The word culture, from the Latincolo, -ere, with its root meaning "to cultivate", generally refers to patterns of human activity and the symbolic structures that give such activity significance. Different definitions of "culture" reflect different theoretical bases for understanding, or criteria for evaluating, human activity. Anthropologists most commonly use the term "culture" to refer to the universal human capacity to classify, codify and communicate their experiences symbolically. This capacity is long been taken as a defining feature of the genus Homo. However, primatologists such as Jane Goodall have identified aspects of culture among our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.Goodall, J. 1986. The Chimpanzees of Gombe: Patterns of Behavior.
America's eco-kids keep a keen eye on their parents By LISA W. FODERARO Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:32:30 -0000 A growing army of American children steeped in environmentalism - a pint-size eco-police, whose demands grow ever greater, and more expensive - are trying to hold their perplexed parents accountable. Native American tribes see profit in wind power By Felicity Barringer Fri, 10 Oct 2008 02:56:07 -0000 Native American tribes in South Dakota are hoping to build turbine farms, to take advantage of some of the country's strongest and most reliable winds. Connecticut high court rules same-sex couples can marry Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:32:30 -0000 Connecticut's Supreme Court ruled Friday that same-sex couples have the right to marry, making that state the third behind Massachusetts and California to legalize such unions. McCain attacks Obama for supposed ties to '60s radical By JIM RUTENBERG AND JULIE BOSMAN Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:32:30 -0000 Senator John McCain has attacked Senator Barack Obama for his supposed ties to the 1960s radical William Ayers, and is releasing an ad accusing the Democrat of lying. Palin and aides pressed for trooper's removal By Serge F. Kovaleski Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:13:58 -0000 Alaska's former public safety commissioner was contacted three dozen times by Governor Sarah Palin, her husband and seven administration officials about the status of one of his troopers, interviews and documents show. Fictitious donors found in campaign finance records By Michael Luo and Griff Palmer Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:47:23 -0000 Some dubious donations raise concerns about whether the Obama campaign can adequately vet online donors.
Child Aid - US-based nonprofit sponsoring children's education and health projects in Oaxaca and Guatemala. Describes history, current programs, and how to volunteer or donate.
Coffee Kids - US-based nonprofit provides newsletter and financial statements for its health, education, and microenterprise programs in southern Mexico and Central America.
Despues de las Guerras - After the Wars - Radio series focusing on aspects of society after the peace accords of the 1990s, including employment, youth, and government. Provides production information and audio segments. [English/Spanish]
Meta Description: [ Despues de las Guerras: Central America After the Wars -
The most comprehensive coverage of Central America ]
HELP International - Nonprofit organization provides training in microenterprise, gardening, and English to Central Americans. Describes programs, staff, and how to participate as a volunteer.