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Scooped by Elizabeth Allen onto Geography 400 at ric |
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You're probably already aware that Americans consume a disproportional amount of the world's stuff. You may even have bumped into some of the statistics:
Elizabeth Allen's insight:
The world would be in trouble if everyone lived like Americans. Just look at how much garbage we produce-- 40%. Not too mention what the environment would be like with the extra pollutions. Elizabeth Allen
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TED Talks In the ongoing debate about globalization, what's been missing is the voices of workers -- the millions of people who migrate to factories in China and other emerging countries to make goods sold all over the world. Our collective understanding of modern industrialization and globalization needs to go beyond the binary of "oppressors" and "victims." This lecture explores the voices and lives of Chinese workers that we so often simply see as simply victims of a system, but are full of ambition and agency.
Tags: industry, globalization, labor, China, TED. Via Seth Dixon
Elizabeth Allen's insight:
This is an interesting video. Leslie Chang was able to gain such perspective from the girls who work in China's factories. Learning about how the girls are optimistic about their future. They don't want the Coach Bag or IPhone they are making- it would take months for them to afford it... They want an education and social mobility. It was uplifiting to hear that factory workers want education and more out of life, however as mentioned- they are "invisible" We (Westerners) avoid the idea that people in China working for next to nothing in response to our lifestyle and demands. This also makes you think about when you see a product that is considered an 'American Classic' it does not mean made in America. Elizabeth Allen 
Braden Oldham's comment,
May 2, 9:49 PM
The workers seem to not see their work as bad as we see it. They see it as a opportunity, bette then waht they had before.
Sarah Graham's comment,
May 3, 1:54 PM
I think that we often overlook the fact that life and culture is very different in these places. Here, the factory workers probably don't want the I-phones that they are making. We don't think about the people and how they WANT these jobs. These people want to make their life better, just like you and me.
Ryli Smith's comment,
May 5, 2:55 PM
In these Chinese factories, they don't view these jobs as harsh or poor treatment because this is better than how they would be doing back in their villages. They want these jobs so bad because they will give them a better life. Also, you have to remember that not all of these Chinese factory workers want to have an iPhone or a Coach purse or Nike shoes, because those things don't have any worth in their culture.
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World news about North Korea. Breaking news and archival information about its people, politics and economy from The New York Times.
Elizabeth Allen's insight:
As mentioned in class, North and South Korea would be better off united. By the looks of things, that will not be happening. Scary to think that North Korea is "testing" missiles could endanger its close neighbors. But, maybe that was the intention. I thought a new, younger president would bring a modern way of thinking to North Korea, instead it sounds like they are spiralling downhill. High unemployment, high fuel and food prices. Hopefully South Korea is prepared for any wrongdoing on North Korea's part.... The Peace Dam may keep flooding away, however it is no match for nuclear weapons...
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The Mekong River was once a wild and primitive backwater. Today, growing demands for electricity and rapid economic growth are changing the character of what is the world's 12th-longest river.
Economic progress for some often entails job loss and environmental degradation for others. The once isolated and remote Mekong is experiences some impacts of globalization with residents having mixed feelings about the prospects.
The technological resources from the Mekong River are needed to keep up with population demands suchs as electricity. However in building dams, the wildlife and naturalness on the river is being stolen. Farmers and fishermen fear that fish will be destroyed and blocked by the dams. They are already noticing effects from upstream- the work China has done on the river is effecting Laos' societies. Elizabeth Allen Via Seth Dixon 
Matt Mallinson's comment,
November 27, 2012 6:12 PM
It's sad that they have to use up this wild river. I'm not a big fan of environmental degradation but if that's what they're going to do I can't do anything about it.
Michelle Carvajal's curator insight,
December 11, 2012 9:04 PM
There must be a better way to transport items and in return save the Mekong river from being degredated. Technological innovations are affecting the life in the river as local fishermen are seeing less and less fish traveling in the river. This is impacting them in the sense that they use these fish for their survival as well as for selling. They fear that in building dams and creating advanced roads over the Mekong will change their enviroment altogether and will hinder their livelihood. This is a beautiful river and I personally feel there could be a better way but there is always something sacrficed when the government choses a location to build on. - M. Carvajal 
Emma Lafleur's curator insight,
April 30, 8:03 PM
It seems to be a theme that across the bored, people are building things that directly and negatively impact the environment and the local people. There are always two sides to the problem. On one hand, the dam can help with the development of Laos because it will bring in money, but it will also destroy the fish population and therefore many fishermen will lose their jobs and people will lose a food source. It is a difficult problem because Laos needs money because there is a lot of poverty in this rural country and the fishermen do not add a whole lot to the economy, but the people need a way to survive and make money for their families as well. It's a problem that I think will be around for generation to come. Delete the scoop?
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Jakarta's traffic is legendary and locals have now become experts at finding ways to get around the jams, with some even making money out of them.
The population of Indonesia is heavily concentrated on the island of Java, and the capital city of Jakarta faces a tremendous strain on it's transportation network. This video show that resourceful people will find inventive ways to make an unworkable situation manageable.
Traffic. Just waiting for your turn to move a few feet. I can only imagine the frustration of commuters in Jakarta. The governemnt needs to make improvements, quikly. If they provided more public transport and better infrastrucure, traffic conditions would greatly improve. Many other countries have faced this issue. Without the government's help, Jakarta may be congested for a long time. Carool regulations in a poor community provoke crime. If people can make a living helping others commute into the city, they will. The "jockeys" see an opportunity to provide for their families, while it is illegal- they are desperate enough to try an evade police and help the commuters. Elizabeth Allen Via Seth Dixon
Matt Mallinson's comment,
November 28, 2012 10:42 AM
It's crazy how close they drive their motorcycles to the oncoming cars. I'd be afraid to crash a motorcycle on an open road, a traffic jam every day would be scary to drive through.
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
December 7, 2012 1:09 PM
Traffic. Just waiting for your turn to move a few feet. I can only imagine the frustration of commuters in Jakarta. The governemnt needs to make improvements, quikly. If they provided more public transport and better infrastrucure, traffic conditions would greatly improve.
Michelle Carvajal's curator insight,
December 11, 2012 8:59 PM
"This other video of the poeple in Jakarta shows us how people have to in a sense ignore all laws that could indeed get them in much trouble. Traffic jams are annoying as it is for us when the we're stuck for more than fifteen minutes. Living in Jakarta, being stuck in traffic for an hour is a normal thing on a daily. We see that there are strict regulations for people to have a certain amount of individuals in a car in order to enter the rush hour. It has forced many who are uneomployed to be the extra people in a car but for a price. No matter what you may think, the price is very low. Others have purchased bikes and use them as taxis to maneuver people through the traffic. This is also illegal. What will happen as the increase in population goes up in this city? Very interesting." - M. Carvajal Delete the scoop?
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The rapid pace of political change in Myanmar in the past year — capped by the recent election of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to Parliament — has tourists and foreign investors rushing to the country.
So many tourists want to see the change come to the democratic institutions of Myanmar to become a politically just Burma. And yet, they also nostalgically want to keep Myanmar in a non-globalized state. In what can be called the paradox of progress, many westerners want an idealized pre-modern state.
What a transition. Burma is now free. After suffocating under military rule, Myanmar now has the chance of progressing politically and economically. With better government practices in place, under the pro democracy leader- Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar is able to prosper financially. Hotels are a big boost to the economy. Because tourists are interested in the transition of Burma, many are flocking there. Hotels are able to raise prices and hire more workers. Myanmar is able to open its doors and allow others in. It appears to be a sense of an awakening for Burma- politically and economically. Elizabeth Allen Via Seth Dixon
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
December 7, 2012 1:05 AM
What a transition. Burma is now free. After suffocating under military rule, Myanmar now has the chance of progressing politically and economically.
Stacey Jackson's curator insight,
May 8, 8:40 PM
This article touches on something I've always thought about when considering tourism and development. Many of the cities and places I like to visit I go to because of there charm and lack of robust tourism culture. This is a bit of a dual edged sword. Cities and countries stand to gain considerable wealth from the expansion of their tourism industry. But, part of me wonders if something else is also lost. Delete the scoop?
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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?
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. According to the National.ae.com, close to 80,000 people died in 2010 due to unsafe working conditions. Elizabeth Allen Via Seth Dixon
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.
Crissy Borton's curator insight,
December 11, 2012 11:13 PM
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! 
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. Delete the scoop?
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David Cameron, the British prime minister, pledged full support for Turkish membership to the European Union during a visit to Ankara.
Turkey's application to the European Union challenges the very definition of "Europe" as various constituencies disagree on whether Turkey should be admitted in the E.U. or not.
Turkey has made changes that should make her more attractive to the European Union. Turkey has done away with the death penalty and is more generous with women's rights. While it is not geographically in Europe, its location is profitable for commerce etc. I think Turkey will be accepted into the EU soon. It is better for the EU to have her ally with them and the EU is involved with Turkey in trade. France and its former President, Sarkozy, has been one the biggest opposers to Turkey's admission to the Union. Now that a new President, Francois Hollande, is in charge,Turkey is hoping that Hollande will see what a strong player Turkey can be. Elizabeth Allen
Via Seth Dixon 
Derek Ethier's comment,
October 11, 2012 2:01 AM
I believe that it would be beneficial for both Turkey and Europe as a whole to join the European Union. It lies at the crossroads between Europe and the Near East and also holds a foothold on the Mediterranean. This will only benefit trade. On the other hand, it becomes a stable nation to add to the EU when countries like Greece, Spain and Italy cause lags.
Matt Mallinson's comment,
October 22, 2012 12:27 PM
I already knew Turkey was in the discussion for joining the EU. There are many countries that want them to join, but there are also a few countries that don't want them in for some reason. I say let them join, Turkey isn't a bad country and by joining it would benefit both Turkey and the EU by making them stronger.
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
December 6, 2012 11:58 PM
Turkey has made changes that should make her more attractive to the European Union. Turkey has done away with the death penalty and is more generous with women's rights. While it is not geographically in Europe, its location is profitable for commerce etc.
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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
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 ( finances of the family are a higher priority). This truly is the ultimate worship practice. Elizabeth Allen Via Seth Dixon
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.
Crissy Borton's curator insight,
December 11, 2012 8:55 PM
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. Delete the scoop?
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50 Pictures Of Chernobyl 25 Years After The Nuclear Disaster: Today marks the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. ...
A haunting gallery that displays the effects of environmental and political mismanagement.
The eerieness of the photographs is so alarming. To see the shoe of a child, or the ferris wheel he or she never got to ride... firefighters who did not now what they were up against, who lost their lives. Many people died and the unknown consequences will be everlasting. Not only did this horrific event take the lives of people, but it effected wildlife, forests, and water resources. Elizabeth Allen Via Seth Dixon
Matt Mallinson's comment,
October 15, 2012 1:10 PM
It's wild to see this because I saw the movie "Chernobyl Diaries" and it's interesting to see the real place in these photos. It's terrible that this happened.
Derek Ethier's comment,
October 18, 2012 1:17 AM
The most amazing thing about these pictures is how nature is beginning to reclaim the city. People up and abandoned Chernobyl so it looks as if nature is attempting to take it back over. This area will likely be radiated for hundreds of years, so this disaster literally left this land inhospitable.
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
December 6, 2012 10:44 PM
The eerieness of the photographs is so alarming. To see the shoe of a child, or the ferris wheel he or she never got to ride... firefighters who did not now what they were up against, who lost their lives. Many people died and the unknown consequences will be everlasting. Not only did this horrific event take the lives of people, but it effected wildlife, forests, and water resources.
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Corruption is inflicting Honduras. There are many factors causing this. High drug trafficking, poor governemnt system, and high murder rates. to hear that anywhere has a higher murde rate than Mexico- is astounding. And further, to know that many murders at at the hands of police is disturbing. Affiliation in gangs and gang warfare is costing lives. The police seem crooked, so I cannot imagine crime rate will decline anytime soon. It must be bad if the Peace Corp has vacated. According to BBC News, a politician running for office is offering free burials for those that cannot afford them. Honduras violent death rate is 1 every 74 minutes. And the police do not punish criminals.... Elizabeth Allen Via Seth Dixon
Derek Ethier's comment,
September 20, 2012 10:21 PM
Unfortunately, the drug trade business is a lucrative one, especially in Third World countries where there are few other options. With drugs comes violence 100% of the time. To add to the misery, there is corruption in government and in civil servants as well. When the police are contributing to the murder rate, you know you have issues as a nation. This really surprised me, because I had no idea how dangerous Honduras really was. I would have guessed a Sub-Saharan African nation would have been the most violent...
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
December 6, 2012 10:03 PM
Corruption is inflicting Honduras. There are many factors causing this. High drug trafficking, poor governemnt system, and high murder rates. to hear that anywhere has a higher murde rate than Mexico- is astounding. And further, to know that many murders at at the hands of police is disturbing. Affiliation in gangs and gang warfare is costing lives. The police seem crooked, so I cannot imagine crime rate will decline anytime soon. It must be bad if the Peace Corp has vacated.
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
December 6, 2012 10:03 PM
Corruption is inflicting Honduras. There are many factors causing this. High drug trafficking, poor governemnt system, and high murder rates. to hear that anywhere has a higher murde rate than Mexico- is astounding. And further, to know that many murders at at the hands of police is disturbing. Affiliation in gangs and gang warfare is costing lives. The police seem crooked, so I cannot imagine crime rate will decline anytime soon. It must be bad if the Peace Corp has vacated.
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Saudi women are not allowed to drive. Saudi women have restrictions on banking, education, going to the library. Their rights are extremely limited. They just received the right to vote! Many women are throwing caution to the wind and driving. There are activist groups fighting for the right to drive. Hopefully this move of defiance will help Saudi women reach new heights. Elizabeth Allen Delete the scoop?
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The ancient city of Angkor — the most famous monument of which is the breathtaking ruined temple of Angkor Wat — might have collapsed due to valiant but ultimately failed efforts to battle drought, scientists find.
Why do societies collapse? Often they are overextended, consume too many resources for their hinterland network to supply or they aren't able to adapt to changes to the system. Angkor Wat, the largest urban complex of the pre-industrial world, collapsed primarily due to drought conditions and a changing ecology. Without sufficient water resources, the network collapsed. What other environment 'collapses' can you think of?
Societies can collapse if they fall victim to poor economics, poor political systems, and poor geographical reasons. In this case a major factor in Angkor's collapse was due to the change in climate. The drought was severe enough to crumble the city. Considering the times, Angkor had sufficiant modern technology to gain water resources; however it just was not enough. Here is an example of how drastic climate changes can effect a society. The image of Angkor Wat can be seen as a symbol of pride for Cambodia. The depiction is on Cambodia's flag. Elizabeth Allen Via Seth Dixon
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
December 6, 2012 3:38 PM
Societies can collapse if they fall victim to poor economics, poor political systems, and poor geographical reasons. In this case a major factor in Angkor's collapse was due to the change in climate. The drought was severe enough to crumble Angkor.
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Elizabeth Allen's insight:
Amazing how this image can have such an impact. Seeing pics like this add the element of realness. Reading about history in books, gives the reader an understanding, but a map such as this is more telling. During the 8 months of bombing, London lost over 40,000 people, this map has a way of getting the message across Elizabeth Allen
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
December 12, 2012 12:28 AM
Amazing how this image can have such an impact. Seeing pics like this add the element of realness. Reading about history in books, gives the reader an understanding, but a map such as this is more telling. During the 8 months of bombing, London lost over 40,000 people, this map has a way of getting the message across.
Sam Capron's curator insight,
February 28, 1:32 AM
This map is unreal! From the right distant the red dots representing the bomb sites block out the entire map, however it is interesting that all of the bombs fell in a very concentrated area, most assuredly where the populations are located. Delete the scoop?
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A promotional video shows planned development of a state-level development zone by government of Lanzhou, a provincial capital in China's arid northwest... The Lanzhou province is lightly populated mainly due to it's semi-arid climate and rugged topography. The goal is make a 500 square mile area (currently with 100,000 people) into a city with over 1 million people by 2030. To make this new metropolis, developers are planning to literally remove mountains to create a more 'ideal' urban environment. This makes some of the most ambitious environmental modification projects seem tame. For more read, the accompanying article from the Guardian. Questions to Ponder: What potential environmental impacts come from this scale of modification? How will this massive influx of the population impact the region? Could this type of project happen in other part of the world? Tags: environment, urban ecology, planning, environment modify, China. Via Seth Dixon
Elizabeth Allen's insight:
The developer is claiming this will be "protective development." I am not sure if I buy that. They are moving mountains- which means everything that comes with that, wildlife, trees, etc... And they are building an airport and an oil refinery (amongst other things).. Urbanizing can be great for the economy- but at what cost. Elizabeth Allen
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
December 11, 2012 11:51 PM
The developer is claiming this will be "protective development." I am not sure if I buy that. They are moving mountains- which means everything that comes with that, wildlife, trees, etc... And they are building an airport and an oil refinery (amongst other things).. Urbanizing can be great for the economy- but at what cost.
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Via Seth Dixon
Elizabeth Allen's insight:
This reminds me of the power issues in the Phillipines. The use of soda bottles and water provide light for many villages in the Phillipines.... Here in Bangladesh they rely on green power- solar power. I am sure now that children can study better at night (because they have light) they have better progess at school. Pehaps people in Bangladesh without solar power should adopt the soda bottle technique from the Phillipines. Elizabeth Allen
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
December 11, 2012 7:18 PM
This reminds me of the power issues in the Phillipines. The use of soda bottles and water provide light for many villages in the Phillipines.... Here in Bangladesh they rely on green power- solar power. I am sure now that children can study better at night (because they have light) they have better progess at school. Pehaps people in Bangladesh without solar power should adopt the soda bottle technique from the Phillipines.
Mr. Rodrigues's curator insight,
December 12, 2012 12:53 PM
Green power has a far wider impact than just "promoting" the preservation of the planet - due to the fact that many, if not all, of the methods of green power generation and delivery leverage locally sourced power channels.
This is truly democratizing who "can have" power, and the impact it will have on them. In the past, generators used dirty sources of power such as fossil fuels, which not only cost money, but would ruin already impoverished areas with unchecked pollution.
By harnessing what they have access to, the Bangladeshi people are gaining the benefits of the power (longer hours of useable time) but also not damaging the one resource they did have: the Earth.
Sam Capron's curator insight,
April 10, 9:58 PM
Here in the United States, and in other modern parts of the world, the time that we are awake has been lengthened considerably due to electricity. Gone are the days where modern humans sleep when it is dark out and work when it is light. We can now work when we want, and sleep when we feel like it. Because of this the average American now gets less sleep than 100 years ago, but we are more advanced and more productive each day. It appears as though light is one of the first steps in cultural, technological, and industrial development. Delete the scoop?
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Thailand... Feel free to mute the commentary...this video demonstrates the truly 'back-breaking' work that is a part of paddy rice farming.
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. Not only do most of thai societies eat rice, it is also valuable as an export. Elizabeth Allen Via Seth Dixon
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.
Crissy Borton's curator insight,
December 11, 2012 11:32 PM
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. Delete the scoop?
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A simple initiative in the Philippines is bringing a bit of brightness into the lives of the country's poorest people.
This clip is brimming with classroom potential. Development is a key component to this clip, but it could also become a service learning project as students adopt a great project to help others in more difficult financial situations. Learn more about the project at: http://isanglitrongliwanag.org/
This technique using an empty soda bottle, piece of metal, water, and a little bleach is affording communities to have light. Of course it is a great recycling practice as well. 60 watts for under a dollar is priceless in most Phillipine neighborhoods. More importantly,this new technique is being used in schools as well. This is truly amazing to see how innovative cultures can be. While they cannot afford electricity due to the high prices, they still have found an inexpensive alternative. Now with the mimicked lighting, people in poor areas of the Phillipines can still go on with their daily life uninterrupted. Elizabeth Allen Via Seth Dixon 
Seth Dixon's comment,
November 12, 2011 10:29 PM
So cool...very inspirational. Human ingenuity is a greatest limitless resources.
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
December 7, 2012 12:44 PM
Wow, this is truly amazing to see how innovative cultures can be. While they cannot afford electricity due to the high prices, they still have found an inexpensive alternative. Now with the mimicked lighting, people in poor areas of the Phillipines can still go on with their daily living uninterrupted.
Michelle Carvajal's curator insight,
December 11, 2012 8:51 PM
This is absolutely amazing...to see how people think of new innovative ways to create simple gadgets that will serve as a source for them to live by. The fact that prices for certain services push people to find new ways of receiving the same service is sad but at the same time it stimulates people to try. I am fascinated at how much a person can do with their two hands. Very nice. - M. Carvajal Delete the scoop?
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There are “babyloids” and relatives-for-rent in an increasingly childless Japan.
While many parts of the world are concerned with population growth, Japan is struggling to find ways to slow down the demographic decline. What economic and cultural forces are leading the the changing nature of Japanese demographics? A video that explains the changing nature of modern Japanese relationships and gender norms can be accessed here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/30/japan-population-decline-youth-no-sex_n_1242014.html
This article helps to see why population is declining so rapidly in Japan. There is not just one contributing factor, but many factors. There is a high suicide rate and low birth rate. Many single Japanese women decide not to have children, while countries such as the US, many single women choose to have children. Japan's high divorce rate will also cause decline in population(women do not tend to have babies out of wedlock) . Al of these factors that contribute to the decline in Japan's population is hurting the economy. If the population does not start to increase, Japan will be further in trouble. however, there is not much physical decline, most of Japan's population is enjoying a high life expectancy. Elizabeth Allen Via Seth Dixon
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
December 7, 2012 12:52 AM
This article helps to see why population is declining so rapidly in Japan. There is not just one contributing factor, but many factors. There is a high suicide rate and low birth rate. Many single Japanese women decide not to have children, while countries such as the US, many single women choose to have children. Japan's high divorce rate will also cause decline in population. Al of these factors that contribute to the decline in Japan's population is hurting the economy. If the population does not start to increase, Japan will be further in trouble.
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Environmental degradation, seasonally high rainfall, a low elevation profile and climate change combine in a very bad way for Bangladesh. Flooding, given these geographic characteristics, is essentially a regular occurence. For a more in-depth look at these issues from the same media outlet, see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wj0iZiivYJc&feature=player_embedded#!
In an area already stricken with poverty, the floods manifest the problems. High rains and low elevations cause massive floods in areas such as Bangladesh and Nepal. Most areas do not receive aid, especially the remote areas of the villages. The villages are left without drinking water, agriculture is destroyed, and economic activity is no where to be found. As Dr. Rouf explains, if the contaminated water is consumed people will be struck with sickness and disease. Nurses fear that dehydration levels will continue to increase if people are not provided claen drinking water. Elizabeth Allen
Via Seth Dixon
Matt Mallinson's comment,
November 7, 2012 3:41 PM
The people that live here understand that they will have flooding every year. They're smart to build elevated roads so they have some way of transportation over flooded areas. It's weird to think that this is a normal thing for them and for us we close everything down and wait in our houses.
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
December 7, 2012 12:17 AM
In an area already stricken with poverty, the floods manifest the problems. High rains and low elevations cause massive floods in areas such as Bangladesh and Nepal. Most areas do not receive aid, especially the remote areas of the villages.
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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.
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. A valid question is why not divide Iraq into three seperate countries? One for the Kurdish, one for the Sunnis, and one for the Shiite? The video explains that it is not that easy. Iraq has been unstable since it formed after WWI.The Sunnis feel that the Shiite stole their power and they want to reclaim it. The three ethnicities are quarrelling for control and it has to do with more than religion. Resources play an important role in the dispute. The country cannot divide into three regions, because the Sunni (about 20% of Iraq's population) are in a region where they are not close to water and they have no oil. The Sunni and Kurdish are close to natural resources- water and oil. If the country divides, the Sunni will not last. Elizabeth Allen Via Seth Dixon
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.
Crissy Borton's curator insight,
December 11, 2012 8:33 PM
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.
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. Delete the scoop?
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Tajik migrants working in Russia sent to $2.96 billion in remittances to their families in Tajikistan in 2011, over 30 percent more than the previous year, National Bank Deputy Chairman Malokhat Kholikzoda said on Thursday.
The higher the national dependence on remittances, the worse off the country is essentially at being economically independent and viable.
Yes the remittance work will hurt Tajikstan's chances of economic success. But, the workers have to provide for their families. The workers need to self-preserve, with that in mind, it is natural for them not be concerned about their home country's economics. With more than half of the population below poverty level, I doubt this labor pattern will change soon. Elizabeth Allen Via Seth Dixon 
's comment, March 13, 2012 9:10 AM
Ots hard to imagine how Tajikistan can survive with their work force living otside the country
Derek Ethier's comment,
October 18, 2012 1:23 AM
Tajikstan's plight symbolizes the problems most former Soviet Republics face in a post Soviet world. Almost all of these nations have an enormous reliance upon Russia in their day to day activities. As this article states, over $2.96 billion have been sent to Tajikstan from Tajiks working in Russia. Tajikstan's economy is going to tank if it's citizens continue to be so reliant on Russia.
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
December 6, 2012 11:03 PM
Yes the remittance work will hurt Tajikstan's chances of economic success. But, the workers have to provide for their families. The workers need to self-preserve, with that in mind, it is natural for them not be concerned about their home country's economics.
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Gold fever is sweeping across South America and is at its most lethal in Colombia where it is fuelling the civil war.
Colombia's gold mines are bringing out greed in all nations. Civilian wars are breaking out over the gold. Native people are scared and fleeing their homes. The Colombian government has to watch closely over who is working the mines. The government does not want miners without licenses in the mines, because the government will not be paid royalties on the gold. Elizabeth Allen Via Seth Dixon
Derek Ethier's comment,
September 30, 2012 6:57 PM
This is a sad yet all too occurring phenomenon in underdeveloped nations. In Africa, they fight Civil Wars over minerals like oil and coltan. Here the fight is over gold. When government is unable to control militant groups, they take control over natural resources using violence. It is also unfortunate that international companies are coming in to sweep up the wealth. Colombia is unlikely to keep too much of this wealth in their own nation.
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
December 6, 2012 10:30 PM
Colombia's gold mines are bringing out greed in all nations. Civilian wars are breaking out over the gold. Native people are scared and fleeing their homes. The Colombian government has to watch closely over who is working the mines. The government does not want miners without licenses in the mines, because the government will not be paid royalties on the gold.
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More than 600 newcomers per day have arrived in Canada since 2006, and many of them have settled in neighbourhoods like Richmond, B.C.
Globalization has changed North American ethnic patterns as fewer European immigrants are migrating to Canada, and more are coming for Asia. Not surprisingly, the urban areas are the regions were this pattern is most pronounced.
Asians have been affiliated with Canada for many years. Many immigrant workers in the 1800s helped Canada build their railroads. Many Vietnamese refugees escaped to Canada during the Vietnam war. Today Asians are still migrating to Canada forming a multi-cultural society. In the 90s most immigrants were able to get cheap land, but now modern prices have inflated. Estimates show that migration patterns of Asians to Canada will continue. Elizabeth Allen Via Seth Dixon
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
December 6, 2012 9:45 PM
Asians have been affiliated with Canada for many years. Many immigrant workers in the 1800s helped Canade build their railroads. Many Vietnamese refugees escaped to Canada during the Vietnam war. Today Asians are still migrating to Canada forming a multi-cultural society. In the 90s most immigrants were able to get cheap land, but now modern prices have inflated.
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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.
To maintain power the government keeps strong 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! Elizabeth Allen Via Seth Dixon
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!
Crissy Borton's curator insight,
December 11, 2012 8:27 PM
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. Delete the scoop?
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As mentioned in class, North and South Korea would be better off united. By the looks of things, that will not be happening. Scary to think that North Korea is "testing" missiles could endanger its close neighbors. But, maybe that was the intention. I thought a new, younger president would bring a modern way of thinking to North Korea, instead it sounds like they are spiralling downhill. High unemployment, high fuel and food prices. Hopefully South Korea is prepared for any wrongdoing on North Korea's part.... The Peace Dam may keep flooding away, however it is no match for nuclear weapons...