Abstract Post-Modernism is a relatively new movement that has shaped many different academic fields and human geography is no exception. This paper examines how postmodernism has affected approaches to urban planning, highlighting differences between postmodernism and modernism. The nature of the postmodern turn is explored and indeed the very plausibility of the movement is questioned in the context of contemporary human geography.
From the Paper "Manifestations of postmodernism in forms of art, architecture, literature and geography are visible in the world today. The often abstract, chaotic, intangible buildings such as the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao and the Disney Hall in L.A. prove that the condition exists and is practised on a global scale, at least in the architectural discipline. Postmodern expressions in geography are diverse. Its influence in the city is probably the most commonly cited, in particular its impact on urban design and planning. Postmodernism departs radically from modernist conceptions of how to regard space: postmodernists regard space as "something independent and autonomous, to be shaped according to aesthetic aims and principles which have nothing necessarily to do with any overarching social objective, save, perhaps [...] beauty as an objective in itself" (Harvey 1989, p.66). "
Abstract This paper explains that the Australian health care system is considered to be one of the better systems in the world, known for both its effectiveness and its efficiency. The author points out that its strength lies in the funding system, which employs three major subsidy plans nationwide: Medicare, the PBS, and the Private Health Insurance rebate of 30%. The paper states one of the problems is that the average customer, expecting a lot more than in the past, has driven health care treatment costs up considerably; yet there are more and more restraints or constraints on finances.
From the Paper "The aim of the Australian healthcare funding system is to provide good health care facilities for the citizens of Australia and to also offer a choice for her people through the involvement of the private sector in the financial side of healthcare. The most popular system of providing this care is called 'Medicare' and this is financed by the government through a general tax levied from a sum based on a person's general income. This service is provided free of cost at the various points where the Medicare facility have been established. The healthcare provided here includes subsidized rates for prescribed medicines, including free medicines for some chronically ill patients. It also includes free or subsidized rates of treatment by certain doctors such as dentists and optometrists. Medicare is also offered to certain people belonging to the 'special needs' group, such as Aborigines, people belonging to rural and inaccessible areas, and people with mental illnesses."
Abstract This paper explains that the physical environment of a nation helps facilitate human opportunities; the United States' geography has proven a source of economic and historical strength, as well as scientific curiosity. The author points out that the original colonies were mostly temperate in climate; but today, it is difficult to characterize the United States climate, as it is tropical in Hawaii and Florida, arctic in Alaska, semiarid in the Great Plains west of the Mississippi River, and arid in the Great Basin of the Southwest. The paper relates that the United States is far less regionalized than it used to be because of the simultaneous mobility and immigration shifts. Currently, geographers divide America into fourteen distinct regions, called Megalopolis, the American Manufacturing Core,; the Bypassed East; Appalachia and the Ozarks; the Deep South; the Southern Coastlands; the Agricultural Core; the Great Plains and Prairies; the Empty Interior; the Southwest Border Area; California; the North Pacific Coast; the Northlands; and Hawaii.
From the Paper "The United States is not all urban, even today. It is still one of the breadbaskets of the world in the Midwest and Southern Florida's long growing season and mild winters enable it to be a leader in the production of oranges, lemons, and sugarcane. New York's proximity to harbors brought many immigrants to the land in that region as well as the ability to import new goods and export American goods to other lands. Georgia's verdant and tropical climate made it a place of vacation destinations, and earlier in the nation's history, even a place where the slave trade found a home, because of its ease of growing crops."
Abstract This paper explains that the press is a good way to get the word out on such attractions and benefits for travelers coming to Australia, featuring natural wonders, historical sites, low prices, resorts and hotels and other amenities. The author points out that a story in the "Canberra Times" reminds motorists that they can expect to pay more in gas prices soon, which will reduce internal tourism among Australians in their own country. The paper relates that articles about threats of terrorism or disease can have an effect on tourism, but these effects tend to be short-lived, diminishing as the direct threat diminishes and as public confidence is restored by governmental action.
From the Paper "An examination of a number of publications over a period of a month or so shows that there is much interest in the idea of travel and in specific stories about tourism, hotels and resorts, travel to different parts of the world, and the perils of travel as well as the joys. Various businesses involved in travel or hospitality are also profiled both as businesses, asking questions about how well they are performing, and as destinations or means of travel, addressing the concerns of travelers. These stories provide information for Australians traveling to other destinations and extol the virtues of Australian destinations as well."
Abstract This paper explains the new reality for immigrant population groups in European countries. It looks at how the European Union's open-door policy has allowed for freer movement of immigrant group throughout the continent and discusses how this affects demographics and socialization of these groups. This paper focuses on the Turkish community in Germany.
From the Paper "The ebb and flow of people across borders has been always been a concern for nation-states and with the creation of the European Union this concern has not stopped or ceased but rather intensified within the community. As nationalism disappears in the wake of European integration replacing it will be a European identity yet to be defined. How these communities have integrated their new neighbors as well as the government's response to the increased social and economic strain is an indicator of times to come."
Abstract This paper explains that the Great Lakes Basin offers an abundance of ecological points to support ecotourism; moreover, if ecotourism becomes an important economic and social factor, it will have a positive affect on some of the ecological concerns of the region. The author points out that the tourism industry in the Great Lakes Basin is stagnated and the most appealing method to this revitalizing program is ecotourism, which would bring tourism to the area to generate both income to continue conservation efforts and interest in conserving the Great Lakes Basin's ecosystem and historic sites. The paper states that the first thrust of developing an ecotourism program is to survey Canadians and visitors to determine their interest in eco-travel and to evaluate potential financial benefits and to create an agency to manage ecotourism efforts in the Great Lakes Basin. Tables, charts, maps and illustrations.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Sustainability, Community Interest, Marketing and Mapping
Exotic Biologicals of Interest to Tourism and Ecotourism
Tourism Policies: Legal Issues Affecting Tourism Development in the Area
Tourism Statistics
Canoeing, Kayaking and Sailing
Power Boating
Recreational Fishing
Swimming
Most Popular Sports
Recommendations for Short, Medium and Long Terms
Ontario Tourism Forecast
Short-Term Recommendation
Medium- Term Recommendation
Long- Term Recommendation
Assorted Maps Useful for Planning Ecotourism
From the Paper "In addition to the scientific ecotourism potential in this species migration (and the list above is a very small part of it), there is the land-based cultural aspect, particularly sustainable if exploited because "the history of exploration, colonization, settlement, and commercial development of the Great Lakes by European settlers spans almost four centuries. Throughout this period, non-indigenous aquatic animal and plant species have been introduced both intentionally and accidentally." Here, cultural history also enters the picture because, for medicinal purposes, early settlers imported non-native plants, such as bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) as well as importing favored edibles, such as watercress (Rorippa nasturtium aquaticum), which thrived in the new environment, pushing out older native species."
This paper discusses that the eastern front of World War II was the bloodiest, costliest and most morally deprived fighting seen in the twentieth century.
Abstract This paper explains that the eastern front of the Second World War is often overlooked by Western historians; however, the fierce battles and enormous amount of blood spilled between Russia and Germany during this time is almost unfathomable by modern standards of warfare. The author points out that some of the most brutal fighting of World War II took place in the modern-day Ukraine, which was targeted by Hitler because of its strong industrial and agricultural base. Additionally, he sought to misdirect Soviet forces from the Baltic States to the Ukraine further in the south. The paper relates that the physical geography of the eastern front made holding strategic locations difficult; the sprawling, open nature of the land generated a situation in which deception and surprise were minimal and thus, casualties were considerable.
From the Paper "While the southern and central portions of the nation are densely populated and have varied geographies, northern Poland is more sparsely populated and almost uniform in its physical characteristics. The climate is generally cool and similar to that in central North America. The average temperature in the summer is between 60 F and 70 F, while the winter average is about 30 F. It has the capacity to reach very cold temperatures, and can be quite unaccommodating to massive military forces. Unfortunately, this climate was not enough to stop Russian and German armies from ravaging Poland's countryside. "Geographically, Poland stood as a tasty morsel between the jaws of Germany and Russia. An agricultural nation with no natural barriers or frontiers, Poland could not, like Switzerland, look to the mountains, money, or a strong industry for protection.""
Abstract This paper explains that the United States of America is a constitution-based federal republic with a strong democratic tradition. The author points out that Egypt has been politically organized since its early civilizations; in modern time, from 1923 to 1952, Egypt was a constitutional monarchy, then military officers seized control of the government and it became a republic in 1953; however, it essentially remained a military dictatorship dominated by a single political party although in 1978 a multiparty political system was instituted. The paper relates that the most obvious difference between the governments of Egypt and the United States is Egypt's adherence to Islamic Law within its legal system; the commonality is that both countries have similar political structures based on individual constitutions.
From the Paper "The main political parties are the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, the Green Party, the Independent Party and the Libertarian Party. The constitution provided for a separation of state and government, therefore there is no government religion in the United States, although the majority of the population adheres to Christian doctrine however, because the U.S. is a country founded on basically on immigration, the landscape is comprised of many religions and many cultures. The U. S. has welcomed some fifty million immigrants, more than any other country, and admits approximately 700,000 persons per year."
Abstract The Central Business District(CBD) of any city represents the functional heart of the city. It looks at how, as the focus of intra-urban connectivity, this zone has been deserted, undergone extensive makeovers and been seriously challenged by young up-starts in the form of Out-of-Town Shopping Centres and Hypermarkets at the rural-urban fringe. This paper attempts to examine the hopes, prospects and possible re-birth of the city's most recognized zone. Examples from Singapore, the U.K., the U.S.A. and Japan help put together the pieces of this complicated jig-saw together producing a picture of the fascinating reveal of the new CBD.
From the Paper "The biggest competitor to the CBD in the 1980s onwards was the Out-of-Town Shopping Centre. Now, ironically, the situation seems to be reversed based on the problems of these peripheral centres and the advances made within the central area. Out-of-Town Centres are not ideal for shoppers interests as the drive to them can be quite time
consuming and interestingly small access roads may be jammed with traffic! In addition, older age groups, the young and poor may not use these centres due to their inability to drive or to purchase in bulk. For these groups the CBD may be a better option. Out-of-Town developments will initially eliminate the local competition in the form of small neighbourhood shops selling low order goods."
Abstract Louisiana encompasses an area of 51,844 square miles and is the 31st largest state in the United States. This paper examines the topography of the state, examining areas such as geographic regions, lakes and rivers, forestland, plant and animal life and climate.
From the Paper "Various types of natural lakes exist. Cut-off or oxbow lakes (for example, False River, Bruin, Larto) form when a stream "cuts off" the neck of a meander (bend) to create a new course. Particularly along the valley of the Red, raft lakes (Caddo, Cross, Bistineau, Black, and others) were formed from waters dammed by the Great Raft, a logjam that clogged the river until it was finally removed. Lakes form along the coast when cheniers (beach ridges) act to slow the flow of rivers while also protecting the resulting lake from encroachment by the Gulf. Lakes Pontchartrain, Maurepas, and Catahoula exist in grabens, depressions in the earth bounded by faults. Other natural lakes are associated with the drainage in the vicinity of rivers, deltas, and salt domes."
Abstract This paper explains that e-commerce facilitates the emergence of new small businesses as solely e-commerce-based entering the business world as a virtual companies and traders, because the use of the internet reduces the monetary investment needed for real estate, staffing and other associated costs associated with a "brick and mortar" company. The author points out that the internet enables information, services and value to be transferred seamlessly around the globe; thereby, e-commerce enables small and medium-sized firms to participate in international trade and for small and large companies to have equal access to this medium. The paper relates that e-commerce has obvious implications for the internationalization of Australian business, specifically on small businesses and the Australian economy as a whole, which otherwise is isolated physically from the main global centers of commerce.
From the Paper "This business has embraced the opportunities that e-commerce and the internet has to offer. A small privately owned company, You Name It Labels Pty Ltd have found a niche in the market with their product and have invested in advertising in areas most likely to reach its primary target market. By embarking on an e-business venture this company has a strong internet presence for their product as many small businesses in Australia still shy from this medium - thus presenting less competition. Their website is concise and accessible and has far increased potential for increased trade that mail order, which would be the traditional form this business would have taken."
Abstract The ever changing nature of urban morphology of cities throughout the world are often the result of the complex inter-relationships that have evolved in both a temporal and spatial format. This paper examines how diversification, agglomeration, specialization, concentration and urbanization all complement and contradict each other in relation to the urban mosaic. It also attempts to evaluate the role of the multitude of deterministic factors that give rise to distinctive areas of specialization within the city. In particular, reference is made to the CBD, inner cities and zones of industrial development.
From the Paper "The development of twilight zones are synonomous with the transitional zone and the inner city. Twilight zones have high levels of crime, are popular with foreign migrants and offer low-cost housing in the older parts of the city. Accessibility again is also one factor influencing their development. Many of the residents in twilight zones are working class and need to live in close proximity to their place of work. Transport costs take up a large proportion of their very low incomes and to minimize this they live close to their employment. However land values are still high and specialization in cities will be linked to bid rents."
Abstract This paper explains that GIS encompasses both the digital and geographical techniques involved in the systems used for the processing and dissemination of geographic information. GIS may be defined as an automated system that allows the creation, editing, studying, analyzing and displaying spatially referenced data. It further examines how GIS has the capacity to manipulate several different spatial datasets at the same time. The writer concludes that GIS plays a significant role in resource planning and other planned activities with reference to the geographical aspects of an activity.
From the Paper "GIS makes use of both the traditional disciplines as well as technology. It is a technology that makes use of a wide variety of disciplines and as such may be considered an enabling technology. Geography is a traditional discipline and is the science of comprehending the world and man's place on it and is a constituent of GIS. Geography has made use of spatial analysis for a very long time and this has often been done in the manual form that forms the starting blocks of spatial research and analysis. Cartography is the display of spatial information and is another constituent of GIS. Cartography happens to be the predominant source of data for input to GIS either digitized or scanned. Designing and creating maps forms a significant component in what is the output function of GIS, which gives rise to the popular myth that production of maps is the function of GIS. (What is a GIS and What Does It Do?)"
Abstract This paper examines how in 2009, a monumental undertaking that began in China in 1994 is planned for completion and how the Three Gorges Dam project on the Yangtze River is expected to be the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. It looks at the history behind the project and how the balancing act between development and economic issues on one hand, and other concerns such as the environment and antiquities and resettlement on the other, has long been a challenge for China.
From the Paper "In 1979, economic reforms and the desire to expand industry encouraged construction to restart. The number of critics grew. Leaders from Chongqing demanded that the dam height be raised. Some environmentalists were angered that the dam would cause rather than solve more problems and were concerned about the destruction of natural land. Human rights activists refuted the resettlement plan. Archeologists objected that many historical sites would end up under water. Most notably would be sites that are remnants of the homeland of the Ba, an ancient people who settled in the region about 4,000 years ago. Further, a number of engineers began wondering if the dam would solve the necessary problems. "
Abstract This paper attempts to identify historical adherence in development along the British coastal area as well as urban sustainability in architectural construction and landscape design and development. Through a literature review of both modern as well as historical accounts of the coastal resort and port region of the British coast, it provides sound evidence based on architectural planning initiatives along the British coastal region that are environmentally conducive to land and urban coast sustainability as well as preservation and conservation of natural resources.
Outline
Objective
Rationale for Research
Research Objectives
Methodology
Literature Review
Portsmouth: Industrial City/Naval Port (Hampshire County)
Brighton: Resort Town/Coastal Strip (East Sussex County)
Ramsgate: Resort/Port Town - Coastal Strip (Kent County)
Sandwich: Historic Town/Coastal Strip (Kent County)
Southampton: Port/Industrial City (Hampshire County)
Hastings: Resort Town/Coastal Strip (East Sussex County)
Summary & Conclusion
From the Paper "In a case study entitled Urban Renaissance in the South East Case Study 4 on town of Portsmouth which is a industrial city with a naval port located in South Hampshire of Hampshire County the population is stated to be 190,000 in the densely populated area. Portsmouth has built upon its' 'naval heritage' in the initiative to improve its image as well as facilities in attracting a broader range of local jobs as well as visitors. In a phased strategy the island- city, one of the most historic naval ports in Britain is surrounded on three sides by the sea as is located at the entrance to the Harbor that is historically famous."
