alike wondering about a creative approach to environmental awareness. The project was conceptualized rather hastily and was presented to the students during the following class. The vast majority of the students loved the idea and opted to take on the challenge. What followed was quite an amazing experience in education, wherein we all came face to face with our personal environmental decisions and experienced both triumphs and frustrations. When we read the students' journals that recorded their actions, thoughts and feelings throughout the Lifestyle Project, we were incredibly moved. Over the years the Lifestyle Project has been modified, offered in an additional course, and taught by several instructors. It has become a fixture in both our physical geology and environmental science courses.
OUTLINE OF THE PROJECT OUTLINE OF THE PROJECT
The Lifestyle Project asks each student to choose three different ways in which they are interested in changing their habits. The possible categories are: use of electricity and water, heat, automobile usage, food consumption, waste production and environmental education or activism. For each category the rules are clearly defined, such as turning down the heat three degrees or eliminating the use of the car. Each week the project becomes more rigorous, as the students have to meet the requirements more frequently. For example, during the first week of the project students who have chosen the automobile usage category must spend two days without driving their car. Instead they must seek alternatives such as the campus bus, walking or bicycling. During the second week they must forego the comforts of their cars for three days. For the third and final week, they must leave their cars parked for four days. The idea is a gradual but definite change that follows a structure, rather than simply telling the students to drive their cars less. The Lifestyle Project asks each student to choose three different ways in which they are interested in changing their habits. The possible categories are: use of electricity and water, heat, automobile usage, food consumption, waste production and environmental education or activism. For each category the rules are clearly defined, such as turning down the heat three degrees or eliminating the use of the car. Each week the project becomes more rigorous, as the students have to meet the requirements more frequently. For example, during the first week of the project students who have chosen the automobile usage category must spend two days without driving their car. Instead they must seek alternatives such as the campus bus, walking or bicycling. During the second week they must forego the comforts of their cars for three days. For the third and final week, they must leave their cars parked for four days. The idea is a gradual but definite change that follows a structure, rather than simply telling the students to drive their cars less.
METHODS OF INCORPORATING THE LIFESTYLE PROJECT METHODS OF INCORPORATING THE LIFESTYLE PROJECT
For the project to be successful, some context should be provided within the course. This can be achieved several ways. Three options are presented here, which can be used alone or in combination. The critical point is that when the project begins the students need to be eager to take on the challenges. Otherwise they will not have enough incentive to really try out the alternatives that the project offers them. For the project to be successful, some context should be provided within the course. This can be achieved several ways. Three options are presented here, which can be used alone or in combination. The critical point is that when the project begins the students need to be eager to take on the challenges. Otherwise they will not have enough incentive to really try out the alternatives that the project offers them.
Originally the project was introduced in a laboratory discussion about energy resources. We set up a mock town meeting to discuss a fictional campus-wide energy shortage and how to overcome it. Faced with the idea of adding a coal burning or nuclear power plant, or the complications of carpeting the campus with solar cells, the students realize that no form of energy is without significant environmental impacts. The notion of conservation arises during the discussion, and the students are challenged to see for themselves if conservation can really work. Originally the project was introduced in a laboratory discussion about energy resources. We set up a mock town meeting to discuss a fictional campus-wide energy shortage and how to overcome it. Faced with the idea of adding a coal burning or nuclear power plant, or the complications of carpeting the campus with solar cells, the students realize that no form of energy is without significant environmental impacts. The notion of conservation arises during the discussion, and the students are challenged to see for themselves if conservation can really work.
Alternatively, the project can be introduced with a baseline assessment. The students are asked to rate their environmental impacts, and then to take an Eco-rating Quiz. The quiz is a multiple-choice questionnaire relating to the categories included in the lifestyle project. At the end of the quiz the students score themselves so that the feedback is immediate and often shocking. Very few of the students have a low score indicating a low environmental impact. Alternatively, the project can be introduced with a baseline assessment. The students are asked to rate their environmental impacts, and then to take an Eco-rating Quiz. The quiz is a multiple-choice questionnaire relating to the categories included in the lifestyle project. At the end of the quiz the students score themselves so that the feedback is immediate and often shocking. Very few of the students have a low score indicating a low environmental impact.
Another way to introduce the project is quantitatively. The students are provided with worksheets to record their consumption of energy, water and food, and production of waste for two days. After the students have recorded their activities, they are given spreadsheets so their records can be converted into BTUs of energy, gallons of water and pounds of garbage. We provide them with all the formulae and conversions they need to complete the calculations (available at http://www.skidmore.edu/~jthomas/lifestyleproject ), but they collect the data, do the calculations, and analyze the results. The figures are eye-opening and students begin thinking about their impacts on the environment. Another way to introduce the project is quantitatively. The students are provided with worksheets to record their consumption of energy, water and food, and production of waste for two days. After the students have recorded their activities, they are given spreadsheets so their records can be converted into BTUs of energy, gallons of water and pounds of garbage. We provide them with all the formulas and conversions they need to complete the calculations (available at http://www.skidmore.edu/ ~ jthomas / lifestyleproject), but they collect the data, do the calculations, and analyze the results. The figures are eye-opening and students begin thinking about their impacts on the environment.
The Lifestyle Project assignment is then introduced to the students. The assignment reflects the changes we’ve made to it over the years, but the categories or details can be changed or modified to fit a particular course, audience or campus. The Lifestyle Project assignment is then introduced to the students. The assignment reflects the changes we've made to it over the years, but the categories or details can be changed or modified to fit a particular course, audience or campus.
THE LIFESTYLE PROJECT AS IT IS PRESENTED TO THE STUDENTS THE LIFESTYLE PROJECT AS IT IS PRESENTED TO THE STUDENTS
Our discussions in class have left us thinking about changes we could make in our lifestyle that would be beneficial to the environment, would be realistic to make, and might even improve the quality of our lives. Our discussions in class have left us thinking about changes we could make in our lifestyle that would be beneficial to the environment, would be realistic to make, and might even improve the quality of our lives.
The rules: The rules:
1. The idea of this project is to make changes in your lifestyle that will have a beneficial effect on the environment. The changes aren’t difficult, but they are significant. Mostly they will require planning and thinking about your actions. 1. The idea of this project is to make changes in your lifestyle that will have a beneficial effect on the environment. The changes aren't difficult, but they are significant. Mostly they will require planning and thinking about your actions.
2. You will slowly increase the degree or frequency of the changes, week by week, for a total period of three weeks. You can pick which days will count as your “project days.” 2. You will slowly increase the degree or frequency of the changes, week by week, for a total period of three weeks. You can pick which days will count as your "project days."
3. You will keep a journal with entries for each day that you complete your project requirements. 3. You will keep a journal with entries for each day that you complete your project requirements.
4. For whatever reason, you can bail out part way through and complete an alternative assignment instead. 4. For whatever reason, you can bail out part way through and complete an alternative assignment instead.
5. The Lifestyle Project involves making changes to your personal lifestyle. If you feel that these changes might negatively affect your health, happiness, and well being in any way, or if they conflict with your religious or philosophical beliefs, then you may choose another assignment. 5. The Lifestyle Project involves making changes to your personal lifestyle. If you feel that these changes might negatively affect your health, happiness, and well being in any way, or if they conflict with your religious or philosophical beliefs, then you may choose another assignment.
Choose any three categories from the six choices below. Don’t pick something that you already normally do, as the idea of this project is to make changes. Some changes won’t be possible in your particular living situation, so obviously you can’t pick those. Choose any three categories from the six choices below. Don't pick something that you already normally do, as the idea of this project is to make changes. Some changes won't be possible in your particular living situation, so obviously you can ' t pick those.
The Categories: The Categories:
1. HEAT - Expand your comfort zone by turning your heat down 3 degrees Fahrenheit from its normal setting. Continue lowering the heat by 3 degrees every week until you have reduced it by 9 degrees at the end of three weeks. The heat reduction applies for the entire week. This option is limited to those who have control over their own thermostats and who have cooperative housemates! 1. HEAT - Expand your comfort zone by turning your heat down 3 degrees Fahrenheit from its normal setting. Continue lowering the heat by 3 degrees every week until you have reduced it by 9 degrees at the end of three weeks. The heat reduction applies for the entire week. This option is limited to those who have control over their own thermostats and who have cooperative housemates!
2. GARBAGE - Spend each project day producing no waste at all. You will have two waste-free days the first week, then three days the second week and four days for the last week. The idea of reducing your input to landfills follows a certain hierarchy. The best thing is to reduce the amount of garbage you make by simply using less, buying less, and wasting less. The second option is to reuse whatever you can to avoid buying new things that will eventually end up as garbage. Recycling is the last option, to be used only when the first two options fail. So on your waste-free days you must live by these rules, and not contribute anything to the landfill on those days. Even though some types of plastics are recyclable, if you aren’t able to recycle a particular type of plastic, it counts as garbage. Make sure you write on both sides of the paper, make copies only when necessary, and use the backs of old paper instead of using a fresh sheet. It is considered cheating to just hang on to something until you’re given waste-free days pass, and then throw it out. Toilet paper does not count as garbage; it goes to the wastewater treatment plant, not the landfill. Cigarette butts are exempt from this category as well, because quitting smoking is beyond the scope of this project. However, all butts must be put in the garbage can, not on the ground or out your car window. 2. GARBAGE - Spend each project day producing no waste at all. You will have two waste-free days the first week, then three days the second week and four days for the last week. The idea of reducing your input to landfills follows a certain hierarchy. The best thing is to reduce the amount of garbage you make by simply using less, buying less, and wasting less. The second option is to reuse whatever you can to avoid buying new things that will eventually end up as garbage. Recycling is the last option, to be used only when the first two options fail. So on your waste-free days you must live by these rules, and not contribute anything to the landfill on those days. Even though some types of plastics are recyclable, if you aren't able to recycle a particular type of plastic, it counts as garbage. Make sure you write on both sides of the paper, make copies only when necessary, and use the backs of old paper instead of using a fresh sheet. It is considered cheating to just hang on to something until you're given waste-free days pass, and then throw it out. Toilet paper does not count as garbage; it goes to the wastewater treatment plant, not the landfill. Cigarette butts are exempt from this category as well, because quitting smoking is beyond the scope of this project. However, all butts must be put in the garbage can, not on the ground or out your car window.
3. ELECTRICITY AND WATER - Trim the fat off your excess energy consumption by reducing your water and electricity needs by at least 50%. To do this, you can do the following things: turn the lights off when you're not around; turn on only one light instead of two; study next to a window; leave the TV and the stereo off; cook meals that don't require lots of burners at once or long cooking times; use the microwave instead of the stove or oven; take a shower at half the usual duration; turn the water down in the shower so it's not full blast; take a cooler shower; don't leave the water running while washing, shaving, brushing your teeth, or washing dishes; skip the blow dryer and electric razor; don't use any unnecessary appliances; run the washing machine and dishwasher only when totally full; and hang laundry to dry instead of using the dryer. If you do all of these things it is possible to cut your consumption by 50% or more. The first week, you'll do this on two days, and you will add one more day each week, until you have four days for the last week. 3. ELECTRICITY AND WATER - Trim the fat off your excess energy consumption by reducing your water and electricity needs by at least 50%. To do this, you can do the following things: turn the lights off when you're not around; turn on only one light instead of two; study next to a window; leave the TV and the stereo off; cook meals that don't require lots of burners at once or long cooking times; use the microwave instead of the stove or oven; take a shower at half the usual duration; turn the water down in the shower so it's not full blast; take a cooler shower; don't leave the water running while washing, shaving, brushing your teeth, or washing dishes; skip the blow dryer and electric razor; don't use any unnecessary appliances; run the washing machine and dishwasher only when totally full; and hang laundry to dry instead of using the dryer. If you do all of these things it is possible to cut your consumption by 50 % or more. The first week, you'll do this on two days, and you will add one more day each week, until you have four days for the last week.
4. LEAVE THE CAR AT HOME - Experience the thrill of the outdoors by riding your bike, walking or taking the bus in your daily travels. Hitching a ride with your friends or roommates does reduce the amount of driving, but is also just too easy, so avoid that option unless there are no other alternatives. You will start with two days and increase the number of car-free days per week by one, until you have four days of bike riding (or whatever) during the last week. 4. LEAVE THE CAR AT HOME - Experience the thrill of the outdoors by riding your bike, walking or taking the bus in your daily travels. Hitching a ride with your friends or roommates does reduce the amount of driving, but is also just too easy , so avoid that option unless there are no other alternatives. You will start with two days and increase the number of car-free days per week by one, until you have four days of bike riding (or whatever) during the last week.
5. EAT EFFICIENTLY - The production of meat requires a large amount of water and energy, and also produces considerable waste. Approximately ninety percent of the grain grown in the US is fed to livestock. If you ate the grain crop directly, instead of the livestock, you would be using resources more efficiently. For example, 16 pounds of grain fed to beef cattle produces only one pound of edible meat (Cunningham and Saigo, 1999). The majority of the calorie content is used up by the animal for metabolism. This means that you ingest only about 6% of the original calories produced by the grain crop. Another way of looking at this is by the amount of water required to produce different foods. For example, it takes 160 gallons of water to produce a loaf of bread, but it takes 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef (Cunningham and Saigo, 1999). By reducing the amount of meat that we eat, we can have a smaller environmental impact. So, for your first week, spend two days feasting on healthy and delicious fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, and yes, even cheese doodles; just cut out the meat on these days. Add one vegetarian day each week, until you have four days by the end of the project. You should also be very vigilant about not wasting food during the project. Think of all the resources that go into the production of the food that are wasted if food is thrown out. 5. EAT EFFICIENTLY - The production of meat requires a large amount of water and energy, and also produces considerable waste. Approximately ninety percent of the grain grown in the US is fed to livestock. If you ate the grain crop directly, instead of the livestock, you would be using resources more efficiently. For example, 16 pounds of grain fed to beef cattle produces only one pound of edible meat (Cunningham and Saigo, 1999). The majority of the calorie content is used up by the animal for metabolism . This means that you ingest only about 6% of the original calories produced by the grain crop. Another way of looking at this is by the amount of water required to produce different foods. For example, it takes 160 gallons of water to produce a loaf of bread, but it takes 2500 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef (Cunningham and Saigo, 1999). By reducing the amount of meat that we eat, we can have a smaller environmental impact. So, for your first week, spend two days feasting on healthy and delicious fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, and yes, even cheese doodles; just cut out the meat on these days. Add one vegetarian day each week, until you have four days by the end of the project. You should also be very vigilant about not wasting food during the project. Think of all the resources that go into the production of the food that are wasted if food is thrown out.
Note: If you eat a balanced diet otherwise, you don’t need to worry about getting enough protein without meat. An average adult needs about 40 grams of protein per day (Cunningham and Saigo, 1999). Vegetarian sources of protein include whole grain bread (4 g per slice), beans (7 g per serving), pasta (7 g per serving), peanut butter (7 g per serving) and yogurt (11 g per cup). In any case, you should consult a physician or nutritionist before making changes to your diet or if you have any questions about your ability to complete this aspect of the project. Note: If you eat a balanced diet otherwise, you don't need to worry about getting enough protein without meat. An average adult needs about 40 grams of protein per day (Cunningham and Saigo, 1999). Vegetarian sources of protein include whole grain bread (4 g per slice), beans (7 g per serving), pasta (7 g per serving), peanut butter (7 g per serving) and yogurt (11 g per cup). In any case, you should consult a physician or nutritionist before making changes to your diet or if you have any questions about your ability to complete this aspect of the project.
6. CREATE YOUR OWN CATEGORY - There are many different things that you can do to lessen your impact on the environment or to have a positive effect on the environment. Be creative and come up with your own way of making a difference. You could write letters to your senators, volunteer with the Sierra Club, spend time cleaning up the woods, set up a carpooling system or recycling system in your dorm or workplace, find ways to educate others about the importance of conservation, or change your lifestyle in a way not described in the categories above. Invent your own category and discuss it with your instructor before the project starts. 6. CREATE YOUR OWN CATEGORY - There are many different things that you can do to lessen your impact on the environment or to have a positive effect on the environment. Be creative and come up with your own way of making a difference. You could write letters to your senators, volunteer with the Sierra Club, spend time cleaning up the woods, set up a carpooling system or recycling system in your dorm or workplace, find ways to educate others about the importance of conservation, or change your lifestyle in a way not described in the categories above. Invent your own category and discuss it with your instructor before the project starts.
THE LIFESTYLE PROJECT JOURNAL THE LIFESTYLE PROJECT JOURNAL
The students keep a journal of their activities in the project with one entry for each day of participation. Journal entries include exactly what they did to meet the requirements of the project, such as their thermostat temperature, the length of their showers, their mode of transportation and their diet. Students are also asked to describe how the lifestyle changes affected them. Reading the journals has become one of the highlights of the semester. It’sa real privilege to gain insights into the actions, thoughts, and lives of the students. Often a student will write a long saga about the attempt to make it through 24 hours without producing garbage by avoiding over-wrapped junk food, using a cloth towel instead of paper towels, writing on the back sides of junk mail paper, only to be foiled by a late-night fast food wrapper and a pile of greasy napkins. The journals are collected weekly and returned within two days. The instructor writes plenty of comments, suggestions and encouragement in the journals. Students are encouraged to make the journals themselves environmentally-friendly, so they are often e-mailed, or written on the back sides of scrap paper, or constructed entirely of materials that were destined for the landfill. The journals are also the basis for grading the project. For each week of the project the journals are graded out of 10 points. There is usually a homework assignment added to the project each week, such as calculating the BTUs for shower use or computer time. The weekly grade is based on the completion of the homework assignment and also on the quality of the journal and the degree to which the student is adhering to the project. It is difficult to assign a letter grade for something so subjective, but some criteria include the effort the student puts forth, the depth to which the students describe the details of their project, their sincerity and the commitment they demonstrate. The students keep a journal of their activities in the project with one entry for each day of participation. Journal entries include exactly what they did to meet the requirements of the project, such as their thermostat temperature, the length of their showers, their mode of transportation and their diet. Students are also asked to describe how the lifestyle changes affected them. Reading the journals has become one of the highlights of the semester. It'sa real privilege to gain insights into the actions, thoughts, and lives of the students . Often a student will write a long saga about the attempt to make it through 24 hours without producing garbage by avoiding over-wrapped junk food, using a cloth towel instead of paper towels, writing on the back sides of junk mail paper, only to be foiled by a late-night fast food wrapper and a pile of greasy napkins. The journals are collected weekly and returned within two days. The instructor writes plenty of comments, suggestions and encouragement in the journals. Students are encouraged to make the journals themselves environmentally-friendly, so they are often e-mailed, or written on the back sides of scrap paper, or constructed entirely of materials that were destined for the landfill. The journals are also the basis for grading the project. For each week of the project the journals are graded out of 10 points. There is usually a homework assignment added to the project each week, such as calculating the BTUs for shower use or computer time. The weekly grade is based on the completion of the homework assignment and also on the quality of the journal and the degree to which the student is adhering to the project. It is difficult to assign a letter grade for something so subjective, but some criteria include the effort the student puts forth, the depth to which the students describe the details of their project, their sincerity and the commitment they demonstrate.
THE ACTIVIST PROJECT – ANOTHER PROJECT OPTION THE ACTIVIST PROJECT - ANOTHER PROJECT OPTION
This option is offered to students who are interested in becoming more active in campus environmental issues. The activist project provides an alternate project for students who feel they already lead an environmentally sound lifestyle, or for students that are not interested in changing their personal lifestyle. Students are encouraged to investigate an environmental issue on campus. Examples include junk mail overflowing from campus mailboxes, waste reduction from the dining halls and campus recycling. Before embarking on a project, students meet with the instructor to help them organize their plan and generate solutions. Students use weekly journals to record their plans, meetings, phone calls, and any roadblocks that they encounter. At the completion of the project, students give a short presentation to the class about the results of their efforts. This option is offered to students who are interested in becoming more active in campus environmental issues. The activist project provides an alternate project for students who feel they already lead an environmentally sound lifestyle, or for students that are not interested in changing their personal lifestyle. Students are encouraged to investigate an environmental issue on campus. Examples include junk mail overflowing from campus mailboxes, waste reduction from the dining halls and campus recycling. Before embarking on a project, students meet with the instructor to help them organize their plan and generate solutions . Students use weekly journals to record their plans, meetings, phone calls, and any roadblocks that they encounter. At the completion of the project, students give a short presentation to the class about the results of their efforts.
RESULTS RESULTS
The impact of the project is greater than we could ever have expected. The students don’t realize what they are getting into at the start. It looks easy, but it is not! The most compelling way to illustrate the results of the project are with the students’ words themselves. At the beginning of the project, students reflect on their typical lifestyles, “I love long, hot showers, and I listen to my stereo and watch TV constantly. I leave Christmas lights on in my room most of the time because I don’t like coming home to a dark room.” “My thermostat is usually set at 85 degrees because I am from Florida.” “My car is my life. In two years I put seventy thousand miles on it.” The first week of the project is difficult for students, many of who have never conceived of the idea of conservation until now. “My general mentality was really challenged. I was constantly stopping myself from doing things I do everyday. By the end of the day I was questioning everything I did.” The project challenges the students to come up with new alternatives to their usual habits. “As we were headed to the parking lot to drive downtown I realized it was a project day and I couldn’t use my car. At first I was upset that I couldn’t just do what I wanted, but then I decided to walk and my friends agreed to walk with me. We ended up having a nice walk and just had some time to relax and talk.” The students become suddenly awakened to the impacts of their everyday habits. “It seems impossible to not produce garbage for even one day. At first it didn’t sound like a big deal, but after trying it for just this first day I realized just how much garbage I normally produce! It’s embarrassing!” The impact of the project is greater than we could ever have expected. The students don't realize what they are getting into at the start. It looks easy, but it is not! The most compelling way to illustrate the results of the project are with the students' words themselves. At the beginning of the project, students reflect on their typical lifestyles, "I love long, hot showers, and I listen to my stereo and watch TV constantly. I leave Christmas lights on in my room most of the time because I don't like coming home to a dark room. "" My thermostat is usually set at 85 degrees because I am from Florida. "" My car is my life. In two years I put seventy thousand miles on it. "The first week of the project is difficult for students, many of who have never conceived of the idea of conservation until now." My general mentality was really challenged. I was constantly stopping myself from doing things I do everyday. By the end of the day I was questioning everything I did. "The project challenges the students to come up with new alternatives to their usual habits." As we were headed to the parking lot to drive downtown I realized it was a project day and I couldn't use my car. At first I was upset that I couldn't just do what I wanted, but then I decided to walk and my friends agreed to walk with me. We ended up having a nice walk and just had some time to relax and talk. "The students become suddenly awakened to the impacts of their everyday habits." It seems impossible to not produce garbage for even one day. At first it didn't sound like a big deal, but after trying it for just this first day I realized just how much garbage I normally produce! It's embarrassing! "
As the project continues and becomes more rigorous, students find themselves defining new habits and rituals. “Today I cut my showering time down to four minutes. I As the project continues and becomes more rigorous, students find themselves defining new habits and rituals. "Today I cut my showering time down to four minutes. I
2009年4月21日星期二
Introduction in English to help a country
Germany
The Federal Republic of Germany (German: Bundesrepublik Deutschland (help·info)), or simply Germany (Deutschland), is one of the world's leading industrialised countries. Located in Central Europe, it is bordered to the north by the North Sea, Denmark, and the Baltic Sea, to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic, to the south by Austria and Switzerland, and to the west by France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands. The Federal Republic of Germany (German: Bundesrepublik Deutschland (help info)), or simply Germany (Deutschland), is one of the world's leading industrialised countries. Located in Central Europe, it is bordered to the north by the North Sea, Denmark , and the Baltic Sea, to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic, to the south by Austria and Switzerland, and to the west by France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Germany is a democratic parliamentary federal republic, made up of 16 states called Bundesländer, which in certain spheres act independently of the federation. Historically consisting of several sovereign nations with their own history, culture as well as religion, Germany was unified as a nation state during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870/1871. Germany is a democratic parliamentary federal republic, made up of 16 states called Bundesländer, which in certain spheres act independently of the federation. Historically consisting of several sovereign nations with their own history, culture as well as religion, Germany was unified as a nation state during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870/1871.
The Federal Republic of Germany is a member state of the United Nations, NATO, the G8 and the G4 nations, and is a founding member of the European Union. It is the European Union's most populous and most economically powerful member state. Germany also plays a role as one of the world's major powers. The Federal Republic of Germany is a member state of the United Nations, NATO, the G8 and the G4 nations, and is a founding member of the European Union. It is the European Union's most populous and most economically powerful member state. Germany also plays a role as one of the world's major powers.
United States
The culture of the United States is a Western culture, and has been developing since long before the United States became a country. Its chief early influence was British culture, due to colonial ties with the British that spread the English language, legal system and other cultural inheritances. Other important influences came from other parts of Europe, especially countries from which large numbers immigrated such as Ireland, Germany, Poland, and Italy; the Native American peoples; Africa, especially the western part, from which came the ancestors of most African Americans; and young groups of immigrants. American culture also has shared influence on the cultures of its neighbors in the New World. The culture of the United States is a Western culture, and has been developing since long before the United States became a country. Its chief early influence was British culture, due to colonial ties with the British that spread the English language, legal system and other cultural inheritances. Other important influences came from other parts of Europe, especially countries from which large numbers immigrated such as Ireland, Germany, Poland, and Italy; the Native American peoples; Africa, especially the western part, from which came the ancestors of most African Americans; and young groups of immigrants. American culture also has shared influence on the cultures of its neighbors in the New World.
The United States has traditionally been known as a melting pot, but recent academic opinion is tending towards cultural diversity, pluralism and the image of a salad bowl rather than a melting pot Due to the extent of American culture there are many integrated but unique subcultures within the United States. The strongest influences on American culture came from northern European cultures, most prominently from Germany, Ireland and England. The United States has traditionally been known as a melting pot, but recent academic opinion is tending towards cultural diversity, pluralism and the image of a salad bowl rather than a melting pot Due to the extent of American culture there are many integrated but unique subcultures within the United States. The strongest influences on American culture came from northern European cultures, most prominently from Germany, Ireland and England.
There is a close relationship between America's political and economic traditions. It is widely believed that the individual pursuit of self-interest leads to the best result both for the individual and for society as a whole. It has been a successful formula for both economic success and optimal political function for many. The precise amount of individual economic freedom that Americans should have is often debated, with the (usually relatively slight) differences in opinion marking the major differences between political parties. The end result, however, is that the US economy has become the largest on earth, with most of its citizens enjoying comparatively high living standards. There is a close relationship between America's political and economic traditions. It is widely believed that the individual pursuit of self-interest leads to the best result both for the individual and for society as a whole. It has been a successful formula for both economic success and optimal political function for many. The precise amount of individual economic freedom that Americans should have is often debated, with the (usually relatively slight) differences in opinion marking the major differences between political parties. The end result, however, is that the US economy has become the largest on earth, with most of its citizens enjoying comparatively high living standards.
The fact that the United States is the largest English-speaking marketplace allows firms to compete across the country and to enjoy economies of scale (cost reductions that arise from the huge scale of manufacturing) that reduce prices and benefit consumers. The relatively uniform commercial culture—with many large stores or "chains" operating nationwide—produces a commercial atmosphere that is relatively homogeneous throughout the country. The population of the United States tends to be centered in large cities, in marked contrast to the demographics of a century ago, when the country was quite agrarian. The fact that the United States is the largest English-speaking marketplace allows firms to compete across the country and to enjoy economies of scale (cost reductions that arise from the huge scale of manufacturing) that reduce prices and benefit consumers. The relatively uniform commercial culture -with many large stores or "chains" operating nationwide-produces a commercial atmosphere that is relatively homogeneous throughout the country. The population of the United States tends to be centered in large cities, in marked contrast to the demographics of a century ago, when the country was quite agrarian.
The United States is generally skeptical or hostile toward socialist and communist ideologies, but some of the related movements, such as the labor movement, became a defining part of America's heritage after the New Deal. The American process of Judicial Review caused the United States to be less affected by socialist ideas and policies in the 20th century than was Europe, because the Supreme Court overturned much labor legislation which in the European countries remained law[1]. The McCarthy Era and the Cold War as a whole demonstrated a deeply felt hostility to communism, which, especially at that time, was perceived as anti-individualist, undemocratic, and essentially anti-American. They are also evidenced in aspects of social policy (for example, the absence of a national health care system and the constant controversy about the size and role of the government, especially the federal government, in individuals' lives and in states' laws). The United States is generally skeptical or hostile toward socialist and communist ideologies, but some of the related movements, such as the labor movement, became a defining part of America's heritage after the New Deal. The American process of Judicial Review caused the United States to be less affected by socialist ideas and policies in the 20th century than was Europe, because the Supreme Court overturned much labor legislation which in the European countries remained law [1]. The McCarthy Era and the Cold War as a whole demonstrated a deeply felt hostility to communism, which, especially at that time, was perceived as anti-individualist, undemocratic, and essentially anti-American. They are also evidenced in aspects of social policy (for example, the absence of a national health care system and the constant controversy about the size and role of the government, especially the federal government, in individuals' lives and in states' laws).
The American tradition of free-market capitalism has led the populace (and their leaders) to generally accept the vicissitudes of the free market and the continuous alterations to society that a changing economy implies, although social and economic displacement are common. The result is a flexible, profit-oriented socioeconomic system. The American tradition of free-market capitalism has led the populace (and their leaders) to generally accept the vicissitudes of the free market and the continuous alterations to society that a changing economy implies, although social and economic displacement are common. The result is a flexible, profit-oriented socioeconomic system.
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Relationship to other countries/cultures Relationship to other countries / cultures
Perhaps as a result of being such a large single market / culture, some believe that Americans are relatively insulated and uninterested in the culture or political developments of other countries. America is one of few nations that has resisted changing to the metric system. Comparatively few books from non-English European countries or Asia are translated for sale in the United States. Imported films are generally less successful than domestic. Though there are exceptions, including Japanese anime and the British comedy phenomenon Monty Python, imported television shows are generally rarely successful outside of PBS and Discovery Channel. Remakes of foreign shows are increasingly common, as emphasized by the popularity of the American versions of The Office and Queer as Folk; in these cases, the show is often rewritten and localized with American actors cast in the place of their British counterparts. Relatively few foreign films and television programs produced abroad are broadcast on non-ethnic stations with dubbing or subtitling). The show Survivor was originally a Swedish show called "Robinson" (taking its name from Robinson Crusoe). Perhaps as a result of being such a large single market / culture, some believe that Americans are relatively insulated and uninterested in the culture or political developments of other countries. America is one of few nations that has resisted changing to the metric system. Comparatively few books from non-English European countries or Asia are translated for sale in the United States. Imported films are generally less successful than domestic. Though there are exceptions, including Japanese anime and the British comedy phenomenon Monty Python, imported television shows are generally rarely successful outside of PBS and Discovery Channel. Remakes of foreign shows are increasingly common, as emphasized by the popularity of the American versions of The Office and Queer as Folk; in these cases, the show is often rewritten and localized with American actors cast in the place of their British counterparts. Relatively few foreign films and television programs produced abroad are broadcast on non-ethnic stations with dubbing or subtitling). The show Survivor was originally a Swedish show called "Robinson" (taking its name from Robinson Crusoe).
Americans also tend to travel to other countries less than citizens of European countries, partly because intercontinental travel from the United States typically entails much further distances than for Europeans resulting in much higher costs. The average American worker has fewer vacation days than the average European (10-15 rather than the European average of around 20). America's vast size also enables its citizens to go great distances, and see a variety of places, without leaving the country. For example, one can travel within the continental United States from a near-tropical region (eg Southern Texas) to a frigid region (Minnesota). California offers a large coastline, snow-capped mountains, prairies, and deserts within a single state. Lifestyles, food, and culture also tend to differ within the different regions. Americans also tend to travel to other countries less than citizens of European countries, partly because intercontinental travel from the United States typically entails much further distances than for Europeans resulting in much higher costs. The average American worker has fewer vacation days than the average European ( 10-15 rather than the European average of around 20). America's vast size also enables its citizens to go great distances, and see a variety of places, without leaving the country. For example, one can travel within the continental United States from a near-tropical region (eg Southern Texas) to a frigid region (Minnesota). California offers a large coastline, snow-capped mountains, prairies, and deserts within a single state. Lifestyles, food, and culture also tend to differ within the different regions.
The types of food served at home vary greatly and depend upon the region of the country and the family's own cultural heritage. Recent immigrants tend to eat food similar to that of their country of origin, and Americanized versions of these cultural foods, such as American Chinese cuisine or Italian-American cuisine often eventually appear. German cuisine also had a profound impact on American cuisine, especially the mid-western cuisine, with potatoes and meat being the most iconic ingredients in both cuisines.[2] The types of food served at home vary greatly and depend upon the region of the country and the family's own cultural heritage. Recent immigrants tend to eat food similar to that of their country of origin, and Americanized versions of these cultural foods, such as American Chinese cuisine or Italian-American cuisine often eventually appear. German cuisine also had a profound impact on American cuisine, especially the mid-western cuisine, with potatoes and meat being the most iconic ingredients in both cuisines. [2]
Families that have lived for a few generations in the US tend to eat some combination of that and the food common to the region they live in or grew up in, such as New England cuisine, Midwestern cuisine, Southern cuisine, Tex-Mex cuisine, and Californian cuisine. Families that have lived for a few generations in the US tend to eat some combination of that and the food common to the region they live in or grew up in, such as New England cuisine, Midwestern cuisine, Southern cuisine, Tex-Mex cuisine, and Californian cuisine.
Around the world the United States is perhaps best known for its numerous and successful fast food franchises. Such chains, including McDonald's, Burger King, and Kentucky Fried Chicken are known for selling simply, pre-prepared meals of foods such as hamburgers, French fries, soft drinks, fried chicken, and ice cream. Though undeniably popular, such food, with its emphasis on deep-frying, has been criticized by dietitians in recent decades for being unhealthy and a cause of obesity. It has thus become somewhat of a stereotype to associate American cuisine with obesity and junk food, but in reality fast food represents only a tiny fraction of available American cuisine. Around the world the United States is perhaps best known for its numerous and successful fast food franchises. Such chains, including McDonald's, Burger King, and Kentucky Fried Chicken are known for selling simply, pre-prepared meals of foods such as hamburgers, French fries , soft drinks, fried chicken, and ice cream. Though undeniably popular, such food, with its emphasis on deep-frying, has been criticized by dietitians in recent decades for being unhealthy and a cause of obesity. It has thus become somewhat of a stereotype to associate American cuisine with obesity and junk food, but in reality fast food represents only a tiny fraction of available American cuisine.
American sports are quite distinct from those played elsewhere in the world. The top three spectator team sports are baseball, American football and basketball, which are all popular on both the college and professional levels. Baseball is the oldest of these. The professional game dates from 1869 and had no close rivals in popularity until the 1960s; though baseball is no longer the most popular sport it is still referred to as the "national pastime." Also unlike the professional levels of the other popular spectator sports in the US, Major League Baseball teams play almost every day from April to October. American football (known simply as "football" in the US) attracts more viewers within the country than baseball nowadays; however, National Football League teams play only 16 regular-season games each year, so baseball is the runaway leader in ticket sales. Basketball, invented in Massachusetts by the Canadian-born James Naismith, is another popular sport, represented professionally by the National Basketball Association. American sports are quite distinct from those played elsewhere in the world. The top three spectator team sports are baseball, American football and basketball, which are all popular on both the college and professional levels. Baseball is the oldest of these. The professional game dates from 1869 and had no close rivals in popularity until the 1960s; though baseball is no longer the most popular sport it is still referred to as the "national pastime." Also unlike the professional levels of the other popular spectator sports in the US, Major League Baseball teams play almost every day from April to October. American football (known simply as "football" in the US) attracts more viewers within the country than baseball nowadays; however, National Football League teams play only 16 regular-season games each year , so baseball is the runaway leader in ticket sales. Basketball, invented in Massachusetts by the Canadian-born James Naismith, is another popular sport, represented professionally by the National Basketball Association.
Most residents along the northern tier of states recognize a fourth major sport - ice hockey. Always a mainstay of Great Lakes and New England-area culture, the sport gained tenuous footholds in regions like the Carolinas and Tampa Bay, Florida in recent years, as the National Hockey League pursued a policy of expansion. Most residents along the northern tier of states recognize a fourth major sport - ice hockey. Always a mainstay of Great Lakes and New England-area culture, the sport gained tenuous footholds in regions like the Carolinas and Tampa Bay, Florida in recent years, as the National Hockey League pursued a policy of expansion.
The top tier of stock car auto racing, NASCAR, has grown from a mainly Southern sport to the second-most-watched sport in the US behind football. It has largely outgrown a previously provincial image; it is now avidly followed by fans in all socioeconomic groups and NASCAR sponsorships in the premier Nextel Cup division are highly sought after by hundreds of the US's largest corporations. The top tier of stock car auto racing, NASCAR, has grown from a mainly Southern sport to the second-most-watched sport in the US behind football. It has largely outgrown a previously provincial image; it is now avidly followed by fans in all socioeconomic groups and NASCAR sponsorships in the premier Nextel Cup division are highly sought after by hundreds of the US's largest corporations.
Unlike in Europe, Africa, and Latin America, soccer has a relatively small following, and is mostly popular in the more international cities with large immigrant populations, like New York and Los Angeles. Generally few non-Hispanic American adults appear to be attracted to soccer as spectators, but the sport is widely played by children of affluent backgrounds (giving rise to the "soccer mom" stereotype). Dramatic growth in youth participation has fueled the national team's steady rise in caliber of play over the last two decades of the 20th century and the 2000s. Almost as many girls as boys play youth soccer in the US, contributing to the women's national team becoming one of the world's premier women's sides. Unlike in Europe, Africa, and Latin America, soccer has a relatively small following, and is mostly popular in the more international cities with large immigrant populations, like New York and Los Angeles. Generally few non-Hispanic American adults appear to be attracted to soccer as spectators, but the sport is widely played by children of affluent backgrounds (giving rise to the "soccer mom" stereotype). Dramatic growth in youth participation has fueled the national team's steady rise in caliber of play over the last two decades of the 20th century and the 2000s. Almost as many girls as boys play youth soccer in the US, contributing to the women's national team becoming one of the world's premier women's sides.
The extent in America to which sports are associated with secondary and tertiary education is unique among nations. In basketball and football, high school and particularly college sports are followed with a fervor equaling or exceeding that felt for professional sports; college football games can draw six-digit crowds, many prominent high school football teams have stadiums that seat tens of thousands of spectators, and the college basketball championship tournament played in March draws enormous attention. For upper-tier schools, sports are a significant source of revenue. Though student athletes may be held to significantly lower academic requirements than non-athletes at many large universities, minimum standards do exist. The extent in America to which sports are associated with secondary and tertiary education is unique among nations. In basketball and football, high school and particularly college sports are followed with a fervor equaling or exceeding that felt for professional sports; college football games can draw six -digit crowds, many prominent high school football teams have stadiums that seat tens of thousands of spectators, and the college basketball championship tournament played in March draws enormous attention. For upper-tier schools, sports are a significant source of revenue. Though student athletes may be held to significantly lower academic requirements than non-athletes at many large universities, minimum standards do exist.
The primary, although not official, language of the United States is English. According to the 2000 US Census, more than 97% of Americans can speak English well, and for 81% of the population, it is the only language spoken at home. The primary, although not official, language of the United States is English. According to the 2000 US Census, more than 97% of Americans can speak English well, and for 81% of the population, it is the only language spoken at home.
Other languages that are considered to be important to US culture include: Other languages that are considered to be important to US culture include:
Spanish because of the proximity of and immigration from Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries of the Caribbean and Central and South America, as well as the cultural crossover of the borderlands, Spanish because of the proximity of and immigration from Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries of the Caribbean and Central and South America, as well as the cultural crossover of the borderlands,
the native Hawaiian language, and other native languages with large numbers of speakers (like Navajo) the native Hawaiian language, and other native languages with large numbers of speakers (like Navajo)
Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog (Filipino language) due to immigration from the countries where those languages are spoken, and Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog (Filipino language) due to immigration from the countries where those languages are spoken, and
French, in Louisiana (a former French colony, where Cajun French is spoken), and in northern New England, home to many French Canadian immigrants in the past and which is also influenced by neighboring Acadian-Canadian culture. French, in Louisiana (a former French colony, where Cajun French is spoken), and in northern New England, home to many French Canadian immigrants in the past and which is also influenced by neighboring Acadian-Canadian culture.
There are more than 300 languages besides English which can claim native speakers in the United States--some of which are spoken by the indigenous peoples (about 150 living languages) and others which were imported by immigrants. Creoles native to the United States include Gullah and Cajun, both spoken in the Southeast. American Sign Language, used mainly by the deaf, is also native to the country. There are more than 300 languages besides English which can claim native speakers in the United States - some of which are spoken by the indigenous peoples (about 150 living languages) and others which were imported by immigrants. Creoles native to the United States include Gullah and Cajun, both spoken in the Southeast. American Sign Language, used mainly by the deaf, is also native to the country.
There are four major regional dialects in the United States--northeastern, south, inland north and midlands. The Midlands accent (considered the "standard accent" in the United States, and analogous in some respects to the received pronunciation elsewhere in the English-speaking world) extends from what were once the "Middle Colonies" across the Midwest to the There are four major regional dialects in the United States - northeastern, south, inland north and midlands. The Midlands accent (considered the "standard accent" in the United States, and analogous in some respects to the received pronunciation elsewhere in the English - speaking world) extends from what were once the "Middle Colonies" across the Midwest to the
Historically, the United States' religious tradition has been dominated by Protestant Christianity, but this tradition coexists in a public sphere where religious plurality and secularism are the norm. For example, the United States Constitution enshrined individual freedom of religious practice, which courts have since interpreted to mean that the government is a secular institution, an idea called "separation of church and state". Historically, the United States' religious tradition has been dominated by Protestant Christianity, but this tradition coexists in a public sphere where religious plurality and secularism are the norm. For example, the United States Constitution enshrined individual freedom of religious practice, which courts have since interpreted to mean that the government is a secular institution, an idea called "separation of church and state".
While the many Christian sects have the most adherents, many other faiths are also popular and growing in numbers. No one religion holds sway over the entirety of the population. "Culture wars" often have roots in religious differences, but religious violence is virtually nonexistent and roundly condemned by religious as well as non-religious individuals. US people as a whole attend religious services more often than do their peers in most Northern European countries. In fact, the US is rare among industrialized nations in that most of its citizens consider themselves religious. It is not, however, as religious as many of its neighbors in the New World. While the many Christian sects have the most adherents, many other faiths are also popular and growing in numbers. No one religion holds sway over the entirety of the population. "Culture wars" often have roots in religious differences, but religious violence is virtually nonexistent and roundly condemned by religious as well as non-religious individuals. US people as a whole attend religious services more often than do their peers in most Northern European countries. In fact, the US is rare among industrialized nations in that most of its citizens consider themselves religious. It is not, however, as religious as many of its neighbors in the New World.
According to the 2001 American Religious Identity Survey (ARIS), 76.5% of United States residents, or 159 million people, identify themselves as Christians; 13.2% or 27.5 million identify as non-religious or secular. Other faiths represented include the 1.3% (or 2.8 million) of US people who identify themselves as Jewish; 0.5% (1 million) who identify themselves as Muslim; 0.5% (1 million) who identify themselves as Buddhists; 0.5% (991,000) who identify as agnostic; 0.4% (902,000) who identify as atheist; 0.4% (766,000) identify as Hindu; and 0.3% (629,000) who identify as Unitarian Universalist. According to the 2001 American Religious Identity Survey (ARIS), 76.5% of United States residents, or 159 million people, identify themselves as Christians; 13.2% or 27.5 million identify as non-religious or secular. Other faiths represented include the 1.3% ( or 2.8 million) of US people who identify themselves as Jewish; 0.5% (1 million) who identify themselves as Muslim; 0.5% (1 million) who identify themselves as Buddhists; 0.5% (991000) who identify as agnostic; 0.4% ( 902000) who identify as atheist; 0.4% (766000) identify as Hindu; and 0.3% (629000) who identify as Unitarian Universalist.
According to the same study, the major Christian denominations (making up the vast majority of faiths actively practiced in the United States) are (in order): Roman Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Pentecostal (aka Charismatic or Evangelical), Episcopalian, Latter-Day Saints, Church of Christ, and Congregational. According to the same study, the major Christian denominations (making up the vast majority of faiths actively practiced in the United States) are (in order): Roman Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Pentecostal (aka Charismatic or Evangelical), Episcopalian, Latter-Day Saints, Church of Christ, and Congregational.
According to other studies, as reported by the Statistical Abstract of the United States, Americans' self-reported religious affiliations are 56% Protestant, 27% Roman Catholic, 2% Judaism, 1% Orthodox Christianity, 1% Mormon faith, 5% "other specific" religion, and 8% "other" or "did not designate." Some 68% of Americans are members of a place of worship, and 44% attend that place of worship regularly. According to other studies, as reported by the Statistical Abstract of the United States, Americans' self-reported religious affiliations are 56% Protestant, 27% Roman Catholic, 2% Judaism, 1% Orthodox Christianity, 1% Mormon faith, 5% " other specific "religion, and 8%" other "or" did not designate. "Some 68% of Americans are members of a place of worship, and 44% attend that place of worship regularly.
The Federal Republic of Germany (German: Bundesrepublik Deutschland (help·info)), or simply Germany (Deutschland), is one of the world's leading industrialised countries. Located in Central Europe, it is bordered to the north by the North Sea, Denmark, and the Baltic Sea, to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic, to the south by Austria and Switzerland, and to the west by France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands. The Federal Republic of Germany (German: Bundesrepublik Deutschland (help info)), or simply Germany (Deutschland), is one of the world's leading industrialised countries. Located in Central Europe, it is bordered to the north by the North Sea, Denmark , and the Baltic Sea, to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic, to the south by Austria and Switzerland, and to the west by France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Germany is a democratic parliamentary federal republic, made up of 16 states called Bundesländer, which in certain spheres act independently of the federation. Historically consisting of several sovereign nations with their own history, culture as well as religion, Germany was unified as a nation state during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870/1871. Germany is a democratic parliamentary federal republic, made up of 16 states called Bundesländer, which in certain spheres act independently of the federation. Historically consisting of several sovereign nations with their own history, culture as well as religion, Germany was unified as a nation state during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870/1871.
The Federal Republic of Germany is a member state of the United Nations, NATO, the G8 and the G4 nations, and is a founding member of the European Union. It is the European Union's most populous and most economically powerful member state. Germany also plays a role as one of the world's major powers. The Federal Republic of Germany is a member state of the United Nations, NATO, the G8 and the G4 nations, and is a founding member of the European Union. It is the European Union's most populous and most economically powerful member state. Germany also plays a role as one of the world's major powers.
United States
The culture of the United States is a Western culture, and has been developing since long before the United States became a country. Its chief early influence was British culture, due to colonial ties with the British that spread the English language, legal system and other cultural inheritances. Other important influences came from other parts of Europe, especially countries from which large numbers immigrated such as Ireland, Germany, Poland, and Italy; the Native American peoples; Africa, especially the western part, from which came the ancestors of most African Americans; and young groups of immigrants. American culture also has shared influence on the cultures of its neighbors in the New World. The culture of the United States is a Western culture, and has been developing since long before the United States became a country. Its chief early influence was British culture, due to colonial ties with the British that spread the English language, legal system and other cultural inheritances. Other important influences came from other parts of Europe, especially countries from which large numbers immigrated such as Ireland, Germany, Poland, and Italy; the Native American peoples; Africa, especially the western part, from which came the ancestors of most African Americans; and young groups of immigrants. American culture also has shared influence on the cultures of its neighbors in the New World.
The United States has traditionally been known as a melting pot, but recent academic opinion is tending towards cultural diversity, pluralism and the image of a salad bowl rather than a melting pot Due to the extent of American culture there are many integrated but unique subcultures within the United States. The strongest influences on American culture came from northern European cultures, most prominently from Germany, Ireland and England. The United States has traditionally been known as a melting pot, but recent academic opinion is tending towards cultural diversity, pluralism and the image of a salad bowl rather than a melting pot Due to the extent of American culture there are many integrated but unique subcultures within the United States. The strongest influences on American culture came from northern European cultures, most prominently from Germany, Ireland and England.
There is a close relationship between America's political and economic traditions. It is widely believed that the individual pursuit of self-interest leads to the best result both for the individual and for society as a whole. It has been a successful formula for both economic success and optimal political function for many. The precise amount of individual economic freedom that Americans should have is often debated, with the (usually relatively slight) differences in opinion marking the major differences between political parties. The end result, however, is that the US economy has become the largest on earth, with most of its citizens enjoying comparatively high living standards. There is a close relationship between America's political and economic traditions. It is widely believed that the individual pursuit of self-interest leads to the best result both for the individual and for society as a whole. It has been a successful formula for both economic success and optimal political function for many. The precise amount of individual economic freedom that Americans should have is often debated, with the (usually relatively slight) differences in opinion marking the major differences between political parties. The end result, however, is that the US economy has become the largest on earth, with most of its citizens enjoying comparatively high living standards.
The fact that the United States is the largest English-speaking marketplace allows firms to compete across the country and to enjoy economies of scale (cost reductions that arise from the huge scale of manufacturing) that reduce prices and benefit consumers. The relatively uniform commercial culture—with many large stores or "chains" operating nationwide—produces a commercial atmosphere that is relatively homogeneous throughout the country. The population of the United States tends to be centered in large cities, in marked contrast to the demographics of a century ago, when the country was quite agrarian. The fact that the United States is the largest English-speaking marketplace allows firms to compete across the country and to enjoy economies of scale (cost reductions that arise from the huge scale of manufacturing) that reduce prices and benefit consumers. The relatively uniform commercial culture -with many large stores or "chains" operating nationwide-produces a commercial atmosphere that is relatively homogeneous throughout the country. The population of the United States tends to be centered in large cities, in marked contrast to the demographics of a century ago, when the country was quite agrarian.
The United States is generally skeptical or hostile toward socialist and communist ideologies, but some of the related movements, such as the labor movement, became a defining part of America's heritage after the New Deal. The American process of Judicial Review caused the United States to be less affected by socialist ideas and policies in the 20th century than was Europe, because the Supreme Court overturned much labor legislation which in the European countries remained law[1]. The McCarthy Era and the Cold War as a whole demonstrated a deeply felt hostility to communism, which, especially at that time, was perceived as anti-individualist, undemocratic, and essentially anti-American. They are also evidenced in aspects of social policy (for example, the absence of a national health care system and the constant controversy about the size and role of the government, especially the federal government, in individuals' lives and in states' laws). The United States is generally skeptical or hostile toward socialist and communist ideologies, but some of the related movements, such as the labor movement, became a defining part of America's heritage after the New Deal. The American process of Judicial Review caused the United States to be less affected by socialist ideas and policies in the 20th century than was Europe, because the Supreme Court overturned much labor legislation which in the European countries remained law [1]. The McCarthy Era and the Cold War as a whole demonstrated a deeply felt hostility to communism, which, especially at that time, was perceived as anti-individualist, undemocratic, and essentially anti-American. They are also evidenced in aspects of social policy (for example, the absence of a national health care system and the constant controversy about the size and role of the government, especially the federal government, in individuals' lives and in states' laws).
The American tradition of free-market capitalism has led the populace (and their leaders) to generally accept the vicissitudes of the free market and the continuous alterations to society that a changing economy implies, although social and economic displacement are common. The result is a flexible, profit-oriented socioeconomic system. The American tradition of free-market capitalism has led the populace (and their leaders) to generally accept the vicissitudes of the free market and the continuous alterations to society that a changing economy implies, although social and economic displacement are common. The result is a flexible, profit-oriented socioeconomic system.
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Relationship to other countries/cultures Relationship to other countries / cultures
Perhaps as a result of being such a large single market / culture, some believe that Americans are relatively insulated and uninterested in the culture or political developments of other countries. America is one of few nations that has resisted changing to the metric system. Comparatively few books from non-English European countries or Asia are translated for sale in the United States. Imported films are generally less successful than domestic. Though there are exceptions, including Japanese anime and the British comedy phenomenon Monty Python, imported television shows are generally rarely successful outside of PBS and Discovery Channel. Remakes of foreign shows are increasingly common, as emphasized by the popularity of the American versions of The Office and Queer as Folk; in these cases, the show is often rewritten and localized with American actors cast in the place of their British counterparts. Relatively few foreign films and television programs produced abroad are broadcast on non-ethnic stations with dubbing or subtitling). The show Survivor was originally a Swedish show called "Robinson" (taking its name from Robinson Crusoe). Perhaps as a result of being such a large single market / culture, some believe that Americans are relatively insulated and uninterested in the culture or political developments of other countries. America is one of few nations that has resisted changing to the metric system. Comparatively few books from non-English European countries or Asia are translated for sale in the United States. Imported films are generally less successful than domestic. Though there are exceptions, including Japanese anime and the British comedy phenomenon Monty Python, imported television shows are generally rarely successful outside of PBS and Discovery Channel. Remakes of foreign shows are increasingly common, as emphasized by the popularity of the American versions of The Office and Queer as Folk; in these cases, the show is often rewritten and localized with American actors cast in the place of their British counterparts. Relatively few foreign films and television programs produced abroad are broadcast on non-ethnic stations with dubbing or subtitling). The show Survivor was originally a Swedish show called "Robinson" (taking its name from Robinson Crusoe).
Americans also tend to travel to other countries less than citizens of European countries, partly because intercontinental travel from the United States typically entails much further distances than for Europeans resulting in much higher costs. The average American worker has fewer vacation days than the average European (10-15 rather than the European average of around 20). America's vast size also enables its citizens to go great distances, and see a variety of places, without leaving the country. For example, one can travel within the continental United States from a near-tropical region (eg Southern Texas) to a frigid region (Minnesota). California offers a large coastline, snow-capped mountains, prairies, and deserts within a single state. Lifestyles, food, and culture also tend to differ within the different regions. Americans also tend to travel to other countries less than citizens of European countries, partly because intercontinental travel from the United States typically entails much further distances than for Europeans resulting in much higher costs. The average American worker has fewer vacation days than the average European ( 10-15 rather than the European average of around 20). America's vast size also enables its citizens to go great distances, and see a variety of places, without leaving the country. For example, one can travel within the continental United States from a near-tropical region (eg Southern Texas) to a frigid region (Minnesota). California offers a large coastline, snow-capped mountains, prairies, and deserts within a single state. Lifestyles, food, and culture also tend to differ within the different regions.
The types of food served at home vary greatly and depend upon the region of the country and the family's own cultural heritage. Recent immigrants tend to eat food similar to that of their country of origin, and Americanized versions of these cultural foods, such as American Chinese cuisine or Italian-American cuisine often eventually appear. German cuisine also had a profound impact on American cuisine, especially the mid-western cuisine, with potatoes and meat being the most iconic ingredients in both cuisines.[2] The types of food served at home vary greatly and depend upon the region of the country and the family's own cultural heritage. Recent immigrants tend to eat food similar to that of their country of origin, and Americanized versions of these cultural foods, such as American Chinese cuisine or Italian-American cuisine often eventually appear. German cuisine also had a profound impact on American cuisine, especially the mid-western cuisine, with potatoes and meat being the most iconic ingredients in both cuisines. [2]
Families that have lived for a few generations in the US tend to eat some combination of that and the food common to the region they live in or grew up in, such as New England cuisine, Midwestern cuisine, Southern cuisine, Tex-Mex cuisine, and Californian cuisine. Families that have lived for a few generations in the US tend to eat some combination of that and the food common to the region they live in or grew up in, such as New England cuisine, Midwestern cuisine, Southern cuisine, Tex-Mex cuisine, and Californian cuisine.
Around the world the United States is perhaps best known for its numerous and successful fast food franchises. Such chains, including McDonald's, Burger King, and Kentucky Fried Chicken are known for selling simply, pre-prepared meals of foods such as hamburgers, French fries, soft drinks, fried chicken, and ice cream. Though undeniably popular, such food, with its emphasis on deep-frying, has been criticized by dietitians in recent decades for being unhealthy and a cause of obesity. It has thus become somewhat of a stereotype to associate American cuisine with obesity and junk food, but in reality fast food represents only a tiny fraction of available American cuisine. Around the world the United States is perhaps best known for its numerous and successful fast food franchises. Such chains, including McDonald's, Burger King, and Kentucky Fried Chicken are known for selling simply, pre-prepared meals of foods such as hamburgers, French fries , soft drinks, fried chicken, and ice cream. Though undeniably popular, such food, with its emphasis on deep-frying, has been criticized by dietitians in recent decades for being unhealthy and a cause of obesity. It has thus become somewhat of a stereotype to associate American cuisine with obesity and junk food, but in reality fast food represents only a tiny fraction of available American cuisine.
American sports are quite distinct from those played elsewhere in the world. The top three spectator team sports are baseball, American football and basketball, which are all popular on both the college and professional levels. Baseball is the oldest of these. The professional game dates from 1869 and had no close rivals in popularity until the 1960s; though baseball is no longer the most popular sport it is still referred to as the "national pastime." Also unlike the professional levels of the other popular spectator sports in the US, Major League Baseball teams play almost every day from April to October. American football (known simply as "football" in the US) attracts more viewers within the country than baseball nowadays; however, National Football League teams play only 16 regular-season games each year, so baseball is the runaway leader in ticket sales. Basketball, invented in Massachusetts by the Canadian-born James Naismith, is another popular sport, represented professionally by the National Basketball Association. American sports are quite distinct from those played elsewhere in the world. The top three spectator team sports are baseball, American football and basketball, which are all popular on both the college and professional levels. Baseball is the oldest of these. The professional game dates from 1869 and had no close rivals in popularity until the 1960s; though baseball is no longer the most popular sport it is still referred to as the "national pastime." Also unlike the professional levels of the other popular spectator sports in the US, Major League Baseball teams play almost every day from April to October. American football (known simply as "football" in the US) attracts more viewers within the country than baseball nowadays; however, National Football League teams play only 16 regular-season games each year , so baseball is the runaway leader in ticket sales. Basketball, invented in Massachusetts by the Canadian-born James Naismith, is another popular sport, represented professionally by the National Basketball Association.
Most residents along the northern tier of states recognize a fourth major sport - ice hockey. Always a mainstay of Great Lakes and New England-area culture, the sport gained tenuous footholds in regions like the Carolinas and Tampa Bay, Florida in recent years, as the National Hockey League pursued a policy of expansion. Most residents along the northern tier of states recognize a fourth major sport - ice hockey. Always a mainstay of Great Lakes and New England-area culture, the sport gained tenuous footholds in regions like the Carolinas and Tampa Bay, Florida in recent years, as the National Hockey League pursued a policy of expansion.
The top tier of stock car auto racing, NASCAR, has grown from a mainly Southern sport to the second-most-watched sport in the US behind football. It has largely outgrown a previously provincial image; it is now avidly followed by fans in all socioeconomic groups and NASCAR sponsorships in the premier Nextel Cup division are highly sought after by hundreds of the US's largest corporations. The top tier of stock car auto racing, NASCAR, has grown from a mainly Southern sport to the second-most-watched sport in the US behind football. It has largely outgrown a previously provincial image; it is now avidly followed by fans in all socioeconomic groups and NASCAR sponsorships in the premier Nextel Cup division are highly sought after by hundreds of the US's largest corporations.
Unlike in Europe, Africa, and Latin America, soccer has a relatively small following, and is mostly popular in the more international cities with large immigrant populations, like New York and Los Angeles. Generally few non-Hispanic American adults appear to be attracted to soccer as spectators, but the sport is widely played by children of affluent backgrounds (giving rise to the "soccer mom" stereotype). Dramatic growth in youth participation has fueled the national team's steady rise in caliber of play over the last two decades of the 20th century and the 2000s. Almost as many girls as boys play youth soccer in the US, contributing to the women's national team becoming one of the world's premier women's sides. Unlike in Europe, Africa, and Latin America, soccer has a relatively small following, and is mostly popular in the more international cities with large immigrant populations, like New York and Los Angeles. Generally few non-Hispanic American adults appear to be attracted to soccer as spectators, but the sport is widely played by children of affluent backgrounds (giving rise to the "soccer mom" stereotype). Dramatic growth in youth participation has fueled the national team's steady rise in caliber of play over the last two decades of the 20th century and the 2000s. Almost as many girls as boys play youth soccer in the US, contributing to the women's national team becoming one of the world's premier women's sides.
The extent in America to which sports are associated with secondary and tertiary education is unique among nations. In basketball and football, high school and particularly college sports are followed with a fervor equaling or exceeding that felt for professional sports; college football games can draw six-digit crowds, many prominent high school football teams have stadiums that seat tens of thousands of spectators, and the college basketball championship tournament played in March draws enormous attention. For upper-tier schools, sports are a significant source of revenue. Though student athletes may be held to significantly lower academic requirements than non-athletes at many large universities, minimum standards do exist. The extent in America to which sports are associated with secondary and tertiary education is unique among nations. In basketball and football, high school and particularly college sports are followed with a fervor equaling or exceeding that felt for professional sports; college football games can draw six -digit crowds, many prominent high school football teams have stadiums that seat tens of thousands of spectators, and the college basketball championship tournament played in March draws enormous attention. For upper-tier schools, sports are a significant source of revenue. Though student athletes may be held to significantly lower academic requirements than non-athletes at many large universities, minimum standards do exist.
The primary, although not official, language of the United States is English. According to the 2000 US Census, more than 97% of Americans can speak English well, and for 81% of the population, it is the only language spoken at home. The primary, although not official, language of the United States is English. According to the 2000 US Census, more than 97% of Americans can speak English well, and for 81% of the population, it is the only language spoken at home.
Other languages that are considered to be important to US culture include: Other languages that are considered to be important to US culture include:
Spanish because of the proximity of and immigration from Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries of the Caribbean and Central and South America, as well as the cultural crossover of the borderlands, Spanish because of the proximity of and immigration from Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries of the Caribbean and Central and South America, as well as the cultural crossover of the borderlands,
the native Hawaiian language, and other native languages with large numbers of speakers (like Navajo) the native Hawaiian language, and other native languages with large numbers of speakers (like Navajo)
Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog (Filipino language) due to immigration from the countries where those languages are spoken, and Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog (Filipino language) due to immigration from the countries where those languages are spoken, and
French, in Louisiana (a former French colony, where Cajun French is spoken), and in northern New England, home to many French Canadian immigrants in the past and which is also influenced by neighboring Acadian-Canadian culture. French, in Louisiana (a former French colony, where Cajun French is spoken), and in northern New England, home to many French Canadian immigrants in the past and which is also influenced by neighboring Acadian-Canadian culture.
There are more than 300 languages besides English which can claim native speakers in the United States--some of which are spoken by the indigenous peoples (about 150 living languages) and others which were imported by immigrants. Creoles native to the United States include Gullah and Cajun, both spoken in the Southeast. American Sign Language, used mainly by the deaf, is also native to the country. There are more than 300 languages besides English which can claim native speakers in the United States - some of which are spoken by the indigenous peoples (about 150 living languages) and others which were imported by immigrants. Creoles native to the United States include Gullah and Cajun, both spoken in the Southeast. American Sign Language, used mainly by the deaf, is also native to the country.
There are four major regional dialects in the United States--northeastern, south, inland north and midlands. The Midlands accent (considered the "standard accent" in the United States, and analogous in some respects to the received pronunciation elsewhere in the English-speaking world) extends from what were once the "Middle Colonies" across the Midwest to the There are four major regional dialects in the United States - northeastern, south, inland north and midlands. The Midlands accent (considered the "standard accent" in the United States, and analogous in some respects to the received pronunciation elsewhere in the English - speaking world) extends from what were once the "Middle Colonies" across the Midwest to the
Historically, the United States' religious tradition has been dominated by Protestant Christianity, but this tradition coexists in a public sphere where religious plurality and secularism are the norm. For example, the United States Constitution enshrined individual freedom of religious practice, which courts have since interpreted to mean that the government is a secular institution, an idea called "separation of church and state". Historically, the United States' religious tradition has been dominated by Protestant Christianity, but this tradition coexists in a public sphere where religious plurality and secularism are the norm. For example, the United States Constitution enshrined individual freedom of religious practice, which courts have since interpreted to mean that the government is a secular institution, an idea called "separation of church and state".
While the many Christian sects have the most adherents, many other faiths are also popular and growing in numbers. No one religion holds sway over the entirety of the population. "Culture wars" often have roots in religious differences, but religious violence is virtually nonexistent and roundly condemned by religious as well as non-religious individuals. US people as a whole attend religious services more often than do their peers in most Northern European countries. In fact, the US is rare among industrialized nations in that most of its citizens consider themselves religious. It is not, however, as religious as many of its neighbors in the New World. While the many Christian sects have the most adherents, many other faiths are also popular and growing in numbers. No one religion holds sway over the entirety of the population. "Culture wars" often have roots in religious differences, but religious violence is virtually nonexistent and roundly condemned by religious as well as non-religious individuals. US people as a whole attend religious services more often than do their peers in most Northern European countries. In fact, the US is rare among industrialized nations in that most of its citizens consider themselves religious. It is not, however, as religious as many of its neighbors in the New World.
According to the 2001 American Religious Identity Survey (ARIS), 76.5% of United States residents, or 159 million people, identify themselves as Christians; 13.2% or 27.5 million identify as non-religious or secular. Other faiths represented include the 1.3% (or 2.8 million) of US people who identify themselves as Jewish; 0.5% (1 million) who identify themselves as Muslim; 0.5% (1 million) who identify themselves as Buddhists; 0.5% (991,000) who identify as agnostic; 0.4% (902,000) who identify as atheist; 0.4% (766,000) identify as Hindu; and 0.3% (629,000) who identify as Unitarian Universalist. According to the 2001 American Religious Identity Survey (ARIS), 76.5% of United States residents, or 159 million people, identify themselves as Christians; 13.2% or 27.5 million identify as non-religious or secular. Other faiths represented include the 1.3% ( or 2.8 million) of US people who identify themselves as Jewish; 0.5% (1 million) who identify themselves as Muslim; 0.5% (1 million) who identify themselves as Buddhists; 0.5% (991000) who identify as agnostic; 0.4% ( 902000) who identify as atheist; 0.4% (766000) identify as Hindu; and 0.3% (629000) who identify as Unitarian Universalist.
According to the same study, the major Christian denominations (making up the vast majority of faiths actively practiced in the United States) are (in order): Roman Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Pentecostal (aka Charismatic or Evangelical), Episcopalian, Latter-Day Saints, Church of Christ, and Congregational. According to the same study, the major Christian denominations (making up the vast majority of faiths actively practiced in the United States) are (in order): Roman Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Pentecostal (aka Charismatic or Evangelical), Episcopalian, Latter-Day Saints, Church of Christ, and Congregational.
According to other studies, as reported by the Statistical Abstract of the United States, Americans' self-reported religious affiliations are 56% Protestant, 27% Roman Catholic, 2% Judaism, 1% Orthodox Christianity, 1% Mormon faith, 5% "other specific" religion, and 8% "other" or "did not designate." Some 68% of Americans are members of a place of worship, and 44% attend that place of worship regularly. According to other studies, as reported by the Statistical Abstract of the United States, Americans' self-reported religious affiliations are 56% Protestant, 27% Roman Catholic, 2% Judaism, 1% Orthodox Christianity, 1% Mormon faith, 5% " other specific "religion, and 8%" other "or" did not designate. "Some 68% of Americans are members of a place of worship, and 44% attend that place of worship regularly.
Has been resolved Is there too much junk food available? Is there too much junk food available?
IS answer No,people must eat less junk food.Because they are not good for health. No, people must eat less junk food.Because they are not good for health.
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