Thursday, 24 July 2014

Current Events 9

What are androids?

Androids are robots that act and look like how humans do. With the correct programming, scientists would be able to create a friendly, kind personality for an android, being able to be kind to other humans.


Name the three robots Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro has created for the 'Android: What is human' exhibition? What is their respected roles?

Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro created three androids. One adult that is named Otonaroid, one juvenile named Kodomoroid, , and one infant named Telenoid. The Teleporated Otanroid will work as as the Museum's robot science communicator  for the duration of the exhibition. One of her duties are having one on one conversations with visitors. Kodomoroid will work as the world's first newscaster. Kodomorid can skilfully recite news gathered from around the world via internet feed. Telenoid has a very different role. Telenoid was created to basically resemble... A toddler. Visitors can pick him up and even cuddle him if they want. Telenoid can also have small one on one conversations.


Why are android more difficult to build than normal androids?

Androids, as I said at the start, look like humans. Scientists spend hours creating a complete body cast, right down to the teeth. They literally spend hundreds of hours moulding and painting the features so that the android closely resembles a human being. That's the easy part. Then begins the countless hours if programming and installing complex machinery so that they don't only look like humans, but they can also make physical interactions.

Critical Thinking.
Some people believe robot androids are cool. Others think they are a little creepy. What side are you on? Why?

I don't really know what side I'm on. I mean, they're a little creepy, but they can also be very helpful.
Y'know what? I'm just gonna say that they're cool, for the main fact that they resemble humans.

Japanese Scientists Builds Robots That Look Eerily Human

Tuesday, 22 July 2014

Current Events 8

1. Who was responsible for making Nathan's hot dog contest famous? How many hot dogs did he eat?

Takeru Kobayashi gave this competition it's international fame. In 2001, japanese Takeru devoured 50 hot dogs in only 12 minutes. Takeru won this competition for six consecutive years until rookie Joey Chestnut yanked that title away from him in 2007.

2.  How many years has Joey won the contest prior to this year?

Joey has won seven consecutive times prior to this year. This year must've been a lot more special, seeing how he proposed to his girlfriend, Nelsie Ricasa, just before he began the competition.

3. What happened in the women's contest?

Three-time defending women's champion Sonya Thomas was unfortunately beaten by Miki Sudu. Miki ate at least 7 more than Sonya, claiming the title.


Critical Thinking:
What in your opinion makes these food eating competitions so popular?
I think it's the contestants because of how this competition actually became popular. It was all because of one contestant.

Joey Chestnut Wins Hot Dog Eating Contest for Eight Consecutive Year

Monday, 21 July 2014

Bali Inquiry

1. These are offerings to Hindu gods. These parcels consist of many different things. Including rice, flowers, animals, food and many other different things.


2. Education in Bali is very similar to the education we get here in New Zealand. School is compulsory to children between the ages of 7 and 15. State education is free at elementary school level. There are also fee-paying private schools. These schools include religious based schools, international schools and national-plus schools.  


3. These fish are called Garra rufa, or some know them as the Doctor fish. The Doctor Fish are rather beneficial for your skin. These little fish each the dead skin and bacteria off your skin and releases a substance called Dithlanol.  Doctor fish treatments are also very helpful to people who suffer from psoriasis. There are few risks with this treatment, though. Whilst the fish have no teeth to bite you with, there are still chances of bleeding. But then again, this is said to be very relaxaing.


4. Batik is a method of dying textiles and other items. Batik doesn't seem like a hard method, but I wouldn't really know. The method makes use of the resist technique; applying areas of cloth with wax to prevent them from absorbing colours when the cloth is dipped into dye. The wax is also applied to prevent the colours from spreading out to a particular area.  



5. The Saraswati Temple is dedicated to honour the Hindu goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning, literature and art, which is probably why the temple is so beautiful and artistic. 











Thursday, 3 July 2014

Term Two PMI

P
I achieved the stars wrist band this term.
I am happy with my attendance this term, as last term it wasn't the best.
I was able to draw a bullying poster for a competition, which I was very proud of, if I'm being honest.
My maths level definitely improved this term, this is something I've been hoping to happen.


M
I was not able to finish my piece of writing for my Writing ICAS test. I hope I still did okay.
The only other minus was the Cross Country run. I will say that the relief that I felt after I had finished it was rather nice.


I
I did the Writing and Spelling ICAS tests this term. I am anxious, but excited for my results.
I found the year 8 Attitude assembly really interesting and funny.
I found Demon Dentist, the book Mrs Mills has been reading, really interesting and fun to listen to.
I did not expect to get to stage 7 in the IKAN test. Not saying it's a bad thing, of course.


Wednesday, 2 July 2014

Current Events 7

Questions
1. How long ago were these cavemen alive?

2. Where was the human waste found?

3. What was the main diet of the cavemen based on their waste?

4. What vegetables and plants were found in the human waste?

5. Who was one of the students who worked on the study?

6. In what caveman part did they find plant microfossils?

7. What is the scientific name for humans?



Answers
1. 50,000
2. Southern Spain
3. Traces of meat
4. Plants, such as tubers, berries, and nuts.
5. Anaira Sistiaga
6. Neanderthal teeth

7. Homo sapiens

Sunday, 29 June 2014

Current Events 6

How many years has the "World Ugliest Dog" contest been around? How many contestants did it attract this year?
The contest has been running for 26 years in Santa Rosa, California. This year 29 dogs came to attend the competition.

How did this years winner Peanut get his 'ugly' looks?

Peanut was severely burnt in a house fire, causing him to lose his lips, most of hid body hair and eyelids. In result to his eyelids being burnt off, his eyes now water constantly. His teeth don't exactly help. Peanut sharp teeth complete the winning 'Ugly' looks.


What is the organisers main purpose for organising this unusual competition?

The animal psychiatrist organised the event started the competition so that he can cheek the well being of these 'ugly' dogs. The competition is also a great way to honour these dogs 'unusual' looks. Unfortunately, a lot of these dogs owe their looks to animal abuse by previous owners.
But, most importantly, this competition helps raise awareness for their adoption by showing the world that it does not take physical detractions do not prevent dogs from becoming loving pets.

Do you think this is an inappropriate competition? What would you change it to?

Uh. I'm not really sure. I mean originally I thought it was kind of.. Sad. Not really inappropriate. I guess. But after reading through the article, I think it is a good way to raise awareness for these pups.
Maybe I'd change the 'Ugly' to something a little less.. Offensive. Whilst I know they are dogs, they probably don't care, I'd still change it.



Tuesday, 24 June 2014

Current Events 5

What is so special about Migaloo?

Migaloo is a white humpback whale. Migaloo was the first white humpback whale to ever be documented. Being un able to confirm this, they instead refer to him as a 'hyper pigmented' humpback. Migaloo was instantly given the title of 'A special interest whale'. This title is so special, people are fined with $12,500AUD  if they break a 500 meter distance. Airplanes have to be at least 2000 metres away from Migaloo. Migaloo was the first white whale to ever be documented on. Migaloo is also the first white whale in general to ever be seen. Migaloo was even given an Aboriginal name. Migaloo translates to 'White Fella' in Aborigines.


Cite a few facts from the article that tell you how precious Migaloo is to the people of Australia.

"On June 19th, a group of animal lovers on a whale watching cruise off the coast of Sydney, were treated to a rare sight - a pod of animals that included Migaloo, the world's first documented white humpback whale."

"Even though fans keep their eyes peeled for this white whale every year, they are not always successful in spotting the elusive mammal."

"Over the years, Migaloo's fans have also built several websites dedicated to his every move and even set up an active Facebook page and Twitter account in his honour."

"Oskar Peterson from Australia's White Whale Research Center speculates that he may be the same white whale the center received notification of, in 1998. If true, it would mean that Migaloo is 26-years-old. Given that the mammals can live up to 80 years, the stunning white humpback whale will continue to delight his fans for many years."

"Not surprisingly, he became an instant local darling and was immediately elevated to the status of 'special interest whale'."

Why is Migaloo known as a 'hypo-pigmented' humpback. Is he the only one?

Migaloo is known as a 'hypo-pigmented' humpback due to his white skin. Scientists believe that his skin condition is albinism but have yet to find proof to support their prediction.

Migaloo is not the only white humpback whale. In September 2011, Alan Fewings and his family reported seeing a white calf amongst a pod of migrating whales. Experts believe that Migaloo and this white calf may be related. But because no one has seen 'Migaloo Junior' since his spotting, they have not been able to confirm this belief.


Critical Thinking :
Do you think Migaloo's special colour helps or hurts him from human predators? Why. 

I think that it helps him, but at the same time might hurt him.
As said in this article, Migaloo is important as important can come. But, this can come at a price.
Just like how rhino horns are valuable, maybe he is too.
A danger to him would be if he were to be caught, killed and sold.
An advantage to his popularity would be how protective how fans are.