President George W.Bush is in Asia. Will the president’s foreign policy toward East Asia look like a rerun of his father’s administration ? Our guests will analyze the trip, it’s aims and successes.

Tue. Feb.19
Topic:Black Popular Culture
Guest: Mark Anthony Neal, assist. prof. of English and African Studies, 
            Univ. of New York at Albany

The 1960s brought huge upheavals and social change in racial equality. Neal examines the complexities and contradictions of black life and culture since the Black Power and Civil Rights Era.

Wed. Feb 20
Topic: Soccer Helps Fight AIDS
Guests: Chamberlain Diala, PhD researcher, Johns Hopkins University
               Abdul Conteh, soccer player for DC United
               Bola Kusemiji, Nigerian Representative

The “Play for Life” campaign was launched during the opening of the 23rd African Cup of Nations. The African Cup is the continent’s largest sporting event and it takes place every two years to decide the top national soccer team in Africa. National soccer players have been trained and will serve as models on how to protect yourself from HIV/AIDS. Our guests will discuss this program and its hopes for success in stopping the spread of the disease.

Thr. Feb.21
Topic:  Fitness for life
Guests: Rick Bradlee, director of the Quick Fit program at the U.S. 
              Dept. of Transportation.
              Dave Bryd, VOA Sports

During the Winter Olympics, we have gotten a chance to see athletes at
their peak of performance.  The discussion will focus on the kind of
training it takes to reach that level of fitness and how the average
non-Olympian can achieve a good level of fitness to enhance life and
health.

Fri. Feb 22
Topic:  Children Adjusting to Life in America
Guest:  Patricia Nomina - ESOL/HILT Instructor,Glebe Elementary
                                             School, Arlington, VA 

When a young immigrant arrives in the United States he or she is not only full of wonder and anticipation about what lies ahead for them in this new country, but also fear and anxiety about the challenges of acclimating to life in the US. The ESOL ( English As a Second Language) teacher steps in to help bridge the language and cultural gap.The teachers  also  encourage and at times facilitate an exchange of the various cultures and customs between native and non-native students.  Our guests will discuss how they meet the challenge of making someone feel welcomed.