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Scooped by Seth Dixon onto Geography Education |
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This excellent geography blog will link you in to wonderful geospatial tidbits. This particular post links you to an interactive Google Earth Clock (a still shot is displayed), in addition to a Google Earth Typewriter. Geospatial technologies can provide entertainment with an artistic flair.
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Months have gone by since the last of the grisly mass killings that have marked the conflict’s darkest moments.
Seth Dixon's insight:
Cartels are still fighting each other, but they are no longer taunting the military and the police by doing it in such a blatantly public manner. Drug-related homicides are stable (and alarmingly high) at 12,000 per year but less in the border cities and more in the northern interior. The cartels are trying to avoid engaging the military, seeing that "spectacular acts of violence only bring more pressure to bear on them." 
Alejandro Restrepo's comment,
February 7, 5:41 PM
Maybe much like Brazil, Mexico might be bidding for the World Cup or the Olympics. That is exactly what is happening in Brazil, the crimes and poverty in Favelas are being shut out from the rest of the world, in order to give Brazil a friendlier look. When Americans think of Mexico they think of two things, immigration and TOURISM! TOURISM is the magic word here! Tourism gives the Mexican economy a huge boost and the government does not want Mexico's tourism to decline... hint hint.
benj's curator insight,
February 9, 6:50 PM
drug wars gone quieter. drag less attention to military. gore in open areas bad for business. lets move to less attentive areas. death rates are the same. this will probably change as the US changes politically. US has much influence on Mexican drug wars. 
Sam Capron's curator insight,
February 13, 10:13 PM
So basically the fighting down in Mexico between the various cartels continues, they just mutually and unspokenly agreed to be sneakier about it? The government is also taking steps to ensure that Mexico *Looks* safer than it actually. Most likely due to the huge amount of tourism that the country takes in each year. Delete the scoop?
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Earlier this month, the president told a newspaper the solution to partisanship is politics and more politics.
Seth Dixon's insight:
Quick facts about the "new" Mexico:
Does that help in explaining why Mexicans aren't leaving to go to the United States anymore? In fact, more Mexicans are leaving the United States than entering in a clear example of changing push and pull factors. 
wereldvak's curator insight,
January 4, 11:33 AM
Er zijn meer Mexicanen die de VS verlaten dan er binnen komen. Het gaat goed met Mexico. De economische groei is groter dan die van de VS en Brazilië! 
Charlie Koppelson's curator insight,
February 7, 5:49 PM
You know the economy is bad in the U.S. when Mexicans don't even want in anymore. In fact, more Mexicans are now leaving the U.S. for Mexico than vice versa. Mexico is the 4th largest producer of cars in the world and their GDP is growing by 4%, twice as fast as Brazil and even the U.S. Maybe Americans should start heading down to Mexico for work. I know a lot of Rhode Islanders that could use jobs. 
Juan Lauro Aguirre's curator insight,
February 24, 1:03 AM
Miren esto, ya no somos los burros de la clase: Does that help in explaining why Mexicans aren't leaving to go to the United States anymore? In fact, more Mexicans are leaving the United States than entering in a clear example of changing push and pull factors. Delete the scoop?
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MEXICO CITY — Juan Chiu Trujillo was 5 years old when he left his native Mexico for a visit to his father's hometown in southern China. He was 35 when he returned. Migratory patterns and globalization can lead to some intriguing cultural blends that would seem improbable 100 years ago. This story of shows vividly how ethnicity does NOT always correspond to culture. Delete the scoop?
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Below street level in Mexico City, archaeologists have found a jumble of bones dating to the 1480s. In the 1970s, construction workers unearthed numerous archaeological finds as the subway was being constructed. The Mexican government decided to clear the several block of old colonial buildings to reveal the Templo Mayor, the ancient Aztec religious center. Not coincidentally, the Spaniards built their religious center in the same place. During the colonial era, the indigenous residents who spoke Spanish in Mexico City still referred to this portion of the city as la pirámide. Today more finds such as this one are continuing to help us piece together the past of this immensely rich, multi-layered place filled with symbolic value. Tags: Mexico, LatinAmerica, historical, images, National Geographic, colonialism, place and culture. 
Nicholas Rose's comment,
September 4, 2012 11:22 AM
This article that I have just read is about The capital of the Aztec Empire, Tenochtitlan which is now known as Mexico City. When the Spaniards conquered the Aztecs in 1521 they started knocking down the ancient Aztec buidings and started building European-style buildings because the Spaniards declared this territory as one of their colonies in the Spanish Empire.
Don Brown Jr's comment,
September 4, 2012 11:35 AM
An image such as this show how intertwined and inseparable the Spanish and indigenous cultural legacy is in Mexico as well as how difficult it would be to remove the foundations of one without effecting the other.
Emma Lafleur's curator insight,
February 7, 5:29 PM
I have a great interest in both history and anthropology, and how what happened in the past affects what is here today is very interesting to me. This article shows how the Spaniards affected the Aztecs when they first explored the area, and finding anything from the Aztecs today is very difficult because Mexico City was built right on top of the Aztec civilization. The sacrifice that they found here gives great insight into the beliefs and values of the Aztecs and the more evidence they have and the more artifacts they have help them o create a clearer picture. However, it is very difficult to have large arcaeological digs because of the major city siting right on top of this evidence. Delete the scoop?
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Photographer Anthony Suau documents the surging influence of the drug cartels in Northern Mexico and the efforts by police to maintain law and order...
The issus connected to drug trafficking are intense in Mexico for a variety of geogaphic factors. This is not something we typically see as a part of the the new global economy, but it certainly has been connected to the processes of globalization. Visit this topic on scoop.it for more sources on the Mexican Drug Trade. Via Roland Trudeau Jr. 
Roland Trudeau Jr.'s comment,
July 25, 2012 7:17 PM
These pictures paint a story of some sad results of the drug war. As picture number 11 states 75% of columbian cocaine passes through Mexico. It would appear that Mexico is the middle man in the selling process from columbia to The United States.
Kim Vignale's comment,
August 12, 2012 2:06 PM
The Mexican drug trade is a serious and dangerous issue that is happening today. This project shed light on how dangerous it is. I realize that even the important officials are bribed by the drug dealers so nobody can be trusted. It is scary that the drug runs are done by young innocent people. Unfortunately, many people die if they speak up for what is right.
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Voters are counting on the next president to find a solution to the country's alarming rise in organised crime.
This interactive features shows temporal and spatial data on drug-related deaths in Mexico since 2007. Also connected are profiles of the presidential candidates of the three major political parties (PRI, PAN and PRD) and with their platform on drugs and ways to curtail the accompanying violence. Mexico's presidents can only hold office for one term, but it is a six-year term...2012 isn't just about Obama and Romney. 
's comment, August 27, 2012 11:01 AM
I would be interested to see how the newly elected official will use this map and what their changes in the current approach will be
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One of the more beautiful, unusual and useful map projections ever devised was created by cartographer Bernard Cahill.
As a collector of Mexican stamps, researcher in Mexican heritage and enthusiast of all things geography, these cartographically themed stamp is a treasure. Delete the scoop?
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Tiny Tamaula is the new face of rural Mexico: Villagers are home again as the illegal immigration boom drops to net zero. Full story on CSMonitor.com: http:/...
Contrary to popular opinion, illegal immigration from Mexico to the United States is not really a problem in 2012. As conditions on both sides of the border have changed, this gives a glimpse into the life choices of Mexican villagers. For more on this issue see the complete article at: http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2012/0408/Home-again-in-Mexico-Illegal-immigration-hits-net-zero ; 
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
September 18, 2012 8:15 PM
I have to say that I was surprised with what we learned in class and what I saw in the video. I did not think there was a considerable decline in Mexican migration to the US. As learned, due to much lower birth rates in Mexico, higher alert patrol along the borders and the agave product boom, there is actually a decrease in Mexicans crossing into the US. As heard in the video Mexicans do not still feel that the America is a great opportunity, therefore they do not want to leave their families, spend the money to get to the US only to find that due to the US recession, jobs are very scarce.
Michelle Carvajal's comment,
September 20, 2012 4:18 PM
I agree with what you say about the video Elizabeth. I feel like people are unaware of the patterns now in immigration of people back to their native lands. Sadly our economy has forced people to go back wherever they may be from. Can you imagine what would happen if the economy got better and they would try to get back in?
Sam Capron's curator insight,
February 13, 10:41 PM
I was very surprised to learn both in class last week and in this video that more and more of Mexico's citizens are choosing to stay at home rather than migrate to the Us, legal or otherwise. I am not sure if the decline in immigration is truly a reflection on the failing economy of the United States and the extra attention being thrown on the border issues here in the States, or if the economy in Mexico offers more opportunities for citizens than the States. Delete the scoop?
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A writer who has crossed many borders finds the one between Nogales, Ariz., and Mexico to be the oddest frontier of all.
Given that most of the articles concerning the border these days reflect on the policing of the border, the illegal flow of people, drugs or guns across the border, or the violence in the borderlands, this is refreshing change of pace. Paul Theroux focused on the cultural connections that form, not in spite of the border, but because of the border and the cultural vibrance of Nogales, Sonora. 
Sheyna Vargas's comment,
September 19, 2012 1:21 PM
Everyone is always talking and writing about Mexicans crossing the border, taking jobs, and smuggling drugs into the US. It’s nice to find an article showing their humility and kindness to others. These people in this town just over the border are trying to improve it by adding security, school programs, and keeping their town clean.
I think there’s so much that can be learned from this article. As Theroux states, “the neighborhoods just across the fence are not representative of the town at large, which is a lesson in how to know another country: stay longer, travel deeper, overcome timidity.” So, while, yes, there are dangerous areas in Mexico, not every town is the same. Not all Mexicans are dangerous drug dealers who want to steal your job. Delete the scoop?
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Police in Mexico arrested a man they say is one of the country's largest methamphetamine producers. The arrest comes as Mexican drug gangs are moving aggressively to try to dominate methamphetamine markets not just in the U.S.
The drug issue is often described as a border problem and though that one little line was the only space necessary for understanding the problems. This podcast highlights how many places are a part of the networks at play in this complex economic geography that causes political, demographic and cultural strife on both sides of the border. Delete the scoop?
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Alex Schmidt's grandparents say that the best Jewish food they've ever eaten came from Mexico. They remember a legendary husband-and-wife catering team who made downtown Mexico City feel like the shtetls of Eastern Europe.
Cultural processes, such as diffusion syncretism, are evident in this extraordinary podcast. Ethnic neighborhoods, nostalgia for traditions, folk and popular cultures interacting, globalization and migration are all themes that could make this an interesting podcast to have students listen to it and analyze the geographic content embedded within it. Delete the scoop?
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While the rates of murders are plateauing at 12,000 per year, internally where are these murders taking place? Which places are becoming more critical to control? Murders are shifting east (From Sinaloa and Chihuahua to Nuevo Leon and Veracruz). Why is this shift occurring? What does this shift indicate politically and economically for Mexico? 
Derek Ethier's comment,
September 20, 2012 10:38 PM
In an effort to rid Mexico of dangerous drug cartels, officials are probably just pushing them into new and previously safe areas. This shift indicates what areas Mexican authorities have control over and what areas they need to tighten up control on. It will prove immensely difficult to defeat powerful gangs who have ruled for decades. It seems to me that most of the drug violence occurs along the border with the U.S., likely because this is the highest area of traffic.
Elizabeth Allen's comment,
September 24, 2012 12:33 PM
This map strikes me. I guess there can be a map of anything and everything. On the social side of this topic, it is overwhelming to see the high murder rates. While there are percentages shifting thorughout territories, the crime still remains. While murder rates lower in one area, they are sure to rise in others. This gang vs. government fight is a battle that has lasted many years, and sadly will continue...
Joshua Choiniere's comment,
September 26, 2012 11:28 AM
What this map as well as article show me is that there is corruption in every aspect of the Mexican Goverment and at some point or another the goverment is taking sides with or assisstance from some of the major cartels. In order to crack down other groups to get rid of them. So in order to fully curb and elminate the cartels the Goverment will have to become stronger, independnt, and not assossciate with one group over another. They should try and perharps raise a larger enough force like the military and just systemmatically* force these cartels out one by one.
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The number of Mexicans leaving for the United States is just about cancelled out by the number returning, according to statistics provided by the Mexican government. Besides being an important (underreported) political fact, this new migratory pattern can lead to a good discussion of push and pull factors that lead to the geography of migration. Delete the scoop?
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"A basic truth about the cultural geography of the California border [is this]—two very different city-building traditions come crashing into each other at one of the most contentious international boundary lines on the planet. In this collision, in the shocking contrast of landscapes, lies one critical ingredient of the border’s place identity."
Seth Dixon's insight:
As a geographer native to the San Diego region (with family on both sides of the border), I found this article very compelling. Relations across the border are economic, cultural and political in nature, and the merger of those varied interests have led to an uneven history of both cooperation and separation. Herzog analyses three distinct factors that have shape the landscape of the California-Mexico border zone: urbanization, NAFTA, and global interruptions (9/11). Tags: borders, AAG, political, landscape, California, unit 4 political, Mexico. 
Ann-Laure Liéval's curator insight,
January 27, 6:29 AM
Les territoires de la mondialisation: les frontières. Une frontière qui se ferme et pourtant, une urbanisation continue mais contrastée.
Emma Lafleur's curator insight,
February 7, 5:45 PM
It is interesting to see how this border has transformed from a fence to a guideline and back over time. Researchers of these two cities can learn a lot about how the events of one country affect the other country, such as in the case of 9/11. This place is also a great place to study culture because it is here where researchers can study a melding of two cultures in action. Overall, this area gives great insight into how two bordering countries affect each other politically, economically, socially, and culturally. Delete the scoop?
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Wal-Mart de Mexico was an aggressive and creative corrupter, offering large payoffs to get what the law otherwise prohibited, an examination by The New York Times found.
Seth Dixon's insight:
Wal-Mart officials worked hard to ensure that zoning regulations were changed so that they could bring a store to a coveted location. They built a Wal-Mart in the shadows of arguably Mexico's most important world heritage site--the pyramids of Teotihuacán. This investigative report uncovers the illegal steps that Wal-Mart took to force through their agenda. Questions to Ponder: Why would Wal-Mart be so keen on this particular location? Why would some in Mexico oppose this project so fiercely? Would Wal-Mart behave in such a manner in the United States?
Sam Capron's curator insight,
February 13, 10:35 PM
I knew that Wal-Mart was rather devious in its uses of force, using both bribery and elbow rubbing to get exactly what they want. That being said the extent of the misdoings in Mexico was shocking. In my opinion Wal-Mart is ruining a national landmark and a great tourist attraction. The question I ask myself is, is there any chance that Egypt would ever allow a Wal-Mart to be built next to their Great Pyramids? Delete the scoop?
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A graphic novel to entertain, excite, and educate…and with an experimental interactive comic app as well! Plaid power to the people! Looking to teach geography and world affairs with a flair? The Plaid Avenger has a new interactive comic book to teach about the geography of Mexico and the geopolitical impacts of the the drug wars in that country. If you've received some value from his work in the past, please consider supporting this endeavor which is pushing the boundaries of educational technologies and platforms. Tags: Mexico, geography education, edtech, narcotics. Delete the scoop?
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From San Diego to Brownsville, Tex., requests for assistance have become a drain on the resources of fire departments in cities on the United States border with Mexico.
This is a poignant example of how site and situation impact the local geographic factors. Delete the scoop?
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Presidential candidate says Mexicans have voted for change of direction after exit polls project win for his PRI party.
For the first time in 12 years, Mexico's president will be from the PRI party (which dominated and led power from the 1920's to 2000). Enrique Peña Prieto won the election, in large part due to Mexico's dissatisfacation with the PAN's handling of the escalating drug violence. A few decades back, the PRI kept the violence out of the streets with some tacit agreements with the drug cartels to stay within particular territories. 
's comment, July 2, 2012 10:51 AM
With all the widespread violance from the drugwars it isn't surprising that the people of Mexico would prefer to be led under a political party that keeps the cartels in line. It would seem through my own expiereince that the people are afraid of those pushing drugs, and anyone involved with them. A friend of mine about two years ago had an opportunity to go to school in the UK and seized it as his chance to get out of Mexico. He once told me a story of members of a cartel threatening to make his nieghbor disapear, and as he told me, usually if someone says it will happen, it does. Although they will be returning power to the cartels, order could be restored through corruption, and in an ironic way curb the chaos.
Seth Dixon's comment,
July 2, 2012 11:00 AM
I'm afraid that stability and corruption is what Mexico is choosing over instability and freedom. Unfortunately, stability and liberty weren't both on the table. Maybe the PRI in the last 12 years out of power has cleaned up it's act but I am nervous since they were are "party monopoly" when in power that would violate human rights and rig elections.
Roland Trudeau Jr.'s comment,
July 7, 2012 11:26 AM
This picture speaks of how the Mexican people feel towards this election; http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=419149768126819&set=a.186306054744526.42461.175058372535961&type=1&ref=nf
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Some four decades after welcoming foreign assembly plants and factories, known as maquiladoras, Mexico has seen only a trickle of its industrial and factory workers join the ranks of those who even slightly resemble a middle class.
Despite making such consumer goods like BlackBerry smartphones, plasma TVs, appliances and cars that most people in the US, for instance, consider necessities, Mexican workers in these factories seldom get to enjoy these items because, as this article argues, the labor system keeps them in poverty. Foreign investment in these businesses keep unions out and attracts workers from poorer areas, allowing low-cost labor to prevail. Less than $8 a day is the going wage - great for the bottom line and consumer prices but very bleak for those who toil in this system. 
Jessica Martel's curator insight,
February 7, 5:30 PM
this reminds me of a topic discussed in a previouse class. That is when the GM company destroyed the economy in Flint Michigan by closing the factories in the city (wich relied on GM). They decided to move the company too Mexico where they could pay thier workers less money and then ship the product out. 
Mikaela Kennedy's curator insight,
February 7, 5:59 PM
Some U.S. politians complain that they can't live on $400,000 a year and these workers are living on $7.50 a day that's only $2,737.50 a year if they work every day. Delete the scoop?
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A study sees a decline in immigration to the United States from Mexico after tightened border control, increased deportations, a flagging U.S. economy and a declining Mexican birthrate.
The wave of immigrants coming into the USA is something of the past. Push factors: Why are more Mexicans choosing to stay in Mexico? Pull factors: Why is the United States less on an option for many would-be migrants these days? Cross-border issues: How are issues on both sides of the border changing these patterns?
Roland Trudeau Jr.'s comment,
July 10, 2012 12:44 PM
Personally I would figure it is partially due to the rescission lack of work equals lack of sustainability for families. You have to go where the jobs are, and if that is back to your native land then its that much more worth it.
Mikaela Kennedy's curator insight,
February 7, 5:48 PM
One of the last lines in this really stood out to me: "Mexicans would rather be in a precarious situation than a situation of fear." I feel as though that is true for all people living on earth. Delete the scoop?
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Explore educational and professional development resources for teachers and classrooms on Annenberg Media's learner.org. Companion to the Annenberg Media series Power of Place.
Maquiladoras, outsourcing, migration and regional differences within Mexico are main themes in this video. This is a resource of videos that many are very familiar with, but this is worth repeating for those not familiar with the Annenberg Media's "Power of Place" video series. With 26 videos (roughly 30 minutes each) that are regionally organized, this be a great resource for teachers. Delete the scoop?
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Methane from a landfill will flow to a power plant, helping to keep the lights on in the city.
When Mexico City’s government shut down the giant Bordo Poniente landfill last December, officials announced that they had a full-blown plan for the site...the city aims to capture the methane gas produced by the landfill to fuel a power plant that could supply electricity to as many as 35,000 homes. 
Matt Mallinson's comment,
September 19, 2012 11:32 AM
This idea seems awesome for the country of Mexico. Being able to change a landfill and converting it to energy to supply homes is awesome for any economy. 35,000 homes is a large amount, many families will be better off.
Derek Ethier's comment,
September 20, 2012 10:54 PM
The innovative steps being taken by Mexico in this situation greatly surprises me. For an underdeveloped country like Mexico, this plan can likely bring cheap electricity to a greater part of the population. Using waste is a great alternative to fossil fuels which are non-renewable and harmful to the environment. Not only do I think this is a great idea, I think America and other countries should mimic their efforts. This is unlikely because it will put the big electric companies out of business...
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The Zetas are now the largest cartel in Mexico, overtaking their bitter rival, the Sinaloa cartel, a report by US security firm Stratfor suggests.
When the Sinaloa cartel was the 'big dog,' they had a tacit understanding with the government and the government would target other drug syndicates and basically leave the important members of 'La Federacion' alone. The Sinaloans operate primarily through bribery and corruption while the Zetas specialize in horrific brutality. Now that the Zetas have muscled their way into more turf and more influential networks, how will that reshape the geopolitical paradigm? What with the effect be for Mexican citizens and for those on both sides of the border? This is not a good turn of events.
Matt Mallinson's comment,
September 19, 2012 11:04 AM
I honestly had to idea of what was really going on in Mexico, the U.S. has to at least make the effort to report this as news. People need to know, even if it isn't news from our country.
Derek Ethier's comment,
September 20, 2012 10:42 PM
The ascendency of the Zetas will only bring more violence and destruction to Mexico. They replace a corrupt regime with a much more violent one that will be a danger to Mexicans on both sides of the border. In a country where cartels have more powerful than government, it would be beneficial to at least have a sympathetic regime in charge. Instead, the Zetas commit violent crimes and pose a threat to Mexicans.
Joshua Choiniere's comment,
September 26, 2012 11:36 AM
The Zetas through the use of extreme force have become one of the most powerful and feared cartels in Mexico. Instead of bribeing groups or polticians they use kidnapping, rape, death to achieve what they want. This is incredible dangerous for not only Mexico but for the World because as this article says they are pushing into South American and exporting into other parts of the world. So I think this problem is not only the Mexican Goverments problem but everyones, we all should put a stop to this sort of group.
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There are some very special traditions surrounding Christmas celebrations in Mexico.
Yo quiero encontrar un lugar en New England con buñuelos! Delete the scoop?
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Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano has spewed a burst of ash 3 miles (5 kilometers) into the air after breaking through a dome of lava. Mexico’s National Disaster Prevention Center says Sunday’s explosion continues a series of moderate eruptions from the 17,886-foot (5,450-meter) volcano 40 miles (65 kilometers) southeast of the Mexican capital.
In my regional geography course I use Mexico City as a case study to discuss urban ecology, overtaxing the hinterland for resources and the sustainability of population growth. This is but one small wrinkle in that tenuous environmental situation. Via Tony Burton 
Kyle Toner's comment,
September 19, 2012 12:49 PM
Mexico city's topography is not a great one. With 20 million people living there a volcanic eruption could prove to be unbelievably devastating.
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