In 1960 Chile was shaken by the largest earthquake ever recorded before. Its magnitude was 9.6 degrees on the Richter logarithmic scale, which has a maximum of 10.
At present, history is taught as though power struggles were its most important aspect. Furthermore, the present teaching of history is indoctrination in nationalism. We need to reform our teaching of history so that the emphasis will be placed on the gradual growth of human culture and knowledge, a growth to which all nations and ethnic groups have contributed.
John Scales Avery
A New Freely Downloadable Book
I would like to announce the publication of a book, which reviews the lives and thoughts of some of the women and men who have contributed importantly to the development of astronomy, from ancient times to the present. The book may be freely downloaded and circulated from the following link:
11 January 2020 (UN News)* — The mining of gold in unregulated and often hand-dug pits in West Africa, can be a deadly occupation, but one which many impoverished people in the region are pushed into by necessity, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
IOM/Alexander Bee | Gold-mining in West Africa is often carried out by hand.
Mali is Africa’s third biggest exporter of gold and a third of the country’s total production is estimated to come from artisanal mining in which over one million people are employed.
January 2020 (IOM)* — The latest arrival in a small brothel in the gold-mining hub of Yanfolila, southern Mali, Mariam* still recalls the first time she had sex for money. She took a man into her small, concrete room, and did what she had to do. She then cried and went to sleep, too sore to see other customers.
Bolsonaro has shown little respect for the Indigenous people of Brazil, as he conitnues to promote commercial projects on their lands.
Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro looks on as he leaves the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia, Brazil January 9, 2020. | Photo: Reuters (Photo posted here fromteleSUR).
12 January 2020 (teleSUR)* — Brazil’s right-wing regime said it was pushing ahead with its plans to mine on tribal lands, despite the objections of the people that live in these targeted areas.