Gary Paulsen

Gary Paulsen's advice to young readers is, "Read like a wolf." What do you think this means? 

April 3, 2009 - Current Event

Obama's Big Trip

The President meets with world leaders in Europe to discuss the economic crisis and other global issues

By Vickie An

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama crossed the Atlantic this week, arriving in London, England, on Tuesday. The city is the first stop on the couple's eight-day tour across Europe. This is Obama's first major trip abroad since taking office in January.

MANDEL NGAN—AFP/GETTY IMAGES President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama visit with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife, Sarah Brown, in London, England.

Over the next week, the President plans to attend conferences in five countries. He will also meet with other heads of state to address key world issues including the war in Afghanistan, climate change and the global economic crisis. Obama hopes the trip will help strengthen U.S. alliances.

Working Together

On Thursday, the President will join other world leaders in London at the Group of Twenty, or G-20, economic summit. The conference brings together leaders from 20 wealthy and developing nations and the European Union. They meet each year to address challenges that affect the global economy.

The current financial crisis makes this year's meeting especially important. Nations across the globe are struggling with recession. Unemployment is on the rise. During the summit, G-20 leaders will form a plan to restore economic growth. They will also talk about how to prevent future economic slumps.

SAUL LOEB—AFP/GETTY IMAGES Obama meets with Chinese President Hu Jintao on the eve of the G-20 summit.

Finding a solution won't be easy. There are widely differing views on how to best get the global economy back on track. President Obama vowed to take in all sides of the debate. "The president and America are going to listen in London as well as to lead," says White House spokesman Robert Gibbs.

City officials in London are working overtime to keep the city running smoothly during the high profile summit. Large gatherings of protesters are packing the streets of downtown London.

A Jam-Packed Schedule

While in London, Obama met individually with world leaders including British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Chinese President Hu Jintao and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. On Wednesday, the President and First Lady visited Buckingham Palace for tea with Queen Elizabeth II.

Later this week, Obama will travel to France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Turkey, his first stop in a Muslim nation. While there, the President plans to host a round-table session with students in Istanbul.

Choose two of President Obama's agenda items (topics that he is trying to bring about change) and give your opinion on what should be done to fix these areas and why they are important to you and your family.

When you are old

William Butler Yeats (1865-1939)

When You Are Old

WHEN you are old and gray and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;

How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;

And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face among a crowd of stars.

1. Based on the poem, explain what the theme is for this poem. Support your answer with important details from the poem.

2. Connect this poem's theme to another book that we've read this year. Provide at least 2 text to text connects.

3. Your response should be clear (complete sentences) and error free. (PRESENTATION IS EVERYTHING)

Little Rock Nine

Who were the little rock nine? What was significant (important) about them? Your response should be 2 paragraphs.

The Barbara Jones story

What part of Barbara Jones story did you find inspirational?

Provide evidence.

Mesopotamia Video

List 5 main points from the Mesopotamia Video.

Election

Imagine you are running for president. Why should people vote for you? Write a paragraph about yourself explaining your answer.