GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION

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By Climate Central’s Michael D. Lemonick: July 2012 was officially not only the warmest July on record, but also the warmest month ever recorded for the lower 48 states, according to a report released Wednesday by scientists at the National Oceanic…

The drought footprint cover 63% of the contiguous states during the hottest month in American history.  The most current drought monitor map can be found at: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/ ;

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The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the knottiest border problem of all.

The historical events of 1948 and 1967 loom large in the formation of the borders in the region of Israel/Palestine. This is the most contentious border in the world, in part because of the competing political/cultural factions. To complicate matters, other countries (most notably the United States and European countries siding with Israel and Arab states with other Muslim-majority countries supporting Palestine) are involved in the region, making this the most contentious border in the world. As Frank Jacobs said, “considering how deep those divisions are, it’s remarkable how relatively new the current set of borders is.” This is an intriguing analysis of an incredibly important set of borders that have larger geographic repercussions despite the short distances and relatively small populations involved.

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A look back on the 27th Anniversary of the the NFL Colts dark flight from Baltimore in the middle of the night.

BM: When the Colts left they took the heart of Balitmore and left the fans in utter disbelief. Robert Irsay had no intention of staying whether he got his new staidum for the Colts or not, he wanted out and had been looking since 1976. The city of Baltimore was not going to budge on the construction of a new pubically funded stadium simply because it was too expensive and the citry didn’t have the money. All that remained in Baltimore was an empty Memorial Stadium, which wasn’t perfect but was in really decent shape and the Orioles. 

SD: Why are sports teams treated so differently from other businesses?  How are teams linked to place in such intimate ways?  For more on the cultural and economic impacts of sports teams on cities, see: http://www.scoop.it/t/sports-the-cultural-economic-impact-on-cities

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See on Scoop.it – Geography Education

KH: How has America changed since the attacks of September 11, 2001? We are still struggling to find a balance between saftey and civil liberties. The Patriot Act, prisoners in Guantanamo Bay, interrorgation techniques have all become parts of our lives.

The article asks the questions…

• Can the government listen to our phone conversations and read our  e-mails without warrants?

• Should suspected terrorists at the Guantánamo prison in Cuba have the right to challenge their detention in court?

• How much power does the president have to search for and punish those accused of having terrorist ties?

• Are harsh interrogation techniques ever justified? And at what point do they become torture?

Do you remember a time when you could board a plane with friends or family seeing you off from the gate? Do you remember bringing liquids though security? The youth of this country do not.  For more resources on September 11th, see: http://www.scoop.it/t/national-september-11-memorial-the-world

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See on Scoop.it – Geography Education

Poverty in India has dropped sharply thanks to increased spending on rural welfare programmes, the country’s Planning Commission says.

KV: Government intervention has decrease poverty in rural India. More people are getting out of poverty in rural areas than urban areas. Programs funded by the government to help the poor has significantly changed many lives. People are given education, welfare, and proper sanitation. Once assistance is provided to the poor, the welfare and well being drastically changes for the better. As the Indian government prospers because of new business ventures, some of the increased revenue should be set aside to help many regions that are affected by poverty.

SD: For more resources of population, the environment and society, see: http://storify.com/Kimbodiantree/population-and-the-effects-on-society-and-the-envi

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The killings at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin have brought a fringe genre of “hate music” out of the background and to the front of the mix.

BM: Hate crimes are intolerable no matter what the excuse is. But to attack some of the most peaceful and gentle people in wolrd because they “look like terrorists” is just wrong. Mistaken identity is one thing, but a misinformed public is another. One could argue that it is the media who has shaped the stereotypcial view of a terrorist. In a democracy a well informed public is vital, however I believe it is more important to have a well educated public because with that education they can interpret the news the correct way. 

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Ambitious research project aims to bring pig production into urban areas.

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“Far from revered, the Kingdom’s first female athletes are ignored or insulted at home, writes Qanta Ahmed.”

KH: It took international pressure, but for the first time, all participating nations have sent female athletes to the Olympics. Saudi royalty allowed female participation, which has not been entierly well recieved in the Kingdom. Should we be glad that the women are there at all? Or is this simply for show, a hollow gesture?

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See on Scoop.it – Geography Education

Just be nice to everyone. 

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