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One of the most amazing landscapes I've ever seen ...  How can geography impact the diffusion of culture?

I believe geography plays a big role in the diffusion of culture of the Brenner Pass. This Pass has a unique history in which it was connected by two major dictators, Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. Due to the connection of these major dictators many cultures in this area are also connected. For example this Pass is located in Italy, but over 80% of its population claims Germany as its first language. In addition, because this Pass is located on the exterior of Italy it becomes a hotspot for cultural diffusion. The reason for this is because locals from Italy can travel to other nations and express their culture by using the Brenner Pass. Also, many foreigners from other nations, such as Austria or Germany, can travel into Italy, using the Brenner Pass, and express their culture as well. This expression of culture can be seen due to the names of the various stations, tunnels, and viaducts. The names of the stations, tunnels and, viaducts have German names which represent the diffusion of culture from Germany to Italy. By examining the Brenner Pass it is clear to see how its geography can impact its diffusion of culture.

Well done! Has anyone ever traveled on the Brenner Pass?

To achieve peace in the Middle East, the European Union voted on a bill presented by Jordan. The bill states that Palestine should be recognized as a 'principle state'. The US and Israel both strongly oppose this bill. The conflict has escalated in the past years. This territorial conflict is occurring because two religious groups want the same sacred holy land. How is the bill going to affect Israel and Palestine in the future?

I only see two possible solutions, both flawed. Somehow, I believe that the two religious groups could find a way to coexist, allowing them both to have access to their holy sites, but this would mean accepting the fact that the other is there. This seems unlikely to happen. Another option is to not let either group have it, and that way neither could be angry that the other possesses it. This, however, is also unlikely seeing how each group strongly refuses to give up its sites. They would fight until death for access. I really don't see this conflict ending any time soon.

Interesting solutions to the conflict. Why do you think the United States government has been pro-Israel since the creation of the state in the 1940s?

What ever happened to General Bizimungu? Do you agree with the setence? Why or why not?

Pleas take a moment to ask yourself the following questions: Have you ever wondered what TV shows there are in other countries? Have you ever wondered if these shows are similar to ours? Did they copy us or did we copy them? If you have already pondered this topic or answered "yes" to any of the above questions then you will absolutely LOVE this site! It examines the similarities and differences between US shows and Asian shows! Watch popular Asian TV shows right now, they're only a click away!

The website was very nice and informative. I never knew that China has similar shows to us! That relates to what we learned in the Ted Talk about China cloning social media like Twitter and YouTube.

The website had a nice layout and the pictures and videos added much to it. I did not know our TV shows influenced countries like Japan to copy them. Great job talking about the rapid diffusion of new electronic technology like Netflix and connecting it to class!

This article discusses an Islamic terrorist group in Nigeria, known as Boko Haram, that opposes all elements of Western culture. They have launched numerous attacks on civilians, including kidnapping nearly 200 school girls.  What sparked this violence?  Will it ever stop?

The fact that it took four days for news of this attack to spread is a testament to how much location, specifically isolation, can affect the diffusion of news and information. In regards to the attack itself, I fail to see how this attack gets the group closer to achieving a goal. How does attacking a village, killing 33 people help to eliminate Western culture? This is just senseless killing.

This article talks about the ongoing religious conflict in Israel and Palestine. For decades they have been fighting over the land that holds there holy spaces. I wonder if this conflict will ever end.

Sadhana- I agree that peace will be very difficult to achieve. They both want different things for themselves and the conflict will take time to resolve.

Bailey- I agree that the conflicts end is to be questioned. The idea shown in the article that neither side is willing to compromise is one of the largest issues in my opinion. The holy sites are so close together which makes both sides want the land enough that they will go to extreme lengths to defend it.

Very recently an earthquake hit California with a magnitude of 6, causing much devastation and destruction. Buildings collapsed and fires started all without warning because of human's inability to predict this natural disaster. Will humans ever be able to control the environment? Or will the environment we live in always dominate us?

Perhaps the most recognizable symbol of China and its long and vivid history, the Great Wall of China actually consists of numerous walls and fortifications, many running parallel to each other. Originally conceived by Emperor Qin Shi Huang (c. 259-210 B.C.) in the third century B.C. as a means of preventing incursions from barbarian nomads into the Chinese Empire, the wall is one of the most extensive construction projects ever completed. The best-known and best-preserved section of the Great Wall was built in the 14th through 17th centuries A.D., during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Though the Great Wall never effectively prevented invaders from entering China, it came to function more as a psychological barrier between Chinese civilization and the world, and remains a powerful symbol of the country's enduring strength.

How do you measure national power? Check out this index. Will some countries ever "measure up"?

Current Event #9

It is very surprising that the most globally popular sport in the world (soccer) had a lack of medical support at a major FIFA match. However, it is good to see that the next World Cup in Brazil will have the medical bags. You never know when a player could be put into a life threatening situation. I also agree with Bronte, in that Johnson and Johnson will have a significant gain in product sales after advertising at such a prestige event like the World Cup.

It is interesting to know that FIFA has just now decided to construct a standardized medical bag for the 2014 world cup. I wonder what precautions were taken for injuries in the past.

This article is interesting. Bronte- you said this is a "popular fad" in America. Does this mean it will most likely die off just like other fads? After all, I don't feel like a vacation for wellness is very family-friendly.

I understand where Jake is coming from with his statement but isn't a vacation that gets you away from the stress of work and neighbours and everything healthy? Wouldn't that constitute a wellness vacation? Also for really busy parents a vacation with their children would be both family-friendly and healthy. Not to mention that the service sector, including the consumer sector, is continuing to grow and in the quote Bronte highlighted it said that wellness vacations make up 14% of all tourism revenues, so wouldn't that imply that this fad will continue to grow?

I find it very interesting that there are vacations that can help you with your wellness. I am curious about the different ways that they actually intend to do this. I agree with Olivia, with the idea that a vacation away from stress would be a wellness vacation in its own idea.

Wanna learn about empanadas and sambar? I knew it. Visit our site to learn about two different dishes from to very different cultures!

Great easy to navigate website design. Also the recipe's were very specific and really gave instructions to make these foods at home.

I learned a lot from your informational website about empanadas. It is a very nice layout and overall entertaining. Great job!

On november 18th, two muslim Palestinians entered a synagogue and both shot and chopped, with meat cleavers, 3 rabbis, another nearby Jew, and shot a Druze police officer responding to the attack, leaving 5 dead and the 2 Palestinians.

After previous attacks between the IDF and the terrorist group, HAMAS, during Operation Protective Edge left over 2,000 people dead, primarily on the Palestinians, tensions have been higher than ever and revenge is fresh in many people's minds.

Why might Palestinians think that supporting members of a confirmed terrorist group in political office be the solution to their problems?

Sunni extremists, who are supporting ISIS, have launched attacks against Shia Muslims in Australia to bring religious conflict from the Middle East. Why are they launching attacks on groups within the same religion as them? Why do Sunni extremists feel the need to get Australia involved in the religious conflicts from the Middle East after they've managed to avoid conflict for a long time?

The Shiites and Sunnis have been fighting ever since the death of Mohommad over who would be Mohommad's sucessor.

I think that Sunni extremists and Shia Muslims, even though they are both Islamic, have different beliefs, and they each believe that they are correct. The Sunni extremists, are exactly what they say they are...extremists; AKA people who will go to extreme measures to fight for what they believe. If something the Shia Muslims are saying or doing is counteracting what the Sunni extremists believe, they will quickly result to violent action to try to put an end to it. Also, if they can "take over" Australia and make it Islamic, more specifically Sunni, then they will have more money and power...which is the reason this is such a large territorial conflict.

Have you ever wanted to watch two very amateur chefs almost kill themselves when they attempt to make foreign food? Guaranteed to make you laugh at their stupidity, LiAnn and Kara demonstrate their awful and slightly-less-awful cooking skills through the completion of this beautiful meal. Featuring: Some weird Lithuanian pork stuff that was actually pretty good; Greasy Chips a.k.a. Tanzanian French Fries; Chai tea with way too much cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger; and, an Orange and Mango drink in the fancy "I'm a Grownup, I Swear!" wine glasses.

I loved the video you made! It was... the most unique one I've seen thus far. It was informative, and your commentary was quite comical (my personal favorite being the bay leaf). The diffusion of "greasy chips" was well displayed, and how they have become popular throughout many countries, including Tanzania.

I thought it was very informative as well as funny. I liked that the greasy chips were basically french fries with another name. It shows how foods can have more than one origin.

Come check out how Americas FIRST ever sport diffused from America across the world. These videos are filled with information and hilarious. In every video someone gets tackled.

I liked this website a lot! The videos were entertaining and informative. Good job!

Impressive! "Top of the mornin' to ya!"