E-Journal #4: Endless Destinations

            Everywhere we go, there are roads, signs, and street lights at every angle. All this is thanks to the invention of automobiles. The more cars there are, the more rules we have to keep in order to maintain safety on and off the road. It is really hard to imagine a world without transportation since it is deeply molded into the lifestyle of today’s generation. Nowadays, we have various types of transportation. The most significant inventions are the automobiles, the airplanes, and subway.

            Today, it is almost impossible to live without cars. Whether to meet up with friends, get to work, or go to the grocery store, one needs a car ride to get there because the distance is too long. That is why the invention of automobiles is so significant because it allows people to get from one place to another in a short amount of time compared to walking on foot. Therefore, Cars are convenient and saves more time. People can also get to their destinations more easily even in harsh weather conditions. Ever since the upcoming of the automobiles, people have been adapting to the more innovative lifestyle and has made the biggest impact on our society.

The very first airplane was invented in 1903 by the Wright brothers. This opened up huge opportunities in air travel. Unlike sea travel, which took months on a ship, travelling on an airplane was much faster and safer. Following the further developments of the airplane, people could travel to another continent in less than a day and did not have to face risking their lives travelling through the dangerous current of the sea. This phenomenon increased immigration, personal travel and trade. It also resulted in a more international and global society.

As cities became more populated, streets became flooded with automobiles. The invention of the subway was a huge breakthrough that relieved traffic congestion. Alfred Ely Beach invented the first subway system in New York, called the Beach Pneumatic Transit. By riding the subway, people could avoid traffic times and get to their destinations much faster. Subways also benefited people who could not or did not drive and people who could not afford their own personal vehicles. It was a new form of public transportation and is still one of the most popular type of transit to this day.

Clearly, without the invention of the automobile and airplane, the world would be a totally different place. People would not experience the convenience of cars, the speed of air travel and the accessibility of subways. Definitely, these inventions have been the first stepping stones to a more innovative world.

E-Journal #3: Demand for Better Environment

    The world we live in today is heavily influenced by consumerism and endless products. As consumerism grows, the market thrives and more people are eager than ever to get their hands on the newest goods. Little do they realize that behind these big corporations lie dark hidden secrets. Although demands are high for these companies' products, the process of making them destroy the planet one device at a time. So to ensure a sustainable future, these manufacturing companies must be closely regulated in terms of water pollution and air pollution and possibly we, as consumers, refrain from buying too much products.
    In order to produce the perfect product, companies will go great lengths to achieve that goal, even if it means destroying the planet. Unused and leftover chemicals from these factories are usually thrown away in near by bodies of water including rivers, lakes, oceans and so on. This harms the ecosystem by killing species in and out of water and becoming a hazardous zone for locals. It has been a serious problem recently in the past decade. The country that has been impacted the most by this pollution is China, more specifically the Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia. The renown river suddenly turned red in 2012 due to secret illegal dumping from industrial factories. Many marine animals that inhabit this river are critically endangered, such as the Baiji Dolphin, the Finless Porpoise and the Yangtze Alligator. Reducing this act, or even better, banning the dumping of chemicals will definitely lead to a more sustainable future.
    Water pollution is not the only result of the manufacturing industries but also air pollution. They release large amounts of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, organic compounds, and chemicals into the air that negatively impact the quality of the air. The effect of air pollution that can be directly seen is the combination of smoke and fog, also called smog. There are lots of factors that cause smog and industrial plants is one of many that play a huge role in causing the smog. Dirty air makes it difficult for people to breathe, therefore making it difficult to live. It is no news that there are no strict policies to control pollution from these companies. In fact, these companies work their way around the law to keep their businesses alive. More the reason why regulations of these disposals are needed.
    The reason why companies make endless of products is because of the high demand. It can be said that consumers are the reason why big name companies stay in business. To ensure a sustainable future, people can begin by buying less things, buying products that are only needed and reusing the various resources that are at hand. That way, the world will be a cleaner place to live, resulting in a healthier future.
    In conclusion, the manufacturing industry is in the way of maintaining a sustainable future. In order to achieve sustainability, big changes must be made by the companies so that they do not cause too much water and air pollution. Consumers can do their part by lowering their demand and buying less products.

Broken Land for Broken People

    Some people care little about the setting of a book or movie because they are so submerged in the characters and their story.  Little do they realize that without a setting or location, the characters nor the story wouldn't exist in the first place.  A perfect example for this would the book and movie, Brooklyn.  The story, as obvious as it is, takes place in Brooklyn of 1950, where the main character Eilis Lace, finds love, opportunities, and self-confidence in her new home after immigrating from Ireland.
    One reason why the location, Brooklyn and America, is important in the story is because it teaches Eilis how to love.  Back in her home in Ireland, Eilis was taught to love and marry the perfect guy her parents recommended, who was rich, tall, handsome, and Irish.  Growing up with such a controlled love life in a somewhat conservative environment, Eilis never learned how to truly love someone, until she moved to Brooklyn.  There she met a young man who was the complete opposite of an ideal lover. His name was Tony, and he was short, he was a plumber, and he was an Italian. Yet, she fell for Tony regardless.  At this moment, Eilis learns the most important lesson of all, that what matters is not on the outside, but on the inside.
    The next reason why the city is important is because it gives the character a chance for new opportunities and ultimately helping Eilis see the world from a bigger view. Eilis worked as a cashier at a local shop before immigrating to the new land. Many customers were rude and cruel. The manager always had a reason to pick on Eilis. And rich customers were favored over poor customers. The work environment was very hostile and it stressed her out every day. Because of this, Eilis expected no more and no less from her new job in America. But after working for a while, she realized that it was completely different than the job back in Ireland. The customers appreciated her service and even her co-workers and her boss respected her. The more she worked, the more she loved her job. It is something that her job in Ireland couldn't offer, but her job in Brooklyn did. A better job wasn't the only opportunity that she came across in Brooklyn, but she also got an opportunity to get an education for her college degree. It was something she would never even dream about back home. But with the help of her friends and boss, Eilis got a chance to prove herself as an Irish woman pursuing an education.
    The last reason for the importance of location in Brooklyn is that the city helped Eilis build self-confidence and become a strong independent woman. Before, Eilis was a very shy and timid girl. She was very dependent on her mother and did whatever she told her to do. Also, her old boss back in Ireland always put her down and every time, Eilis would never fight back nor defend herself. But visiting her home after a couple months in America proved that she changed into a different person, a strong, independent, and confident version of Eilis. She was not afraid to say no to her mother and was confident enough to make her own decisions. She was not afraid to fight for herself against her old boss when she threatened to tell everyone about Eilis cheating on her Italian boyfriend. One can see that she has changed for the better and it is her new home to thank.
    Moving to a new place is not easy. Even Eilis had a difficult time and was very homesick in her first few weeks in Brooklyn. But when it came down to choose between Ireland and America, she chose the land of liberty and opportunity because it gives much more than what Ireland can, such as love, job, education, and courage. This story shows how a location can play a crucial role in a plot and how it can ultimately affect the outcome of the story.

Changing Tourism in Gyeong-ju

    In the north province of Gyeongsang, there is a small city called Gyeong-ju.  This city is famous for preserving its historical sites for centuries, such as the Bulguksa temple, Cheomsungdae, and many more.  But as of late, mass tourism has been taking over this beautiful sacred city.  From amusement parks to hotel resorts, the city has become a tycoon for big name companies.  Because of this takeover, the only piece of heritage left in our country is being neglected. Encouraging geotourism in Gyeong-ju will not only keep the historical architectures well maintained and protected, but it will also educate tourists and residents alike about the Korean history.

    One possible effect of geotourism in Gyeong-ju is well managed historical sites.  If more tourists took more interest in trips regarding the Korean culture, it will help various museums and ancient structures to stay well maintained.  This is especially important as older the buildings are.

    Another possible effect of geotourism in Gyeong-ju is the promoting of the Korean history and culture.  Many tourists who visit Korea usually stay in big cities, such as Seoul or Busan, and most leave the country without learning a thing about the place.  Alternatively, visiting these ancient sites in Gyeong-ju will definitely give more information about our heritage.
    In conclusion, changing this mass tourism trend to geotourism in Gyeong-ju will definitely help out the historical sites in favor over the amusement parks and also spread the education of Korean history and culture.  Gyeong-ju is the jewel of our country that has kept our heritage for as long as it has been.  We must protect the city by promoting geotourism in the area.

Introduction

Hello everyone! My name is Da Eun Baek and I was born in Gumi.  Although I was born in Korea, I moved to the states where I spent most of my childhood.  I met many friends and amazing teachers and was very happy with my life, but I missed the days back in Korea, my real home.  I always dreamed of wearing a pretty uniform and going to a Korean school and eating ddeokbokki after class like the rest of the Korean students.  Even though I never got to wear any type of uniform, my dream came true when I moved back to Korea in 2013 and started attending university in the outskirts of Pohang in March of the following year.  Then, after completing 2 years, I decided to transfer to a university more suited to my academics and that was when I got accepted into Sungshin University.  I am an English major at Sungshin and now beginning my 2^nd semester at the academy.  After I graduate, I hope to work for a company at a position where I can use my English ability to the fullest.