Butch In Arizona

By: Judson Stephens

Anderson A4

This March, Butch took a vacation to Gilbert Arizona. He had fun, but he did not leave unscathed.

Here's Butch being impaled on a cactus

Here he is lying on some spiky lettuce

And here he is yet again on top of a spikey cactus

Here are the answers to the questions

1.Is your city more spread out, or is it densely populated?

The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch; Gilbert, Arizona. Densely populated.Largest town in the United States with approximately 200,000 residents.

2.What is it's relative location to Utah?

480 miles south of Orem, Utah.

3.What's the weather like?

Average high of 107 in July with an average low of 44 in December.

4.What types of food are commonly consumed in your area?

Traditional American food, along with a lot of Mexican food. Local produce includes Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruits, and Corn.

5.What language do you speak?

English, some Spanish.

Salt Lake City. Stephanie Teal. Andersen. A2

Dear Stephanie,

Your geo gnome has traveled to Salt Lake City. As the headquarter location of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this city was founded for the purpose of a gathering place for its dominant religion, Mormonism. The Salt Lake Temple took forty years to build. Evidences of Mormon heritage are found throughout this Utah state capital. The seagull is a symbol of faith prominently shown in the downtown area to commemorate the Mormon pioneer history wherein the new settlers survived an insect infestation. Other symbols proudly displayed to highlight Mormon heritage is the reference to the honey bee and the term Deseret and Beehive which refers to the industry and cooperation of the people. ZCMI Center and the term Zion also has historical and religious reference but is applied to business. In 2002, after surviving the scandal of media attention regarding bribery, the Olympics were showcased and hosted in Salt Lake City. The 2002 Olympics highlighted the strengths of the area and gave attention to the natural wonders of the area, such as world-class ski resorts built in rugged mountains. A rapid transit system helped facilitate crowds at these athletic games and continues to contribute to tourism and business in this sophisticated area offering downtown amenities. The Grand America Hotel and other landmarks boast beautiful landscaping, classic furnishings and delicious dining. The Joseph Smith Building, formerly Hotel Utah, is a glamorous, yet historical site, offering restaurants, cultural entertainment, reception facilities, and a world famous genealogy research center. Church office buildings, the Conference Center and Temple Square, home of the Visitor Center and newly refurbished Tabernacle with amazing architecture, acoustics and organs serves as a Mecca for religious visitors, as well as a cultural center where entertainment such as recitals, musical extravaganzas, etc. are offered. However, while definitely a hub for the Mormon faith, other faiths are also represented. Salt Lake City has a zoo, a children’s museum, a planetarium, civic buildings, higher educational opportunities, and an established business and cosmopolitan flavor, as well. All four seasons are experienced here, with mild fall and spring climates, hot summers and cold, snowy winters.

San Diego. Stephanie Teal. Andersen. A2

Dear Stephanie,

Your geo gnome has traveled to San Diego. This region offers something for everyone. The seventh-largest city in the country, the demographic of the area range from 1.3 million people. Close to the downtown are is the San Diego Wild Animal Park with over 3500 animals representing more than 400 species, in settings similar to the animals’ natural environments. Visitors can vies the preserve on one-hour monorail tours or from lookout points along a hiking trail. Also, north of the downtown business district that has many skyscraper buildings and fancy restaurants and sophisticated shopping, there is the world-renowned San Diego Zoo that is Balboa Park’ premier attraction and a haven for exotic animal and endangered species. The 1200-acre park offers 15 museums—including Sand Diego Museum of Art, San Diego Museum of Man, Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego Aerospace Museum and Mingei International Museum—plus the Tony-Award-winning Old Globe Theatre. In the Mission Gay area is the famous SeaWorld Adventure Park whose star attraction of this 165-acre marine-theme park is probable the Shamu Adventure, starring the killer whale in its outdoor stadium. Other highlights include Shipwreck Rapis, the Penguin Encounter, Manatee Rescue, and the Skytower and Bayside Skyride for spectacular views of the bay. Not only known for tourist attractions and year-round moderate climate with ocean views, as a famous port city and home of a major international airport and military base, the city has long been known for its diversity and sophisticated business.

Tijuana. Stephanie Teal. Andersen. A2

Dear Stephanie,

Your geo gnome has traveled to Tijuana, Mexico. Just over the border from San Diego, California, is the city of Tijuana. Although for the most part it is sparsely populated on Mexico’s arid and hot northern Pacific coast, in contrast the city of Tijuana has one of the fastest-growing cities in the whole country. Even though it has an extremely dry climate, this area boasts some of the most suitable farmland in all of Mexico. The region has taken advantage of irrigation (the artificial watering of farmland through the storing and distribution of water accessible through rivers and reservoirs. The dams that have been constructed on the close-by Colorado, the Sonora, and the Yaqui rivers have allowed farmers to be able to grow wheat, cotton, and other crops. The close proximity to the California border also has a distinct advantage to draw crowds of American tourists to come across and stimulate the economy. The name of the border city is pronounced “tee WAH nuh” and it offers an interesting mix of culture. A big man-made arch has been built that is in the main tourist area. Here the tourist can find inexpensive souveniers and trinkets such as cheap imitation silver jewelry, leather goods, sombreros, and especially copies of authentic upper-end designer watches with designer names without the designer price tag. Haggling over price is expected and one of the reasons that customers coming over the border are attracted to the sport of shopping for these kinds of bargain products. Quality replicas of many of the most expensive Swiss, Italian, and French watches, such as Cartier and Bvulgari, are available in stores that specialize in counterfeit merchandise. Highly skilled salespeople are equipped with detailed color catalogues showing pictures of the authentic items for consumer comparison. These kinds of stores are sophisticated in catering to the snob appeal of more affluent customers who also are drawn to the replicas of designer purses with names such as Chanel and Vuitton where a huge selection is available. Because on-line sources such as eBay are prohibited from using designer names to describe and sell replicas these sellers have a ready-made client base in those looking for such hard to find items. Such luxury stores offer more exclusive products than the typical street corner where along with cheap crafts from local artisans one can easily purchase fake Rolex watches. Other attractions include the dentists, dermatologists, and plastic surgery offices and medical clinics where not only are medical services comparable in quality (though not as fancy) as their U.S. counterparts, they are much less expensive. Non FDA-approved procedures and devices are also offered here. Cheap prescription and non-prescription over-the-counter drugs and remedies are readily available with highly discounted and competitive prices. While there is still the fear for the tourist of having to deal with unpleasant situations, such as children begging in the streets and the obvious poverty and fear of gangs capable of robbing and kidnapping, there is the occasional visible presence of police authority in the tourist markets to increase security. Taxi service is readily available to escort visitors and bring them back to the border crossings. Shuttle service across the border also assists in transportation. Not all locals are poor and children in school uniforms are often seen at shopping malls where stores sell modern merchandise and theaters even offer some movies in English. The main religion is Catholic and while Spanish is the official language, many business people are well-educated and computer-literate, as well as being able to speak English as a second language. Some professionals, such as doctors actually live in California, and commute several days a week into Tijuana to make their living.

Rexburg, Idaho. Stephanie Teal;Andersen;A2

Dear Stephanie,

Your Geo Gnome has traveled to Rexburg, Idaho. Although similarities exist to other small towns in the western United States, Rexburg is primarily known as a college town and the site of a newly dedicated Mormon temple. Formerly, it was famous as the location of Ricks College, a Church school that caters to college students of the Latter-day Saint faith. However, a few years ago the school was upgraded to university status and accreditation. Therefore, the name was changed to Brigham Young University Idaho to accommodate those students seeking to graduate with a four year degree in a wide variety of major programs. Religious instruction is available and class sizes are smaller than those in larger universities. Emphasis is made to continue the “Spirit of Ricks”. Classes are available year round with an unusual Three Track System. A flexible curriculum where students have quite a lot of control regarding their academic plan and can take a wider variety of classes than elsewhere, makes it a distinctive learning environment. The instructors have a focus on teaching rather than research or consulting. Acceptance into the university is easier to achieve than to the Provo campus of Brigham Young University as a lower ACT score and grade point average is permitted for entrance into Bachelor Degree programs of study. However, there is a projected enrollment cap of 11,600. The male/female ration is 46/54. Students attend from all 50 U.S. states and come from over 40 countries. There are 49 four-year degree programs and 16 two-year degree programs. Rexburg has a population of 17,500 not including BYU-Idaho student. The average high temperature is 29 in January, 57 in April, 84 in July, and 60 in October. The average low temperature is 10 in January, 30 in April, 49 in July, and 29 in October. Although the average full-time student spends fifteen hours a week in class, a lot of college life takes place outside the classroom. Since the upgrade there have been some drastic changes to some of the activities offered and the curriculum that is available. For example, the athletic program was changed to accommodate more informal student participation. Involvement in a wide array of cultural activities and service projects has also been increased and some alterations have been made to the existing status quo. Opportunites are given for hands-on learning in the arts and many forms of entertainment are widely available to students with the new Activities Program where students are not just spectators, they can plan, teach, organize and actively participate. Leadership is encouraged. Internships are often required in programs to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. The dress code on campus is extremely conservative and students are required to sign an Honor Code requiring the adherence to strict rules governing grooming and dress. For example, girls are not permitted to wear their hair in braids and they are not allowed to wear ¾ length pants, capris, or shorts (unless specifically required for sports.) Young men are required to be clean-shaven with short haircuts and no earrings. Sloppy dress is not tolerated. High moral standards are also expected. With over 25 restaurants, 4 movie theaters with10 screens, 2 large parks and 2 golf courses and 5 more within 30 minutes there is a lot to do for recreational purposes. Nearby attractions include: St. Anthony Sand Dunes, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming. A dozen lakes within 60 miles and 3 ski resorts within 90 miles. The school annually hosts the Gem State Classic which is a Ballroom Dance Competition open to college and high school participants on dance teams in the surrounding states.

Victoreno @ Willard Bay in Willard, Utah

1. Willard Bay is located 15 miles north of Ogden, Utah.
2. It is a fresh water lake resort and marina with 30 campsites operating mostly in the summer.
3. Tourists and local outdoor enthusiasts are most likely to use the resort in the summer, although fishing during the winter months is common. In the height of the tourist season, Willard Bay attracts those interested in waterskiing, boating, camping, fishing, and hunting.
4. During the spring the bay is known for its hundreds of frogs living in ponds surrounding the lake. There is a very loud sound surrounding the bay because of their natural habitat there during most of the year. The rangers say the frogs hop most of the night making the tourists uncomfortable unless they are used to it.
5. Willard Bay has no permanent residents, although a ranger’s station/cabin is attached there for use of the employees during the summer months particularly who are caretakers for the land for the state.

Lauralee Browne
Mr. Andersen

Victoreno @ Utah State University in Logan, Utah

1. Logan, Utah, was founded in 1958 by Mormon settlers as part of the pioneer movement to bring the Mormons west from Nauvoo, Illinois.
2. It currently has a population of 47,660 as of 2006. The median age of people according to the census of that year was 24. Thirty-four percent of the people were from the ages of 18-24 and 23.4 percent were under the age of 18.
3. Cultural landmarks in Logan would be the Logan LDS Temple dedicated in 1884 and the Logan LDS Tabernacle. Both are owned and operated by the Mormon Church.
4. Logan has a population that relies on its university, Utah State University. It is described as being a “college town” by local residents with the summer population of the town dropping by nearly 20,000. Utah State University is known for supporting their “Aggies” and college spirit runs high.
5. Logan is located at the foot of high mountains, part of the Rocky Mountains, is set in the valley framed by the mountains, and is located between two canyons. It has four specific seasons, is known for its genuinely cold winters, and is making use of its winter sports capabilities to attract visitors. Snowmobiling, snowboarding, kite snow surfing, cross-country skiing, and other winter sports attract student and visitors to enjoy the outdoors.

Lauralee Browne
Mr. Andersen

Victoreno @ Antelope Island Causeway in Syracuse, Utah

1. Antelope Island is located in the middle of the Great Salt Lake. It is 42 square miles in area. It is the largest island in the largest lake in Utah.
2. The environment is going through major changes. The introduction of bison has proved to be very effective and they have blended well with the antelope, big horn sheep, and millions of waterfowl that inhabit the area.
3. The Great Salt Lake does have a nickname. It is called “America’s Dead Sea” because of the prominence of salt in the water. Those who swim in it float on top of the water. The salt also makes open sores very painful.
4. The surrounding environment has been the home to cattle, ranchers, and large acres of land undeveloped. In only the past two years a golf course has been placed within a mile of the shore leading across to Antelope Island which is now being subdivided. My mom’s grandpa owned 80 acres within a mile of the sign at the entrance. The homestead is still there, but has been subdivided all around making the ranch no longer visible. The homes came with the golf course and now the movement of people has come in the area including Wal-Mart and strip malls that are there.
5. There is no human population on Antelope Island itself, but the surrounding areas on the shores of the lake are expanding rapidly.

Lauralee Browne
Mr. Andersen

Victoreno @ Golden Spike Mountain in Brigham City, Utah

1. Golden Spike Historical Museum is located approximately 30 miles west of Brigham City and 15 miles south of Tremonton in Utah.

2. It’s a famous cultural landmark commemorating the driving of the last spike connecting the Union Pacific Railroad and the Central Pacific Railroad on May 10, 1859. The final spike was actually made of gold and was placed into a pre-made hole by dignitaries on that date. Visitors can ride on trains re-enacting the event and visit a museum dedicated to preserving the site and its history.

3. The area is desolate for 30 miles in one direction, 15 miles in another, and hundreds of miles south and southwest. It is about the same as when the pioneers first came to the valley in 1847 in nearby Salt Lake. There is no sound when you are out there, it is extremely isolated on that fact, and scary also to be that alone.

4. There are no permanent residents for many miles. Visitors, school children, and tourists are the only people who visit the site and those for not much more than an hour at a time.

5. The climate is hot and dry with sagebrush the most dominant plant. Summer temperatures are usually in the mid 90’s and winter temperatures are in the 30’s.

Lauralee Browne

Mr. Andersen

Victoreno @ Bear Lake in Garden City, Utah

1. Bear Lake is located 45 miles northeast of Logan, Utah. Its elevation is approximately 5,904 feet.

2. A museum with information regarding the Oregon/California trail is a cultural characteristic. The museum is visited by people traveling through Utah from all over the world. It recounts in pictures and memorabilia the struggles and explorations of those who braved the Oregon/California trail during pioneer times.

3. The lake is 20 miles long, 8 miles wide, and 208 feet deep.

4. Bear Lake has four distinct seasons. Water recreational sports attract visitors primarily in the summer and the lake is often known to freeze over in the winter. Local populations enjoy a quiet mountain town with sparse population.

5. Bear Lake does have a nickname. It is known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its temperate summers and enjoyable summer climate. In winter it is becoming increasingly popular as an ice fishing and snowmobiling site. It is also known locally for its raspberries, known to be the best in Utah, from which many businesses catering to the use of raspberries have sprung up along its main routes.

Lauralee Browne
Mr. Andersen

Where Streets became Rivers (Letters from Baja CA) (B4 Mr. Anderson - Kasey Anderson)

The torrential rains pounded the oceanside towns, making rivers out of streets. Could this phenomena be a warning of global warming? This week, the midwest is experiencing record floods killing at least 13 people.

It would be difficult to play the national sport of soccer in the storm. A favorite place for locals to visit is the beaches, but not when they could be swept away into the ocean!

-Tasting the flavor of places across the globe,

Teran & Pepper (aka Kasey)

Angels welcome a Favorite Son (G. Hinckley died 1/27/08) (B4 Mr. Anderson - Kasey Anderson)

It was with deep sadness that we saw the passing of our 15th prophet at age 97 on Sunday, January 27, 2008.

Teran, accompanied by his host family paid his respects at this solemn occasion. Though there was a very long four hour wait in the cold for the viewing on Friday, it was probably be the only time that Teran would have an opportunity to be at a prophet’s passing. He was the only prophet that Kasey (Teran’s host), 15 was familiar with. He was the prophet for about 13 years (since 1995), and he was in the first presidency since 1981. Teran was really impressed with the reverence shown by the Latter Day Saints, especially shown by the children who did not fuss or cry during the tedious wait.

Some of President Gordon B. Hinckley’s contributions include : dedicating more than half of current temples, increase church membership by one-third more, brought the church into the 21st century technology and having an open arm policy to other churches. He is also the recipient of the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom.

A visit to the Salt Lake City Cemetery where at least 9 of the 15 LDS Church presidents are buried at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_Lake_City_Cemetery G. Hinckley’s is buried (405 N Main) close that of David O. McKay. Teran visited most of these, but due to blog space limitation, only a few of these are shown here.

In memory of our beloved prophet,
President Gordon Bitner Hinckley (June 23, 1910 – January 27, 2008)
Solemnly, Kasey

Christmas in Little Italy (B4 Mr. Anderson - Kasey Anderson))

Teran spent Christmas immerse in the cultural Christmas festivities of Little Italy. (It is in the sprawling San Diego, California.) In the 1920s, Italians congregated in this area working in the tuna industry. Much is done to try to preserve the historical ethinicity of town and promoting tourism, while beautiful new develeopments are growing all around it. It's always fun to sample the flavors of other countries when the opportunity of foreign traveling is always possible.

-Tasting the flavor of places across the globe,Teran and Pepper (aka Kasey).

Franchezzno is in London!! 1. What's the climate like?
- Cool to cold and a damp moisture in the air.

2. What's a mainland mark in London?

- Big Ben (clock tower)

3. What is a physical feature in London?

- The white cliffs of Dover. The Pennine chain. The Thame River.

Geo George in Seoul, Korea

Geo George is visiting Seoul, Korea. His first visit is to a Temple and in the other picture he is at a traditional restaurant.

Seoul is the business capital of Korea so there are many companies and over 10 million people who live in Seoul.

Korea has been influenced by four major religions: Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Shamanism. Many Koreans follow more than one religion as many new Christian converts continue to practice ancestor worship and perform Buddhist rites.

The trees, bushes and flowers look a lot like Seattle and the city is very modern with beautiful high rise buildings.

Courtney Maxfield
Mr. Andersen, A4

Geo George in Shanghai, China

Geo George is looking over a part of Shanghai City which has 20 million people.

Shanghai is the financial center of China and also considered the most modern city in China.

Like Vietnam, there is no major religion in China because of the communist government.

Courtney Maxfield
Mr. Andersen, A4

Geo George in Saigon, Vietnam

Geo George is looking out over the fast developing city of Saigon, Vietnam. He's also in the lobby of a hotel listening to traditional Vietnam music. Geo George is on a busy street of Saigon and looking at the Opera building.

Saigon is the business center of Vietnam so all kinds of activities are available. Many tourists like to shop because everything is very cheap.

There is no major religion in Vietnam because the communist government promotes atheisism.

This city is a mix of new buildings because it is growing very fast and old buildings. The streets are filled mostly with motorcycles. And its tropical in Saigon with lot of palm trees.

Courtney Maxfield

Mr. Andersen, A4

Bobby is in Washington DC. 1. What's the climate like?
- Average temperature in the winter is 45 degrees. Average temperature in the summer is 78 degrees.

2. What is a main Landmark?

- The Washington Monument Lincoln Memorial

3. What are two important features?

- Potomic River, White House

GeoGnome in Canada!

Jen Thayne

Teacher: Mr. Anderson

Your GeoGnome is in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada!

The dominant Language is English (but everything has French on it too!)

The main attraction here is the Peterborough Lift Lock! (in the photo) it’s the tallest lift lock in the world!

The climate is a bit humid, but over all nice! It gets cold in the winter (-40 C sometimes!) and pretty hot in the summer!

The most popular sport is HOCKEY!

Felix Goes to New York City

Where is my Geognome?
New York City, New York
Are there any famous landmarks?
Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Libert, etc. Felix also visited the set of the television show "The View."

What is the climate like?
Humid, cold winters, warm summers
What transportation is used?
Subway, taxi, horse carriages, ferries
What do kids do for fun?
shopping, sports