*Influenza AH1N1*

INITIATING QUESTIONS:
1. What is an epidemic?
- A widespread outbreak of an infectious disease in which many people are infected at the same time, during a given period of time.

2. What is a pandemic?
- An epidemic that becomes widespread and affects a whole region, a whole continent, or the whole world, affecting all of its people.

3. What is an infectious disease?
- Any disease caused by invasion by a pathogen which subsequently grows and multiplies in the body.

4. What is a virus?
- Is a sub-microscopic infectious agent that is unable to grow or reproduce outside a host cell.

5. What makes the H1N1 virus a "novel" or "new" virus?
- That it didn't exist before, it's a new disease that was recently discovered and has been spreading worldwide.

6. How do viruses mutate?
- The only way they can reproduce is by infecting a cell, so they must be able to evolve faster than their hosts cells. If not, then the host cells would evolve to where a virus would no longer be able to infect. Cells change their surface receptors so viruses cannot attach; the viruses change their surface proteins so they can attach to the changed cell surface receptors. The viruses must always stay ahead of the evolution game. They are very, very good at this.
- Scientists have yet to figure out what causes the mutations, when they will occur and what makes certain viruses more lethal than others.

7. What does it mean that this virus has "parts" from other known swine flus, human flus and American bird flus?
- Scientists believe that the swine flu could combine with the bird flu, which has been circulating for several years and is much more deadly. The only advantage would be that it's less easily transmitted, but still, if it gets to the humans, then it would be easily transmitted.

8. How does that process happen?
- Because the flu has spread all the way to the Norhtern Hemisphere, where the bird flu is present, and if the swine flu infectates someone that already has the bird flu, the diseases could combine, forming stonger and more dangerous virus.

9. How is the flu vaccine created?
- About 20 companies worldwide are currently working in the production of flu vaccines. Right now, there hasn't been a production of swine flu vaccines, they're currently experimenting. The experiment consists in injecting a small amount of virus into each egg, since eggs are ideal for growing up flu viruses, and incubate them over the weekend. Then, they try to reverse the genetics, injecting another virus known as PR8. Another process, is injecting PR8, along with H1N1, so it creates bodies against it.

10. Why are some viruses transmittable from human to human while others are not (avian flu)?
- Bird flus recquire few mutations to spread rapidly between mammals by respiratory droplets, so it only transmits with humans that have a direct contact with birds. While it's easily transmittable from human to human, because once the flu has mutated, it stays that way and can infect another human being with the same properties.

11. How does Tamiflu work?
- By binding to and inhibiting one of the surface enzymes the virus uses to exit infected cells. "The virus is still able to replicate inside a cell, but is unable to get out and infect other cells."

12. Scientists worry that H1N1 might become resistant to Tamiflu. How might that happen?
- Since there are not enough Tamiflus for everyone, we might have to reduce the doses, which could accelerate the emergence of a virus resistant to the drug, and hamper efforts to spread the disease.


READING COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:

1. What is the most predictable thing about influenza?
- The nature of the viruses that cause it.

2. How many people have died in Mexico? (based on the article as well as on latest news)
- There have been 66 confirmed deaths.

3. Name 3 countries where swine flu has been confirmed in the last three days.
- India, Malaysia, and Turkey.

4. What are the symptoms of the swine flu?
- Fever, cough, sore throat, and nausea and can range from mild to deadly.

5. When was the outbreak of the Spanish flu?
- In 1918, after the World War l.

6. What percentage of the world population died of influenza then?
- It killed 50 million people, 1% of the global population.

7. Why was there an emergency vaccination program in 1976?
- Because there was one death and an emergency prevention program vaccinated 40 million people, before the complications provoked a public blacklash.

8. Name a few actions the Mexican government has done to curb the spread of swine flu.
- Schools were closed for a short time, and opened again the 6th of May. Many public places like the movies, and restaurants, where closed indefinitely. Currently, restaurants rae opened with the condition that they'll have to take extreme precautions to conserve hygiene for clients. Churches, theaters, clubs, and bars were also closed temporarily.

9. What were the consequences for Mexico and Mexicans due to the actions taken by the government?
- Our tourist economy has suffered the consequences. Every other country is avoiding the travel to Mexico, it'll take a lot of time to recover from this, maybe never.

10. What industries were particularly hard hit?
- All the public and touristic places, like hotels, restaurants, museums, fairs, cinemas, etc, because people don't attend and they're suffering an economical crisis.


DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Mexico has shut down schools and other public spaces; do you think that was the correct thing to do? Why or why not?
- Yes, because even though it was for a short time, it helped people become aware of the graveness of this disease, people'll be more precautious. Besides, it was a good way of avoiding the infection. The people who are already infected will have enough time to notice and attend their problem.

2. More people die from the regular flu than from swine flu, why do you think this became a big news story?
- Because it's something new that wasn't expected to happen. Also, because it's been happening worldwide and it 's spreading really quickly. Besides, it's believed that it could worsen and if we let the virus spread, it could kill many people, becoming a catastrophe that could be incontrollable.

3. Why did people stop visiting Mexico? Why have Mexicans been discriminated? Do you think the fear of the disease is justified?
- Because the first infection occured in Mexico, also because the infection spreaded to other parts of the world, thanks to Mexicans. So, people is angry at us, thinking it's our fault. I think discrimination is never justified, but I do think the fear is. Because, even though avoiding panick is the best we can do, I think that if we don't fear it, we won't be as careful about it.

4. What questions about individual and human rights does preventing the spread of flu raise?
- That we can't go out to public places and we are in a kind of lockdown, in which our human rights are violated, deprived of our freedom. For example, travel restrictions, which could also cause an economic chaos.

*Bag of Tricks*

Answer the following questions:
1. Why are plastic bags so common?
- Because they are easily produced and very cheap. They are resistant to carry heavy stuff, and it can be found in any supermarket, store, garbage bin, etc.

2. In what other ways is plastic used?

- For plastic containers, topperwares, toys, pens, candy wrappers, chewing gum, cigarrette butts, soccer balls, etc.

3. What are the benefits of plastic bags?

- Compared to paper grocery bags, they consume 40% less energy, generate 80% less solid waste, produce 70% fewer atmospheric emisions, and release up to 94%fewer waterbone wastes.

- It's production is cheap, it's a very resistant material, it can be tailored for specific needs, it has long durability, and it has great thermal and electric insulation properties.

4. What are the dangers of plastic bags?

- That many of them end waterlogged and sink to the bottom, affecting seriously all of the ecosistems, due to all of the animals that live in the bottom, because they can asphyxiate by confusing them with food or entangled in them. Also because plastic bags are made from petroleum or natural gas, and they contain lead, a toxin, in the colored ink, which it's equivalent to dumping oil in the natural resources, causing environmental impacts. Plastic bags cartwheel down the city streets, alight in trees, billow from fences like flags, clog storm drains, wash into rivers and bays, ending up in the ocean and into the sea. More than a million birds and 100, 000 marine mammals and sea turtles die every year because of this.

5. What has been done so far?

- Only 1% of plastic bags are being recycled worldwide. Even if they are properly disposed away, due to their light weight, they are blown away. This year, San Francisco and Oakland outlawed the use of plastic bags in in large grocery stores and pharmacies, permitting only paper bags. Other communities across teh country are considering taking drastic legislative actions against plastic bags. In Bangladesh, the plastic bags have been banned since 2002, because they choked drainage systems. In Ireland the use of bags has diminished a 90%, since they established a 22 cent tax.

6. Has it been successful? Why or why not?

- It hasn't been successful, because even though some recycling is made and many organizations are fighting to reduce the dangers that plastic bags cause in ecosystems and natural resources, it's minimum; Compared to all of the damage that's already caused and that still continues, it's nothing. Because even though we did eliminate all of the plastic bags, there will still be remainings of plastic in the air and all over the world. So unless they are all incinerated, they will always remain as small particles or fragmented bits.

Answer the following questions:

1. What are some of the potential benefits of charging fees for and/or banning plastic bags?

- It can reduce pollution by inspiring people not to waste, because besides the danger that plastic bags imply, they would be also throwing away their money, so it makes them more careful and conscious about this situation. Also that the government would receive a reasonable amount of money due to the fees, and that money could be used to help the organizations against plastic bags, and to help clean the pollution. And, if the banning happened, it would help enormously to improve the world's conscoiusness and the pollution would diminish in a considerable amount.

2. What are some of the potential drawbacks of such programs?

- That sometimes, the government uses the money for their own benefit and not for the countries' benefit. Also that it would affect economicly, since there are people that can't afford wasting cents just to carry their stuff, especially in this time we are facing. It could also cause a contraproducing environmental damage, by increasing the use of paper bags.

3. Which benefits and drawbacks seem the most compelling? Why?

- I believe that the most important benefit would the money obtained from fees, since it could be used to help clean up bays, oceans, streets, etc, and it would be of great help to the ecosystems, this way many people would feel encouraged and would like to make a difference.

- In the other hand I also consider that the worst drawback could be that plastic bags were completely banned, and instead of using this to make a good use out of paper bags with good recycling systems, they abused and created a major problem, generating more pollution, and increasing the loss of natural resources and ecosystems.

4. Would you support a local law charging fees for (or banning) plastic bags? Why or why not?
- Yes, I would. It would be a good start for my community, so we could all learn to carry our stuff in one of the bags that are used in the markets, because they can be used over and over again. They don't pollute, they're also made of plastic, but more resistant, and it's a perfect example of recycling, by using it more tahn once. Also because it would help me personally be more aware of the urgent situation we are facing, in which we have to act and do something for our world, or we will suffer the consequences.

Answer:
1. Do you agree with this new law? Why or why not?

- Yes, I agree, because it's an excellent way to make all bag makers and stores care for their planet. It's a plan in which they have enough time to develop a new process of degradable plastic and materials, without losing all of their profit. It will be difficult, since many of the income is due to plastic production, like PEMEX that supplies petroleum used to make plastic bags and will loose business, but I think is worth the sacrifice. It will benefit all natural resources and ecosystems, reducing pollution.

2. What has been done so far?

- Bimbo company already started a project in which all of it's new plastic packaging is oxo-biodegradable and contains an additive made by the British Company Symphony Technologies. Eventually all the firm's products sold in Mexico and the rest of America Latina, will be in biodegradable packages. Brazil, Argentina, and the city of Delhi, India, are developing legislation requiring shopping bags to be degradable. The banning of plastic bags will soon become law.

3. What needs to be done to enforce such a law?

- There will be consecuences for those who don't follow it: they will face up to 36 hours in jail, or a maximum fine of 20,000 times the minimum daily wage. People have to start supporting the law so everyone will work together to make a better world. And all of the bag makers have to accept it and cooperate without complaints.

4. What campaigns would you suggest?

- I would improve publicity in a way everyone would be fully aware of what's going on and why this is all happening, putting documental (but not boring) videos on TV, especially on news and commercials, organizing a conference for schools, because I believe that kids are our best shot in trying to change perspective and making life better. But, the law would also be applied in schools, so the children would start learning. I would organize marchs with many people and many posters to call people's attention.

News 3

*Teenage Gunman Kills 15 at School in Germany*
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/world/europe/12germany.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=german%20kid%20kills&st=cse
Who: Tim Kretschmer
Where: Germany, Winnenden
When: Wednesday, March 11th, 2009.
Why: Some people think that it may have been his father's influence, because he was a member of a local shooting club and had experience. Othe peopple think that he was depressed. It's not a fact, no one knows what his real reasons were.
What: The 17 year old, Tim Kretschmer, attacked the Albertville Secondary School in Winnenden with a gun, killing 16 people.

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*Two Dead and 13 Wounded in California School Shooting*
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/05/national/05CND-SHOOT.html?ex=1237089600&en=4b1f80bc46bc821d&ei=5070
Who: A ninth grader.
Where: California, in a suburb of San Diego.
When: March 5, 2001.
Why: Officials said they did not know what the motive was, and at an emotional news conference struggled with that question. Based on the fact that days before, he threatened some kids and no one payed any attention to him, I infere that it could have been because he wanted to call for attention, he needed to be listened.
What: A 15 year old boy, pulled a handgun out of his back pack and opened fire, killing 2 people and injuring 13.

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*Northern Illinois University School Shooting*
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/n/northern_illinois_university/school_shooting/index.html?scp=8&sq=schools%20shooting&st=cse
Who: Stephen P. Kazmierkzak.
Where: U.S. Northern Illinois.
When: February 14, 2008.
Why: He left no suicide note, he hid all of his motives. But his girlfriend, Jessica Baty said that he took an anti-anxiety drug and a sleeping aid in addition to the antidepressant Prozac. But three weeks before the shooting and the suicide he had stopped taking the Prozac. So I suppose that he suffered from depressions and he felt that no one loved him and that everyone was against him. So maybe it was a rage attack against all the people that sometime hurt his feelings.
What: A 27 year old former sociology student, opened fire, shooting 25 people and killing 5. Then he shot himself, before the authorities detained him.

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*Theories but No Answer in School Shooting*
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C07E2DE123DF937A35751C1A961958260
Who: Michael Carneal.
Where: U.S. Washington, Heath High School.
When: Monday, December 1st, 1997.
Why: I think that maybe he acted because of someone's influence, because he took five guns and only used one, so people suppose that he expected help from somebody. Also because the police said that someone helped him plan it, because he couldn't have got five guns just by himself, because they were stole from a neighbor. But the principal of the high school, Bill Bond, said Michael's essays and short stories indicated that he ''just struck out in anger at the world'' because he felt weak and picked upon. Mr. Bond said the boy apparently ''had been teased all his life.''
What: The ninth grader Michael Carneal carried five guns inside his backpack, and opened fire in the early-morning circle prayer, killing three of his classmates, and leaving five kids injured.

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*Sorrowful Town Honors Teen-Ager Killed in School Shooting*
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B01E2D61738F935A15756C0A96E958260
Who: 15 year old, Kipland P. Kinkel.
Where: U.S Washington, Thurston High School.
When: Wednesday, May 20th, 1998.
Why: I think it all started with rage against something his fathers did to him, because the evening before the shooting in the cafeteria, he killed his parents. So it's said that it could have been an attack of anger towards people and he had to pour his anger somehow.
What: A 15 year old teenager opened fire in the school cafeteria, killing two people and injuring 22 more students, leaving them in critical conditions.

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*Texas City Official: Mass shooting left cars, but Killeen 'resilient'*
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/US/03/12/killeen.mass.shooting/
Who: 35 year old, George Hennard.
Where: U.S. Texas, Killeen.
When: October 16th, 1991.
Why: It's said that he chose his victims metodically, most of them women. So I think that maybe he had something against the people he shot.
What: George Hennard drove a pickup truck into the Luby's cafeteria, and opened fire, killing 3 people and severely wounding 20 people. Then he shot himself, comitting suicide.

Russian Welcomes Letter From Obama
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/03/03/cuba.castro.shakeup/index.html

Who: Presiden Dimitri A. Medvedev

Where: Moscow, Russia

When: March 3, 2009

Why: Because he made an agreement with President Barack Obama and the deal benefits both countries. Obama wants to help Iran.

What: President Dmitri A. Medvedev said that Russia was open to United States overtures on its proposed missile defense plan. Obama asks for Russia's help on Iran.

Partial

1. Who is Robert Mugabe? How long has he been in power? How popular is he?
- The President of Zimbabwe, he has held the power since 1980, 28 years. At first, he was considered by African Americans like a hero, with his plan of supporting his people. But his image has changed, because he has done many bad things for the country, like when he generated an hyperinflation that caused Zimbabwe's economy to spiral downward. So, in July 2008, the Group of Eight released a collective statement that said they do not accept a government that doesn't reflect the will of Zimbabwean people. White people don´t like him much, because they think he is racist.

2. Who is Morgan Tsvangirai? Which is/ has been his political role?
- He is the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, and the President of the Movement for Democratic Change. A key figure in the opposition team to President Robert Mugabe.

3. What happened during last year's elections? Which was the outcome?
- The Presidential Elections of 2008, were held on March 29, the major candidates were Mugabe, Simba Makoni, and Tsvangirai. According to the official results, Tsvangirai was ahead of Mugabe, but Mugabe won, and Tsvangirai claimed that the results could have been altered.

4. Which is the economic situation in Zimbabwe? How do the people feel about this?
- It's collapsing, thanks to an economic mismanagement. From one of Africa's strongest economies, it has come to the world's worst. Because Mugabe printed hundreds of trillions of Zimbabwean dollars, triggering hyperinflation. Also, food shortages, unemployment, and the cholera outbreak doesn't help, because it damages health and people has more needs, like medicines, which the government can't provide. The people are feeling desperate, the hummanitarian help is retiring, and the government doesn't act. Instead of caring for the economic situation, they care for themselves and launch a birthday party in which they spent $250 000.

5. What do you think about the celebrations and the lavish party?
- It's selfish to use that money in your benefit, when it could be used for medicines and food. It's horrible the way Mugabe is managing the situation, without facing the problems he has created, he just doesn't care and keeps giving himself parties, when his country is suffering because of him.



a) Give the conflict a name and explain why you think it is a conflict:
- Major crisis in Zimbabwe and the government doesn't care. It's a conflict because the candidates are fighting for power, while the country is suffering the consecuences.

b) Who is involved and why?
- Robert Mugabe, his followrs, the opposing group, and the Zimbabwean citizens, because they're being affected.

c) Explain in detail why the conflict has happened:
- The economy is collapsing thanks to the mistakes of the President, Robert Mugabe generated a triggering hyperinflation, that is affecting the people. All of the money that should be used for food and medicines, to help his people, Mugabe uses it to make parties and enjoy himself. He cares for himself instead of his country.

d) Give a timeline of events (at least 5) related to the conflict:
- January 2009, Zimbabwe introduced a new Z$100 trillion banknote.
- February 21, 2009: Mugabe's 85th birthday.
- February 27, 2009: Tsvangirai visits a hospital and says it needs 30,000 dollars.
- February 28, 2009: Mugabe's spent $250 000 for hid birthday party.
- March 1, 2009: Tsvangirai states the country needs $5 billion dollars to tabilize the country.

e) How do you think this conflict can be solved and why?
- If the government started using the money they have to benefit their people, instead of using it for their own benefit. If other countries helped, and if they changed the President to a more effective and productive one.

1. Country name:
- Somalia.

2. Conflict:
- Somalia is in crisis of famine.

3. Copy the headlines and the link to a news item reporting on that conflict:
- Somalia nearing a 'total famine'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7764937.stm

4. Summarize the news item in your own words in 5 - 8 sentences. (identify the main ideas):
- In December 4, 2008, it's been reported that Somalia is suffering for the lack of food in the country. All Somali citizens are depending on food aid. Families are eating their most prized posesions, their camels and goats. The desperation is increasing, the situation is being compared with the last great famine of 1992, when hundreds of people died of hunger. All of the hummanitarian help has had to leave, because of the increasing insecurity that's been going on. There are lots of humanitarian staff kidnapped, so even though they would like to help, they have to leave. There have been nearly 100 pirate attacks.

5. Describe the conflict:
- Somalia is sufferibg for lack of food and hunger, so it's said that a famine is approaching. Humanitarian staff can't continue helping Somalia, while the kidnapping continues. The situation is desperately increasing and people have had to kill their animals to feed their whole family.

6. Based on your research - geography and timeline, explain why the conflict happened. Which ones are the roots of the conflict?
- The war between Somalia and Ethiopia has affected in a big way, because all of the borders are closed and they are not receiving food. Also the polio-virus that lasted for the past 3 years, because it affects people's health and makes them weak. And I also think that the geography of the country affects, since it isn't a tropical place and there are no trees from where you could get fruit or vegetables. And, if there were security in Somalia, they could receive humanitarian help with food, but since the Somali pirates are kidnapping staff, all of the humanitarian help is leaving.

7. Answer:

a) Who is involved in the conflict?

- The pirates that make the assaults, the humanitarian staff, Ethiopia that is the main cause, etc. But the most involved, ovbiously, is Somalia and all of its people.

b) Where is it happening?

- In Somalia

c) When did it happen and how long has it been going on?

- It's something that has been developing through time, but the conflict has just started, in December, there where many news and reports that said, that everything happened while people were just focused on the piracy that's been going in the coast. It's a situation that will continue to increase, unless we find a solution before it's to late.

"Pakistan: A Nation Divided"

1. Which is its location?

- South Asia.

2. What countries does it border with?

- Borders with Central Asia and Middle East.

3. What does the geography say about the country?

- The different types of natural features range from the sandy beaches, lagoons, and mangrove swamps of the southern coast to preserved beautiful moist temperate forests and the icy peaks of the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountains in the north. The climate varies as much as the scenery, with cold winters and hot summers in the north and a mild climate in the south, moderated by the influence of the ocean. The central parts have extremely hot summers with temperatures rising to 45 °C, followed by very cold winters, often falling below freezing.

4. What is the dominant religion?

- Islam.

5. Which other exist?

- Christianity, Hinduism, Parsis, Shia, Sunni, Muslims, etc.

6. What are the different ethnic groups?

- Dravidian, Indo-Aryan, Greek, Scynthian, Hun, Arag, Mongol, Persian, and Afghan.

7. Which ones are the main customs and traditions?

- There are many festivals anually celebrated, like, Pakistan Day (23 March), Independence Day (14 August), Defence of Pakistan Day (6 September), Pakistan Air Force Day (7 September), etc. The traditional music is Folkloric music, and traditional styles such as Qwwali and Ghazal Gayaki. The society is multilingual, every family has its tarditional values and respect them as much as their religion.

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"The Life of an Islamic Teenager.

1. How is this his life different from yours?
- He doesn't have a fun life, he is always worried about breaking a rule, sometimes he gets really really bored, but he can't do anything, he can't socialize the same way, etc.


2. Which custom caught your attention?
- That he can't date a girl, because I think that sometimes you can't control your feelings, and if he fell in love with someone, he wouldn't be allowed to date her or to have thoughts about her.


3. How does his religion affect his way of acting?
- He depends on his religion, he trusts the Koran completely and obeys every single rule. So, he can't drink, smoke, have sex before marrieage, eat pork, date girls,etc. These things make him inocent and different from others, which can be a good thing or a bad thing. Because many people want to be friends with him because he is nice and different, pure. But, there are also bad people that when they see how good and innocent he is, they could take advantage of him.


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"Interview to Dahmar Malik"

Ethnic group: Punjabi

Religion: Hindu

1. How often do you go to a religuous service? Where? What happens there?
- It is my responsibility to say my prayers daily and to chant the "Holly Five Syllables" at least for five minutes. I attend with my family to the temple once a week, because we are not very religious, but the really ardant people attend every day. In the temple we learn lots of things, we get refined and kindled. There are many temples in my city, but I mostly attend to the "Katasraj- Lord Shiva Temple," because it is located in Punjab, my province. Also, we can make rituals in our homes, where we invite our relatives to worship our Lord Shiva. But we mostly go tot he temple, the rituals in our homes are mpstly for purification, and only in special ocations.

2. Do you know anyone of a different religion? How do you get along?
- I do know people of different religions, but I don't get to hang with the, I spend most of the time with my family and friends, but they all belong to the Hindu religion. It would be a bad influence for me to people that don't worship the same God as me.

3. Do boys and girls hang out socially? Do you go to parties?
- I am not allowed to attend to parties that don't have anything to do with my religion. And I can't hang out with boys, just with my relatives and with my future husband. I only have girl friends of my same religion.

4. How many people live in your house? How do you interact?
- I live with my dad, my mom, and my two older brothers.

5. Who goes to school in your family?
- My two brothers, while I stay at home to help my mom with the chores.

6. How do you dress?
- I love wearing saris, because they all have different styles and colors. Then, on top of the sari, I use a choli which is a blouse that ends just below the bust. One of the most traditional dresses is the Lehanga, but I only use it in special ocations because it isn't as comfortable as the sari, and it's too hot for the weather in Pakistan.

7. Which ones are your daily chores?
- My daily chores consist in worshiping at the dawn after bathing with the whole family, meditation, singing devotional hymns,chanting mantras, recyting religious scrypts, etc. I also get to help my mom with the cleansing of the house and cooking.

8. What does it mean to be belong to your ethnic group?
- Our identity is primarily cultural and linguistic, our language comes from the Indo.Aryan, but we have adopted the Urdu. Most of the Punjabis are located in my province, Punjab, but you can also find little groups in India, and in different parts of the world because of the emmigration. There's a variety in diversity, due to our location near Central Asia. The most of us share a similarity in genes, we have traditionally and historically been soldiers and farmers. We are all composed by different groups of religion, and economic status and caste. It is an honor for me to belong to an ethnic group which is one of the oldest and richest cultures in the world history.

9. Where are your relatives from?
- All of my relatives are from Pakistan, Only one of my uncles comes from India, and he is also an Hindu.

10. Do you hang out with people of other ethnicities? How do you get along?
- I just hang out with people of my same ethnicity, with the Punjabis.

11. Do you have to marry someone of your same ethnicity?
- Hinduism divides the society in four sects, so we have to marry someone of our same caste, same religion, and same ethnicity always. Also, we still pratice arranged marriages. When we are born, our parents start looking for prospects. The astrology of our birth influences much in their decision, and we can get married since little. And besides marrying someone of my same religion, I do have to marry a Punjabi, otherwise it would be against my principles.

12. Describe a typical tradition:
- Purification is an important part of our religion, we have to purify ourselves in mind and spirit. When our senses are purified, we are transparent and are able to see the wisdom of life. A great way to clean our body is to practice yoga, which gives you emotional estability and prepares you for the union with God. We also bathe the complete body, in my family, we do it in the river that runs near my house, in the woods. We do it to maintain purity after someone's death or before a festival.

News 2

"Fidel praises Obama's 'honesty'." 22 Jan. 2009.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7844600.stm

Who: Fidel Castro.

Where: Cuba.

When: 22 Jan. 2009.

Why: Barack Obama expressed his ideas with honesty and has noble intentions, but Fidel thinks that maybe he might be "raising hopes too high."

What: There were rumors that Fidel Castro's health was worsening, since he hadn't written any reflections or columns, since December 15th, 2008. Yesterday, Fidel wrote what he thught about Obama's presidency. Fidel said he would like an encounter, so both of them could meet. He is willing to talk to him, as long as there are no intermediaries. There are speculations that Fidel won't live enough to see Obama's success.

"Cuba's Fidel Castro 'doing well'." 22 Jan. 2009.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7843731.stm

Who: Fidel Castro.

Where: Cuba, Havana.

When: 22 Jan. 2009.

Why: There are speculations, that Fidel Castro is sick and his health is worsening. Since his intestinal surgery in 2006, no one has seen him.

What: Argentina's President, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, met with Fidel Castro on Wednesday, and informed that he seems healthy. They were together for about an hour, talking about Obama and his presidency in U.S. Raul Castro (Fidel's brother), said: "Now you know that Fidel is fine, and not like the rumours around here." He explained that Fidel had been helping him with his duties, excercising, thinking a lot, and reading.

* These two news are similar because, both are from BBC, so both are from the same point of view. Both news agree with the idea that Fidel approves Obama and talks very well about him. The difference, is that one talks about Fidel Castro's opinion, and one talks about Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's opinion. In one news, the rumors of Fidel's health are that he is sick, and in the other news, they clear up the confussion, and assure that Fidel is completely healthy.*

Politicians

1. Silvio Berlusconi: Prime Minister of Italy.

2. Michelle Bachelete: President of Chile.

3. Hillary Clinton: U.S. Secretary of State.

4. Hu Jintao: General of the Communist Partyof China.

5. Álvaro Uribe: President of Colombia.

6. Ehud Olmert: Prime Minister of Israel.

7. Gordon Brown: Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

8. Ban Ki Moon: Secretary-General of the United Nations.

9. Nocolas Sarkozy: President of France.

10. George Bush: President of the U.S.

11. Vladimir Putin: Prime Minister of Russia.

12. Fidel Castro: First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba.

13. Mahmoud Abbas: President of the Palestinian National Authority.

14. Taro Asso: Prime Minister of Japan.

15. José Luis Zapatero: Prime Minister of Spain.

16. Kim Jong Il: Chairman of the National Defence Comission of North Korea.

17. Barack Obama: President-elecct of the U.S.

18. Dalai Lama: Religious Lider of the Tibet in China.

19. Pratibha Patil: President of India.

20. Thein Sein: Prime Minister of Myanmar.

21. Robert Mugabe: President of Zimbabwe.

22. Hamid Karzai: President of Afghanistan.

23. Raul Castro: President of Cuba.

24. Mohamed Osni Murbarak: President of Egypt.

25. Dmitry Medvedev: Presindent of Russia.

26. Cristina Fernández de Kirchner: President of Argentina.

27. Abhihit Vejjajiva: Prime Minister of Thailand.

28. Ignacio Lula da Silva: President of Brazil.

29. Angela Merkel: Chancellor of Germany.

30. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: President of Iran.

31. Asif Ali Zardari: President of Pakistan.

The War Between Israel and Gaza

1. Where is Israel? Locate it on a map:

- Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean sea, between Egypt and Lebanon.

2. Why was Israel created?

- Israel was created after the World War II, in 1948 , to establish a "National Home" for the Jews in Palestine.

3. Where are the Palestinian Territories? Locate on a map:

- TheGaza Strip is in border with Israel and Egypt, and the West Bank is in border with Jordan.

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*Questions*

1. What is happening in Israel and Gaza?

- There´s a fight because Israel wants to get back the Gaza territory, Israel attacked Hamas targets in Gaza, in response of the rocketfires in southern Israel.

2. How many Palestinians have died and how many Israelis?

- Up to January 12, 2009, 900 Palestinians have died and 13 Israelis, which were from the army.

3. What is Hamas?

- The Isalmist group that governs Gaza. (Considered as a terrorist organization).

4. What was the U.S. response to the attacks?

- U.S. is supporting Israel´s attack, because they consider Hamas a terrorist organization that wants to eliminate Israel. Also because this could mean a possible that they would gain enough money to go through the economy recession.

5. What happened when Israel was declared a state in 1948?

- The Arab states declared that if Israel was declared a state, they would invade it. But, the committee decided to name Israel a state, because the U.S. President Harry S. Truman, said that as long as he governed he would recognize it as a state. All the Arab states didn´t recognize Israel as a state with the fear that he would gain the power above all.

6. What did Israel agree to in the Oslo accords?

- To transfer all the powers to the Palestinians, the security is Israel´s responsibility, and that the Declaration of Principles couldn´t prejudge the permanent status. With all of these points specified, Israel agreed to withdraw from the Gaza Trip and the West Bank to leave them their territory.

7. How did Hamas come to power in Gaza?

- Hamas won the Parliamentary election over Fatah and isolating the area they took control over Gaza.

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*The Meaning of an Old Battle*

1. To which "old battle" does the article's headline refer?

- It referrs to the battle they have for the territories since the U.N. established Palestine.

2. What seem to be the hopes underlying Israel's assault on Gaza?

- Delegitimize the group’s leadership in the eyes of the Palestinian people and eliminate its power to prevent a two-state solution.

3. How would a clear Israeli victory affect the region?

- It would make it easier for some countries like Egypt and Jordan, because they could all declare against Iran.

4. How would a clear Israeli victory affect the United States?

- Because it could help U.S. recover from the crisis of the economy recession.

5. Why does Iran have much at stake in the outcome of the current crisis?

- All the countries surrounding would attack Iran because it´s the only other country aside from Israel that would be really affected, because it´s almost the same as Hamas in their way of being so radical.

6. How likely is it that the Israeli assault will be successful?

- If everything remains the way it it, it is more likely to win, but with all the deaths in Gaza, all of the Middle East Divisions, like Lebanon, could prevent Arab countries from supporting Israel.

7. What are some of the divisions in the Middle East that this conflict has highlighted?

- Hezbollah in Lebanon, because he prevented Egypt from blocking the border for Gaza with militars.

8. What happened in Lebanon in 1982? How are the Gaza attacks similar?

- Israel invaded Lebanon to eliminate the threat´s of Yasir Arafhat and accomplishing his goal, it made Mr. Arafat recognize Israel. But, at the same time, he won an enemy as Hezbollah became the terrorist group of Lebanon.

9. In what ways might the attacks on Gaza backfire?

- The political consequences could backfire to Iran in the Middle East, and the ability of President-elect Barak Obama to pursue his stated goals of calming the Middle East through diplomacy, would be tested. Also a two-state treaty could bring peace.

10. Why does Mr. Abbas say he will walk away from the peace talks begun by President Bush in 2007?

- The longer, the assault from Israel continues, he´ll be more and more against it. He said he would walk away from the peace process that President Bush began in Annapolis, in 2007, because U.S. is supporting Israel, instead of doing something to make peace as his treaty says.

11. What lessons has Israel learned from Lebanon?

- To avoid the catastrophe they made in Lebanon in 2006, to squelch cross-border rocket attacks by Hezbollah are not all that different from the ones by Hamas. Also by lowering their expectations and declaring victory just for surviving the assault, as Lebanon did. Israel seems to be better prepared, as for the objective, they haven´t said.

12. In what way is the timing of this renewed battle beneficial?

- It came before the inauguration of the President Barack Obama, on January 20, because he´ll sure end this war.

13. How will the Obama administration be able to capitalize on the situation in Gaza?

- On the cease-fire to renew a permanent settlement. He once thought about supporting Hamas, but that is impossible, because President Bush refused to back up a terrorist organization.

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*Image*

1. What is going on in the photograph?

- A boy is crying in the middle of the war.

2. Who is pictured?

- A boy, about 5 years old.

3. What can you learn about how the main subject in the photo is feeling from his or her facial expression?

- He is really sad and scared. I learned that not only civilians, but also children suffer in wars, maybe they don´t exactly understand what´s going on, but they see all the murdering and they go through the same cruel experiences, such as hunger, thrist, cold, wounds, etc.

4. What might this person be feeling, given what is going on in the photograph?

- He sure is sad because all of the deaths, because of the surroundings. He must be hungry and cold, maybe even hurt. He is also scared because he is lost and alone, he doesn´t understand what´s going on.

5. What might this person want to say to the "opposite side"?

- He might tell them how unfair it is to be punished like that for somethign he doesn´t even understand, he didn´t do anything. He would just tell them how cruel they are and beg them to stop the war and finish so much suffering.

News 1

"Obama Vows Dramatic Action Towards a Greener Economy"

Who: U.S. president, Barack Obama.

Where: George Mason University, Northern Virginia.

When: January 8th, 2009.

Why: Because right now U.S. is going through an economy crisis and Obama expects his project to help increase their production and jobs.

What: Obama anounced that after January 20, that he takes office, he will immediately start working with the Congress to get his project started. It consists in doubling the production of alternative energy, investing in technology, science, and infraestructure, modernize more than 75 percent of federal buildings and improve the energy efficiency, to save billions on energy bills for our taxpayers and consumers. Also there will be a number of good jobs that´ll pay well, so the numer of bargain will decrease and they´ll have a better, safer, and cleaner country in all aspects.