Multiple Global Issues
A Discussion Class
10 Popular backpacking destinations
by gizelle@tripatlas.com
May 12, 2010
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If you’re thinking of going on a backpacking trip, then this list is for you.
TripAtlas.com has put together 10 of the most popular backpacking destinations and journeys around the world with the help of our travel partners at IntrepidTravel.com.
Photo by Claire à Taiwan on Flickr.com.
Interested in booking trip? No matter your budget, you can use the TripAtlas.com Trip Builder to get tips, advice, and pricing on your trip from travel professionals & tour operators.
Nature's Game of Intimidation and Imitation
Today's Target: This is a reading and discussion class. At the end of the session the participants are expected to be able to comment critically and objectively on questions related to the topic.
News Proper
Fish Mimics Octopus That Mimics Fish
ScienceDaily (Jan. 5, 2012) — Nature's game of intimidation and imitation comes full circle in the waters of Indonesia, where scientists have recorded for the first time an association between the black-marble jawfish (Stalix cf. histrio) and the mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus).
Undescribed by scientists until 1998, the talented mimic octopus is known to impersonate toxic flatfish, lionfish, and even sea snakes by creatively configuring its limbs, adopting characteristic undulating movements, and displaying bold brown-and-white color patterns. Thanks to these brazen habits, it can swim in the open with relatively little fear of predators.
The jawfish, on the other hand, is a small and timid fish. It spends most of its adult life close to a sand burrow, where it will quickly retreat upon sighting a predator.
"This is a unique case in the reefs not only because the model for the jawfish is a mimic itself, but also because this is the first case of a jawfish involved in mimicry," said Dr. Luiz Rocha, assistant curator of ichthyology at the California Academy of Sciences. "Unfortunately, reefs in the Coral Triangle area of southeast Asia are rapidly declining mostly due to harmful human activities, and we may lose species involved in unique interactions like this even before we get to know them."
Related Story... continue here...
Talented octopus dupes predators by impersonating fish
By Pamela Rutherford Reporter, BBC News
Related Stort... continue here...
Octopus And Kin Inspire New Camouflage Strategies For Military Applications
ScienceDaily (Nov. 19, 2007) — Researchers are studying the remarkable shape- and color-changing abilities of the octopus and its close relatives in an effort to understand one of nature's most remarkable feats of camouflage and self-preservation.
Discussion
Mimicry or Impersonation? How do you relate these two words? Can you mimic or impersonate someone or something? How do you do that?
Who are the best impersonators you know?
Why do we mimic or imnpersonate? Are you in favor of this? List some advantages and disadvantages of this habit.
Nature: Do you think there is a lot more about nature that we should learn and adapt? Mention some.
Camouflage Strategies: How do you understand it? Should soldiers and The Defense Ministry of every countries adapt the underwater techniques for their military programs, strategies and trainings?
What impressed you the most about these stories?
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Tour de France Sabotaged
(16th July, 2012)
Learning Objective: This is a conversation, vocabulary and discussion class. At the end of the session, the participants are expected to enhance crtitical thinking and vocabulary skills.
Story Proper
The Tour de France bicycle race was sabotaged yesterday by someone who threw small nails onto the road. Several riders had to change their tyres because of punctures. Defending champion Cadel Evans had a flat tyre three times. Race leader Bradley Wiggins also had to change his back tyre but he did not say if it was because of the tacks on the road. Race director Jean-Francois Pecheux has asked the police to find out who scattered the tacks on the road, but said it would be "difficult" because there are thousands of spectators.
Race leader Bradley Wiggins slowed down when he heard the news. He wanted to give Evans enough time to catch up with the leading pack. The rules of the race say no rider should take advantage of another rider's bad luck. Cadel later thanked Wiggins for his sportsmanship. When the stage finished, Wiggins said: "What can you do? It's something we can't control….It's sad. Those are the type of things we have to put up with as cyclists." Wiggins is hoping to become the first British rider ever to win the Tour de France.
"Online activities, the mp3 and printable handouts are available for this lesson at http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com"
Discussion Proper
1. Paraphrase: Summarize the story in your own words based on your own understanding.
2. Tour de France: What do you know about Tour de France?
3. Sabotage: Have you been sabotaged personally or do you have any unforgettable story or experience of someone you've heard of being sabotaged?
4. Prevention: Is there any practical means of avoiding sabotage?
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Teacher Jacob