The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration has just released the World Ocean Database 2009, the largest, most comprehensive collection of scientific information about the oceans with records dating as far back as 1800. This product is part of the climate services provided by NOAA.

The database captures 29 categories of scientific information from the oceans, including oxygen levels and chemical tracers, plus information on gases and isotopes that can be used to trace the movement of ocean currents.

More info:

• Ocean climate laboratory products
• National Oceanographic Data Center
• NOAA Satellite & Info Service

Economic expansion depends more and more on innovation — not simply producing more goods and services, but producing ever newer goods and services. Roots of Innovation, the latest issue of eJournal USA, seeks to show that innovation needs the right conditions to emerge

On November 15, President Obama participated in the 17th Annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ meeting in Singapore.  He announced that in 2011, when the United States hosts APEC, he looks forward to welcoming his fellow APEC leaders to Hawaii

Learn more:

• Fact sheet: APEC leaders meeting - key accomplishments
• Statement by APEC leaders
• Declaration by APEC leaders

International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.

More info:

• U.S. Educational Advising in Australia
• Australian-American Fulbright Commission
• International education
• Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Commonly known as the Beige Book, the latest edition of The Summary of Commentary on Current Economic Conditions by Federal Reserve District was released in October.

Published eight times per year,  the Beige Book summarizes economic information by District and sector. An overall summary of the twelve district reports is prepared by a designated Federal Reserve Bank on a rotating basis.

Reports from the 12 Federal Reserve Districts indicated either stabilization or modest improvements in many sectors since the last report, albeit often from depressed levels. Leading the more positive sector reports among Districts were residential real estate and manufacturing, both of which continued a pattern of improvement that emerged over the summer.

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Jeffrey Bleich as the next U.S. Ambassador to Australia, clearing the way for his arrival in Canberra. Ambassador-designate Bleich must formally present his credentials to the Govenor General before assuming his post.

To learn more about Ambassador-designate Bleich, you can see his biography on the Embassy website.

Both President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton plan to attend meetings of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum later this week.

The President will also visit Japan, China and South Korea while he is in the region. While in Singapore, Clinton will hold bilateral meetings with her counterparts from the region.

Learn more:

• Preview of November APEC meetings in Singapore
• APEC
• APEC Singapore 2009

“On Veterans Day, we honor the heroes we have lost, and we rededicate ourselves to the next generation of veterans,” wrote President Obama in his proclamation.  ”Today, we reflect upon the invaluable contributions of our country’s veterans and reaffirm our commitment to provide them and their families with the essential support they were promised and have earned.”

Learn more:

• History of Veterans Day
• Arlington National Cemetery
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

During confirmation hearings November 5, Ambassador-designate to Australia Jeffrey L. Bleich told a Senate panel that there is no greater honor or opportunity than to work with our valued Australian friends and allies. “The relationship between the United States and Australia is one of our strongest and most productive international alliances,” he said in his opening statement. Bleich, who is nominated by President Obama as the next ambassador to Australia, must be confirmed by the full Senate before the appointment is official.
To read a transcript of his testimony

The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will hold a confirmation hearing for Jeffrey L. Bleich, Ambassador-designate for Australia, on Thursday, 5 November.

President Obama is responsible for nominating individuals to a wide variety of civilian, judicial and military positions. The Senate must confirm nominations because the United States Constitution mandates this process for ambassadors, cabinet members and Supreme Court justices.

Learn more:

• Senate Consideration of Presidential Nominations: committee & floor procedure
• Constitution of the United States