Urbanizing

Urbanizing - A phenomenon that has been changing the world year by year since it fully began in the 18th century. But what is urbanization exactly? The true definition of it is a physical growth of urban areas, urban areas being cities, towns or conurbations, as a result of a global change Back then, approximately 2% of the worlds population had moved into urban areas. This massive population and urbanizing growth would continue on. But it wasn't until the 20th century came around, more exactly 1950, that we would actually see humongous results when the number had grown to a total of 30%. Most likely, based on the historical facts, the reason for this was that the WW2 had ended making people rebuild and move into cities, trying to make a better future. Another reason would be that before the war started, many people sought refuge in countries such as the US, in search for a safer and better future.
Today the worlds population is estimated to have more than 47% of it living in these urban areas, and is estimated to grow to 52% by 2015 and later a total of 60% as of 2030. Of course, this is only an estimated number.
The country or area that we see the most results from, are North America and Europe, due to the fact that mostly industry and work offices has made people expand and move to cities because it has become the center of attention, keeping in mind that the Western world is more "civilized" than other parts of the world.

Points on how to come up with good answers for your exam about statistics
• Read the statistic with caution: Many times when one reads different statistics, there are always big chances that some of the information is not interpreted the way it should be. For example, some of the statistics can be mixed up with one another, making the numbers and information that was supposed to help you useless for the answer o n your exam.
• Historical background: It is always good to have a some insight in what you are looking at. When observing and gathering information from graphs and statistic, you will most likely see that there are different dates to each graph. Having some historical knowledge will then help you write a bigger and better text, touching on various themes that the text might not have included in the first place,
• False information: Sometimes the statistic you are viewing can have information that is not true, that the is not legitimate. This can be misguiding, and make the paper or exam not fulfilling the criteria it was supposed to. Therefore it is always a good thing to make sure that the information you bring into your exams are both up to date and has at least 2 sources, referencing to the same numbers and dates.

9/11

Last Friday, we watched the film documentary "9/11", a dramatic and emotional movie made by two French brothers. The documentary was at the beginning made to be about firemen on Manhattan, NY, in the down town area where the World Trade Center once stood.

The documentary is gripping in many ways. For one it takes you to the scene of the horrible event that happened in Manhattan, only minutes after the first plain crash. Not only do they capture the evacuation procedure of the firemen that were there, but haunting screams of innocent lives being taken and hurt are screamed throughout the corridors and hallways as they bravely manages to make it to their objective; to help. Another factor that plays into this unbelievable happening, is that as you've already watched the film documentaries beginning, you can't help to bear in mind that the firemen are heroic people that hasn't got the faintest idea of what's coming for them!

Now, I'm not going to give away every single detail about the storyline of this film, but what I can reveal is that to whomever is going to watch this movie, will be both moved and touched by what happens 'till the end when the credits roll in. Further more, I hope that everyone who chooses to watch this film will enjoy it just as much as I did, and perhaps get another perspective of what went on the day of 9/11 and the days after.

Do the ones that lost and risked their life during this day; Remember 9/11 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zr1pwZXf65w&feature=related

Open your eyes

December; the 12th month of the year, more merry than any other months of the year some would say. The time of the year where families unite to celebrate, exchanging gifts with one and other, kids can be seen outside playing in the cold, white snow and the very idea of life shines through most people’s heart shine through; love. This is how we like to picture ourselves what Christmas is like all over the world.
Unfortunately not everyone celebrates their holidays as you and I. There are a lot of people that doesn’t even know this very idea that the Western population of the world has created Christmas to be. Many people are only focusing on surviving through the month and the next ones to come. It is therefore important to keep in mind what you value in life, and reflect upon how other peoples lives may be very different from yours and mine. Take China for an example. A country that is much divided between the rich and poor. A country which is ran by a government that has been debated and discussed many times, but has only recently been shunned in the spotlight it deserves. Much of this is because of the work that Mr. Liu Xiaobo has done throughout his life as a human rights activist, being also a Chinese literacy critic, a writer and a professor, this earning him the Nobel peace prize “"for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China". He received the prize during his 4th prison term, being incarcerated as a politic prisoner for his criticism against the Chinese government. This is just what was needed, showing the government of China its true face. I applaud this man for standing up for his people, being brave enough to fearlessly go against such a big, corrupted government.
So to all my readers, I wish you all a merry Christmas.
And I hope you keep in mind that most of us are privileged to live the lifestyle we do. I know I will…

Mike

I'm back, sort of...

As you can see, there haven’t been many entries published on my blog lately. First And foremost I wish to apologize to all my readers. Reason for why my blog entries haven't been published, is that I haven't been avle to log into my user. Why this issue has appeared, I have no idea. But what matters is that I highlighted to the admins, and now it finally works again! I also want to talk a little bit about my school year in International English, the class I'm attending, this far. There's been a lot going on. We've seen movies, worked with Americans in a project that is still ongoing by the way. But unfortunately we've had just as much, if not more to do in the other classes we the students are attending as well. Luckily, our teacher has shown us compassion and understanding, by not being to hard on us. If Ann, my IE (International English) teacher reads, I truly thank you for this. Hopefully, more focus and dedication will be put into IE from now on. All in all, one of my favorite subjects is still English and I hope to learn about it 'till the end of my year in second grade.

Mike

Thoughts Around "Erin Brockovich" - The movie

Erin Brockovich is a story about a unemployed single mother of three who struggle to make her ends meet. At the beginning we see Erin as she is losing her personal injury lawsuit against a doctor who has previously crashed into her car. Aftet losing the lawsuit, Erin demands a job at the law firm that she thinks is the reason for the loss in court. The movie later follows Erin as she comits herself to one case in perticular, where a water plant is suspected for delivering contaminated water to the residences around the factory.

I thought the movie was great! It showcases working mothers and how some peoples work ethics are. Erin is a woman that never gives up, her kids that is. To me it made me realize how much my mother have sacrifized for me, because she is a single mother and all.

The Kite Runner - first entry

As a new assignement from our teacher, we're supposed to read the critically acclaimed book "The Kite Runner". As I have previously read 1/3 of the book, I already know some of the story. Not that much has happened up untill now in the book. We've only just met Amir and Hassan. Although, it is still hard to start reading again, because of the lack of motivation I have for the book. But as any other student in my class, I'll have to read the book. When I think about it, maybe it's not that bad of an idea to read it for the second time? I might pick up something new from the book that I didn't do the first time I read it.

School vs. Facebook

Today, we were given an article by our teacher that revolves around the subject of the usage of Facebook in school. The articles fact is mind blowing, as the grades of students visiting the internet site was 20 percent lower than those who chose not to. Being a student myself, I will here by probably want to rethink the situation next time I want to check out whether or not I have a new notification or a new mail in my mailbox. It might be for the best, keeping in mind that theese are my two last years here at Sandvika Videregående.