Half Time

King Abdullah of Jordan was in Washington DC meeting with President
Obama this week in an effort to get the Israeli-Palestinian talks back on track and to urge Syria to reconsider its violent actions against its citizens who are protesting in the streets for greater rights. The King, educated in the United States and England and known for his moderate stance on many issues, has played a valuable role in facilitating communication between his region and the west. What remains to be seen is how relevant his position will be in the new political systems now emerging from the Arab Spring.

The world was also riveted by the horrific scenes of the
Costa Concordia. Viewing the capsized cruise liner it seems amazing that over 4,000 passengers were able to reach the shore safely. The captain, who appears to have left the ship before the passengers were provided for, has been arrested and charged with manslaughter. This event is a reminder about the importance of safety and taking the time to understand what needs to be done in case of an emergency.

On the home front, the South Carolina primary is Saturday and
former Governor Romney’s substantial lead has shrunk to where he is running even with former Speaker Gingrich. This week Romney has been hammered with criticism that he pays only 15% of his income in federal taxes. Most of his earnings are from investments, which are taxed at that lower rate. Meanwhile, working people pay taxes ranging up
to 38%. Governor Perry of Texas dropped out of the race on Tuesday and threw his support to Gingrich. Stay tuned as the drama continues.

And close to home, we had our first real snow with more to come on Saturday. Get those shovels ready!

CWI

This week we completed our study of China by watching excerpts from a Frontline presentation called “Tank Man.” This documentary tells the story behind the iconic photo of the young man in Tiananmen Square who stood in front of the army’s tanks in 1989 in an effort to stop the military crackdown on the protestors. After this massive protest, China’s leaders told the people they would allow greater economic freedoms but would continue to insist on one party rule. We saw how China
can now be described as two different countries: China A is urban, wealthy and fast growing while China B remains rural and impoverished. Many of the young people in China B are migrating to urban areas to work in factories so they can send home their earnings to be used for the education of the next generation. If you are interested in learning more about this massive migration of people I would recommend you
watch “Last Train Home” which tells the story of a husband and wife who moved to the city to work in a mill and left their two children under the care of their grandparents. It is a heart wrenching story of long hours and much sacrifice that results in the emotional breakup of
the family. In an effort to help families cope with long distance separations, China is building high speed rail lines that will travel at hundreds of miles an hour to help families stay closer.

“A Powerful Truth”

As we conclude our formal study of contemporary world issues, we watched Nicolas Kristof’s slide show “A Powerful Truth” based on his
book “Half the Sky.” It is a moving six-minute review of the many problems women encounter around the world and how micro-financing,
lending small amounts of money to women, can change their lives. Women who have extra income spend it on their children for health care or education so by lending money to women to start small businesses we are truly helping the next generation. People who have good health, education and opportunity are more peaceful and that is what we are all hoping for…a more peaceful world. As Juniors you will soon
be starting a Capstone project and I would like to encourage you to think about doing a micro-financing project. There are various ways of doing this, one of which is explained on the Kiva website. Your modest efforts can make a big impact on a family who desperately needs a helping hand out of poverty.

Ai Wei Wei

G period had the opportunity to watch a clip from another Frontline story on China’s most famous artist and dissident, Ai Wei Wei. I hope you take the opportunity to watch this brief video that tells the story of the artist who designed the famous bird’s nest stadium for the Olympics and is noted for his installations. I feel fortunate to have seen some of his art work in Tokyo while it was on display in the Mori Museum.

Brazil and the UK

Thank you to our international officers who gave us an informative and insightful briefing on two very different countries: Brazil and
the UK. Brazil has just passed the UK to become the world’s 6th largest economy.

Status of Assignment Sheets

Congratulations to the many students who turned in their sheets on time. Maintaining the list of assignments and your scores allows you to monitor your own progress. There was a flurry of revised papers, newly
found assignments, and asking for one more chance as we finished off the quarter.

You have numerous support systems in place…the portfolio, the blog, extra help before and after school… so everyone has the opportunity
to be successful…it is up to you.

Midterm Exam

You have your study guide and a description of the exam. Take time to review, read over the blog, and discuss some of the key concepts with fellow students or family members. Come to class on time with a pen or pencil. Good luck!

State of the Union Address

The President, as required by the Constitution, will give his State of the Union Address on Tuesday evening. The President takes this opportunity to outline his goals for the coming year. His address will be before a Joint Session of Congress which means the Senators will join the House Members in the House chamber for the address. This is an exciting evening for all involved as the movers and shakers of our government gather in one place. Take a few minutes on Tuesday and watch the drama, including members of Congress vying for the President's attention as he walks through the chamber toward the podium.

Welcome Miss MacRoberts

Miss MacRoberts, a student at Salve, will be student teaching the CWI classes starting this Friday. Our curriculum now becomes focused on Modern America in a Global World so as we continue to keep one eye on the international scene we will also be delving into the key events of Modern America starting with the Great Depression and the New Deal. Welcome to Miss MacRoberts.