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Shutting Off the Internet Was the Wrong Thing to Do
January 31, 2011 by Michelle Kraus
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Egypt may have made their single biggest strategic blunder by attempting to shut down the Internet and cell networks. Indeed, by doing so they may have sealed their destiny. Yeah, yeah, yeah of course Facebook and Twitter are organizing tools for crowd sourcing. But so what! Let them come out in the streets, but do not incite violence or attack the protesters.
Violence begets violence plain and simple. Wasn’t it Senator John Kerry this morning who echoed the words of Gandhi and Martin Luther King? Egypt, the Internet is the safety valve. Yep, and by shutting it down you may have quashed all opportunity for a peaceful resolution of the unrest in Cairo. The challenge for Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak is whether he and his regime will step up by turning the Internet back on; or revert back to silence and terror. This government, and others like it, fails to grasp the new and all-powerful role of the Internet, and specifically social media in bringing people together, promoting discourse and potentially halting violence.
Alas, if all of the world would only fight in cyberspace. Nation would not lift up the sword against other nations, or their… Read more…
On Guerrilla and Illicit Gardening
January 31, 2011 by Ellen Park
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Illicit gardening: who knew that playing in the dirt could be so, well, provocative? London-based Richard Reynolds is the unofficial spokesperson for a worldwide movement dedicated to cultivating plants in public places without permission!
From pimping pavement to throwing seed bombs, Reynolds’ book On Guerrilla Gardening: A Handbook for Gardening Without Boundaries, explains tactics and provides inspiration for gardeners seeking to beautify their urban communities and coincidentally burst apathy about public spaces, at any risk.
Check out his talk on February 10, 2011 in the Tobias Theater at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis. Admission is $8.
In his talk, Reynolds will survey the breadth of community-based gardening from artists and activists to foodies and florists who are using horticulture to combat litter and pollution everywhere from Botswana to Canada. Of course, a book signing follows his remarks.
(Image, from Lambeth, London, England, courtesy of Guerrilla Gardening)
Not Quite Erupting with Excitement on Guatemala’s Volcano Pacaya
January 31, 2011 by Kim and Clark Kays
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After spending a few sedentary days in Antigua, I was ready for a little activity. So, I signed up for the afternoon hike to volcán Pacaya. It’s one of Guatemala’s active volcanoes and last erupted in May of 2010. You can still see it smoldering on the skyline.
I had high hopes for this hike. It would be my first time climbing around on a volcano, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I just kept thinking of that Reading Rainbow episode when Levar Burton climbed around the steaming rocks with red-hot lava flowing in the cracks. I was really excited!
I climbed into a shuttle bus with about eight other people and we bounced our way out of the cobblestone streets of Antigua. It was a beautiful hour and a half ride to get to the base of the volcano. I spent the time chatting with my group and taking in the view.
We arrived at the base, met our guide, purchased some walking sticks from some kids, and hit the trail. Then came my first disappointment. Our guide only spoke Spanish. So, for most… Read more…
Peter Guber: How to Use Storytelling to Build Relationships for Life
January 31, 2011 by Renee Blodgett
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Electric Cars’ Greener, Younger Sibling is Here
January 31, 2011 by Green Thing
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How long is your journey into work? A bit too long for an old fashion pushbike?
Then hop on to the e-bike craze – it’s pedal powered transport without needing to eat your wheeties should you get tired or have to go a long way.
Here are 5 e-bike models, getting people out of cars an onto 2 wheels.
1.Volkswagen have designed a new electric scooter, the Bik.e, that fits snugly into the spare tyre space in your boot, recharging as your drive.
Then when four wheels can go no further out comes the compact two wheeler.
Great for short distances but not for a long commute as once the bike’s out of juice it’s back to walking as the Bik.e has no pedals.
2. In Spain, Fiat is offering a replacement electric bike instead of the standard courtesy car when your vehicle is being fixed to encourage greener travelling and sustainable mobility. If the trial goes well Fiat will be offering electric bikes to its customers all over Europe; the perfect chance for e-bikes to ride into the spotlight and steal the transport show.… Read more…
5 Key Mistakes To Avoid When Teaching English Abroad
January 31, 2011 by Carrie Kellenberger
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When teaching English in foreign countries, teachers often unknowingly make mistakes that undermine their position with students. Teaching English as a second language in different countries is an involved process.
As an English teacher, you mustn’t only adjust to the foreign environment, food, music, TV, etc. but also to students themselves. Breaking down the language barrier is the least of your concerns, avoiding a classroom culture clash should be your top priority.
Below is a list of common mistakes made by English teachers abroad and some tips on how to avoid them. By no means is this an all inclusive list that accounts for every possible scenario that may arise. However one way to avoid most awkward situations is to accept the folly of assumption. In other words, by accepting the universal principal of “never assume anything”, you are more likely to avoid cultural dissonance.
1. Don’t make the mistake of avoiding the dress etiquette
Many teachers make the mistake of not paying too much attention to the dress etiquette. In the U.S. we take many liberties for granted, dressing comfortably may not seem like a big…Read more…
Winemakers Dinners in the Florida Keys
January 31, 2011 by Susan McKee
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If the Florida Keys are on your itinerary in the next few months, consider timing your trip to coincide with a Winemakers Dinner at Little Palm Island Resort — reached only by motor launch from Little Torch Key, Florida.
On February 18, 2011, the dinner features Château d’Esclans (rosé wines), hosted by Proprietor Sacha Lichine. Then, on March 16, 2011, it’s a special event. The Dining Room’s Chef Luis Pous recreates his 2010 James Beard House menu (a five-course meal), accompanied by Jordan Wines.
The five-course dinner in April will be hosted by Duckhorn Winery. In May, there’ll be wine- and food-pairing menus on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays all month, with wine from Ramey Winery.
For more information (and, reservations!) call 800:343-8567.
(Photo courtesy of Little Palm Resort)
Top Ten Oaxaca Favorites
January 31, 2011 by Adele Hammond
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A five foot high ceramic figure at the home of one of the Blanco sisters daughters.
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