National Geographic Magazine @ nationalgeographic.com

May 2002

We invite you to speak your mind on these hot topics and global issues plucked from the pages of National Geographic magazine. For more on the subject go to the online feature page, or read the May 2002 issue of NGM.

Food: How Safe?

High-profile incidents of foodborne illnesses and deaths from such contaminants as E. coli O157:H7 and mad cow disease have raised public awareness about how we handle food from production to personal preparation. How have you changed what you eat or the way you handle and cook food? Are government safety recommendations an overreaction? Enter>>

Food: How Altered?

Scientists are altering our food at the genetic level to help rid the world of hunger and to produce food that can withstand drought and grow in poor soil. But critics are concerned about the ramifications of introducing to the environment what we may not fully understand. Enter>>

Inca Mummies

Some people would argue that archaeological excavation of sacred burial sites, such as the Puruchuco-Huaquerones cemetery in Peru, is disrespectful to the dead. Share your thoughts on the line between desecration and archaeological excavation. Enter>>

Po River

Share your thoughts on all things Italian. What places in Italy inspire you? What favorite Italian spots would you recommend to visit? Tell us about your favorite wines, foods, and art. Enter>>

Land Mines

Last year explosives killed or maimed 15,000 to 20,000 people in some 70 countries. As a result, humanitarian organizations such as the International Campaign to Ban Land Mines have persuaded more than 140 nations to commit to a ban of antipersonnel mines. The U.S. will sign on only if it can find equally effective alternatives to land mines that don't limit its military options. Should the U.S. sign the agreement? Why? Enter>>

HipZips

Nominate your favorite zip or postal code for coverage in the pages of National Geographic. Our magazine series—ZipUSA—takes a periodic peek at special corners of the country by zip code. We like the concept so much that we’re going global and extending our stories to include international postal codes as well. So describe a weird, wacky, wonderful locale of your own choosing—it just might make it into the magazine—and read postings from other folks too. Enter>>