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LANDFILL HARMONIC: Inspiring dreams one note at a time!

A heartfelt & moving story of how instruments made from recycled trash bring hope to children whose future is otherwise spiritless.

Seth Dixon, Ph.D.‘s insight:

I’ve shared this video before, but this worthy project is now asking for assistance on kickstarter and I feel it merits reposting. This video shows that the human spirit of beauty and joy can come shining through from the poorest of places. Slums are not new, but rapid population growth coupled with rural-to-urban migration patterns have led to an increasing amount of slums. Despite all the stereotypical images of destitute poverty, slums can also be places with a strong vibrant communities with residents filled with innovation, hope and ambition. For more on this organization, see their Facebook page.

Tags: urban, squatter, poverty, South America, community, Paraguay.

See on www.kickstarter.com

April 18, 2013 0

Topographic Maps

USGS National Geologic Database- TopoView

Seth Dixon, Ph.D.‘s insight:

The National Geologic Map Database is a simple interactive tool to find USGS topographic maps to you can dowload. Users can search for current or historic maps.

Tags: geospatial, GIS, mapping, cartography.

See on ngmdb.usgs.gov

April 18, 2013 0

How Geography Explains the United States

Seth Dixon, Ph.D.‘s insight:

Questions to ponder: How much do you agree with the author’s assertion that geography explains the foreign affairs of the U.S.? Is there any environmental determinism in this argument?

See on www.foreignpolicy.com

April 17, 2013 0

Regions of Interaction

Put away that old Rand McNally map — it’s time for a new way to see what America really looks like.

Seth Dixon, Ph.D.‘s insight:

There is a great series of maps in this NPR article that shows that internal political divisions do not always line up with actual regional interactions. The map of the United States shows the what money flows within regions that do not always follow state borders (see Wisconsin, Idaho and Pennsylvania). The map of Great Britain shows the connections based on telephone calls.

Tags: USA, UK, borders, mapping, regions.

See on www.npr.org

April 17, 2013 0

Toronto at Night

Seth Dixon, Ph.D.‘s insight:

Ironically, some land use patterns become more visible as the sun goes down. There are some sharp borders in this image of Toronto that was taken by the Canadian astronaut, Chris Hadfield and it is a wonderful teaching image.

Questions to ponder: Why is there such sharp divisions between the illuminated and obscure portions of the image? What does this sharp division say about the land use patterns? Would we see this pattern in the United States? Why or why not? What urban model(s) can help explain the spatial layout of Toronto?

Tags: urban, planning, remote sensing, geospatial, Canada, models, unit 7 cities.

See on twitter.com

April 17, 2013 0

In Fact, the U.S. Has Been Winning the War on Terror

Terror in the United States have evolved since 1970: once the tool of left-wing radicals, then right-wing radicals, terrorist attacks are now uncommon, often unsuccessful, and not nearly as deadly.

Seth Dixon, Ph.D.‘s insight:

While terrorism is being discussed in the media as a rising trend in the United States after the Boston Marathon, the statistics don’t show that analysis to be true. This resources compiles maps, charts and graphs so you can evaluate the historical terrorist patterns for yourself.

Tags: terrorism, statistics, USA.

See on www.theatlanticwire.com

April 17, 2013 0

APHG Graduate Certificate Program

“Join us for this free, informational webinar about Elmhurst College’s APHG Graduate Certificate Program. There are many levels of involvement to suit your professional development needs. Meet the director of the program and ask all your burning questions about getting up to speed on one of the fastest growing AP areas in the country!“

Seth Dixon, Ph.D.‘s insight:

The good folks at GIS ETC are hosting a free webinar to discuss the AP Human Geography Graduate Certificate Program that will be launched this coming June through Elmhurst College. The Program Director, Dr. Rich Schultz. Interested in hearing what this program is all about? The webinar will be Thursday, April 18th 7pm CDT and you can register for free here.

Tags: APHG, Geography Education, training.

See on www3.gotomeeting.com

April 16, 2013 0

North Korea threatens to strike without warning

North Korea turned up the temperature yet another degree on its neighbors Monday, warning that it would not give any advance notice before attacking South Korea.

Seth Dixon, Ph.D.‘s insight:

This CNN video briefly highlights why many pundits think “this time is different” –the rhetoric and threatens have gone far beyond what North Korea has done in the past. You might also enjoy the Plaid Avenger’s always irreverant analysis in this ‘plaidcast.’

Tags: North Korea, war, conflict.

See on edition.cnn.com

April 16, 2013 0