Daily Life in Tennochtitaln

Daily Life in Tenochtitlan

The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican people who built a large empire in central Mexico. Their empire arose in a fertile area nearly 8,000 feet above sea level known as the Valley of Mexico. Two groups, the Teotihuacans and the Toltecs, had built civilizations there that strongly influenced them. The Aztec empire extended from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific ocean by 1500 C.E.; it occupied a great area of Central Mexico and reached as far south as the current border of Guatemala.The civilization flourished between the years 1428 to 1519 C.E. and is known for its great city, Tenochtitlan. Tenochtitlan was a unique city because it is made of small islands called chinampas. In addition, the city had a large plaza where the Aztecs gathered for certain events, and  a marketplace where a variety of goods were traded. Furthermore, getting around the city was not a problem; a thousand workers swept and washed down the streets everyday, keeping them spotless. For the most part, Aztec life was centered around tribute and warfare; collecting tribute was the city’s most important business. The Aztecs relied on tribute to support the huge population of Tenochtitlan. In addition, the Aztecs had a declaration of war that followed a ritualized pattern. The Aztecs first asked a city to join their empire as an ally, the city was given 60 days to agree. If the ruler did not accept the offer, the Aztecs declared war. Only a few demands were made by the Aztecs on the defeated city: the people had to honor the god Huitzilopochtli, obey the Aztec ruler, and pay tribute.

The commoners in the Aztec empire began their day early in the morning to perform their daily tasks such as farming, fishing, serving, or making and trading goods. After working several hours, commoners would eat a simple meal in the late morning. At midday, commoners ate their main meal of tortillas, maize cakes, boiled beans, or tamales. The commoners went to markets to trade, sell their own goods, and socialize. Marriage and family life were important to Aztecs of all social classes. It marked an Aztec child’s entry into adulthood. Men usually married and the age of 20 and girls married at 16. The father was the master of the house. Women cared for children, wove clothes, fixed meals, tended the garden, and looked after the livestock. The Aztecs also gathered at the plaza for religious rituals, feasts, and festivals. Religion was very important to the Aztecs. They believed that gods were essential for survival. It was also important to perform rituals and ceremonies to please the gods. The Aztec’s own god was Huitzilopochtli, the sun god and the god of war. The Aztecs were especially known for rituals including blood sacrifice and human sacrifice. While religion and rituals were important to the Aztecs, they also had some time for recreation. They especially enjoyed music, dancing, and playing patolli.

Most of Aztec life for commoners consisted of consistent, faithful work to achieve many marvelous accomplishments. For example, the building of the island city, Tenochtitlan, was one of the most extraordinary achievements in the Aztec empire. Today, flower farmers in Xochimilco still use chinampas. In addition, tourists enjoy taking boat trips to see the beautiful “floating gardens”. Another impressive achievement was the three causeways that connected Tenochtitlan to the mainland. The causeways were usually teeming with people traveling to and from the capital. Furthermore, the Aztecs created the Sun Stone which was dedicated to the god of the sun. Today, the sun stone is a famous symbol of Mexico. In architecture, the Aztecs are known the best for their stone temples, like those of the Great Temple in Tenochtitlan. Finally, the Aztecs created a writing system that used pictographs and glyphs. As you can see, the Aztecs were a successful empire because of their unique accomplishments in many areas.

spoiler alert warning! Chapter 13 of The Master Puppeteer by Katherine Patterson

Chapter 13

I fetched the key and carefully unlocked the gate. I could hear Toyotake chanting the act from the theater. Being very cautious,  I slipped past the courtyard and went up the dark staircase at the end of the building. From there, I made my way through the narrow open space toward the light from the single window of the storehouse. Then, I went to the location where Saburo’s sword was previously hidden. I ran my fingers across the broad shelf and was shocked when I did not feel the weapon. WHERE WAS THE SWORD? It had to be there! I ran my fingers across the rafter again and again, but still did not feel it.

What was I going to do? Without the sword, Okada would not believe that Yoshida was Saburo. While wondering what Okada would do, I suddenly realized that I had to be foot operator for Yoshida’s play that was taking place at that moment. I swiftly ran through the narrow passageway toward the steps.

My blood suddenly froze. Someone was coming, someone with a puppeteer hood. I searched for a place to hide, but had no luck. I instinctively backed into the narrow passageway. The hooded figure was getting closer and closer and closer. When it reached the top of the stairs, I could see him carrying a male puppet. The puppet seemed to be peering to the left then to the right in search of me.

I had backed my way almost to the window when the puppet stopped and seemed to be staring right at me.

“Ah,” it said. “There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” There was something in the voice that seemed extremely  familiar to me. Who was it?

“Do you know,” the figure continued, “what a dangerous thing curiosity can be?”

I was speechless. “Remember the story of the peasant girl who was courted by a handsome suitor? She was not content that a highborn personage would deign to notice an ordinary girl like herself. She wanted to know what his name was and who his noble parents might be and where his ancestral home might stand.” As the puppet moved slightly, the light from the window caught something shining in its right hand, a puppet sword.

“The girl, as you will remember, asked her nurse how she might learn her lovers identity. And the old woman gave her a needle- as sharp as my sword here. The needle was threaded, and as her lover left, she stuck it deep into his garments. Then giving him a head start, she and the nurse followed the thread. It lead them out of the city and deep, deep, into the forest, disappearing at last into a cave.”

I was tired of hearing this story, but still waited for the puppet to finish.

“The old nurse lit a lamp and the two curious women went into that cave- and what should they find but an enormous serpent writhing in pain, the needle pierced deep into its throat.”

The puppet came toward me in a terrifying dance, holding a sword.

“Poor little Jiro.” It was those words that made me immediately recognize the voice. “Why are you so frightened? It is you who hold the needle to the serpent’s flesh.”

Okada would have been the last person on my list of who Saburo was. How could the blind, old man bee the fast, sneaky criminal???

“Ah, little Jiro. You make the mistake they all do. Yoshida is famous throughout Osaka as the master puppeteer of the Hanza, when it is I who manipulate Yoshida.” Okada laughed as if he were an evil villain. “Yes, Saburo has many puppets. The whole east wing belongs to him as well as Yoshida and a chosen few on the outside who have sworn their life’s blood to his cause. But, Saburo is only one. I alone am the Master Puppeteer.”

I tried hard not to breathe so I could stay invisible to the blind man. However, Okada took another step toward me, with the puppet’s sword glinting in his hand.

What am I to do? I come into my storehouse to find a mouse nibbling away at my treasure? What does the master do when he catches a mouse with its jaw sunk deep into--

I couldn't take it any longer. I snatched the nearest chest and threw it down between Saburo and me. I grabbed another and piled it on top. Then, I swung myself up as if I were a monkey and skidded across above Okada’s head. After I was past him, I jumped from the rafter and threw more boxes and chests into the passageway. The blind man had dropped the sword to the floor and continuously flailed his arms around helplessly, trying to find a way out of my trap.

“Jiro, I command you. Wait. Wait— wait, I say.”

I ignored Okada and ran down the stairs and out the grating. I slammed it shut, and then, half in panic, swung closed from either side the giant iron doors and threw the heavy bolt in place. I had Saburo the bandit,  locked behind iron doors, and all I could think of was that poor old man crying piteously for me to come back for him.

I had to find Kinshi. He would know what to do. I ran across the courtyard, but just as I got to the door, someone snatched my arm.

“Where in the devil have you been?” Mochida’s usually placid features were contorted with anger.“Yoshida Kinshi’s disappeared and you have to replace him on Akoya’s feet. Okada’s ill and can’t go on. Believe me”— Mochida smiled grimly— “the master is in a proper mood, so take care.”  Mochida shoved me toward the stage entrance where Yoshida and the left-hand manipulator were waiting.

I grabbed Akoya’s hem between my fingers and bent into position. Just then, Yoshida’s high clog banged into my ankle. OUCH!!!! It was a torturous pain. Luckily, I didn’t scream out loud. The next second, all three of us manipulating the puppet were gliding onto the stage behind the puppet. “Torture by Koto” had begun.

The Journey

The Journey

It was time to begin our 1300-mile trek from Nauvoo, Illinois, to the Salt Lake Valley, Utah. I would miss our home in Nauvoo, but we hoped to escape persecution, and to enjoy religious freedom. Like other pioneer families, we loaded our wagon with bags of flour, dried fruit and meat, blankets, and clothes. We secured the wagon to our two oxen. Dad, Mom, Jack, Scott, and I prayed to God for protection. Although we were starting our journey in the early spring, we would later be traveling in the treacherous winter conditions of 1847. Would my family survive?

The first couple of months were uneventful. However, there eventually was a shortage of food due to delays from poor weather conditions. One day, Jack and I search the fields for anything edible. As we searched, we heard a rattling noise, followed by more and more rattling. “What’s that sound, Kaya?” Jack whispered.

Out of nowhere, a rattlesnake leaped toward us, but we dodged the strike just in time! More and more snakes slithered around us.

“What should we do?!” I asked nervously.

“Let’s see who can jump over the most snakes!”

“Okay!” We hopped over the rattlesnakes one by one, then we raced back to our tent.

Mom said a prayer to God asking him to help us find food. Jack miraculously found two stale biscuits in his pocket. We warmed the rock-hard biscuits in a pot over the fire. When we opened the lid, two large, delicious loaves of bread appeared. God had blessed us, yet again.

Winter soon approached. Snow started to fall on the ground, and the temperature dropped precipitously. We walked up a steep mountain, with Scott sleeping in the wagon. As we trudged the snow, we heard a chilling plunge.

“Help!” screamed Scott. I turned in horror as Scott drop down the mountain into the ice cold river.

“Kaya, you can’t swim!” Mom reminded me, but it was too late. I had already jumped into the deep, cold river and prayed for the ability to swim. Wow, I was swimming! I searched left to right and top to bottom. I did not see Scott anywhere. I started to panic. I then had a feeling that I should swim deeper, so I took a breath and dived in again. This time, I saw Scott, who was unconscious. I immediately grabbed him as quick as I could and swam up to the shore. I was freezing and felt like giving up, but I still swam with all the energy left in me to save my four year-old brother. Scott and I were pulled out of the water, and I was unresponsive for 5 whole days.

Scott remained sick for several weeks; he also suffered from frostbite on his feet. Meanwhile, one of the two oxen had unexpectedly collapsed. Dad tried to help the ox stand, but it was no use. The ox’s legs were hurt badly. The ox groaned each time he attempted unsuccessfully to walk. Mom knelt down on the cold snowy ground and prayed fervently, asking God to help the ox walk. As she finished her prayer, the rest of our family also prayed. The ox finally stood up firmly and began to walk. We were all so grateful that God had answered our prayers.

To lighten up the wagon for the oxen, we all took turns carrying Scott on our backs.  My back became very sore as the days passed by, I felt like I was carrying a 200 pound gorilla, even though Scott only weighed about 30 pounds. Our shoes had worn out long ago, but we kept walking on our blistered and swollen feet.

Winter was coming to an end, and Scott began to get better, but he still could not walk. Flowers began to bloom, and the snow melted. Our trek was almost over. After a few more days of long walking, we finally arrived at the beautiful Salt Lake Valley 536 days after we started our trek!  Although I was reluctant to go on the journey at first, I am thankful for this difficult journey. My faith in God was strengthened after our prayers were repeatedly answered. I learned that if you have faith in God, anything is possible.

Which policy was best for China toward foreigners?

Which Policy Was Best For China Toward Foreigners?

The Chinese have experienced both open and closed door policies toward foreigners. For many years, trade flourished as China welcomed contact with foreigners. Traders and visitors brought new goods, fashions, ideas, and religion to China. Even though some scholars believed that the closed door policy was best for China, there were disadvantages brought by closing China’s door to the rest of the world.  An open door policy was the best policy toward foreigners during the Tang dynasty because it brought new ideas and religions to China, encouraged cultural exchange, and introduced new goods and fashions.

One reason the open-door policy was the best policy for China was because it resulted in the introduction of new ideas and religions. Chinese music was strongly influenced by melodies and musical instruments from India, Persia, and Central Asia. Chinese artists and artisans copied new foreign styles too. For instance, silversmiths began using Persian designs. New religions such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam were also were introduced to China during the Tang dynasty. Jews, Christians, and Muslims built houses of worship in Chang’an where they could preach, even though they only converted a few Chinese. Under the Tang dynasty, Buddhism became a central part of Chinese life. While Chinese pilgrims went to India to study, Buddhist monks came to teach in China. The introduction of new ideas, and spread of Buddhism had lasting influence on the Chinese.

Furthermore, an open door policy brought significant cultural exchange to China. For example, the Chinese received ivory, cotton, perfumes, spices, and horses from foreigners in return for sending their silk, porcelain, paper, iron, and jade. The Chinese also learned from India, the skills of making sugar from sugarcane and wine from grapes. New medicines came from India as well. All of these things greatly enriched the Chinese culture.

Finally, the open door policy was a more advantageous policy is because the foreigners introduced new goods and fashions to China. For example, sitting in chairs from Central Asia instead of floor cushions became a status symbol. In addition, the upper classes in the Tang dynasty wore rubies, pearls, and other jewels, and they drank from goblets made of glass. Glass was previously an unknown material to China.  The Chinese were also introduced to new foods such as spinach, garlic, mustard, and peas. Polo, a Persian sport, became very popular within the upper class women and men. The introduction of new attractive goods and fashion into China significantly improved the quality of life for the Chinese.

Although many support the open door policy, some scholars believed that the closed door policy towards foreigners was the best policy for China. One concern was that an open door policy allowed foreigners to easily attack China. Another problem with the open door policy was that foreigners often enjoyed many more privileges than the Chinese. This also lead to resentment of the Chinese for the wealth and success of foreigners. However, a closed door policy would have prevented the valuable knowledge and enrichment of Chinese culture gained from cultural exchange with other countries. China would not know about  ivory, cotton, perfumes, spices, and horses. or, spinach, garlic, mustard, and peas. They would not have had sugar and glass making skills, more knowledge of medicines, or understanding of additional religions. As a result, Buddhism would not have become the main religion of China. China would not have enjoyed as much success with a closed door policy.

In conclusion, An open door policy was the best policy toward foreigners during the Tang dynasty because it brought new ideas and religions to China, encouraged cultural exchange, and introduced new goods and fashions. It would be difficult for the Chinese to imagine a life without Buddhism. It would be even more difficult for the Chinese to imagine life without sugar and glass, rubies and pearls, and even spinach, garlic, mustard, and peas. It is evident that foreigners greatly influenced China in many ways. Although the open door policy had its disadvantages, cultural enrichment flourished during this period along with the development of valuable skills, knowledge, and ideas. This had a lasting significant influence on the Chinese culture.

Mission Blue Butterfly

Mission Blue Butterfly

Lifecycle

Early February, the larvae that hatched last year wake from a deep sleep called diapause and begin to feed on lupines. Often, specific ant species walk back and forth on top of them, gathering sugary protein-rich secretions and in turn, protecting the larvae from predators. Larvae shed their skins as they grow, and soon form a chrysalis. In a couple of weeks, they emerge as adults with wings. Adults fly from Mid March until the end of July, feeding on floral nectars, mating, and laying eggs on lupines. By mid-summer, adult butterflies have died, lupine leaves have died back, and young larvae go down to the ground to begin their period of inactivity until next year.

Habitat
The Mission Blue butterfly ranges from the San Mateo Peninsula near Crystal Springs Reservoir to the southern part of Marin County. As an endangered species, it is most readily observed at San Bruno Mountain, Milagra and Sweeney Ridges, Twin Peaks, the Marin Headlands, and Oakwood Valley. It inhabits small specks of grassland and rocky outcrops along these coastal hills and ridges. Its immediate year-to-year survival is dependent upon specific lupines on which it lays its eggs. In addition, its long-term prosperity may hinge upon native ants which protect its larvae, conservation minded humans, and a diverse and intact ecological system.

Predators
In the 1983 study "Six Ecological Studies of Endangered Butterflies", R. A. Arnold found that about 35% of eggs collected in the field were being parasitized by an unknown encyrtid wasp. Other parasitic Hymenoptera have been taken from the eggs of various Icarioides species. As far as predator-prey relationships, rodents are probably the primary predator of both the larvae and pupae.
Why the Mission Blue Butterfly is on the endangered species list
There are several reasons the population is endangered. The habitat of the butterfly has been destroyed over time by construction, agricultural development and the project to retrofit the Golden Gate Bridge to make it safer for earthquakes. However, a main reason the butterfly being endangered is that the habitat of the Mission Blue Butterfly's host plant, the lupine, is threatened. The Mission Blue Butterfly needs the lupine to survive. The lupine is where the larvae of the butterfly live and the butterflies eat the lupine leaves. The amount of lupine available is less than before because the habitat has many non-native species which are hurting the growth of the lupine. These include broom, pampas and fennel, and the Monterey Pine. These plants grow quickly and because of them the lupine does not have adequate sunshine, water, and space. This threatens the butterflies because if the lupines die, then they will also. Fire also has destroyed the butterfly's habitat.

Steps humans are taking to restore the native population of the Mission Blue Butterflies in our SF Bay Area

In the San Bruno Mountains, one of the main habitats of the Mission Blue Butterfly, the restoration project is under the Habitat Conservation Plan(HCP). This was the first HCP in the country. HCP's can be a useful process when considering new land development, and other construction that might affect the habitat of endangered species.

The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District(GGBHTD) are working on a similar project in the national park area. They are protecting the habitat from further damage and restoring the habitat, as well.  Because work was to be conducted on the Golden Gate Bridge that would affect the Mission Blue Butterfly's habitat there, they relocated the habitat to the park area. To protect this habitat, they recently have cut 175 trees in order to help restore the lupine. The trees were making it difficult for the lupine to grow.  After the trees and other non-native plants have been successfully removed, the rangers will replant native plant species, especially the silver-leaved lupine.

Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_blue_butterfly

http://www.holocene.net/sustainability/Dominican/Creek%20Restoration/student_projects/The_Mission_Blue_Butterfly.htm

http://www.missionblueproject.com

Give the Pencil a second chance Mrs. Ensign

Give the Pencil a Second Chance!

Have you ever ended up with a thousand white-out marks on your school assignments because it was written in pen? Did you ever wish that your English teacher would let you write in pencil, so you could actually have a neat piece of writing? Pencils are erasable, and result in less pollution to the environment. Although classwork and homework written in pen may be easier for a teacher to read, students should definitely be allowed to do their work in pencil.

First of all, pencil writing can be erased easily and completely. In contrast, pen ink can only be whited out or scribbled over in order to fix a mistake. In addition, white out splotches and messy scribbles will make mistakes even more noticeable.This may result in sloppy assignments for the teacher to read. Moreover, students who are perfectionists may end up rewriting assignments repeatedly, to avoid the use of white-out when mistakes occur. If pencils were allowed in the classrooms, assignments would be much neater, and students would be much happier!

Did you know that pens cause more pollution than pencils? Pens are made of non-biodegradable plastics that pollute the environment. In addition, since pen ink is not erasable, people tend to use white out to cover their mistakes. White-out containers and white-out tape are also made of plastic, and contribute to pollution. Did you know that in 1968, 25 million bottles of Liquid Paper (a brand of white-out) were made a year? Imagine how many more white out bottles are made today! Let’s be mindful of our environment, and allow students to write in pencil! By using pencils, students will reduce the amount of non-biodegradable wastes in our environment.

Some may argue that there are erasable pens. However, erasable pen writing smears very easily and is hard to erase. Furthermore, others may say that using fewer pencils can save trees. Trees can be replanted, but plastic will continue to pollute our environment for generations to come! In contrast, most parts of the pencil can be decomposed.  Finally, some may think that writing in pen is easier to read. However, if pencils are sharpened well enough, they are capable of writing as clearly and legibly as pens. Perhaps every student should have access to a computer during class instead, to minimize the use of both pens and pencils!

In conclusion, pencils are obviously the number one writing tools for school! Imagine reading student assignments with no white-out splotches, and scribbled or crossed out words! Imagine a classroom with no annoying pen-clicking sounds...that would be every teacher’s dream come true! Protect our environment by reducing the amount of plastic and chemicals we use in the classroom! So bring back the pencils! Give them a chance! They are clearly the best writing tool! They’re better for students, and better for the environment!

Silver Dollar Pancakes

Learning to make silver dollar pancakes can be so much fun! These pancakes are a little bigger than the silver dollar coins in the United States that were made before 1979, or two to three inches in diameter. They are made by frying a small spoonful of the batter for each pancake. Silver dollar pancakes make a perfect breakfast, especially when they’re drizzled with maple syrup.

To make the pancakes, you first have to gather all the ingredients and have your materials ready. You will need 1 1/4 cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 3/4 teaspoons of salt,  2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 1/3 cups of milk, 3 tablespoons of salad oil, a stick of butter, and one egg. In addition you will need a medium-sized bowl to mix the ingredients, a mixing spoon, measuring cups, measuring spoons, a stove, a plate, pancake turner, and a griddle or pan. Mix the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder together in the bowl with the mixing spoon. Then, add the salad oil, milk, and egg into the mixture. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth. Next, preheat the griddle on the stove, and spread some butter onto the pan to prevent the pancakes from sticking on to the pan. When the butter starts to sizzle, pour the batter onto the griddle by spoonfuls. As the pancakes start bubbling, carefully flip them over. When the pancakes start to brown or become more firm, put them on a plate. Finally, spread the pancakes with butter, drizzle some maple syrup on top, and enjoy!

As, you can see, learning to make silver dollar pancakes can be so much fun! It’s really important to follow the recipe and have all the ingredients closely. Otherwise, this may lead to undesirable results. Don’t be discouraged if your first or second attempts are unsuccessful. With practice, your silver dollar pancakes will smell, look, and taste amazing!