Letters to the Editor
andgraham
Published Letters: 5 Editor's Choice: 4
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Al-Jazeera as a cultural perspective
[Read the article: The few. The culturally aware. The Language Corps]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]USA Troops learning Arabic in the middle east is probably a good idea. But at home in the USA, we're lucky enough to be able to tune into a middle eastern news network without even having to speak Arabic.
Maybe people should check Al-Jazeera along with CNN, FOX, and BBC next time they want an update that gives them a culturally aware perspective.
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Galeano says monoculture
[Read the article: How Portugal screwed up Brazil]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]In "Las Venas Abiertas de Latin America," Eduardo Galeano tells all. Brazil is definitely not the only country to get a start on the left foot because of colonial structures taking absolutely everything out of a country with complete disregard for development.
He makes a strong point to say that sugarcane is a monoculture crop not indiginous to the new world, but has been wreaking havoc on the natural ecosystem for centuries. First through the plantation system, and now who knows what will happen next...
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1000 words.
[Read the article: The battle for California, as seen by bike. Part 2]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Or just post a picture. It will simplify things for maximum blog enjoyment. Then you can add a caption of the day tied into globalization.
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The Locutorio Concept or Computerpooling
[Read the article: One billion down, 5 and a half to go]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]People in developing countries don't necessarily have to wait 10 more years for cheaper and smaller computers to have access to technology. Right now there are other concepts that exist besides the personal computer that give people access and these will continue to be a much more popular means for the masses.
There is something called a "locutorio" in Latin America that is something very similar to our concept of an internet cafe - without the beverages. It is essentially a business that allows people to come in and use computers by paying for time. With this concept, a locutorio with 10 computers can give a community of 300 people the access that they need. Even though the people don't have personal ownership they do have access.
Furthermore, this concept could teach us that developing countries can creatively work together as individuals to get what they need, and that the personal computer is not the de facto first step. Personal ownership of an everchanging technology may not be the best route for the developing world. Instead of jumping right into the race for a $100 dollar laptop (which I do think is a great endeaver) a little social analysis may pay off better in the long run as we near the 1 billion computer mark.
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@Alkaline
[Read the article: Is there enough pig manure to feed the world?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]"That works nicely if you have enough grazing land. How much suitable land do we have that is not already occupied by people, farms, or commercial development?"
I disagree that land shortages will be an issue in dealing with changing farming practices to deal with higher fertilizer prices in the long run. As the price of fertilizer goes up because of oil scarcity our transportation systems will also become more expensive. Eventually, changes in land use will reflect the best uses and you will probably have plenty of grazing land if it is needed. Commercial development/people and farms and grazing will occupy space accordingly.