Geography Education
Geography Education
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Global news with a spatial perspective: Interesting, current supplemental materials for geography students and teachers. http://geographyeducation.org
Curated by Seth Dixon
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Tweepsmap.com

Tweepsmap.com | Geography Education | Scoop.it

While I prefer the mapping tools of www.mapmyfollowers.com this website, www.tweepsmap.com provides statistics about where your followers are from.  For example, my top four cities are: London, Houston, New York and Providence.  Top countries are: U.S. (46%) U.K. (18%) Canada (4.9%) Australia (4.1%) and Spain (3.2%).  Maps and statistics...what a great combination. 

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In Venezuela Housing Crisis, Squatters Find 45-Story Walkup

In Venezuela Housing Crisis, Squatters Find 45-Story Walkup | Geography Education | Scoop.it
An unfinished skyscraper occupied by squatters is a symbol of Venezuela’s financial crisis in the 1990s, state control of the economy and a housing shortage.

 

This skyscraper that was once a symbol of wealth, in an incredible paradigm shift, has now become is occupied by squatters. The lack of a vibrant formal economy and more formal housing leads to a lack of suitable options for many urban residents--especially with problems in the rural countryside. A complex web of geographic factors needs to be explained to understand this most fascinating situation. The video link "Squatters on the Skyline" embedded in the article is a must see.

Matt Mallinson's comment, September 26, 2012 12:10 PM
It's safe to say that Venezuela needs to build homes for these people, or they will use whatever they can use to survive. I would do the same thing.
Michelle Carvajal's comment, September 27, 2012 4:11 PM
It's sad but at the same time a harsh reality. Even in the US we see places where there are many people living in abandoned buildings or buildings that have been condemned due to pesticide issues. The main question here is whether or not the government will continue to allow these people to live in this location.
Derek Ethier's comment, September 30, 2012 6:46 PM
It is amazing how people band together in times of need. Although it is unfortunate that they have to live in dangerous and sometimes unsanitary conditions, it is better than living on the streets. In some cases, they even have indoor plumbing and other luxuries. I believe that it could be worse for them.
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NYTimes: In Venezuela Housing Crisis, Squatters Find Skyrise

NYTimes: In Venezuela Housing Crisis, Squatters Find Skyrise | Geography Education | Scoop.it
An unfinished skyscraper occupied by squatters is a symbol of Venezuela’s financial crisis in the 1990s, state control of the economy and a housing shortage.

 

Incredible paradigm shift as a skyscraper is converted from a symbol of wealth is occupied by squatters.  The lack of a vibrant formal economy and more formal housing leads to a lack of suitable options for many urban residents--especially with problems in the rural countryside.  A complex web of geographic factors need to be explained to understand this most fascinating situation.  The video link "Squatters on the Skyline" embedded in the article is a must see.

 

Stacey Jackson's curator insight, February 22, 12:35 AM
The fact that one resident featured in the video said she has "nothing to complain about" says a lot about the housing situation in Caracas. She didn't seem to think she deserved to live in a better environment- instead she accepts the unfinished skyscraper with rudimentary services and no sewage removal. It is a shame that Caracas hasn't been able to meet the housing demands of their growing population. I'm sure the issue is more complex, but it seems like this oil-rich nation should be able to build proper housing for its citizens. Also, 2,500 squatters is an astounding figure. Just to put it into perspective, my neighborhood (in Providence) has a total population of 2,669. I can't imagine all of us being crammed into one building without electricity, air conditioning, or proper plumbing.