Quartz- Puerto Rico's Statehood Dispute Continues

Puerto Rico seems to have gotten closer than ever recently to becoming the 51st state of the US.  Sadly, it still has a long way to go.  With mixed feelings along with a Republican-dominated Congress and opposing governor, the road to statehood for Puerto Rico has only begun.

For decades since it became a territory of the United States in 1898, Puerto Rico has endured what can only be described as a "very unbalanced and one-sided relationship".  Since its annexation by the US during the Spanish-American War, the island has to deal with much injustice and lack of political significance.  Puerto Rico is authorized to fight on behalf of the US in foreign wars and conflicts, however they have no power to vote for the president that authorizes them.  They pay their taxes and are excluded from some taxes states have, but unlike states, they have no representative in Congress that can vote on how they are to spend them.  In short, Puerto Rico is the classic American scenario of taxation without representation.

This is prevalent in the other territories as well, including The US Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.  Focusing on Puerto Rico, their bid to become a state has been hotter than ever.  They still however have a very long road ahead of them that only seems to get more difficult.

Geographically speaking, HEI, location, place, region, and movement are all major here.  Many people visit, have family there, and Puerto Rico is the most prominent territory in the US area, population wise and economically.  Though they have been closely associated with the US for over a century, they have had little connection with them politically, and that needs to change.

Do you support Puerto Rico's movement towards statehood?  Do you oppose it?  Are you neutral?  Comment, I welcome it all.

DNA Analysis- A Heated Interview

Within the past week, plans by South Korean activists have managed to give North Korean officials another reason to cry out "provocation", "declaration of war", and "merciless retaliation".  Why and how you might ask?  Over a movie.

I assume many of you have heard of the infamous movie known as The Interview, directed by Seth Rogen and starring him and James Franco.  The movie's plot centers around an elaborate plan launched by US intelligence to kill the Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, with Aaron Rappaport (Seth Rogen) and Dave Skylark (James Franco) as the two men chosen to perform the inside job of poisoning him.

The movie sparked an outcry from North Korean officials, stating that the US would faces merciless retaliation should they release it in theaters.  After such threats, the US experienced a mass hacking at Sony's expense, losing and exposing many files.  After the attack, many mainstream theater companies refused to show the movie, leading the movie to be pulled from them.  The movie is still available online, and surprisingly it did very well.  It made a total of $31 million in sales, with many reviews being well received.

But back on the topic at hand, a group of South Korean activists have planned to send 10,000 copies of the DVD and 500,000 propaganda leaflets on or around the border around March 26.  North Korea has threatened to shoot down the balloon and respond with merciless retaliation should they actually go through with the plot.

While many supported this action, many more opposed it.  Even the Unification Ministry of South Korea opposed it and took steps to prevent it, saying that the civilians' safety is their number one priority and that there is a limit to "freedom of speech".  Seoul has supported and insisted that the activists have the right to carry out such launches as a part of their democratic rights; however, they too have appealed for restraint to prevent overly provoking the North.  South Korean police already are tasked with preventing cross-border tensions, and see this as a major danger to nearby residents.

Geographically, there is not much to say about the region, location, place, or Human Environment Interaction that we do not already know about the Koreas.  The area has been hotly contested for generations, and while the ploy has good intent on the South side, its backlash would be too great a risk in my opinion for a region not only already on the edge, but peeking over that edge.  What do you think?  Is this worth the risk for the South Korean activists to carry out this propaganda movement?  Comment, I welcome your thoughts on this.

International Business Times- Alberta as the 51st State?

That title might only be exactly that, but the concept of such is not exactly far-fetched.  In fact, it seems reasonable to think about even.

Admist all of these fluctuations in oil prices, the oil industries would have many mixed emotions, some going into a frenzy while others welcome it.  Alberta, Canada being the oil giant that it is according to some analysts would benefit from separating from Canada and joining the United States  as a state and oil powerhouse, so says Peter Zeihan.  He states that Alberta possesses traits and attributes that would make it fit perfectly into the American style, and that Alberta would not only be a rich US state, but undoubtedly the richest state in the Union.  Its resources and diverse, well-financed economy would undoubtedly be something to look at for the Canadians should they join the US.

Well-known for its large and plentiful energy reserves, Alberta's economy centers on oil production and trade, with the United States as its largest customer.  The province ranks second in having the largest revenues a province could manage to obtain in the Western World.  In fact, Alberta's gross domestic product amounts to an impressive $16 billion, if not higher.

With Alberta's age population becoming younger due to a large number of citizens moving there for the oil deposits and wealth opportunity, it opens the floodgates for a highly-skilled workforce and better paid as well.  On the flipside, Ontario, Quebec, and other provinces population is becoming older and thus puts larger burden of tax payment on Alberta.  Should the province integrate with the US, they would be relieved of all tax and currency burdens that may fluctuate.  If such is possible to occur, Sasketchewan, the richest Canadian province, would follow suit as well.

The geographic location of Alberta and its HEI (Human Environment Interaction) with the US in the North American region makes this a very feasible theory for its future.  The movement from oil from both places is already a prominent trade for the thriving province.

Washington Post- Netanyahu's Stance is Firm

Since winning reelection on March 17, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained consistent in his stance on the Israeli-Palestine conflict, stating that he still is unable to support an independent Palestine alongside Israel.  Before the polls opened, Netanyahu stated that he still opposed the two-party solution.  This policy has been the significance of US foreign policy for some time now, two decades to be exact.

He has however stated that he is still open to the creation of a Palestinian state, but advises that "circumstances have to change" before he takes any more steps towards it.  President Obama has stated that he sees much conflict and chaos should an agreement not be reached soon in the region.  Negotiations between the US, Israel, and Palestine do not look very likely at this point in time, and the strain between US and Israeli relations has only made the matter more complex.

The invitation from John Boehner to Netanyahu to address a joint Congress meeting in the US has still yet made the situation more difficult, as the White House knew nothing of this invitation and event until Boehner already extended the invitation.  The Israeli Prime Minister spoke against the possible relations and agreements with Iran's nuclear program, one of the President's top priorities in office.  Congress has been pretty sketchy lately in their activity....  But I digress.

President Obama stated that the two nations will continue to work together on the matter, although he declined to mention anything on Palestine's statehood endeavor and whether the United States would block the ongoing effort, a measure that the US has avoided in the past.  He has also gone on record stating that a two-state solution is the only answer to an "unsustainable" staus quo of a situation.

Geographically, the region has been contested by Israelis and Palestinians for decades and beyond.From movements of borders and populations to different places and locations to the partition of the capital city of Jerusalem, the Human Environment Interaction (HEI) in the region has been active for a while now.

NPR- Melodys of Crescent and Star Thriving in Lone Star

Texas is known for a lot of music festivals and bands.  In Austin, Texas, one band creates a different kind of music for the ears to hear.  The group is named Riyaaz Qawwali, and their sound is like no other.  They are well known for being quite the unique lot.

While Qawwali music is traditionally muslim, the group itself is hardly so.  A mix of several ethnicities- Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Afghani- make up the groups members.  Religion wise, the group is composed of Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, agnostics, and atheists as well.  As an added message, the group members prefer to be referred to by their first names only to have people focus more on their music rather than religious background.

The group leader, known as Sonny, drew his inspiration from the famous Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.  He'd listen to his music on cassette multiple times a day.  The group weaves, Sikh, Hindu, and Muslim musical elements into the groups songs.

The musical tradition of Qawwali extends back 700 years in time, lasting from the Persian Empire to the regions of India and Pakistan.  Such is what Riyaaz Qawwali began their journey with, and unlike other practitioners of Qawwali who water it down and conformed, the band keeps its ancient roots alive and well.

Speaking on geographic themes, the group- largely Middle Eastern- resides in Austin, Texas in the American South.  In a place and region that truly appreciates all genres and tones of music, they fit in just fine with the groove.

Huffington Post- Med Students from Britain in IS Hotspot

According to reports, nine British medical students- five men and four women traveled-  to Syria with the objective to aid the wounded.  All of them are in their late teens and early 20s and took flights from Britain to Sudan, Istanbul, and finally to Syria.  Their alleged location- Tel Abyad- is an Islamic State controlled area and a dangerous battleground.  They have reassured that they went to help and not to fight in the hot areas.

Nevertheless, some of the parents the nine med students traveled to Istanbul to try and get their kids back.  Interestingly, the nine students were influenced by their parents to study medicine in Sudan to experience Islamic culture on a more direct level.  It would seem that the parents got a bit more then what they asked for in this situation.

One of the fathers informed British officials, who sent intel to the Turkish police that may help them obtain the whereabouts of the med students.  The UK has openly advised against all travel to Syria and areas in Iraq, insisting that people donate to relief funds and operations instead.

Legal issues also arise, as they can be charged with war crimes depending on the circumstances.  These students went into the region with the intent to assist wounded and not to fight, therefore charges are a questionable option.  In the past, a judge blocked five teenage girls who showed interest in traveling to Syria from traveling anywhere abroad.  In February, three London schoolgirls had crossed the border into Syria after flying in from Turkey.

Place, region, movement, location.  Their choice of location to assist wounded is a place heavily battered in the Middle East region.  There has been large movements from multiple countries globally to join IS ranks.

BBC- The Great Unknowns of Turkmenistan

Take a look at the title of this post.  Does the name of that country ring a bell to you?  Have you ever seen it or heard about it?  Have you ever been there?  Where is it on Earth?  Can you point it out on a map?  I feel as though many of you may have absolutely no clue, and for good reason I suppose.  The Central Asian country of Turkmenistan is the seventh least visited country in the world, as it receives only about 7,000 tourists per year due to strict visa policy and travel tightness.  However, a trip here may soon be worth it, thanks to the revamp of one of its largest cities courtesy of a new presidency.

The capital city of Ashgabat, is a very modern looking metropolis located in the middle of the desert.  Nearly all of the buildings within the city are composed of white marble.  With large garden formations and lavish fountains, palaces, etc, it is truly a sight many would not expect to see in the middle of desert land.  In such a region where the proper term would be "time warped", Turkmenistan almost seems as prosperous as Abu Dhabi in the UAE compared to surrounding countries.  But it was not always like such in the past.

In 1948, Ashgabat was hit by a massive earthquake that left a death toll of about 110,000 and a large cleanup to be done.  The city emulated the Soviet and Art Deco styles in the process of rebuilding their city with gray brick structures.  It wasn't until the new presidency of Saparmurat Niyazov in 1991 that the revamping of the city in a massive construction overhaul ushered in "the golden era of Turkmenistan".  The resultant city looks brand new but strangely barren even with a population of 1 million.

The city of Ashgabat has many wonders about it.  One of such is that it holds the Guinness World Record for most buildings made of white marble concentrated in one area.  In a city only 22 square kilometers in size, 543 buildings are covered in a combined 4.5 million cubic meters, all of such marble imported from Italy.  At night, the buildings are illuminated with neon lights and the streets and boulevards are lined with strong, decorative lights.  It is amazingly beautiful to see.

Behind the city's wondrous appearance, the dictatorship of Niyazov was quite an odd one.  He banned long hair and beards, outlawed opera, banished dogs from the city, and renamed months of the city after his family members.  In addition, photograph of official buildings like the presidential palace was a forbidden practice.  He was criticized by foreign media as one of the most repressive and totalitarian dictators of the time.  Later in 1995, the country declared permanent neutrality- meaning that it supported neither side and wanted no part of any conflict, which was recognized by the UN's General Assembly.  Commemorating such, the president erected the Monument to Neutrality, a landmark in the city that offers citizens 360-degree views of the extremity.  President Niyazov.  The Turkmenistan Counsel of Elders named 2015 the Year of Neutrality and Peace to mark the 20th anniversary of the nation's neutrality policies.

In addition to the country's development plans, President Niyazov also sought to revive Turkmen culture.  His first step was writing the book entitled Ruhnama, or the Book of Soul.  This book is taught in all Turkmen schools to guide the people in his spiritual and moral beliefs.  In addition, the book also contains many poems from famous Turkmen poets.  The city's Independence Park pays respects to the book that defines Turkmen culture, accompanied by statues of famous Turkmen heroes and poets throughout history.

Like all Central Asian areas, Turkmenistan has its own bazaar, known as Gulistan.  Food, spices, electronics, clothing, and souvenirs are all available for the consumer at this national festival.  Tis just one more of Turkmenistans' attractions.  But wait there's more!!!!

Are you familiar with the famous Blue Mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey?  If so, Turkmenistan went the extra mile and built the Ertugul Ghazi Mosque, an exact replica of the Blue Mosque from the interior to the exterior.  The mosque was named after Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire.  The structure is a symbol of the friendly relationship Turkey has with Turkmenistan.

With the country remaining the seventh least visited, the current president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.  Other than unifying the country's dual currency exchange rate, he seeks to construct a large tourism zone on the Caspian Sea.  He seeks to show the world the wonders the Turkmen people have to offer.  One of such being the Door to Hell.

The Door to Hell is a..... you know what?  I can't really explain it.  I recommend you take a look at the link yourself, or search it elsewhere.

So in conclusion, this article definitely displays the five themes of geography in every which way.  I feel like it needs no explanation, so I'll leave it at that.

USA Today- Recovery After The Storm

Within the past three days, the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu had taken a direct hit by Cyclone Pam after a sudden of direction to the West, devastating the archipelago and leaving the death toll in an unknown state.  Communications with the island nation are cut off almost completely and access to clean water and power there was no better.  Because of the remote nature of the island chain, assessing damage was no easy task either.

As the cleanup continues after the storm struck, countries around the world and in the region- notably Australia- have contributed to the aid for the island nation, with the International Red Cross leading the mission.  Pacific Red Cross chief Aurelia Balpe told The Australian newspaper that most buildings were destroyed if not severely damaged, and that the southern section of island chains took the most direct hit from Pam.  In the city of Port Villa, 90% of all homes are no more.

Helo pilots reported many iron and cement structures demolished all over, with very little buildings and structures still standing.  Pam, a category 5 storm with winds over 165 mph, may be the worst storm in the South Pacific's history.  With a population of 267,000 and a distance about a quarter from Australia to Hawai'i, citizens of Vanuatu describe the scene of the aftermath as "looking as if a bomb hit".

This article pertains to place, location and region, as the open Pacific Ocean is well known for cyclones, typhoons, and hurricanes alike- depending on the region.  The same storm that hit Vanuatu also hit the nations of Kiribati and the Solomon Islands, all of which are island nations vulnerable to the powerful storms.  Human Environment Interaction wise, Vanuatu has received a global presence in assisting its recovery.

The Japan Times- Kurds play TSA in Northern Iraq

On March 11, 2015, a Japanese man was temporary detained authorities in the Kurdish Autonomous region in Northern Iraq as a suspicious individual after entering the country through Turkey.  After being detained for several days in Irbil, a major city in the Kurdish region, he was released and has since left Iraq.

Officials of Japan's Foreign Ministry reported last month that two other Japanese nationals were detained on separate occasions before being released.  According to the ministry, the Kurdish officials have taken action in examining foreigners traveling in the country with the utmost scrutiny. This is most likely a result of the impending ISIS threat, as Iraq is one of the several countries in the Middle East that ISIS controls territory in.

Location and region are two legitimate factors here, as the juxtaposition of the ISIS controlled regions and the Kurdish region in which the Japanese nationals were held makes Northern Iraq a particular hot zone.  As many ISIS recruits have come from multiple countries around the world- including the US, security would most likely be stepped up around the areas of fire.

Los Angeles Times- The Road to Recovering Fukushima is Vast

Many remember the disastrous event that saw a chain reaction of catastrophe on Japanese soil in 2011.  First, the monumental category 9.0 earthquake struck Tohoku hard, resulting in a massive Tsunami wave developing in the Pacific, which traveled up to the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant and caused three of the six nuclear reactors to meltdown and release massive amounts of radioactive material into Japan's soil and the Pacific Ocean.

At 140 miles northeast of Tokyo, it posed a danger to many surrounding areas and affected a large area in the Pacific Ocean as well, with the radiation spreading as far as the west coast of the United States.  The area in which the cleanup and decontamination process expands totals approximately 105 cities, towns, and villages affected by the Fukushima nuclear catastrophe.  Many have been evacuated from their homes in these areas as the cleanup expands to their homes.

Today, that disaster remains a health risk in the region, and the resultant cleanup and decontamination process continues four years later.  It is on record the most massive and costly nuclear cleanup ever attempted in history.  While many regard this cleanup project as an obligation by the involved groups to correct this tragedy, others are skeptical of the project and see it as a useless endeavor that will waste valuable resources,

This article definitely pertains to human environment interaction, region, movement, location, and place.  As the man-made nuclear plant melted down and spread throughout Japan and the Pacific Ocean, extensive regions of Japan and the entire Pacific Ocean were both greatly affected by this incident.  In Japan specifically, a large area of land is now uninhabitable, which forced many people to leave their homes.   Now the cleanup will be a long and costly one.

CNN- SNL Comedy Creates Controversy

On February 28 of the previous Saturday, Saturday Night Live star Tarin Killam and Fifty Shades of Grey star Dakota Johnson played roles in a parody of a Super Bowl commercial depicting a father dropping his daughter of at an airport where she was soon to join the US army.  In the SNL parody, the daughter was depicted leaving to join ISIS.

As it always is, there is a deep disparity in the reaction to this.  The outraged cited the comedy skit as having "no respect" for "think(ing) ISIS belongs in a comedy skit", even bashing them as "tasteless scum".  However, many not only enjoyed the skit, but praise SNL for making such a skit, believing that "There's no group more deserving of ridicule".

The Human Environment Interaction here is based on the alleged insult of the US military by inadvertently comparing such to the ISIS militants.  Place and region can also be tied into that.  But such a thing probably isn't impossible.  Three British girls left the country allegedly to join ISIS last month.  Their movement was swift, and their parents have not heard from them since.  In addition, this is not the first time America has made controversial media known to the public.  The most recent example of this before ISIS was the motion picture The Interview, which was pulled from all theaters after threats of war by North Korea; it was however later showed in privately owned theaters.

In terms of this small skit, the impact doesn't seem like anything worth the outrage.

New York Times- XL Pipeline Freezes in Cold Battle

In the midst of the Siberian Express, president Obama vetoed the Keystone XL Pipeline bill.  Such a bill would allow the construction of an extensive oil pipeline network from Canada cross-borders to the United States.  There was much fracas on both side of the argument for this legislation.

The supporters believed that the XL pipeline was a good business move that would create jobs and reduce pollution totals, while the opposition believed that the XL pipeline would be too costly and risky a project which could possibly lead to another oil spill much like the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico five years ago.

There has been much debate on the alternatives of creating an oil pipeline as opposed to trains and trucks shipping oil.  Freight trains have been often in the news lately, but not for good reasons.  There have been a large number of train derailments as of recent times.  Several oil trucks have reported suffering accidents that cause oil to spill onto roads and off the sides.  Many argue that a pipeline would be more efficient and less expensive in transporting oil, while the opposition not only believes the opposite, but they believe that there is higher risk should the pipeline experience mechanical issues that could lead to a horrid spill.

Pertaining to Human Environment Interaction, the opposition want nothing to do with another possible crisis like BP caused years ago.  BP is still cleaning up after it as well, only this time the drinking supply of millions would be far more at risk for contamination in addition to wildlife suffering as well.  Place and region are both affected, as the potential placing of the pipeline project is within a region of North America rich and plentiful in waterways and sources, in addition to large populations of cities and surrounding area in which wildlife thrive.