Topic Reading-Vol.264-12/31/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

What were 2012's top 10 films?

A day before the last day of the year, here is a list of the top 10 movies selected by BBC, which seems to be balanced in terms of the locations, genres, directors and actors/actress. At least, they didn’t put their proud hero, James Bond, on top but placed American’s proud president, Abraham Lincoln, much higher on the list.

Enjoy watching brief previews of the highlighted movies of the year before turning your calendar to the next.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20798481

Topic Reading-Vol.263-12/30/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

China approves tighter rules on internet access.

The Great Firewall of China is raised again by requiring “real names” of the users to the service providers, in any Internet access including micro-blogging and phone lines. This seems to be a clear sign that the new leaders of the ruling party, despite its attempt to show its closeness to the public and commitment to be less-corrupted governing, is very much concerned about how the social media and Internet communication are threatening to their ruling. How much they can enforce this new policy remains to be seen but it is surely a threat to today’s online freedom.

Enjoy reading and learning about the Great Wall in the 21^st century. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20857480

Topic Reading-Vol.262-12/29/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Philadelphia high schools to welcome students back with free condom dispensers.

You may think it’s absurd to install a free condom dispensers at high schools but after hearing that a quarter of patients who are infected with sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, are teenagers in some district of Philadelphia.

Could this publically admitted yet heavily disputed issue be a family matter? Is condom distribution so different from preventive vaccination? If you were a parent of a high school student of one of the selected 22 schools there, would you opt-out?

Enjoy reading and learning the situation and action in an urban city in America. 

http://news.yahoo.com/philadelphia-high-schools-welcome-students-230700988.html

 

Topic Reading-Vol.261-12/28/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

West Antarctic Ice Sheet, WAIS, warming twice earlier estimate.

Although it seems to be colder in some places around the northern hemisphere this winter than usual with blizzards and snowfalls, global warming seems to be on track to melt ice and bring rainfall in some area of Antarctica. Global warming is a change in climate, not the weather that changes every day and every hour. A cold winter doesn’t mean global warming is stopped or slowed.

Enjoy reading and learning what’s going on in and on the icy continent.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20804192

 

Topic Reading-Vol.260-12/27/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

The Tricked-Out A380 A Saudi Prince Is Buying For $500 Million

This super rich Saudi prince already has a Boeing version of private jumbo jet, 747-400, which doesn’t seem to satisfy his desire for more space and luxury even in the air. It seems that he wants to enjoy his life in palace wherever he is or travels.

Some of the details of his soon-to-be-delivered super luxurious private jet have been found; five suites, 20 first-class sleepers and concert hall with a grand piano and 10 seats for the floor space large enough for two tennis courts or 800 economy-class passenger seats.

Questions such as what he’s going to do with his 747 jet or how often he’ll use this flying palace seem to be just trifles.

Enjoy reading and learning how to spend a lot of money.

http://www.businessinsider.com/prince-alwaleeds-tricked-out-a380-jet-2012-12

Topic Reading-Vol.259-12/26/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Food waste: From farm to fork and landfill.

A staggering figure to learn during the holiday season when many people enjoy big meals, which also means a substantial amount of food waste is created at the same time, that at least one-third of all food produced for human consumption, or 1.3 billion tons a year, is wasted or lost globally.

Some people may argue saying that they eat everything they buy or get so that no food is wasted or lost at least in their part of the world. That may be true but there still seems to be huge amount of food waste or loss is taking place in its producing, collecting, processing, delivering and merchandising processes.

Enjoy seeing and learning this amazing yet easy to learn chart to learn how the food is lost or wasted!

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/21/world/food-waste-infographic/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

Topic Reading-Vol.258-12/25/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

A Christmas Present from NASA - Backlit Saturn Shines in Stunning New Photo.

This time is not one of those photos of retiring fleet of Space Shuttles marching on the street of LA or flying over the Golden Gate Bridge, but a composed photo of the ring planet, Saturn with its two orbiting moons.

A very hardworking spacecraft Cassini, a joint project to research Saturn by NASA, the European and Italian Space Agencies has been orbiting this cold planet since 2004, seven years after it was launched in 1997, and is expected to continue to do so at least until 2017.

Enjoy reading the article and seeing the beautiful, mysterious photo of the planet far away from our troubled planet with wars, guns and violence. 

http://news.yahoo.com/backlit-saturn-shines-stunning-photo-201934552.html;_ylt=AsJObYu8Tq7nXDxGIjqFr.Cs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNsZGUzODdmBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBGUARwa2cDN2U1ZjU5ZmMtOGQ2OC0zYjkwLWFkYTItYWUwMTNiNzEwZTJlBHBvcwM2BHNlYwN0b3Bfc3RvcnkEdmVyAzM1MTIzZGIxLTQ5NTItMTFlMi05ZGVkLTEwODU0YzZlODcwZA--;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

Topic Reading-Vol.257-12/24/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Gun lobbyists plan media push after Newtown massacre.

The National Rifle Association, or N.R.A., one of the most powerful and influential non-profit organizations to politicians and lawmakers in America, has been quiet for since the mass shooting incident in Newtown, Connecticut but is now ready to break its silence.

America has been continuously and often divided for major issues which hadn’t been openly or legally practiced in other developed countries such as slavery, racial discrimination, gay marriages and gun control. It’s very difficult for foreigners to understand why people can buy, own and even shoot guns at people for the sake of self-defense in the modernized nation. It’s also stunning to know that over 11,000 people were killed by guns in 2011.

Enjoy reading and learning one aspect of American society and political culture. 

http://news.yahoo.com/nra-prepares-media-push-wake-connecticut-shootings-171541799--finance.html;_ylt=AgBw0kn6Fk7bW6jbnmr3vLGs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNsYjgzbDczBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBGUARwa2cDZmJmNjdmOWUtZjc5Yy0zYTgzLThmOGMtZjMzYWUyOGFmY2Y4BHBvcwMyBHNlYwN0b3Bfc3RvcnkEdmVyAzI4OGM1MmUxLTRhZTQtMTFlMi1iZjVjLWQzNjQ5NDM0YzQxZA--;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

Topic Reading-Vol.256-12/23/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Chinese rising star Hu Chunhua made Guangdong party boss.

While Japan has just elected its ruling party(ies) by the sudden general election on the 16^th of the last month of 2012 that left unprecedented landslide victory or shift from disappointing Democratic Party to LDP, Liberal Democratic Party, China has been moving toward the next transition that is still a decade away. While China will have had only one leader and South Korea will have two, because of its five-year-term policy, unless there are unexpected incidents or missteps are taken place, how many prime ministers will Japan have had by then?

Enjoy reading and learning how the politics and power game are played in China.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-20776753

Topic Reading-Vol.255-12/22/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Park Geun-hye claims South Korea presidential victory.

Another daughter of former president has just been elected to lead an Asian country at a time of rising economic anxiety and inequality at a very close race against an opponent, a former military commando with a black judo belt who was once politically imprisoned by her father.

Although some conglomerates such as Samsung or Hyundai are enjoying growth in the global market, the country’s one-fifth of the population earns only less than half the national average income, which has made the election very close.

Enjoy reading and learning the situation in Korea and what their new leader is about. 

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/18/world/asia/south-korea-presidential-election/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

Topic Reading-Vol.254-12/21/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Abe 'must change' to build ties.

Right after Japan’s national election for the House of Representatives on Dec. 16^th, China Daily posted this article showing China’s concern over the new administration, which is believed and committed to have tougher stance against China.

Not only in this but also other articles of China Daily quotes “experts”, not referring to any specific individual or authority, suggesting that it’s a voice from someone in their administration because the media itself seems to play a role as an arm of propaganda.

Enjoy reading and learning what China wants to say to the newly elected Japanese new leader, sixth in the last seven years, and his administration.

 

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2012-12/17/content_16021895.htm                 

Topic Reading-Vol.253-12/20/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Dunblane: How UK school massacre led to tighter gun control.

The Newtown shooting was surely a tragedy and every time such incident occurs in the States, there have been numbers of debates and calls for tighter gun control laws, which haven’t brought about effective outcomes yet.

School shootings are not limited only in the U.S. Here is an example of a similar massacre in the at a primary school in Scotland, U.K., which killed 16 children of the same as Newtown as well as a teacher trying to protect her pupils.

What kind of moves or changes will we see to restrict or control gun ownership?

Learn what they did after a massacre in the UK. and what changes have been seen.

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/17/world/europe/dunblane-lessons/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

Topic Reading-Vol.252-12/19/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

All aboard for Beijing-Guangzhou railway.

You can now travel 2,300km distance in about eight hours, the world fastest and longest railway journey in the middle of China, at an average operating speed of 300km an hour. It’s slower than a trip by the airplane but much faster and more comfortable than a bus travel, which is very popular among average or poor citizens because of the convenience and price.

Of course, you can take advantage of this bullet train service in part as it connects several busy cities such as Changsha, Wuhan, and Zhengzhou between the two mega cities, though the ticket prices for the entire and some portion hasn’t been announced yet. Why?

Enjoy reading and learning about another opening of world number something in China. 

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-12/15/content_16019961.htm

Topic Reading-Vol.251-12/18/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Ravi Shankar, Indian sitar maestro, dies.

When you hear any traditional or even contemporary Indian music, you’ll most likely enjoy the mysterious and ethnical sound of the sitar, an Indian musical instrument like the guitar but with over 20 strings. When a scene of India is shown on the screen, you’ll hear its sound, like the sound of Koto in Japan, or when you hear the sound of the citar, you'll remember a scene of India.

Ravi Shankar was the most renowned musician not only in India but also in the world of music. Both his wife and one of his daughters are sitar players and another daughter is a Grammy award-winning singer, Norah Jones.

Enjoy reading, learning and listening what the maestro, sitar and his music are about. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-20690632

Topic Reading-Vol.250-12/17/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

For our 250^th anniversary edition of Topic Reading, please enjoy the below photo.

There is no need to be explained for this self-explanatory photo of “snow monkeys”, take an open-air hot spring bath, or “onsen” at the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi, Nagano

 (Copyright: Getty Images)

Don’t you feel humans are also one of a kind? Enjoy seeing the photo.

 

Topic Reading-Vol.249-12/16/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Emotional Obama vows action to prevent shootings ‘regardless of the politics’.

You never or very rarely see the President of the US show tears in his eyes in public, but this time all understand and share the sorrow for the unthinkable gun fires at school children and teachers in a small, peaceful community.

If you read the latter part of the article, there are some implications for possible political actions or moves on gun control, which have been and will be very a sensitive issue in the country where many believe they must have and use guns to protect themselves.

Read, watch and learn how much grief the family, their loved ones and others in America suffer for this tragedy.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/obama-statement-newtown-shooting-3-15-p-m-195212145--politics.html;_ylt=AkSUPAyhn7ZTK5jt7JWUL_2s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTIzcHI0dGZhBG1pdANIQ01PTCBvbiBhcnRpY2xlIHJpZ2h0IHJhaWwEcGtnA2lkLTI5MDg0NDgEcG9zAzQEc2VjA2hjbQR2ZXIDMTQ-;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

Topic Reading-Vol.248-12/15/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Beijing set to welcome visa-free visitors.

Now, China isn’t only exporting things to the world to expand its trade surplus but is also trying to invite more tourists to increase service revenues though the newly announced visa waiver program applies to visitors only to Beijing for three days from 45 selected countries including Japan.

How much and what those visitors can do within 72 hours in Beijing and how many foreigners are attracted to take advantage of this program are still yet to see, but hopes seem to be high among the airport and tourism officials.

Enjoy reading and learning about China’s new initiative to be a more internationally attractive place.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-12/06/content_15990215.htm

Topic Reading-Vol.247-12/14/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Hope and fear in gay marriage cases at high court.

Out of 50 states, interracial marriage was not legally recognized only until 45 years ago and segregated school systems still legally existed about 60 years ago in America. Today, same sex marriage is legally allowed only in nine states and it is prohibited in 30 states.

It seems that US Supreme Court hasn’t been too far ahead of the country on heated uprising social issues, even though such moves had been apparent to earn public support sooner or later.

Enjoy reading and learning about how such social issues has been ruled in America. 

http://news.yahoo.com/hope-fear-gay-marriage-cases-high-court-130423431--politics.html;_ylt=AjyQrm67VS2gHJL3bGNPV92s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNtb3VoMDJmBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBGUARwa2cDOWI5M2Q4YzItNTljNi0zNWZlLTkwMzktYzZhMGE2ZGE3ZjQzBHBvcwMxMARzZWMDdG9wX3N0b3J5BHZlcgMwZTE5NzdmMy00MjNiLTExZTItYmZmZS1lZGFkYTA2ZGQzZDQ-;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

年末年始と英検のお知らせ

いよいよ年末が迫ってまいりました。一年の経つのは本当に早いですね。
皆様いかがお過ごしでしょうか。
このところ風邪で欠席する生徒さんが増えております。風邪をひいている生徒さんはレッスンの際には必ずマスクを着用し、お互いに気持ち良くレッスンに参加できるようご協力お願いいたします。

以下に年末年始の予定および、英検についてのご連絡を差し上げます。

MEL School 年内最終日　12月26日（水）　27日から1月3日は冬休みです。
2013年レッスン開始日　　　1月4日（金）　
＊すでに旅行等でお休みされる日程が決まっている場合は早めにご連絡ください。

英検能力測定（無料）　12月22日（土）　＊5級はレッスン内で行います
4級　13：15-14：25
3級　14：30-15：50
準2級　16：00－17：45
2級　16：00-18：00

2012年度第3回英検　試験日　2013年1月27日（日）　二次試験（3級以上）2月24日（日）
申し込み締め切り　12月22日（土）　厳守でお願いします。
受験料を各自持参し、スクールの申し込み欄に講師の指示に従って記入してください。
申し込み用紙等はありません。一次試験免除者も申し込みが必要です。
受験料
5級　1,200円　　　4級　1,300円　　　3級　2,300円
準2級　3,400円　　　2級　3,900円

以上についてご質問等ございましたら、お気軽にお問い合わせください。
よろしくお願いいたします。

Topic Reading-Vol.246-12/13/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

More voices needed in climate debate.

Haven’t people in all over, varies parts at least, been witnessing or even experiencing enough to recognize how serious and immediate the climate change issue needs to be addressed, discussed and dealt with together?

Yes, the UN seems to be the only organization that brings all countries together and offers every member state a chance to voice but it does its work only when all or the most of the states are willing to agree to act. Unfortunately at this moment, they seem to agree to recognize the problem but don’t agree to pay a price to solve it.

Enjoy reading and learning how the recent climate negotiations in Doha ended up.

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/09/opinion/morgan-climate-change-talks/index.html?hpt=hp_c3

Topic Reading-Vol.245-12/12/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Vietnam breaks up anti-China protests.

Another public anger turned into rare protests in Vietnam, where public stability seems to be the number one priority for the one-party ruled country, against its neighbor’s acts that are viewed as aggression and expansionism.

If you see the map, not only Vietnam but also Philippines must feel very uneasy about China being so assertive on disputed islands here and there. How could you possibly deal with such an aggressive gigantic neighbor with so much force, population, economy, resources, technologies and market?

Enjoy reading and learning about what’s going on around the South China Sea. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20656533

 

Topic Reading-Vol.244-12/11/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Pearl Harbor’s role in a historic Supreme Court decision.

How many of you know that about 120,000 U.S. citizens of Japanese ancestry, two-thirds of which were born in the country, were interned in 10 camps set up nationally from the year after Imperial Japanese navy attached the Perl Harbor base in Hawaii on December 7th, eightth in Japan because of the International Date Line, 1941 until the year after the war ended in 1945? The executive order by then president Franklin Roosevelt was upheld by the Supreme Court at that time but a half century later, the court overturned the prior judgment.

Enjoy reading and learning about a part of the dark side of human right history in the US. 

http://news.yahoo.com/pearl-harbor-role-historic-supreme-court-decision-114210794.html

Topic Reading-Vol.243-12/10/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Rising sea level puts island nations like Nauru at risk.

You might have seen photos like this quite often before the 2008 financial crisis, which substantially shifted people’s attention from environment to a much more immediate issue, economic recovery. Also, thanks to (?) the technological advancement, shale gas and oil have become much more economically advantageous source of energy. At the same time, financial burden of renewable or cleaner energy started to slow down the pace for new investment.

However, sea ice seems to have been melting at a faster pace than it was predicted some years ago and sea level is rising accordingly, which seems to have been affecting and threatening the residents of small islands as many of them live by the coasts to fish, their main source of income and food.

Please read and relearn what’s going on to those islanders. Global warming is a long term problem but there are very urgent problems need more and closer attention. 

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/04/world/asia/nauru-ocean-danger/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

Topic Reading-Vol.242-12/9/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Voyager 1 Spacecraft Enters New Realm at Solar System's Edge.

About a quarter century ago, two spacecrafts set out for a long one-way journey to outer space, and they are about to leave our solar system. They are Voyager 1 and Voyager 2. Some may disagree the “one-way” mission as one of them will return in one of the Star Trek movie series.

Anyway, they are still doing their job fine and will continue to do so for the next several, a decade at most.

Enjoy reading and learning about this bold mission that is still being carried out.

 

http://news.yahoo.com/voyager-1-spacecraft-enters-realm-solar-systems-edge-201819290.html;_ylt=AsHylv4mdyJJ6MJgV3sjth6s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNsOTBlNjcwBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBGUARwa2cDZTFkYmFjMDItNTEwYS0zZTFmLThkNDEtMzNkMWE4M2NjZjgyBHBvcwMzBHNlYwN0b3Bfc3RvcnkEdmVyA2ZiNDRiMmQzLTNkOGUtMTFlMi05OTc3LWQyODMyZjJlZTEzYw--;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

Topic Reading-Vol.241-12/8/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Confucius Institutes go beyond borders.

There are a few language and culture promotion organizations such as Britain's British Council, France's Alliance Française and Germany's Goethe-Institut, that aim to promote their languages and cultures to other countries. Confucius Institutes, non-profit public institutions aligned with Chinese government, seem to play a similar role. However, they do not claim to be independent from their government and they operate within established universities, colleges, and secondary schools around the world, providing funding, teachers and educational materials, which has raised concerns over their influence on academic freedom and even the possibility of industrial espionage and also their attempt to penetrate China's soft power and cultural influence internationally. As a matter of fact, one of their most influential politburo leaders quoted, “the Confucius Institutes are an important part of China’s overseas propaganda set-up”.

However, this particular article indicates they might play some role to help restore the frozen relationship between China and Japan.

Enjoy reading and learning what this institute is about. 

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-12/03/content_15978693.htm

Topic Reading-Vol.240-12/7/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

What does “USS Enterprise” remind of? Cuban missile crisis, anti-nuclear protests in Yokosuka or Star Trek? It’s the oldest and longest-served US navy aircraft carrier which has just retired from its active service after a little over 50 years on the sea.

Aircraft carriers have been playing significant roles since Imperial Japanese Navy assaulted Pearl Harbor US Naval Base about seven decades ago. Today, China is about to deploy its first carrier to show its naval force and presence in Eastern Pacific, which in turn presses the U.S. to allocate another carrier to the region.

One of the retired sailor commented that the name of USS Enterprise sounds better than the ones of their politicians. How does it sound to you?

Enjoy reading and learning about one of the biggest and most remarkable navy vessels in history.

 

http://news.yahoo.com/uss-enterprise-carrier-taken-active-211422506.html;_ylt=Agr2ri3idxx_S5pZA007_1ys0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNsanNicG4xBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBGUARwa2cDNGZlNGIyOGQtZTUwMy0zODgwLWI3YWYtZDE1YmVmMDQzNmE2BHBvcwMxBHNlYwN0b3Bfc3RvcnkEdmVyA2MwNzkzYmVlLTNjMDgtMTFlMi04MzJkLTNjZDkyYmZmMjAxNg--;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

Topic Reading-Vol.239-12/6/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Mexico's new leader measured against old corruption.

There are elections for leaders in many influential countries this year, France, Egypt, the U.S., China (at least some process to elect a group of leaders), Korea, and Mexico. The country has a population of a little over 100 million had a presidential and congressional elections in July this year, after having dreadful battles with the drug gangs over the course of the last several years, which left death toll of thousands. How much the newly elected leader by a fair and transparent election, which no "pregnant" ballot boxes (those already filled with votes) were seen at voting posts, tackle with those drug gangs and corrupted social and business practices?

Enjoy reading and learning about Mexico’s democracy.

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/30/world/americas/mexico-president-questions/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

Topic Reading-Vol.238-12/5/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Sea-level rise from polar ice melt finally quantified.

It must have taken a lot of research, studies, discussions, concessions, consideration, cooperation and coordination to bring about a consensus on any one disputed topic, especially a very complicated one such as how much of the sea-level rise was caused by ice melt in the polar regions.

That is estimated to be around 11mm plus or minus 3.8mm. Simple and convincing enough for anyone to understand the effects of the global warming.

However, in order to forecast the effects of the global warming for the next decades, we may need not only cooperation of the scientists but also the leaders of CO2 emitting countries, as well as the consensus of at COP and UN.

Enjoy reading and learning about this valued analysis contributed by the tremendous efforts of the world scientists.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20543483

Topic Reading-Vol.237-12/4/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Birth rule could be relaxed in China.

The rapidly aging country is now considering easing family planning rules, not at once but region by region or city by city.

Only parents who themselves are an only child have been allowed to have another child in China. Now, their average fertility rate stands at as low as 1.7, well below the replacement level of 2.1, their demographic and gender balance is in trouble, especially for the young males who are having difficulty finding their mates because many parents prefer to have a boy instead of a girl and as a result, there are much fewer young females than young males in China.

The question is, those who are allowed to have a second child will be willing to have another ones?

Enjoy reading and learning how the most populous country is trying to manage its population and demographic balance.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-11/28/content_15964713.htm

Topic Reading-Vol.236-12/3/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Brazil deforestation hits record low.

A little over 60% of the Amazon’s rainforests lies in Brazil which has been tightening its grip to reduce deforestation by 80% by the year 2020 from 1990 levels. It sounds like a significant achievement if you think of the sheer size of the rainforests that lie in the area where neither constant surveillance nor continuous patrolling is practicable.

Despite the significant achievement, their war to reduce illegal deforestation seems still far from over. They seem to have a lot of battles to fight and win, not only for themselves, but also for the entire globe. So, may more assists or supports should be provided by other countries, especially the ones that produce more greenhouse gasses than others, namely Cxxxx and the XX.

http://news.yahoo.com/brazil-deforestation-hits-record-low-190120227--finance.html

Topic Reading-Vol.235-12/2/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Chinese flock to elite U.S. schools.

In the 2010-11 academic-years, students to study in the U.S. from mainland China increased 23% surpassing any other countries.

While most of the Chinese students traditionally went abroad in the past when they failed to secure a place at a top-tier local university of their country, some of the best students are now trying to study in the United States, as early as secondary schools, to make sure they can be enrolled in top universities, instead of betting their lives one-time national entrance exams which force students to put everything else in their secondary school lives as non-essential.

Enjoy reading and learning why so many Chinese students are trying to study in America.

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/25/world/asia/china-ivy-league-admission/index.html?hpt=hp_mid

 

Topic Reading-Vol.234-12/1/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Black Monday for 130 Counterfeit Websites.

How many of you have known or heard Black Monday, not Friday? It’s the Monday after Thanksgiving Day in the U.S., the fourth Thursday of November, when online retailers post their biggest sales of the year with consumers estimated to spend $1.5 billion.

It’s a big day not only for ordinary faithful online retailers but also for those who try to take advantage of the shipping spree by cheating consumers with fake products, counterfeit.

Enjoy reading and learning about behind the scene of a crackdown on online counterfeit crime that took place on Black Monday.

http://news.yahoo.com/black-monday-130-counterfeit-websites-201358124--abc-news-politics.html;_ylt=AqtBk8skZsB.FUno_PZxvuSs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNsdXRpOWNiBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBGUARwa2cDNDMxOTA4MGUtOTJmZi0zYzc0LTg1MWMtYzZmYWMyODg1MWI5BHBvcwM1BHNlYwN0b3Bfc3RvcnkEdmVyA2I2OGNmMGMxLTM4MDgtMTFlMi1hZmQ3LTJjMGM0NjIzZTQ0Mg--;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

Topic Reading-Vol.233-11/30/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Spain regions: Catalonia nationalists win election.

You might have read the Topic Reading Vol. 230 - Nov.27^th issue about a move in Catalonia to become an independent state apart from Spain, which hadn’t been successful with managing its sovereign territory from becoming independent. Now, it seems apparent that more Catalans welcome the move though it seems to be very challenging under the existing constitution of Spain.

However, with its unemployment ratio over 22%, though a few percentage points lower than the nation’s average, more people may opt to support “a change”, especially the young, whose jobless ratio has been over 40%.

Enjoy reading and guessing if there will be a cause in the Mediterranean region.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20482719

Topic Reading-Vol.232-11/29/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

The end of digital democracy? Facebook wants to take away your right to vote.

Do you have any idea what digital democracy means? Now one of the biggest publically traded so-called digital companies, is pulling off its democratic process to decide whether it adopts a new practice or changes an existing one, which doesn’t seem to affect much to anyone.

However, a simple question arises if this policy change has been voted for if that liberal and democratic policy had been in place?

Enjoy reading and learning about how people should or might react to a sudden change in policies.

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/22/tech/social-media/facebook-democracy/index.html?hpt=hp_c3

 

Topic Reading-Vol.231-11/28/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Mexico's President Calderon seeks to change country's name.

How many of you know that the official name of Mexico isn’t just Mexico or the Republic of Mexico, but the United States of Mexico, Estados Unidos Mexicanos, just like its northern neighbor. It is a nation where affluence, poverty, natural beauty and urban blight coexist with a population of nearly the one Japan. There 31 states, which form a union that exercises a degree of jurisdiction over the Federal District and other territories and each state has its own constitution, congress, and a judiciary.

Enjoy reading and finding what new name is possible brought up and by who.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-20457443

Topic Reading-Vol.230-11/27/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Catalonia's fight for independence: Are there lessons from the Dutch revolt?

You can always learn from history, especially the ones in your own country or culture. Catalonia, best known apart from the capital, Barcelona, is of course the Mediterranean coast with a population of approximately seven and a half million, represents the one fifth of Spain’s total economy. People in Catalonia feel unheard by the leaders and politicians in Madrid. They also feel overtaxed and unfairly treated. There has been a move to become independent from Spain and there are things people can learn from history, especially the one of their country.

Enjoy reading and learning about Spain’s history of ruling its territories.

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/21/business/catalonia-dutch-revolt-lessons/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

Topic Reading-Vol.229-11/26/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

San Francisco lawmakers vote to ban public nudity.

Did you know that San Francisco, California is a city whose reputation as a sanctuary for free expression is one of the highest in the U.S.? Yes, it’s been very popular among hippies, gays, nudists and artists who love freedom of voice, social practices and appearance.

Now the city doesn’t seem to be as tolerant as to allow people to be nude in public places.

Enjoy reading and learning about how the city of freedom is trying to manage the balance. 

http://news.yahoo.com/san-francisco-lawmakers-vote-ban-public-nudity-235741763.html;_ylt=ArjYZmtsRTP_36xCgLS0wmSs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNscW5ndGw1BG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBGUARwa2cDNDNhYTVkODgtZTRhYi0zNjRjLWIxNWUtMTA1MDRjOGMxNjU0BHBvcwM4BHNlYwN0b3Bfc3RvcnkEdmVyAzkwMDNjZTMwLTMzOGQtMTFlMi1iZmZiLWIwZmIzZmFjZjM4NQ--;_ylg=X3oDMTFpNzk0NjhtBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25z;_ylv=3

Topic Reading-Vol.228-11/25/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Church of England general synod votes against women bishops.

The higher the rank is, the more liberal a person could be?

In order for the Church of England to pass the legislation to approve the appointment of women as bishops, it requires two-thirds majorities in each of the synod's three houses, the bishops were for, so were the clergies but not the laity, the members of the churches, by a very narrow margin.

Enjoy reading and learning about the sensitivity of women becoming high-rank church positions, even in Christianity.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20415689

Topic Reading-Vol.227-11/24/2012

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Anonymous declares 'cyberwar' on Israel.

There seems to be multiple warfronts a nation needs to fight and defend against. The first one is physical, such as missiles, bombs and ground battles. The other ones seem to have been weather and geographical situations, and diseases before 20^th century. Now in the new millennium, the latter two fronts seem to have been taken place by new ones like social media such as Facebook, and cyber attacks by the enemy country, individuals and even groups or networks of expertise who don’t have any conflict of interest with the country.

Enjoy reading and learning about how influential cyber attacks could be these days.

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/19/tech/web/cyber-attack-israel-anonymous/index.html?hpt=hp_c1