Bliss English Club

Please kindly Note: Time: 14:30~17:30
Venue: Minami Zephyr 小南風B1
This Saturday’s Venue is shifted to minami zephyr 小南風@師大路68巷9號 B1, next to東豐喜, NT$80 for the venue fee only not available for drink or meal offer which the attendees feel free to bring from their end but with theself-disposal of possible trash or leftover!
Venue information:https://zh-tw.facebook.com/minamizephyr/
 
My Dear Blissers,
 
“Life is short while art is long”. It is true that art lovers would definitely enjoy life more! This coming Saturday, our artistic practitioner, Judith, is going to lead us to share the art experiences. Ears up to what she says here:
 
Introduction by Judith:
Do you like painting/ music/ dancing, like to go to museum, join concert or other related activities?
 
Is there an artist/ musician or painting/ music/ movie you like very much? Why?
 
This time, I want to discuss with the members who join my meeting about what you like from the art? Welcome to join me to have a relaxing and fun afternoon.
 
Below is my meeting agenda:
 
Part 1.
1-1. Self-introduction
1-2. Stuff-show
Part 2.
2-1. Why to choose this topic?
2-2. Art Healing vs. Art Therapy
2-3. Sharing
Part 3.
Free Creation
Part 4.
4-1. Pierre Bonnard
4-2. Sharing of some paintings
 
Hopefully, through the meeting, we will know and enjoy more art of life !
What do you want to visit next? Why?
 
Remarks: If there is the artist/musician or painting/music/movie…etc. you like, welcome to bring it to share with us.
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<Recap of “Tibet’s fight for survival” by David on Aug. 17, 2019>
Date: Aug. 17, 2019
Host: David
Topic: “Tibet’s Fight for Survival”
Attendees: David, Winnie, Angel, Ellen, Athena, Annie, Emma
Meeting Photo: https://photos.app.goo.gl/x8jmcq5kzDmW8CBa9
 
Inspiration of the topic:
Touched by a photo of lightening a candle in Tibetan temple, our host, David started his journey to Tibet. After the trip, he found more facts of Tibet as follows:
 
Firstly he shared with us his 8-day Tibet travel during which he visited urban area in Lhasa and ZhaxiLhunbu Temple in Shigatse, savored milk tea in Pargo streets, toured the wild area of Gyantse County, and Kharola Glacier. He even took a photo with Tibetan Mastiff!
 
Secondly, he guided us to explore further about the different impressions from the News and his true feeling after the travel.
1.      Different kind of red in Tibet: “Bright Red” of PRC Flag Vs. Dark red in Tibet
2.      Two Tibets: TibetanAutonomous Region, Part of China Vs. Central Tibetan Administration in exile
3.      Short time table of Tibetan Modern History
(1)   1950China’s army marched into Tibet
(2)   1951 17-point agreement signed with China
(3)   1959 Tibetan Uprising, the Dalai Lama fled to India
(4)   1965 Tibet Autonomous Region was established by China
(5)   1989 the Dalai Lama wins the Nobel Peace Prize
(6)   2019 60 years after exile
4.      The Dalai Lama’s Exile to Dharamsala passing treacherous Himalayan Pass!
(1)   India supported him Leader’s asylum and other Tibetans, totally100,000 Tibetans! Then Central Tibetan Administration was established In Dharamsala
(2)   India also took the refugees who rebuilt Tibetan Temples, built schools, supported students study abroad, and preserve their Tibetan cultures!
(3)   USA supports: USA Senate adopted the law of“Tibet reciprocity Travel” in 2018
(4)   European supports: European Parliament passed a motion in 2019: Pay respect for human right in Tibet and Xinjiang
(5)   Tibetan in Taiwan
--1) 1998 - Tibet Religious Foundation
http://www.tibet.org.tw/
--2) 2004 - Taiwan Tibetan Welfare Association https://www.facebook.com/Tibetantaiwanassociation/
--3) 2009 - Taiwan free Tibet
http://sft-taiwan.blogspot.com/
--4) 2016 – Human Rights Network for Tibet and Taiwan
https://www.facebook.com/310.tibet.taiwan/
--5) Holding 60-year exile Parade in Taiwan
--6) DPP delegation visited the Dalai Lama
 
Q1`:
Why we should speak for the “human Right” Issue in Tibet?
“History always repeats itself: Communists never change the ambition of annexation through “peace” agreement or pacts as it has done in Hong Kong and Tibet!
 
Q2:
What will happen if the Dalai Lama died? Who will be the next religious leader as well as political one? Maybe he (she) will be selected by PRC or reincarnated from current the Dalai Lama https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKwvimHFL8UQ2:
 
Q3. Is the promise made by China reliable?
1.      (Tibet)17-point agreement between Tibet and China is renounced by the Dalai Lama after exile to India because it has never enacted.
 
2.      (Hong Kong)Sino – British Joint Declaration between United Kingdom and China in 1984
In “One Country Two System”, Hong Kong's capitalist system and its way of life would remain unchanged for a period of 50 years until 2047.
 
China spokesman said that this declaration is a historical document.
 
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hDfqr2dTJM
 
3.      (Taiwan)
Can “peace treaty” bring truly peace to Taiwan?
How to unite Taiwanese?
What’s the strength of Taiwan? How to Keep the valuable strength
 
Q4. What should you note when travelling Tibet?
As Tibetan plateaus is 4000 meters above sea leave in average while ranging from 3000 to 7000 meters, your itinerary should be arranged step by step from lower altitude to higher one for easy adaption to AMS (acute mountain sickness)! Also before traveling there, you need to train yourself via work out for better exhale and inhale in Tibet plateaus!
 
Q5. What are the colors in “Snow Lion Tibetan National Flag” symbolizing?
“White” for “Cloud”; “Blue” for “Sky”; “Red” for “Fire; “Yellow” for “Ground”; “Green” for “Water”!
 
Finally, he ended the meeting with Tibetan”札西德樂” which means best wishes and blessing, normally used in greeting! He hoped to express his best wishes for Taiwan, Tibet and all the oppressed people in the world!
 
Reflection:
David demonstrated his hosting skills from easy start to in-depth discussion and further aroused our attention to Taiwan current status and national identity! His efforts in preparation made the meeting a resourceful one ever and his maiden show a super successful one! Stay tune!
 

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Bliss English Club for Communication & Conducting Skills since 1997
Bliss Blog : http://blisstaipei520.pixnet.net/blog/post/212900702
Bliss FB : https://www.facebook.com/bliss.taipei
Bliss 粉絲團 : https://www.facebook.com/bliss1997/
Picasa: https://plus.google.com/101726755048448689917/photos
2019 Bliss Staff :
President (P): Ellen Huang cbad5@yahoo.com.tw
Education manager (EM): Annie Hsu taipei9713318@gmail.com
Vice Education Manager(VEM)/Daniel Chen jenkai.chen@msa.hinet.net
Public Relationship Manager(PRM): Winnie Tu toto7683@gmail.com
Bliss 2019 Calendar: 2:30~5:30 pm every Saturday
No meetings:1/19,2/2;2/9; 2/23; 3/2; 4/6; 4/27; 5/11;6/8,7/6; 8/3; 8/31; 9/14; 10/5; 10/12; 11/23, 12/14,12/28
Outings:Q1- 3/30; Q2- 6/29; Q3- 11/2
YEP:12/21
In 2019, Blissers are going to read and discuss the following 4 books together, please sign up to this google registration form if you feel like to read and discuss any of the books below together with other Blissers in 2019
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBPscDMfegW9F2kp1zCt3EBgJe_6HjcffkX2GCdrwsmyOOUg/viewform
Venue: 東豐喜藝文空間, TOHOHI Arts Corner with Minimum charge: NT$150 per person with a cup of drink (Coffee or Tea )Address: No. 13, Lane 68, Shih-ta Road, Taipei, 師大路68巷13號, Near Exit 3台電大樓 MRT station

My Dear Blissers,

As requested by many Blissers, our devoted Hosts, Angel and Ellen are going to re-open the topic, “Ghost in the Shell”, for more elaborate discussion which awaits your appreciation this Saturday afternoon!

Here is our Hostess’ important Notice to you:

As this meeting required to finish watching "Ghost in the Shell 1995  version " prior to the meeting , therefore , please message Angel or Ellen via line or email (cbad5@yahoo.com.tw) to get link of this film to watch ,so you will be able to join the discussion with us in the meeting .

Thanks for your participation in my meeting dated on Jul. 21. Through the discussions of the impact of cybernetic enhancement and the doubts from Motoko (the main character in the film), we learned “something” is more important before we embrace future technology.

Owing to your sharing and reflections, everyone has different interpretations of “something”, such as soul, consciousness, love…etc. As I mentioned, 2017 version of ghost in the shell is more commercial oriented with less discussion of self-existence, which is more like an appetizer.

This time, Ellen and I would like to invite you to enjoy the main course, Ghost in the shell 1995 version (the analysis film) and go deeper to explorer the meaning of “something”.

This Sat, Bliss movie theater will provide you a relaxing afternoon with a great animation discussion and delicious biscuits. The bonus is you can have spiritual enlightenment and discovery of life’s wisdom. Look forward to seeing you ~!!

Note: No guided question this week meeting as all question will be discussed during meeting along with as many” spontaneous answers” from Blissers as possible

Meeting Agenda

2:00 pm-2:20 pm introduction and guided questions.

2:20 pm-2:40 pm watch movie analysis clip and discuss Motoko’s life style.

2:40 pm-3:00 pm watch movie analysis clip and discuss self-existence.

3:00 pm-3:20 pm watch movie analysis clip and discuss diving scene.

3:20 pm-3:50 pm watch movie analysis clip and discuss the voice/two Motokos.

3:50 pm-4:00 pm break

4:00 pm-4:30 pm watch movie analysis clip and discuss difference between human and cyborg.

4:30 pm-5:00 pm watch movie analysis clip and discuss the Puppet master’s speech.

5:00 pm-5:30 pm watch movie analysis clip and discuss the end scene.

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My Dear Blissers,

As November with mostly sunny and pleasant weather and little rain, invites us to enjoy the fall foliage, hot springs, geysers, so are Bliss November meeting!

Here you are!

Date: Nov. 3, 2018

Time: 14:30~`7:30

Venue: Agatha’s Bookstore偵探書屋

Host: Kurt

Topic: Common Conflicts from Different Parenting Styles: The Battle Happens in Our Daily Life

Date: Nov. 10, 2018

Time: 14:30~17:30

Venue: TOHOHI Arts Corner東豐喜

Host: Angel &* Ellen

Topic: In-depth Discussion of ‘Ghost in the Shel’ 1995 Version

Date: Nov. 17, 2018

Time: 10:00~13:00

Venue: Agatha’s Bookstore偵探書屋

Host: Ellen

Topic: Reflection of My Russian Business Trip

Date: Nov. 24, 2018

No Meeting

Election Day

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My Dear Blissers,

Cellphones and computers are everywhere, nowadays, and those are even more widespread and powerful in lives!  We see people gaze at cellphones more than computers!

That is the trend influencing our communication, interaction, business, and even education!

Practically, when we cannot stop it, we had better know how to live with and make the best of them!

This Saturday, our knowledgeable expert is going to discuss what both impacts you have been affected and you can picture in the future.

Agenda

10:00~10:10  Self-introduction ( what’s your mobile phone mean to you ?)

10:10~11:10  how cellphones and computers changed our lives?

1.      Target (high efficiency work)

2.      People (Character, personality)

3.      Something occurring (myopia, short sight, presbyopia, time...)

4.      Change of time management

5.      Location

6.      Material

7.      Money

11:10~11:20 Break Time

11:20~12:20 What’s the impact now and in the future that you can image from phone and computer?

12:20~13:00 what suggested and constructive ideas brought by TED Speakers for us to make better use of these devices?

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Dear Blissers,

Date: 14:30~17:30 PM on September 8, 2018

Venue: 東豐喜藝文空間

Host: Kevin Cheng 

Topic: “MBA-Marketing? Branding? Anything!”

Date: 10:00AM~13:00 PM on September 15, 2018

Venue: 偵探書屋

Host:  Tommy

Topic: “Bloody Murder ,what shapes Crime Fiction ? ”

Date: September 22, 2018

No Meeting

Date: 14:30~17:30 PM on September 29, 2018

Venue: 東豐喜藝文空間

Host: Carmelo

Topic: “The fantasy world of JinGuang palmar drama.”

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Date: Aug. 18, 2018

Hostess: Judith

Participants:　Mike, Judith, Annie, Casey, Antonio, Jeff, Vicky, Barkley, Ellen, Eric, Emma

Awesome!  Record-breaking Meeting –5 books read in 3 hours (see ref.)

 Judith was so well prepared that she guided us to go in-depth discussion step by step thoroughly but easygoingly on Danshari practice, indicate what hinders people from it, differentiate Danshari, Minimalism and Essentialism; help us to distinguish “essentialists” from “non-essentialists”, also point out the ultimate goal of “Less” is to pursue a “better world “, and finally she take guidelines of “good design” products as examples for things in better world. Last but not least, she hopes her meeting can  help us enjoy our lives “more” and realize “better” world” by executing “less” principles.

First thing first—examine your current life through...

 1. Shopping lists (showing your personality and die-hard attachment) 2. Living space satisfaction 3. Cluttering habits

Sort out-which (or who) are the most significant or important

By writing down 10 of them, stating the reasons, and then our ideal future image of better “me”

“Danshari” concepts

1. It started from a Japanese lecturer called Hideko Yamashita. It is made up with three words:
2. (1.)  Dan斷: Refusal (to cut the things unnecessary to you) (2.) Sha捨: Disposal (to declutter) (3.) Ri離: Separation (After practicing Dan and Sha several times, people are able to get rid of non-meaningful attachment)
3. Ways to practice “Danshari”

(1). Stop the excuse of “NO Time”

(2). Start from your own stuff

(3). Remember “Danshari” is not only No Storage or Just Cleaning

(4). understand the art of “Let go”: face your stuff, which actually reflect “true you and what you are attached to” and goods also needs “metabolism”

   (5). Abandon goods-cornering habits

   (6). Learn how to choose via criteria like “Do you need it?”, “Are you happy with it?”, and “Does it suit the “current” you?

4. Another writer called Marie Kondo practiced it based on the following rules: (1). Does it spark joy? (2) Is it necessary? (3). Does it work?  (4). Does it have a designated place to live?
5.  
5. Ways of Disposal: (1) keep (2) sell (3) donate

Minimalism

Main belief; (1) what we really need in our life is VERY FEW (2) Living in this moment. SEIZE THE DAY (3) Search for happiness through LIFE not through THINGS. (4) It is a tool to rid you of life’s EXCESS in favor of FOCUSING on what are important, happiness, fulfillment and freedom

Essentialism

Belief: The wisdom of life consists in the ELIMINNATION of Non-essentials.

Quote by Yu-Tan, Lin林語堂: If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.

Non-essentialists VS. Essentialists

THINK; Responsible to all things or people VS. Less but better

DOES; The undisciplined Pursuit of “More” VS. the disciplined pursuit of “Less”

GETS: Live a life what is not satisfying VS. Live a life what really matters

CHOOSE: I have to VS. I choose to

DISCERN: Everything is essential VS. Almost everything is NOT essential

TRADE-OFF: I can do both and how I can do it all VS. Do I want to make such trade-off and what I can go big on it?

Explore to be Essentialists via...

1. Create a space to concentrate on, to read and to think
2. Look at the big picture, filter out the muddling or cluttering information, and find out the most fascinating part
3. Play
4. Sleep
5. Select: occupying 90% of the criteria
6. Ask what is important Now? Less is to pursue better life.

Essentialism-related with a better World

1. “Good Design “ Products here in the world are defined via the following criteria: (1) Innovative (2) Useful (3) Aesthetic (4) Understandable (5)Unobtrusive (neutral and restrained)  (6) honest ( not making unreliable promises)  (7) long-lasting (8)thorough down to the details (9) environmentally friendly (10)having as little as possible (less for the better)

2. German Bauhaus Movement—simple and functional

5. Steve Jobs’ quote: “That’s been one of my mantras-focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex; you have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple; and “Focusing is about Saying NO.”

Reflections: Spark not only “joy”

During the meeting, Judith guided us with ease and threw wise questions for us to reflect on our life while the audience’s feedbacks were not only inspiring but also enlightening, mixed with someone’s related jokes. They all made the meeting joyful and fruitful ever. After the meeting, the passionate and pondering discussion continued on Bliss line loop because we all eager for “better us”, which also the goal of Judith’s meeting today!

Besides, Judith’s meeting recalled us the pleasure (or pressure) in the good old days when hosts would supply a topic-centered booklist (a book or some books) for guests to read prior to the meeting and then discussed accordingly. What do you think to pass down part of the tradition next year? Stay tune!

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