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Worker safety in China

This is an incredible video because of the shocking footage of blatant disregard for worker safety.  This can lead to an interesting discussion concerning how China has been able to have its economy grow.  What other ways has China (or Chinese companies) been "cutting corners?"  How does that give them a competitive edge on the global industrial market?     


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

How long will the government allow and incourage lake of worker safty before they no longer have workers or the people stand up and say enough!

Derek Ethier's comment, November 15, 2012 1:07 AM
The worker safety in China, or lackthereof, shows why they are allowed to advance to newfound heights economically. They cut corners on workers safety, environmental regulations and other codes to meet capitalist interests. The workers risk their lives daily for meager wages that are often below sustenance levels. Hopefully they will modify their system of codes soon.
Elizabeth Allen's comment, December 7, 2012 12:36 AM
My heart was in my throat watching this video. Is that the procedure for demolishing the entire building? Ironically this was to clear way because the Olympics were being held in Bejing. There is some irony here, representatives from other travelling down that main road would be appalled to see these working conditions. And for little pay on top of risking their lives.
Brian Nicoll's curator insight, December 12, 2012 1:30 AM

This video was certainly disturbing to say the least.  There appears to be absolutely no worker safety whatsoever in China.  This has resulted of course in their economy soaring to new heights.  They don't have to pay these workers anything and they have virtually no safety codes to have them follow.  I am not sure this type of direction can last forever but it has certainly stood up for sometime. 

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Tsunami of Change Hitting Burma!

Sometimes the news can be good news! The historic April 1st election in Burma that saw Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy win 43/45 parliamentary seats is being hailed as the first free and fair elections for 50 years!

 

This is a current perspective on the many changes transforming Myanmar back into Burma.  For more by John Boyer, see: http://www.plaidavenger.com/ ;


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

Wow I think this guy may have drank way to much coffee before making this video J  He is very excited about the changes in Burma although he should be it sounds as though this country is pretty much changing overnight

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Break Dancing, Phnom Penh-Style

Break Dancing, Phnom Penh-Style | Education in the world | Scoop.it
A former gang member from Long Beach, California, teaches break dancing to at-risk youth in Cambodia.

 

This video is a great example of cross-cultural interactions in the era of globalization.  Urban youth culture of the United States is spread to Cambodia through a former refugee (with a personally complex political geography).  What geographic themes are evident in this video? How is geography being reshaped and by what forces?


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

A very positive video but I would like to know how KK was able to come clean of drugs (I assume he did them in California). I would also like to know what made him decided to change for the better.

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Six-Legged Giant Finds Secret Hideaway, Hides For 80 Years

Six-Legged Giant Finds Secret Hideaway, Hides For 80 Years | Education in the world | Scoop.it
The insect is so large — as big as a human hand — it's been dubbed a "tree lobster." It was thought to be extinct, but some enterprising entomologists scoured a barren hunk of rock in the middle of the ocean and found surviving Lord Howe Island...

 

Island Biogeography is endlessly fascinating and provides some of the most striking species we have on Earth.  The physical habitat is fragmented and the genetic diversity is limited.  Within this context, species evolve to fill ecological niches within their particular locale.  This NPR article demonstrates the story of but one of these incredible species that never could have evolved on the continents.  In modern society, more extinctions are happening on islands than anywhere else as 'specialist' species are in greater competition with 'generalists.' 


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

The tree lobsters are very creepy. I wonder how they got to the island. Although I would not want one anywhere near me I am glad they are thriving…far away

Melissa Marin's comment, March 8, 2012 7:13 PM
wow... I just got itchy all over. This is amazing how they were able to survive in a place with such little vegetation
Matt Mallinson's comment, December 5, 2012 2:33 PM
These "tree lobsters" are awesome! It's crazy that the last remaining creatures of this species have been surviving on a huge narrow rock in the middle of the ocean. Not the best looking bugs but they're interesting.
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Lurking in the Deep

Lurking in the Deep | Education in the world | Scoop.it
Divers on Australia's Great Barrier Reef recently snapped rare pictures of a wobbegong, or carpet shark, swallowing a bamboo shark whole.

 

The diversity of life on this planet and the ecosystems which such creatures live in is something that continually leaves me in awe at the wonders of the natural world.


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

The diversity in the ocean is amazing.  The sharks are just beautiful and it is amazing the can blend in with their enviroment

Matt Mallinson's comment, December 5, 2012 2:26 PM
The living things of the ocean interest me, every species is cool in it's own way. Australia must have amazing creatures native to it's waters compared to many other waters in the world.
Michelle Carvajal's curator insight, December 11, 2012 9:07 PM

Not only is the ocean full of diverse wildlife but the fact they have been able to camoflouge with their enviroment is amazing. Australia seems to be the home of many different types of wildlife on land and in the ocean. It would be interesting if there could be a google earth view of australias coral reefs and wildlife. - M. Carvajal

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China now eats twice the meat we do

China now eats twice the meat we do | Education in the world | Scoop.it
We can learn a lot from examining the way China's diet has changed in the last 20 years -- as well as its required efficiencies and the agriculture that supports it.

 

The United States still consumes more meat per capita than China, but as China's economy has grown (along with it's income and standard of living), the consumer habits have changed as well.  What will the impacts of the rise in Chinese meat consumption mean?   How do they get all this meat?  http://www.scoop.it/t/geography-education/p/1661841673/this-little-piggy-is-going-to-china


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

I wonder if this will bring on a meat shortage. At the least it is helping to full "factory" farmer and the feeding on cheep corn to cows. I wonder how much this will effect global warming.

Don Brown Jr's comment, July 25, 2012 6:53 PM
Like a nations GDP the diet of individuals within a country can help determine its prosperity and wealth. This article makes me question how strong the relationship is between a countries economic development and its consumption of meat.
Seth Dixon's comment, July 25, 2012 8:09 PM
As more societies aspire to 'American lifestyles,' consuming meat goes up. As a country gets wealthier, their capacity to have a meat market expands. But China is so big, that shift is actually a big deal.
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Over 27 and unmarried? In China, you’re an old maid

Over 27 and unmarried? In China, you’re an old maid | Education in the world | Scoop.it
January and February are sweet times for most Chinese — they enjoy family reunions during the spring festival, which this year fell on January 23, and they celebrate Valentine’s Day, which is well-liked in China.

 

Gender roles in cultural norms change from country to country.  What also needs to be understood is how the demographic situation of a given country influences these patterns. 


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

Seeing as how they have more men then women I am surprised they are not all married way before 27.

Sydney Ofstein's comment, May 3, 12:23 PM
Even though there are more men in China than women, there is an increasing number of 'leftovers' or single women reaching the age of 30 in China. Most of these women spend their holidays like v-day and new years alone. That is so sad.
Victoria Rivera Snyder's comment, May 3, 12:29 PM
It would be hard to be a woman in China because of such high expectations people have for you. They expect you to marry a man and preferably before age 30. Some women might not even want to marry so I think it is rude to expect them to because then they feel pressured to marry so they can earn their family's acceptance.
Caz Boelman's comment, May 3, 12:50 PM
Even though there is a major lack of women in China it is still hard for some to find love. Usually by the time a women reaches 27 and unmarried, she will most likely not find a husband.
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Al Jazeera-Nepal's Forest Future

Al Jazeera-Nepal's Forest Future | Education in the world | Scoop.it
In Nepal, government owned forests are being felled at record speed, while community managed ones are thriving.

 

This is a great link for discussing governance and the environmental interactions and community.   


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

This is a great example of how communities can help themselves and their land. It works because the people live there and they have to not only think about today but tomorrow so they do not exploit their recourses

Seth Dixon's comment, October 21, 2011 12:59 PM
One of my friends is researching sustainable forestry in Nepal, and it keeps coming back to the idea that the community (not the market, not the govt.) can best manage the forests in a way that with not only produce goods and provide jobs, but also ensure long-term success and sustainability. So how does that change how we look at community, economics and the environment?
Nick Chasse's comment, November 18, 2011 4:22 AM
For anyone who likes animals and nature in general, it's always sad to see forests decimated. It doesn't really matter where it takes place: Your back yard, the middle of your country, or all the way across the world. It all sucks nonetheless. That's why these community managed forestry programs in Nepal are great. There seems to be many benefits of keeping your forests strong: Reducing landslides, more wildlife, aid against global warming (according to the video), and make a return on the natural elements the forest has to offer. We must not all be windbag hippies to recognize that forests are important for a multitude of reasons, and we collectively need to learn to use them smartly. This video was a cool look at that.
Don Brown Jr's comment, July 30, 2012 10:55 PM
Investing in the environment is a very beneficial way to promote sustainability in an increasingly urbanized world and a cheap way to increase air quality.
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Pakistan Trees Cocooned in Spider Webs

Pakistan Trees Cocooned in Spider Webs | Education in the world | Scoop.it
Documented by an aid worker, millions of spiders took to the trees to spin their webs after heavy floods inundated Pakistan in 2010.

 

Besides being an aesthetic wonder, this image is a great way to start a discussion about so many distinct issues. The floods of 2010 devastated the human population, killing over 2,000. These same floods also altered the ecosystem as spiders have needed to adapt to their new inundated landscape as well. For the human population, this has had the shocking benefit of lowering the incidents of malaria since the spiders have more effectively limited the mosquito population. Interconnections...geographic information are a spider web of interconnections between nature and humanity.


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

I thought that was such a beautiful picture until I learned the tree was covered in spider webs and then it creeped me out. However it is such a good thing for the people there. Those webs will help trap the diseased mesquites. 

geographygirl's comment, November 3, 2011 5:16 PM
That's a startling visual image...the natural world is amazing.
Lisa Fonseca's comment, November 8, 2011 10:20 PM
The images on that website are astonishing! I had a hard time believing that was a real life image. These floods took many peoples lives and altered the ecosystem but, didn't is also change something for the better? For example the millions of spiders spinning webs on the trees lowered the mosquito population which then limited the cases of malaria so in a sense this helps the human population. Now another question since these spiders have now moved to spinning webs on these trees will they continue to do this?
Matt Mallinson's comment, November 7, 2012 3:29 PM
This is crazy! It's a great thing that the spiders help by eating the disease filled mosquitos....but i still hate spiders.
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India's Census: Lots Of Cellphones, Too Few Toilets

The results of India's once-in-a-decade census reveal a country of 1.2 billion people where millions have access to the latest technology, but millions more lack sanitation and drinking water.

 

More Indians are entering the middle class as personal wealth is transforming South Asia's economy in the private sector.  Yet the government's ability to provide public services to match that growth still lags behind.  Why would it be that it is easier to get a cell phone than a toilet in India?  What will that mean for development?  


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

This reminds me of the childhood lessen about the difference between a need and a want. Instead of cell phones people should come together to help the government put in a sewer system. It is far more important than owning a cell phone or TV

Elizabeth Allen's comment, November 14, 2012 11:55 AM
What a difference between luxury and necessity. Yes, everyone feels that cellphones are a necessity. However, in a region that lacks working sanitation and plumbing, cellphones are a luxury. Clearly India is in desperate need of "the basics". With its never-ending growing population, the statisitcs of people lacking proper plumbing will surely rise. It is sad to think of a country where over 60% are without what we take for granted.
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The world map of chocolate (made out of chocolate)

The world map of chocolate (made out of chocolate) | Education in the world | Scoop.it
You may be focussing on chocolate over the weekend - but where does it come from? A global trade analysed. In chocolate (this is what maps are made for!

 

What is the geography of chocolate like?  There is a dark side (no pun intended) to the production of cocoa in many places such as West Africa. 


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

Very cool map. I have never really paid attention to where my chocolate came from before. 

Don Brown Jr's comment, July 5, 2012 9:54 PM
As innocent as the chocolate industry may seem how many people do you think are actually aware of the conditions those workers live in on these neo coca plantations, especially in countries like Cote d'Ivoire? Unfortunately, around the globe there is an all to negative human cost to cheap labor creating a much darker side of chocolate than many consumers are aware of.
Matt Mallinson's comment, November 5, 2012 2:13 PM
I love chocolate but I agree with Don, nobody knows the "behind the scenes" of making this delicious treat. It stays behind doors very successfully that the majority of the public will never know exactly where and how they get their chocolate.
ethne staniland's curator insight, May 16, 11:33 AM

Interesting for our KS1 chocolate topic.

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AIDS/HIV Video: Development and Disease

Justine Ojambo, co-founder of the SLF-funded project PEFO in Uganda, talks about losing his mother to AIDS and PEFO's work to support children orphaned by AI...

 

THis is a great video on AIDS/HIV in Africa.  So many show Africans as passive victims of global and environmental forces beyond their control, this one is of empowered and inspiring people seeking to change the world.  For more inspiration AIDS/HIVS videos from Africa, see: http://stephenlewisfoundation.org/news-resources/multimedia/video-clips


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

One thing that stuck out to me in this video is when he spoke about the making sure the children’s basic needs are met so they can concentrate on school. That is such a problem in our education system today that people don’t wish to address. I wonder how our education system would be if we made sure our children also had their basic needs met.

Peter Siner's comment, November 16, 2011 10:08 PM
it seems as though there is little we can do to help help end this horrible plague in africa besides donate money or food , relgion is such a huge factor in their decision making process
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Religious Pilgrimage: the Hajj

Religious Pilgrimage: the Hajj | Education in the world | Scoop.it

This is a beautiful photoessay of the Hajj, with excellent captions that shows many of the cultural customs that are associated with the massive pilgrimage.  The tremendous influx of tourists/pilgrims into the Mecca area, there is a huge economic industry that supports and depends on the tourists.  For a BBC article about the market impacts of the Hajj, see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11777483


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

These photo’s are amazing! Number 12 with the crowd of people and the ambulance in the middle shows the massive amount of people. Their heads look like dots in a sea of white. These pictures show what words just cannot describe. 

Elizabeth Allen's comment, December 6, 2012 11:21 PM
The photos show what an immense congregation this event really is. If a picture is worth a thoudsand words, than this collection is a jackpot. The colors are captivating, green costumes of participants in the military parade, the hands holding the beads for sale. In the article from bbc.co.uk it is interesting to learn that such a religious event is an opportunity for economic gains. From merchants selling beads and rugs to visitors all the way to hotels capitalizing on the religious pilgrimage. It is amazing to know that every Muslim should make this trip as long as he/she is healthy and can afford to.
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Why is King Abdullah willing to let Saudi women vote but not drive cars?

Why is King Abdullah willing to let Saudi women vote but not drive cars? | Education in the world | Scoop.it
King Abdullah announced on Sunday that  Saudi women will be allowed to vote and run for office in municipal elections beginning in 2015.

 

Driving a car as simple as it may sound, is a method of enhancing mobility and that means freedom of spatial expression.  This decision to allow women to vote has only demonstrated the cultural constraints of gender roles and how much more progress is needed.  


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

Letting women vote makes the Saudi government look as though they are giving equal rights to women, however we do not know if they are being pressured to vote a certain way or even if their votes count. Women drivers would mean the women have more freedom and can go anyplace they want. The government does not want them to have real freedom.

Derek Ethier's comment, October 25, 2012 11:12 PM
Saudis would rather grant women the right to vote over the right to drive because it causes much less of a problem. Saudi elections are symbolic because most of the government is ruled by the royal family. Driving on the other hand would make women much less reliant on men. Though I do believe voting is a big step for the rights of women, it is definitely not enough.
Elizabeth Allen's comment, December 6, 2012 8:53 PM
To maintain power the government keeps string restrictions on it's Saudi women. So frustrating in this day and age. I respect the preservation of cultures and religions; however Saudi women cannot drive and basic priveleges such as going to the library are restricted. It is similar to countries that dominated in colonial times- oppress a society and keep them far from an education, or else they will catch on to ideas of freedom, equal rights and so on. Of course I had to check other headlines for this issue. I found http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-28/saudi-women-urged-to-drive-on-anniversary-of-campaign-to-end-ban.html , which provides details of some rebellious young ladies who ignore the "ban". Many have to drive for necessity, the story speaks about a woman who had to drive her son to the hospital because of his severe asthma attack. I hope these rebellious ladies continue their crusade!
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Studying "Green"

Studying "Green" | Education in the world | Scoop.it

"Green is an unusual film. It is both a hard hitting portrayal of the causes and consequences of deforestation in Indonesia, and a film which captures the tranquillity and calm of wild nature. It contains no narrative or dialogue and yet helps us understand complex commodity chains. Green needs to be taken seriously.  In these pages we present a series of short essays in response to the film." 


'Green' is a female orangutan in Indonesia, beset with deforestation and resource exploitation of her habitat.  This is a non-profit film follows her; watch at the film’s website or view the trailer: http://www.greenthefilm.com/


Via Seth Dixon
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Planting Rice

Thailand...

Feel free to mute the commentary...this video demonstrates the truly 'back-breaking' work that is a part of paddy rice farming. 


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

From now on anytime I eat rice I will think of these people. I had no idea how hard a job it was. I don’t think I would last an hour bending over like that.

Matt Mallinson's comment, November 27, 2012 6:06 PM
It's unbelieveable to see what these people go through in one day of work. If I did that type of work in a week my back would be killing me. These people are hard workers to say the least.
Elizabeth Allen's comment, December 7, 2012 1:18 PM
To watch these women break their backs(and their fingers must be shriveled from going in and out of water) for rice paddys, helps us recognize how important rice is. These women know they have to perform this work- Rice is a staple crop for Thailand; they need rice commodity to live.
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Finding the flotsam: where is Japan's floating tsunami wreckage headed?

Finding the flotsam: where is Japan's floating tsunami wreckage headed? | Education in the world | Scoop.it

Scientists model where and when the debris from the March 2011 Japanese tsunami will be.  The likelihood that the debris (not radioactive) will reach the U.S. west coast is increasingly likely.  Look at the great video attached to the article.   


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

Interesting to see were all the “junk” is going. I wonder how it effects the water and the ecosystem as it moves.

Brian Nicoll's curator insight, December 12, 2012 1:47 AM

It will be very interesting to see if this floating pile of junk actually reaches the west coast of the United States.  It seems possible that it could, but some of the scientists and other experts believe that it could also break up and sink before it reaches us.  One of my questions going in was whehter or not the wreckage was radioactive?  Luckily it is not radioactive and that should not be a concern for anyone. 

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Hiroshima after the Atomic Bomb

Hiroshima after the Atomic Bomb | Education in the world | Scoop.it
360° panoramic photography by Harbert F. Austin Jr.. Visit us to see more amazing panoramas from Japan and thousands of other places in the world.

 

The interactive panorama is eerily compelling...this is a haunting image. 


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

It looks like the world has ended. There is almost nothing left,

Matt Mallinson's comment, November 19, 2012 11:14 AM
I read a book once describing the lives of 5 survivors, the book is called "Hiroshima". It was very moving, the people talked about it like the world had ended, for them I guess it really did.
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Worker safety in China

This is an incredible video because of the shocking footage of blatant disregard for worker safety.  This can lead to an interesting discussion concerning how China has been able to have its economy grow.  What other ways has China (or Chinese companies) been "cutting corners?"  How does that give them a competitive edge on the global industrial market?     


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

How long will the government allow and incourage lake of worker safty before they no longer have workers or the people stand up and say enough!

Derek Ethier's comment, November 15, 2012 1:07 AM
The worker safety in China, or lackthereof, shows why they are allowed to advance to newfound heights economically. They cut corners on workers safety, environmental regulations and other codes to meet capitalist interests. The workers risk their lives daily for meager wages that are often below sustenance levels. Hopefully they will modify their system of codes soon.
Elizabeth Allen's comment, December 7, 2012 12:36 AM
My heart was in my throat watching this video. Is that the procedure for demolishing the entire building? Ironically this was to clear way because the Olympics were being held in Bejing. There is some irony here, representatives from other travelling down that main road would be appalled to see these working conditions. And for little pay on top of risking their lives.
Brian Nicoll's curator insight, December 12, 2012 1:30 AM

This video was certainly disturbing to say the least.  There appears to be absolutely no worker safety whatsoever in China.  This has resulted of course in their economy soaring to new heights.  They don't have to pay these workers anything and they have virtually no safety codes to have them follow.  I am not sure this type of direction can last forever but it has certainly stood up for sometime. 

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Shanghai: 1990 vs. 2010

Shanghai: 1990 vs. 2010 | Education in the world | Scoop.it

Globalization has hit...hard and fast. 


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

It looks like a completely different city. Sadly you can no longer see any green.

Kalin B.'s comment, September 13, 2012 4:22 PM
I'm amazed that all this happened in as short a time as twenty years. Globalization is truly a force to be reckoned with!
Matt Mallinson's comment, November 19, 2012 11:04 AM
So much was built in 20 years, impressive. The population must of skyrocketed.
Matt Mallinson's comment, November 19, 2012 11:04 AM
So much was built in 20 years, impressive. The population must of skyrocketed.
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Dhaka: fastest growing megacity in the world

A five-part, multimedia series on the coming dystopia that is urbanization.

 

This is a great introduction to the explosion of the slums within megacities.  This video as a part of the article is especially useful.   Click on the title to read the accompanying article.


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

People are leaving the rural areas to move to Dhaka in hopes of a better life. However the slums they move to do not have running water or electricity. It looks as though they are living in garbage dumb. It is sad that this is better for them. It is also surprising that the mayor has no control over the city that the national government is in charge.  

Matt Mallinson's comment, November 7, 2012 3:36 PM
It's amazing to think where people will be living around 2050, mostly urban areas. Dhaka for good or bad, is setting an example of what is to come for other cities and countries. I feel bad for the people who live in slums, sometimes they actually have to find water pirated by other people. There is a lot to come in the future.
Kyle Toner's comment, November 13, 2012 12:46 PM
Dhaka's population is exploding, leaving many people living in the slums with very little resources or ways to make money for food. With the population growing, and natural disasters like flooding many people are in trouble.
Brian Nicoll's curator insight, December 12, 2012 1:26 AM

A few things really stood out to me in this video.  First off, the idea that people are moving into Dhaka for a better life, when in reality they are moving into slum life with no electricity or running water is very alarming.  It begs the question of whether or not moving to this megacity is really worth it.  The second thing that I was a bit surprised by was the fact that the mayor has pretty much no control over the city.  The city is overseen by the national government.  To think that urbanization has gained so much ground and continues to gain more ground is astounding. 

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How did Pakistan get it's name?

How did Pakistan get it's name? | Education in the world | Scoop.it

"The name of the country Pakistan has a fascinating history - it is essentially an acronym!  Prior to 1947, the country now known as Pakistan was a British colony. In 1947 the United Kingdom granted independence to the region under a new name, Pakistan. The name had been developed by a group of students at Cambridge University who issued a pamphlet in 1933 called Now or Never."


In a country with such great ethnic divisions, a common religion is a powerful nationalizing force.  As the capital city of Islamabad's toponym powerfully states (the house or abode of Islam), religion remains an important element of national identity for Pakistanis.   


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

I have huge doubts about if this is how Pakistan got it’s name. About.com is just that a .com anyone can own one and say what they wish. I am not sure how legitimate the site is. If is true that it crazy 

Matt Mallinson's comment, November 7, 2012 3:27 PM
I can't believe this is actually how Pakistan got its name. Mine as well close your eyes and type on the keyboard and see what you get.
Robert T. Preston's curator insight, June 2, 1:57 PM

An interesting blurb on just how Pakistan got it's name!

Robert T. Preston's comment, June 6, 9:28 PM
Most sites agree that this is how the country got it's name. "Stan" means homeland, but the rest of the nation's provinces provided the name when combined.
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Bangladesh: Facing the Challenge

Global warming does not impact all areas equally, and in the future the less environmentally resilient countries will be at increasingly at risk.  Bangladesh, as a flat area prone to flooding, is especially vulnerable to anthropogenic climate change.  However, Bangladesh has implemented many changes in the cultural ecology to make sure that they are using the land differently to strengthen their environmental resilience.     


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

When I think of innovation Bangladesh is not a place I think of. Yet they are coming up with innovative ways to deal with the global climate change. It is sad they are so effected by something they did not cause. 

Stacey Jackson's curator insight, May 8, 8:29 PM

It was inspiring to see people in Bangladesh use ingenuity to adapt to climate change. Considering the nation's vulnerability to the effect of climate change, the introduction of solar panels, rain water harvesting and other techniques is essential. Maybe if other countries had the same sense of urgency, we would be making greater progress in terms of reversing climate change.

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Selling condoms in the Congo

TED Talks HIV is a serious problem in the DR Congo, and aid agencies have flooded the country with free and cheap condoms. But few people are using them. Why?

 

This video highlights why some well-intending NGOs with excellent plans for the developing world don't have the impact they are hoping for. Cultural barriers to diffusion abound and finding a way to make your idea resonate with your target audience takes some preparation. This also addresses some important demographic and health-related issues, so the clip could be used in a variety of places within the curriculum. FYI: this clip briefly shows some steamy condom ads.


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

Marketing is not something I would have thought about when trying to get people in the Kongo to use condoms. Her research into the brands they use and why may save many lives.

Matt Mallinson's comment, October 31, 2012 12:33 PM
STD's and many other diseases are more common and dangerous to be found in Africa. I think it's a great idea giving the people of Congo cheap condoms to be safer, it all depends on if they actually use them.
Derek Ethier's comment, November 5, 2012 2:26 PM
AIDs is an epidemic in Africa, so selling condoms in the Congo is a groundbreaking idea. In fact, I am surprised that no one had thought of this earlier. In a continent where millions are affected by AIDs, it is essential that measures be taken to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
Nick Flanagan's curator insight, December 12, 2012 8:27 PM

I was surprised actually that it took this long for someone to think of this, given the fact that the AIDS crisis in Africa is practically a pandemic.However it is a good idea that someone had finally started to do something about it.  

Rescooped by Crissy Borton from Geography Education
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Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai

Taking Root tells the dramatic story of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai whose simple act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement ...

 

Community, agriculture, gender, politics and the environment... it's all here in this inspiring clip.  


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

This is such an inspiring video. All it took was for one women, Wangari Maathai, to have an idea and to stand up for that idea for change to take place. How cool that from that one women a government was changed at 35 million trees planted!

Seth Dixon's comment, November 15, 2011 11:53 AM
We take for granted the cultural norms in our society that enable us to make the choices that we do. This is a clip of strength and hope that shows that although all progress won't be made overnight, there are great efforts afoot.
Lisa Fonseca's comment, December 5, 2011 12:38 AM
This is such an amazing clip! Seeing women in power is truly impacting. Sadly she seems to be a threat to politics, and they seem to have this idea that the society should only listen to men! This group of women have and continue to make an impact nationally, this is a usual situation. Although it's movements like these that when they become publicized begin to become stronger and stronger by making others realize some impacts they too can make.
Sean Rooney's comment, November 5, 2012 2:52 PM
S.R. This video clip covers a wide range of the different aspects in geography. We talked about the significant impact of natural resources in countries that rely on natural resources to stimulate the economy. For example, planting trees will stimulate the economy and create jobs in Africa. This is the first step towards industrialization in Africa. The community, agriculture, gender, politics, and the environment are all interconnected.
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Fighting for Iraq: A regional powerplay

Fighting for Iraq: A regional powerplay | Education in the world | Scoop.it
Learn more about the ethnic, religious and political powerplays in and around Iraq during a virtual tour of the region led by NBC’s Richard Engel.

 

This is an incredibly well-put together, video/slideshow about the complex geography of within Iraq that has lead to so many difficulties in the post-Saddam Hussein era.   The ethnic patterns, religious divisions, spatial arrangements of resources as well as the larger regional context all play roles in creating the a contentious political environment. 


Via Seth Dixon
Crissy Borton's insight:

I enjoyed this video. I never really understood why these groups were fighting. It was an easy video to understand and I learned that the fighting is not just about religious but cultural differences as well. 

Elizabeth Allen's comment, December 6, 2012 11:35 PM
I have always felt that Iraq is very complex. And it is. However the videos shed some light on clarifying what most of the turmoil is about.
Stacey Jackson's curator insight, March 22, 11:03 PM

Although I try to keep up with world events, Iraq has puzzled me. This was spectacularly helpful, although I still don't feel like I have the full picture. For instance, I understand that three ethnic groups were forced in to a new country, Iraq, after World War I and that the country has been in turmoil ever since. However, these ethnic groups were all a part of the Ottoman Empire before there was an Iraq, so why did the trouble start after the formation of Iraq?

 

These ethnic groups had their own provinces within the Ottoman Empire. I'm assuming these groups thought they'd establish their own separate nations after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, but were not given the chance to decide for themselves since Iraq was a product of "European powers." If this is accurate, then European nations have a horrible track record when it comes to dictating foreign boundaries that lead to unrest abroad.