Sunday, October 17, 2010

Symbiosis

Birds, like every other living organism, require a habitat suited to their needs. The needs of most bird species consist of materials such as pine needles, thorns and twigs to create a nest along with a branch of tree to rest the nest. In this case, blue jay birds are staying in an apple tree. Both birds and trees are biotic factors meaning they are living. The relationships between these organisms and plant is an example of commensalism. Commensalism is the symbiotic interactions between two species in which one of the species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed. The blue jays are profiting by having an area to build their home and collect meals on account of the apples, yet the tree is not affected. If the birds were to peck at the wood, therefore damaging the tree, the symbiotic relationship might be considered parasitism. However, parasitism is precisely the interaction between two living animals not just any species so birds living on a tree actually isn't accurate. A better example of parasitism would be ticks dwelling on a host animal and sucking the animals blood for its own health. Mutualism is when both species benefits from their communication. If the birds consume bugs while pecking at the wood, then the tree would be aided along with the birds undoubtedly resulting in mutualism.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Abiotic Limiting Factor

This picture displays an abiotic factor because the glow from the moon came from sunlight behind it. Sunlight is not living because it doesn't go through the life process. Whereas plants and animals reproduce and grow, moonlight does not. As the earth changes, the moisture and energy affects the shine of the moon by weakening it as it ages.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Lit. Poems

"Black"
Snow is white,
Purple is star light; Black is the cause
For everyone to fight.
.
Nazi signs are red,
Green is pea soup;
Rudy fell in black
That smelt like cow poop.
.
Hair is yellow,
Silver is Han's eyes;
Black is a soul
That missed out on its goodbyes.
.
"They're Not All Bad"
Adolf Hitler
Tenacious, Expedient
Belittling, Incapacitating, Embroiling
Culpable, Complacent, Non-autonomous, Emaciated
Extolling, Alleviating, Acquiescing
Innocuous, Provincial
Ordinary Germans

Monday, May 10, 2010

Big Idol or Boring Freidel?

Recently I have been on a field trip to the Camden Aquarium. I have been privileged to visit the same building the two previous years, in addition. There, I witnessed and learned of many underwater species and habitats. Two that very much surprised me were Penguin Island and the hippos at Feather Ridge. When my chaperon asked my group and I, "Where do you want to go next?" there was no hesitation on stating, "PENGUINS!" However, the tap dance stylings we assumed to attend did not live up to expectations. The frosty little furball's we were hallucinating actually turned out to be tropical foreigners. Out of the seventeen species of penguins, only seven of them live in stereotypical cold climates. My group and I set eyes upon many African Black-footed penguins, but we were not over joyed. Despite penguins known attractions; the waddle-walk, skillful swim, and dandy outfits these adorable animals felt no desire to show off that day. . . or any of the other days I visited the Camden Aquarium. What do they do besides look cute? They are said to be swell fish, but they are birds that can't even fly! Climate played no role in this lack of excitement because the native land of African Black-footed penguins consist of similar weather patterns. Well one thing is for sure, if I were to get a penguin of any type, id take it dance class. Another land and sea creature I was curious of were the hippopotamus's. Not including the dreadful scent captured inside Feather Ridge, there was nothing too memorable about the hippopotamus's. I was very expectant of these suppose-to-be ferocious creatures, yet out of three times I have been to the Adventure Aquarium, I have walked in during nap time. Is it old age? Is it the substitutional environment? Why are they so boring? After doing research on the cause of hippo's lack of excitement, I learned that hippos have very unique skin that takes a good part of the day to moisturize. So due to this information, hippopotamus's tend to spend most of their day relaxing in the water. At night however, hippos go for a mid night feast. A LONG midnight feast. They graze typically for six hours, chowing down to 1.5% of their body weight. That's 88 pounds on average. Much like the everyday teenager, hippos live to eat and sleep and not much more. My adventure at Adventure Aquarium was a fabulous one, but not an overly exciting one. The cause for this was flightless birds and dehydrated hippo's. Maybe a fourth journey to the same place will be the charm. Cite: http://www.adventureaquarium.com/exhibits.cfm http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-hippopotamus.html

Monday, March 22, 2010

Ritas Italian Ice

The first day of spring has come which means blooming flowers, sunny days, and "Free Rita's Day" as its commonly called. Rita's is known for its cool treats, especially their Italian ice. This refreshing dessert is incomparable on account of its smooth texture and even flavor unlike Icees or snow cones which are filled with ice chips and random squirts of juice. Besides their incredible generosity on free Rita's day, businesses and employees take care of their costumers more then acknowledged. These delicious desserts are made daily of varieties of fresh fruit. Each cup of dreams is fat free, cholesterol free, trans-fat free and almost 100% allergen free. Soy is the most common ingredient followed by milk which even then isn't much of threat. Eggs and wheat are at a distant second along with tree nuts and peanuts which are in only a total of 12 of 67 Rita's products. (9 in toppings alone) If you are a cautious person of allergies try any of their Italian ice flavors except chocolate chip by which contains soy. Few ingredients are manufactured in instruments by which also manufacture nuts but this is lack of threat. Businesses allow their consumers to view the allergen charts by posting it on their website;http://www.ritasice.com/ and in other visible areas. For such a yummy dessert to have such scarce allergy concerns and so little calories exhilarates me. Curious flavors tasting so scrumptious is a fascinating quality. If only it were free Rita's day everyday, that way I can get a chance to try all 32 Italian ice flavors plus cream ice and sugar-free ice. well i could easily go back often and stay balanced with a regular Italian ice costing on average $2.00.Try it for yourself. (Rita's also offers custards in bowls, cones and topped with your choice of toppings.)
Cite:

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Child Soldiers: Math?

I've always been told that math is everywhere. That must mean, that math is in Africa at a military base full of children. But this isn't typical American studies. In lieu of worrying how many calories are in a meal, or the price/quantity of the items a person a buys, or even age, math for child soldiers in Africa is much different. Medical issues is really the only main aspect of mathematics that stands out. In fact, because youngsters are being kidnapped and deluded into combat, those kids miss out on schooling and education, therefore, not knowing much academics. Chief soldiers are cautious of how many children they recruit and the amount of money families of kid soldiers have. Commanders don't give a pig's snout for age and don't even worry about food supply or resources for the little ones. The tykes, however, worry more about how much vitamins they can manage in a week, the days before their leader kills them (or before they kill themselves) or how many tears they cry before their boss punishes them. Usually, the kids loose count of how many whips they got today or how many men had sex with them. That's their daily activity. Comparing myself to them, I have a much more complicated yet pleasant study of math. In my daily life, I focus on balancing out my money, scoring goals and gaining points in games, buying the right sized clothes, etc. As you now know, Young soldiers in Africa have a very simple analysis of math. I'm thankful for my understanding of this subject, in addition to the lifestyle in which i use math.
Pictures: from google
Knowledge: I'm just that smart (check my work cited page of my research paper)

Monday, January 11, 2010

Affectionatly Adolescent

Michael Cera, a famous Canadian actor, specializes in playing the roles of friendly losers. He is popular for his appearances in Arrested Development, Superbad and Juno. Michael breaks away from this predictable character in his new comedy, Youth in Revolt. The 21 year old acts as a teen, in addition to his alter ego, named Francois. Each personality behaves poorly just as they did in the book the movie is based off of. The lack of wholesomeness and incredibly selfish characters took part in the agreeable decision that Youth in Revolt is not a top date movie. It was, however, enjoyed by viewers for its outrageous activities and relate able humor. Some are even suggesting to produce a TV series out of the insane plot. This movie is recommended for anyone, like Francois, determined to win the heart of complex girl.

The Star-Ledgar TODAY Monday 1.11.10