Wiki Project Discussion Questions

1)Do you think that sport really contributes to people’s personal development? (Esra, Şerif and Fatoş)
   I can say yes to this question without hesitating because I have experience. I am not interested in sports professionally but there were times when I did sports and there were times when I did not. When I did not do sports I feel tired all day. Actually, sports do not take your energy in contrast to what many people think. It makes you more energetic whole day. According to me, sports help you to have a better and healthier life from childhood to old ages. However, I think sport is not only beneficial for people’s physical health. It also helps your brain to work properly and quickly. You do your works better. Many people say that they do not have time from work for sports. However, they will realize that they are more productive when they do sports regularly. Also, doing sports is the most effective way of avoiding stress and depression.

2)After visiting our site, which lifestyle did you like most? Why? (Emel, Ahmet, Tuğçe, Buse)
    I liked the British life style most from life styles you told us. Actually, the most important reason is that their eating habits are similar to me. Of course, I do not eat pig meat but I understand that British people like meat on their tables like me. You also said that British people look introvert and serious but they are not boring; they have a good sense of humor. I think this is something good because such people get more respect in all societies. Maybe, keeping your distance is sometimes better as people can hurt you easily when you do not keep your distance. Another point I liked in British life style is that British people like doing sports. It is good. This means they care about themselves and their health. However, I found their way of dressing too plain. I am different from them on this point but apart from that, I liked their life style.

3)What did you like most about Antep while reading our wiki project? (Tuba, Arzu, Aysel, Helin, Asena)
    Actually, I liked almost everything about Antep but there are surely some points I liked better. Firstly, I am usually interested in the historical sides of cities. Gaziantep is one of the most important examples of this because it is honored as “Gazi” after War of Independence. This shows us that this city has a lot of contribution in this war and this is really important for me. Secondly, I liked the sightseeing places which are also related to the history of Gaziantep. As I mentioned before, I have never been in Gaziantep but after reading your work, I want to see the historical and touristic places you told us. Lastly, I liked the Gaziantep cuisine as it appeals to my taste as a person who loves meat and desserts. Fortunately, I can taste them even without going to Gaziantep. In conclusion, I liked Gaziantep in many ways after reading your work.

Wiki Comments

Wiki project comments

http://serifbaltaci.blogspot.com/2013/06/wiki-project-sports.html?showComment=1371136725675#c9008830051756933679

Dear Esra, Şerif and Fatoş,
Your topic is a universal topic and it can be read by anybody in the world. I also recommend everyone to read your work. I think sports should be one of the most basic habits in our life. I think people who do not take part in sport activities will regret. That's why your work is one of the writings that encourages people to do sports. Especially, giving place to the words of famous people on sports is an effective way of arousing the interest of people.
I also try to do sports as much as I can. I think it makes you feel more vigorous and happy. However, I am not interested in a certain sport.
Your organization is very good. Everything is in their proper places. You did some extra work. It contributes your work.
Also, your language is fluent and it did not bore me. I did not see any grammatical mistake. Very good job ! Thanks for your efforts.

http://tbcan.blogspot.com/2013/06/wiki-project-gaziantep.html?showComment=1371138267850#c3699268573565715760

Dear friends,
Firstly, I should mention that your sub-categorization is very good. As you are five members, your writing has a more detailed information. That's why a person can learn a lot by reading your work. You talked about every piece of Gaziantep :) Actually, I have never been in Gaziantep but thanks to you, I have an idea about Gaziantep. Of course, meals attract my attention most.
Your language is very fluent and your organization is very good. I did not see any grammatical mistake in your work, as well.
I liked your visual aids (especially the caricature). You introduced us Gaziantep very well. Thanks for all your efforts.

My comments on my friends' blogs

Article Reflections

http://smileforarzu.blogspot.com/2013/06/second-term-second-article-reflection.html?showComment=1371117603090#c2869270094052141152

http://07tugrul.blogspot.com/2013/04/entry-2-second-term.html?showComment=1371118527631#c8599198586709378256

Reflection Journal

http://bayraktarayla.blogspot.com/2013/04/of-me-in-myjournal-i-would-like-to.html?showComment=1371119242578#c7415232094442973396

http://atamanes.blogspot.com/2013/05/second-term-third-journal.html?showComment=1371119954718#c6510835472295408006

Revisal of Article Reflection 1: Can Men and Women Be Friends?

   OPPOSITE-GENDER FRIENDSHIP

    In the article “Can Men and Women Be Friends?” the writer tells us about how society sees male-female friendships, if such kind of a friendship is possible and what the ones who are friends with cross-sex think about their friendships. According to the writer, it is possible for women and men to be friends, and even best friends. I agree with the writer.

      Firstly, as the writer said, the ones who are married and who have children have more trouble in making friends with opposite-sex. Especially in our country, married people who are close friends with cross-sex are not welcomed. They are thought to be unfaithful. However, I think it is a misconception. People can be friends with opposite-sex without being charmed by each other. Maybe it is difficult to be close friends because of their different interests but at least they can be friends. There are women who love football and the men who love shopping, too. It is not something awkward. Actually, this looks awkward because society classifies people like that. People around you affect your interest. That’s why most men love football while most women love shopping. Nevertheless, contrary situation is possible and people usually prefer to be friends with the ones who have same interests, not the same gender.

      Secondly, the writer says that people used to believe that men and women come together only if there is a romantic relationship between them in the past. Unlike them, I think men and women can come together for different purposes. Think about one of your relatives who are a member of opposite-sex. Do you feel romantic feelings for them or do you see them just like siblings? It may be true that you have more in common with your same-sex but this does not mean you cannot have in common with opposite-sex. Actually, it is not only a gender issue but also a character issue. Sometimes your soul mate can be someone from opposite-sex. Also, it is a fact that even married couples do some entertainment activities like playing volleyball, drinking tea with other friends or going to picnic. While doing these activities, they do not live romantic moments. They just enjoy.
     Thirdly, the writer says that society determines how people welcome such friendships. It is true. In the past, people used to see woman as a housekeeper and man as a worker. There was a dominance of men. However, people are learning to treat to both genders equally day by day. There are men who cook at home and there are women who work until late hours. Today, women and men can take part in the same career branch. Therefore, they work in the same environment and this situation breaks the ice between men and women. Also, the single-sex schools are turned into coeducational schools and children learn to be friends with opposite-sex at an early age. Although they mostly prefer to be friends with their same-sex, they do not isolate themselves from cross-sex.
     In conclusion, I think it is possible to be friends with cross-sex despite social pressure. Today, people accept it is not that bad to be friends with opposite-sex as both genders’ statue starts to be equal.

Revisal of Reflection Journal 1: A Beautiful Mind

   “A Beautiful Mind” is a movie directed by Ron Howard in 2001. It is a movie which won eleven rewards. It is turned into a screenplay from a book which has the same name. John Nash is an ambitious student and he likes to create a difference. Instead of being contented with what he learns, he loves thinking in a different way from others do and adapting math to life. He is also a genius. He prepares a thesis which refuses a previous theory and he graduates from his school with a degree. Then, he starts to work as a professor but he has also another job. He is a secret agent who works for his country and solves secret codes. He leaves the solved codes to a house’s letterbox. However, he starts to worry about his life because he marries to one of his students, Alicia, and his wife expects a baby. He never tells about his job to his wife. However, one day, the truth comes out. The man finds out that he is a schizophrenic. When his wife looks into the letterbox which John puts the secret letters, she realizes that nobody touched the letters. Although John refuses he is sick, he realizes that a girl he met never grows up in years because she is an imaginary character and he starts to accept the fact. He tries to fight his illness and although he never gets better, he learns living with it.

   
    I found this movie interesting due to several reasons. The first reason why I liked this movie is that it has a really impressive story. The film tells us the life story of a mathematician named John Nash. It is inspired by a real life story, which means it is a biographical film. Not at the beginning but as the film goes on, you realize the main point emphasized. While watching, you may laugh, cry and get shocked. This makes the movie more realistic.
    The second reason is that the film is well-shooted. It has a good cast and the actors are reflecting the real people’s attitude towards the problems in real life. The emotions are in the foreground. We can say that they are from our world. The final and the most important reason is that the film affected my view of life. Alicia also goes through a difficult period. Although the man she needs to look after is not the man she fell in love anymore, she tries her best to support him. It shows us how love makes a person strong. At the end of the film, she gets in return for her efforts. This influences the audience deeply. However, the only bad side of the film is that it bores audience at the beginning as nothing extraordinary happens. But I think it is the thing which makes this movie surprising.
     To conclude, A Beautiful Mind is a movie which can influence you deeply and even change your attitude towards life.

     I wanted to show you the trailer of the movie because you can see John's ambition and hard-work in this video. Actually, you can also see he is really happy before he finds out his illness. This also shows us how the life can be deceptive and your life can change in a good or bad way in one second.
     John’s ambition does not disappear easily. Although everybody tries to tell him that he is a schizophrenic and his secret job is just his imagination, he does not want to believe. You can see that he wants to be at the top and he really enjoys it even though it is just an illness in reality.
     I also understand that you can become successful if you learn to live with your troubles. Nothing is an obstacle if you have hope that you can deal with them. After John learnt and accepted he has an illness and his dreams are only imagines, he did not give up. He went on studying and teaching. He copped with his illness and gets the respect of other mathematicians. I think this is the real success in life. Succeeding despite the problems…
     In conclusion, John Nash is the definition of real success with his ambition, hard-work and challenging character.

Reflection Journal 4: Akita

AKITA

      Akita is a large spitz breed of dog originating from the mountainous northern regions of Japan. There are two types of Akita. Japanese Akita which is also known as “Akita Inu” and American Akita. Akitas are huge, curved-tailed, alert-eared dogs. They have a water resistant coat. They may be white, red, brown, black and bespeckled or stripe. However, their characteristic features are more important than their appearance.

     Firstly, Akitas are really strong dogs. Although they are not assailant dogs, they are stronger than many dogs. They also look like wolfhounds. They are approximately 35-55 kilograms and their height is roughly 60-70 cm. Their strength is one of the reasons why they are good watch dogs. They are also very healthy dogs. In Japan, people give a Akita statue as a gift. Japanese people think Akitas are the symbols of health.
     Secondly, Akitas are very trainable dogs. However, you need to train them when they are a puppy because it gets harder when they grow up. They can be trained in an apartment. However, they are pretty quicksilver dogs. That’s why they need to move too much within day. If you want to breed an Akita in an apartment, you need to take him out walking or you need to have a large apartment. However, a house with a large garden is the best choice so as to keep an Akita. There is another thing that you should not forget. Akitas cannot bear other pets. That’s why it is better not to have another pet at home if you will have an Akita.
      Lastly, Akitas are very friendly and loyal dogs. This is the most important feature of them. They are independent dogs and you cannot sometimes make him things. However, they are usually calm, clever and affectionate to their masters. They may be also jealous of their masters. (I will recommend you a movie that is inspired from a real incident about Akitas’ loyalty below.)
      In conclusion, Akitas are one of the best dog types in the world in the ways of their strength, trainability and loyalty.

     This video includes some parts from the movie “Hachiko” which an Akita type of dog. I shared this video because it is a good summarizing of the whole movie. The movie tells us real a story which happened in Japan.

    According to the real story, a Japanese professor Dr. Hidesabura Ueno pets a puppy and named him “Hachiko” which means “eight” in Japanese. This dog was accompanying his master to the subway train while Dr. Ueno was going to his work and he came to the subway again when his master came back from work. When this first happened, Dr. Ueno was really surprised. Hachiko did this every day for a year. However, one day Dr. Ueno did not come. Hachiko waited him for the whole night. Dr. Ueno did not come the following day, either. He had a heart attack and died. Hachiko did not give up waiting his master. He persistently waited him every night for nine years. After nine years, Hachiko died when he was eleven years old. Japanese people accepted this story as the symbol of loyalty and friendship. They put up a statue of Hachiko’s where he stand every day.
    In the movie, you can also see the characteristics of an Akita that I mentioned above. Hachiko is a dog which very friendly, loyal, clever and strong. That’s why I recommend you to watch this movie in order to learn more about Akitas.
    The reason why I wanted to talk about Akitas was this story that impresses me so much. The dogs are usually famous for their loyalty but this story shows us a loyalty which is beyond what we know.

Article Reflection 3: Condemn the Crime, Not the Person

Coping With Crime

    In the article “Condemn the Crime, Not the Person” June Tangney tells us about the shame policy that has been followed by courts in recent years. He says this policy does not deter the criminal from committing crime. Instead, it causes more crime. He also adds that condemning criminals makes them more harmful people. Therefore, we should condemn the crime they committed instead of condemning the criminals themselves. I wholly agree with the writer.
      Firstly, it is a fact that people try to find ways to stop crimes because nobody wants to get hurt or nobody wants their properties to be stolen. However, we should also know that only the people who are mentally-ill or the people who are desperate commit these crimes. Otherwise, people do not attempt to do such things easily. Therefore, people do not come to their senses when they are punished or when they suffer.
      Secondly, a question appears in our minds. What can we do in order to stop these people’s committing crime? In my opinion, at this point, the writer’s attitude towards criminals will make things easier. We should not humiliate criminals. By doing so, we cause not only those people to hate themselves but also them to hate other people. If they hate themselves, they think they are a bad person. If they hate us, they think people will isolate them and they need to go on committing crimes in order to survive and take revenge from the people humiliating them.

     Lastly, these people start to think they have a second chance if they do not get bad reactions. The writer says that community service sentences are more constructive ways. We can make these people help other people as a sentence. In my opinion, it is a more effective way of stopping crime. Living in a cell makes people more bad-tempered, aggressive and depressive. The people who are in this situation tend to commit more crime. On the other hand, community service sentences are not humiliating and these sentences help people to be aware of they can be useful for society. This makes them feel better and they do not easily attempt to commit a crime.
     To conclude, condemning criminal ends up worse results. On the other hand, condemning crime keeps people away from crime. Also, instead of severe punishments, community service sentences are more constructive.

Reflection Journal 3: Is Fashion Important?

Is Fashion Important?

     Fashion is a stream which determines what is better, more popular or more up-to-date. Many people attach a lot of importance to following fashion. However, why do people give so much emphasis on fashion? Is fashion that important?
     Fashion is a stream which is followed by almost all people. “Why is it so?” The answer is very simple: “Because they want to be distinctive.” It is also the reason why fashion changes continuously. For example, rich people (mostly celebrities) find out a new and distinctive style and they start to get dressed according to this new style. The people who see these rich people think their styles are different and attention-grabbing and they start to imitate this new style. The more people see this style, the more people adapt themselves to it. However, the problem starts here. Nearly all people start to get dressed according to this style and everyone looks the same. The style loses its distinctiveness. Therefore, new trends appear because people always want to look different from others.

     Therefore, fashion needs productivity. However, is it so simple? Upon technology came, getting information became too quick and easy. Something new comes up every day. While you are buying the latest model cell-phone, the better one comes up. Therefore, you get disappointed. You can also see that clothing fashion sometimes gets back to the old under the name of “nostalgia”. I think the reason is not only that the old fashion looks good to people. I think it is also because people have difficulty in being productive.
     There is another aspect of the topic. Does every fashion suit every person? It is most critical part of the topic because there are many people who think they look beautiful as they follow the fashion. They don’t. Maybe, most of them look good but there are also ones looking terrible and even funny in what they wear. Not only clothes are included this example. For example, you can see many fashionable but expensive cars people would buy if they had enough money. Do those cars appeal to everyone? Some love small cars while others love big ones. Also, if you buy a car which is over the standards, you need to spend more money to keep it good.
      In conclusion, according to me, fashion is not that important. It gives you some opinion and it can still exist. However, if you want to be distinctive, you should create your own fashion. You should not imitate others.

     I chose this video because the girl in the video argues the topic I talked about. She starts defining fashion and gives her opinions on the topic.
     She firstly says that fashion is something you cannot keep up with. I mentioned this before, too. Fashion always changes and it is almost impossible to follow it because technology makes everything too fast. We all know that even if we get latest model computers, furniture, kitchen utensils or clothes, a more upgraded one will constantly show up. However, we do not give up chasing them.

    Secondly, she talks about the fact that not everyone has the ability to follow fashion because of their financial situation. Therefore, average people need to wait until the prices go down or they can save enough money to buy what they want. Fashion can change any time but you cannot buy what is fashionable any time because there are so many things changing and they change so quickly. Rich people get what is fashionable more easily and this makes you the follower of them.      Thirdly, she says that the people who cannot afford the fashionable things can make their own clothes and styles. I agree with her. I think this makes people more distinctive and people will discover what suits them most.
     In conclusion, looking good may be important but this does not mean you should follow fashion so that you can look good. Another example is that buying an expensive car as it is more fashionable causes you to make more expense on it and it land you with its expenses instead of making you fashionable. Therefore, function is as important as fashion.

Article Reflection 2: PowerPhrases: The Key to Winning Respect

How to Gain Respect

    In the article “PowerPhrases: The Key to Winning Respect” Meryl Runion mentions that some people get more respect from other people although other ones do their best to gain respect. For example, your idea may not be considered good by others in a meeting although someone else repeats the idea you put forward and receive a good answer from others. Runion tells us the reason is that you do not use PowerPhrases while talking to people. Powerphrases are the words which make you more respectable in the people’s eyes. These words mean what they want to mean. However, you should not only say but also put your words into practice because people love the ones who keep their promises. I totally agree with the ideas of Meryl Runion.
    Firstly, it is a fact that people do not like to be given long advices. Although they seem as if they are approving your advices, they mostly do not even listen to you. The reason is that people do not like to be treated as if they are a child. That’s why Meryl is right by saying you should be brief while talking to people. Wasting people’s time may cause them not to respect you. They may even hate you because they feel humiliated by your long sermons.
    Secondly, you may have realized that the people who are introvert or the people who are not known get more respect. Many people say that the reason is that they look mysterious. Maybe, there is an effect of mysterious appearance of people but this is not the only reason. The main reason is that those people talk less to you and they usually talk to you only when they have to want something from you. They talk directly and you take seriously these people.

    Lastly, it is about charisma. Have you ever thought why politicians can impress people easily? The reason is that they have charisma. They say what they mean directly. They do not tell stories to you. Even when they lie, they do not give you a clue about it by forming long sentences. However, those people may have charisma innately. They usually have a more dominant voice and this is also an important part. Surely, these people are one move ahead of you but this does not mean you cannot improve your charisma.
     In conclusion, I agree all of Runion’s ideas. In order to gain more respect, use PowerPhrases, be brief, direct and result-oriented.

Reflection Journal 2: Culture Shock

CULTURE SHOCK

     Culture shock is an event that everyone in the world experiences at least once in their life. Therefore, it is better if people know something about it. People experience culture shock not only when they start to live in another country but also when they start to live in another city in the same country. Even moving out may end up with culture shock. We should firstly find out what culture shock is before we learn how to cope with it. Culture shock is problems or hardships we face with when we change the place we are living, working or studying. Then, what are the problems we may face? Firstly, the most important problem is getting used to people around you. Also, if you are an introvert and shy person, you may feel lonely at the first time. You should try to be extrovert and keep up with your shyness. If you do not know about the new culture you will live in, you may live hard times while communicating people. You should know what those people love, what and whom they respect most, what they laugh at, and what their norms are in the society. However, if you move out a country whose language you do not know, the problem gets bigger. That’s why learning their language before starting to live that country makes your problems fewer. Secondly, your environment will change. Therefore, you may feel as if you are left alone in a gap. On the condition that you are a disoriented person, you may get lost and you may be scared. That’s why it is better for you to discover new places when it is morning. Lastly, you may be hostile to new environment or new country you are in because of these problems. Even if you start to get used to the environment and people, you may feel prejudiced towards that place. However, you should know that those people do not isolate you intentionally. They are not just aware of you much. You should consider this and you should not be prejudiced. To sum up, culture shock is a situation all people may face with in their life and people may some problems while communicating people, learning their environment and getting used to it.

VIDEO (Blogger didn't show the video. That's why I give you the link.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU4eZsKcbX4

       

    I chose this video which is on culture shock because you can both see the people who experienced culture shock and get advices from observers. Firstly, the people who experienced culture shock mostly say that they thought they should leave the new environment they are in and get back to where they came. I think it is something psychological since it is a fact that the unknown things are scary for every person. People usually try to avoid what they do not know. On the other hand, these people say that they thought it would have been wonderful to live in a new environment when they came first. Secondly, they say that they feel immature or desperate like a child. It is because they do not know how to adapt to the new environment because people do not need any help and they can live alone when they are in their hometown. However, they need to learn things and get help from native people while getting used to new environment. Lastly, they say they started to hate where they came although they were excited about being in a new environment. They may complain about the new culture. Actually, this is a fact. Although you think change is good, you may start to hate the situation you are in. The reason is that you feel like an alien when you are in somewhere you do not know. Therefore, you may feel homesick. John Kaethler who the coordinator of International Services says that it is quite normal to experience culture shock but the important point is at what degree you experience it. To sum up, culture shock is a really hard period but after you overcome this period, you will start to enjoy new environment.