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In Poland a train was discovered that had gone missing in 1945 at the end of World War II. The people who found the train will not reveal its location until they are promised 10% of the value of what's inside the train. Some believe there is Nazi treasure well over one million dollars hidden within the train. The train was a military train, so there could also potentially be weapons such as nuclear bombs in it. This is an example of the geographical theme of globalization because it describes the technological advancements that the Nazis has during World War II. Will the people who discovered the train reveal its location? Are there weapons, treasure, or something else inside the train?

The given article informs readers of the growth of the amount of Chinese secret agents in the United States and the reasons for why they are there. The United States government does not know of said spies' whereabouts. "The agents are from the Ministry of Public Security, China's security service. U.S. officials charged Wednesday that the increase suggests China lacks concern for U.S. laws." (Scuitto, Scott). This is a repeating issue, as United States representatives "warned China to stop using covert law enforcement agents on U.S. soil." (Scuitto, Scott). China states that it is not breaching any legal contracts, it is only fighting corruption in a program called Fox Hunt 2015. This shows the theme of globalization, as Chinese spies are within the United States' boundaries. The information they retrieve (as gathering is in the nature of being a spy) will affect China somehow. That action crossing continents is a link between those continents, and links the world together in this way.

More than a dozen Republicans and a handful of Democrats have announced they are running for their party's 2016 presidential nomination. Page lists all the Democratic and Republican candidates. The page has links to mini articles describing what each person must do to win and why they won't succeed.

This is a useful resource. Which theme(s) of geography might be demonstrated by these candidates attempting to persuade citizens to vote for them?

Mobility- The campaigns demonstrate how ideas are moved to different areas as well as techniques to persuade people to accept the ideas. In this case the idea being spread is to vote for a certain candidate over another for various reasons.

The high-level talks included from the North, Kim Jong Un's deputy, Hwang Pyong So, a member of Kim Jong Un's inner circle and political director of his country's army; and Kim Yang Gon, a veteran of negotiations with South Korea since Kim's father, Kim Jong Il, ruled the secretive regime.

Disregard that last comment... It automatically added it by itself. As tensions between the two countries of North and South Korea increase due to the severe injury inflicted on two South Korean soldiers from a North Korean landmine, shots were fired on both sides of the peninsula and are now discussing plans for the future of both countries. South Korea, despite many threats and warning from the North are blasting world news, S.Korean music and propaganda with powerful speakers in the DMZ zone. For many, this may be a big deal but South Koreans continue their daily lives as if nothing happened like many times before. In this article, we can see the theme of globalization. North Korea is the most isolated country in the world that does not allow any form of media, news or objects from any other countries. South Korea broke this 'sacred' rule when they blasted music, news and propaganda to the North with speakers spreading different ideas and religious beliefs into an area that did not have them before.

This article discusses an interesting recent discovery of the possibility of water on one of Jupiter's moons, named Europa. The discovery was made in 2012 when the Hubble Space Telescope spotted water vapor in the air above southern parts of Europa, and now several space agencies, including NASA have taken an interest in exploring it even further. This summer, work on building the spacecraft that is to be sent to explore Europa, began. In addition to exploring Europa, this spacecraft will also be exploring two of Jupiter's other moons, Ganymede and Callisto. Although covered in ice, all three of these moons have the potential to be harboring oceans underneath, and possibly some bacteria necessary to begin the growth of life on another rocky object in our solar system. The relationship between the moons in the Jovian system and humans on earth looking to explore these objects is an example of nature-culture on a very broad scale. Instead of just one small region of people interacting with the environment around them, this project deals with humans on earth as the people who are trying to change the environment (in this case other moons in the solar system) around them. One could also tie the theme of globalization to this article because various countries from around the world are bringing their knowledge and money together to try to achieve this mission of exploring Jupiter's moons.

North Korea and South Korea are talking. After an exchange of gunfire between the two countries they are finally meeting in Tokyo after more than a year to discuss with each other as well as to try and end the military standoff which has brought fear and death so that it won't lead into a full scale military dispute between the two countries. You can view this as the theme of globalization because of South Korea's propaganda broadcast into one of the most isolated countries in the world. Which if not stopped could have brought more war into both countries.

With the speedily approaching presidential election, Republican and Democratic candidates have taken over the news with their ideas and justification as to why he or she should be the next president. After the Benghazi crisis occurred in 2012, there was much controversy over the Islamic militants and their violent action that caused the death of several US government officials. Later, the controversy expanded when it was discovered that Hillary Rodham Clinton was using a personal server and email accounts while serving as the Secretary of State (2009-2013). While at the time, Clinton downplayed the issue, the national security issue has come back to bite during the current election. This prime example of Globalization can be examined in several ways. The emails sent information that then affected people and cultures on the other side of the world. Also, the emails have spread ideas across the United States and have shifted some Democratic support to Bernie Sanders, the other popular candidate. Politics and current world events are often linked together and can leave negative and positive effects on the opposite sides of the globe.

I agree with your statement at the end about the negative and positive impact of globalization around the world. How may this be apparent in the books you all read this summer?

When reading Behind the Beautiful Forevers, there was a constant theme of political power and corruption. Asha, a popular wife of an unsavory drunk in Annawadi, desired to have a position of power to prove that she was in control of her family. She used her cell phone to organize meetings with other politicians in order to hopefully be one of few female slumlords. Later on in the story, the reader learns that the "meetings" were intimate times between her and various politicians to gain their support and assistance. Like Clinton with the personal emails, she eventually got herself in trouble but rather than facing trial in court, she was thrown into the back of a van, never to be seen again. Politics can make people do things that they never would have, all for the desire for power and respect.

A controversial bill to legalize same-sex marriage has been introduced to the Australian parliament. The private member's bill comes amid heated debate among government MPs about whether to change the law or put the matter to a plebiscite. The government's official position is that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. This article depicts the theme of globalization. Back in June, the United States Supreme Court ruled the prohibition of gay marriage unconstitutional. The U.S. influenced Australia to now introduce it to their parliament. Since the passing of this law was such a big step in United States history, it made international news, spreading all over the world. When Australians saw this, it influenced them to bring the law to their land. What will the Australian parliament rule? What factors may decide against gay marriage?

Worldwide food shortages are expected to become more common because of global warming. Global warming is a way that humans have modified the planet. Part of the theme of nature culture is looking at how humans modify the Earth. Shortages can also be caused by the globalization of food production. Not all countries have developed systems for food production. Countries, like those in the Middle East, that rely on other countries to import food are the ones that are expected to be impacted the most.

Great post! Does anyone think that the movement to use genetically modified seeds will be a way to adapt to global warming?

In this article, it explains the most recent information about the animosity between North and South Korea. As mentioned in the story, the ongoing conflict between the two countries has once again been brought to attention in the beginning of August when South Korean men were injured by North Korean landmines. More recently, South Korea had detected a rocket being launched toward their country. They then responded by firing some shells back toward the area from where the rocket had been launched. This particular event reminds me of the theme of region in geography. This is because the two cultures have always had a long history where they were fighting each other, as was the case in the Korean War. Region itself, is a geographical area based on how a culture functions. Therefore, it is not too much of a surprise that they are once again fighting because it is their natural tendency to fight. I am sure that this is just the beginning of this current conflict and that there will be more trouble for these countries in the future.

Volcanoes in Japan and Ecuador are a threat to people living in those countries and the neighboring countries. The volcano in Ecuador, Cotopaxi, has already spewed ash into the sky. This ash could spread into the capital city of Ecuador which is not far from the volcano. People have been put on a yellow alert which is the lowest of the three levels. The yellow alert precautions the people living in the area to be prepared and have masks ready to be able to keep the ashes out of their lungs. The volcano in Japan is a more serious issue. The government has issued a level 4 emergency warning which means the residents should prepare to evacuate the island of Kyushu. The volcano has been increasing in activity and could erupt at anytime. This is an example of the nature culture theme because the physical environment is shaping the culture that these people live in. The people living in the countries know that the volcanoes could be a problem from time to time and they will have to react to what the volcano brings.

In this article, it is showing the new tropical disease occurring from a bug called the "kissing bug". The disease that the kissing bug gives out is neurocysticercosis, which is a parasitic infection of the brain. The kissing bug also causes Chagas disease which is a protozoan parasite, and can cause mild inflamed skin, as well as infection and inflammation of other body tissue. The theme of nature-culture is displayed through the people interacting with the nature where the kissing bugs are found, and catching the disease. Also, the kissing bug are native in Guatemala, and travelers were bringing back the disease and spreading it to their community, affecting and infecting the citizens of Texas. In Houston, Texas infectious diseases broke out and in the Smith's Clinic, doctors were doing their best to cure everyone who has tropical diseases. The tropical diseases were increasing to the point where one wing on the third floor of the Houston hospital was filled with patients. Everyone on the third floor had caught the tropical disease from the kissing bugs. The disease has been occurring since 2011, and the doctors are treating anyone who walks in with the tropical disease. Even though the disease has not affect Pennsylvania, it is still extremely important due to the fact that it is happening in the United States. What kind of research has been done to find a cure to the tropical disease? What should the citizens in Texas do to try to avoid catching this disease? How long does it take to cure the tropical diseases and what medication is used? These are the type of questions that are pondering in the media's mind.

In this article, it is discovered that a massive leak sprung from a defunct mine in Southern Colorado, contaminating the Animas River. The spill caused lead levels 12,000 times higher than usual to arise in the river, concerning homeowners and businesses in the general area of being contaminated themselves. The theme of geography Nature Culture relates to this article because the people in this region rely on the river water on a daily basis. It is their source of water for irrigating their crops, drinking water, and more. Due to this accident, businesses shut down and people moved from their homes because they interact with and rely on the river water so closely. Nature culture plays a major role in our lives whether we believe that or not. What is the best way to respond to this dilemma? Will Southern Colorado return to being populated along the Animas River? Sudden issues leave us wondering questions along these lines.

This article describes the chemical explosions that happened in a warehouse located in Tianjin China on August 12. The warehouse contained more than 700 tons of highly toxic substances and as a result many people died and many buildings were destroyed. As said in the article, the concentration of deadly chemicals was and still is extremely high in certain locations, and needs lots of cleanup work. It relates to the theme of Nature Culture because of the effects that the blasts have had around the area. There is a designated warning zone where cyanide pollution is severe and polluted water is contained. Even though the pollution has been mostly contained it still has impacted the environment in ways that make it dangerous for human contact. As an example, water tests in the area were done and showed high levels of sodium cyanide, which has the ability to kill humans. The explosion caused by a human built warehouse created problems with the air and water, thus impacting the environment in negative ways; making it unsanitary and clearly not safe. Is the pollution spreading? Are there more precautions companies can take to avoid another situation like this? These are a few of the questions that concern this topic.

This article talks about the environmental crisis on the west coast. Several states in the west are being plagued with forest fires. Over 15,000 square miles have been burned. Hundreds of people have been evacuated. Thousands of brave firefighters are working to control the fires and have now been joined in some places by the national guard. This phenomenon relates to the theme of nature culture as it gives strong examples of human and natural interaction through attempts to keep people safe and contain the fires.

This article is connected to the recent deal made between The UN agency and Iran. The deal essentially removed any sanctions on Iran, and allowed them to grow in the global market again. That agreement in itself shows a relationship between The UN and Iran, since they did strike a deal. However, as this article outlines, it also brings the relations between the UN and Israel into play. Since Iran, a country that has mentioned on several occasions that they wish to wipe Israel of the map, will soon have a much larger economy, and with that much more money, it is rightfully suspected that they may use that money to help to carry out there plan. This enrages Israel not only because the UN made a deal with a country that wishes to destroy them, but also because that deal may very well help them to accomplish that goal. That is why Israel is demanding to know every last detail of the situation, which is what this article covers. With all of the relationships and connections brought up by this topic, it is clearly related to the geographic theme of globalization. In the end however, the question brought up by this really is, will Iran actually destroy Israel, and if so how much credit should go to this deal?

This article describes how humans are ultimately the world's top predator. Through research and studies it is easy to see that we are much more dominant over many of the top animal predators such as lions, tigers and bears. The theme of nature culture is shown through this incident as us humans are killing off some of the worlds top predators. Because of this, ecosystems are not in balance anymore as their top predators are being taken away. This can therefore change the evolution of these animals as they reproduce. In the future, we could have a shorter supply of these specific animals, especially the ones we depend on as a supply of food. The author poses a solution to this problem in the article as well. Human hunters should focus on hunting the young and preserve the adults, as they are capable of having offspring. Will human hunters stop the overhunting of these predators? Or will they continue to destroy the ecosystems?