Bliss English Club

Dear Blissers 

Do you know Barack Obama ,  the former American president wrote a letter for which foreign magazine before he resign from his presidency in 2016 ?

Do you know which magazine got its average weekly circulation over 1.4 million while the other major world famous magazine ,like Time , NEWSWEEK got their circulation recession in 2017 ?

Do you know which magazine is targeting their audience to the elite people like bankers , influential executives and policy-makers ?

This coming Sat. on 1/20 , come with me to reveal the secret of The Economist, an UK magazine firstly published in 1843 and enjoy their curated selection of articles on global affairs, politics, and business after an extraordinary year of ups and downs in 2017 .

Please read and loop up all the vocabularies with enclosed PDF file of these 3 articles prior to the meeting 1/20 and please also print them out if you need to read and take note during the meeting ( Note: There won’t be any hard copies of the article provided in the meeting ) :

1. Why America’s evangelicals love Donald Trump

5. Why Russia is once again under the rule of a tsar

9 .Why more people are buying bitcoin

Here’re the guided questions of each article we’re going to discuss together during the meeting ,please prepare your answers of following questions prior to the meeting too.

1. Why America’s evangelicals love Donald Trump

(1) What does prosperity gospel worship?

(2) Why did American evangelicals give Trump the title "Man of God" despite he married three times, which is against the Christianity? How should the evangelicals face their religion?

5. Why Russia is once again under the rule of a tsar

 (1) Putin enjoys an approval rating over 80% by convincing his people " if there's no Putin, there's no Russia" , In your opinion , how and why he can successfully persuade his people this idea ?

(2) Why in the long run, if the economy still heavily replies on it's natural resource will cramp Russian ambitions ?

9 .Why more people are buying bitcoin

(1.) What impact of bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency will bring to the world ? Please share your point after reading this article.

(2.) If possible, will you buy bitcoin? Why and why not ?

(3.) Do you think bitcoin will face with the same situation as Mississippi bubble or South Sea bubble?

Meeting Agenda:

2:30-3:30  Q&A of 3 articles, any question of the articles could be raised during

          this one hour session

3:30-4:15  Separate to 3 groups for article discussion

                 Group 1 : 1. Why America’s evangelicals love Donald Trump

                 Group 2: 5. Why Russia is once again under the rule of a tsar

                 Group 3: 9 .Why more people are buying bitcoin

4:15-5:00  Summary and presentation by each group ( each group 15 mins)

                    -   Each group members takes terms to

                         1)      make a summary of this article and

                         2)      Share the answers of the guided questions after your discussion

5:00-5:30 Open discussion and wrap up the meeting

                   -   Exchange your opinions regarding the answers you learned from other group , agree or disagree the answers and why ?

My dear Bliss fellows , in this coming Sat. let’s open up our mind and soul and learn the true spirit as The Economist’s founder and all their editors for the past 175 years  :

 to take part in “ a severe contest between intelligence, which presses forward , and an unworthy, timid ignorance obstructing our progress”

在推動前行的智慧與阻礙進步的膽怯無知進行激烈鬥爭時，參與其中。

See you all soon this Sat.

Ellen with love

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My Dear Blissers,

No one can deny “East or west, home is best.”

And an ideal home inhabits any wondering souls and nourishes them for future!

As I feel Interested in “Real Estate” and attended 3-month Vocational Interior Design course, I am going to exchange with your own experiences there this coming Saturday on Jan.13, 2018.

I also prepare gorgeous “3 Interior Design Books” as gifts for Best answers for the guided questions as below:

Please Google & YouTube Ref. prior to the meeting:

Ref. 六十干支表

Ref. 紫薇斗數算命”windada”website

Ref. Interior Design Styles & proposals

Ref. 3-D application—biotech

Ref. Miniature Furniture making

For those who care about Energy Issue in Taiwan:

Can you imagine life without lights or fire and transportation without gas or electricity?

It will be a huge disaster especially for Taiwan lacking in energy resources which needs importing from other countries.

This coming Saturday on Jan.6, our highly recommended Energy Expert, will enlighten us the various kinds of energy resources in the world and which one(s) Taiwan relies on and challenges it meets?.

Most importantly, what kinds of future energy Taiwan can possibly adopt?

For the preparation prior to the meeting, please join me in welcoming our beloved host, Uncle Ting’s introduction:

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Dear Blissers

Here is 2017 Bliss Official Meeting Notice calling for an end:

No meetings during December, 2017,

“Thank you” for all the dedication of working staff and contribution of the hosts and participants in 2017!!!

“Bliss “has been always cherishing your support and especially feedbacks from you!

Stay tune in Bliss!

Bliss 2017 Staff with love

Date: Nov. 25, 2017

Host: Uncle Ting Lee

Topic: “Recap of Chapter I & III in the Art of War”

Participants: Uncle Ting, Ellen Huang, Annie, Fox, Daniel Chen, Yves Nan, J.C.., Water Wu,Barkeley

Meeting photo:  
https://photos.app.goo.gl/VfN67Y7DbkCXHRf43 
New Blisser - Yves Nan 
https://photos.app.goo.gl/yKKXpHguNVEzHPup2

Meeting started

Host, Uncle Ting arrived earlier and started the meeting as scheduled.

Background of “The Art of War”

It is an ancient Chinese military treatise dating from the Spring and Autumn period in 5^th century BC to help some ambitious leaders to beat the other competing kingdoms and become the only emperor of a united country.

The Spreading of “The Art of War”

The first translation from Chinese to French was done by a missionary named Jean Joseph Marie Amiot in 1772; the first well-known annotated translation from Chinese to English was published in 1910 by Lionel Giles.

Legend of “Application of the Art of War “by Sun Tze himself

To manifest the “discipline” in Chapter I, with King Wu”s permission and his own strict demand, Sun Tze victoriously turned the giggling loosely-governed “royal maids” into an organized well-trained troop!

Chapter I: five factors needs deliberation before the war

1.      道 <Why/What: Moral law(cause)> : goal; reason; vision; mission

2.      天 <When>: weather; climate; heaven;

3.      地 <Where>: geography; environment; earth

4.      將 <Who>: (Who: leaders; General/chairperson, executive officers, working staff ), (屬下whom: civilians, serviced clients/ customers; subordinates)

5.      法 <How>: methods; discipline, chain of command ,logistics

Internal Conditions:

道{What/why}, 將{Who/whom} and法 {how} can be maneuvered

將{Who}:

owns “five” gifted leadership features like智“wisdom”, 信“trust-worthiness” 仁 “benevolence”, 勇 “courage” 嚴 “perseverance in discipline” which suffice him to weigh over 天 ”when” 地 “where” 法 “How” and 屬下 “whom” for right decision-making .

道{What/Why}:

“Who” needs to justify “why to start the war” and define “what the “war” means here” to retrieve “morale-consensus” or “cause-commitment” from “whom” for building up a single entity, unitedness, dedication or sacrifice.

法{How} :

The War panoramic management, the methods to win: the chain of command; the fighting tempo speedy or slow; attack styles in sparse ambushes or all-out combats; the hierarchical commanding systems vertical or horizontal ; logistics like cash flow, stock management,distribution and transport

External conditions:

天{When} & 地{where} can’t be controlled but overcome!

Warfield might proceed in high or low lands, narrow or wide paths, far away or nearby locations, dangerous swaps or safe gorges; or occur in varied seasonal constraints like day or night. cold or hot, rainy or snowy conditions.

To sum up, Chapter I suggests:

“Who” needs careful estimates before starting a war because the Warfare is a matter of life and death, costly and destructive!!!

Chapter III Strategy further elaborates:

The best policy in “the Art of War” is not to start “fighting” by any means!!!

The best result is to win but “remain the whole state, army, brigade, division, unit “whole and intact” at any cost!!!

Yes, but how?

1.      Dodge direct encounter with enemies; create “blue- sea market” as its niche.

Ex.1: Yamaha invented “automatic piano” another device to invite new markets.

Ex.2: Coffee machine makers invented “capsule coffee machine” creating a new trend.

Ex.3: “Darlie Toothpaste” changes its extruding size; using “political correct logo”; even create another seeming competitor “Colgate” to stand out profitably in the staggering markets.

2.      Subdue Enemies before their attacks

Ex.1. Kong Ming, a wise strategist in Three Kingdoms, dramatized “Empty City Plan” which triumphantly exempted the castle/city from the crisis!!!

Ex.2 The USA efficiently relieved Russian- schemed Cuban missile crisis within 13 days without fights.

Ex.3 In family application, Uncle Ting softly reminded, “Subdue Enemies before their attack” means to empathize the counterpart in a warm-felt climate as “home” is never a “Warfield”.

Other related info:

關公The Saint of War, Lord Guan; Guan Yu, invented Book-keeping System so as to  control logistics well.

Reflections:

We appreciated so much Uncle Ting’s resourceful and informative meeting, from which we not only learned the everlasting value of “The Art of War” but also the historic and modern applications. One or two meetings are not enough for us to grasp “The Art”, for which we look forward to Uncle Ting’s next meeting and more participants’ case studies soon~~~

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Dear Blissers,

Dream to speak authentic English as natively as possible?

Read & write with high proficiency?

This coming Saturday we feel privileged to invite the role model, Michael Wu to demonstrate the knowhow, which will surely upgrade yours efficiently.

Welcome to join the remarkable “Class” by Michael Wu with us on 11/18!!!

Please preview the following for discussion:

1.      http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2014/03/04/2003584849 

2.      http://nypost.com/2015/12/29/from-nyc-to-harvard-the-war-on-asian-success/ 

3.      https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/01/30/opinion/white-students-unfair-advantage-in-admissions.html 

4.      New words:

alumnus; deflect query; admission committee; Hispanics; ample evidence; express resentment toward affirmative action; benefit from; be admitted to academic achievement; top medical school; draw attention; revealing; disparity; a lack of equity; fall short in; variable academic performance; legacy status; socio-economic disadvantage; predominantly; barrier to equal access; ludicrous; a racially diverse class; xenophobic persecution during “yellow peril” scares; internment of Japanese-Americans; Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882; prime example; often-cited; race-blind meritocracy; sudden boom; consecutive decline; diploma outlook; feel disillusioned; based solely on standardized test; racial imbalance; orchestrate racial composition; near-constant level; excessive tipping of scale; detriment of Asians; long-cherished tradition; preserve; overt; frozen; employ; Hispanic enrollment; play field for ethnicities; underrepresent; acknowledge; sign a pledge; work ethic; under fire; perpetual achievement machine; euphemism; holistic approach; subsidized; exam-prep; varsity; fumble around; indulging; parental oversight; outperform; torpedo; by large margin; dismal; instill; rig; suburban; outrage; take a page from; slump; ; across the nation; stellar;  coveted places

Agenda:

Part I. 
Studying abroad, as this old statistics suggest, is a growing trend that thrives in Taiwan. Among the various reasons behind this fad, we list the top 3- an edge in job market, a lack of confidence in local ed., & a pursuit of optimum academic environment- for discussion. We all know or are ourselves people who've made decisions to study abroad with reasons alike. In this session, attendees are expected to share cases and opinions over "why" people choose to study abroad. Reasons & cases not on the list are welcome as well. The host will be sharing his experience from a practitioner's view. 
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2014/03/04/2003584849 

Part II. 
How does one- from both local & international high schools-qualify & apply? A brief walk through, timeline, & terminology explained. 

Extensive reading: 
1. http://nypost.com/2015/12/29/from-nyc-to-harvard-the-war-on-asian-success/ 

2. https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/01/30/opinion/white-students-unfair-advantage-in-admissions.html 
 

Questions that help put ourselves in the applicants' & prospective students' shoes: 

Given a chance to go study abroad at a high school's age, 
-where do you want to go? 
-what do you want to learn? 
-how long do you expect to be there? 
-why abroad? 
When your kids in Taiwan are of the proper age, will it be an option? 
 

P. S. :If interested, please refer to Michael Wu’s relevant links for more details:http://foxwell.studio/ ;https://standardresume.co/michaelwu

http://foxwell.studio/ 
 

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2017 12/9 YEP registration Link : https://goo.gl/forms/aiyIHXJXaozd68Tw2

Deadline of Registration: 2017/11/20

Deadline of Cancellation: Contact Ellen at 0918018260 or line ID 0918018260 before 2017/12/4

Dear Friends,

Twenty years till now~

For the love from you,

For the moments with you,

We cuddle sharing and rejoicing every Saturday Afternoon

We trek you in the memory,

Label you at a turning corner,

In our hearts you are with us…

2017 YEP celebrates our 20^th anniversary

Welcome to whirl the time backward to 1920s~

Retro-cosplay in romantic Swing Dance…

Sip all the best among us now and ever

Time: 14:00-18:00 on 2017/12/9 (Sat)

Venue: Same as our regular meeting place at東豐喜TOHOHI Arts Corner at Exit 3 Taipower MRT Station, addressed at No. 13, Lane 68, Shih-ta Road, Taipei

Food : Potluck ( 1 person /family bring one dish to share with us ) 

Entrance Fee: NT$100 per person; free for kids under age 6

Dress Code: Retro-cosplay around 1920s referring to a western reference:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc_JhhKN7OU  or
an oriental reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQFa7b-_uZ4 

Dear Blissers

2017 12/9 YEP 報名連結 : https://goo.gl/forms/aiyIHXJXaozd68Tw2 

報名截止日 : 2017 /11/ 20 
報名取消通知 : 2017/12/4 前 ,請聯絡Ellen ( Mobile :0918018260 , Line ID : 0918018260 )

因妳你同行 

因妳你同行生命充满驚喜 

面對著面 肩伴著肩周末午后好時間 

循著記憶的路徑 轉角處的呼唤 

我知道妳你在那𕚃 

適逢今年BLISS 成立20週年慶 讓我們一起回到20年代 黄金復古PARTY 一起來 SWING搖擺 

回味發生 及正在發生 即將發生在你我身上美好的一切 ！ 

Time : 2017/12/9 (Sat ) 14:00-18:00 
Venue :東豐喜藝文空間, 師大路68巷13號 (Same as our regular meeting place ) 
Food: 一家一菜 ( Potluck ) 
Entrance Fee : NT$ 100 /Person (小學以下不收費） 
Dress Code : 1920年代 東西方復古裝 Reference Link : 
西方: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc_JhhKN7OU 
東方 :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQFa7b-_uZ4 

Dear Blissers

“Soap”, the bland “must”, prevents us from germs, dirtiness….

Everyone’s best friend in our lives.

This coming Saturday, our bio-expert Blisser, Hazel, is going to lead us to review the history, analyze the ingredients, and produce it!!!

Welcome to feel and touch “our hand-made soaps” with Hazel on 11/11!!!

Keywords:

Pompeii龐貝城
Archaeologist考古學家
Babylonian巴比倫人
Glycerine 甘油
Saponification皂化
NaOH sodium hydroxide 氫氧化鈉
Lye 鹼液

Agenda

1.      Warm-up (Self-introduction)

2.      The history of soap (Movie 4:24)

3.      Chemistry of Soap

4.      The advantages of use cold process soap

5.      Let's start to make the soap!

Recap of “Industry 4.0: The Revolution and Innovation of Manufacturing Strategy in Germany “by Clark Kuo on Nov.4, 2017

New words:

spread, Implement, productivity, holistic,integration,adapt,cyber-physical,computation,distribution channel,digitalization,pressure,lead time, maintenance,Agrarian,Finance,Industries,impact,strategy, culture-cultivation,reinforce, authetic,time constraint, IoT, AR, world-leading, optimized, recommend

Date: Nov.4, 2017

Topic: Industry 4.0: The Revolution and Innovation of Manufacturing Strategy in Germany

Host: Clark Kuo 

Meeting photo: https://photos.app.goo.gl/eJdZS1vVSruqsq1N2

New Blisser/Vicky Hung: https://photos.app.goo.gl/AOkEgMUYZyf1AynT2

Industry 4.0 =the fourth Industrial Revolution=”Octopus” Enterprise

1.      Tech innovation + Manufacture= smart factory=expected growth in productivity & economy

2.      Germany spreads and implements the idea to keep its own world-leading Industrial position

3.      Manufacturing Holistic Advancement in vertical + horizontal integration with Tech (big data computation); cyber-physical production (AI, IoT, AR, VR), digitalization

4.      Challenges: New Distribution Channels+ New cost pressure+ shorter lead time+ smart data-gathering+ preventive maintenance+ more customers’ specific adaption in Agrarian+Finance+Industries+ others

Discussed Questions: Later, Clark paired us to discuss:

“Under the way to Industry 4.0, what impacts do you think of on the followings?”   

!. Education?

2. Human resource or labor market ?

3. Ways of living?

4. Any solution or suggestion to lessen its impacts?

In-depth Group Answers:

1.      To be manufacturers & salespeople for optimized parts in German or American Prototyped Smart Machines, so we need to have the upgraded support from ODM or OBM orientated education basis.

2.      To reinforce the creativity, flexibility, humanity which AI is lack of, we can offer better to the world on the culture-cultivation education basis.

Reflections

This meeting was authentic and informative meetings, which we learned from Host’s presentation and the participants’ contributions. It was a pity, though. with the time constraint, Clark did not share much about his previous guided tours on Germany Industry 4.0 in the related Exhibitions and Factory-visit. Therefore, he promised to hold Part II next April, which we can highly expect and recommend. All in all, everyone enjoyed the meeting very much and look forward to his next meeting soon.

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