We hope you are enjoying your winter break! We are back with another exciting Weekly Newsmakers – your source for local events and news with an international focus. As a reminder, Baruch’s spring semester begins January 28th and this column will return to its normal publication schedule that week.

Eurozone Unemployment Hits Another Record High – CNN (Editor’s Pick)
According to data released by Eurostat on Tuesday, we now know that the unemployment rate in the 17-nation Eurozone has hit a record high of 11.8% in November, meaning that 18.8 million people are without work – an increase of two million people compared to 12 months ago.  Spain and Greece have the most staggering figures, with Spain clocking in at almost 27% overall unemployment, and Greece with over 56% youth unemployment.  The retail, services and construction industries could see continuing hiring freezes.  However, industrial managers are more optimistic, and expect hiring to improve for their sector.  What are your thoughts on the EU’s employment crisis?  Weigh in in the comments section below.

China Says It Will Overhaul Sprawling System of Re-education Through Labor – New York Times (Editor’s Pick)

China is ready to expel it’s re-education through labor system in the coming year, according to the state news media. The move indicates the new leadership’s agenda for changing the system for punishing petty criminals, religious dissidents, and petitioners, a system deemed to be tyrannical to many political pundits in the United States. Do you think China’s move to begin abolishing its re-education system will change the world’s opinion on China and Chinese policy? Tell us your thoughts on this subject below.

Recycle your Christmas Tree – Weissman Center Reports
If you are ready to part with your Christmas Tree from 2012, don’t throw it out! Instead bring it to a city part participating in MulchFest on 1/12 or 1/13 to turn your tree into usable wood chips and mulch that will be used to nourish the city’s vast array of flora and botanic life. Select Mulchfest locations will have biodegradable bags on site and allow you to bring home a free bag of mulch – perhaps you can use it in your garden or to help plant a new tree in your backyard. For details on where to find a Mulchfest site, visit http://www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/festivals/mulchfest.

Eclectic Local Art in L. I. – Weissman Center Reports

Long Island City’s art scene, which often plays second fiddle to Manhattan’s art scene, is actually a fast growing world.  To see for yourself, visit the Diego Salazar Art Gallery from now until January 26 to see local artists’ work in a “neighborhood-centric exhibition.”  The artwork on display are varied in theme and material, but is inspired by the neighborhood.  A few featured artists include Violet Baxter, Mary Didoardo, and Arthur Hammer. For more information, visit facebook.com/diegosalazarartgallery.