Bliss English Club

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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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

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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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      

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,

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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