My wife and I watched The Kite Runner the other night, the last DVD in a multi-movie and Guitar Hero '80s weekend. We didn't begin watching until late, around midnight. My hopes on staying awake throughout the length of the movie were pretty low. Once the movie began, however, we were riveted throughout the entire 2-hr length.
Amir and Hassan are friends; two young boys growing up in the same house in the time prior to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Flying kites is their one of the their major enjoyments together. Amir flies the kites, taking Hassan's advice. When Amir cuts the line of a competing kite, Hassan becomes the Kite Runner, having an innate gift to track the defeated kite as it descends toward the winding streets and alleyways of Kabul, Afghanistan. Amir is also a noted storyteller for his age, able to craft words and passages that entertain children and adults alike. His father does not think much of this ability, prefering Hassan's ruggedness and masculinity, noting that Hassan tends to defend Amir in fights, although Hassan is quite smaller than Amir.
Amir and Hassan seem inseparable as friends, though one thing does separate them: race. Amir is Pashtun, the preferred people of Afghanistan. Amir's father is very wealthy, driving a replica of Steve McQueen's Mustang around the streets of Kabul. Hassan is a second-class citizen, barely tolerable by most Pashtuns, as he is Hazara. The story takes a violent turn as a result of this racial divide, and the friendship between the two boys is never the same. Soon after, the Soviets invade and occupy Afghanistan, forcing Amir and his father to flee, leaving Hassan and his father behind.
Leap forward to 2000, and Amir is living in Fremont, California, still intractably tied to the Afghani-Pashtun culture. A phone call one night forces him to revisit the ghosts of his past, and he embarks on a journey back into the heart of his homeland, no longer ruled by the Soviets, but by the Taliban.
I flew kites as a kid. My dad put together a World-War I byplane kite, which we flew once. We crashed it, breaking it, but not seriously. It then hung from my bedroom ceiling for years. Kites take on a whole new meaning in this movie and prove to be an calming counter-point to the serious themes permeating the movie.
Events in the movie take place in Fremont, California, the portions that are set in Kabul, Afghanistan were shot in Kashgar, Tashgarkan, and in the Pamir Mountains - all of which are in western China.
The Taliban are also portrayed, accurately, at least superficially so. From the street hangings, the bearded gunmen, women wearing the chadri, the full-length blue burqa, to the atrocities committed at Ghazni (Ghazi) Stadium.
Inspired as it is from true events, Kite Runner is a work of fiction. We can achieve some insight into culture, wealth, trust, and honor, through this story: the wealthy and elite in Afghanistan, moderate Islam versus radical Islam, racism, and the radical rule of the Taliban.
Rent it; it might be one of the best 2hrs you have spent in front of your television in a long time.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
A Country Called Europe
I like this title better than the original title, "It's the end of Britain as we know it". My title is not accurate, but neither is CSM's. However, we are both heading in the same direction.
The European Union is growing closer to becoming "a country" by my estimates. Europe has been evolving towards a "union" since 1950, when the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)was established. Later, in 1957, the Treaty of Rome would create the European Economic Community, otherwise known as the Common Market.
In 1973, an additional three countries would join the original six charter members of the ECSC. The ECSC would then become known as the European Union. Greece, Spain, and Portugal would soon follow.
I don't mean to provide a chronology here, and I am not going to. For these countries to cooperate serves all European countries. The issues that stand before them are numerous. The reality is that for each country to thrive, each must recognize interdependence on the others. How does a country then thrive in the face of differences? So many languages, different religions, different economic cultures and climates and stages or levels of development.
The European Union seeks to provide such a structure, to encourage growth, yet maintain fair and equitable practices across a diverse region.
In essence, it is almost as if a Federal Republic is evolving across Europe. Each province, e.g. Germany, is has autonomy to conduct business, have local elections, etc., but must adhere to EU business rules in the process. Very analogous to our Federal system: our U.S. states are analogs to EU countries. Our states have given sovereignty over to our Federal government, in terms of defense, monetary policy, etc.
In many ways, Europe has been set forth as the 'grand old man' of the world. In regards to the EU, the United States has appearred to have been at the forefront.
The European Union is growing closer to becoming "a country" by my estimates. Europe has been evolving towards a "union" since 1950, when the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)was established. Later, in 1957, the Treaty of Rome would create the European Economic Community, otherwise known as the Common Market.
In 1973, an additional three countries would join the original six charter members of the ECSC. The ECSC would then become known as the European Union. Greece, Spain, and Portugal would soon follow.
I don't mean to provide a chronology here, and I am not going to. For these countries to cooperate serves all European countries. The issues that stand before them are numerous. The reality is that for each country to thrive, each must recognize interdependence on the others. How does a country then thrive in the face of differences? So many languages, different religions, different economic cultures and climates and stages or levels of development.
The European Union seeks to provide such a structure, to encourage growth, yet maintain fair and equitable practices across a diverse region.
In essence, it is almost as if a Federal Republic is evolving across Europe. Each province, e.g. Germany, is has autonomy to conduct business, have local elections, etc., but must adhere to EU business rules in the process. Very analogous to our Federal system: our U.S. states are analogs to EU countries. Our states have given sovereignty over to our Federal government, in terms of defense, monetary policy, etc.
In many ways, Europe has been set forth as the 'grand old man' of the world. In regards to the EU, the United States has appearred to have been at the forefront.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Iraq and Iran: Together for the First Time
Folks, I see this as a big deal. I have read numerous international articles, within the Arab world and without, and I see this as a concern.
Iraq and Iran spent the better part of the 1980's fighting over the Shatt al-Arab waterway in the southern part of Iraq. Oil, of course, was the contention.
Saddam became the buddy of the United States, as a way for us to conduct a proxy war against Iran. After all, the fundamentalist Shi'ites in Iran had just overrun our embassy and taken hostages, keeping them for almost a year. Donald Rumsfeld even took it upon himself to engage Saddam directly during this time, helping deliver non-military assistance, agriculture products supposedly. Supposedly, these where then converted over to chemical weapons that Saddam used to kill 200,000 Kurds in the northern part of Iraq.
The U.S. has not been friendly with Iran ever since we supported the overthrow of the theocratic government in 1952, replacing the president with Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran. The former government had nationalized the oil industry, taking away the investment that a U.S. oil company had made.
The Iranian President enjoyed two days in Iraq. He announced his visit weeks in advance. While security was high, he appeared to travel with impunity and without much regard for his personal safety. He also appeared to enjoy the personal attention of Jalal Talabani and al-Maliki. He visited several places around Baghdad and Iraq, and also received accommodations outside the Green Zone. President Ahmadinejad enjoys the support of the Shia minority in Iraq, the southern portion of Iraq. Iran supported the Kurds during Iran-Iraq War so the Kurds also appreciated Iran's attention. The only ones that seemed upset were the Iraqi Sunni Muslims, who are quietly backed by Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
In contrast, President Bush has stayed little more that 4-8 hours at a stretch in Iraq, has not been outside the Green Zone, and only announces his visit after the fact. Granted, he is a bigger "trophy" for opposition forces so requires more security, but it also says a lot about how the U.S. currently viewed, as well.
When all was said and done, Iraq and Iran signed agreements to improve and promote cooperation, cultural and strategic ties.
Iran is, and will continue to be, an important player in stabilizing Iraq, particularly for the Shia.
Iraq and Iran spent the better part of the 1980's fighting over the Shatt al-Arab waterway in the southern part of Iraq. Oil, of course, was the contention.
Saddam became the buddy of the United States, as a way for us to conduct a proxy war against Iran. After all, the fundamentalist Shi'ites in Iran had just overrun our embassy and taken hostages, keeping them for almost a year. Donald Rumsfeld even took it upon himself to engage Saddam directly during this time, helping deliver non-military assistance, agriculture products supposedly. Supposedly, these where then converted over to chemical weapons that Saddam used to kill 200,000 Kurds in the northern part of Iraq.
The U.S. has not been friendly with Iran ever since we supported the overthrow of the theocratic government in 1952, replacing the president with Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran. The former government had nationalized the oil industry, taking away the investment that a U.S. oil company had made.
The Iranian President enjoyed two days in Iraq. He announced his visit weeks in advance. While security was high, he appeared to travel with impunity and without much regard for his personal safety. He also appeared to enjoy the personal attention of Jalal Talabani and al-Maliki. He visited several places around Baghdad and Iraq, and also received accommodations outside the Green Zone. President Ahmadinejad enjoys the support of the Shia minority in Iraq, the southern portion of Iraq. Iran supported the Kurds during Iran-Iraq War so the Kurds also appreciated Iran's attention. The only ones that seemed upset were the Iraqi Sunni Muslims, who are quietly backed by Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
In contrast, President Bush has stayed little more that 4-8 hours at a stretch in Iraq, has not been outside the Green Zone, and only announces his visit after the fact. Granted, he is a bigger "trophy" for opposition forces so requires more security, but it also says a lot about how the U.S. currently viewed, as well.
When all was said and done, Iraq and Iran signed agreements to improve and promote cooperation, cultural and strategic ties.
Iran is, and will continue to be, an important player in stabilizing Iraq, particularly for the Shia.
Space Imperialism on the Horizon
An article in Christian Science Monitor pulls together details from multiple sources, outlining China's apparent interest in militarizing outer space.
On or about January 19th, China destroyed one of its own satellites. Military experts view this as the beginnings of militarizing space. Once a country has the ability to shoot down satellites, then the ability of collecting surveillance on that country is diminished. So, one can understand the DoD's concern.
At issue is air space and the concept of territoriality. A country's boundaries extend into the sky, "airspace," and into the ocean depths, "territorial waters." But what about space?
The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 bans the use of space and celestial objects for military purposes. Thusly, none of the signatories can orbit missile platforms or conduct military operations in space, on the moon, Mars, Pluto, etc.
The treaty does not cover shooting down satellites from earth, however.
So much for Science Fiction battles ...
On or about January 19th, China destroyed one of its own satellites. Military experts view this as the beginnings of militarizing space. Once a country has the ability to shoot down satellites, then the ability of collecting surveillance on that country is diminished. So, one can understand the DoD's concern.
At issue is air space and the concept of territoriality. A country's boundaries extend into the sky, "airspace," and into the ocean depths, "territorial waters." But what about space?
The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 bans the use of space and celestial objects for military purposes. Thusly, none of the signatories can orbit missile platforms or conduct military operations in space, on the moon, Mars, Pluto, etc.
The treaty does not cover shooting down satellites from earth, however.
So much for Science Fiction battles ...
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Movie Review: God Grew Tired Of Us
Sudan. If you haven't heard of Sudan by now then you aren't reading this, haven't used the Internet, and are probably a good candidate for a real-life version of "Lost."
Currently, the world is applying pressure on China to affect change and prevent more tragedy in Darfur. But Darfur is in the western part of Sudan. The southern part of Sudan has fallen off of most people's radar.
From the early 1980s through 2005, the southern part of Sudan was involved in a civil war with northern Sudan. I may need to amend that - the North was at war with the South. The South contains the oil, which the Chinese want, also better soils, which the southern Sudanese want and the northern Sudanese wish they had. Complicating the conflict has been religious differences; the North is Muslim, the South is Christian and Animists. The North is mostly Arab, too, while the South is African.
During the two-decade long civil war, the North killed, captured, or ran off thousands of southern Sudanese men and boys, who fled to Ethiopia and later to Kenya. Fathers, husbands, brothers, and uncles were forced from the lands or killed by the northern armies. Those young men and boys that fled, on foot, through dangerous territory, would be called the "Lost Boys of Sudan." They would become separated from their families and many, even to this day, have not yet been reunited with family members. Families were broken apart; mothers, daughters and sisters were killed, some fled and became refugees in neighboring countries. Thousands ended up in refugee camps, and from these camps, choice few were selected for lives in the U.S.
The movie follows four Sudanese Lost Boys, primarily John Bul Dau, and their new lives in the U.S. We learn about their lives while in the refugee camp and glimpse life within one of these camps. We see their introduction to technology, listen to their notions of what life in the U.S. must be like. Seeing these young men and their interaction with airline food and bathrooms is interesting, like watching full-grown children, as everything is so new and different. While interesting, much of this I found disturbing.
We, as Americans, take so much for granted. Something so simple as looking into a mirror that each of us do a dozen times a day is captivating and mesmerizing to the young men. Seeing themselves in the mirror at the airport bathroom maybe the first time each had this experience. I was stunned by that. Later, I was stunned again by the lack of counseling these men went through to assist them in managing such culture shock. No mentors, outside of the first day walk-through of their apartment. They were quickly introduced to trashcans, the refrigerator, the toilet and toilet paper, and potato chips. And then left on their own. Strange land, strange country.
They also get to pay back their airfare, after having to work two or three jobs. Loneliness also haunts them. Their "families," other Sudanese Lost Boys in a refugee camp in Kenya, are half a world away. The people here, in Buffalo, NY, are unfriendly, not talkative, "you can't just walk into someone's house and talk." In the camp, one is surrounded by friends who have been through the same experience, and through the Grace of God, a few get an opportunity to succeed in the U.S.
The film is very eye-opening and poignant, and covers many positives, such as John reuniting with his mother after 17yrs, and working towards bettering the lifes not only of other Sudanese living the U.S. but also advocating for those still living in refugee camps in Kenya. But I couldn't help but think that all Sudanese would much rather have their lives back, and live in their Sudanese homeland, rather than live life abroad.
Currently, the world is applying pressure on China to affect change and prevent more tragedy in Darfur. But Darfur is in the western part of Sudan. The southern part of Sudan has fallen off of most people's radar.
From the early 1980s through 2005, the southern part of Sudan was involved in a civil war with northern Sudan. I may need to amend that - the North was at war with the South. The South contains the oil, which the Chinese want, also better soils, which the southern Sudanese want and the northern Sudanese wish they had. Complicating the conflict has been religious differences; the North is Muslim, the South is Christian and Animists. The North is mostly Arab, too, while the South is African.
During the two-decade long civil war, the North killed, captured, or ran off thousands of southern Sudanese men and boys, who fled to Ethiopia and later to Kenya. Fathers, husbands, brothers, and uncles were forced from the lands or killed by the northern armies. Those young men and boys that fled, on foot, through dangerous territory, would be called the "Lost Boys of Sudan." They would become separated from their families and many, even to this day, have not yet been reunited with family members. Families were broken apart; mothers, daughters and sisters were killed, some fled and became refugees in neighboring countries. Thousands ended up in refugee camps, and from these camps, choice few were selected for lives in the U.S.
The movie follows four Sudanese Lost Boys, primarily John Bul Dau, and their new lives in the U.S. We learn about their lives while in the refugee camp and glimpse life within one of these camps. We see their introduction to technology, listen to their notions of what life in the U.S. must be like. Seeing these young men and their interaction with airline food and bathrooms is interesting, like watching full-grown children, as everything is so new and different. While interesting, much of this I found disturbing.
We, as Americans, take so much for granted. Something so simple as looking into a mirror that each of us do a dozen times a day is captivating and mesmerizing to the young men. Seeing themselves in the mirror at the airport bathroom maybe the first time each had this experience. I was stunned by that. Later, I was stunned again by the lack of counseling these men went through to assist them in managing such culture shock. No mentors, outside of the first day walk-through of their apartment. They were quickly introduced to trashcans, the refrigerator, the toilet and toilet paper, and potato chips. And then left on their own. Strange land, strange country.
They also get to pay back their airfare, after having to work two or three jobs. Loneliness also haunts them. Their "families," other Sudanese Lost Boys in a refugee camp in Kenya, are half a world away. The people here, in Buffalo, NY, are unfriendly, not talkative, "you can't just walk into someone's house and talk." In the camp, one is surrounded by friends who have been through the same experience, and through the Grace of God, a few get an opportunity to succeed in the U.S.
The film is very eye-opening and poignant, and covers many positives, such as John reuniting with his mother after 17yrs, and working towards bettering the lifes not only of other Sudanese living the U.S. but also advocating for those still living in refugee camps in Kenya. But I couldn't help but think that all Sudanese would much rather have their lives back, and live in their Sudanese homeland, rather than live life abroad.
Movie Review: In the Valley of Elah
About 70% of a human brain is water. The human brain has a consistency not unlike that of a firm jello. A recent Washington Post article cites research that ties concussions to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). The question you may be thinking is: what does a jello-like brain and PTSD have to do with "In the Valley of Elah"?
Tommy Lee Jones portrays a father, Hank Deerfield, searching for his son, Mike, who has gone AWOL soon after his return from a tour of duty in Iraq. Jones' character is also a former MP and knows the Army bureaucracy well enough to know that he has to push through it to get answers. Charlize Theron portrays a local police detective assisting him in his search.
**Spoilers Ho'***
We soon find out that Mike is dead, and not just dead, but butchered and barbequed. Rather than hoping his son is AWOL trying to work through the stress of battle, Hank finds himself at odds with the Army in trying to discover his son's murderers.
What we learn throughout the course of the movie is that ordinary people forced to make extraordinary decisions can seem outwardly fine but have undergone serious emotional damage. I begin the discussion by introducing the brain material because we are only now beginning to realize the damage done to the brain by explosions and concussive-type damage. Soldiers subjected to concussive forces as a result of IED explosions, mortar attacks, of even firing their own weapons are at risk or may have already suffered some brain damage.
The damage to their brains will most likely go unrecognized and thusly undiagnosed. Then, the soldiers walk among us with undiagnosed brain injuries. Of course, not all are dangerous, but many are "wounded," psychologically and perhaps even physiologically wounded. Couple this with the fact that these are young men and women whose brains are really still developing, and we have a serious medical condition that left untreated could affect not only the soldiers life for years to come but everyone they come into contact with.
The movie was very good, thought-provoking, and hints at the dangers of war that shadow everyone who has been involved in the military.
Tommy Lee Jones portrays a father, Hank Deerfield, searching for his son, Mike, who has gone AWOL soon after his return from a tour of duty in Iraq. Jones' character is also a former MP and knows the Army bureaucracy well enough to know that he has to push through it to get answers. Charlize Theron portrays a local police detective assisting him in his search.
**Spoilers Ho'***
We soon find out that Mike is dead, and not just dead, but butchered and barbequed. Rather than hoping his son is AWOL trying to work through the stress of battle, Hank finds himself at odds with the Army in trying to discover his son's murderers.
What we learn throughout the course of the movie is that ordinary people forced to make extraordinary decisions can seem outwardly fine but have undergone serious emotional damage. I begin the discussion by introducing the brain material because we are only now beginning to realize the damage done to the brain by explosions and concussive-type damage. Soldiers subjected to concussive forces as a result of IED explosions, mortar attacks, of even firing their own weapons are at risk or may have already suffered some brain damage.
The damage to their brains will most likely go unrecognized and thusly undiagnosed. Then, the soldiers walk among us with undiagnosed brain injuries. Of course, not all are dangerous, but many are "wounded," psychologically and perhaps even physiologically wounded. Couple this with the fact that these are young men and women whose brains are really still developing, and we have a serious medical condition that left untreated could affect not only the soldiers life for years to come but everyone they come into contact with.
The movie was very good, thought-provoking, and hints at the dangers of war that shadow everyone who has been involved in the military.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Life Imitates Art: Wishful Thinking
The Independent Republic of Kosovo was born yesterday, much to the chagrin of the Bosnian Serbs. There is great consternation and rage directed towards the new-found republic and religious homeland for the Bosnian Serb Christians.
In fact, so many Bosnian Serbs are outraged at the audacitiy of Muslim Kosovars to declare their independence that they are looking to their heros to help them regain their core region. Cries for Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic are heard openly in the streets and in the papers.
Of course, these "heros" have been identified as war criminals by The Hague, and are on the lam from international police agencies, despite living open lives in Serbian strongholds. Ratko Mladic's visage may be seen on political posters in Macedonia.
On the eve of Kosovo's independence, my wife and I watched the movie, The Hunting Party. The movie came highly recommended by the manager of Video Gold; he and I trade opinions on politically-charged movies from time-to-time. The Hunting Party is loosely based on the real-life story of Scott Anderson and four other intrepid journalists, one of whom is Sebastian Junger, who become confused with a CIA hit squad. The group sets out to "interview" Radovan Karadzic but the endeavor quickly escalates to bringing him to justice.
The movie significantly deviates from the truth, however. In the real effort, five journalists set out to capture Radovan, while in the movie five becomes three. And - spoiler coming - the movie three end up capturing Radovan, while in real-life the five never capture Radovan. Radovan is still living in Serbia, or perhaps Russia by some accounts. His pal, Ratko, is still living in Serbia, protected by the Serbian army.
What the movie appears to have accurately portrayed is the apparent incongruence on the part of the international community in their interest in finding these individuals. Yes, they have warrants out for their arrest. Police and law enforcement officials seemingly know the location of said individuals. Their efforts at apprehension are bumbling, at best, noted by the attempted arrest of Radovan at church that left a clergyman and his son wounded. All true is the advertisement in a Serbian paper, asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of either of the two men to call an 800 number. The 800 number was only accessible to callers from inside the U.S. When asked about the possibility that this blunder could have been deliberate, S. Anderson provides this comment:
If only life did imitate art, on occasion, particularly the way the movie Radovan received his just desserts.
In fact, so many Bosnian Serbs are outraged at the audacitiy of Muslim Kosovars to declare their independence that they are looking to their heros to help them regain their core region. Cries for Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karadzic are heard openly in the streets and in the papers.
Of course, these "heros" have been identified as war criminals by The Hague, and are on the lam from international police agencies, despite living open lives in Serbian strongholds. Ratko Mladic's visage may be seen on political posters in Macedonia.
On the eve of Kosovo's independence, my wife and I watched the movie, The Hunting Party. The movie came highly recommended by the manager of Video Gold; he and I trade opinions on politically-charged movies from time-to-time. The Hunting Party is loosely based on the real-life story of Scott Anderson and four other intrepid journalists, one of whom is Sebastian Junger, who become confused with a CIA hit squad. The group sets out to "interview" Radovan Karadzic but the endeavor quickly escalates to bringing him to justice.
The movie significantly deviates from the truth, however. In the real effort, five journalists set out to capture Radovan, while in the movie five becomes three. And - spoiler coming - the movie three end up capturing Radovan, while in real-life the five never capture Radovan. Radovan is still living in Serbia, or perhaps Russia by some accounts. His pal, Ratko, is still living in Serbia, protected by the Serbian army.
What the movie appears to have accurately portrayed is the apparent incongruence on the part of the international community in their interest in finding these individuals. Yes, they have warrants out for their arrest. Police and law enforcement officials seemingly know the location of said individuals. Their efforts at apprehension are bumbling, at best, noted by the attempted arrest of Radovan at church that left a clergyman and his son wounded. All true is the advertisement in a Serbian paper, asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of either of the two men to call an 800 number. The 800 number was only accessible to callers from inside the U.S. When asked about the possibility that this blunder could have been deliberate, S. Anderson provides this comment:
"You hear this kind of conspiracy-theory crap about the United States from European journalists all the time. As the only one at the table who'd actually worked for the American government--years ago and briefly--I assured Philippe that Washington was actually capable of far greater idiocy." (Scott Anderson, 2001)Rather than run up against copyright infringement I have posted a link to the original article, 'What I Did on My Summer Vacation' via the Finding Karadzic blog. Watch the video, then read the article; or vice-versa. One cannot help but note the Hollywood embellishment. And that is the most frustrating:
If only life did imitate art, on occasion, particularly the way the movie Radovan received his just desserts.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Movie Review: The Kingdom
I wish I knew how objectionable Muslims and Arabs found "The Kingdom" after viewing the movie. An interesting discussion took place on Rasheed's World blog, between Rasheed and Fedo the Space Cowboy that I recommend reading.
The movie really revolves around Saudi culture, and the obstacles the FBI faces when trying to discover the perpetrators behind an attack and subsequent suicide bombing of an oil company employees compound, near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The relationship between Al-Ghazi, the Saudi police officer and the FBI crew was interesting to watch. The character of Al-Ghazi was portrayed by Ashraf Barhoum, who is a Christian Arab-Israeli. He, unto himself, is a geographic conundrum.
It is my perception that many American believe that there are two cultures that inhabit Israel. The first culture, the Jews, are perceived as Europeans that were given a part of Palestine in 1947. The second culture, the Palestinians, are perceived as Muslim Arabs, who are also percieved as having part of Palestine taken away from them, as it didn't really belong to them anyway.
The truth is more complicated, and the truth is somewhat evident in Ashraf Barhoum, an Israeli, and an Arab, and a Christian. That is how complicated Israel is. According to this article from the Jerusalem Post, Mr. Barhoum immersed himself in Saudi culture, in order to convey the Saudi culture to the movie viewer. I imagine that he found this somewhat interesting, in light of the feelings of Saudi Arabia, and those carried by most other Arab World neighbors, about Israel.
The other FBI agents have rather shallow characters, Jennifer Garners character didn't even really need to exist. I found the actions of the FBI crew to be somewhat irrational (read: Jason Bateman's character), particularly since this was supposed to be a specially-trained unit. The mealy-mouthed Embassy representative, played by Jeremy Piven, is sufficiently irritating, and if anyone has a right to be upset, it is American Embassy employees, whose characters are almost always portrayed as being spineless lapdogs of the U.S. Administration.
All-in-all, this movie was interesting, portrayed Saudi culture in an interesting light, though I hesitate to label it as "accurate." After all, this is Hollywood and facts can get in the way of entertainment. There are other, better movies, such as Paradise Now, that are more interesting and potentially more accurate in characterizing culture.
The movie really revolves around Saudi culture, and the obstacles the FBI faces when trying to discover the perpetrators behind an attack and subsequent suicide bombing of an oil company employees compound, near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The relationship between Al-Ghazi, the Saudi police officer and the FBI crew was interesting to watch. The character of Al-Ghazi was portrayed by Ashraf Barhoum, who is a Christian Arab-Israeli. He, unto himself, is a geographic conundrum.
It is my perception that many American believe that there are two cultures that inhabit Israel. The first culture, the Jews, are perceived as Europeans that were given a part of Palestine in 1947. The second culture, the Palestinians, are perceived as Muslim Arabs, who are also percieved as having part of Palestine taken away from them, as it didn't really belong to them anyway.
The truth is more complicated, and the truth is somewhat evident in Ashraf Barhoum, an Israeli, and an Arab, and a Christian. That is how complicated Israel is. According to this article from the Jerusalem Post, Mr. Barhoum immersed himself in Saudi culture, in order to convey the Saudi culture to the movie viewer. I imagine that he found this somewhat interesting, in light of the feelings of Saudi Arabia, and those carried by most other Arab World neighbors, about Israel.
The other FBI agents have rather shallow characters, Jennifer Garners character didn't even really need to exist. I found the actions of the FBI crew to be somewhat irrational (read: Jason Bateman's character), particularly since this was supposed to be a specially-trained unit. The mealy-mouthed Embassy representative, played by Jeremy Piven, is sufficiently irritating, and if anyone has a right to be upset, it is American Embassy employees, whose characters are almost always portrayed as being spineless lapdogs of the U.S. Administration.
All-in-all, this movie was interesting, portrayed Saudi culture in an interesting light, though I hesitate to label it as "accurate." After all, this is Hollywood and facts can get in the way of entertainment. There are other, better movies, such as Paradise Now, that are more interesting and potentially more accurate in characterizing culture.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
EarthPulse - National Geographic
EarthPulse - National Geographic
I recently had the opportunity to review some new educational materials published by Wiley & Sons, in cooperation with National Geographic. Earthpulse represents a collection of maps, stories, images, and statistics collected and bound for student's use, to augment instruction.
Earthpulse is now a branch off of the National Geographic website. I have just started to examine this website, but I can already see me using this in my World Geography courses. Imagery really helps convey a sense of place; graphics help convey information. The "Globalization" page under "Our Connected World" seems to indicate that much of the money we spend on goods tends to stay in our own country, despite all the noise we hear that all of our dollars are headed to China.
This site will take much exploration.
I recently had the opportunity to review some new educational materials published by Wiley & Sons, in cooperation with National Geographic. Earthpulse represents a collection of maps, stories, images, and statistics collected and bound for student's use, to augment instruction.
Earthpulse is now a branch off of the National Geographic website. I have just started to examine this website, but I can already see me using this in my World Geography courses. Imagery really helps convey a sense of place; graphics help convey information. The "Globalization" page under "Our Connected World" seems to indicate that much of the money we spend on goods tends to stay in our own country, despite all the noise we hear that all of our dollars are headed to China.
This site will take much exploration.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Michael Yon: Embedded Blogger in Iraq
Michael Yon was featured on NPR yesterday. At his own personal expense, he has embedded himself in the U.S. Army as an independent correspondent, photographer, etc. He is working on a book of his experience, and has several pictures posted on his blog.
I have skimmed his postings and they ready very well, in my opinion, despite being published "RUB."
Keeping ourselves apprised of situations around the world is important for us to do as American citizens. It is our money and our lives that travel abroad, in the service of our government, and therefore it is our responsibility to hold those we elect accountable and responsible. This seems to be Michael Yon's mission, to clarify and verify news that issues from Iraq and the immediate region.
According to one comment, Michael's site cannot be viewed by servicepeople abroad, as his site has been blocked by the DoD. Maybe because he called the violence in Iraq a "civil war" a year before our news media identified it as such.
Independent voices are important. Otherwise, we all end up drinking our own Kool-Aid.
I have skimmed his postings and they ready very well, in my opinion, despite being published "RUB."
Keeping ourselves apprised of situations around the world is important for us to do as American citizens. It is our money and our lives that travel abroad, in the service of our government, and therefore it is our responsibility to hold those we elect accountable and responsible. This seems to be Michael Yon's mission, to clarify and verify news that issues from Iraq and the immediate region.
According to one comment, Michael's site cannot be viewed by servicepeople abroad, as his site has been blocked by the DoD. Maybe because he called the violence in Iraq a "civil war" a year before our news media identified it as such.
Independent voices are important. Otherwise, we all end up drinking our own Kool-Aid.
Adobe Illustrator + ArcMap
I am branching out in my map-making skills. Finally, I have found a resource that has helped me hurdle the Adobe Illustrator-to-ArcMap transition. If I actually had put my mind to this issue I might have solved this conundrum independent of Google. Google is like the calculator of the '80s; everyone would rather use it than their own brain. *Guilty*
I can't post the PDF but I discovered an ESRI UC paper presented by Ralph Wagnitz. In the paper, he outlines how one can export an ArcMap layout to .AI format, then import to Adobe Illustrator. Very simple, should not have required a Google search, but I fell into that trap.
I have found that in some cases, particularly with raster data, the PDF format works better, as the transparency comes along. I have experienced issues maintaining transparency with raster files with the .AI format.
Now, I can add vignetting to a map to simulate water depth without having to create a buffer. Representing shapes in 3D is also a plus. I disdain creating a 3D surface in 3D analyst and then being restricted cartographically when I want to develop a 3D map or cartographic representation. Ugh.
I originally hit upon this by following a very good blog, CartoTalk. Some good cartography/map-making discussion, there is.
My map-making, i.e. cartography has already improved!
I can't post the PDF but I discovered an ESRI UC paper presented by Ralph Wagnitz. In the paper, he outlines how one can export an ArcMap layout to .AI format, then import to Adobe Illustrator. Very simple, should not have required a Google search, but I fell into that trap.
I have found that in some cases, particularly with raster data, the PDF format works better, as the transparency comes along. I have experienced issues maintaining transparency with raster files with the .AI format.
Now, I can add vignetting to a map to simulate water depth without having to create a buffer. Representing shapes in 3D is also a plus. I disdain creating a 3D surface in 3D analyst and then being restricted cartographically when I want to develop a 3D map or cartographic representation. Ugh.
I originally hit upon this by following a very good blog, CartoTalk. Some good cartography/map-making discussion, there is.
My map-making, i.e. cartography has already improved!
Yahoo NewsGlobe
Is this the twilight of Geographic Illiteracy?
Eventually, perhaps not with my generation; some of them still go kicking and screaming to the fountain of knowledge and refuse to drink.
Perhaps the day is coming, though, when the omnipresence of technology will be so great that one must actually live in a cave not to be aware of the world around them.
What if we could view television not by selecting a channel but by selecting choices based on geography? Select on North America and view possible feeds, and if we are bored with that, we tap into Europe, or South Asia, or East Asia.
Eventually, perhaps not with my generation; some of them still go kicking and screaming to the fountain of knowledge and refuse to drink.
Perhaps the day is coming, though, when the omnipresence of technology will be so great that one must actually live in a cave not to be aware of the world around them.
What if we could view television not by selecting a channel but by selecting choices based on geography? Select on North America and view possible feeds, and if we are bored with that, we tap into Europe, or South Asia, or East Asia.
Google + YouTube = GoogleTube
GoogleTube - that is my word for what happens when you allow people to geotag their videos. I have been ranting about this for about a month, since classes began. Which is funny, as I had no idea this was in the works at YouTube, as my site visits to YouTube can be counted on one hand.
The idea of geotagging videos came to me in my sleep one night. Prior to teaching my geography class for that night, I checked my mailbox and found a brochure for geography videos. The costs of these videos was outrageous; $200 for a 20-yr old video. Forget it! Neither I nor my department(s) have money to shell out for a 15-minute that is two decades old.
Anyway, it dawned on me that when university faculty travel to some place, they ought to take a DV recorder with them, video something that could be educational, and post it to YouTube. No more than 5-10 minutes, keeping it short, and focusing on one theme or topic.
Now, that is possible through Google Earth and YouTube. Excellent!
Now, get busy everyone! DV the earth!
The idea of geotagging videos came to me in my sleep one night. Prior to teaching my geography class for that night, I checked my mailbox and found a brochure for geography videos. The costs of these videos was outrageous; $200 for a 20-yr old video. Forget it! Neither I nor my department(s) have money to shell out for a 15-minute that is two decades old.
Anyway, it dawned on me that when university faculty travel to some place, they ought to take a DV recorder with them, video something that could be educational, and post it to YouTube. No more than 5-10 minutes, keeping it short, and focusing on one theme or topic.
Now, that is possible through Google Earth and YouTube. Excellent!
Now, get busy everyone! DV the earth!
Friday, February 08, 2008
Child Labor - Forbes.com
Child Labor - Forbes.com
Geographers have a difficult road ahead of them. The irresistable force of Globalization extends its tendrils into all facets of our lives. We are not even safe from the malevolent aspect of globalization when we purchase a soccer ball. That soccer ball may have been sewn together by a child, according to this story by Megha Bahree.
Not only do soccer balls represent a negative aspect of globalization, but so do embroidered jeans, beaded purses, or those little decorative boxes available at many department stores. These products could also, potentially, have been constructed by children.
Child labor is nothing new. Even our society in the United States has involved a fair amount of its own child labor. Talk to anyone who grew up on a farm. Ask them what it was like for them to grow up. They will probably say, "chores!" I know I worked each summer on my grandparent's farm in Nebraska; and I know that my mother and her brothers worked throughout their childhood on their parent's farm. Child labor in the U.S. is nothing new.
For some children in the U.S. things are somewhat different. Children, and I should say that the definition of a "child" depends. For some, those people under 13 are consider children. For others, the age might be 14. From other viewpoints, those 18 and under are children. But as I was saying, things for some U.S. children are different. They get paid.
Many farmers pay their labor fairly well. According to Ms. Bahree's article, some teenagers may make as much as $7/hr. The other difference is where the money is spent. U.S. teenagers are probably not going to use their income to pay for food for their family, or to help pay off family debt. Children in other countries may make $0.20/hr, or perhaps $1-$2/day. This money is then used to help pay for family expenses-food or debt, not for shopping at the mall, buying Miley Cyrus' new CD.
But is Globalization really that bad?
I argue that Globalization is an amoral force - it doesn't care, really, one way or the other if children are employed or not. The people behind the force have the responsibility of these decisions, however. Guns don't kill people, bullets do not kill people - it is the person wielding the tool that decides how the tool is used.
It can be argued that Globalization may be a potential savior for some of these children. The outsourcing of jobs overseas, not only from the U.S. but also from Europe, Mexico (yes, even Mexico outsources), and Japan, can push technology and new jobs and higher wages into new regions. As wages increase, children may be less likely to have to work outside the home. Families won't feel compelled to "sell" their children's services to others to help the family survive. The children would then be able to educate themselves, further increasing their income potential.
But all of this occurs slowly, and the distribution of these activities is spotty. However, this is the way of Diffusion. Just like disease outbreaks begin slowly, sometimes in isolated areas, pretty soon, under the correct conditions, the disease begins to thrive.
Globalization may act this way, becoming spatially diffuse, and, unlike an infection, may gradually improve the standards of living of millions of people abroad.
Geographers have a difficult road ahead of them. The irresistable force of Globalization extends its tendrils into all facets of our lives. We are not even safe from the malevolent aspect of globalization when we purchase a soccer ball. That soccer ball may have been sewn together by a child, according to this story by Megha Bahree.
Not only do soccer balls represent a negative aspect of globalization, but so do embroidered jeans, beaded purses, or those little decorative boxes available at many department stores. These products could also, potentially, have been constructed by children.
Child labor is nothing new. Even our society in the United States has involved a fair amount of its own child labor. Talk to anyone who grew up on a farm. Ask them what it was like for them to grow up. They will probably say, "chores!" I know I worked each summer on my grandparent's farm in Nebraska; and I know that my mother and her brothers worked throughout their childhood on their parent's farm. Child labor in the U.S. is nothing new.
For some children in the U.S. things are somewhat different. Children, and I should say that the definition of a "child" depends. For some, those people under 13 are consider children. For others, the age might be 14. From other viewpoints, those 18 and under are children. But as I was saying, things for some U.S. children are different. They get paid.
Many farmers pay their labor fairly well. According to Ms. Bahree's article, some teenagers may make as much as $7/hr. The other difference is where the money is spent. U.S. teenagers are probably not going to use their income to pay for food for their family, or to help pay off family debt. Children in other countries may make $0.20/hr, or perhaps $1-$2/day. This money is then used to help pay for family expenses-food or debt, not for shopping at the mall, buying Miley Cyrus' new CD.
But is Globalization really that bad?
I argue that Globalization is an amoral force - it doesn't care, really, one way or the other if children are employed or not. The people behind the force have the responsibility of these decisions, however. Guns don't kill people, bullets do not kill people - it is the person wielding the tool that decides how the tool is used.
It can be argued that Globalization may be a potential savior for some of these children. The outsourcing of jobs overseas, not only from the U.S. but also from Europe, Mexico (yes, even Mexico outsources), and Japan, can push technology and new jobs and higher wages into new regions. As wages increase, children may be less likely to have to work outside the home. Families won't feel compelled to "sell" their children's services to others to help the family survive. The children would then be able to educate themselves, further increasing their income potential.
But all of this occurs slowly, and the distribution of these activities is spotty. However, this is the way of Diffusion. Just like disease outbreaks begin slowly, sometimes in isolated areas, pretty soon, under the correct conditions, the disease begins to thrive.
Globalization may act this way, becoming spatially diffuse, and, unlike an infection, may gradually improve the standards of living of millions of people abroad.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Middle East Reality
Not only a good blog on the Middle East but also contains links to other interesting blogs, as well.
Blog: Inside Iraq
"Inside Iraq" is a blog updated by Iraqi journalists working for McClatchy Newspapers. They are based in Baghdad and outlying provinces. These are firsthand accounts of their experiences. Their complete names are withheld for security purposes. [This is a cut-and-paste job, as it was easier to post their own "About" than write my own.]
Firsthand experiences are always better than heresay, and that is what this blog is about. Not a visit but a resident, the blog's author shares with us the details of her life. I appreciate this insight much, as I feel it helps us as Americans get a feel for the daily issues of Iraqis. I personally do not care what Wolf Blitzer has to say about Iraq, I want to know what the citizen Iraqi has to say.
Firsthand experiences are always better than heresay, and that is what this blog is about. Not a visit but a resident, the blog's author shares with us the details of her life. I appreciate this insight much, as I feel it helps us as Americans get a feel for the daily issues of Iraqis. I personally do not care what Wolf Blitzer has to say about Iraq, I want to know what the citizen Iraqi has to say.
Four Tiers of Growth and Prosperity
Former World Bank President James Wolfensohn makes a good pitch in this recent article. Within, he describes the transition from our traditional First World, Second World, Third World mentality - which within the last decade or so has migrated towards High Income, Middle Income, Low Income nomenclature - to a new paradigm.
The world now consists, or will soon consist of, a different structure. First Tier is used to describe Western and Northern Europe, the United States and Canada, and Japan.
The second tier, comprised of former middle- and low-income nations, is represented by countries like India and China.
The third tier are represented by countries in the Middle East and South America. These countries have significant economies yet do not have the influence within the world economy to either require significant help or have the ability to significantly influence world economic policy. At least according Wolfensohn. I would suggest that while, overall, this may be true, certain economic sectors are certainly influenced by countries in these regions. The Middle East is a significant player in petroleum, which influences energy prices. Brazil and Argentina are significant players in agriculture, which carries over to subsidies, food costs, and perhaps energy (think ethanol).
The last tier of countries are chiefly found within Subsaharan Africa. There are a few other countries that fit into this are found outside the region, such as Haiti.. These countries have extreme human poverty, benefit little from the forces of globalization, and unless there is outside intervention (which may have been the initial catalyst for their problems), will probably continue to lag behind the rest of the world - at best.
The article is very detail-rich and Wolfensohn does offer some advice to counteract some of the forces currently at work that undermine potentials across the globe that seek to elevate countries to higher tiers. Finally, being European, I would guess, he challenges Europe to rise up and take a leadership role in eradicating the extreme differences in growth and wealth around the world.
A certain amount of income-disparity is important to have, I believe. In fact, in a free-market world, there will certainly be a stratification of wealth and income. Not everyone is predisposed to risk, entrepreneurial attitudes, climbing the corporation ladder, or the means-justifies-the-end type mentality. Thusly, there will also be disparity in wealth. One cannot eliminate the ability to achieve a better standard of living, however. Maybe it could be likened to a football game (American), where one team gets down so far, becomes demoralized, and loses. There are examples of comebacks, however.
The Houston Oilers and the Buffalo Bills game comes to mind.
The world now consists, or will soon consist of, a different structure. First Tier is used to describe Western and Northern Europe, the United States and Canada, and Japan.
The second tier, comprised of former middle- and low-income nations, is represented by countries like India and China.
The third tier are represented by countries in the Middle East and South America. These countries have significant economies yet do not have the influence within the world economy to either require significant help or have the ability to significantly influence world economic policy. At least according Wolfensohn. I would suggest that while, overall, this may be true, certain economic sectors are certainly influenced by countries in these regions. The Middle East is a significant player in petroleum, which influences energy prices. Brazil and Argentina are significant players in agriculture, which carries over to subsidies, food costs, and perhaps energy (think ethanol).
The last tier of countries are chiefly found within Subsaharan Africa. There are a few other countries that fit into this are found outside the region, such as Haiti.. These countries have extreme human poverty, benefit little from the forces of globalization, and unless there is outside intervention (which may have been the initial catalyst for their problems), will probably continue to lag behind the rest of the world - at best.
The article is very detail-rich and Wolfensohn does offer some advice to counteract some of the forces currently at work that undermine potentials across the globe that seek to elevate countries to higher tiers. Finally, being European, I would guess, he challenges Europe to rise up and take a leadership role in eradicating the extreme differences in growth and wealth around the world.
A certain amount of income-disparity is important to have, I believe. In fact, in a free-market world, there will certainly be a stratification of wealth and income. Not everyone is predisposed to risk, entrepreneurial attitudes, climbing the corporation ladder, or the means-justifies-the-end type mentality. Thusly, there will also be disparity in wealth. One cannot eliminate the ability to achieve a better standard of living, however. Maybe it could be likened to a football game (American), where one team gets down so far, becomes demoralized, and loses. There are examples of comebacks, however.
The Houston Oilers and the Buffalo Bills game comes to mind.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Foreigners Keep Out! High Tech Mapping Starts to Redefine International Borders
Foreigners Keep Out! High Tech Mapping Starts to Redefine International Borders
This is a big deal, now, and into the future. Consider that the seas and oceans really represent uncharted territory. The resources contained within these water bodies have hardly been studied, let alone the seafloor.
Last summer, the Russians made big news regarding their efforts, setting a plaque on the seafloor, much like the authors stated in this article, the astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin on the moon. The Russians are being much more progressive about their research. Their ships capable of caring out such research outnumber the U.S. flotilla of ships by about 3 to 1 (they have around 17 to the approximately 3 that we have; I realized I need a reference here, too).
As the search for new energy sources continues to heat up (yes, a pun), the United States needs to develop a more well-defined energy policy and energy goals. We need to be more pro-active in these efforts, listen less to lobbyists, and more to the scientists and researchers who study this issues.
But, back to the real path here. The U.S. may have some issues in determining new boundaries. These issues will pale in comparison to the issues faced by Southeast Asian and Pacific Island nations. These nations already have issues with overlapping boundaries. The research will allow them to effectively map seafloor structures, eliminate 'mystery' and allow for better decisions. Maybe.
This is a big deal, now, and into the future. Consider that the seas and oceans really represent uncharted territory. The resources contained within these water bodies have hardly been studied, let alone the seafloor.
Last summer, the Russians made big news regarding their efforts, setting a plaque on the seafloor, much like the authors stated in this article, the astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin on the moon. The Russians are being much more progressive about their research. Their ships capable of caring out such research outnumber the U.S. flotilla of ships by about 3 to 1 (they have around 17 to the approximately 3 that we have; I realized I need a reference here, too).
As the search for new energy sources continues to heat up (yes, a pun), the United States needs to develop a more well-defined energy policy and energy goals. We need to be more pro-active in these efforts, listen less to lobbyists, and more to the scientists and researchers who study this issues.
But, back to the real path here. The U.S. may have some issues in determining new boundaries. These issues will pale in comparison to the issues faced by Southeast Asian and Pacific Island nations. These nations already have issues with overlapping boundaries. The research will allow them to effectively map seafloor structures, eliminate 'mystery' and allow for better decisions. Maybe.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Associated Press: GPS Adds Dimension to Online Photos
The Associated Press: GPS Adds Dimension to Online Photos
Hot of the AP wire, this news item is probably old news to many. Geotagging photos I first discovered through Google Earth and Panoramio. I have since discovered another source of geotagged photos at Trekearth.com.
These sites are wonderful in being able to examine places around the globe, to get an idea of culture, landscape, and the general diversity around us.
I use these sites in teaching World Geography, and students really seem to appreciate the efforts that the photographers go through to acquire their image and post.
My only complaint is this: most of the dialogue about the photos deals mostly with composition issues. People state whether or not they like how objects are framed, colors captured, etc. Ideally, for me any way, would be the time and date of image acquisition, plus some discussion of what we are looking at, the culture of the people, the type of food, the type of crop, something that will enhance the story-telling ability of the image, and put that image in a context that we can understand.
That would be a big help.
Also, I have this idea. People need to begin geo-tagging video. Web sites need to be able to geotag videos. I would love to be able to use Google Earth in my class, find an area that I would like to discuss in class, and click on a short video of that particular place to learn more about it. How awesome would that be?
Hot of the AP wire, this news item is probably old news to many. Geotagging photos I first discovered through Google Earth and Panoramio. I have since discovered another source of geotagged photos at Trekearth.com.
These sites are wonderful in being able to examine places around the globe, to get an idea of culture, landscape, and the general diversity around us.
I use these sites in teaching World Geography, and students really seem to appreciate the efforts that the photographers go through to acquire their image and post.
My only complaint is this: most of the dialogue about the photos deals mostly with composition issues. People state whether or not they like how objects are framed, colors captured, etc. Ideally, for me any way, would be the time and date of image acquisition, plus some discussion of what we are looking at, the culture of the people, the type of food, the type of crop, something that will enhance the story-telling ability of the image, and put that image in a context that we can understand.
That would be a big help.
Also, I have this idea. People need to begin geo-tagging video. Web sites need to be able to geotag videos. I would love to be able to use Google Earth in my class, find an area that I would like to discuss in class, and click on a short video of that particular place to learn more about it. How awesome would that be?
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
What is in a Name?
I read the recent Time Magazine article relating Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's news conference. He basically said that he was too young (19) to take over the PPP party's reigns (a sign of maturity) at this point in his life. His father would run the show until he was of age (25, in Pakistan) to be able to run for office. Until then, he would remain a college student. Good choice, in my book.
But his name got me thinking about ethnic names. How do they work? Why is his mother's name Benazir Bhutto and his name Bilawal Bhutto Zardari? What is his father's name?
All things good and inerrant can be found within Wikipedia, so I checked there. I am not sure this is common knowledge, but outside the Western world, names follow considerable different rules.
In Pakistan, names can be drawn from a number of different influences, Arab, Turkish, Afghan, Persian, etc. They can relate to tribal names or pre-Islamic family names. And, there is no single way in which one may write a name. But, there are some general guidelines:
Now, let's look around the world a bit.
Arab/Islamic Names:
These can be confusing. Names can consist of a given name, include lineage, and home region or tribe.
The surname comes first, followed by the given name. For example, Mao Zedong, in Western terms is Zedong Mao, or Mr. Mao, or Chairman Mao. Mao is his surname, Zedong is his given name. Very old names may have a hyphenation, like Sun-Yat Sen; "Sen" is his given name, "Sun-Yat" is his surname.
Thai Names
Thai names have always thrown me. I'm glad that Thais have nicknames. They are long. The reason they are long is that Thai people have tried to translate their Chinese names into their language (Thai). In so doing, they end up with long names. Additionally, in 1920, the Thai government passed a law stating that there can be only one surname per family. One will never see the Thai equivalent of Jones or Smith, in other words. Each surname must be unique. Thankfully, every Thai person has a one or two syllable nickname that is used for greetings. For example, the former Prime Minister's nickname was "Meow," which in Thai, means "cat."
Meow.
But his name got me thinking about ethnic names. How do they work? Why is his mother's name Benazir Bhutto and his name Bilawal Bhutto Zardari? What is his father's name?
All things good and inerrant can be found within Wikipedia, so I checked there. I am not sure this is common knowledge, but outside the Western world, names follow considerable different rules.
In Pakistan, names can be drawn from a number of different influences, Arab, Turkish, Afghan, Persian, etc. They can relate to tribal names or pre-Islamic family names. And, there is no single way in which one may write a name. But, there are some general guidelines:
- Males usually have 2-3 names, a given name or two, with the father's given name tacked on the end.
- Male names may begin with a title, such as one conveyed by a tribe or a caste.
- Females generally have 1-2 names, a given name and perhaps the father's name appended at the end.
Now let's look at Bilawal's name. His mother has two names: Benazir Bhutto; a given name plus her father's given name. His father's name is Asif Ali Zardari; three names, and I am guessing his given name was Zardari. Bilawal is a first given name, followed by another given name, Bhutto (from his mother's father, probably), followed by his father's given name, Zardari. Please correct me if I am wrong.
In Pakistan, to establish your identity, one would need to provide all of your names, plus all of your father's names.Now, let's look around the world a bit.
Arab/Islamic Names:
These can be confusing. Names can consist of a given name, include lineage, and home region or tribe.
- abd means "servant or slave of". If you know an Abdallah or Abdullah, his name means "servant of God".
- abu means "father of". Abu Nidal means "father of Nidal".
- ibn/bin means "son of". So, Usama bin Laden means, "Usama, son of Laden".
- al- arabic names may further consist of an adjective that describes the character of the person.
- al- arabic names may also have a reference to the person's home region or tribe.
The surname comes first, followed by the given name. For example, Mao Zedong, in Western terms is Zedong Mao, or Mr. Mao, or Chairman Mao. Mao is his surname, Zedong is his given name. Very old names may have a hyphenation, like Sun-Yat Sen; "Sen" is his given name, "Sun-Yat" is his surname.
Thai Names
Thai names have always thrown me. I'm glad that Thais have nicknames. They are long. The reason they are long is that Thai people have tried to translate their Chinese names into their language (Thai). In so doing, they end up with long names. Additionally, in 1920, the Thai government passed a law stating that there can be only one surname per family. One will never see the Thai equivalent of Jones or Smith, in other words. Each surname must be unique. Thankfully, every Thai person has a one or two syllable nickname that is used for greetings. For example, the former Prime Minister's nickname was "Meow," which in Thai, means "cat."
Meow.
Tata Motors: Another Wake-Up Call for the Auto Industry
Four Wheels for the Masses: The $2,500 Car (NYT)
This is a great article! It hits the entire global auto industry. In doing so, I think it also communicates an important message: automakes need to focus on affordability, safety, and environmentally-sound engineering.
The Japanese:
Kanban: Just-in-Time delivery of parts. This is what helped Asia automakers overcome U.S. automakers. Plants did not need to keep huge amounts of inventory in stock. It arrived as they needed it. This also helped make more efficient parts. If problems were found, they could be fixed quickly, without leaving huge amounts of defective inventory in stock.
Kaizen: Continuous Improvement meant that production managers were continuously looking for ways to improve the process. This eliminated the painting of parts of components that no one saw, for example, saving paint costs.
These two characteristics have become part of all automakers habits, no longer just within Japanese companies.
What Tata Motors has done has thrown current protocols out the window and started from fresh.
Automakers that poo-poo this notion should be careful. There are a lot of people in this world, Indians and Chinese that cannot afford most vehicles, but would probably happily pay $2,500-$3,000 for a car like this.
I would suspect that some segments of the American population would also purchase such a vehicle. Look at the Toyota Echo, the Scion brand, the new compact offerings of Nissan, the Chevy Aveo, and new this year in the United States, the SMART car.
I can see where people would rather drive an inexpensive auto and use the savings for other things, retirement, education, medical expenses, or just paying off individual debt.
This is a great article! It hits the entire global auto industry. In doing so, I think it also communicates an important message: automakes need to focus on affordability, safety, and environmentally-sound engineering.
The Japanese:
Kanban: Just-in-Time delivery of parts. This is what helped Asia automakers overcome U.S. automakers. Plants did not need to keep huge amounts of inventory in stock. It arrived as they needed it. This also helped make more efficient parts. If problems were found, they could be fixed quickly, without leaving huge amounts of defective inventory in stock.
Kaizen: Continuous Improvement meant that production managers were continuously looking for ways to improve the process. This eliminated the painting of parts of components that no one saw, for example, saving paint costs.
These two characteristics have become part of all automakers habits, no longer just within Japanese companies.
What Tata Motors has done has thrown current protocols out the window and started from fresh.
Automakers that poo-poo this notion should be careful. There are a lot of people in this world, Indians and Chinese that cannot afford most vehicles, but would probably happily pay $2,500-$3,000 for a car like this.
I would suspect that some segments of the American population would also purchase such a vehicle. Look at the Toyota Echo, the Scion brand, the new compact offerings of Nissan, the Chevy Aveo, and new this year in the United States, the SMART car.
I can see where people would rather drive an inexpensive auto and use the savings for other things, retirement, education, medical expenses, or just paying off individual debt.
Charles Taylor & Blood Diamonds
Charles Taylor Trial Starts - TIME
This is an interesting event that bears noting.
As I heard on NPR yesterday, Taylor's trial may cause African leaders to sit up and watch. According to some, this trial will put African leaders on notice that some behavior is intolerable. Not only is their behavior intolerable, but to be a "leader" one cannot feign ignorance of the actions of subordinates. Also, criminal behavior as endemic as it appears to have been in Liberia reflects on the leadership, and leaders should be held as responsible as those that actually pulled the trigger.
All of that is well and good, and I hope the prosecution pulls this one out.
The intriguing part of this event is the role of blood diamonds. Blood diamonds, also called Conflict Diamonds, are diamonds, extracted from the ground by slave or conscripted labor, and sold to unscrupulous traders in exchange for weapons. The weapons are then used to subjugate the indigenous population, fund other illegal activities, to enhance the wealth of the ruling group, or to fund conflict in other countries. Paramilitary groups have been known to round up men and children and put them to work searching for diamonds, threatening families and women in the event that other family members attempt to leave. Workers caught pocketing diamonds, even small ones, are liable to have hands chopped off, family members killed, or be killed themselves.
Many diamond producers, after 1999, vowed never to purchase diamonds obtained by the means described above. The problem is in the policing of these diamonds, and the unscrupulous people that trade in diamonds. Diamonds are smuggled from countries that have oppressive extraction methods to countries that comply with voluntary warranty systems (Kimberley Process). Then, these "legitimate" diamonds are sold on the diamond auction just as those diamonds obtained from more transparent processes.
74 Countries are members of the Kimberley Process, a system where member states can only trade with other member states. These member states must have met certain conditions and requirements to ensure transparency in the movement of diamonds. The issue in Africa is the corruption endemic in many governments, where money changes hands, encouraging people to look the other way.
This is an interesting event that bears noting.
As I heard on NPR yesterday, Taylor's trial may cause African leaders to sit up and watch. According to some, this trial will put African leaders on notice that some behavior is intolerable. Not only is their behavior intolerable, but to be a "leader" one cannot feign ignorance of the actions of subordinates. Also, criminal behavior as endemic as it appears to have been in Liberia reflects on the leadership, and leaders should be held as responsible as those that actually pulled the trigger.
All of that is well and good, and I hope the prosecution pulls this one out.
The intriguing part of this event is the role of blood diamonds. Blood diamonds, also called Conflict Diamonds, are diamonds, extracted from the ground by slave or conscripted labor, and sold to unscrupulous traders in exchange for weapons. The weapons are then used to subjugate the indigenous population, fund other illegal activities, to enhance the wealth of the ruling group, or to fund conflict in other countries. Paramilitary groups have been known to round up men and children and put them to work searching for diamonds, threatening families and women in the event that other family members attempt to leave. Workers caught pocketing diamonds, even small ones, are liable to have hands chopped off, family members killed, or be killed themselves.
Many diamond producers, after 1999, vowed never to purchase diamonds obtained by the means described above. The problem is in the policing of these diamonds, and the unscrupulous people that trade in diamonds. Diamonds are smuggled from countries that have oppressive extraction methods to countries that comply with voluntary warranty systems (Kimberley Process). Then, these "legitimate" diamonds are sold on the diamond auction just as those diamonds obtained from more transparent processes.
74 Countries are members of the Kimberley Process, a system where member states can only trade with other member states. These member states must have met certain conditions and requirements to ensure transparency in the movement of diamonds. The issue in Africa is the corruption endemic in many governments, where money changes hands, encouraging people to look the other way.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Toyota Passes Ford in Sales
As reported in this article, Toyota is now the #2 seller of automobiles in the United States, surpassing Ford.
A brief Google search led me to this site: OICA, and the listings of the world's biggest automakers. Here is a brief summary of the Top 5 (from 2006):
The U.S. auto industry stirs considerable emotion, due to the introduction of foreign autos in the 1970s, the restructuring of the U.S. auto industry, and the construction of foreign-owned and U.S. staffed production facilities.
In researching the automakers, I can across several Feedback-type postings of people lamenting the fall of the U.S. automaker, how U.S. citizens are traitors to their nation by buying foreign automobiles, etc.
Many U.S. are gainfully employed by these automakers. True, wages are not as high as they once were, but the wages are still good, benefits still available, and the product produced still high-quality. Secondly, even automobiles produced by U.S. automakers are not truly U.S.-made autos. Where was your Chevy Avalanche made? Mexico. Where was your Pontiac GTO made? Australia. How about your PT Cruiser? Also, Mexico. The new Ford Fusion is also made in Mexico.
But what about those cars made in wholly in the U.S.? If you drive a Ford Escape, about 35% of the parts making up that auto came from outside the United States/Canada. A Ford Mustang is about 70% American. In comparison, a Toyota Camry, made in Kentucky, is about 75% American. A Nissan Altima, made in MS or TN, is about 65% American.
We, as Americans, tend to want the best value for our dollar. Corporations tend to want to enhanced profitability for both themselves and keep their stockholders happy, so seek to find that balance between quality of product and cost. This is oversimplification, but the relationship here is extremely dynamic and constantly in a state of flux. Besides value, psychology also plays a large role here, in the perceptions that consumers have regarding brands and perceived quality. Additionally, there may also be cultural forces at work, as well.
While it is possible to make a close-to-100% American auto (Ford Expedition-95%), the American consumer market forces, coupled with global economics, tend to work against that reality.
(The source for most of my information was derived from a USA Today article, dated March 22nd, 2007)
A brief Google search led me to this site: OICA, and the listings of the world's biggest automakers. Here is a brief summary of the Top 5 (from 2006):
- General Motors: 8.926 million units
- Toyota: 8.036 million units
- Ford: 6.268 million units
- Volkswagen: 5.684 million units
- Honda: 3.669 million units
The U.S. auto industry stirs considerable emotion, due to the introduction of foreign autos in the 1970s, the restructuring of the U.S. auto industry, and the construction of foreign-owned and U.S. staffed production facilities.
In researching the automakers, I can across several Feedback-type postings of people lamenting the fall of the U.S. automaker, how U.S. citizens are traitors to their nation by buying foreign automobiles, etc.
Many U.S. are gainfully employed by these automakers. True, wages are not as high as they once were, but the wages are still good, benefits still available, and the product produced still high-quality. Secondly, even automobiles produced by U.S. automakers are not truly U.S.-made autos. Where was your Chevy Avalanche made? Mexico. Where was your Pontiac GTO made? Australia. How about your PT Cruiser? Also, Mexico. The new Ford Fusion is also made in Mexico.
But what about those cars made in wholly in the U.S.? If you drive a Ford Escape, about 35% of the parts making up that auto came from outside the United States/Canada. A Ford Mustang is about 70% American. In comparison, a Toyota Camry, made in Kentucky, is about 75% American. A Nissan Altima, made in MS or TN, is about 65% American.
We, as Americans, tend to want the best value for our dollar. Corporations tend to want to enhanced profitability for both themselves and keep their stockholders happy, so seek to find that balance between quality of product and cost. This is oversimplification, but the relationship here is extremely dynamic and constantly in a state of flux. Besides value, psychology also plays a large role here, in the perceptions that consumers have regarding brands and perceived quality. Additionally, there may also be cultural forces at work, as well.
While it is possible to make a close-to-100% American auto (Ford Expedition-95%), the American consumer market forces, coupled with global economics, tend to work against that reality.
(The source for most of my information was derived from a USA Today article, dated March 22nd, 2007)
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Iraqis Resort To Selling Children
Iraqis Resort To Selling Children
I am waiting for Windows XP SP2 to complete installing, and, as I am wont to doing in these episodes of spare time, I examine international news sources. This article in the English Al Jazeera edition caught my eye.
I encourage all of my geography students to go outside the US by examining international news sources. Some of my geography students have no choice, as it is part of their semester assignment. Most do not like to do this, and they protest. Usually, by mid-term, attitudes have changed, as the exposure awakens their minds to issues away from their homes. We cannot trust our media sources to provide us with unbiased news to keep Americans aware and apprised of conditions across the globe. Occasionally, Newsweek (Fareed Zakaria), the Washington Post, the New York Times, or the Wall Street Journal, will help out. The reality is that for us as US citizens to understand life outside our country we have to pro-active in that education.
Like this article. Huckabee wins! Yeah! Obama wins! Yeah! Meanwhile, families are driven to desperation to abide in a war-torn country. Families selling their children in hopes that their lives will be better, i.e. safer, healthier, etc., than their life might have been in Iraq. Some families are missing children, kidnapped and driven across borders, and sold, for who knows what purpose. If this information makes it to the US media, I would be surprised.
Oh, yeah, well, who can trust Al Jeezera, any way? After all, aren't they UBL mouthpiece?
Despite Al Jeezera's connection as UBL media outlet, they do carry legitimate stories and have the unique ability to penetrate into Islamic concerns. I do not think they would contrive this story. Otherwise, they would have no credibility in any region.
Lest you think these episodes do not happen, please visit your library and check out the April 2002 edition of Scientific American. I will be writing about this later - 21st century slavery.
I am waiting for Windows XP SP2 to complete installing, and, as I am wont to doing in these episodes of spare time, I examine international news sources. This article in the English Al Jazeera edition caught my eye.
I encourage all of my geography students to go outside the US by examining international news sources. Some of my geography students have no choice, as it is part of their semester assignment. Most do not like to do this, and they protest. Usually, by mid-term, attitudes have changed, as the exposure awakens their minds to issues away from their homes. We cannot trust our media sources to provide us with unbiased news to keep Americans aware and apprised of conditions across the globe. Occasionally, Newsweek (Fareed Zakaria), the Washington Post, the New York Times, or the Wall Street Journal, will help out. The reality is that for us as US citizens to understand life outside our country we have to pro-active in that education.
Like this article. Huckabee wins! Yeah! Obama wins! Yeah! Meanwhile, families are driven to desperation to abide in a war-torn country. Families selling their children in hopes that their lives will be better, i.e. safer, healthier, etc., than their life might have been in Iraq. Some families are missing children, kidnapped and driven across borders, and sold, for who knows what purpose. If this information makes it to the US media, I would be surprised.
Oh, yeah, well, who can trust Al Jeezera, any way? After all, aren't they UBL mouthpiece?
Despite Al Jeezera's connection as UBL media outlet, they do carry legitimate stories and have the unique ability to penetrate into Islamic concerns. I do not think they would contrive this story. Otherwise, they would have no credibility in any region.
Lest you think these episodes do not happen, please visit your library and check out the April 2002 edition of Scientific American. I will be writing about this later - 21st century slavery.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
An Indian Jaguar
Tata chosen as top bidder for Jaguar, Land Rover
I know Ford Motor Company has been trying to make itself more profitable. Ford has been shedding people and trying to focus on maintaining market share against Toyota. In this article, Tata Motors of India has been identified as the new owner of Jaguar and Land Rover.
The traditional British brands were purchased by the American car maker in 1989 and 2000. Culturally, this is not a big change. Now, it looks as if the South Asian subcontinent will be the new international home of two premier auto brands.
Tata is an interesting story in and of itself. Tata is invested in many different economic sectors throughout India, especially metals. Recently, Tata announced that it would begin production of a very inexpensive auto, priced around $2,500US. Many in the Global Climate Change tribe are concerned about this. The new autos are not expected to be very economically friendly. Secondly, the shear numbers of potential new drivers would put even more strain on a fragile environment.
India is working on improving its road network, but this is literally almost a case of putting the cart before the horse.
I look forward to seeing how this new auto relationship evolves.
I know Ford Motor Company has been trying to make itself more profitable. Ford has been shedding people and trying to focus on maintaining market share against Toyota. In this article, Tata Motors of India has been identified as the new owner of Jaguar and Land Rover.
The traditional British brands were purchased by the American car maker in 1989 and 2000. Culturally, this is not a big change. Now, it looks as if the South Asian subcontinent will be the new international home of two premier auto brands.
Tata is an interesting story in and of itself. Tata is invested in many different economic sectors throughout India, especially metals. Recently, Tata announced that it would begin production of a very inexpensive auto, priced around $2,500US. Many in the Global Climate Change tribe are concerned about this. The new autos are not expected to be very economically friendly. Secondly, the shear numbers of potential new drivers would put even more strain on a fragile environment.
India is working on improving its road network, but this is literally almost a case of putting the cart before the horse.
I look forward to seeing how this new auto relationship evolves.
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