See on Scoop.it – Geography Education
London and the City of London are the same political and territorial entity right? Of course not. Why have something simple when we can have a rich archaic legacy with a fascinating (albeit convoluted) history. Here’s a great political geography lesson just in time for the Olympic Ceremonies.
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See on Scoop.it – Geography Education
Don’t count on gaining much from your moment in the sporting sun.
Cities love the advantages of having the Olympics in town; the cultural prestige, the international publicity and the recognition as a globally significant city. The tourism and economic impact is the rationale for so many expensive infrastructure projects, yet research indicates that economic boost during the Olympics is not always the boon that it is made out to be.
See on www.theatlanticcities.com
I’ve always loved this 1784 map of the United States produced by Abel Buell.
One of the most striking differences from the modern maps of this region is the massive area of disjointed territory that is classified as Connecticut as well as the western extensions of most southern states. This map’s title is a stunning as it’s cartography. Entitled “A New and Correct Map of the United States of North America,” this made is a making a bold political statement, not just attempting to describe the current borders. At this point it is important to note that Abel Buell, the engraver who created this made was from Connecticut and this map was commissioned by the Governor and State of Connecticut. As a National Geographic reproduction of this map states, “He [Buell] portrayed the confused status of Connecticut’s western claim, which is based on the 1662 charter to all land between the 41st and 42nd parallels.” Both Pennsylvania and Connecticut encouraged residents to settle this region, and Connecticut was not to be deterred by the fact that New York State’s eastern border functionally ended Connecticut’s claim to the land. Despite the map, Connecticut eventually retracted their claim to land in Pennsylvania and even lands in Ohio as well.
But beyond being a gorgeous map and a an early attempt to use a map to legitimatize territorial claims in United States history, I’m thrilled with this map because it is now a part of my home decor. My crafty and ingenious spouse collected assorted items (all free discarded items, mind you) to put together this fantastic end table!
With a little bit of paint (okay it’s now a $4 investment) and a lot of hard work and love, this is the end product. There isn’t a thing about this table that doesn’t make me just positively elated.
See on Scoop.it – Geography Education
How do the individual economies of U.S. cities stack up against the world? Here’s a few quiz questions that can be answered with our chart of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas.
This WSJ article shows the economic strength of numerous greater metropolitan regions in the United States. Even more important than the article is the “Interactive Graphics” which presents the tabular data of the top countries by GDP interlaced with U.S. metro area’s GDPs. Amazingly, 11 metropolitan areas (if they were independent countries) would rank in the top 50 countries of the world based on total GDP.
See on blogs.wsj.com
See on Scoop.it – Geography Education
NASA researchers are expressing concern about something they’ve never seen before: the melting of ice across nearly the entire surface of Greenland earlier this month.
Climate changes are afoot in the Arctic and the Greenland ice sheet.
In related news, Texas and Louisiana have introduced education standards that require educators to teach climate change denial as a valid scientific position. South Dakota and Utah passed resolutions denying climate change. Tennessee and Oklahoma also have introduced legislation to give climate change skeptics a place in the classroom.
See on www.theworld.org
See on Scoop.it – Cultural Geography
The meaning you ascribe to a cultural artifact is inherently based on your cultural perceptions and values. While many in the West perceive the hijab to be a symbol of male hegemonic power and female oppression. In this article that defends the Hijab, it is presented as a distinct form of female liberation.
See on www.moroccoworldnews.com
See on Scoop.it – Geography Education
An excellent infographic that highlights the importance of education in the process of fighting poverty. Why is education (especially women) so pivotal for development? Should this change how we think about humanitarian aid?
See on 50.usaid.gov
See on Scoop.it – Geography Education
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?
See on www.npr.org
See on Scoop.it – Geography Education
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GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION 