Tag: Free in NYC

02/2/13

Weekly Newsmakers – Immigration Law, China’s Territorial Stance, New Secretary of State, and Free Events in NYC

Obama Urges Speed on Immigration Plan, but Exposes Conflicts – New York Times

President Obama challenged Congress this Tuesday to revise national immigration laws and allow 11 million illegal immigrants residing in the U. S. to gain the right to become citizens.  Obama’s plan was met with criticism from some Republicans who believe that securing national borders should take priority before the question of legal residency for illegal residents should be considered.  The Obama Administration has also issued a warning to Congress to move forward on the proposed immigration legislation in a “timely fashion,” or risk having the White House setting a specific measure to demand a vote.  However, there is no news yet about what the specific measure might entail.  Where do you stand on the illegal immigration issue?  Tell us your opinions in the comments section below.

China Leader Affirms Policy on Islands – New York Times

China’s President-elect, Xi Jinping, annouced this week that the Communist Party would not compromise in matters involving ‘central territorial and security interests.’  These interests include halting any independence uprisings in Tibet and Xinjiang and claiming Taiwan under its jurisdiction.  Xi’s announcement is in line with the sentiments he expressed one year ago while visiting the U. S. where he similarly demanded respect for China’s “core national interests.”  The announcement also paints a picture of China’s heated territorial feud with Japan over the Diaoyu (Senkaku) islands in the East China Sea.

Clinton out, Kerry in as Secretary of State – ABC News

On Friday, John Kerry was sworn in as the nation’s new Secretary of State, succeeding  Hilary Clinton.  Clinton leaves an impressive legacy behind her, having visited more countries during her four-year tenure of all of the prior Secretaries of State.  As part of his new diplomatic duties, Kerry will be reaching out to foreign dignitaries as soon as Monday morning.  What issue would you like Kerry to tackle first in his new post?  Voice your thoughts in the comments area below.

Lincoln in New York – Weissman Center Reports
The Bronx Library Center branch of the New York Public Libraries has put together an exciting, free exhibit that examines the myths and controversies surrounding our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln.  View artifacts that highlight Lincoln’s presidency and New York’s influence on the Civil War.  A must see for history aficionados!  The exhibit runs until 2/28.  More details here.

Winter Workspace: Preserving Flowers through Art – Weissman Center Reports
Much of nature’s beauty is not everlasting, but there are some ways you can try preserve the beauty.  Wave Hill, a public garden & cultural center in the Bronx has a fun and free workshop on 2/5 that teaches participants to create artwork with flowers as brushes, flower pressing, and petal pigments.  Art materials will be provided.  Pre-registration is highly recommended.  More details here.

01/11/13

Weekly Newsmakers – Winter Break Edition: Eurozone Unemployment, Chinese Policy, MulchFest, L.I. Art

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.