Welcome Back to History Class!!

My favorite part of Shakespeare...through Stoppard...

2010-03-15T20:30:00.002-04:00

2010-03-15T20:30:00.001-04:00

Rosencrantz, pt 4

2010-03-15T20:22:00.001-04:00

Law of Probability

2010-03-15T20:20:00.001-04:00

Possible Question #6

2010-03-10T19:41:00.003-05:00

Why is AP World your (most/least) favorite class?

Possible Question #5

2010-03-10T15:23:00.001-05:00

What did China do with all that silver?

Possible Question #4

2010-03-10T15:22:00.002-05:00

Explain the impact of American slavery in world history.

Possible Question #3

2010-03-10T15:21:00.001-05:00

To what extent did Europeans nations allow or encourage private citizens to conduct trade during the time period from 1500-1800?

Possible Question #2

2010-03-10T15:20:00.001-05:00

To what extent was the conquest of the New World due to the spread of smallpox?

Possible Question #1

2010-03-10T15:19:00.001-05:00

Compare European involvement in three of the following regions during 1500-1911: The Americas, East Asia, South Asia, Africa.

"hairy monglian women"

2010-02-21T19:49:00.003-05:00

cast:
Khloe Kardashian as the time traveling monglian mustached women
Hannah Montana as the best friend
Lindsay Lohan as the one attracted to Khloe
Obama as the love interest

Story line:
Khloe is living her normal life in ancient monglian times when BAM! she is transfered into present times. Khloe finds herself in a trendy NYC club where none of the girls look like her...hairy in the face. She is standing alone unsure of what to do when an unsuspecting character walks up her thinking that she is a man. (Lindsay Lohan). Khloe doesnt know what to do or say to change this strange girls mind when a kind young girl walks up to save the day (Hannah Montana.) As Hannah was leading her away to safety from lindsay, Khloe spots the love of her life Obama. Hannah knew that Obama would never give Khloe a second or first look, so she told Khloe that she would help her get Obama. Hannah calls in all of her makeup and hair people to bring Khloe up to present day looks, and with that shaving of the mustache she had religiously grown in ancient times. Once she has gotten a clean shave Hannah has determined that she is ready for Obama.

Sara V Maddy L Maddy W

Forbidden Love

2010-02-21T15:11:00.002-05:00

One sentence description: A movie about the forbidden love between a Chinese woman and a Mongolian solider.

Casting suggestions: Lucy Liu as Mandy Chow & The Rock as Bataar Khan

Myth: Bataar caught Mandy's eye by hitting an apple off a galloping horse from 200 yards away.

Scene: Mandy wakes up one sunny morning and looks out her window to see Bataar practicing with his bow and arrow. He hits an apple off the back of a moving horse from 200 yards away. She notices how handsome he is and immediately falls in love with him.

Longer version of the plot: Mandy Chow, a young Chinese woman, falls for a Mongolian soldier, Bataar Khan. Although their love is forbidden, they continue to see each other secretly. When the parents catch the two together, a fight breaks out. Both parents are killed in the cross fire. This allows for the star crossed lovers to be together. They live happily ever after.

Quote from packet 'The Mongol Era': "The gap between them and the Chinese was thus greater culturally to begin with and was more strongly perpetuated politically."

-Queen Elizabeth, Duncan Hines & Jackie Kennedy

Mongolian Myths: What were they thinking?

2010-02-20T11:09:00.003-05:00

Our movie (which we are actually making in Flash and will be completed within the next few days) tackles four Mongolian myths (one of which we found on our own). The myths are: they bathe in their own urine, drink horse blood, *they believe that giant death worms inhabit the Gobi Desert, and that all of the women had mustaches. There is no real plot to the story, it is pretty much 30-50 second scenes explaining each myth--in a comical way. The picture to the right of this description is the location of one of these scenes; can you guess which one? Only time will tell.

Alexander The Great and H.F. (Don't know his A.P. World name)

Mongolian Love Affair

2010-02-12T13:58:00.002-05:00

One Sentence Description:
In a love affair between a man and a sheep comes the Mongolians.

Casting suggestions:
Andy Dick: product of sheep and man. Name:Genghis Khan
Bruce Willis: man who had the affair with a sheep. Name: Kublai Khan
Lucy Liu: Andy Dick's love affair. Name: Li Chih-Ch'ang

Myth:
Mongolians descended from a man and a sheep.

Scene:
"Li's view correspondingly, was less jaded than that of Confucian officials later on."
Genghis Khan is attracted to Li Chih-Ch'ang's intelligence and her bravery to stand up to the Confucian officials.

Longer Version of the Plot:
Genghis Khan doesn't know who his mother is so he goes on a quest to find her. On his journey he meets Li Chih-Ch'ang and falls in love with her creating the Mongolians.

-Dasha and Nicola

Mongolian Movie Pitch- SS and LD

2010-02-12T13:17:00.003-05:00

One Sentence Description: Genghis Khan leads his army into Baghdad to invade the city.

Casting Suggestions:
Channing Tatum as Genghis Khan
Taylor Lautner as the Abbasid Caliphate

Myth: Mongolians drank the blood of their horses.

Scene: 10 miles outside of the city the Mongols run out of food and water, so they slay their horses and drink the blood before battle.

Longer Version of the Plot: Genghis Khan rallies his troops to conquer the land of Islam. He leads his armies toward Baghdad into battle. they encounter many obstacles, like lack of food. However, the Mongolian Army overcomes these obstacles and marches on the city. The battle is long and bloody. The culminating scene of the movie shows the Abbasid Caliphate, Lautner, surrendering the city to Kahn, Tatum.

-Stephanie Stein and Liz Doppelt

Mongorian Fiirm

2010-02-11T22:34:00.003-05:00

One sentence description: Join the king of getting-his-family-back Harrison Ford as he embarks on a life threatening journey to save his daughter from prostitution.

Casting Suggestions:
Harrison Ford - As himself
Ford's witty sidekick - Curly of the Three Stooges
Doogey Howser, M.D. - Neil Patrick Harris (for some laughs)
Genghis Khan - Dick Cheney (seems to be well practiced in torture)
Ford's captured daughter - Scarlett Johansson (for obvious reasons)
Khan's sidekick - Chuck Norris

Myth: Mongols prostituterized? their daughters.

Scene: Ford and NPH are intently following recent footsteps left by Khan when Curly stubs his toe and exclaims: "Woo woo woo woo woo woo woo!", alerting Cheney to Ford's position.

Long Version: Soon after preparing sandwiches for Harrison Ford, NPH, and Curly, Johansson is captured by a grumpy Genghis Khan, who plans to sell her as a prostitute. Unfortunately for Mr. Khan, Ford wants his family back. NPH and Curly immediately agree to help Ford through his journey to get his daughter back, which will lead into an action-packed fight with Chuck Norris.

Quote: "Accordingly, upon the arrival of the caravan of merchants, and as soon as they have set up their tents for the night; those mother who have marriageable daughters conduct them to the place."

Mongolians vs Egyptians

2010-02-11T22:22:00.002-05:00

Plot:
A single squad of Egyptian soldiers is left to defend against the entire Mongol horde. They win miraculously. One of them decides to take a Mongol princess as his bride, only to discover that she has a mustache.
Cast:
Egyptian Soldiers: Taylor Lautner, Zac Efron, Michael Vartan
Mongolian Emperor: Fat Albert
Mongolian Soldier: Dora the Explorer
Mongolian Princess with Mustache: Paris Hilton
Myth:
Mongolian women have mustaches.
Scene:
Zac Efron lifts Paris Hilton's veil on their wedding day and sees finds that she has a mustache.

Mongolian Movie Pitch

2010-02-11T20:25:00.002-05:00

One sentence description: The Mongols invade Baghdad in a hilarious, animated film.
Casting Suggestions:
Will Farrel as the Mongolian General.
Britney Spears as Will Farrel's wife.
All Nickolodean characters as Mongolian army.
Zac Efron as Baghdad's general.
All other Disney characters as Baghdad's army.
Myth: The Mongols smell badly because they bathe themselves in urine.
Scene: The Mongols prepare for the worst, go through fierce training, bring their best weapons, but when they arrive in Baghdad, everyone, including the army, immediately runs away because they cannot bear the Mongols' smell. Zac Efron cries out, "They smell so heavily that one cannot approach them! They wash themselves in urine!"
Longer version of the plot: In the 13th and 14th centuries, the Mongols are trying to conquer the world. Will Farrel, the Mongolian general, targets Baghdad because his wife, Britney Spears, said Zac Efron is better-looking than him, who is the general of Baghdad. The Mongols prepare for the worst. However, upon entering the city, everyone runs away because the Mongols smell so badly. It is an easy victory.

~Mohammed and Nelson Mandela

Shaq and a sheep...

2010-02-10T20:07:00.003-05:00

Description: Megan Fox, the first mongolian, is saved from aroused mongolian sibling Genghis Khan, played by Danny DeVito.

Fact: Mongolians were created when a man (Shaquille O'Neal) mated with a sheep (Ken Leung).

Cast:
Megan Fox
Danny DeVito
Shaquille O'Neal
Ken Leung
Russel Crowe

Scene:
Megan Fox emerges from her afternoon bath, when Genghis Khan arrives to pillage and take advantage of Megan Fox while she is exposed and alone. Russel Crowe, a Chinese woodland vagabond, intervenes and grapples with Genghis Khan.

Longer Version of the plot:
One day Shaquille O'Neal decides to venture out to find who next to battle on his show "Shaq Vs". His travels lead him to the Steppes, where he finds a strikingly attractive sheep, Ken Leung. The two are rendered incapable of parting, and from their passionate encounter produce the first Mongolian, Megan Fox. As she gets older, her parents further their love to produce a whole race. One man stands out above all the others as the strongest, Genghis Khan, played by Danny DeVito. Though he is Megan Fox's brother, he cannot resist her (its a step up from bestiality). One day during his daily pillage, he decides to take advantage of her while she is bathing. Just as he confronts her, Russel Crowe emerges from the woods (shirtless according to the request of one of our directors) and strikes him down. Underestimating Russel as a lowly chinaman, Genghis Khan challenges him to a fight. The two grapple until Russel pulls out a dagger and stabs him. He then turns to Megan Fox, who falls into his arms in gratitude. The two consummate their love and bring peace China and Mongolia.

"Overall, the Mongol era in world history had two results: it caused disruption and resentment, and it provided unusual, stimulating international contacts"
- King Arthur

Mongolian Warrior

2010-02-10T19:39:00.003-05:00

Romantic comedy, Mongolian warriors fight for the love of Cameron Diaz.

Cast:
Robert Downy Junior
Seth Rogan
Bruce Willis
Jackie Chan
Ken Jeong
Cameron Diaz
Samuel L. Jackson
Wee Man

Myth: Mongolians stacked the skulls of people that they killed

Scene:Cameron Diaz is rescued by Jackie Chan.Chan kills all enemy forces in his path. They both escape and Diaz is brought back to the Mongol camp.

Long version of the plot: Main character Jackie Chan allied with Ken Jeong and Wee Man fight opposing forces to protect their princess, Cameron Diaz. Diaz is said to be the most beautiful woman in the land. The opposing mongol warrior leader, Seth Rogan, summons a team of elite warriors to take down Jackie Chan and his empire. Rogan steals the princess Diaz during a surprise attack. Tensions rise in a full fledged battle royal.

"Mongol overlords were resented in most of their holdings, despite efforts by individual rulers, such as the famous Kublai Khan in China, to adapt to established political and cultural traditions."
-John Wilkes Booth and Che Guevara

We are Mongolians

2010-02-10T19:26:00.004-05:00

Cast:
Director-Roland Emmerich
Ghenghis Khan-Fred Savage
GK's horse-Rob Schneider
Song Emperor-Keanu Reeves
Ghengis Khan's best friends-Steven Segal and Jean Claude Vandame
Song General-Jon Cena
Aabasid caliphate-Wesley Snipes

Myth: Mongolians were cruel to the Chinese

Plot: Fred Savage and Rob Schneider lead the Mongolian army pillaging and conquering through China and other places. Then Keanu Reeves poisons Steven Segal, Fred and Rob must race against time to find the Song emperor who has the antidote. Fighting Jon Cena along the way. They then go on to rule the Chinese people very fairly. The evil Abasid caliphate provokes Genghis Khan and he is forced to attack.

Scene: Fred Savage and Rob Schneider chase Keanu Reeves all the way to Sparta, then Fred kicks Keanu Reeves in the chest knocking him into a bottom less pit.

Rob Schneider is about to find out that being Ghengis Khan's horse isn't so easy. Rated PG-13

~Charles Bronson and Chairman Mao

Natural Born Mongols

2010-02-10T18:27:00.004-05:00

Description: A documentary a la "Super Size Me" where one Mongolian man sees if he can live off of horse's blood for thirty days. Severe consequences ensue.

Plot: Set in present day Mongolia, Chinggis Rath is lead guitarist in Teppanyaki; a musical ensemble prevalent in Mongolia's underground jam band scene. His band wants nothing more than to become Mongolia's next "Nomin Talst" (Mongolia's leading rock/pop/new wave/techno band). However, Chinggis has not been able to keep up with the musical talents of his band mates, Anandyn Mason and Yumjaagiyn Emer. However, Chinggis is notified of a new contest sponsored by leading wool carpet corporation in Mongolia, Erdenet Carpet. Erdenet Carpet is willing to give $1 million tugriks to anyone who can successfully drink horse's blood for thirty days. Chinggis sees this as an opportunity not only to make money, but as the big break his band needs. Chinggis Rath begins drinking the crude blood of Mongolian horses. The venture is hard getting used to, however by Day 10, Chinggis is wailing on his guitar like a jingisukan on a traditional Mongolian barbecue grill. "What magical powers," Chinggis says of the blood. Teppanyaki begins to receive popularity amongst wide ranges of listeners in Mongolia. "We're finally getting the attention as Mongolia's top jam band that we deserve," Anandyn Mason says. "Thanks Chinggis. You're the best," Yumjaagiyn Emer tells him. However, by Day 24, Chinggis begins to feel the full effects of the horse blood. His playing becomes darker...his desire for horse blood is higher in demand...and it's not only horse blood that he yearns for. After thirty days of consuming the horse blood, Chinggis and Teppanyaki receive the $1 million tugriks. However, it is too late for Chinggis has gone completely insane and feeds on the blood of his band mates, Anandyn and Yumjaagiyn. Chinggis causes "disruption and resentment" throughout the entire Mongolian music scene. Film ends with Chinggis turning into a horse.

Scene: After having consumed the horse blood for 12 days, Chinggis and his band Teppanyaki hold their first band practice. Anandyn lays down a thick drumbeat; one that Anandyn learned from Jade Wah-oo's influential second album, "Khuushuur On Your Skillet." Yumjaagiyn provides a fuzz-induced bass groove. Chinggis enters spawning a new guitar literally made from the sneeze-proof glass of a buffet cover from the popular Mongolian barbecue food chain Genghis Grill in downtown Ulan Bator. "Woh!" Yumjaagiyn and Anandyn proclaim. Chinggis then begins to tear *expletive* up on his new axe as his band mates look on in awe. His guitar playing is so good that it causes mass blackouts throughout northeast Mongolia. Both band members praise Chinggis for his new-found ability, however they have no idea what he is soon to be capable of...

Cast:
Samuel L. Jackson as Chinggis Rath
John Malkovich as Anandyn Mason
Javier Bardem as Yumjaagiyn Emer
Viggo Mortensen as Angry Owner of Genghis Grill in Downtown Ulan Bator

-Voltaire, Guy Fawkes, Bruce Springsteen.

Mulan leads 101 Dalmations against Cruella and her army of ten

2010-02-10T18:17:00.003-05:00

The good guys:
Mulan
tarzan
101 Dalmations

The Bad Guys:
Cruella
Scar
9 Mongolians (like the HUNS)

Myth: The Mongolians wash themselves in urine.

Scene: In an open field, much like the one in Bambi where there are loads of flowers, the 101 dalmations led by Mulan on tarzan's back, march up the hill. All of a sudden Cruella appears with a yellow stench around her. The camera zooms in and you see a fly flying around her drops dead from the stench surrounding her body. She raises her arms and the 101 dalmations begin to fall on the ground whimpering. The 9 Mongolians following Cruella run around with bags and put the puppies in them. Soon all thats left is Mulan and Tarzan.

Longer Version of the Plot:
Cruella Diville has been watching Mulan and Tarzan train the 101 Dalmations and watches as Mulan teaches them to disguise thier spots. Tarzan teaches them how to swing from trees and how to survive living in a tree house. His family members also help the puppies. However these tactics end up being worthless when Cruella and her Mongolians (similar looking to the Huns in the movie MULAN) show up surrounded by a stench of pee. The heightened sense of smell of the puppies and of Tarzan (because he was raised by monkeys) causes them to lose all the knowledge they had gained in the months leading up to the battle over thier village. Cruella wants to make a coat out of the puppies to try and cover up her stench to attract the leader of the Monglolians, however they all smell so bad that it would not matter. Scar just tags along hoping he can persuade Cruella to marry him and not the leader of the Mongolians. Eventually the Bad guys win which is why this movie cannot be rated G.

"they smell so heavily that one cannot approach them. They wash themselves in urine."

Evita and Selena Gomez.

Ambassador discovers veiled bride was bearded and cross-eyed

2010-02-10T17:40:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure if you saw this, but an Arab ambassador sued to get money back from his bride's family after he discovered that she was bearded and cross-eyed. It turns out he never saw her face before he signed a marriage contract and gave her over $85,000 worth of gifts. She wore a full-face veil, and her family showed him pictures of her sister to lure him into the deal.

Who knows, maybe she is a descendant of Genghis Khan.

??

Keeping up with the Khans

2010-02-10T15:55:00.003-05:00

Cast:
Chinggis Khan: Meryl Streep
Kubilai Khan: Drew Barrymore
Hulagu Khan: Amanda Seyfried
Ali of Egypt: Channing Tatum
The Khan family led the Mongolian military conquests. They were known for their expert bow and arrow skills and distinct mustaches (the two myths involved). The invaded populations assumed that the Khans were strong men when in reality, they were women, led by their grandmother, Chinggis. When Hulagu goes to Egypt to conquer Ali's territory, the Khan's true identity is revealed and they are forced to retreat. No one can believe that women were capable of having mustaches and being such great warriors. Pending love story between Hulagu and Ali...
The revelation would mean drastic changes in people's view on women and gender inequality. "If the Mongol period meant resentment and disruption in key civilizations, it means new opportunity for other peoples." This in regards to women's new status.
-Eleanor Roosevelt

Baatar: The Iron Hero

2010-02-10T15:48:00.004-05:00

Sentence description: In the ultimate struggle between duty and heart, Baatar, the Mongolian Prince must make the most monumental decision of his life...

Starring: Gerard Butler as Genghis Khan (The Mongolian Leader)

Jake Gyllenhaal as Baatar (The Mongolian Prince)

and Mila Kunis as Lucia (Roman Princess)

Myth: Mongolian warriors could hit an apple off a moving horse's back from more than 200 yards away.

Scene: Baatar is finally forced to confront his father in an epic battle to the death. With Lucia watching in the distance safely on her horse, Bataar feels a surge of strength and swings his dagger at his father's horse, knocking Genghis off his horse. With him wounded and Baatar coming closer to kill him, Genghis takes a bow and arrow, concentrates and shoots at nearly, yup, 200 yards away. Baatar, expecting a wound or pain is shocked and dismayed at his fathers missed shot. Suddenly, the shrill cry of Lucia surges through Baatar and as he turns to his fathers face, he realizes that Genghis didnt miss, but actually hit the most painful thing Baatar could ever lose, Lucia.

Longer version: Genghis Khan, leader of the Mongols, tries to invade Rome with his son Baatar and captures the Roman princess, Lucia. Slowly but surely, Baatar and Lucia fall in love. After choosing to protect Lucia from his fathers forces, Genghis Khan is left with no other decision than to fight against his son. In this story of love, war and tragedy comes the tale of two lovers with all odds against them. But is their love strong enough?

-Lucille Ball and KW

2 Men, 1 Woman...The Possibilities

2010-02-10T13:38:00.002-05:00

Starring:
Charles Barkrey as Mongorian #1
Shaq as Mongorian #2
Pamera Anderson as Prostitute #1
Megan Fox as Bastard child and Prostitute #2

Myth: The sexual service that Mongorians put their childs through. (Prostitution)

Scene:
Charles Barkley enters eating McNuggets while talking to Dwayne Wade on his T-Mobile Sidekick.
When Charles enters, Shaq is just finishing eating Pamela Anderson.
In the backround, Megan Fox is standing in a voluptuous dress and mourning her mothers death.
Shaq and Charles begin to fight over who is the father of Megan Fox because they both had "relations" with Pamela. To decide the custody, they go to the courts to settle the dispute through a battle royal.
As their fighting, Megan Fox runs away and later arrives in China. She becomes a heroine addict (because China is renown for its heroine use) and sleeps with Zach Galifianakis.

Longer Version of the plot:
"Accordingly, upon the arrival of the caravan of merchants, and as soon as they have set up their tents for the night; those mother who have marriageable daughters conduct them to the place."
Now since the caravans in town, Pamela Anderson bring her bastard child, Megan Fox, to prostitute her out. However, Shaq nor Charles want this. SO Shaq eats Pamela, foreseeing that once she is dead, he can have Megan Fox. However, Charles walks in and disputes his claim to Megan since he to slept with Pamela. They both want Megan and decide to have a battle royal to settle the argument. However, in the end neither win because Megan runs away while they are fighting.

-Morgan Freeman

A Mongolian Story

2010-02-10T12:47:00.006-05:00

One sentence description: War and love are the cause of conflict for Genghis Khan, two of his daughters, and the villager of a town on China's northern border in 1235, shortly after Genghis Khan defeats the Jin dynasty.

Casting suggestions: Jackie Chan-Genghis Khan

Selena Gomez-Younger daughter of Genghis Khan

Demi Lovato-Older daughter of Genghis Khan

Taylor Lautner-villager

Matthew McConnaughey-Kubilai Khan

Myth: Mongolians could shoot an apple from 200 yards away.

Scene: Genghis Khan has arrived in yet another village looking to take control over it. Locals try to flee from the Mongols but their skills with the ow and arrow are too swift for the locals to get away in time. Emerging from the group of fleeing villagers, moving towards the Mongolians, a villager with a bow and arrow as well as a sword. He is the only one brave enough and ready to take on the approaching enemy.

Plot: Genghis Khan takes over a village in northern China. Looking to marry his oldest daughter(Demi Lovato) off, he chooses the strongest and most powerful man(Taylor Lautner) in the village. The only problem is that when the two daughters are left in the village without knowing about their father's plans, the younger daughter(Selena Gomez) is secretly courted by her sister's future husband. When their father returns and announces that his oldest daughter is to be married, there are objections from both sisters as well as the man caught in the middle. Without their mom, who died giving birth to their younger brother, the sisters have no one to turn to and both feel equally lost. Will loving the same man tear the sisters', previously

inseparable bond, apart or will they be able to overcome this unfortunate challenge?

Quote:"Contacts along China's northern border increaser for several centuries."

This quote would be used at the beginning of the movie when the characters were storyline were being introduced by the narrator.

-Queen Isabella, Mary Queen of Scots, and

Harold & Kumar seek the mustached lady

2010-02-10T12:08:00.005-05:00

Sentence description: Two rebels disband from the Mongol army in search of love and adventure.

Starring:

Peter Chao as Genghis Khan

John Cho and Kal Penn as the rebels

Maggie Q as mustache lady

Myth: Mongol women had mustaches

Scene: Cho and Penn leave the army and now must squander through Mongolia in search for mustached women

Longer version: Two rebels leave the army because they are tried of a life without women. During their quest for love and adventure, they get hungry. Cho and Kal decide to go to White Castle to stock up for their long journey ahead. A man at White Castle informs them that in order to find their love they must first go through Genghis Khan himself. He tells them that Khan had a fetish for women with mustaches and he made it so his wives never shaved. And so the story begins.....an asian and an indian versus the Khan empire.

Elizabeth

2010-02-10T10:45:00.008-05:00

Elizabeth

Release Date: February 12, 2010

Starring:

Logan Lerman as Li Tang

Emma Watson as Elizabeth Aston

Kira Knightly as Sophia Roswell

Jacki Chan as Naranbaatar Tang

Julie Andrews as Charlotte Aston

Colin Firth as Robert Aston

Summary:

It is the early 1200s, and the Mongolians have sparked trading relationships with the West. Young Li Tang (Lerman), a budding warrior and Mongolian leader, is sent on a diplomatic mission to the West, where he meets Elizabeth Aston (Watson). As their relationship blossoms, the two meet in secret, each teaching the other about their way of life. Elizabeth becomes entranced by Li's skill with a bow. They know that, if discovered, they could be torn apart forever by their very different cultures. Elizabeth's friend, Sophia, however, discovers the two, and, out of fear, reveals their love to Elizabeth's strict parents (Andrews and Firth). As Li prepares for his trip home, both he and Elizabeth must come to terms with their emotions and prove to the world that the East and the West can unite as one.

Myth:

Mongolian warriors could hit an apple off a moving horse's back from more than 200 yards away.

Scene:

Charlotte and Robert Aston explain to their daughter why she cannot be with Li:

" 'The Mongols sleep in tents... Some of their women have beards and moustaches.' I will not allow the daughter whom your mother and I have bred as a proper lady to become a savage," Robert said forcefully.
"But Father! Li is not a savage! He has tremendous skill with a bow... He can hit an apple off a moving horse's back from 200 yards away! He is an incredible man whom any woman should count lucky to have as her husband," Elizabeth replied defensively.

Mongol and the Sheep

2010-02-09T21:02:00.003-05:00

By Sacagawea and La Reina Sofia
The story is a parody of Beauty and the Beast

One Sentence Description: A beautiful sheep is imprisoned by a lonely Mongol, and the pair fall in love while being entertained by furry hats and bows and arrows that sing and dance.

Casting Suggestions: The movie would be animated so only voice overs are necessary
Sheep: Nikki Blonsky
Mongol: Rob Pattinson
Furry Hat: John Travolta
Bow & Arrow: Christopher Walken
Fortune Teller: Catherine Zeta Jones

Myth: That Mongols descended from sheep.

Scene: A Chinese Fortune Teller tells the Chinese people that the Mongols will overrun them and conquer parts of China, saying that "the Mongol era in world history [will have] two possible results: it [will] cause disruption and resentment." The Fortune Teller says that the only way to stop the Mongols is to rescue the Sheep from the evil Mongol. The Chinese people immediately form a mob and travel to the home of the Mongol and riot outside of it.

Longer Version of the Plot: A lonely Mongol takes an old sheep man captive. His beautiful sheep daughter trades her life for that of her father's and she is held captive by the Mongol man. There, she meets many of the Mongol's possessions, and all of them sing and dance to entertain her. They are led by the Furry Hat and the Bow and Arrow. Eventually the pair fall in love while dancing in a ballroom as the Furry Hat sings (see song lyrics below). The Sheep wears a yellow dress and the Mongol wears a tuxedo. After they fall in love, the Chinese begin to riot, fearing the Mongol take over that could happen if and the Mongol and the Sheep got together. The Mongol is almost killed, but is saved by the Sheep's love, and the pair live on to create a Mongol nation that eventually takes over parts of China.

Lyrics to Mongol and the Sheep (the theme song of the film)
Tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly
Just a little change
Small to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Mongol and the Sheep

Fight for the sheep

2010-02-09T20:05:00.002-05:00

One sentence description:

Two men coming from opposing families fight for the love of the only sheep left in the world!

Casting suggestions:

The two men: Keenan Thompson & Kal Mitchell

The sheep: Justin Bieber

Empress (sheep owner): Missy Elliott

Baby man-sheep: Brenda Song

Myth:

Mongolians were descended from a man x sheep cross.

Scene:

Keenan and Kal are in an intense samurai fight, where Kal dies and Keenan picks up the sheep and runs off caressing it.

Longer version of the plot:

Keenan and Kal fight for the love of Missy Elliott's sheep. She makes them duel for the love and privilege to be with the sheep and start a Mongolian family / dynasty. The sheep is adorned in jewels to attract the love of her soulmate.

Quote:

"They are designed for marriage, they wear all these ornaments about the neck or other part of the body and she who exhibits the greatest number of them is considered to have attracted the attention of the greatest number of men."

-Benjamin Franklin

In order to make a worse movie than "The Conqueror"

2010-02-09T18:24:00.002-05:00

To begin, we need some bad actors:

A Hong as Genghis Khan,

Ethan as the (venerable?) monk,

The First Period class as the Europeans (who all die :-)

Chris Chan and his clones as the chinese (they might die)

Of course, a brief description:

Genghis Khan gets angry and kills everyone.

Myths:

Mongolians pile skulls of their dead...and they stink (according to SP).

Longer Version of the Plot:

So, in the advance of the golden horde, a monastery is destroyed. The sole surviving monk becomes very angry, and during a daytime raid by the Mongols, goes and slaughters Genghis Khan's family. The already-violent Khan then proceeds to advance over much of Europe and Asia (I know, they are in opposite directions), killing everyone in sight. As each city falls to the Horde, the land is bathed in blood. Eventually, Genghis Khan gets old and requests that he is given a banana. The mongolians live happily ever after.

And a scene:

The monk silently enters Genghis Khan's tent while he is out pillaging a city. After a fierce cry, the monk slaughters Genghis' family, though not before cutting off Mrs. Khan's mustache.

MongoRian Movie Pitch by A.Hong

2010-02-09T13:30:00.016-05:00

Title: MvR
Tagline: "The Same Year of Our sins, unknown tribes came...we have heard they have captured many countries"
Description: Various Russian Kings must unite to hold off the sudden invasion of the Mongol Hordes, led by Batu Khan.
Cast:
Rade Serbedzija: Mstislav Mstislavich
Jason Statham: Daniel of Galicia
Liam Neeson: Batu Khan
Christian Bale: Yuri II

Summary: Movie starts with typical opening scene, dead Russians scattered over a village, Tarintino-esque amounts of blood splattered all of the ground, etc. Mongols ride around shooting people from the backs of moving horses and generally doing what Mongols do: kill. Russians gather their forces, various kings argue about whose in charge when Yuri II comes up and says he's in charge because he has the biggest stones out of all of the other Russians. Mongols kill more people, Yuri meets up with Batu Khan to discuss "diplomacy" (with Christian Bale threatening Batu Khan in his "Batman" voice) and there's a random love scene with Jason Statham and a Russian peasant women (it's like the scene in Crank). Finally, the Mongols raid the last Russian stronghold and break into Yuri's fortress. Yuri's sitting by himself at a banquet table but when Khan's men step close to him, Yuri kicks the table over, revealing two pistols he had hidden in his lap and cuts the Mongols down in a blaze of gunfire. Khan pulls his sword out, blocks Yuri's bullets and the two fight one on one, with Yuri beating the crap out of Khan. When Yuri is victorious, he comments on how he was unsure if that smell was "because Khan pissed himself or that's how all Mongols smell". End Credits

Mongolian Movie Pitch

2010-02-09T13:10:00.002-05:00

Mongolian Movie Pitch
By: Christina Aguilera & Audrey Hepburn

One sentence description: Lau and Chan fight for the one woman without a mustache.

Casting suggestions:
Taylor Lautner (Lau)
Channing Tatum (Chan)
Megan Fox (Ping) [no mustache]
Steve Martin (Ting Young)
Meryl Streep (Sun Young)
Random mustache women: Brittney Snow, Brenda Song, Angelina Jolie, Jessica Biel and Jessica Simpson(Lo)

Myth: Mongolian women have mustaches.

Quote: "Oddly enough some of the women have beards and moustaches"(168).

Scene: Lau goes to Ping's house to ask for her hand in marriage but finds Chan already there. The parents, Ting and Sun Young, propose a contest to decide who gets her hand in marriage.

Longer version of the plot: A crowd of Mongolians invade China, changing the friendship between Chan and Lau forever. Both men fall in love with the same woman, the only Mongolian without a mustache. Both are forced to compete against each other in the ultimate battle. Whoever wins the contest of strength, wit, and bravery will gain the only worthy woman. Neither men succeed when Ping is viciously murdered by Chan's secret Mongolian stalker, Lo, with her shaving razor.

2010-02-09T09:38:00.004-05:00

GENGHIS: THE MOTION PICTURE
By Socrates and Jesse James
(with Timothy Leary)

Featuring
-Arnold Schwarzenegger as Genghis Khan
-Jackie Chan as Genghis Khan's Good Buddy (Angry Mongolian with Racist Accent and Screams)
-Jet Li as the Song Emperor
-Hulk Hogan as the Russian Wrestler
-Dev Patel as the Abbassid Caliph
-Morgan Freeman as Narrator

Plot Summary
"Arnold Schwarzenegger and and Jackie Chan join forces to conquer Song China, Russia, and Baghdad. The duo engages in intense action sequences with lots of explosions... and stuff! They defeat helpless little people like that random villager over there. (Hear Jackie Chan and other person screaming) Ouch... too slow, you lose! Ha ha ha! I love my job. Arnold Schwarzenegger is... Genghis: The Motion Picture!" -Morgan Freeman

One Sentence
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jackie Chan go on a worldwide rampage in...Genghis: The Motion Picture!
"A wave of military ventures in the thirteenth century [occurred] under the aegis...of Genghis Khan!" (163)

Myth
Mongols piled the skulls and eyeballs of their enemies in villages to scare people away. The piles were thousands of body parts high; the Mongols kileed hundreds to create the pyramids alone. Of course, Arnold and his good buddy Jackie Chan can get this done in five minutes...

Scene
Arnold Schwarzenegger loads a village with explosives. Jackie Chan lights the fuse too early. As Arnold sees this, he yells, "Head to da CHOPPA!" Jackie Chan then puls out a meat cleaver and yells, "I AM the CHOPPA" as he proceeds to cut villagers in half. Arnold then yells, "Then get to da HORSES!" As the Mongols ride off into the sunset, the camera pans out and the village explodes. As the music plays, Morgan Freeman comments, "That's the way the cookie crumbles."

Universal Religions

2010-01-12T20:35:00.002-05:00

I agree that the main reason universal religions came about during the years 300-600 was because the decline of the strong centralized powers of the Han and Roman empires. During a relatively stable reign, the people of that empire are happier to let things be. They do not need to have as much faith. Instead, they feel they can rely on the government, whether to do good or bad. Since a way is already established, there is no need to break that precedent. However, after the fall of the Roman and Han dynasties, there is a period where people do not have the normal precedents to go by, so instead, they turn to religion as a way to cope with what is happening and a way to try to predict the future. It is because of this following that the years 300-600 are labeled in the history textbook as the time of Universal Religions.

~La Reina Sofía

Universal Religion

2010-01-07T17:06:00.002-05:00

Religion became a universal part of peoples lives during the time from 300 BC to 600 BC. During this time many things impacted the spread of religion. The main reasons for the spread of religion are the increase in travel, political instability, and the nature of many religions. Due to increased trade that developed from the new city states and the ability to transport goods, many new ideas and religions were spread to area. Through the trade routes people were exposed to ideas and beliefs of foreign countries. They then either adopted this new of thinking or at least proclaimed their refusal to adopt it, therefor spreading more interest in it. Along with the trade routes, the instability of the government in many regions left the people feeling scared and unsure. Many people looked toward religion as a way to find help and answers to their problems. Religion gave people a sense of comfort and security during difficult times. One of the most prominent reasons why the trade routes and political situations were able to act as such larger breeding grounds for religious beliefs is the nature of many religions. Many of the religions that became popular during this time preached about spreading the word of their god and their faith. Once someone became faithful to a religion, the majority of the time they began to spread their faith to others, typically through the trade routes. All of these reasons aided in the spread of Universal Religion.

- Helen of Troy

Knights v. Samurai

2009-12-22T13:20:00.003-05:00

Knights & Samurai Links

Knights of Ni: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhRUe-gz690&feature=related

Monty Python, The Annoying Peasant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAaWvVFERVA&feature=related

Lego Feudal System: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lts_1HSOQhY&feature=related

A BBC Series on martial arts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9HR7TTOReE

Rashomon trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCZ9TguVOIA&feature=related

The Last Samurai montage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_Sag494lhI&feature=related

Monty Python, She’s a Witch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJFA6uEfUlM

King Arthur Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N6pZX0sDAk

Samurai Pizza Cats: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDr89sjYJP4

Mythbusters: Can Ninjas Walk on Water: http://mythbustersresults.com/episode78

Spike TV: Deadliest warrior: http://www.spike.com/show/31082

1453: The Fall of Constantinople

2009-12-09T10:42:00.002-05:00

As envisioned by a student in another AP World class....

Tournament Results, Pd 1

2009-12-04T08:57:00.002-05:00

The Multiple choice tournament began this morning in period 1. The Thundercats were in the lead, briefly, due to their ability to identify the promotion of Confucian teaching as something Shi Huangdi did NOT do, but they got tripped up by the Nestorian view of Jesus. They live to fight another day, and every team in the class, including the Nixon Administration, remains tied at 5.

Unification

2009-12-02T20:14:00.002-05:00

Religion as we see it today was developed by the need for unification among the people who lived where the religion was born. At the time of the formation of many of these religions, there was no set ruler or emperor. This specifically pertains to christianity. Since there was no clear ruler after the time of the Roman and Byzantine Empires, the people of Europe and even places such as Africa and the Middle East needed something to unify them. They found this unification in Christianity, which brought together the people of all these places through faith and belief that there was a wonderful place that good, virtuous people would be rewarded with after their departure from the Earth. Christianity brought people together locally because the churches not only as places of worship, but as social environments for the community.

-Aristotle

Why Universal Religion?

2009-12-02T18:44:00.004-05:00

Religion took control throughout the world between 300-600 C.E. due to extensive trading. Intercontinental trade routes were vast and ran from China to the Mediterranean. This helped move many religions throughout the world and to spread faster than ever before. Merchants picked up religions on their journeys and passed it on to the next people they came across.

Jesse James

Why Universal Religion?

2009-12-02T18:44:00.001-05:00

Why Religion Became Universal

2009-12-02T13:30:00.000-05:00

The more recent religions were the ones that became universal because they emerged during a time of political turmoil. It must be noted that during the time that the religions started to become more universal, both the Han and Roman empires, then the two most powerful nations in the world, collapsed. Naturally, people started to lose faith in the stability and power of their governments and turned to the immutable divinities of religions like Christianity and Buddhism. As more people became religious, those in power realized that if they wanted to make their reign appear to be more legitimate, they should claim that the entity people were worshipping endorsed them. To do this, they created giant statues and churches to show their alliance with these deities and forces. Combine this trend with the fact that people and ideas were moving constantly along the Silk Road, and religions became universal.
-Socrates

Whats religion?

2009-12-02T11:24:00.001-05:00

The rise of religion was mainly due to a lack of structure during the period of 300-600 CE. Without any true government to protect and serve the people, the inhabitants had to find something to help them struggle through this tough time period. This is why they turned to religion and why religion grew so prominent. Religion have people structure, like the caste system, and allowed people to live their lives with order.

Morgan Freeman

universal religion

2009-12-02T10:23:00.006-05:00

with the falling empires and no declared power,people were in need of a structure or something that they could guide by. religion created that sense of structure for them by giving them rules to abide by and limits. they accepted the spread of religion because it wasn't as strict as a defined ruler,but at the same time religion created a universal goal that they could use to discipline themselves in the way that a government/ruler would.

-Marilyn Monroe

Religion

2009-12-02T10:23:00.003-05:00

From 300-600 CE there was a huge universalizing of religion because after the fall of the Han and Roman empires people needed structure to live by. Religion filled the void of a lack of an empire. People wanted order. It is also in combination with the fact that people wanted to be hopeful and believe in something. In the stressful time of not having an empire to live under people wanted to turn to religion to feel like there was something good. It was also an easy way to characterize large groups of people that had no other way to identify themselves due to lack of no empire.

-Malcolm X

2009-12-02T09:58:00.003-05:00

After the fall of the Han and Roman dynasties, new religions developed and spread throughout different areas because there was no strong centralized government or ruler. Religion provided structure and people became united through religion by sharing common beliefs.
britney spears

2009-12-02T08:58:00.002-05:00

With the fall of the Roman and Han Empires, structure was needed to fill the void in people's lives. Thomas Hobbs believed that humanity as individuals were too poorly suited to govern themselves. Religion gave people a way and a guide on how to live their lives. They didn't have to make the decisions about right and wrong, and had an ultimate goal to base their life off of.

Vlad Putin

Religion and stuff

2009-12-02T08:11:00.003-05:00

(The Black guy is the collapse of the Han and Roman empires while the hippo is organized religion)

I think religion became a defining feature in world history during this time period because the lack of a strong, centralized ruling body (The Roman/Han Empires) caused a void of authority in the world at the time. Anarchy descended on the world, but it wasn't a Joker-style anarchy with blood and violence but anarchy because people where living their own lives with the only guidelines being religious doctrines and stuff.
-AHong

Universalizing Religions?

2009-12-02T08:09:00.002-05:00

With the absence of power in the age that the universifying religions came about, the absence of power was the reason for said action. With the absence of power, the common folk needed to rally themselves among an omnipotent force that did not bare down upon them with the stress of such things as taxes and war. For this reason, religions became much more widespread and accessible; God(s) became easier to understand and more "fun" to devote themselves to. Perhaps a little anarchy is what a peaceful society needs.

-Mahatma Gandhi

Rise of Religions

2009-12-02T00:07:00.003-05:00

The idea of how people were lost after the collapse of vast empires like the Han and Roman empires is probably the most logical theory of why different religions developed and grew during 300 CE--600 CE. Because there was no strong government to offer protection to citizens, people needed an outlet in which they could put their faith in and feel protected and/or useful. People therefore turned to organized religion as a source of solace. In addition, people who shared common religious beliefs often lived together in the same community. This commonality could definitely have been enough to bring people together as well as strengthen their faith.

--Nelson Mandela

Why the Rise of Universalizing Religion?

2009-12-01T23:25:00.003-05:00

With the downfall of the Roman & Han Empires, religion became the easiest way to characterize large groups of people and a way for society to rebuild itself. People no longer had to focus on war and controversy between societies which lead to the vast spread of religion throughout Europe, Asia & Africa.

~Andrew "Old Hickory" Jackson

Universalized Religion?!

2009-12-01T22:59:00.002-05:00

After the Han and Roman empires collapsed, there was a 300 year period in which no dominant, or even strong, political leader took affirmative action. Although the empires had fallen, life still had to go on and religion was able to reach a mass amount of people that other wise would have many differences, and unite all under a common, structured, belief system. Perhaps this theory seems a little too fundamental to have been able to maintain peace for such a long period, but matched with the fundamental beginning arising after the detrimental fallen empires, it is completely logical that inhabitants indeed grouped with those that had the same values. After all, their once loyal habits had to be redirected elsewhere.

-Sasha Obama

Universal Religion

2009-12-01T22:58:00.002-05:00

Religion was ascendant during this period because there was not much turmoil going on in other parts of the region. People could focus more on religion because there wasn't a major war breaking out all the time. Also the spread of culture brought new religions to the surface.
-Anastasia Romanov

2009-12-01T22:55:00.002-05:00

Religion became a means for rules to control their people. If they could convince the people that they were under a being even greater than the ruler, they would be less likely to defy the rulers.
-Aung San Suu Kyi

Universal religion

2009-12-01T22:48:00.002-05:00

When the two biggest empires of the world (the Han and the Romans) collasped, people were left with no leadership and more importantly, little stability. As a result, religion was able to flourish. With little stability and needing a feeling of comfort, people turned to religion. Religion served to unite people under common goals or beliefs. Religion gave people some sort of structure or code to follow and this was exactly what the people needed. It was only through religion that people were ultimately able to regain safety and stability.

- The Ming Dynasty aka Peter Chao

Universalized Religion

2009-12-01T22:30:00.001-05:00

Religion became the dominant unifying force during this time because of the lack of strong political rulers. Without a dominant empire like Rome or China, there was considerable instability and people turned to religion to provide structure and safety by uniting with various people with similar beliefs. It allowed people to unify for physical and psychological safety, regardless of where they lived. Powerful religious movements occurred in China, the Iranian plateau, and Europe due to the lack of powerful political structure or institution.

-Catherine of Aragon

Universalized Religion

2009-12-01T22:01:00.002-05:00

Religion during the 300s-600s was the only unifying factor at the time. No large empires existed, and it was hard to have faith in any one civilization. Because there was a lack of a physical leader, people turned to religion to give them hope where hope could not exist. Later on, as empires began to reform, people would become more diversified, as the empires began to have potential.

-Billy Mays

Universalized Religion

2009-12-01T21:53:00.002-05:00

I think that religion diffused so rapidly throughout the world during this time period as a result of the fall of the great empires. The Roman Empire had dissolved, China was split into three, and there was no major political power during this era. People were lost and confused. They needed order and structure, so they turned to religion. The new religions provided stability while filling the void of political power as a result of the lack of government.

-Marie Antoinette

2009-12-01T21:28:00.002-05:00

I would say that that the dominance of religion in this age, was the result of the collaspe of empires and lack of political stability. At the fall of the Roman and Han empires, the west and east erupted into civil war. There were no dominant powers in either of the regions and therefore there was little stability. Religion provided a way to unite people from separate nations and regions under a common code. The western people adopted forms of Christianity to unite immensely different cultures, the people of Arabia united under Islam to fight persecution, and the people of Asia migrated predominantly to Buddhism to connect over a wide spread population. Religion provided a means of unity to a divided people of this age.

-King Arthur

Universal Religion

2009-12-01T20:32:00.002-05:00

Without being in class today, I would have to say that empires caused Religions to become widespread and universal. Empires, such as the Roman empire, were extremely large and covered large areas of land. Religious changes in an empire will change the religious tone in the entire empire. An example of this is the conversion of Constantine. After his conversion, Christianity expanded exponentially and was much more accepted by most other civilizations.

Alexander the Great

Religion

2009-12-01T20:28:00.002-05:00

After the major empires fell, people needed to turn to something. They needed hope, structure, and this is where religion comes in. With religion, people have a specific thing to believe in and certain structure and rules they have to follow. Without structure, civilizations would completely collapse. People may dislike rules but without them, the world would be a chaotic place.
-Oprah

Universal Religion

2009-12-01T20:04:00.002-05:00

Rome had fallen and the Han had collapsed. Without these major empires to provide structure for them, people turned to the next best thing, religion. From Rome to the Pacific, religion flourished in the absence of a major empire and evolved to become more universal.
-Ramses

Religions 300-600 AD

2009-12-01T19:40:00.002-05:00

The great religions of the 300-600 AD time period were able to form and establish themseleves due to the time period's relative peacefulness. There were not any major wars or conflicts that would distract regions or empires from socially developing. Thus, religions were able to establish themselves between the people, creating an overall united network of various relgions world wide. Aside from the ability for these religions to develop, it is important to note that religion is a practice that contains order and structure. Due to the lack of events during this 300 year period, it is probable that people wanted more structured lives in which they turned to religion. An interest in religion from a large group of people caused the development of the separate religions. These religions all have their routes from their development in the years of 300-600 AD.

-Confucius

Universla Religion Through Empires

2009-12-01T18:52:00.002-05:00

Empires made it so that Religions could become universal. When an Emperor or Empress takes power he/she normally establishes a religion. This can be seen with Constantine I who was the first Emperor to adopt Christianity as Rome's religion. This adoption was a huge stimulus for the spread of Christianity and is one of the reasons that it is so common today. Empires establish, spread, and sometimes force their religion upon others, which many times makes the religion universal depending upon the empire. Some good examples are the Ottomans, the Chinese, the Mauryans, and the British. They all influenced others to undertake their religion. People in the empires usually gained benefits by joining these religions such was found with the Ottomans who taxed all but the Muslims. Most major religions today were found in one empire or another. They were spread because wherever the empire conquered the religion conquered. Another reason that follows with political structure is to escape chaos. These religions just like their empire offered a haven in which they were accepted and they were safe. When things go wrong they could look to their religion for help to protect them or make their life better. The happiness of the people was essential for the empires so empires wanted to have religion so that they could remain a world power.
-Ho Chi Minh

Universal Religions

2009-12-01T17:59:00.001-05:00

Universal religions were only able to gain momentum because the Roman and Han Empires fell which meant there were no longer domineering influences on each side of the Silk Road. Without the political empires, came empires of the mind or in other words, these religions as people needed some kind of greater authority. For example Buddhism was able to spread because Monks travelled about, teaching Buddhist doctrine. Monks were only able to travel because of the infrastructure created with new technologies. Also, with a new book design, messages were passed more readily. Religion moved faster than any army and brought something new: cultural flexibility. By adapting to many different cultures, religion was accepted by more people that were diverse from one another. This led to large numbers of followers who would eventually unite together under their religion, not their tribe or background. These people came together under leaders who used religion a great deal to assert their authority.
-Eleanor Roosevelt

Religion

2009-12-01T17:22:00.002-05:00

It is important to not read too deeply into this question of universalization. Many conclusions that are reached are sure to be wrong as they will be either too vague, or simply contradicted by history. It is probably most correct to simply say that this period provides an example of cultural diffusion by missionaries. It is during this time that Rome became a Christian state. If anything this simple shows the effect that missionaries had by spreading Christianity to Rome. One would be foolish in thinking that one religion is able to surpass another simply on its own merits and beliefs. All major religious change does not come from a seeking of faith but from being an acceptable person. It is perhaps more interesting to treat the spreading of certain religions like a social trend. People are simply attracted to whatever institution is currently the best to attend. There is no precedent for believing that people are deep thinkers, who will consciously choose what god they want to worship. Just look at the stupid stuff people do today. The only people who seriously consider such trivial matters as religion are people who have nothing better to do, or who are employed in it. Religion is basically popular culture. Christianity was popular in Europe and Hinduism was popular in India. People don't really care too deeply about religion as long as they don't already have a vested interest in it. This is why some people rejected the caste system, and changed religions, or why in present times people are okay with being agnostic. Missionaries create the pressure that causes social norms to change. If people don't really care about their current religion, they will change when someone tells them to. In summation, missionaries help spread religion, and people don't always care or contemplate what they believe in.

~Timothy Leary

Time of religion caused by...

2009-12-01T16:26:00.002-05:00

The need for structure and something to follow. During the time of peace, people got bored in a sense, and decided it was important to grow spiritually through themselves and their religion. There was nothing to follow, because the governments were laying low, so people of that time united under certain belief systems, and it was their form of 'something to do.' Religion set a basis / foundation for these people and gave them something to follow.

~ Benjamin Franklin.

Universalizing Religion

2009-12-01T15:58:00.002-05:00

The fall of Rome usually marks the beginning of the "Dark Ages" in European history. Its impact left a vacuum throughout Eastern Europe and Eurasia. In this vacuum many different religions began to spread and expand exponentially, taking advantage of the cultural haven that was Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire. Located on the Bosporus, it was the middle ground in trade that would hold together the vastly different cultures and ways of life after Rome had collapsed. Islam had sprung up from the Arabian peninsula and had a large void in which to expand, until eventually they collided with Byzantium and took Constantinople in 1453. The collapse of the Han dynasty left China in pieces, and the religions of the East spread and branched out; the situation was similar to the fall of Rome in Europe. Religions took advantage of the vacuums created by the fall of two major empires and spread throughout the eastern hemisphere; unchecked and with no barriers in their way, they proliferated and became universal.

~Charles Bronson

Why the rise of universalizing religion?

2009-12-01T13:13:00.002-05:00

I think that the best theory for this is that they needed structure. Things were very disconnected and there was not a lot going on at the time. Religion gave them structure and something to follow. Without religion they would have no structure and nothing for them to do so they would still be doing nothing.
-Christina Aguilera

Shi Huangdi Text

2009-11-03T23:32:00.002-05:00

Shi Huangdi was strict but necessary. Established strong empire with $, trade, education, rules, army, etc. Clearly he was effective b/c his practices followed by Han Dynasty.
-Eleanor Roosevelt

TXT Message

2009-11-03T22:42:00.002-05:00

SH was very intense, but got things done in China. Maybe we judge him differently now than how he really was. Book burning and his harsh punishments and death from guilt by association were very extreme though...

-Anastasia Romanov

Txt message

2009-11-03T21:46:00.002-05:00

Shi cause stable govt he also unifid most of China. also had harsh rules for ppl who didnt follow his laws
-Ho chi Minh

SH Text Message

2009-11-03T20:20:00.002-05:00

Although SH was a harsh ruler (burning books etc.), he was able to unify China under his strict laws which led to stability.
-Hatshepsut

Shi Huangdi (SH) txt

2009-11-03T20:06:00.002-05:00

SH briliant rler. Kept ppl in line. All ppl scared. Destroyed opposition. SH was needed in China to stabilize evryting.

Jesse James

Shi Huangdi (SH) txt message

2009-11-03T19:49:00.003-05:00

SH was a great ruler. Organizd China into 36 prov. Each had a civilian+military commander. Made all people join the army=strong army. Also established rd netwrk.

-John Wilkes Booth

Shi Huangdi (SHD) Text Message

2009-11-03T19:30:00.000-05:00

SHD is >cuz he blt rds,made strng cntrl govt&estblshd stndrd wts&msrs;lwz wer not hrsh lik Han sed;dey needz prpgnda 2 get pwr.
-Socrtez

Shi Huangdi

2009-11-03T07:28:00.005-05:00

Your assignment here is to create a text message that sums up what we learned today about the Qin Emperor. Be sure to include in your message whether you think the Qin Emperor was a monster who wreaked havoc in China or if you think he restored order and was maligned by his Han successors.

Remember, text messages are no more than 140 characters. Good luck!

Remember to include your apworld name!!

Mario Bros. ??

2009-10-26T05:40:00.000-04:00

The Tao of Wu

2009-10-23T15:51:00.001-04:00

The Fruit Hunters

2009-10-06T16:53:00.004-04:00

"The Fruit Hunters," written by Adam Leigh Gollnar is a first-person account of his travels around the world in search of different exotic fruits. He meets up with different fruitarians and travels deep into jungles and different islands to discover new fruits. He pulls up interesting facts throughout the book of how fruits were incorporated into world history. For example he says that "the discovery of the New World itself was precipitated by a desire to find a faster route to the Orient for a dried being (fruit) that was worth its weight in gold." Gollner pulls up interesting statistics, saying that humans have not yet discovered even one quarter of the world's fruits. Throughout his journey, he kept a detailed account of who he talked to, and where he went... Which turned out being what this book is.

The book is split up into four different parts, each dealing with it's own things: Nature, Adventure, Commerce, and Obsession. The book was mostly a hard read because it is not meant to be entertaining, but rather informing. However, I found many parts of fruits that he incorporated into world history to be extremely amusing. I even did some of my own research. The Commerce section of the book was boring and had nothing to do with history, but more of the business of selling them.

If you were to open the book right now, you would be taken aback because the first few pages are about fruit-obsessed people who have intercourse with their fruits, but that part goes away quickly...

All in all, I recommend this book to people who are interested in finding out interesting facts about the worlds hidden fruits and facts about them that are not common knowledge. Overall, I enjoyed my time with it and feel as if I came out knowing a lot more.

~Benjamin Franklin

GNH - The Media

2009-09-29T14:05:00.005-04:00

America's media has become filled with harsh criticisms regarding everything from the president to American ideals. Not that this is a new thing, but it seems to be getting more and more extreme as time goes on. When a president is republican, channels such as CNN or MSNBC are called out. Should a president be democratic, channels like FOX and radio personalities such as Rush Limbaugh are brought to attention. No matter who makes the radical connections of any president to things such as racism, illegal matters, or-in Glenn Beck's case-oligar_hy, there is no excuse. The controversy this creates is inexcusable, and it needs to be stopped before it goes completely out of control. What it creates is a nation full of people angry at each other for no reason.

The easiest way to solve this crisis is to prevent people with extreme and false ideas from professing their beliefs on the television or radio. Though this may be received with complaints regarding the first amendment, its eventual products will far outweigh this con. Should the media be prevented from spreading false ideas, conveying thoughtless comments, and forcing anyone who listens to believe, America can become a bipartisan happy country.

-But wait! There's more!/Billy Mays

GNH Immigration

2009-09-29T09:46:00.002-04:00

The immigration problem in our country is huge, it is constantly being debated. It seems unsolvable, I have a solution to this "unsolvable" problem. Our government should offer citizenship to immigrants and their families (no bigger then 5) in exchange for a member of their family doing a ten year term in the military. If the family is larger then 5 people multiple members must do ten years as well. The Roman empire did it for hundreds of years and when they offered citizenship to everyone the recruitment drastically dropped for their army. Which directly contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire.

Mao Zedong

legal adult at the age of 18?

2009-09-28T21:54:00.003-04:00

The law says that when you turn 18 you are a legal adult. If you are arrested it goes on your permanent record that follows your whole life and when you are 18 you are allowed to fight and die for your country in a war. Though the government has made another age limit for drinking and smoking. You must be 21years old to drink and or purchase alcohol and you must be 19 years old to buy cigarettes. Why is it that the government has made a age limit of 18years old to fight in a war (something that benifits them) and makes the age limit of 21 to consume alcoholic beverages? If you are old enough to be given the responsibility of becoming a legal adult at the age of 18 you should be responsible enough to choose if you wish to consume alcohol or smoke.

-Amelia Earhart

Marijuana The Economy Saver?

2009-09-28T15:47:00.001-04:00

After reading another students post on this topic, i got a bit interested and decided to do a bit of research on my own. We have all grown up to think of marijuana as evil and that it is harmful to the body. Really? From what I've gathered there are much more harmful things on the market that do a lot more to your body. Lets take alcohol and tobacco. Each of these products are linked to causes of many types of cancer. However, marijuana hasn't been linked to cancer. How does this make since? So why are these two products legal and pot is not. Now lets take this to a fiscal prospective. Alcohol and tobacco are a huge part of our economy because of the ability of the Government to tax them. Marijuana is being sold all over the country, but the government cannot tax it because it is illegal. Think of the profit the government could make if they were to legalize this. In an article in the Time paper of California, Allison Stateman, the author contemplates this. Pot is responsible for $14 billion a year in sales, dwarfing the state's second largest agricultural commodity — milk and cream — which brings in $7.3 billion a year. However, since it’s not legal, the Gov. cant tax it. Marijuana is just the thing the economy needs. If the gov. could tax this, the article predicts that the taxed amount would come out to be 1.3 BILLION or more. Country wide we are looking at 10's to maybe 100's of billions of dollars just for taxing a plant that is already being sold anyway. This natural plant is far less harmful then the two current leading "legal" products (alcohol and tobacco) and could help the economy tremendously. SO wheres the problem? If you're interested in the article

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1884956,00.html

Morgan Freeman

Protect the sanctity of marriage!

2009-09-28T11:43:00.001-04:00

We are fundamentally a Christian nation. Therefore we must adhere to our Christian values and protect the sanctity of marriage by prohibiting divorce. Currently, about 50% of all marriages end in divorce. If divorce was illegal, then the sanctity of the traditional marriage would be protected.

Divorce should be illegal, despite the fact that there are couples in our country who are unhappy with each other; just as gay marriage should be illegal, despite the fact that there are homosexual couples who are unhappy with the fact that they cannot get the same tax benefits, hospital visitation rights, immigration and residency benefits, child custody rights, insurance benefits, and other various benefits and rights that heterosexual couples receive.

Approximately 75% of our nation is Christian, which is why adhering to our core Christian values would make the majority of Americans happier. Jesus makes the prohibition of divorce clear in Mark 10:9-11:

9 Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”
10 When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this.
11 He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her.
12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.

(I would stress this point by making another comparison to gay marriage, but for some reason I’m having trouble finding any scripture where Jesus even mentions homosexuality – weird!)

When the sanctity of marriage is threatened in some marriages, it negatively affects all marriages and, in effect, the entire nation. This is why prohibiting divorce (and gay marriage too while we’re at it) would greatly increase our country’s GNH.

We should all follow the example of John Marcotte, who is currently fighting to make divorce illegal in California: http://www.cockeyed.com/citizen/divorce/divorce.php

~Mohammed

GNH-The War in Iraq

2009-09-28T09:16:00.005-04:00

The war in Iraq is one of the most pressing issues of the day. There are strong arguments supporting remaining in Iraq, as well as pulling our troops out. However, according to a poll on www.pollingreport.com, 64% of Americans do not approve of the war, and would favor pulling our troops out of the country. The majority by far do not want American troops to remain in that country. So if the government were to pull the troops out of Iraq, the GNH in America would go up.

However, we need to be careful about how we exit the region. If we left en masse there would be chaos and anarchy, since the Iraqi government is not stable enough to function without our help yet. So we need to begin to pull out slowly, making sure that the region is completely stable before we leave the country completely. That is something we owe to the Iraqis. We destroyed a stable (if tyrannical and dangerous) government, and implemented a new one, which will take time to stabilize. We as Americans need be concerned not only with our own GNH, but also the GNH of other people in the world. The Iraqi's GNH would not be very good if they're country fell apart when Americans left. We should focus on the GNH of the world, not the GNH of America exclusively. We have created a very difficult and delicate situation in Iraq, and we must be very careful about how we go about fixing it.

-Napoleon Bonaparte

GNH - Gay Marriage

2009-09-27T12:33:00.005-04:00

Gay marriage has been a pressing issue in the world, mostly the United States, for a while now. The two sides of the conflict are either all men are created equal, and love is love no matter what, or the opposite, that homosexuals are an abomination of God and it is morally wrong for two people of the same sex to join in matrimony.

On May 17, 2004, Massachusetts was the first state in the USA to legalize gay-marriage. However, it was not the first place in the world. Belgium, Canada, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, and South Africa are other countries around the world that allow it. Since the legalization of gay marriage in 2004 in MA, other states have followed the example. Currently, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, and Massachusetts are the only states with it legalized. Maine was supposed to have gay marriage legalized by September 11, 2009 but a people's veto had it postponed. A vote will be held in November. New Hampshire will have same sex marriages legalized as of January 1, 2010.

California formally had gay marriage legalized between June 16 until November 4, 2008 when Proposition 8 was put into practice. Proposition 8 says that marriage between a man and a woman is the only legal marriage allowed in the state of California. All other marriages are morally wrong/illegitimate. In 2010, there will be a vote to overturn this law. However, all marriages that were held between June 16 and November 4 are still recognizable. They are not void.

The State of New York and the District of Columbia recognize gay marriages, but do not have it legalized yet. So, this is to say, that if a person got married in Massachusetts, their marriage is still legitimate in these two areas, whereas it would not be legitimate in Nevada or a state without it legalized.

Homophobes claim that gay people are searching for 'special rights' by asking to get married.

Marriage should be a right given to all people. Whether it be a lifestyle choice or they way a person is born, they should not be denied the right to get married with whom they choose.

America has gotten far with acceptance, but not far enough. Crimes against gays and homophobia are still everywhere.

~ Benjamin Franklin

GNH- Racism is the Problem?

2009-09-27T10:03:00.004-04:00

In recent and past history a common topic continuously appears in the news. Racism is consider African American's "biggest problem". People claim that Barack Obama is disliked because he is black. This is absurd. It seems every time a black person is criticized it is racist. It doesn't seem to be a possibility that people do not share his views. That would be crazy talk, and the person that spread that opinion, would be called a racist as well. There is no end to what area racism covers. If a black man is arrested its racism. If a black man interviews for a job and doesn't get it its racism. If a black man's views are not accepted it is apparently racism. The words against people like Obama are not racism! These words are people's opinion. I see many people who just don't agree with his health care plans or with what he is doing to the economy. This does not make them racists. Their ambitions are not fueled by this man being black. These people might be selfish, greedy, and might have just wanted their party to win, but what they are not is racist. The term is becoming overused. The word racist is losing its meaning each time it is said, because it is said too much. Not all people with opposing views are racist. In the case of GNH, the American people would be happier if the majority of us aren't called racists every time we speak against some one of a different race. Race should not be a factor. Everybody would be happier if race was a forgotten factor. Without race their would be less arguments and less fighting between the races. We are all one people. We are all Americans.
-Ho Chi Minh

Legalization Marijuana and its impact on the economic crises

2009-09-25T10:29:00.003-04:00

The medical marijuana business is booming and with Barack Obama trying to keep the government out of this topic who knows what will happen. All that is known is that some believe that it will be legalized in numerous states in the next decade. Some also think that with the legalization of marijuana it could help the economic crisis. In California there are legal cannibus shops that are make millions and they think if it was legalized corporations could makes billions off this product. They also believe that it could stop crime. if you want to find out more about this subject go: -Charles Barkely http://money.cnn.com/2009/09/11/magazines/fortune/medical_marijuana_legalizing.fortune/index.htm

Gun Control

2009-09-24T09:38:00.003-04:00

American should have the rights to own firearms. Many arguments against this right concern the amount of gun violence in certain states. However one should look at both sides of the argument. Illegal possession of firearms is what causes many many gun violence crimes. There is an old saying that when guns are outlawed only outlaws will have guns. An example of positives in gun control can be seen by looking at Texas, a state where gun control is as lenient as possible however they have little gun violence because everyone else has a gun. One needs to look at the news as well for example the story about the World War II veteran who defended his house from a burglar with a gun, nobody was killed but because of his registered firearm his house was not robbed and he was safe from any injury. (aside accidentally shooting himself in the foot when police arrived). Gun rights should be allowed and with less restrictions, it should have ever be mandated that all gun owners take a gun safety class after purchasing a firearm, so that accidental shootings like this one do not happen.

Vlad Puntin.

Los immigrantes

2009-09-23T21:14:00.003-04:00

The debates about immigration may never cease, but the fact of the matter is that immigration is something the US needs.The main argument in the immigration debate rests on the fact that immigration effects the American wages. People believe that by allowing immigrants to work in the country they are lowering working wages and they are taking jobs away from Americans. In reality, this is not true at all. For one, American laborers and immigrants dont compete for the same level of jobs. This is because of their levels of education. Also, the majority of immigrant workers are concentrated at the lowest of occupations. Immigrants choose this type of work because it is available to them in high demand and the money they are getting is most likely better than that of their previous work. These jobs, like dishwashing in restaurants, landscaping work, construction work etc..... are occupations that U.S.-born people find unappealing and unworthy. So when it comes down to it, immigrants do not hurt American workers, rather they supply labor that is essential to the American way of life. So when you look at it, the competition is between immigrants themselves not immigrants and american workers. Personal anecdote, I lost "TO BE" my summer job to an immigrant .... pretty funny actually... but maybe he deserved the job because he needed to take care of a family or maybe because he would have worker harder than me but at a lower wage. Im not being racist, thats just the truth.

- ming dynasty

Healthcare Reform: The Secret Plot to Spread Lies

2009-09-23T21:09:00.006-04:00

Healthcare reform: the most pressing issue in Washington today. There is no doubt about that. So, one would logically think that facts were important in this radical debate, right?

Right??

Well, apparently they're not. Reform in the healthcare system, according to the late Ted Kennedy, is the great unfinished business of our society. It is truly a matter that should transcend partisan lines and should be a moral responsibility in an attempt to supply the American people with the best possible healthcare coverage. Sadly, the debate has turned into a survival game for the fledgling legislation. Many in Washington, including Republicans and Democrats, are set against reform, for they believe that the system is not broken. Yet despite engaging in true debate with their own arguments, they are using scare-tactics and lies to kill any chances the reform bill has of passing.

The many lies regarding healthcare reform all contain a similar trait: the idea that it will target a specific group of people and refuse them care, thus killing them. For example, reform has been labeled a secret plot to: kill old people (pull the plug on grandma), set up "death panels", target women with breast cancer, deny treatment to Republicans, and decrease care to children with disabilities. It is not difficult to realize how ridiculous these allegations truly are. These lies have been born and spread by those who are set against any type of reform.

Lies like these have two main effects: one, they halt any actual and productive debate, and two, they instill a sense of incredulity among Americans listening to this so-called debate. I would hope that, faced by these absurd accusations, the majority of U.S. citizens realize what is really going on behind the scenes regarding the movement against healthcare reform. Scare-tactics and lies cannot create a basis for argument, and I do believe that Americans are beginning to uncover the truth behind the heated debate.

Those against healthcare reform must realize that when they oppose the legislation, they are leaving nearly 50 million American citizens without health insurance to fend for themselves in a system dominated by private corporate healthcare. The system is broken; the evidence for this claim is overwhelming. The lies spread by those in opposition to the reform have created a system of scare-tactics and fear which has turned Washington into a stagnant cesspool brimming with deceit. I do believe it is time for the American people to engage in true debate and face the issue which so plagues those many citizens of our country. They depend on it.

~Charles Bronson

Ridiculous Accusations That Get US Nowhere

2009-09-23T20:30:00.003-04:00

A nation's people are most happy when topics of actual importance are debated and discussed. The politics of America have been reduced to ridiculous accusations that have little to no basis and in truth effect nothing. Recently there was a scandal regarding ACORN, an institution that has supported and worked with Barack Obama, which was discovered to have had members giving advice for prostitutes on how to obtain tax advantages. Now, without a doubt, this means that because Obama has worked with this organization, he is the head of a prostitution syndicate. Fox News has been especially proactive in getting this information out to us, to protect us from Barack, who will soon send all our children to sell their bodies on the street. This is the unfortunate truth about our country. Rather than opposing a party because of difference in opinion, they oppose a man because of outlandish claims. Not too long ago these same brainwashers were screaming out that the candidate Obama was a muslim, as if that really mattered or had any relevance as to whether or not he would be a capable leader. Now this is not an article promoting Obama or any party, it is just saying that one should oppose a man for the right reasons that pertain to the greater good of the country, not oppose him for ludricrous charges. It would greatly make this nation a happier place if we could focus more on debating the truth and what is revelant to bettering this country.

-King Arthur

GNH - Drug Policy

2009-09-23T19:53:00.003-04:00

United States drug policy is ineffective and hypocritical. We chose to prohibit some substances, while outlawing others. Our "legal" selections of drugs do not seem to be based largely on medical information, abuse potential, but more on historical use, and where we have traditionally garnered money.
Primarily, the war of drugs is a waste of money, it has not really helped, and has only exacerbated the problem, by compelling drug producers to find more addictive and powerful substances. To enforce drug policy the government violates posse comitatus, which holds that the United States Armed Forces cannot be used to police U.S. territory. Also, due to the harsh penalties for drug offenses many people are forced to accept plea bargains. The government can seize your assets if they believe they you are producing drugs, without a trial. Finally, this also bends the fourth amendment (unreasonable searches) as what is reasonable in a drug search has become quite broad.
The drug was has also caused prisons to fill up with people who have not committed violence offenses. A prisoner costs the taxpayers $22,000 a year. I am sure we would all rather we paid less taxes and had reduced penalties for crimes. It would be much cheaper to flog them and let them go. Or better yet, to make them pay a fine, and then let them go, that way the government will be able to pay for rehabilitation programs.
If the government did legalize certain drugs, it could tax them in order to pay for other government programs.
Tobacco and Methyl Alcohol have shown to be more dangerous to people than Marijuana, and psychedelics. Yet they are legal while Marijuana is illegal. Not to mention, Hemp's value as raw material has been ruined by being classified as an illegal substance. Smoking and Alcohol kill many more people than pot does. This may due to the fact that it is near impossible to overdose of THC. Marijuana is schedule I which means that the Federal Government believes it to have no medical uses, and a high potential for abuse. This is simply incorrect.
The pre-1972 substance control policy was constitutional, the current policy is unconstitutional. It is also unclear as to whether or not the Federal Government even has the right to make drug policy and enforce it at a local level. Previously, the government restricted substances by making the laws about their trade so complex that they were impossible to carry out.
In terms of Gross National Happiness, the current drug war isn't helping anyone, it is an ineffective waste of money. Legalization has shown to lower the amount of people who use drugs, and reduce their impact on society. Directly in terms of GNH, why make something illegal that is for making people happy?

~Timothy Leary

GNH-Health Care

2009-09-23T19:23:00.003-04:00

The debate concerning if and how the health care system of the United States of America continues to rage on. Which is the best way to go? This must be solved using the principle of “gross national happiness” because in a society structured like the United States, the government’s primary goal should be to keep the people happy in order for the government to keep control and for the values it endorses to remain viable. According to the Pew Research Center…
· 53% of Americans want the debate to end and think the debaters are crude and disrespectful.
· 59% of Americans believe that the people opposing the legislation for a new system are causing most of the rudeness in the debate.
Therefore, if we want to keep the people happy, a bill that is agreeable enough to be passed is necessary. What constitutes as agreeable enough? According to Pew Research…
· 76% of Republicans oppose health care reform 12% support it, and 12% do not know, while 20% of Democrats oppose the bill, 61% support it, and 19% do not know.
· People who oppose the bill primarily oppose it because they think it will cause a raise in taxes. People who support the bill primarily support it because it will offer universal coverage.
Generally, the public opposes new healthcare primarily because it costs too much money, and having enough money is crucial to happiness. However, which makes people happier: good health or money? Assuming that the coverage covers the basic health needs of the human species, it seems more important to be healthy than to be rich, especially since dead people cannot spend money. How many Americans are uninsured? According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation…
· About 50 million Americans (around 17%) are uninsured. 20% are children.
If the bill is not passed, 17% of the population will be very unhappy and unhealthy, while about 60% of the population, which does not support or is not sure of the reform, will be somewhat happy. Those who supported the bill but were not uninsured make up the rest of the population, or 23%, and are somewhat unhappy. Although the population is generally in favor of the status quo, more unhappiness comes to the side that does not get a bill passed, and, as previously stated, the opposition to the bill makes more than half of the population less happy. Therefore it is important that a bill be passed to provide healthcare to the uninsured, even if taxes have to be raised, for the overall GNH of the nation to increase.
Links:
http://covertheuninsured.org/content/snapshot-us-physicians-key-findings-2008-health-tracking-physician-survey
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1343/health-care-debate-seen-as-rude-disrespectful-high-interest
http://people-press.org/report/?pageid=1562

-Socrates

War in Iraq

2009-09-23T16:21:00.004-04:00

The war in Iraq is obviously a big factor in determining the GNH. As it has been with all of America's past wars, there is always a pro-war side and an anti-war side. In this case the very formidable and significant anti-war side is very upset which drastically lowers the GNH of the United states.

-Aristotle

Gross National Happiness

2009-09-23T15:41:00.004-04:00

During his coronation address on November 7, 2008, King Khesar of Bhutan made the following statement: "Yet we must always remember that as our country, in these changing times finds immense new challenges and opportunities, whatever work we do, whatever goals we have – and no matter how these may change in this changing world – ultimately without peace, security and happiness we have nothing. That is the essence of the philosophy of Gross National Happiness."

Your assignment is to post either an entry or a comment in which you discuss the principle of Gross National Happiness as it applies to the United States. Select an issue from the news and comment on how you think the issue could be resolved in a way that makes the greatest number of people happy. You can include links to videos, websites, articles, research, cartoons, images, anything. Just make sure it's appropriate for school, and use your APWorld name.

I'm really looking forward to seeing your ideas!

Oh, and please tag your entries as GNH. That will help me keep them all together.

Enjoy!!

And!! I've also found a BBC site about happiness. It includes a quiz to find out how happy you are, links to articles about the science of happiness, and an article about why the British are not as happy as they were in the 1950s. :D