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Blog Day 2011 Part 2

Topic 23: The Lesser of Two Weevils

“Come Up With a Title for a Blog that would be a Pun Headline. Write this story, article, what have you based on the headline.”

A rash of plant thefts have been happening all around Boone County recently. No need to call the police, this is a problem with Mother Nature. Curculionidae and Curculionidae are the ones who need to be rounded up and locked away. The problem is these two bandits are not in cahoots and they are even rarely seen together.

Botanist Jamie Rhodes gives some tips on how to keep the plant predators at bay.

  • Spray the leaves with a diluted solution of equal parts water and household glass cleaner
  • Keep plants watered to be able to withstand attacks
  • Do not plant flowers near crops as Weevils are attracted to their scent

There happens to be a catch to all this. Curculionidae, which are identified by their elongated nose and light brown color, are completely manageable their brethren the Curculionidae, black with large antennae, are extremely dangerous to your crops. If you spot one you are advised to consult your  local exterminator and have your fields sparred to prevent further infestation.

Categories
Blog Day 2011 Part 2

Topic 22: The Economics of China

“China”

The buzz right now is China. Everywhere you look in America you will see warning signs about China. I don’t want to make you feel more or less scared about this. Personally, I don’t think there is anything to be afraid of. If (when) we do drop to another country economically it doesn’t mean America is over, it is just a change. Anyway this post is to talk a little economics with all of you all about China so maybe you can better understand what people are saying when they are talking economics.

China recently became the second largest economy in the world by GDP. GDP stands for gross domestic product. It is calculated using the folowing equation:

GDP = C + I + G + (Ex – I)

or

GDP = private consumption (consumer spending) + gross investment + government spending + (exports − imports)

This is usually the barometer economists use to measure success of a country. Recently (last year) China overtook Japan as the world’s second largest economy based on GDP. They are still extremely very close in terms of GDP, but Japan’s economy is pretty anemic in terms of growth while China’s is growing at 9% to 10% every year.

In terms of economies (GDP) as of 2010 the world looks like this:

1. USA  – $14,657,800,000,000

2. China – $5,878,257,000,000

3. Japan – $5,458,872,000,000

As you can see as of right now Japan and China are very close, but the US is over DOUBLE China. It is going to take China a while to catch up, but looking at how poorly the US economy is performing we have very little growth in comparison. If things continue on as they are currently China will overtake the US for the top spot within the next 20 years.

Like I said this post isn’t to debate the merits or consequences of this, just to inform. I encourage you to do your own research because whether you are into economics are not it will have a direct impact on your life.

Categories
Blog Day 2011 Part 2

Topic 21: Survivalist

“What Would You Do To Survive Alone On An Island?”

I would probably have to prepare. I would hopefully have honed my skills enough to discern what is ok and what is not ok to eat. I would probably first have to make some tools. Maybe a sharpened stick, a knife out of a rock, a club for clubbin’ things. I would need some shelter too, so with my newly fashioned tools in hand I would see if there was any naturally occurring shelters like caves. If not I would try to make a makeshift hut out of some thatch. After I secured some of the barest of essentials I would probably be pretty tired and take a nap. After being well rested I would now have to go find some food, maybe some animals to hunt. After the animals are slain I would probably need a fire. I would gather some dried out old wood, maybe some beach logs. I would have to have some way to start this a blaze. I would probably get some thin twigs and try to slowly heat them up. After I got a fire and everything I would probably just chill for a bit. Surviving is pretty tough work. After many days of getting it down pat I would most likely do some headier stuff like come up with ways to get back to civilization. I would probably design a sweet raft and then do that and accumulate the proper provisions. After it is all said and done I would probably get back and be so much stronger for it.