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?