Bliss English Club

<Bliss Reflection of 2018 YEP>

My Dear Blissers,

Let’s turn a new leaf at the start of 22th Bliss with us Now;

Say “Farewell” to year 2018, and “Hello” to year 2019!

Come along with New resolution and actions!

Just enrich ourselves and harvest all the year round!                        

Let’s take a glimpse at the theme of YEP 2018 on 12/15!

Topic: “Taste of Hometown: Related Mother Tongue and Legendary Dish Stories” Time: 12:15~14:00

Food taking Rounds: 11:45~12:15/12:35~12:45/13:45~14:00

Performing Rounds/Speakers:

1st Round: Naihsin: Yilan Tone/ /Kevin Cheng: Crispy Oyster Omelette in Yuanlin Township, Changhua County/ Carmelo: Official Taiwanese spoken in Puppetry and Taro Cakes /Vicky: Favorite Fengyuan Dish (background video~her wedding)

2nd Round: Olivia: Oyster Vermicelli in Daan District in Taipei/Karl: Favorite Cold Noodles &Glutinous Oil Rice/ Uncle Ting: Egypt chocolate & Jordan’s snack/Diana: Guitar & vocal solo/Willy: Magic power of Yummy Buns (銅鑼燒) help him win the 1997 Championship of Japanese Speech Contest for Foreigners (NHK documentary video)

The complete YEP links:

YEP Photo link 1 :By Willy https://photos.google.com/u/1/share/AF1QipMh8tqUfSBBFfaJN3ZrZWwXaeu4PBI9vEOZZs9QmOaJKLnhjxaS77czjKgJIkhVSw?key=dE5ySW1ZamNYclNwVUY3aUtaUV8yR29SSkpfOEZn

YEP Photo link 2 :By Wisely https://photos.app.goo.gl/DGR2MuCLsPBgQJQ1A

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My Dear Blissers,

Home is cradle of building children character, the concern of which will certainly bring about some conflicts between couples of different family background or even battles among generations if grandparents get involved!

This coming Saturday, two –kid father, “Good New Man”, all the way from Taichung, is going to share and discuss with us what would be the appropriate way to deal with them.

The meeting would surely helpful for us to think back how we were brought up and to discuss what attitudes or methods we are going to take after the discussion!

Listen up!

Introduction from Host Kurt:

Any parent raising children is bound to have disagreements about the right way to manage their kids' behaviors and/or habits. But there are some issues that are so loaded they threaten to divide parenting partners. Parents took an informal poll to see which conflicts topped couples' lists, and three sources of frustration came up again and again. The conflict becomes more complicate if the children’s grandparent also involve into this battle. This is what exactly happened to my family. In this meeting, I want to share/discuss this parental conflict.

Guided Questions:

What are kind of conflicts over parenting styles happen at your family?

How do you handle this kind of battle?

Meeting agenda:

14:30 - 14:45 Warm up and self-introduction

14:45 - 14:55 Experience sharing

14:55 - 15:50 Group discussion

15:50 - 16:00 Break time

16:00 - 17:10 Clip watching and brainstorm

17:10 - 17:30 Q and A

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My Dear Blissers,

Parenting is always a human concerned issue!

Karl, an experienced Scout Troop Leader and two-kid father, has contributed all his passions and efforts on how to cultivate “Elite” generation in Taiwan, working together with other fathers and friends!

This coming Sat., his eagers to share such precious findings and secrets with us! Listen up!

Introduction from Karl:

If Searching for why the United States can remain the strongest country in the world, you will find thousands of links. Flowingly, you continue to notice some certain clue leading to the correct answer. That is, USA started the ELITEcultivation very early, even through a mystery group OA (order of the arrow) from 1912!

. 

The founder of the Boy Scouts Association Baden Powell once said "The wilderness is the "daytime" of the Scout Movement, camping is the "noon" of the wilderness activities, and campfire is the "pulse" of camping."

In Taiwan, although mountain Education Promotion and Implementation Plan is integrated into the curriculum of the middle school in full swing, do those outdoor activities help us to reach the same American goal, building “strong” characters in next generation ?

Do you know where we are and where to go?

1. Meeting agenda

i. 14:30-14:40 An Ice-breaker game.

ii. 14:40-15:30 Introduce the core value and ceremony of OA.

iii. 15:30-15:45 Group games

iv. 15:45-15:55 Break Time

v. 15:55-16:35 Introduce a wilderness Boy Scout camping in Ali Mountain

vi. 16:35-17:15The Core value/Responsibility/ Ecological sustainability/Risk in Taiwan mountain education. (Conflict between aboriginal hunting activities and environmental resources)

vii.17:15-17:30 Introduce Bushcraft (Share personal experience.)

2. Guided questions

i. What’s the meaning of wilderness activity/camping/camp fire for you?

ii. LNT（Leave No Trace）7 guidelines：
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly                                           4.Leave What You Find
5.Minimize Use and Impact from Fires
6.Respect Wildlife
7.Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Choose any of the most interesting LNT guidelines and communicate the idea to the folks in the meeting

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My dear Blissers,

This is the Last call on  <Bliss Q3 Outing「Nuit Blanche 白晝之夜」on Oct. 6, 2018, the citizens’ excitement and participation will count down till the next morning with all the other 120 cities over the world! Cheers for the Event and See you there.

Here you go!

活動獎勵：Bliss限量客製"個人版"復古明信片
A. 志在參加之初階版 選一名
B. 偵探挑戰之進階版 選二名

Also for your reference: https://style.yahoo.com.tw/全都不要睡-2018白晝之夜玩整晚-6大必逛裝置-3間強勢美食-4大亮點-070000226.html

<Bliss Q3 Outing>「Nuit Blanche 白晝之夜」on Oct. 6, 2018

Activity mode:
 

Event Winners:

We will choose one winner from Group A and 2 winners from Group B to give Bliss awards with Bliss Limited-Edition customized restro postcard for the winners

Also for your reference: https://style.yahoo.com.tw/全都不要睡-2018白晝之夜玩整晚-6大必逛裝置-3間強勢美食-4大亮點-070000226.html

My Dear Blissers,

Bliss October begins with “Nuit Blanche” in Taipei, inviting all Blissers to stay awake the whole night to be part of performing art interacting with the live art forms with all the other 120 cities globally at the same time!

Then followed by the outdoor education and impact discussion on computer and cellphone addiction as October Poster presents

To be sure, Bliss October is shaping a “History” in itself and stays unique globally!

Without further undo, just jump on the wagon and enjoy yourselves here!

Date: : 19:00~21:30 on Oct. 6, 2018

Gathering Place: 台北當代藝術館 Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei

Bliss Q3 Outing Topic: Nuit Blanche’s a World-famous City Art Festival

Date: 14:30~17:30 on Oct. 13, 2018

Venue:東豐喜藝文空間, TOHOHI Arts Corner

Host: Karl

Topic: From a Mystery Group OA (Order of The Arrow), Look Back on Taiwan’s Outdoor Education

Date: Oct. 20, 2018

Note: No Meeting

Date: 10:00~13:00 on Oct. 27, 2018

Venue: 偵探書屋 Murder Ink Bookstore

Host: Peter

Topic: How Are Our Life Styles Changed by Cellphones or Computers?

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Bliss Recap of “The Fantasy World of JinGuang Palmar Drama” by Carmelo on Sep. 29, 2018

Date: September 29, 2018

Host: Carmelo

Topic: “The Fantasy World of JinGuang Palmar Drama”

Participants: Emily, David, Ellen Wang, Ellen Huang, Eric, Will, Rita, Annie, Carmelo, Devry, Emma

Meeting photo: https://photos.app.goo.gl/C89FMmFMoeuUBqMs

Meeting started:

Our handsome and knowledgeable-ever host, Carmelo arranged his meeting as interesting and organized as expected. We were obsessed by his articulate guidance and overwhelming power of “Traditional Taiwanese Art” 金光布袋戲.!

Stereotypes of watching布袋戲

That is old-fashioned stuff, suitable only for the aged people! Actually, it is typically Taiwanese Arts, distinguished from others all over the world, worthwhile appreciating more often for all ages!

Barriers of Watching布袋戲

1. Oral Taiwanese is seldom spoken or understood by young generation.
2. Beauty of the art is hidden in the Rhyming Verse Spoken in Old Taiwanese!

The Art in布袋戲

1. Dialogues/narration are usually done by one person who dramatizes each character with proficient vocal varieties and vivid Taiwanese rhyming verse, and who also narrates each scene and background. “Screenwriters” act as the souls of the dramas, even guide how the “puppeteers “should manipulate their puppets! 

2. Sound & visual effects; traditionally in flat stages but now developed to bigger screens with animated, lighting, sound technologies.

3. Photography: They apply photographic skills like Zoom-in/out and special shots to correspond with characters and backgrounds to make the puppets act like real people with true feelings!

Branches of黃俊雄布袋戲

1.Traditonal one by 黃俊雄

2.霹靂布袋戲by 黃強華&黃文擇 since1980s

3.金光布袋戲 by黃立綱(3^rd son of黃俊雄) &黃俊雄since 1990s

Scenes in 金光布袋戲: : Acting without fighting actions

1. Carmelo showed us how a great Master taught his successor by teaching through sword skills, strategies, even encouraging him to killing “Master” with resolution and no regret!

2.  He then showed us how a mood can be delicately created and“Friendship” can accurately interpreted in 金光布袋戲

Fighting Scenes in 金光布袋戲:

Along with the storyboard, they use different shots to make the puppets fight even more flexibly and violently than real people.

Source of Stories

Like 金庸, the screenwriters creates the stories on some historical backgrounds mingling ling some imagination.For example, the legends of 李白and 徐福 became one of the sources of their inspiration!

Reflections:

Carmelo’s meeting wowed us so much that we talked about it after the meeting till very late. We admired his presenting and organizing skills and most unforgettably his remakable Taiwan金光布袋戲 vocal imitation! He convinced us well that he is an adept in Western but also in Taiwanese local arts! By the way, if Blissers feel interested in this Taiwanese Legacy, please take time to watch them in 台灣偶戲館 in Taipei! Stay Tune!

My dear Blissers,

Trembling but irresistible!

Have you ever wondered why you love watching creepy, mysterious and intriguing “crime fiction”? This Sat., an extraordinary expert in this genre writing and dissemination is going to unveil the hidden secrets behind it.

In the meeting, we ensure you will be inspired to get much in-depth understanding or even to start “writing” after such face-to-face author’s presentation and discussion. Welcome to the “Murder Ink” to plan a “defect-free” crime scheme. Ha-ha!

Bloody Murder: what shapes Crime Fiction?

Crime fiction has been one of the most popular genres since the 19th century, but has roots in works as varied as Sophocles, Herodotus, and Shakespeare. In Tommy’s very short Introduction explores the history of the genre, by considering the various definitions of 'crime fiction' and looking at how it has developed over time. Discussing the popularity of crime fiction worldwide and its various styles; the role that gender plays within the genre; spy fiction, and legal dramas and thrillers; he will give his insight into how the crime novel was shaped by the work of British and American authors in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Highlighting the works of authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and Raymond Chandler — to name but a few — he considers the role of the crime novel in modern popular culture and asks whether we can, and whether we should, consider crime fiction serious 'literature'.

Guided Questions

What books do you remember are crime novels or what movies are in this genre?

What percentage do you find the crime novels take in the whole book market?

What genre movie do you like to watch? Please share the reasons why.

Key Words

The genre literary

Crime Novel

Mystery Novel

Historical Mystery Novel

Thriller

Plot

Characterization

Discussion

1. What are most important parts to form a mystery fiction? Plot or Characterization

2. What movie you like the most, and what genre it belongs to?

3. Choose a movie or TV series or a fiction which combined two genres?  What do you think about it?

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My dear Blissers,

As a famous quote by Steve Jobs, “Stay foolish, stay hungry”, everyone heard of MBA but rarely distinguish it from other professions like sales or technological expertise!

This Sat., we feel so honored to invite our knowledgeable MBA-degreed Blisser, Kevin Cheng to help us adapt the MBA prospective to enrich real lives!

Please have your ears up to what he says: 

Kevin’s Introduction:

Do you know what MBA is?  Is marketing related to our daily life? Is MBA a profession? What to do to make ones famous?

In fact, we can apply M.B.A. into our daily life; however, you would never know before the meeting.

Let’s learn how to develop and apply marketing on your job and life. Kevin Cheng will introduce what MBA is and the art of marketing.

If you are considering about making life interesting, do not miss it.   

Meeting agenda:

14:30 - 14:45  Warm up, self-introduction  

14:45 - 15:20 “Is M.B.A a Profession?

15:20 - 16:00 Essential Spirit of M.B.A

*10-Minute Break

16:10 - 17:10  Apple’s Style Marketing

17:10 - 17:30  Brain storming discussion

Guided Questions:

Is MBA a profession?

What do you think of when you see an advertisement?

What is the best advertising you have even seen?

Does marketing promotion help you make decision for shopping?

My dear Blissers,

As 2018 Election comes nearer and nearer, some candidates try to attract their voters by the slogan of “Build you a smart city”! Do you know what it really means? This coming Saturday, our esteemed Senior Blisser, Kevin Ting will explore the issue and lead an in-depth discussion with us.

Welcome to join such life-related meeting with us!

Kevin’s Introduction:

What is Smart City? This is not a new term but if you Google it, most likely you will get answers such as “A smart city is a designation given to a city that incorporates information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance the quality and performance of urban services such as energy, transportation and utilities in order to reduce resource consumption, wastage and overall costs.” That is, “Smart City” is the way to see how cities benefit from technology and apply to its utilities, such as waste management.

This weekend, we will be discussing how Smart Cityies will affect our daily life. Will we really benefit from it or just another term will fade away eventually?

Guide Questions:

1. How well do you know your city? No matter city you are living or the city you are coming from.

2. How will you introduce your city? This is frequency asked questions for foreigners.

3. Thinking about those cities that you’ve ever visited, what is your impression?

4. What is the problem that bothers you most in Taipei City (or your city)? Can you think of one or two, and let us know solutions (in technology way) that you will take if you are the Mayor of City.

5. To summarize, in terms of Culture,Creative,People,infrastructure and etc., what is the city you like most, and why?

2. Agenda

A. Introduction

B. Smart City, cities that you arefamiliar with

C. Embrace Technology

D. Group discussion w/ guide questions

E. Summary

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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

Line: Bliss Post (QR Code)

 

2018 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 2018 Calendar: 2:30~5:30 pm every Saturday

No meeting date: 1/27,2/10,2/17, 3/31, 4/7, 5/5, 5/12, 6/9, 6/16, 7/14, 8/4, 9/1, 9/22, 10/20, 12/1~12/31 

Outing: 3/10 (Q1), 6/30 (Q2), 10/13 (Q3) Year –End—Party (YEP): 12/15

 

Venue:東豐喜藝文空間, 師大路68巷13號  TOHOHI Arts Corner at No. 13, Lane 68, Shih-ta Road, Taipei, charged at NT$150 per person with a cup of drink either coffee or tea

My Dear Blissers,

Have you ever encountered a place with….

Cozy atmosphere,

Soft lighting

Sounds of flipping over pages,

Drifting tender music

Aroma of coffee, herbal tea, fragrance.

Interior Designs of Avant-garde, Nostalgic, Creepy Murder Ink, American Country Style, Hakka Flower…..

Then walking out with your mouth curve up and blissful feelings…

Sharpen your five senses to Jessica Yang’s meeting on Aug. 18, 2018:

Jessica Yang’s Introduction:

You won’t believe this!

There are more than 200 multiple independent bookstores in Taiwan,

It became unique city scenery and create culture base,

A Book store with cafe is one of the typical styles

Bookstore with restaurant means the owner also has good cooking skills.

Bookstore providing Couch Surfing means the owner welcomes the people worldwide,

Bookstore with B&B means the owner welcome you to stay and read the book all day long, some may allow you to buy a book to offset drink consumption.

Or even welcome you borrow book back home for free!

There are more and more bookstores holding their own Corporate Social Responsibilities because they have their own idea to make the society better or support particular issue and become Social Enterprise platform!

Children English bookstore encourage kids start reading English from little

Bookstores display farm products which means the owner supporting nature growing framers,

Some Bookstores support miscarriage of justice by providing free lunch boxes for criminals and hiring them after they released which means they focus on human right.

Therefore, please support independent book stores!

Have nice coffee shop in a day, it’s very important for people in the weekend or during trip, if we can stop by those independent book stores and have nice coffee reading and then we also become part of city scenery in a day, is that great?

Please come to enjoy the most beautiful scenery series 2 in Taiwan.

Meeting agenda

10:00:10:10 ice -breaker game

10:00-11:00 the most unique compound independent bookstores in Taiwan.

11:00:11:20 is any multiple independent book store you have discover it?                  

11:20-11:30 break time

11:30:12:30Guide question

12:30-13:00 Reflection and feedback of this meeting from Blissers (Hosted by Ellen)

Teamwork:

1. How can we do to keep the unique scenery firmly in our island?

2. What is your idea of compound independent book store? Or share your own ideal  compound independent book store?

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My Dear Blissers,

In contrast with “The more, the better”, our graceful hostess, Judith, advocates this very different but important perspective in the seas of overcrowding merchansides with tempting advisements everywhere! This coming Sat., she is going to share with us why and how to safeguard against it. 

Without further delay, let’s hear what she says:   

Judith’s Introduction

The reason why I want to discuss and share the topic is because I found nowadays people own a lot of things, but are not really happy. Hopefully through the discussion, we all learn how to choose, and then really enjoy our life in the future.

My meeting agenda

1. How is your dream life and living space?

2. What is 'Danshari' (斷捨離) ?

3. How to practice 'Danshari' (斷捨離) ?

4. Minimalism

5. Essentialism

6. A better world. Enjoy your life!

Guided Questions:

To discuss fulfilingly in the meeting, all the attendees are requested to prepare the following questions before the meeting:

1. Does shopping satisfy you? Why? How are your shopping habits?

2. How is your room? How is your living space? How do you feel inside?

3. How is the space you want to work or live inside?

4. Do you have many “antiques “and “collections “ which you haven’t used in recent 2 years?

5. How is your dream life and living space?

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<Bliss Meeting Notice> NO meeting on Aug. 4, 2018

Recap of “Trend of Tax Reform Worldwide” by Mengta on July 28, 2018

Date: July 28, 2018

Host: Mengta

Participants: Ellen Huang, Ellen Wang, Naihsin, Annie, Jessica, Kevin Ting, Mengta

Meeting Photo: https://photos.app.goo.gl/eGBQYTi71f9fQqeHA

Bliss “Tax “Course

The attendees from IOI field, the independent investors, the oversea independent CEO took this “Crucial” course by the expert Mengta today, who clarified the following issues as precisely as usual:  

1. Which is more justified to most cooperates with tax cut or raise (or raise but with several tax credit on certain items)?
2. Territorial vs. Worldwide taxation system :

What is the different impact toward a multinational corporate and how it takes effect? What's Taiwanese current practice on both tax systems?

3. What's the difference between a company’s branch and subsidiary? What are the pros and cons of these 2 entities in terms of tax, IPO and legitimacy?

4. Terminology of “transfer pricing, corporate inversion, headline vs. effective tax rate and reasons of the gap there "and how they are transacted in real world.

5. “Tax” & “Other Factors” on “subsidiary” in different countries

Lastly, he shared how a professional CPA analyzes and assesses the location of the holding or subsidiary company with criteria in addition to the corporate tax rate.

6. Conclusion:

Although the new tax reform are designed to stop corporates from shifting profit overseas, it still takes time for them to adjust to the trend because “Tax cut” is just one factor of the complicated financial schemes in cooperate administration.

Feedbacks:

1. What a day ~!!I always take Tax Reform as a tough and disconnected to my daily life issue, what a huge mistake and misunderstanding there!!

In today's meeting, along with the tax reform ,Mengta brought us with several different observation points!

2. I know more about why and how independent investors need to access and scrutinize before investment. Thank you, Mengta, you open my eyes!

Reflections:  

Hard as “Tax” may be, we invited the expert, Mengta, to give us an audience-friendly meeting ever today, for which we appreciate so much!

“Keep it Possible” is one core value in Bliss club! From each piece-meal learning in Bliss such as Mengta’s, we explore and grow, such a fruitful experience of which is called “Bliss”.  Keep updated! 

**p.s. the attachment for reference**

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<Recap of “The Economist Reading” by Ellen Huang on May1 9, 2018

Date: May 19, 2018

Host: Ellen Huang

Participants: Tommy, Sandy, Emma, Jimmy, Claus, Steve, Emily, Vicky, Barkley,Carmelo,Chris,Mike, Antonio, Annie, Selina, Ellen Huang

Meeting photo link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/zr3ZInXRczkPCGfV20519

Q-queen, Ellen Huang

Well-known in asking acute ad pinpointed questions, our Question-Queen, Ellen Huang conducted the meeting thoroughly and efficiently as her agenda. Believe me or not, she will easily catch you before you “escape”!

International Forum in Bliss

The participants shared different backgrounds of all walks and various countries such as Singapore, Japan, Germany, to name just a few, which made the discussion diversified and noteworthy!

All in all, her guidance, all the participants’ feedbacks, followed by the group discussion help illustrating the reading as follows: 

Ampelmann: traffic light little man, key symbol in the article-

Originated in East Germany, with two signs of “green and red”, indicating the current political situation of Germany choosing either “to go “ahead with Mrs. Merkel or “to stop” here!

1. Approaches and Impacts on Demographic issue: Japan vs. Germany

Japan: preserving its own culture and pure blood, so as to be resistant to immigration regulations, which leads to worse ageing problem and stagnant economy due to its high cost of living , older marriage age, fewer birth rate and others

 Germany: emphasizing on more civic than ethnic state of immigrants, which will bring in mixed culture in trade of more sufficient labor force, natural resources, powerful leverage power against U.S. although with cost of losing some of their distinctive ethnic and cultural homogeneity traits.

2. Observations on New Germany vs. Traditonal one
1. Mrs. Merkel’s Bigger country outlook: take more responsibilities in economic affairs of EU am more diplomatic engagement in North Africa, Ukraine and Turkey

2. New Education Trend: More schools offer international course and issue Bachelor, Master Degrees instead of previous diplomas which have helped building up German professions and accordingly resulting in additional financial burden in each state due to State-tuition-free ‘professional students’ ! Thanks to the new trend, it will be supposed to reduce the educational expenditure of each state and be more accessible for global talents.

3. Mrs. Merkel’s Lower retirement age:

Based on their strong industrial background and stably prosperous economy, the policy will lessen ageing problem by offering younger people more job opportunities, implementing social judges and democratic system.

4. Reasons for Mrs. Merkel’s true borders to North Africa, Ukraine and Turkey
1. Economic/political-wise concern: trade in natural resources, labor force and win the lead ship.
2. Enlarge its own responsibilities on these indebted and lessen refugee-migrating problem

5. Punch its weight in international diplomacy

No. most Germans still believe in ethnic and cultural homogeneity, conformist and conservative society because most of contribution of its trade surplus comes from rural not urban regions.

6. a small-country outlook

Yes. Although as a strongest entity with trade surplus in Eu or of the whole world, Germany likes to be shaded under “Big Countries” such as USA, England or France, not bearing equal responsibilities as its economic and political powers.

Reflections:

Short as it may be, the meeting appeared high- quality and comprehensive ever which benefits all the participants and convince them –“Heavy” reading in Bliss is “Never dull” but rewarding!

Please remember to book your seat right after Q-Queen announces the date of “The Economist Reading” next time! Stay tune with Bliss!

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Date: July 21, 2018

Host: Angel

Attendees: Antonio,Mike Young, Kevin Ting, Kevin Tseng, Eric, Angel, Vicky, Joe, Ellen Wang, Winnie, Ellen Huang, Casey, J.T. Annie, Naihsin

Meeting photo: https://photos.app.goo.gl/FFJrF3poddSL8KM37

Foreseeable Philosophical Journey On board!

Angel guided us with several questions step by step to help everyone to have second  thought toward  how and where the technology may take the humans  in the future and see if this is what we really want to and further to think seriously again on this not urgent but definitely important issue of one's life

“Ghost” and “Shell” in “Ghost in the Shell” –and Your Interpretation?

Last Sat, Angel introduced us a science fiction film “ghost in the shell” released in 2017. Before we started, everyone shared their opinions regarding the guided questions which included different interpretation of “ghost” in the” shell” and imagination about 2029. Angel concluded that “Ghost” is our soul or our mind and “Shell” means cybernetic body or machine body

 “People” in 2029 and “Cybernetic Options”

Through movie clips, we learned 73% of people at 2029 had implanted cybernetic enhancement. We were requested to write down the most desired cybernetic implants we would like to make. One said she would like to be an anthropologist with vision enhancement then change to new career with new enhancement every 20 years. Another shared that he won’t do any unless for health concern.

Pros & Cons of Cybernetic Options

The next movie clip showed us we may benefit from cybernetic enhancement. However, we are under the risk of individuality, identity, messing with human souls. Our cyber brain may be hacked or get virus by cyber criminals. Angel asked us to review our decision of cybernetic enhancement while considering its side effects.  One Blisser said that being conscious to explore self and being able to appreciate the beauty of each individual in the limited lifespan is the real happiness as a human , technology is only an option but not essential in her future life.

 “Invisibility” –A New Technology Already Envisioned in 1995 Manga Version

We also learned the new technology depicted in the film. Through the clips of cuttlefish and Mercedes commercial, we understood the root and logic of active “camouflage”.

Who am I, a “Human” or a “Robot”?  Confusing Identities in 2029

Due to a lack of a real body and real memory, Motoko (main character in the film) was lost in identity. Through the role play of film’s conversations, we experienced Motoko’s doubts and difficulties in identifying herself (human or robot). Angel guided us to discuss the difference between human and non-human and pointed out the universe may have other types of consciousness.

Question about “Existence of Being”— your definition?

Followed by “consciousness” question, Angel asked us if memory can define us. Especially memory could be modified by others in future. One Blisser came up with a new perspective that memory can be an imagination. If memory is tangible, it wouldn’t be a creative thing. But if it could take us thru and over a boundary, then there would be one!  As to Motoko, she believes “What we do define us!”

Pay Tribute to Masamune Shirow, Manga Version Writer in 1989

In the end, Angel expressed her respect and appreciation to him! She told us why.  This manga was released in 1989 when there was no internet, mobile phone and personal computer. However, the technologies depicted in the manga were realized nowadays. Furthermore, it included knowledge of Science, electronics, mechanical, biology, psychology, and philosophy, all of which are brilliant.

Feedbacks

1.       Given all the terrific fortes, attitude, demeanor, and gesture, this has been an imaginative and awesome sharing presented with solid tone.  Vivid and vibrant atmosphere was well felt.  Most impressed scenarios were Angel carried this thru with an easy-going manner while the subject was technical and full of thoughts beyond our boundary. I was totally engaged in to the thought-provoking meetup hosted by Angel. Awesome job done Angel.✅

2.       I am really amazed at the way that Angel interpreted the Ghost in the Shell. I am really interested in watching the 1995 version of animation, even if I have already watched the 2017 movie.

3.       I like the issues that Angel raised for us to think. Everyone in modern life is not only living for oneself but also for people the one cares too, actually. When a cybernetic men starts caring about others, the men is a human even he or she only owns 5 % of the body which is natural.

4.       I am a sci-fi movie fan. Mostly, I go to see the movie for the entertainment and relaxation. In this club gathering, Angel gives us a deep understanding for this entertainment and movie. It even makes me feel this is a serious movie and think more about the life meaning. You can say it is a movie about Zen, philosophy and religion. I will make a plan to see this movie. Bliss club is really a learning-style club.  I always go home with fruitful rewards.

5.       She helped us to understand the deep meaning behind the dazzling images of this classic Japanese animation. As the lines between human and machine are blurred, we came to realize what it means to be a living person.  This anime masterpiece gave us an insight of director’s philosophy, yet everyone could interpret it in his own words.

6.       This sci-fi anime’s “technology in the future” is already happening now and therefore we inevitably have to discuss and/or debate on some of the controversial issues.  Angels’ presentation was not just interesting but also stimulating.  We were blessed to participate on Saturday

Reflections:

As the above feedbacks, besides dazzling sci-fi  effects and characters,  Angel successfully took us to embark on the ‘wisdom –seeking” journey with philosophical questions like “self-identity”, “existence of being “and others , the pursuit itself of which means the answer itself and is diversified from one individual  to another.  All the participants already set their own sails with Angel and move on!  Stay Tune!

p.s. Reference link: https://zh.m.wikipedia.org/zh-tw/攻殼機動隊_(2017年電影)

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Bliss English Club for Communication & Conducting Skills since 1997

Bliss Blog : http://blisstaipei520.pixnet.net/blog/post/212900702      

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2018 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 2018 Calendar: 2:30~5:30 pm every Saturday

No meeting date: 1/27,2/10,2/17, 3/31, 4/7, 5/5, 5/12, 6/9, 6/16, 7/14, 8/4, 9/1, 9/22, 10/20, 12/1~12/31 

Outing: 3/10 (Q1), 6/30 (Q2), 10/13 (Q3) Year –End—Party (YEP): 12/15

Venue:東豐喜藝文空間, 師大路68巷13號  TOHOHI Arts Corner at No. 13, Lane 68, Shih-ta Road, Taipei, charged at NT$150 per person with a cup of drink either coffee or tea

My dear Blissers,

In some ways or others, we are taxpayers!

Morgan Stanley Advertisement reflects certain truth of our mindsets, “You must pay taxes. But there’s no law that says you got to leave a tip.” But how?

Now have your ears up to what our Tax & Accounting Expert, currently as CPA firm founder, Mengta, tell us to do it right:  

1. Introduction

Tax reform(稅改) is the process of changing the way taxes are collected or managed by the government and is usually undertaken to improve tax administration or to provide economic or social benefits.

Numerous organizations have been set up to reform tax systems worldwide, often with the intent to reform income taxes or value added taxes into something considered more economically liberal. Other reforms propose tax systems that attempt to deal with externalities.

This coming Sat, I will introduce you the 2017 global tax reform trend, of course, will focus on Taiwan. We will not try to ‘learn’ tax system. We will try to grasp the concept and the reason why they do this, what the impact, and how you feel!

2. Agenda

14:30-14:40 Self-Introduction

14:40-16:00 Main tax reform in USA and Taiwan.

16:00-16:10 Short break

16:10-16:40 The impact of tax reform

16:40-17:10 Question and discussion

17:10-17:30 Meeting Reflection from Blissers

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My dear Blissers,

Good morning!

**For my proofreading negligence, I made a big error in the meeting date in the yesterday’s meeting notice, where should be consistently on 7/21, not 7/24!

To correct completely, I made the revision here for your attention: ***

Best regards from Annie, Edu Manager of Bliss

My dear Blissers,

Nothing is impossible in Sci-fi movie!

And our history repeated telling us the sci-fi scenarios once unbelievable come real now or in the coming future sooner than we think!

That is the message which our beloved hostess, Angel, tries to transmit and discuss from “Ghost in the shell”!

Angel’s Introduction

With more and more technological breakthroughs occurring each day, our lives are being rapidly transformed and impacted in ways that are beyond our imagination. One day, the boundaries between humans and technology will be blurred and even disappear.

In the future, humans will be integrated with cybernetic implants that could enhance traits such as vision, strength, and intelligence. This evolution will strengthen our minds and bodies but also bring side effects. The person beside you could be a replicant or a cyborg and completely indistinguishable from a human.

This coming Sat, I will introduce you to the 2017 science fiction film “ghost in the shell” and guide you through a discussion about the physical and spiritual impacts of technology on humans. Let’s explorer the wisdom of future technology and inner life.

Are you ready to experience this amazing, incredible and profound trip to the future? Fasten your seat belts! Welcome aboard!

Agenda-

10:00 am-10:20 Introduction and guided questions.

10:20 am-11:00 Watch movie opening and discuss cybernetic enhancement.

11:00 am-11:40 Watch movie clip and discuss the future technology and its impact

11:40 am-12:00 Watch movie clip and discuss the problem of identity .

12:00 pm-12:20 Break and lunch

12:20 pm-13:00 Introduction of the writer and movie summary

Guided Questions for Blissers, please prepare your very own answers before joining Angel’s meeting 

• How do you imagine the future to be in 2029?

• How do you think you will benefit from technological advancements in the future?

• What come to your mind when you see “ghost in the shell”? What’s your interpretation? Why ghost and not spirit?

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My Dear Blissers,

Welcome back to Bliss!

 “Sometimes by losing a battle, you find a new way to win the war!”

Such confident quote surely comes from the wealthiest, the popularist, protectionist nationalist, who won the 2016 election although losing popular votes, which sparked numerous protests in the U.S.A.

This coming Saturday, our informative Blisser, Wen, is going to lead us to sketch “HIM” in a comprehensive way here:

Introduction:

Donald J. Trump is changing the world’s way of working. His unusual and unpredictable behaviors make numerous foreign leaders aware that there are no more rules between the countries. However, is it all bad things?

I would like to talk about the personality of Donald J. Trump and how these characters show in his decisions.

Moreover, we are going to review some events and policies from the campaign until now on.

2. Meeting agenda

14:00-14:10 Self-Introduction

14:10-15:30 Who is Donald J. Trump?

15:30-15:45 Short break

15:45-16:10 Events and policies review

16:10-17:00 Question and discussion

3. Guided questions

Q1. What kind of person Donald J. Trump is in your mind? Which one is better between Trump and Taiwan’ president Ing-wen Tsai?

Q2. If Terry Gou ,郭台銘,decides to run the 2020 presidential campaign, how much you would like to vote him? What is your reason?

4. Key words, vocabularies or reference link (website) about your meeting

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trump_family

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Trump

P.S.

As Taiwan depends on either directly or indirectly on the USA, we focus more on his foreign policies among the following disputed issues there:

1. Travel ban on citizen to Muslim-majority countries
2. Rescinded Affordable Care Act
3. Opened Arctic Refuge for oil drilling
4. Partial repeal of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
5. Deliver “America First” Agenda
6. Withdrew the U.S. from Pan-Pacific Partnership Trade Organization
7. Draw back the Paris Agreement on climate change and Iran nuclear Deal
8. Recognize the Jerusalem as capital of Israel
9. Raise the import tariff on various goods from China, Mexico, the European Union

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<Bliss coming soon Poster in July, 2018>

Dear Blissers,

Curious about balancing between “Dream” and “Reality”?

The Poster’s sheer- blue “Midsummer Night’s dream”

Exemplifies the themes in July!

As Theodore once said,

“Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground!”

So do Blissers live their dreams, not otherwise around!  

Date: 14:30~17:30 PM on July 7, 2018

Venue: 東豐喜藝文空間

Host: Wen

Topic: “Who Is Donald J. Trump?”

Date: July 14, 2018

No Meeting

Date: 10:00AM~13:00 PM on July 21, 2018

Venue: 偵探書屋

Host: Angel

Topic: “Future is ready, are you?-An in-depth Discussion of the film “ghost in the shell”

Date: 14:30~17:30 PM on July 28, 2018

Venue: 東豐喜藝文空間

Host: Mengta

Topic: “Trend of Tax Reform Worldwide”

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