From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:31 PM

When we think of the Arctic, we often think of global warming. But a deeper, darker issue plagues the region. In the northern Canadian town of Iqaluit, women are eight times more likely to be victims of domestic violence. See how brave Arctic women are supporting each other at Qimaavaik (Inuktit...

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:31 PM

According to Hindu belief, drinking water from the Ganga (Ganges) River with one’s last breath will carry the soul to heaven. To attain salvation and for the forgiveness of sins, Hindus will travel from around the world to immerse themselves in the river's purifying waters.

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:31 PM

HIV is a growing problem in India. The disease has spread from affecting particular groups — sex workers and truck drivers, for instance — to all sectors of Indian society. But in a country where poverty, illiteracy, and poor health are rife, doctors are faced with the daunting challenge of rais...

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:31 PM

Elephants play a vital role in Indian society, as they are used for both agricultural tasks and religious ceremonies. Asian elephants are distinct from their larger and more aggressive African relatives: They have smaller tusks, an arched back, smaller ears, and a rounded, double-lobed forehead.

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:31 PM

Built by European traders in the 17th century, Ghana’s Cape Coast Castle was the point of departure for the countless numbers of Africans who were sent to the New World as free labor for the colonies. Join Explore founder Charles Annenberg Weingarten on a virtual tour of the slave dungeon, and w...

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:31 PM

We often think that when a wild mountain gorilla beats his chest, it means he is angry, and you’d better get out of his way. But it is really just his way of either showing off, getting rid of anxiety, or merely just staying in contact with his family. Craig Sholley, the explore team's guid...

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:11 PM

Women in rural China have one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Wu Qing at the Development Center for Rural Women believes that empowering women with the idea of equality, giving them out-of-home work skills, and instilling a sense of social responsibility will increase their feeling of...

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:10 PM

The American Red Cross played an essential role both during and after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and other parts of the Gulf Coast. Thanks to an outpouring of national support, it was able to raise more than $2 billion and coordinated the efforts of 230,000 volunteers. Still, recovery ...

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:10 PM

In 1419, Jamchen Choje Sakya Yeshe established the Sera Monastery, a monastic university that provides religious education to monks from age 8 up to 70. An integral part of the monks' studies is Buddhist debate. Every afternoon, students gather in an open courtyard to debate the scriptures,...

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:10 PM

Whereas most bears have round pupils, giant pandas have vertical slits, like cats' eyes — a feature that has inspired the Chinese to call the panda the "great bear cat." Though still endangered, organizations like the Wolong Nature Reserve have successfully reintroduced the species into the...

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:10 PM

In the United States alone, as many as ten million animals enter shelters each year and millions must be euthanized due to lack of space. Explore visits the Animal Shelter of Wood River Valley — the first no-kill shelter in Idaho — and finds out how the shelter staff rescues, protects, and finds...

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:09 PM

Kochi is the commercial hub of Kerala. Ruled by Indian princes since 1102 BC, it became an important spice trading center on the Arabian Sea in the 14th century. By 1503, however, Portuguese traders took control and it became the first European colonial settlement in India — and was later claime...

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:09 PM

After the thrilling experience of seeing gorillas in the wild, Charlie thinks about this noble and powerful species that shares so much of their genetic makeup with humans. He deconstructs the myth of gorillas as violent animals and explains why they just might stand as a metaphor for what we as...

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:03 PM

M.C. Mehta is one of India’s foremost environmental lawyers. Mehta is a crusader for India's environment, leading the legal fight to clean up the Ganges, save the Taj Mahal from acid rain, and prevent industrial companies from polluting ground water. Join Charles Annenberg Weingarten in thi...

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:02 PM

Originally built to accommodate 400 students, the Manyara School was home to 800 students when explore visited the site in 2005. There had been no physical maintenance or repair in over two decades, and a team of just 15 teachers was managing the overcrowded classrooms in dilapidated buildings. ...

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:02 PM

The explore team takes you to the site of the Three Gorges Dam before it was completed and became the the largest hydroelectric dam in the world — more than five times the size of the Hoover Dam. The dam’s five-step system of locks raise and lower ships by as much as 371 feet, and 25 massive tur...

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:02 PM

Jack Johnson performs his song "Mud Football" and shares one of the stories behind the lyrics.

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:02 PM

Reggae rock star Rocky Dawuni pays musical tribute to Jerusalem, a holy place cherished by many. Experience Rocky’s vision of peace and harmony as he walks the streets, witnessing the beautiful faces and places of this ancient yet modern city.

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:02 PM

To communicate and socialize, orcas raise their tails high and slap them down on the surface of the water, which is called lob-tailing. They also use a beautiful and complex language of clicks and whistles, which mothers teach to their offspring. Resident pods even have their own unique dialects.

From: explore on Mon, Dec 07 2009 5:01 PM

Bharatanatyam dance is derived from the ancient Hindu tradition of Cathir, the art of temple dancers. A complex and beautiful art originally only performed by women, Bharatanatyam is now practiced by men and women, Hindu and non-Hindu alike. It has gained widespread popularity through its portra...