Forum #3: Global Connections - Mr. E's Forum: 2006-2007

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Forum #3: Global Connections

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Ju Kui High School - this is the name of the school i want to learn about Mr kay latta

Date: Feb 8, 2007

10 aspects of culture in Puerto Rico:

Puerto Rico is a mix of four cultures: African, Taino, Spanish, and more recently Native American.
The national animal of Puerto Rico is the Coqui.
Puerto Rican athletes have won six medals in the Olympic competitions.
The official languages of Puerto Rico are Spanish and English.
The dominant religion in Puerto Rico is Roman Catholic although Protestantism is also becoming dominant there.
The government of Puerto Rico is based on the Republican system and is made up of the three branches of government which are the judicial, the executive, and the legislative.
Since Puerto Rico is a United States territory the head of the state is George W. Bush. The governor of Puerto Rico is Anibal Acevedo Vila.
In the year 2000 Puerto Ricans were asked to indicate which racial category they currently went under. 80.5% said they were white 8% described themselves as black, and only 0.4% described themselves as American Indian or Alaska Native.
The capital and largest city of Puerto Rico is San Juan.
The average temperature in Puerto Rico is 82.4 degrees throughout the year.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

my school is Mabogopedi - South Africa

Date: Feb 8, 2007

The name of my school is San Jose y el Redentor- Peru

Date: Feb 8, 2007

The country that I picked is Spain and the city that I chose in Spain is Barcelona.
The school is in Barcelona, the name of it is IES Les Marines. Their first language is Spanish or Catalan, but they are learning English and some of them are quite good at it.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Dear Mr Everett,just lettin you know i chose Europe as my country,along with a school located in germany called "Geschwister Scholl"

Date: Feb 8, 2007

International House - Spain Profile name:International HouseCreated by:Andrea HasapiLanguage(s):EnglishAge range:15-17Number of participants:6City/town:BarcelonaCountry:Spain

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Istituto Professionale di Stato - Italy

Date: Feb 8, 2007

1. Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England.
2. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II, but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39).
3. Southwestern Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains, southwest of France.
4. temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast.
5. lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands 3,718 m.
6. 40,217,413 (July 2003 est.).
7. conventional long form: Kingdom of Spain
conventional short form: Spain
local short form: Espana
8. capital = Madrid
9. National holiday = Hispanic Day, 12 October
10. 152 airports (2002)

Date: Feb 8, 2007

10 cultural aspects of Japan. Japan is the land of the rising sun. It has about 3,000 islands inside of there province. The capital of Japan is Tokyo. Life in Japan first started in 10,000 B.C. In the yayoi period 3rd centrury B.C. introduces rice plantations Iron and Bronze. Kefin period started the imperial lineage. 1185 shogun was a base of power and the ruling class was warriors called samurai. 16th century first trade with outside world. Boshin war lead the way for Japan modernization. Japan is now a leading nation in the scientific research technology machinery and medicle reaserch with the worlds third largest budget.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Europe is bounded to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the west by the Atlantic Ocean, to the south by the Mediterranean Sea, and - according to the traditional geographic definition - to the south-east by the waterways adjoining the Mediterranean to and including the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains (in Caucasia). Europe's eastern frontier is vague, but has traditionally been given as the divide of the Ural Mountains and the Caspian Sea to the south-east. The Urals are considered by most to be a geographical and tectonic landmark separating Asia from Europe.

Europe is the world's second-smallest of the seven traditional continents in terms of area, covering about 10 390 000 square kilometres of the Earth's surface. The only continent smaller than Europe is Australia. In terms of population, it is the third-largest continent (Asia and Africa are larger) with a population of some 710,000,000, or about 11% of the world's population. null

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Junior Achievement Zambia - Zambia

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Sabrina Centeio

Multicultural Studies 10 Aspects of culture from Zambia

At funerals women show support to the grieving family by wailing uncontrollably upon arrival at the family gathering. After the ceremony they can be found joking and greeting long forgotten family members.
Traditional arts: Tonga baskets, stools, fabrics
Most rural Zambians are subsistence farmers
The predominant religion is Christianity
78 different languages are spoken in Zambia
The official language is English, but other common languages are Chibemba, Chichewa, Tonga, Kaonde, and Lozi
Both government and private schools exist in Zambia.
Some well-known artists from Zambia are Mulenga Chafilwa, Stephan Kapata, Victor Makashi, and William Mikko.
Food in Zambia are Inswa (termites),Vinkubala (caterpillar), and Dobe (fresh maize)
Over 70% of Zambians live in poverty

Date: Feb 8, 2007

ok ... I have more than one school mr.e

1.) SCHOOL:Colegio Nossa Senhora das Neves
     CITY: Ibaiti
     COUNTRY: Brazil

2.) SCHOOL: Girls' Catholic Secondary School
      City: Sydney
       Country: Australia

3.) SCHOOL: Chaturachinda School- Thailand
      CITY: Bangkok
       Country: Thailand

Date: Feb 8, 2007

This is the school that I chose to talk to!!
Elisa Davila Vazquez Community School - Puerto Rico

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Tokyo Metropolitan Tadao High School - Japan

Date: Feb 8, 2007

10 aspects of culture in South Africa:

1. Immigration from Europe reached levels not experienced in other African communities.
2. South Africa is a very ethnically diverse nation. It has the largest population of people from a mixed ethnic background, whites, and Indian communities in Africa.
3. Black South Africans account for slightly more than 70% of the population.
4. The economy of South Africa is the largest and best developed on the continent, with modern infrastructure common throughout the country.
5. South Africa is often referred to as "The Rainbow Nation", a term coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and later adopted by then-President Nelson Mandela.
6. The country's socially progressive policies are rare in Africa.
7. By 2007, the country had joined Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and Canada in extending the right of marriage to GLBT people.
8. South Africa contains some of the oldest archaeological sites in Africa. Extensive fossil remains at the Sterkfontein, Kromdraai and Makapansgat caves suggest that various australopithecines existed in South Africa from about three million years ago.
9. The primary sources of South Africa law were Roman-Dutch merchantile law and personal law with English Common law, as imports of Dutch settlements and British colonialism.
10. South Africa is a nation of over 47 million people of diverse origins, cultures, languages, and beliefs. The last census was held in 2001 and the next will be in 2011. Statistics South Africa provided five racial categories by which people could classifythemselves, the last of which, "unspecified/other" drew negligible responses, and these results were omitted.[24] The 2006 estimated figures for the other categories were Black African at 79.5%, White at 9.2%, Coloured at 8.9%, and Indian orAsian at 2.5%.[25] South Africa has a yearly population growth rate of −0.40%.[26]:

Date: Feb 8, 2007

University of the Philippines - Philippines

The country I chose to learn more about is the Philippines.

10 Facts:

(1) The Philippines is an island nation, located in the Malay Archipelago in Southeast Asia.
(2) 90% of Filipinos are Christians, 81% belong to the Roman Catholic Church, 9% are Protestant, and approximately 5% are Sunni Muslim.
(3) Filipino culture is strongly influenced by Chinese, Indonesian, and Indian cultures.
(4) More than 170 languages are spoken in the country. The 2 main languages are Spanish and Arabic.
(5) As of 2006 the country's population is over 90 million.
(6) The Philippines has a very hot and tropical climate.
(7) The Philippines experiences frequent volcanic activities, and daily earthquakes.-Although most are too weak to be felt.
(8) The Philippines has 7,107 islands.
(9) The President is elected by population vote and serves a six year term.
(10) The Philippines has one of the most vibrant business process outsourcing industries in all of Asia.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

The school/country i chose to do is Escola Secundária/3 Barcelinhos - Portugal

Date: Feb 8, 2007

I chose Japan as my country and ten aspects of their culture would be:

1. Post-war Japan had been influenced by American and European culture. This led to the creation of their popular genre of music called J-Pop. From J-Pop, it expanded to the other genres like J-Rock. 2. Both traditional woodblock printing and Western style art led to the creation of manga. Manga is Japanese comic books most commonly printed in their original format that is translated nowadays to many other languages. Manga is read throughout the world. 3. The system known as kana was created in the early days of the Heian period as phonograms. 4. The decline of traditional literary forms was during the Meiji era when Japanese literature combined Western influences. 5. Sumo is considered to be one Japans’ most traditional national sport and is one of its most popular. Martial arts are also increasingly popular. 6. When Western sports first become introduced, they had been stressed as a form of mental discipline. In modern days, they are more thought of as recreational activities. 7. About 84% of Japanese people believe both in the Shinto religion as well as Buddhism. 8. About 99% of Japan’s population speaks Japanese as their first language. 9. Most public and private schools in Japan require students to take courses in English and in Japanese. 10. The Japanese language is an agglutinative language that distinguishes the hierarchical nature of Japanese society by a system of honorifics. Verb forms and particular vocabulary indicates ones’ status in their society.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Hey Mr. Everett. ^.^ The school I chose that I want to communicate with is Isawa High School in Fuefuki-shi, Yamanashi-ken, Japan. :)

Date: Feb 8, 2007

My own culture is Potuguese. My parents were born in portugal but i was born in the United States.

1. Capital
(and largest city)Lisbon
38°46′N 9°11′W2. Official languages Portuguese3. GovernmentParliamentary democracy - President Aníbal Cavaco Silva - Prime Minister José Sócrates4. Formation868 - Independence24 June 1128 - Kingdom25 July 1139 - Recognized5 October 1143 5. Accession to EU 1 January 19866. Population - July 2006 estimate10,605,870 (75th) - 2001 census10,148,259 - Density114/km² (87th)
295/sq mi7. Currency Euro (€)2 (EUR)8. Time zone WET3 (UTC) - Summer (DST)WEST (UTC+1)9. Internet TLD .pt Calling code+35110. Area - Total92,391 km² (110th)
35,672 sq mi - Water (%)0.5

Date: Feb 8, 2007

10 aspects of culture from the china i chose was

1. Opera -the Opera in China goes back to the Tang dynasty. Long ago they mostly performed for the emperors personal pleasure.Now a days opera is a big part of the culture.

2.Sports and recreation-There are many traditional sports such Chinese dragon boat racing.

3.Marriage -In China divorce has become a significate issue recently. Ceremonies are usually taken place in restarurants.

4.Dance is a form of culture in China. The two most popular dances are the lion dance and the dragon dance

5.Clothing-The clothing by the chinese varies by region,economic situations,and ethnic backround. Brand name clothing has developed an obession.In urban centres such as Shanghai has an increased western look.

6.Science and technologoy- The chinese invented the compass,gun powder,paper,and printing.

7.Religion- In China there religion is either non-theistic or Buddhism

8.Language- Most people living in China speak one form or another of the Chinese language.Nearly all the people there can also speak Standard Mandarin

10 aspects of my culture which is Portugal are..

1.Food- There are different kinds of foods. Such as each region of Portugal has its own traditional meals including meat and fish.

2.Wines- Many portugese people live wine.Since the Roman Empire. Now a days many Portugese wines are the best in the world such as Port Wine and Madeira wine.

3.Music- In Portugal,Portugese musical traditions are highly diverse and dynamic. For example Fado is a type of music in Portugal.

4.Sports- Football is the most popular sport in Portugal. It started in the 19th century brought by Portugese students who returned from England.

5.Dances- Portgual has many traditional dances from different regions. Some dances are the Circle dance,Corrindinho, Vira, and Bailarico.

6.Holidays- Some holidays include Saint Anthony which is celebrated on the night of June 12th and 13th

7. Painting - Art in Portugal was restricted in the early years.After the 15th century Portugese art expended.During the Golden Age of Portugal,Portuguses artists were influenced by Flemish art.In the 20th century Portugese are increased both in quality and quantity due to members of the Modernist movement

Date: Feb 8, 2007

When my mom came to the United States from Puerto Rico she promised herself that she would remain true to her culture and not forget about her culture. Me, my sister, and my little brother were all born in the United States. I’ve only been to Puerto Rico once but consider myself very much Puerto Rican. To many people that may not make sense but that is still part of who I am. My mom brought me up talking Spanish, listening to Spanish music, eating Spanish food and just living the life of any Puerto Rican-American person. I always remain true to who I am and am proud to say that I have more to me than just being an American. I can’t really explain how I remain true to my culture but I do it by just not forgetting that even though I wasn’t born there it’s in my blood and I can never escape who I really am. My dad wasn’t born in Puerto Rico either but was also brought up knowing that he was more than just an American. Both my parents made sure that we were given the best of both worlds. I’m very proud and lucky to be a Puerto Rican-American and wouldn’t change that about me for nothing in the world. I also have been brought up going to church and with a strong belief in God. That is another big part of our culture. I wasn’t able to explain 10 aspects of my culture but I hope you guys can kinda get what I’m trying to say about my culture as a Puerto Rican.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Heather Roy wrote:

University of the Philippines - Philippines

The country I chose to learn more about is the Philippines.

10 Facts:

(1) The Philippines is an island nation, located in the Malay Archipelago in Southeast Asia.
(2) 90% of Filipinos are Christians, 81% belong to the Roman Catholic Church, 9% are Protestant, and approximately 5% are Sunni Muslim.
(3) Filipino culture is strongly influenced by Chinese, Indonesian, and Indian cultures.
(4) More than 170 languages are spoken in the country. The 2 main languages are Spanish and Arabic.
(5) As of 2006 the country's population is over 90 million.
(6) The Philippines has a very hot and tropical climate.
(7) The Philippines experiences frequent volcanic activities, and daily earthquakes.-Although most are too weak to be felt.
(8) The Philippines has 7,107 islands.
(9) The President is elected by population vote and serves a six year term.
(10) The Philippines has one of the most vibrant business process outsourcing industries in all of Asia.

whoaaa thats VERRRRRY colorful but goodjob with your 10 aspects!

Date: Feb 8, 2007

This is a picture of Vasco Da Gama, in Lisbon. The Capital of Portugal.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

New Zealand

10 Facts:
1.) New Zealand has the highest proportion population of people born in a foreign country as compared with U.S.A., Brazil, South Africa, Canada, and Australia, with 25%, many were born in England.
2.) Sports and outdoor activities are very important to the people of New Zealand. They enjoy sports such as rugby and horse racing.
3.) New Zealand is known for putting a lot of significance on ‘masculine’ qualities such as physical labor and less on discussion and the intellectual.
4.) New Zealanders consider politicians to be least trustworthy of any other profession and many are apathetic to political elections.
5.) The country’s most major export enterprise is the film industry; many Hollywood movies are filmed in New Zealand.
6.) The food most commonly associated with New Zealand is chocolate fish (marshmallow covered in chocolate and shaped like a fish); buzz bars, Lemon & Paeroa (a soft drink), pavlova (meringue dessert named after the ballet dancer, Anna Pavlova).
7.) New Zealand art is known as Kiwiana and it is made up of kitsch 1950s-style artifacts.
8.) More importance is placed on the popular culture than on the high culture of New Zealand.
9.) Maori culture is also a big part of New Zealand; New Zealand’s own culture is a combination of Maori and British cultures.
10.) The people of New Zealand refer to themselves as ‘kiwis’ and the image of the kiwi bird is on everything from shoe polish to their currency.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Examining Your Own Culture.
Culture of France.

*To the French, religion is kept as private as possible.
*Paris, France holds to largest art museum in the world. The Louvre.

*France is noted for it's fashion, and civilized approach to life.
*The LEGAL drinking age in France is 16, even though the age to buy liquor is 18.

*The French national sport is football (soccer).
*France has played an important role for centuries as a cultural center.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Maria Immaculata Community College - Ireland, Republic of

10 Facts about Ireland:

1.- Earned the nickname "The Emerald Isle" due to the frequent rainfall and mild climate, creating the lush vegetation.

2.- At the end of the last Ice Age, Ireland became an island due to the rising sea levels. Therefore, there arent many animals. They include about 31 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 1 type of reptile, and 3 species of amphibians.

3.- The tricolor flag the represents the Republic of Ireland bears the colors orange, green, and white. Orange for the Protestants, green for the Roman Catholics, and white for the peace between the two.

4.- The Irish Civil War (1921-1923) was a result of the rejection of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. In the middle of the this war, the Irish Free State came into being.

5.- Northern Ireland was in self government with the United Kingdom from 1921-1972. The government was controlled by Ulster Unionist Party, which meant Catholics could not participate in the government. This caused discrimination in housing and employment.

6.- Around 2500 b.c., Ireland came into the Bronze Age, dureing which elaborate gold and bronze weapons and ornaments were made.

7.- In 1171, King Henry II of England invaded Ireland in order to claim sovereignty over it. he forced the Cambro-Norman warlords as well as some Gaelic Irish Kings to accept him as their overlord.

8.- In 1800, the British and Irish Parlaiment passed the Act of the Union which merged the Kingdom of Ireland and the Kingdom of Great Britain to form The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

9.- In Northern Ireland, there were often fights between the Catholics and the Protestants.

10.- Gaelic football, hurling, football, camogie, ladies Gaelic football, handball, and rounders are the most popular sports in Ireland, and are collectively known as Gaelic Games.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

10 aspects of my culture

1. my favorite food is pizza.
2. I like all kinds of music as long as it sounds good.
3. I speak portuguese, spanish and english and under stand a lil of caverdien
4. catholic
5. play ever sport
6. I celebrate christmas, birthdays, thanksgiven, baicaly all of them
7. I have moral beliefs i know right from wrong
8. My values are what people give to me
9. My world view is know more war
10. Are clothes are just like people from america there clothes are just like ares

Date: Feb 8, 2007

* Japan was the birthplace of Drifting (a competitive sport where drivers compete in rear wheel drive cars to keep their cars sideways as long as possible.)
*Popular sports in Japan are sumo wrestling,baseball,and soccer.
*The big red circle on the japanese flag represents the sun without its rays
*Many japanese families perform tea ceremonies

*men, women, and children wear robe like garments called kimonos on special occasions
*Japan maintains close economic and military relations with its key ally the United states

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Okay, maybe I can come up with at least 5 aspects of my culture as a Puerto Rican:1. Food- us Puerto Ricans are very proud of our food. We love to cook lots of food and eat plates such as Arroz con Gandules, Arroz con habichuelas, Pollo frito, etc2. Music- we love our music. In my house there is always music playing such as salsa, merengue, reggaeton, etc.3. Dancing- along with listening to music we love to dance to it. Whenever I go to my grandmother’s house that’s what I do with my cousins. We love to put the music really loud and just dance to it.4. Parties- Puerto Ricans love to party!! That’s one thing you can ask any Puerto Rican. We just love to have a good time no matter what we’re doing. We like to make the best out of any situation.5. Holidays- I celebrate almost all of the same holidays as Americans do. One holiday that is celebrated in Puerto Rico that I also celebrate is Dia de Los Reyes which is like Puerto Rico’s Christmas. It is celebrated on January 6.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Diego

10 facts about Spain

Spain is located in southern Europe with two small’s exclaves in North Africa.
Spain most popular religion is catholic.
Spain's economy is the eighth biggest worldwide and the fifth largest in Europe.
In 2005, there were about 3.7 million foreign residents in Spain.
In Spain they speak a few languages Castilian, Catalan, Basque, Galician, Asturian, Aranese.
In Spain they still use Kings and Queens.
Spain’s motto is PLUS ULTRA which means “FURTHER BEYOUND.”
Spain’s anthem is MARCHA REAL which means “ROYAL MARCH.”
The weather is Spain, the highest is up to 120 (F) and low is 15 (F).
Spain had many of their territories taken by other countries.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

From Alexandra:

Alexandra Wetzel February 8, 2007

Ten Aspects of culture from Peru

1. The culture of Peru is the result of a fusion of cultures constituted primarily from the cultural legacy of the indigenous groups, and Spanish and African colonists.
2. This cultural mixture has been further enriched by the contributions of other immigrant groups, particularly Asians and non-Iberian Europeans.
3. Peruvian culture has its origin in the Andean civilizations, which flourished before the Spaniards’ arrival.
4. The most popular Peruvian sport is football.
5. There is great variety in Peruvian cuisine.
6. Although, they eat meat from huemul, llama, and Guinea pigs.
7. Much of Peru's music is derived from Andean, Andalusian Spanish and African roots.
8.

Ten Aspects of my culture

1. I speak English, Spanish, and Italian.
2. My favorite food is spagetti or rigatoni.
3. Music is a major part of our culture and I enjoy listening to all kinds of music.
4. My favorite sport is volleyball but I enjoy playing every sport.
5. I was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
6. I wear clothes that are comfortable and trendy.
7. My religion is Protestant.
8. I am well-mannered and polite.
9. I abide by the laws that the government enforces.
10. I have moral beliefs and I know right from wrong.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

carmen wrote:

Ju Kui High School - this is the name of the school i want to learn about Mr kay latta

I sent the message today.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

catherine wrote:

my school is Mabogopedi - South Africa

I sent the message today.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Lexie Wetzel wrote:

The name of my school is San Jose y el Redentor- Peru

I sent the message today.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Nathan Vidal wrote:

The country that I picked is Spain and the city that I chose in Spain is Barcelona.
The school is in Barcelona, the name of it is IES Les Marines. Their first language is Spanish or Catalan, but they are learning English and some of them are quite good at it.

I sent the message today.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Michael Depina wrote:

Dear Mr Everett,just lettin you know i chose Europe as my country,along with a school located in germany called "Geschwister Scholl"

I sent the message today.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Diego wrote:

International House - Spain Profile name:International HouseCreated by:Andrea HasapiLanguage(s):EnglishAge range:15-17Number of participants:6City/town:BarcelonaCountry:Spain

I sent the message today.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Shallyn Carreiro wrote:

Istituto Professionale di Stato - Italy

I sent the message today.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Winnie Z. wrote:

Hey Mr. Everett. ^.^ The school I chose that I want to communicate with is Isawa High School in Fuefuki-shi, Yamanashi-ken, Japan. :)

I sent the message today.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Sabrina wrote:

Junior Achievement Zambia - Zambia

I sent the message today.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Heather Roy wrote:

University of the Philippines - Philippines

I sent the message today.

Date: Feb 8, 2007

Italy
Italy was home to many well-known and influential European cultures.
10 aspects of it's culture are:

(1) Music has traditionally been one of the cultural markers of Italian national and ethnic identity and holds an important position in society and in politics

(2) Italian folk music is an important part of the country's musical heritage, its diversity of regional styles, instruments and dances. Opera,and classical music also play a big part.

(3)Italian art describes the visual arts in Italy from ancient times to the present. In Ancient Rome, Italy was a centre for art and architecture.

(4)Italian cuisine is extremely varied. Itaian cuisines are immitated all over the world,each area has its own proud specialties

(5)its cuisines reflect the cultural variety of its regions and its diverse history (with culinary influences from Greek, Roman, Norman and Arab civilizations).

(6)In Italy football (soccer)is one of the most popular sports, and Italy is one of the world's leading football nations.

(7)Religion also is a major factor in Italy,especially Roman Catholicism.

(8)Italy has many cultural festivals, since they use music to express their culture they have many music festivals such as,Umbria Jazz Festival, the largest jazz festival in Italy.

(9)Italy's greatest cultural achievements lie in its long artistic heritage.

(10)Italy's contributions to the cultural and historical heritage of Europe remain strong.

Date: Feb 9, 2007

Ten Aspects of Rwandan Culture:

1. 98.2% of the Rwandan population practices a monotheistic religion, 93.6% Christian, 4.6% Islam. The staggering figures could be attributed to the involvement of Christian clergy and Muslim groups in the aid and relief to the tattered, post-genocide country. The assistance caused widespread conversion, especially to Islam. 2. The primary exports of the land-locked, rural country are coffee and tea. To go along with Rwanda’s few natural resources and minimal industry, the economic stability of the country has been rocky ever since the genocide in 1994 demoralized the economy. Despite this, Rwanda has made significant progress in rehabilitating its economy and regaining private and external investment. 3. The most popular of a long tradition of folk music in Rwanda is the ikinimba. The ikinimba is a dance, which through complex steps and moves tells the stories of Rwandan kings and heroes. The dance is usually accompanied by various string instruments, such as the ingoma and the inanga. 4. Rwandan literature encompasses both oral storytelling and traditional text. Two sub-categories fall under traditional texts, royal documents and non-formal, non-politically influenced literature. Good storytellers are revered in Rwandan society for the reason that the oral tradition if Rwanda is such an integral aspect of their culture. 5. In 1994 an act of “ethnic cleansing,” later to be coined the Rwandan Genocide, resulted in the death of nearly one million (800,000-1,071,000) Tutsi and moderate Hutu natives. The incredible lack attention and response to the extermination embarrassed first-world countries and the UN alike. When France, Belgium, and the U.S. declined to intervene, Canada continued to lead the peacekeeping force in Rwanda. It remains a tainted subject in realm of history. 6. Rwanda is the 27th most densely populated country in the world, the number one in continental Africa. 7. Rwanda’s national, Independence Day is celebrated annually on July 1st. Genocide day is celebrated on Christmas Day. 8. The Rwandan demographic is composed primarily of the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa peoples. 84% of the ethnic groups are Hutu, 15% Tutsi, and 1% Twa. 9. 70.4% of the Rwandan population is said to be literate. 76.3% of males and 64.7% of woman are known to be able to read and write. 10. Most Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda, a tonal language of Bantu origin. Although numbering 7 million speakers, the national languages of Rwanda are English and French, not Kinyarwanda.

Date: Feb 9, 2007

shallyn carreiro wrote:

Italy
Italy was home to many well-known and influential European cultures.
10 aspects of it's culture are:

(1) Music has traditionally been one of the cultural markers of Italian national and ethnic identity and holds an important position in society and in politics

(2) Italian folk music is an important part of the country's musical heritage, its diversity of regional styles, instruments and dances. Opera,and classical music also play a big part.

(3)Italian art describes the visual arts in Italy from ancient times to the present. In Ancient Rome, Italy was a centre for art and architecture.

(4)Italian cuisine is extremely varied. Itaian cuisines are immitated all over the world,each area has its own proud specialties

(5)its cuisines reflect the cultural variety of its regions and its diverse history (with culinary influences from Greek, Roman, Norman and Arab civilizations).

(6)In Italy football (soccer)is one of the most popular sports, and Italy is one of the world's leading football nations.

(7)Religion also is a major factor in Italy,especially Roman Catholicism.

(8)Italy has many cultural festivals, since they use music to express their culture they have many music festivals such as,Umbria Jazz Festival, the largest jazz festival in Italy.

(9)Italy's greatest cultural achievements lie in its long artistic heritage.

(10)Italy's contributions to the cultural and historical heritage of Europe remain strong.

Shaylln, you did a great job of highlighting the culture of Italy. My dog's breed is actually Italian. It's bergamasco. If you're interested you should check them out. They are sheep-herding dogs and they have dreadlocks.

Date: Feb 9, 2007

Diego wrote:

Diego
10 facts about Spain

Spain is located in southern Europe with two small’s exclaves in North Africa.
Spain most popular religion is catholic.
Spain's economy is the eighth biggest worldwide and the fifth largest in Europe.
In 2005, there were about 3.7 million foreign residents in Spain.
In Spain they speak a few languages Castilian, Catalan, Basque, Galician, Asturian, Aranese.
In Spain they still use Kings and Queens.
Spain’s motto is PLUS ULTRA which means “FURTHER BEYOUND.”
Spain’s anthem is MARCHA REAL which means “ROYAL MARCH.”
The weather is Spain, the highest is up to 120 (F) and low is 15 (F).
Spain had many of their territories taken by other countries.

Diego, some of your facts are just facts and not really about Spain's culture. Try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_spain or http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/, ok?

Date: Feb 9, 2007

Leslie wrote:

10 aspects of culture in Puerto Rico:
Puerto Rico is a mix of four cultures: African, Taino, Spanish, and more recently Native American.
The national animal of Puerto Rico is the Coqui.
Puerto Rican athletes have won six medals in the Olympic competitions.
The official languages of Puerto Rico are Spanish and English.
The dominant religion in Puerto Rico is Roman Catholic although Protestantism is also becoming dominant there.
The government of Puerto Rico is based on the Republican system and is made up of the three branches of government which are the judicial, the executive, and the legislative.
Since Puerto Rico is a United States territory the head of the state is George W. Bush. The governor of Puerto Rico is Anibal Acevedo Vila.
In the year 2000 Puerto Ricans were asked to indicate which racial category they currently went under. 80.5% said they were white 8% described themselves as black, and only 0.4% described themselves as American Indian or Alaska Native.
The capital and largest city of Puerto Rico is San Juan.
The average temperature in Puerto Rico is 82.4 degrees throughout the year.

Leslie, thanks for your personal stories.

Some of your facts relate to information about the nation and not the culture. You might want to look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Puerto_Rico for more information on Puerto Rican culture or http://welcome.topuertorico.org/culture/, ok?