Information Resource Centers
About the USA - Virtual Classroom Newsletter
March 2007
A "United States Of Europe"
The European Union was inspired by a vision of an integrated Europe unified around democratic values that would diminish the chances of another war. Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Great Britain (1940-45, 1951-55) was one of the first to call for the creation of a united Europe. In a speech at the University of Zurich in 1946, he said: "There is a remedy which ... would in a few years make all Europe ... free and ... happy. It is to re-create the European family, or as much of it as we can, and to provide it with a structure under which it can dwell in peace, in safety and in freedom. We must build a kind of United States of Europe." Since the end of World War II, the United States has been one of the strongest supporters of the idea of European integration and European unity -- a Europe that is "whole, free and at peace."
79th Academy Awards - The Movies in America
"What is a "typical" American movie? People throughout the world are sure they know. A characteristic American film, they insist, has flamboyant special effects and a sumptuous décor, each a reflection of America's nearly mythic affluence... For every conventional Hollywood blockbuster apparently designed to appeal to the predilections of 12-year-old boys, there have been complex and sophisticated movies that are consciously made for grown-ups."
Best Picture Nominee: Babel
While "The Departed," a story of corruption among the Boston police, was the winner of the best film Oscar at Hollywood's 79th annual Academy Awards ceremony Sunday, another nominee drew an equal amount of attention from critics and film fans alike. At the center of "Babel" is the subject at the core of 21st century life: the need to communicate.... Several interwoven storylines unfold across four countries as difficulties in communication and understanding complicate life in the shrinking global village."
U.S. Immigration Policy
In the United States immigration -- especially the status of the 12 million illegal immigrants, many from Mexico and already inside the country -- has become a hotly debated issue.
Teaching Literature: "The Tortilla Curtain" by T.C. Boyle
"In this explosive and timely novel, T. Coraghessan Boyle explores an issue that is at the forefront of the political arena. He confronts the controversy over illegal immigration head-on, illuminating through a poignant, gripping story the people on both sides of the issue, the haves and the have-nots.
This Month: Presidents’ Day
St. Patrick's Day
"Don't you forget to wear green today."
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17, the religious feast day and the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. However, the first St. Patrick's Day parade took place not in Ireland, but in the United States. Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City on March 17, 1762. The parade helped the soldiers to reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as fellow Irishmen serving in the English army.
Women's History Month
The 2007 Women's History Month theme, Generations of Women Moving History Forward, celebrates the wisdom and tenacity of prior and future generations of women and recognizes the power of generations working together.
Upcoming Web Chat
March 8, 2007, 16:00 - Celebrating International Women's Day 2007: Women's Growing Roles in Contemporary U.S. Politics
More about chats
The Media Scene (from InfoAlert)
Wonderful World; A Critic At Large by Anthony Lane. The New Yorker, December 11, 2006, v82, #41, p67 About Walt Disney and the empire he built.
Why Hollywood Cannot Make Art by Teachout, Terry. Commentary, January 2007, v123, #1, pp48-52 The well-known critic explains why he believes the Hollywood studio system rarely makes artistically serious movies -- save by inadvertence...
Television's Future. CQ Researcher Feb 16, 2007, v17, #17, 24p Will the Internet kill television? Will television remain a viable medium for advertisers? Are scripted TV shows obsolete?