Assignment 3a: World Cities: San Francisco vs. Los Angeles

2. Contains a web link to your locations. (eg you can use the tools in your blog where you paste your work; there is a little icon that looks like a link) .25 points

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles#Culture
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco,_California#Culture_and_contemporary_life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvCMN2gfyzE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aOGoI3ROj8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRp_o5TEscY

3. Contains an explanation regarding how this component (any aspect of it; eg content of videos, content of websites) connects to your study of humanities. .25 point

This assignment relates to our study of humanities because it compares cities and cultures within the state of California. By discovering the similarities and differences, you can understand more about the diversity that our state provides. In order to appreciate where you live you must understand all aspects of your region, within and outside of your own town or city.

4. Contains the following elements that will be used in upcoming projects for analytical purposes:

a. What are some assumptions/stereotypes you think people have of each location: 1 point

I think some stereotypes that people have of San Francisco is that it is a city full of carefree hippies. Because of its 1960’s “love era”, people still believe that the city revolves around this previous attitude. Also, because of its high percentage of gay citizens and the city's active participation in gay rights movements, I think that others often assume that the whole city’s population is either gay or lesbian.
Some stereotypes that people have for Los Angeles is that everyone is tan, blonde, and beautiful. Many think that celebrities flock the streets and that the paparazzi swarm the town. I think that some other stereotypes that people have of LA is that everyone spends their free time at the beach either surfing or tanning.

b. List 3 things that make each location similar: 1 point

Both cities are located near the coast and the ocean.
Each city is located along the San Andreas Fault, which has been the cause of many earthquakes.
The climates of each city are considered to be Mediterranean—hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

c. List 3 things that make each location so different: 1 point

San Francisco uses cable cars and the Muni as part of its major public transportation and Los Angeles uses the subway system and buses.
The most popular structural feature of San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Hollywood hills sign is the most recognizable of LA’s structures.
Los Angeles is primarily known for its entertainment culture and San Francisco is known for its culturally rich streetscapes.

d. Questioning: What else would you like to know about these places? When completing the question section, lead your audience into the question by stating a fact you do know, yet you still have the related question. This way, both your audience and you will have an educational experience. .5 point

I know that San Francisco is known for its hills, but I would like to know if some of these hills have been the result of earthquakes? I also know that Los Angeles is home to people from more than 140 countries speaking 224 different identified languages, but I would like to know what is the largest form of appeal for such a diverse group of residents?

5. Using your classmates work from last week, tell us one thing you learned from 1 student. Is this one thing some common experience you share or some experience that is completely different than what you experienced? Is this one thing related to our class theoretical foundation and if so, how? Is that one thing related to historical or cultural context of this country or a different one? Link that persons blog to this entry (eg cut paste that blog entry here) . .5 point

Last week I learned Kendra’s assignment that Redwood trees can live to be 2,000 years old! I was amazed that California is home to such amazing natural wonders. I have visited different national forests and still am amazed by the enormity of a redwood’s stature. This is related to our state’s environmental culture as well as its natural resources.

Blog Link: http://kendra-human7spring09.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html