Links

NPR: http://markaki-students.blogspot.gr/2014/09/listening-practice-at-home-with-npr.html

World hunger: http://markaki-students.blogspot.gr/2009/04/blog-post.html

~A Music Trip~

Hello!I'd really like to share with you two of my favourite songs :)

The first one is called ''I have nothing'' and it was one of the biggest successes of the incredible singer Whitney Houston.I really like it, because it gives nice messages inside its lyrics

To gain information about Whitney Houston click here.

The second song is called ''sing'' and it is singed by Travis. I love it due to the fact that it shows the importance of singing :) Here are the lyrics.

Thank you very much!

Global warming: Links to explore before writing the essay

Videos: http://markaki-literature.blogspot.gr/2013/08/2-interesting-videos-on-global-warming.html

Reading: http://markaki-literature.blogspot.gr/2013/08/reading-global-warming.html

Reflecting on our blogging practices

How long have you been blogging?

What do you write on your blog?

Do you think blogging has made you a better learner?

Do you express yourself in English on your blog?

Descriptive adjectives: Places

Space exploration: notes

~High Hopes~

"High Hopes" is a song written by the famous rock band "Pink Floyd". It's the final track in the album "The Division Bell".
 I really like the music video of this song, because I find it very appealing and extraordinary! Many things are combined together, and  show perfectly the message that the song is to give. The lyrics are turned into images and the result is jaw dropping!!

• Click here to learn more about "High Hopes" by Pink Floyd

• Click here for the lyrics video

Were I to contemplate on a time capsule...

As the second millennium came to an end, time capsules were invented. A time capsule is a waterproof cache which not only contains items that are equivalent to the status quo of the era they are put in the capsule, but it is also buried in order to be found by future generations. Were I to contemplate on such a patent, what objects would I utilize to arouse everyone's interest concerning society? Topping my list, would be a diary and a rose. 

To begin with, my first option about what to include in the time capsule, would undoubtedly be a leather-bound diary. This specific diary, though, would not contain superficial information, but, instead my priority would be to immerse myself into the depths of socialeconomic problems with which my country is infested. More specifically, bias, racism and exceedingly high levels of unemployment and poverty, pose and are anticipated to pose some of the most pressing issues. So, I would cherish the idea to write down to urge future generations how to tackle them. Moreover, historians and the so-called elite may possess individual incentives; thereby, there is only a grain of truth in their records. Due to the fact that written history remains, or as they say "scripta manent", our offsprings would not repeat the mistakes of the past.

As for the second item, it would be a rose, as a symbol of the withering of society, which has already been foreseen. It is an undisputed fact that society is contingent on adolescents, who are the bud of the flower. In fact, since technology is estimated to evolve, teenagers will become addicted to it and as a consequence, passivity will prevail. Concerning the spines of the rose, they would be equivalent to the repercussions of the shriveling. It is clear that a human would be hurt by them ans so would society. More specifically, the spines would depict problems which prevent society from evolving, for instance, coercion, corruption and submission. So, the underlying message would be the vigilance, or the flourishment of the youth.

In a nutshell, there is no doubt in my mind that if I wanted to motivate future generations to create an egalitarian society, my time capsule would include the diary and the rose. However, would these items seem trivial to those who would find them I can only hope that the shape of  things to come will be positive for everyone. 

Prefixes

~TRICKY/VEXING VERBS~

 As far as english verbs are concerned, apart from the regular and the irregular ones, there are two other categories that need to be mentioned:

• The sympathetic verbs (love, believe, encourage e.t.c)
• And the tricky, vexing verbs that make you see red! 

 Some of them are:
                              

      

        

          

   

     

~Genetically Modified Crops~

In recent years, geneticists have found ways to produce new crops by modifying the DNA of the plants.This new type of crops is known as GM (genetically modified) crops.Organisations which have been promoting these GM crops have often claimed that this is an effective alternative if we want to fight world hunger.On the other hand, there are some groups that doubt whether non-traditional agriculture will solve global issues, even causing further ones.Therefore, the question that arises is: Are GM crops a blessing or a curse?

Advocates of GM crops claim that they will solve the problem of hunger and malnutrition.It is added that mostly in the future these genetically altered seeds will be indispensable due to overpopulation.Over the next 60 years, it is predicted that there will not be enough agricultural land to feed everyone, so the development of these crops will surely be beneficial.It is also mentioned that the modification of plants contributes to the protection of them, since it makes them more resistant to powerful herbicides.

Yet, there are many detractors of GM crops who consider that not only are they unsafe, but they are also unhealthy.It is thought that even if food is abundant, hunger and famine still exist.Consequently, it is urgent that another solution for this global problem be found.Furthermore, many types of cancer, kidney and liver damage, to name but a few, have been caused by GM crops.In short, it is believed that this new type of crops is severely perilous at times.

The obvious conclusion to be drawn is that despite the fact that GM crops is a significant technological achievement, it is hazardous for humans.From my point of view, it is crucial that  we think wisely before taking the decision of any intervention in the nature.Moreover, it is essential that we figure out how major the problem of world hunger is and that GM crops cannot face a global issue like this.Only when we realize it, will an effective solution be found.

Genetically Modified Crops (GM Crops)

 

In recent years, geneticists have found ways to produce new crops by modifying the DNA of the plants. This generates genetically modified crops, or the so-called GM crops. The most common one, for instance, is soya. Albeit genetically altered seeds are considered to be an indispensable part of our daily lives, since they exist in almost two thirds of all processed food products, it is an undisputed fact that this agricultural patent is a double-edged sword. 

There are many significant reasons why GM crops are far and away vital. First and foremost, it is estimated that there will undoubtedly be overpopulation over the next 60 years. As a consequence, not only will there not be enough agricultural land to grow food for everyone, but also global hunger will dominate. That is, unemployment and malnutrition, which are highly pressing issues even nowadays, are going to exacerbate in the future. Furthermore, proponents of GM crops claim that traditional agriculture makes ample use of powerful pesticides, herbicides to name but a few, which destroy crops. Therefore, a weapon to alleviate these devastating effects of such an intensifying phenomenon is developing non-traditional farming. Last but not least, GM crops substitute meat, so vegetarians may be in favor of them, too. 

Nevertheless, it is urgent that we comprehend the contrary results of GM crops. Firstly, hunger and famine can occur even when food is abundant. People suffer from them on the rounds that either the percentage of exported genetically changed food is higher, or because poverty does not allow citizens to be provided with goods that satisfy their needs. A striking example of this is Argentina. Although the country is known for fertilization, the President's decision to introduce transgenic soya, which appeared to be a catalytic factor to decrease hunger in the beginning,(in 2006 the total yield was 30 billion kilos- adequate for everyone), did not turn out to be effective. In fact, hunger remained steady due to poverty and the fact that the exports of transgenic soya were more than the amount which remained in the country. Additionally, it has been identified that GM crops may cause health problems ranging from allergies to kidney and liver damage. 

Taking all this into consideration, there is no doubt in my mind that GM crops are an ambivalent issue. Only if we use them wisely and in moderation, will we have the ability to reap their benefits without taking mankind into the realms that belong to God, and to God alone. 

GM crops: a blessing or a curse?

            Nowadays, the controversial issue of genetically modified crops concerns people in all over the world. Geneticists have found ways to churn out new crops by modifying the plant genome. This type of crops are genetically modified, forming the so-called GM or transgenic crops. For instance, the most common GM crops are soya, Maize, Rapeseed  to name but a few. GM crops are designed for a more beneficial resistance to viruses and pests, higher productivity and longer life. However, the safety potential risks and ethical concerns are still being hotly debated. Therefore, the question that arises is: Are transgenic crops a blessing or a curse? There are two sides to consider.

    First and foremost, organizations which have been promoting the genetically altered food have often claimed that this is an exceptionally effective way to deal with world hunger and malnutrition. GM crops are able to produce immensely higher crop yields, which could help by feeding more people. What's more, the modification of the seeds is aimed to protect the plant from a most powerful herbicide that is used to keep fields free of all unwanted plant life. And last but not least, agriculture is a considerably significant section of economy of a country. Consequently, were the cultivation of GM food more developed, the country would be able to give many opportunities for people to work in the sector of food production. Therefore, not only will the agriculture take off, but also the country will turn into an considerable power.

       However, every coin has two sides, so there are some parties that doubt whether transgenic crops solve global issues, such as world hunger or rather cause further ones. The Achilles' heel of GM crops is that they unfavorably affect our health. Some studies have linked consumptions of GM food to allergies to kidney and liver damage. Furthermore, not only do many companies exploit under-developed countries, but they also sell the crops more expensively to them. A case in a point is Argentina, a country in which the government was persuaded to approve the use of transgenic soya. Nevertheless, the vast majority of soya crop is exported and the problem of hunger is not alleviated.

     On balance, as far as I am concerned, the advantages of GM crops are outweighed by the drawbacks. In addition, I would like to highlight that it is crucial scientists find out defensive mechanisms against starvation and famine without generating new more adverse problems. 

Microchip Implants

Nowadays, many countries resort to rather stringent regulations concerning the identity cards that citizens need to carry. Topping the suggestion list are microchip implants, which not only contain personal digital data, but they are also minute enough to pass through the needle of a syringe. This specific device is know as RFIDs (i.e. radio frequency identification devices) and has the inclination to replace traditional ID cards. But, are RFIDs a blessing or a curse? From my point of view, their impact is detrimental.

There are many significant reasons why microchip implants should be abolished. First and foremost, although we surely live in a democracy, it is not guaranteed that it will exist perpetually. That is, if it gives way to oppressive regimes, speculative elite will have the ability to keep track of citizens in order to dominate them. Apart from that, since crime rates are estimated to escalate in the future, the opportunity to criminals to commit identity theft is provided. More specifically, only after perpetrators retrieve information on people's chips by using concealed scanners, is it straightforward for them to create a "cloned" chip, which would allow them to pretend to be anyone they wish. Lastly, as far as health is concerned, it is argued that RFIDs are perilous due to the radiation they emit.

Focusing on a different perspective, proponents of RFIDs claim that contrary to conventional ID cards, the sophisticated IDs are much more convenient and a fail-safe way of verifying our identity. Another case in point is that chips offer possibilities for new technology given that they can be accessed when they are in close proximity to a scanner. What seems to be erroneous about these arguments, though, is that monitoring people with RFIDs contributes to violating everyone's right to dignity and freedom on the grounds that the right to privacy is being eroded. Subsequently, coercion and intimidation will prevail and exert a harmful influence on society.

In a nutshell, there is no doubt in my mind that the disadvantages of RFIDs outweigh the advantages. As I see it, microchip implants unearth the "Big Brother" policy. Only if we refrain from utilizing them, will the shape of things to come not be ominous. 

~Implanted Microchips: A substitute for ID cards~

 Nowadays, technology is rapidly developing and many gadgets have been invented to help us with with our everyday lives and make things less complicated. One highly controversial issue is the implanted microchips, which as you may have already understood, are implanted under our skin and might replace traditional ID cards. They obtain access to everything that has to do with us, such as determining our location, to name but a few. However, how safe is it to have such a thing in our bodies that will record even our body temperature and it will probably not be the only device able to be aware of such important things? There are two sides to consider.

 To begin with, proponents of incorporated claim that microchips seem to be life-savers. Firstly, they are more convenient that ID cards. For example, when you want to gain access to public services, but you have forgotten your identification card, everything is in vain. Admittedly, they are right when reckoning that, because only if ID cards are abolished, will we not be anxious about having forgotten them. Another advantage of implanted microchips is that by the use of them, it will be harder for people to commit fraud, such as using fake ID to withdraw money. 

 Detractors of incorporated microchips believe that these are exceedingly dangerous. To start with, a spokesperson for the NO2ID campaign said that by monitoring people with RFIDs means treating people like livestock or industrial goods, thereby breaching the right to dignity and privacy they have as human beings. Personally, I definitely agree with him, and I maintain that it is essential people protect their personal indormation and not let others violate it. As far as crime is concerned, it can be argued that in fact, it is not immensly difficult for criminals to use concealed scanners an a crowded underground train, so as to retreive information on people's chips. It would be then a matter of time for them to write their own chip and begin pretending to be you. Last but not least, thing about the consitution we live in today, democracy. Nevertheless, nothing lasts forever and I recommend that we should not take it for granted. Dictatorship might arise one day in the future. Therefore, the dictatowill be delighted that everyone has a chip and all the details are kept on a central computer. If we consider that fact carefully, we will realize that it is a downright violation of our private life.

 After weighing everything, it is obvious that the pros are outweighed by the cons. On no account should we let other people be our shadows or identify us by a serial number. Implanted microchips which tap us, shouls not be a part of our lives.

Genetically Modified (GM) Crops

In recent years, geneticists have found ways to produce new crops by modifying the DNA of the plants. This new type of crop is called GM (genetically modified) crops, but they are also known as transgenic crops. It has been said by organizations that genetically altered seeds is an effective and advantageous approach to fighting world hunger. On the other hand, detractors of GM crops 
insist that these will be the reason that more problems and dilemmas will arise. Therefore, there is a question to be answered: Are GM crops a blessing or a curse?

On the one hand, these crops may solve problems such as world hunger which
 is a common phenomenon in many countries, such as Africa. Everyday a lot of people and children are dying due to stravation. With the transgenic crops we will be able to produce more food and provide it to them, even though this will be a time-consuming, but surely a profitable procedure. Moreover, experts say that over the next 60 years there will be another four billion mouths to feed and one of the drawbacks of traditional agriculture is that yields are limited. So yields must increase and the easiest path is the new GM crops.

However, these GM seeds can cause some problems. They may solve hunger and famine, but not entirely. People can go hungry because they may not be able to afford food or because they do not have access to products which they could produce themselves. Also, these new crops may be exported to other lands by rich farmers who grow them to gain more money and they do not concetrate on their purpose: feeding communities who need to be fed. Rarely do you meet a wealthy person who does not only care about making money. Apart from that, not enough experiments have been done to discover the effects of GM food in our health. Some people have declared that they fear that health problems can be caused, such as allergies or kidney and liver damage.

There is no absolute answer to the question whether GM crops are vital or not. So, I think if we decise to expand traditional agriculture, we should take all these into consideration and then take action to maximize the benefits of this new technology and reduce the undesired results.

ECPE Speaking, Stage 3

Microchips: Essays, articles and video

http://markaki-literature.blogspot.gr/search/label/Microchips?m=0

Scroll down to find some interesting articles and an enlightening video.

~Useful vocabulary into amazing images~

Hello!I'd like to share some images which I've just found on the internet :)



Here is an image which shows 100 alternatives in order not to use great...

...And here is an image which explains the difference among sale,sales,on sale and for sale.

I believe that the image below is the most important of all...It is extremely essential that we should know the prepositions that each word requires.

 This is a really sweet image which shows other ways to say Good Night

And last but NOT least..here is an image of animal sounds. :)

I hope you enjoy my researches :)

ADJECTIVE ORDER ~ A useful trick

The order of adjectives is a very important rule in grammar and it is very helpful for us to know! However, are we able to remember the exact order without a small trick? I guess no! Only if a trick is found, will we remember the adjective order! Our English teacher told us an amazing trick to remember the exact sequence in a funny and entertaining way, but firstly here are some definitions:
M.M
= Michigan mother
sass
= Nonsense/ rude words
I absolutely liked that trick and I really wanted to share it on the blog:

As you may have understood, when Comku is naughty, his mother tells him off by telling him: "No sass Comku!!!"

If we remove an "s" from sass, a huge word arises: