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The Week in Germany
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Dear TWIG Readers, |
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The year 2009 was a very special one. Germany, our friends around the world, and I are still incredibly moved by the deep joy which the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall has left lingering in us. It was a magnificent festival of freedom, which we celebrated together with countless friends around the U.S. The fall of the Berlin Wall was an event which, until just before November 9, 1989, no one had expected and which spelled the beginning of the end of the division of Germany and Europe. Without the support of the United States in the decades following 1945 and also in the two-plus-four talks in 1990, the restoration of German unity in freedom would have been inconceivable. We will never forget that. Today, Germany and the United States are working closely together in a spirit of mutual trust, for our past has shown that, together, America and Europe are able to master enormous challenges. In today’s globalized world, we must now jointly respond to new issues such as climate change and energy security, nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament, the future framework of the international financial markets, and defense of our open society. The fall of the Berlin Wall has shown that freedom ultimately prevails and it pays to have faith in peaceful change. We must remain committed to the right goals even if the obstacles may long seem insurmountable. Please continue to visit www.Germany.info - the joint website of the German Embassy, the German Information Center USA, and the eight German consulates general in the United States - often again next year. Please do not hesitate to let us know your comments and suggestions. Perhaps you or someone your know might also like to receive one or more of our three free electronic newsletters delivered straight to your email inbox by the German Information Center USA - The Week in Germany (in English), Germany in Class (for educators) or Deutschland Nachrichten (in German). I wish you and your families Happy Holidays and a Happy, Healthy, and Successful New Year! With best wishes, Klaus Scharioth |
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In this issue
Top Stories
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Top Stories |
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World Looks to UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen |
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A new international climate agreement is to be adopted at the UN Climate Change Conference, which begins on December 7 in Copenhagen. The aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to such an extent that global warming can be restricted to less than 2 degrees Celsius compared to preindustrial levels. |
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Advent Calendar "Christmas Village" |
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Our interactive Advent calendar for 2009 welcomes you into a Christmas village, where a grand Christmas tree, a traditional German Christmas market and games, music, and recipes will help you count down the days until the holiday. Christmas at Germany.info is now in full-swing! |
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The Legend of Saint Nicholas |
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A man with a long white beard, a bishop’s miter, and a thick red cape comes knocking on the door at some houses every December 6. Other children wake to find their shoes have been filled with treats. Who is this international man of mystery? |
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Current Affairs |
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EU: Treaty of Lisbon Has Entered into Force |
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The Treaty of Lisbon has entered into force on December 1. The sweeping reforms will greatly enhance the EU's efficiency and democratic foundations. “Based on this Treaty, our task now is to formulate concrete and good policies for the benefit of Europe’s citizens,” Foreign Minister Westerwelle said. |
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Ambassador Scharioth Supports US Leadership in Preparation of Copenhagen |
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German Ambassador Scharioth welcomed President Obama’s decision to travel to Copenhagen next week. Chancellor Merkel has also announced her participation. “American leadership is crucial for a successful outcome of the UN Climate Change Conference,” said Ambassador Scharioth. |
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Business, Technology and the Environment |
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Fraunhofer Starts Center to Connect Developing Countries to the Net |
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The international center for information and communication technologies in developing countries will develop and make available tailor-made IT infrastructures and communication networks. |
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International Interest Illuminated in US R&D Trends |
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The German Embassy and the German Research Foundation (DFG) jointly hosted an event in Washington with to shed light for American and international science policy experts on US research and development budget priorities for 2010. |
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Research Team Finds Source for the Generation of Nerve Cells |
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New findings from researchers at the Helmholtz Center's Munich-based Institute of Stem Cell Research could have a major impact in the treatment of brain injury and disease. |
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Culture and Lifestyle |
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Culture a Mouse Click Away in Digital Library |
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The stocks and collections of more than 30,000 archives, libraries, museums, and many other institutions will be digitally recorded in the German Digital Library and made available online to the general public. |
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Inventor of East German Iconic "Ampelmännchen" Dies |
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The designer of the friendly figures that directed pedestrian traffic at East German intersections for decades has died at the age of 82. He was survived by family members and by the Ampelmännchen, which have become an international symbol of German unification. |
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German Composer York Hoeller Receives Grawemeyer Award |
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German Composer York Hoeller has won the $200,000 Grawemeyer Award for composition, awarded by the University of Louisville. He won the prize for his piece "Spheres," a six-movement work for orchestra. |
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Readings: Second Opinions Courtesy of Germany.info |
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This week, follow a Berliner on a reverse homecoming to some of Milwaukee's German highlights, look back on the career of one of the most influential women in German journalism and turn on the lights for less. |
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About "The Week in Germany" |
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A Publication of Germany.info and the German Information Center, USA |
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The articles referred to in this newsletter may contain links to websites that are maintained by third parties. These links are for readers' reference only, and the German Information Center is not responsible, nor shall it be held liable for, the content, services or products provided on these websites. The opinions and material contained herein do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the German government. © 2009 Germany.info unless otherwise noted. |
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