The Year in Review-Your last "regular" term blogpost

...as the countdowns and reviews are in full force, it makes sense for the first post of January (week of the 6th to 12th) to be what you feel was a significant news story/headline/world event of 2012.

Regular blog rubric.
Remember to seek external references. 
Remember to comment to a classmates post - when you do this much work it's nice to know someone else reads your post.
Substantiate the reasoning as to why the event you selected ranks in the top tier of news headlines for 2012.  Don't worry if someone else chooses the same topic, but be sure you do not repeat word for word another classmates opinions.

You can enter your posts at any time you wish.  They will not be marked until the end of the week January 6th to 12th.

Good news.  There will only be one more blog post after this one. 
It will be a special topic TBA in January and will be summative in nature.

Thank you for sharing your opinions and ideas in 2012.  You are all awesome!
All the best in 2013!

Your ISU

...will be due in just under a month.  As usual, I can prescribe a straight-out-of-the-textbook assignment but would much prefer instead to collaboratively build the assignment expectations based on your learning strengths and needs.  I am thinking that this assignment should comprise a portion of your final exam (the in-class component).   We will discuss the portion you feel it should comprise when we reconvene in January.

So far we have come up:
An essay which will be composed in class time which relies on a minimum of 5 references (all of which you will be permitted to bring in to the class with you.)   You will submit all references along with your essay.

If you require a keyboard or other assistive technology as per your program please set this out with me well in advance.

The focus I would like you to take is in particular the interplay between:
Environment (Sustainability vs.
Economy (Jobs vs. unemployment/poverty)
Technology (new tools, ideas, and their effects)
Society (i.e. people, employment, etc.)
Geopolitics (i.e. the bigger issues)

So for example, you could pick one topic: Natural Gas and set up your entire essay as in the following discusssion thread on Fracking which I have set up this week as an opportunity to practice/observe how these topics can be discussed in various ways.  Note: Fracking will not available as an essay topic for this same reason.

Level 4
5 references (3 peer reviewed, 2 media or other reputable source - not wikipedia)
Exceptional/Excellent use of grammar and spelling
Essay structure is excellent with clearly outline intro, clear points, and conclusion.
Excellent hook/introduction to immediately engage readers

Fracking

We began the film "Gasland" as an introduction to the fracking process.

Today's Globe and Mail headline reads that the natural gas industry could be worth an estimated $1 trillion dollars, rivalling the oilsands.  The article fails to mention how those dollars will be distributed and who they will be distributed to, but does mention how many estimated person years of employment  the gas industry will provide.  This erupting success in the gas industry is largely due to the fracking process.
Article here:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2012/12/17/business-natural-gas.html

You may reference the website or the film, Gasland, as a source but remember to be specific to the details of the film or website (i.e. which page the info is found on).

What is "fracking" ?  Benefits/Downsides?  Explain the connection betweent improvements in technology affect our environment and economy - and lastly the geopolitics (Canada/U.S./Far East).
 

Socially responsible investing...

After the recent shootings an interesting take on what is social "responsible" investing.
Read and comment.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/inside-the-market/sandy-hook-gun-makers-and-the-thorny-ethics-of-investing/article6494087/

Compare the ethics of Smith and Wesson or Ruger (as mentioned in the article) to those of Exxon, or here in Canada; Imperial (Esso), Suncor (PetroCanada).  Are there any differences?  Back up your opinion with facts.

How about infrastructure giants like Enbridge or TransCanada Pipeline?  Any differences here?

What about keeping our money in a savings account in the bank?  What is done with all of our nation's collective savings (Our banks Tier 1 Capital ratio (the cash a bank must have on hand in bill form ready to go) ranges from 11-15%; meaning the other 85% of YOUR own money is tied up at work for them).  Are there any differences in the "ethics" of this investing?

Don't forget to dance!

Different takes on the tragic event.

Morgan Freeman's take on the shooting - went viral on FB:"You want to know why. This may sound cynical, but here's why.

It's because of the way the media reports it. 

Flip on the news and watch how we treat the Batman theater shooter and the Oregon mall shooter like celebrities. Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris are household names, but do you know the name of a single *victim* of Columbine Disturbed
people who would otherwise just off themselves in their basements see the news and want to top it by doing something worse, and going out in a memorable way. Why a grade school? Why children? Because he'll be remembered as a horrible monster, instead of a sad nobody.

CNN's article says that if the body count "holds up", this will rank as the second deadliest shooting behind Virginia Tech, as if statistics somehow make one shooting worse than another. Then they post a video interview of third-graders for all the details of what they saw and heard while the shootings were happening. Fox News has plastered the killer's face on all their reports for hours. Any articles or news stories yet that focus on the victims and ignore the killer's identity? None that I've seen yet. Because they don't sell. So congratulations, sensationalist media, you've just lit the fire for someone to top this and knock off a day care center or a maternity ward next.

You can help by forgetting you ever read this man's name, and remembering the name of at least one victim. You can help by donating to mental health research instead of pointing to gun control as the problem. You can help by turning off the news."

UPDATE:  Morgan Freeman's take on shooting is a fraud.  This raises some of the major issues as to the use of social media in reporting "news" - some of which I have been watching evolve over the past few years much to my dismay.
See source below which claims it was a fraud:
http://www.contactmusic.com/news/morgan-freeman-newtown-shooting-comments-a-hoax_3423917

UPDATE 2:  See comment #1 from matt below for the link that suggests the response to this shooting is to have more access to guns - that's right.
An interesting write-up for those of you keen on linking this thread to the socially responsible investing thread: Go through past shootings in the U.S. and tell me how the stock prices of major gun manufacturers reacted initially, and in the six months following.

Our thoughts and prayers

go out to the families of yesterday's victims.  Two events, one in the Connecticut; the other in China.  Be sure to tell your loved ones today that you love them as we know how fragile life can be.

Egypt

The president attempted to pass a bill that would give him absolute power.  Feel free to expand on what happened this week and/or the events leading up to the week.  What was the response of the public?  What are they asking for?  What is the president's plan for that country?

North Korea

Launched a missile this week.  Dig in, find out the details, find out the implications.  What will this mean to the rest of the world going forward?

Northern Gateway Pipeline

We discussed in class yesterday - be sure to check out the Tipping Barrels surf video if you were away in order to get an overview of the beauty of the area. 

Hearings (government) are resuming today.  Read article first, then comment:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/cullen-not-easing-up-on-northern-gateway-pipeline/article6222403/?cmpid=rss1

Also see 2nd film for a brief overview.

Video Thread (from last week)

Two video requests came to me last week a tad late (ahem), but I feel they should both be heard out or at least viewed.

No marks at stake here as you already have your assignment for the week laid out, but feel free to watch and comment as you wish.  The first from Laura and 2nd from Benji.

This week's assignment....

...is awesome.  Really.  I've been thinking/scouring the net for the right idea for us this week.  Taking your feedback from the video suggestion this is our final for this week.

Click on this link.
http://www.filmsforaction.org/walloffilms/

From here you can access nearly 400 videos for social change from the films for action wall of films.  Watch one and comment on it.  If you want to "claim" the movie before another person does, then simply post your movie title in the comments section on our blog, then watch the movie, then edit your comment and you will be first - no harm done eh?

This week will be different in that you will not require external references.  I want to give you a breather in this aspect (it will never happen again for the rest of your educated life) so you can feel free to reference the film itself to support or refute your opinion on the film you choose to watch.

Ontario Ministry rubric is posted on our wall which we will use in lieu of our standard rubric (unless you have an alternative suggestion).  I will allow a bit of a "film critic" slant to your writing that hopefully encourages classmates to select the same film as you; so go ahead and put out a good sales pitch if you enjoyed it, if not, then be honest and stop me from spending time watching something that won't benefit me.

Most of all, understand that what you have done these past few months is absolutely awesome and I hope you enjoy gaining education in a variety of issues.

Harper the Dog-faced Prime Minister vs. Palestine?

Well, it's official.  What timing considering we looked at Israel last week - Palestine is officially one step closer to becoming a new country according to the UN.  But not according to some countries, including to the US, Israel, and our country.

Read the following article from the Toronto Star and feel free to start a discussion on the geopolitics involved.

What does "non-member observer status" entail?
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1294745--palestinian-statehood-bid-has-no-support-from-canada

Canada U.S. border disputes

Read the following article.

http://greatbarrierreef.com.au/information/great-barrier-reef-threats/

What other parts/areas of Canada's sovereignty are challenged by our neighbours?  (The U.S., Denmark, France and Russia).  Find an area, find the details, post the issues that pertain to that border. 
Another concept to consider: Are borders even necessary or worthwhile in a global community?

Critical of the Media

We are at the point in the course now where we need to seriously consider whether all the "facts" we read are actually true.  Most media sources are controlled by a handful of powerful people - people who have agendas.  Tell me the flaws that you can spot with the following articles - if any.  Ask yourself who stands to benefit by printing that type of news story.  As well, if you see the need to support the article then feel free.  I will start with this article here.  Of course I encourage you to skim user comments on the article, but please do not plagarize ideas that others have posted on that news media's website.  Be sure to reference where you get an idea from, but read through them first and make your own decision first.

Get your critical thinking hats on...

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ap-exclusive-graph-suggests-iran-working-bomb-17818491#.ULVd3xxlMX0

Video thread

In this thread I will post a series of video clips where you will be able to comment on the global implications of those events/topics.  I can take requests this week if you let me know well in advance (i.e. not last minute)
This one from Benji:

Open thread

This will be your open thread.  You may post any links to any topics of interest here.

Option week

This week I will post several topics - including a open forum as well as a video thread and a few others.
I will start with an open forum thread first where you can post on any topic in the news that is current  - same rules and marking scheme applies as the first week's rubric.

Black Friday indeed.

Even though the weekly assignment for this week is Israel, I think we have to pause and ask ourselves what sort of discount is worth being "herded like upright walking pigs."  Perhaps a topic for next week.

Israel: The History of a Nation born from Conflict

Here is our chance to educate one another about the intracacies of the issues involving Israel.

There will be no shortage of articles to post here.

A picture is worth a 1,000 words.

Pick one of the images.  Each image can only be claimed twice (i.e. by two users).  After two comments are written on the image it expires (i.e. no longer usable).
If a picture is worth a thousand words then it should be extremely easy to come up with 300 words.
This is a mission in brevity.
Your task = Level 3 = Meeting the provincial standard = 300 words.
(Level 4 = Reaching 400 words and/or including more than 2 external references which support your description).  That's right, I've only included level 3 and 4 - you'll note they are very similar to our regular evaluation scheme.
I'm assuming none of you are aiming for level 2?
*Remember to link your thoughts and opinions to a Global/Canadian society perspective (i.e. more than just your own personal bubble).


This is a sort of ping pong exercise.  Rather than skim the weekly news I will provide you with the images (below).  Make a comment which describes the issue(s) at hand AND include your opinion on the matter.  Use of secondary and primary references is encouraged.  When the second person decides to comment on the first users comment, the 2nd will reply to them and either expand, refutre, or bring new issues into the light.
Enjoy!

Welcome to Term 2

This week we will try an alternate assignment.  Instead of posting on weekly news events, I will post web links to several websites which you will then critique.

Test links

Here are some useful weblinks that may come in handy for review.

The story of stuff:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLBE5QAYXp8

Oil Sands:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjA7_wgofp4

Crude Impact:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvyDH8-y-AE

Overpopulation is a myth;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiVrYLQXsUk

Your last week

A reminder that this is your last week for submitting a blog post as we take a mid-term break next week to allow you to concentrate on your seminars and studying for the mid-term.
Please put your best effort forth and finish off this term with epic posts.
The quality of writing here has improved dramatically to date.
          Keep it up!

Muslims targeted in Burma

This photo shows the Muslim district by the non-Muslim majority in Burma this week.  The ethnicity of these people is known as Rohingya whereas the majority of the population are Rakhine.    The president of that country only acknowledge this event happening after a U.S. Human Rights group released a serious of satellite images which document the destruction.  Nearly 3,000 houses have been destroyed.  The state of Burma has refused to let the U.N. conduct an investigation into the event.

What is genocide?  Is it the duty of the international community to prevent genocide from occuring?  

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20110150

Tibetan Monk sets himself on fire

A Tibetan man died this week after setting himself on fire in protest against Chinese rule.  Tibetan Buddhists believe in non-violence; did this monks violate his religion ?

This brings up the larger issue of Tibetan sovereignty.  Up until 1949, Tibet was not officially considered a part of China.

Is Tibet a part or apart of China?
Is it the duty of any other nation to interfere with that country's own internal issues?  When Canadian officials criticize the China/Tibet issue, the response from China has been a criticism of Quebec's sovereignty.

Skinny Minnie

Your thoughts on the proposal to make Minnie Mouse into a really Mini-Mouse?
I expect there are many of you with opinions on this.  Read the story first.  Then we'll try to keep the discussion to a global perspective here - seeing that Disney is global, including Euro-Disney and even Hong Kong Disney.  You can also connect it to the bigger idea of body image perceptions that are delivered to us via the media.
Remember these images are deliberately targeted at impressionable youth... they carry over into a lifetime.

http://ca.movies.yahoo.com/blogs/movie-talk/skinny-minnie-mouse-inspires-petition-194641110.html

A Nuclear Iran unacceptable

It looks like no matter which presidential candidate wins, they have the same stance on Iran. 

"A nuclear-capable Iran is unacceptable to America"

Will the U.S. go to war against Iran in the future?  How soon? Will it be justified?
Will Canada be expected to provide support?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/us-election/only-nuance-separates-obama-and-romney-on-waging-war-against-iran/article4630608/

Week 7

This is your open discussion thread for events that take place this week.

Canadian Aboriginals Speak out in Iran

Canadian Aboriginal chiefs were in Iran this week to explain to the Iranian government that Canada has the worst human rights abuses on record.

You need to see this video:

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/world/archives/2012/10/20121015-132723.html

Then hear the other side:
http://www.calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/Lakritz+Jaunt+Iran+does+First+Nations+favours/7399705/story.html

The Gap - continuing the colonization of our Aboriginals

Well this is the new logo on a GAP shirt.
You probably aren't aware of the historical connotations it suggests.  Read the link below and feel free to comment.
What are your thoughts on the tweet he pulled from Twitter?

http://ca.shine.yahoo.com/blogs/shine-on/gap-manifest-destiny-t-shirt-offends-customers-190532143.html

Cuba ends exit permits

Cubans will no longer need to apply for an exit permit if they wish to leave their country.  Imagine needing to apply for permission to leave a country - contradicting the universal right to enter and leave any country, according to the U.S.

Since the death of Castro, Cuba has made moves away from its old approach and towards a more free market economy.  What will the new Cuba look like? What are the dangers in managing a transition to a "new" Cuba?
Why has the U.S. had so much historic controversy with Cuba while Canada has maintained an open relationship with Cuba?  How have these two countries different approaches with Cuba affected the lives of Cubans?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-19972026

Bullying

On request:
The Amanda Todd story has drawn a significant amount of attention to bullying.  Definitely a global issue since we learn these behaviours while growing up that carry into our adulthood.  It also brings up a newer issue - the permanence of all things online.  This is the first generation to grow up in the digital age; where nothing is ever deleted and everything is stored literally forever.  The individuals and organizations which keep and store our information, that data, will be the future powers in control of our planet.

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/10/12/amanda-todd-suicide-2012/

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Bullying+Canada+breaking+point+says/7392590/story.html

Polar Bear Extinction

According to this article the polar bear will be an extinct species in the wild within the next 25 years.

Do you agree with this "yahoo" news claim? What are the causes of this extinction?  Can they be reversed? How? or why not?
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/geekquinox/expert-melting-arctic-sea-ice-poaching-drive-polar-201843501.html

Scottish Independence

Scotland will be holding a referendum in 2014 to determine whether they will seek independence from England.  This is very historically significant ending an approximate 1,000 year English rule - moreso it sets a precedent that could be followed in other regions of the world.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-19948990

Week 6

Here is this week's open discussion forum for news events in Week 6.

Action Research Project Marking Scheme

I want all of you to genuinely make an attempt to change something.  Don't overthink this into a project that is bigger than it really is.  It's essentially a mere two page lab report containing some of the following info:
Rationale: Why you did this?  Include two references to support your claim.
Method: How did you achieve a change?  What steps did you take?
Results: What results did you achieve (if any)?
Reflections: What things would you do different / could you improve on. What were some of the obstacles you experienced along the way (human, political, systemic, etc.)?

I want you to enjoy this experience.
I do not want you to feel stressed about the scope of your project - big or small, the importance is in the attempt.  It is only two pages and will be blended with a number of your class "completion" assignments to make up your application component of your grade.
 
Reserve your stress for the seminar; it will compose a significant portion of your Communication mark - see rubric in next discussion thread.

Seminar Rubric

Here you are:
As always, I welcome your comments/feedback in developing this.
I suggest that you focus your energies primarily on this seminar.

Level 4
-Information presented is informative, organized and is clearly a global issue
-Seminar is clearly focused, and offers new/deeper insight into the topic
-Range of evidence from primary and secondary sources is utilized in a highly effective and original manner
-Discussion questions are sophisticated and an integral part of the presentation
-All ideas are clear and developed in a sophisticated way and articulately presented
-Student is animated, audible, eloquent and shows a high level of enthusiasm for the subject
-There is impressive eye contact
-The presentation is organized to involved the class in a significant way in terms of participation and/or discussion
-The use of language and vocabulary is outstanding
-Variety of visually appealing and engaging support is used to great effect
-Flawless overheads, slides, charts, or posters
-Information on all overheads, posters, timelines, etc. is expertly and attractively organized to illustrate the argument in a logical, easy to follow manner

Level 3
-Information presented is informative, mostly organized and and is an issue that affects some
-Seminar is clearly focused, and on topic throughout
-Argument and analysis are developed with appropriate use of evidence
-Discussion questions are complex and the discussion itself is directed by the speaker
-Ideas are relevant and clearly presented
-Student is audible, enthusiastic, and clear
-There is some eye contact
-The presentation is presented in a manner that encourages class discussion and/or participation
-The use of vocabulary is good
- Variety of visual support is effective
-Overheads, slides, charts, or posters are mostly free from errors
-Information on all overheads, posters, timelines, etc. is clearly organized to illustrate the argument in a logical, easy to follow manner.

Level 2
-Information presented supports the argument
-focus of the seminar is evident and easy to follow
-a variety of evidence is used to illustrate the main idea
-discussion questions are thoughtful and add to the presentation
-ideas are clear
-student is audible and attempts to speak clearly

Canadians support the oil sands

A survey released this week states that most Canadians support oil sands developments if the environmental impact is limited.

Survey here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/majority-back-oil-sands-development-if-environmental-impact-limited-poll/article4603926/

The oil sands are such a big topic that they could make up an entire course.
What are oil sands? Why are the oil sands so controversial?  What are the environmental impacts of extracting oil sands?  Who bears the brunt of the environmental impacts?

Mali

The UN has given Mali 45 days to come to a security solution.

What is the root of the problem in that West African country?  In what ways is that issue connected to other global issues?
How is related to France?
Who are the "rebels" in this case?



http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Security+Council+vote+backing+international+force+help+oust+rebels/7381100/story.html

A new apple for Canada

So Canada will a "new" apple on the market (Not of the iPad variety) .
How does selective breeding differ from genetic engineering?  Are the motives the same behind each process?  Do the ethics differ behind each process?



http://www.vancouversun.com/news/national/apple+government/7382472/story.html

Drone sent to Israel

Although this even happened while we were devouring turkey dinners, it has major ramifications.
Tell me about the drone shot down in Israel.   The conversation at my family dinner - since two relatives just returned from Lebanon - brought up this event and some agreed that this could be the final event to send the Middle East into full meltdown.
While this event is enough to warrant a month of discussion, some ideas to get your keyboards moving:

- What specifically took place?  What is a drone?  Who should be held responsible?  Who is responsible for the monitoring of drones and where? Should drones be legal? How have drones been used in the U.S. / Canada?  Should they be allowed in Can/U.S.? Be specific.

Details:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/08/us-iran-israel-idUSBRE8970IT20121008

The great debate

Last week the presidential debate took place, which even included a mention of Big Bird - parodied on SNL this past weekend.  Romney's attack against the bird has even been used as part of Obama's campaign - research and tell me if this is an effective tactic.
The debate and subsequent election is an ongoing story that will deepen as we approach U.S. election time.

What are the topics that are being mentioned?  How do the policies differ?

What are the backgrounds of these people running for office? 

Another idea:

How does coverage of this election vary in different countries? (i.e. compare two or three different media outlets in different world regions reporting on the same event on the same day)

Week 5

This is your open discussion thread for news this week (Oct. 8th to 14th - inclusive).
What's making the headlines in different regions around the world?

Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Buddhist, Muslim

Here is an interesting story:
Does it follow any trends recently?
http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2012/10/04/sri-lankas-buddhist-monks-protest-bangladesh-violence-2/
How do we prevent events like this from happening? Whose job should that be?

Election time in Venezuela

The presidential race for Venezuela is nearing an end.
Who is Hugo Chavez and what are his policies?
Why is he so controversial in American media?

More details here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/05/venezuela-election-chavez-rally

Shelling in the Middle East

Shelling has begun.

We've been watching Syria over the past few weeks - were you aware it would escalate to this?
Details in link below
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443768804578034372539783626.html

Find other links on your own to support/refute what's going on.

Why would these two nations have reason to open fire on one another?  What are the deeper issues involved here?  Aren't they of the same religion / culture?

Suggested Seminar Topics

Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:
- Genetically Modified Foods
- Vegetarianism vs. Meat
- Urbal Sprawl
- Athabasca Tar Sands (specific)
- Fossil Fuels
- Nuclear Energy
- Fishing Industry (overfishing and fish farms)
- Terrorism
- Immigration
- Mining (Gold, Silver, Copper, Rare Earth Elements - you pick one)
- Forestry (Clear cutting)
- Biodiversity
- Influence and Control of Media
- Corporations
- Water
- Air pollution
- Species Extinction

Seminars should be 15-20 mins in length and should inform and engage students in a topic that is global in scope.  Use of visuals, audio, props, activities, etc. are recommended.
Students should have some sort of of material to take with them for reference (i.e. a handout, or notes to take).

Dates will begin on October 25th and run until November 1st (approx.).
Start preparing.

You will do these twice per year and they will compose a bulk of your communication mark (but not the entirety of it). The next round will take place during the first week of December.  You may do this with a partner (preferred) or on your own.  We have an odd number in our class so I will permit only one group of three.  This group will have a time limit of 25-30 mins. for their presentation.

Let me know if you have comments or feedback to give me before these terms are fully agreed upon.
Please comment below or during class.

Sanctions

The current sanctions on Iran are definitely taking an impact on that country's economy. 

Their currency has devalued 40% in the past week alone.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/03/world/middleeast/iran-president-mahmoud-ahmadinejad-ties-currency-drop-to-sanctions.html?_r=0

I'd like to invite you to discuss the topic of sanctions (in general -not only in Iran).

Some things to consider - (but you can consider far more than this brief list):

What are sanctions?  In what ways can they be effective / ineffective?

For what reasons have countries had sanctions imposed upon them? Do you feel they were justified in those cases?

Who has imposed sanctions against Iran?  How are they achieved?(i.e. what is the method?)

Glorious news - pls read

After reviewing some feedback today - plus from my own observations of what times our web traffic usage peaks - I've decided that a week will run from Monday to Sunday.

This means that folks who have been posting on Sunday and miss that deadline will no longer miss the deadline. It gives you two full days on the weekend to catch up on the news.

I realize that with part time jobs, family commitments, sports, clubs, etc. that time is sometimes limited to weekends so I will accommodate for this. I know you will all be beaming after hearing this.

Keep in mind that last year students were responsible for collecting a minimum of six articles PER WEEK.  This year I am considerably lightening the workload by suggesting a minimum of two (one formal, one response) in order to achieve a low level 4.  Exceeding my expectations will result in higher achievement.

Hope this will allow for some more excellent discussions - I am very pleased with everyone's progress so far.  Keep up the excellence!

Week 4

What are the issues making headlines this week?

Open forum

Since we are nearing the end of the week and there are already several threads to post comments to, I thought I would open another area for posting where you can inform our community of any other world issues / current events that you feel should be addressed this week.

Team America - World Police

The U.S. flies drones over Pakistan airspace each month.  Does the U.S. have the right to bomb targets within the borders of another sovereign nation?  Is it the duty of the U.S. (or any other global power) to play the role of the World Police?
Read the details in the story below before making comments.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444100404577641520858011452.html

Things to consider:

What if another nation played the role of the U.S.?  To what degree does the United Nations (U.N.) play a role in peacekeeping vs. security?  Give examples.

The debate on when life begins

was closed to debate today.  Thank you Kaileyeinstein for bringing the topic out.

Your thoughts/opinions?  Take a global perspective on this by comparing Canada's policy vs. other nations.  Another angle to take is stem cell research / cloning.  This is a huge topic with massive global ramifications, so please be sure to check your references carefully because I will be.  (i.e. no "People" magazine).

Blogging can put you in Jail

if you live in Vietnam.  Maybe this story will make you think twice about what you post on the Internet.

The obvious issue is freedom of speech here - some of you agreed to censorship in the past (i.e. in Sudan), what are you thoughts/opinions here?

http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/vietnam-jails-3-bloggers-over-propaganda-posts

Syria - Regional calamity

The Secretary General of the UN has declared the Syrian war to be regional calamity that could spread.
Questions to consider:
What exactly IS going on in Syria ?   Should it be stopped?  If so, who should in charge of stopping it?  What methods/means can be used?

Pakistan offers bounty

One Pakistan government minister has offered a bounty of $100,000 for the death of the American who made the controversial film about Mohammed.

Is this the correct move for a government to take?
Any other thoughts on this?  How are relations between Pakistan and other nations?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19692971

China Canada free trade?

Good article in the globe today re: free trade agreement with China.
Should Canada agree to free trade with this new global power?  What is free trade? How does it benefit / hurt nations?
What of the human rights record of China - is it wise for us to agree with a country that has different political opinions and morals?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/china-calls-for-free-trade-deal-with-canada-within-a-decade/article4561149/

Peruvian mines

I would like it if you skim the news in Peru at one point in this course.
Another death involving a Peruvian mine - and this one is just a protest over the mine, not the workers themselves.
The demand for precious metals and industrial metals is now, as it was in the years of the Spanish conquistadores, found in Peru.  Some reasons are:  1) abundance  2) cheap labour 3) lack of environmental regulations.

Today's story may get one of you started, but I'm sure it won't be the last one you'll hear over the next 4 months - I've been reading this same story since I was in high school.  What are the issues in the Peruvian/South American mining industry?

http://www.newsday.com/news/world/1-killed-4-wounded-in-protest-over-peruvian-mine-1.4023203

Homophobia

Blue Jays shorstop Escobar has certainly garnered himself some attention for his homophobic phrase written under his eyes during a recent game.  Look it up to see what happened.  Was his punishment just? What sort of disciplinary actions do you feel he deserved ?

Since the MLB is both in Canada and the U.S. it is undoubtedly now an International event - but homophobia goes further abroad than that. 
Some questions to consider:
What parts of the world are taking steps to address homophobia?  
What other parts of the world commit human rights abuses towards the gay lesbian and bisexual community? 
How can these abuses be resolved - How can equality be achieved (consider certain countries where the culture doesn't permit homosexual behaviour) ?

Photo source: tmz.com

Youtube banned

In Sudan, youtube has been blocked by the government in response to the Mohammed video discussed last week.

What are some issues here?  Do governments have the right to censor information to people?
Is this a just decision for the people of Sudan?
Should limitations on free speech exist for publishers/film makers and other members of the media?
If so, who determines them?

See story here:
http://www.rnw.nl/africa/bulletin/sudan-blocks-youtube-over-anti-islam-film

French Embassies shut down

Now France has closed 20 of their embassies in Muslim countries after the publication of a cartoon featuring a naked Mohammed.
Your thoughts on this matter of these embassy closures?  Are they part of a bigger picture or simply isolated events?

See news clip here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG2fkfvjkp4&feature=youtube_gdata

IF YOU DID NOT POST LAST WEEK

Perhaps it was not clear that Sunday is the start of a new week.  If this is the case and you did not put up a post for last week I will grant you amnesty and allow you the opportunity to post your comment in last week's thread.  Please post your comment in LAST week's comments section and not in this current weeks' comment threads.  Thank you.

I will only allow this for this week since we are just starting. 
After this week it is your responsibility to post one comment per week on a news topic or world issue and then make a second comment as a reply to a classmate.

If you were absent last Friday.

Here is the assignment you need to submit to earn your application mark. 

You need to submit one written page (on paper - NOT here on the blog).  You will need to outline your own stance on overpopulation based on the opinions expressed in two different youtube videos. One page one side only.

I am not looking for your ability to regurgitate the statistics, but to rather to express your own opinion based on which statistics you found to be credible.
Start with this video to get you thinking - this is an introduction.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_9SutNmfFk&feature=related

Then you will watch the two opposing viewpoints. 
One for and one against the theory of the earth being overpopulated. 
Which theory to subscribe to?

Video 1. For

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b98JmQ0Cc3k

Video 2. Against

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsAracLBCxI&feature=related

Week 2 - News

Welcome to week 2 - you may post comments on any number of news items this week as they develop.

China vs. Japan

China and Japan are in a standoff over a series of islands that sit between the two nations.  There has been peace between these two nations since WWII.
What are the issues here?  In what ways is Japan at a disadvantage?  Why would China choose this moment in history to assert sovereignty over a bunch of worthless rocks that were never a big deal before?

More here:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-14/chinese-and-japanese-ships-in-tense-stand-off/4262942

Breaking! Ben Bernanke and QE3

The U.S. Federal Reserve just announced a program known as "Quantitative Easing"  Prepare for a massive run in the price of oil and pretty well everything else people use on a daily basis.  This will affect everyone in North America and ripple outward to other nations as the U.S. regains its economic foothold.

Tell me about inflation and this "QE" program.

U.S. ambassador killed/Protests in Yemen

Not sure if you are all aware of the developing situation in the Middle East, but things could get big there fairly soon.  Yesterday A U.S. ambassador in Libya was killed and today more protests at U.S. embassies are taking place, spreading to Yemen and Cairo.

Tell me more about what's going on there.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/09/13/yemen-protesters-muhammad-film.html?cmp=rss

Population

As we near the end of the week and we have discussed the issue of overpopulation in class, I am opening this as a general thread.

Bill 115

Many of you asked about teachers wearing black today in response to Bill 115.  I can offer no opinions on this matter, but you are free to discuss the topic as you wish.

Air pollution / air quality

This is requested discussion topic.

9/11 - 11 years later.

This is a great topic which can be explored in a multitude of ways by a number of students.  This is likely the most significant international event that has occurred in your lifetime.  Since many of you were only in elementary school at that time the deeper issues involved may not be fully understood.  This connects to Unit 4 - Geopolitics.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So I'll start you with an essay of 25,000 words.
The 25 most Powerful Photos - link below.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/photos/9-11-the-25-most-powerful-photos-1347326402-slideshow/

Canada cuts ties with Iran

Harper officially cut Canadian ties with Iran. 
Story here:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/09/09/harper-iran-apec.html

To get the ball rolling here:
-Start researching this issue by reviewing a variety of sources.  The above is a CBC story, find a few more from different countries (Note: Yahoo news and pop-ups after you log out of your personal email accounts are typically not as detailed sources.  Find different newspapers from a variety of countries and media outlets to round out your perspective).
-What are the issues in Iran? Why would Canada have issues with Iran
-Why would Canada decide to close their embassy now on this particular date vs. a year ago or a year from now.
-Will this move lead to increasing tensions? Does this put Canada at more or less risk? Explain
-Do any other countries have issues with Iran?
-Why is the Iranian president making comments that refer to Israel? How is Israel connected to this issue? Are his comments valid?

Your Marking Scheme

I will start with the following marking scheme, which is based on the University of Western's Faculty of Ed. with some personal tweaking.  If you feel that certain elements are needed or not needed, then this weekend is your chance to voice your opinions in the comments section below my post here.  Although I mentioned I would only mark one of your posts, and it will remain that way, I am including as a requirement that you respond to others in order to achieve level 4.  Think of it as a part of your post.  If you've done all that work to make your post great, then wouldn't you like to hear some feedback from other students? Bien sur.

General Suggestions:
-Participate actively.  To get the most, it is important for you to actively participate in discussions throughout the course

-Post on a regular basis - a minimum of every three days.  That means twice a week, but don't heap them up on the same day.  Basically, if you follow the above suggestion it means you make one post to be evaluated and a second post which is a discussion with one of your classmates.

-Make substantive postings. Please avoid making postings that simply agree or disagree or repeat ideas already posted.  Rather, add substantively to the discussion by extending the ideas of others, relating personal or other experiences that illustrate ideas being discussed, proposing alternate ideas, raising new questions for discussion and asking for clarification.
-Express ideas concisely. Please avoid lengthy postings. One way to do this is by keeping each posting focused on a single idea or theme. Make separate postings for different ideas and themes.
-Make a variety of postings.  Keep in mind the various regions of the world and also the various themes of study (i.e. Population, Environment, Economy, Sustainability, Geopolitics).
-Spell check work before posting. There's no excuse in 2012 when you are using a computer.


Level 4 - (80-100%)
1. Contributes to discussions with high degree of regularity
2. Responses indicate a high degree of knowledge of events and how they relate to world issues
3. Interacts with other members on the discussion board with a high degree of effectiveness
4. Demonstrates a high degree of self-motivation
5. Accepts criticism postively
6. Illustrates ideas with references to classroom (and other) experiences with a high degree of effectiveness
7. expresses ideas clearly and concisely with a high degree of effectiveness
8. Includes references to two external sources to support posting.

Level 3 - (70-79%)
1. Contributes to discussions with considerable  regularity
2. Responses indicate a considerable knowledge of events and how they relate to world issues
3. Interacts with other members on the discussion board with considerable effectiveness
4. Demonstrates considerable self-motivation
5. Usually accepts criticism postively
6. Illustrates ideas with references to classroom (and other) experiences with considerable effectiveness
7. expresses ideas clearly and concisely with considerable effectiveness
8. Includes references to one external sources to support posting.

Level 2 - (60 - 69%)
1. Contributes to discussions with some  regularity
2. Responses indicate a some knowledge of events and how they relate to world issues
3. Interacts with other members on the discussion board with some effectiveness
4. Demonstrates some self-motivation
5. Sometimes accepts criticism postively
6. Illustrates ideas with references to classroom (and other) experiences with some effectiveness
7. expresses ideas clearly and concisely with some effectiveness
8. Does not reference to external sources to support posting.

Level 1 - (50 - 59%)
1. Contributes to discussions with limited regularity
2. Includes a response to another classmate, but lacks a formal post
3. Responses indicate limited knowledge of events and how they relate to world issues
4. Interacts with other members on the discussion board with limited effectiveness
5. Demonstrates limite self-motivation
6. Does not  accept criticism postively
7. Expresses ideas with limited effectiveness
8. No references to external sources to support posting.

<50%
1. Does not include a post

G8 Summits (and other summits of the global power structure)

This is a requested topic.  Take it away...

Week 1 - Current Events-(b)

This is related to the shooting in Quebec the other night during the PQ victory party.  It looks like another English/French divide could build up over the next few months/years.  New bills are being proposed that will dig up controversies of the past.  What are they?

What do you think about her victory?
When 52% of 50% of the population votes you in, does democracy really exist anymore ?  

http://montreal.ctvnews.ca/premier-marois-to-roll-back-tuition-hikes-create-new-bill-101-1.943614

Habitat Destruction

This is an area to discuss habitat destruction as it relates to forests and oceans as the homes of our legged and non-legged cousins.
Take it away T.S.

Week 1 - Current Events

I will get the comment chain started for this week here.  I will also ask questions.  You may post your response below.  Remember that this is like a conversation so check to see that another student hasn't already written the same thing as you earlier in the day.

I see here that there are protests taking place in Egypt that are directed towards the Syrian President Bashar Assad.  These Egyptian protestors are asking Assad to step down from power.  Why would they protest a against a leader who isn't even in charge of their own country?  Would you be willing to visit another country's embassy in Ottawa and protest against that other country? This isn't something that happens often in Canada so there must be some real serious reasons for sympathy.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/police-protesters-against-syrias-assad-regime-clash-in-egypt/2012/09/04/51ab0182-f6d7-11e1-a93b-7185e3f88849_story.html

Bottled Water

This is an example of exploring a particular World Issue, "Bottled Water" in more depth.

The most obvious issue with bottled water is the fact that it creates rubbish.  This can either be burned (end up in atmosphere) or buried in a landfill (pollutes soil), or can even be discarded in our lakes, rivers and ultimately our mother, the ocean.  This photo was taken on a Caribbean beach in the Dominican Republic - not so pristine as you would have thought eh?

The plastic bottle itself is made using oil. In fact, fill a bottle to 1/3 of its volume and that is the approximate amount of oil it takes.  Then it needs to be transported from the water source (usually an UNtested well), to the distributor, then again to the grocery store and then the consumer typically drives a vehicle to the store in order to purchase it.  That's a lot of oil.

Bottled water is not tested nearly as often as tap water.

TAP WATER - it's healthier for you and our planet!

Mr. Forsyth please add...

Blog Overview

This is an overview.
 In general you can post to the news events of the day by selecting from the tabs on the right of the screen.  They are organized by the week.
You will be responsible for posting one news events from a world region per week.
You can post as many as you like.  One, Twenty, but I will only select one for evaluation.
That post should contain a MINIMUM of two sources (not including your newslink itself), and one of those two sources should be from a reliable (i.e. academic/government) source. Please try to abstain from using wikipedia, random websites, etc.

You will begin that post with the statement "This is my weekly post ..." or "Mark this one"
Please change it up on a weekly basis so that you have covered each region by the end of the course. I won't be a stickler here, so you can overlap a tad, but if I notice that you are constantly posting on the same issue on the same part of the world then I will make you aware of the need to vary your posts.

Try to comment on another student's post so that it feels like a conversation/debate/or learning table.  You may even include a response as one of your selected posts to be evaluated.  In fact, I encourage it.

As the course develops and we begin to understand the major global issues, you may wish to explore a particular topic more in-depth.  A particular issue may strike a chord with you.  You may also take part in a long-term ongoing conversation on that topic that lasts the duration of the school semester.  (i.e. my bottled water post isn't really a day to day issue as much as it is a decade old habit that we need to get out of).

If you want to add another sub-topic to each unit, make a request for me to add it  by going to the tab on the right titled "Mr. Forsyth please add..."  And I can create a new sub-heading where we can create a discussion board on that topic.  I have added an example called "Bottled Water" where you can see how that may look.

There are roughly 17 weeks to the course and there are 17.5% marks allocated to the area of Thinking/Inquiry.  Convenient. This means you will receive approximately 1% of that mark component based on your weekly participation.  You will be expected to tie in course material that we cover on methods of critical thinking and analyzing World Issues.

This blog is live - this means it is a work in progress and can be modified to suit the needs of your learning.  Feel free to post comments/suggestions under the tab titled "Forsyth please add"
Let's get this started then shall we?  I've created a tab titled Week 1-News where you can feel free to add comments on this week's top current events.

Enjoy!