Weekly Homework Assignment 9

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 Focus Article

Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/china-finds-promise-and-peril-in-pursuit-of-russian-energy/2011/11/27/gIQA1H9hzO_story.html

China finds promise and setbacks in pursuit of Russian energy by Andrew Higgins

Russia began pumping oil to China on January 1^st. Both countries can greatly benefit from the exchange, but are inhibited by their mutual distrust. Unfortunately both nations have a strong desire to be independent and powerful that drives them apart. I found this article interesting because even though the trade seems logical economically and geologically, they two cannot overcome their cultural and political differences. China requires many of Russia’s resources, and Russia needs China’s market. The trade is also simplified because China is located right next to Russia.

SMH

http://m.smh.com.au/world/samoa-skips-a-day-to-align-with-australia-20111231-1pg1u.html

Samoa skips a day to align with Australia

The people of Samoa embraced the New Year a day early this week to align with New Zealand and Australia. The change was made because the three countries were so closely tied by their economy, it didn’t make sense for them to be on different time schedules. While Australia and New Zealand were still in business hours, Somoa would be closed for the weekend.

CTV News

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/World/20111229/syria-forces-fire-on-protesters-111229/

Syrian forces fire on tens of thousands of protesters by the Associated Press

Syrian police forces opened fire on thousands of protesters in front of a mosque on Thursday. Reports say that at least 4 people were killed during this act. At least 21 others have been murdered in similar incidents across the country as well. This has become a large issue involving human rights that many are very agitated over.

BBC News

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16370561

US says Egypt agrees to stop raids on democracy groups

After the raiding of 17 non-government organizations this Thursday, the US threatened to withhold their aid to Cairo if the raids continued. Some of the raided materials have still not been returned. This conflict has put a hold on US-Egypt relations.

The Telegraph

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/turkey/8982163/Turkey-kills-35-smugglers-in-strike-against-militants.html

Turkey 'kills 35 smugglers' in strike against militants

Members of the Turkish air force mistook 30 smugglers for Kurdish militants. The men were burned as an attempted burial. The smuggler’s friends and family gathered to mourn the loss of their loved ones. The men’s ages ranged from 17 to 20 years of age.

Reflection

I have learned that economic geography affects the world by creating dependences between nations. Countries become tied together through economy. Truces and Contracts are formed due to economic geography.  The location, politics, and culture of a nation can affect its economic geography. 

Weekly Homework Assignment 8

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Focus Article

CNN

To Afghanistan, on the slow train by Tim Lister

 http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/29/world/asia/afghanistan-military-railroad/index.html?hpt=wo_mid

U.S. Troops stationed in Afghanistan get the nation back on its feet again, with conflict and death a major part of a soldier’s life, you’d think importing and exporting goods would be the least of their worries. The United States has faced many difficulties getting supplies to their troops in Afghanistan because of the many border laws. They must go through several countries to be able to deliver the necessities of war, such as food, water, medical aid, and even weapons.  I chose this article for my focus article because it deals with a vital part of economic geography – trading. America must have good relations with Uzbekistan, Russia, and many other minor countries surrounding the Afghanistan area into order to provide them with the best trading route

Article Summaries

CNN

http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/12/01/thirsty-in-japan-ask-a-machine-for-a-drink/?hpt=hp_c3&hpt=wo_t2

Japan Eats: Thirsty in Japan? Ask a machine for a drink

Japan has become well-known for their bizarre and vast amount of vending machines in recent years. They range from dispensing the normal food/drink products, to dispensing bicycles and umbrellas. These advancements in technology are a symbol of the fast paced nation that Japan has evolved into.

NBC Nightly News

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/ns/nightly_news/#45530264

Jobless rate falls to 8.6% with Brian Williams

The unemployment rate dropped from 9% to 8.6% unemployment. This is the lowest percentage of unemployed Americans in over 2 years. Statistics show that 120,000 new jobs opened up within the last month, but economists say that this isn’t necessarily a good thing. A third of the jobs are temporary jobs in the retail department. A large amount of these jobs are for low paying blue collar jobs, and the amount of white color workers has largely decreased.

The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/03/world/middleeast/syrians-say-they-are-feeling-grip-of-economic-sanctions.html?_r=1&ref=world

Syrians Say They Are Feeling the Grip of Sanctions By Neil MacFarquhar

Citizens of Syria are experiencing economic problems due to their countries sanctions. These sanctions prevent business owners from making their own decisions for their finances. These sanctions also prevent money from being transferred out of the country, so employers are finding it difficult to pay their staff.

The Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/euro-program-at-imf-could-spread-rescue-risk-worldwide/2011/12/02/gIQAb2rYMO_story.html

Euro program at IMF could spread rescue risk worldwide by Howard Schneider

With many of the European countries in debt, they are looking for a way to loan money without burying themselves deeper. The European countries depend greatly on one another, so when one fails, it brings the others down with it. The IMF hopes to help failing countries out of their recessions by using loans from other affected countries.

Reflection

This week we have been learning about Economic Geography and how it causes countries to rely on one another. America, for example, is dependent on many other countries for it's oil. Each nation has some sort of resource it can use to it's advantage. Japan has human resources, Russia has natural resource...etc. Each of us must partake in this Global Market to sustain our civilization.

Weekly Homework Assignment 7 (Pictures)

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Focus Photograph

New York Times

A man in Libya puts his young son on a tank that formerly belonged to Quaddafi forces.  He is celebrating the liberation of Libya, and the bright future for his son. I found this picture interesting because a toddler-aged child and the devastated city surrounding him look very contradictory. The boy on the tank is a sign of victory to the people of Libya, because it shows the future generations above the destruction and war. It is hope to the people that the future will bring better times, and that their country has a new beginning. This relates to what we are learning in human geography because it displays the effects of war and conflict on a nation, which we have been researching and discussing this week.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/world/africa/2011-oct-libya-slide-show.html#13

The BBC News – In Pictures

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-15789691

Police broke up the Occypy Wall Street protesters in New York this Wednesday. About 200 people were arrested, and another 300 were incarcerated the following day during a march. This photograph shows a very distressed woman being taken into police custody.

Focus Photograph

 Boston – The Big Picture

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/11/the_hajj_and_eid_al-adha.html

A Muslim man prays near a city in Mecca, Saudi Arabia the homeland of Muhammad. The man has come to Mecca to celebrate Hajj and honor his religion. 

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/11/world_population_where_its_thi.html

Boston - The Big Picture

This United Nations estimated that the world’s population is around 7 billion people. This picture shows to crowded roads during rush hour in Taiwan’s capital – a very densely populated area. Many commuters choose motorcycles or scooter over cars to avoid this traffic.

 The BBC News – In Pictures

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-15789691

Police broke up the Occypy Wall Street protesters in New York this Wednesday. About 200 people were arrested, and another 300 were incarcerated the following day during a march. This photograph shows a very distressed woman being taken into police custody.

Focus Photograph

 BBC News – In Pictures

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15785646

The people of Italy gather to protest the financial crisis in their country. Thousands of people came to voice their opinions on this issue.

 Reflection

This week in human geography, we've been learning about conflict, it's effects on a nation, and the factors that lead up to it. I've learned that a simple case of miscommunication or a rejection of ideas or beliefs can lead to war and even genocide. This is why I believe it is important to accept and respect other's differences even if you don't agree with them because in the long run, it isn't worth thousands of lives - let alone one - to disagree with someone else's culture.

  

Weekly Homework Assignment 6

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Focus Article

Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/in-syria-growing-evidence-of-insurgency/2011/11/04/gIQAQ7lAnM_story.html

In Syria, growing evidence of insurgency by Liz Sly

The once peaceful city, Hama, is now filled with fear, panic, and violence. Escalating attacks are worrying citizens and officials alike. Policemen say that at least 3 of their men dye every week from attacks. Fears of insurgency are rising and a panic outbreak in the city seems imminent. This article caught my attention because of how recently the attacks have been occurring. The revolt is less than a year old, and attacks have only become frequent in the past couple of weeks. Yet they still have been able to cause a huge impact on the city. It just amazes me how a person (or group)’s actions can change the life of so many people. If only they could focus their energies on positive things, they would be able to create a much more substantial transformation in the ideas or actions they disagree with.

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Article Summaries


Ocregister

http://www.ocregister.com/news/billion-324644-population-born.html

‘7 billionth' babies feted, as is O.C.'s Baby Jay by Jim Gomez and Tim Sullivan                    

The Monday was chosen by the U.N. to symbolize the birth of the 7^th billion person born on earth. Seven babies were chosen across the globe, the first of whom was baby girl, Danica May Camacho born in the Philippines. This milestone troubles many who worry about overpopulation, and lack of resources.

New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/05/world/asia/the-privileges-of-chinas-elite-include-purified-air.html?_r=1&ref=world

The Privileges of China’s Elite Include Purified Air by Andrew Jacobs

In Beijing, the gap between wealthy government officials and average citizens has always been substantial, but recent “privileges” have sent some people over the edge. Members of the communist party seem to have much better education, food, cars, homes, and overall more comfortable lifestyles than the ordinary person, but now even their air is better. The air in Beijing is filthy, and now government officials have air purifiers in their homes and workplaces. Many people have become very aggravated by this recent change and demand more fair treatment between citizens.

Reuters

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/05/us-greece-referendum-idUSTRE79U5PQ20111105

PM wins vote, Greece still faces uncertainty by Harry Papachristou and Renee Maltezou

The Prime Minister of Greece made it through a parliament meeting and avoided snap elections. Many Greece citizens are extremely unhappy with the current situation their country is in. The problem appeared to start when Prime Minister Papandreou was elected in ’09 and revealed his plan to triple their budget. Possibilities of a Greece bailout were discussed along with bankruptcy and defaulting on their loans.

Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/libyan-women-savor-new-freedoms-after-revolution/2011/11/03/gIQAhgB9lM_story.html

Libyan women savor new freedoms after revolution by Mary Beth Sheridan

Women of Libya have begun to find freedom in the middle of a revolution. For the first time, women have become a part of the revolt, by smuggling cash and other supplies to refugees. Although Libya is still going through reforms and continues to be a male-dominant society, the future is looking better for women’s rights.

Reflection

We have learned about political geography this past week. I’ve learned how globalization, population, and culture can affect the political geography of the world. For example, groups of tribes that speak the same language tend to join together to form nations.

Weekly Homework Assignment 5

Focus Article

Washington Post

Royal daughters win equal right to ascend to British throne by Karla Adam

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/royal-daughters-win-equal-right-to-ascend-to-british-throne/2011/10/28/gIQAWeeSPM_story.html

Today, (Oct. 28^th) a new law has been passed among the 16 Commonwealth nations that younger male heirs will no longer rank higher in succession than their older sisters.  The male-first ruling has been in place for 300 years now, but the commonwealth sees this as a necessary change. The current heirs are in the same rank as they were before, so they are not affected by this newly placed law. This is relates to our current human geo course, because it shows how much culture can affect a society. The cultural norm for almost 300 years excluded females from the opportunity to become rulers in all commonwealth nations. If this law had been in place since the beginning, the world’s history could have been completely different. I’m intrigued to see how this law changes the government in places such as England, and how to public reacts to these changes.

Article Summaries

NBC Nightly News

Floodwater, fears swell in Bangkok by NBC News

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/ns/nightly_news/#45078947

The streets of Bangkok are completely flooded, with its main river reaching record highs. This is their worst flood in almost 50 years.  A third of the country is flooded and over 370 people have died, yet some people still refuse to leave their homes. 

PRI the World

Global Population to Reach Seven Billion by Rhitu Chatterjee

http://www.theworld.org/2011/10/global-population-seven-billion/

The world is expected to hit 7 billion people on October 31^st. This is just 12 years after hitting 6 billion in 1999. Some people say that this is a bad thing; higher population means higher consumption rate, and higher consumption rate means less natural resources on earth.  In the end, it really depends on how we handle our responsibility of caring for the earth and making innovations to sustain ourselves.

Reflection

Reflection

This culture unit has taught me that our cultural differences can unite or separate us, benefit or inhibit us, and create peace or cause conflict between us. Ultimately how culture affects us depends on how we react to people who think differently from us and if we can accept, or at least respect, foreign customs and traditions that seem may odd to us. 

Weekly Homework Assignment 4 (Pictures)

Five Pictures

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/09/too_much_of_a_basic_human_need.html#photo12

Boston – Big Picture

Villagers are forced out of their homes on Sept. 16 due to a flood. These monsoons have killed 270 people, destroyed more than 1,100,000 homes, and affected 5.5 million others. This image captures this disaster but showing how it uproots families from their homes. In this photo, these men are risking their lives to carry the little belongings they can to safety.

http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/occupylry/bp5.jpg

Boston – Big Picture

Hundreds of people gathered in Manhattan to protest the influence of corporate money in politics. The demonstrators have been living in a park near Wall Street to further emphasize their cause. Protesters gathered on the Brooklyn Bridge, blocking traffic, to spread their ideas. More than 700 people were arrested.

 http://msnbcmedia4.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-afghanistan2011/ss-110823-afghanistan-10.ss_full.jpg

MSNBC

The photograph above shows a wounded Afghan police officer being carried to safety after a Taliban attack on British Council offices in Kabul. The assault killed eight people and was set on the 92^nd anniversary of Afghan’s liberation from Britain.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/animals-rescued-amid-thailand-flooding/2011/10/19/gIQAqh4WyL_gallery.html#photo=2

The Washington Post

Floods in Thailand have killed over 300 people and caused billions of dollars of damage since this July. This photo shows residents trying to save themselves, and their pets from the flood.

Focus Photo

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/05/24/world/africa/20110524_LIBYA-slide-FPIE/20110524_LIBYA-slide-FPIE-jumbo.jpg

New York Times

This photo shows a small group of rebels guarding Misurata's western front line in Libya. It depicts how disorganized these rebels are, and their how strong their drive is to protect their beliefs. In the distance you can see the debris on the road and along the tree lines. This photo caught my attention because of the contradictory elements in it. The men in this photo are dressed casually – without uniform – as if they could be anyone off of the street, and yet they hold heavy machinery in their hands. It amazed me that these men appear to have very little military experience but they have been put in charge of guarding a vital road in Libya. To me, this shows their dedication to their cause. This relates to our course in human geography because these people are fighting over cultural differences that include political, religious, and ethnic disagreements. 

Reflection

This week in our Human Geography course, we’ve learned about cultural geography and how it has major effects on our world. Cultural Geography can change an entire continent based on language, religion, heritage, and other cultural characteristics. These components can either divide or unite a region. Looking back on our history, most of the world as we know it has come to be through cultural geography and its effects on civilization. 

Weekly Homework Assignment 3

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Focus Article

New York Times

Gleaming City Rising From Ruins Can’t Hide Psychic Scars of a War by Seth Mydans

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/world/europe/new-grozny-cant-hide-wars-psychic-scars.html?ref=world

Although Chechnya has been shrouded in terrorism and warfare, their leader Mr. Kadyrov, has come up with a ‘solution’ to bring the region out of the dark. About 90% of the population suffers from serious physiological issues from years of repression, torture, and tyranny. Kadyrov’s idea to bring Chechnya out of their dark times was to build Grozny, a city that included a fairground and ice-skating rink and plans for a water park, a racetrack, a cultural center and a ski resort. I found this article very interesting because the strong contrast of a theme park-like city and a suffering people living in ruins are brought together in a very different mixture. Guards with assault rifles help protect the city of amusement rides and luxury. This relates to the course we are studying because it shows that a government can completely change the course of a civilization. Just like China took control and limited families to one child per household; Kadyrov is taking control by building a booming tourist city in the ruins of a tormented society. Chechnya is now independent, while getting support from Moscow at the same time. The death rates of Chechnya have also been lowered tremendously thanks to the addition of the new city.

Article Summaries 
Washington Post

China says U.S. policy, not its currency, to blame for economic woes by: Keith B. Richburg

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/china-says-us-policy-not-its-currency-to-blame-for-economic-woes/2011/10/06/gIQAFHPyPL_story.html

Many people in America see the Chinese as the source of our economic recession because their goods are sold at an extremely cheap price. The Chinese strongly disagree with this mentality. China is experiencing its own economic troubles, with inflation, bankruptcy, and foreclosure on a rampage.

New York Times

Europe Tries to Stave Off a Reckoning by Steven Erlanger

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/world/europe/europe-tries-to-stave-off-a-reckoning.html?_r=1&ref=world

Europe looks as if it is about to enter a large scale recession. Greece has a huge amount of debt, and with no means to pay it off, it will be forced to default on its loans. As a result, most of the developed countries of Europe will be economically affected as well. Many hope that they can go through a reckoning like America did, to help them change their economy to something more efficient.

Washington Post

Despite death of Awlaki, U.S.-Yemen relations strained by Sudarsan Raghavan and Karen DeYoung

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/despite-death-of-awlaki-us-yemen-relations-strained/2011/10/05/gIQAevelOL_story.html

The death of Awlaki, one of the most influential al-Qaeda operatives in Yemen, has not relaxed the strained relationship between U.S. officials and Yemen citizens. The people of Yemen still want to fight terrorists, while the country is on the brink of war and economic devastation. United States officials however, are instructed not to aid the Yemen efforts. This causes tension in the relations between the two.

New York Times

Apple’s Visionary Redefined Digital Age by John Markoff

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/business/steve-jobs-of-apple-dies-at-56.html?scp=2&sq=steve%20jobs&st=cse

Steve Jobs died at age 56 after helping usher in the ear of personal computers and leading a cultural revolution in music, movies, and communications. He co-founded Apple, and founded Pixar. These two industries had a huge impact on electronics, multi-media, and today’s culture.

Reflection 
In the past two weeks, we have learned about population growth across the world, and throughout the earth's timeline. I've learned that the culture in each society affects the population of the world as a whole. Some cultures see having children as a necessity, others view it as something to do once they've settled down, and have progressed through their careers. Each culture is different in the way reproduction is seen in the community, but all strive for a well-balanced population.

Weekly Homework Assignment 2

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Focus Article

New York Times

Controversy Over Dam Fuels Rare Public Outcry in Myanmar by The International Herald Tribune

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/22/world/asia/controversy-over-dam-fuels-rare-public-outcry-in-myanmar.html?ref=world

The Burma population is in outrage due to Chinese influence in the area. The Chinese plan to build a dam on Irrawaddy - their sacred river. It is iconic to the people, and spreads out into deltas that nurture hundreds of rice paddies. I found this interesting because there is such a large culture in the area that reveres the river highly. The people had previously been controlled by dictatorship, but have newly gained freedom, which they are all expressing now. I am amazed at how fast the Burmese are able to stand up for their beliefs, within months of being liberated from decades of oppression. This is related to our human geography course because it deals with cultural clashes, and capitalism. The Chinese have gained much power in Burma because of the transitional state the locals are in. China plans to import 90% of the energy produced from the dam. The Kachin that inhabit the area have strong spiritual ties to the river, and the banks surrounding it. Construction workers are blasting within kilometers of their most sacred ground. As you can tell, the cultural arrogance of the project owners is causing a huge problem to the Burmese population.

Article Summaries 

Washington Post

For new commanders in Afghanistan, a fine balance by Kevin Stieff http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/for-new-commanders-in-afghanistan-a-fine-balance/2011/08/26/gIQALCg8mK_story.html

Commanders in Afghanistan have difficulty balancing out America’s calling for soldiers, and protecting the new government. They have a lot of pressure on them to deploy their soldiers by 2014, while ensuring that all the efforts we’ve invested in Afghani’s aren’t put to waste. In a sense, they are being assaulted not only by insurgents, but also their own country.

Washington Post

35 bodies dumped in Mexican city as president begins effort to woo tourists by William Booth

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/mexicos-dueling-images-35-dead-in-tourist-town/2011/09/21/gIQAkHjZlK_story.html

Many gang attacks have terrorized the country of Mexico, but this one takes it too far. At the same time that President Felipe Calderon was campaigning a new TV show to attract tourist to Mexico, 35 mutilated corpses were dumped in the middle of the busy city of Veracruz. Witnesses say that the unfortunate people were killed by a drug cartel.

The Washington Post

Cholera, measles to hit Somalia famine victims, groups warn as they call for more aid by Associated Press

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/cholera-measles-to-hit-somalia-famine-victims-groups-warn-as-they-call-for-more-aid/2011/09/21/gIQAfot3kK_story.html

The famine in Somalia has hit an all-time high. The death rate is incomparable and many men, woman, and children are severely malnourished. There is much pressure in the U.S. to aid Somalia, but their harsh government will not allow any imports into the area.

New York Times

Snipers Imperil Truce in Yemen by Laura Kasinof and Robert F. Worth

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/23/world/middleeast/snipers-imperil-truce-in-yemen.html?_r=1&ref=world

A power struggle between rebels and Yemen’s current government caused over 70 casualties in the past 2 weeks. Officials hope the strikes will simmer down soon, as neither side seems to be benefiting. Outlying provinces are still untouched by these efforts.

Reflection 

So far, I have learned about the influence countries have in other parts of the world and how human geography is determined by the people and their actions. Before this course, I had no idea how intertwined every part of the world is. For example, last year during the tsunami in Japan, my phone broke and I couldn’t get a new part for it because it was manufactured in Japan. It’s amazing to hear about the cultural differences between provinces, and then discover how much they depend on each other. If a tragedy occurs on one side of the globe, another place is affected. I have learned that when one country is affected, ripples spread throughout the world.