English Club on Extremes

Topic: Extremes 

Fun Fact of the Day: The capital of the state of Georgia, "the original name of the city of Atlanta was 'Terminus'" (theeconomiccollapseblog.com). 

Topic: 

1. What is the definition of the word, "extreme"? What is an "extreme"? Where do you often hear this word? What kinds of extremes often appear in our lives? What makes them extremes? Are they more often intentional practices or accidental encounters? 

2. Have you ever participated in something that is extreme? If so, what did you do and what were your impressions following this activity? Would you do this again in the future? Is there any other extreme activity you would like to participate in? Why so? 

3. Have you ever heard of the "extreme ironing" trend? What do you thinlc this means? What other extreme trends or activities can you think of? Would you participate in one of these extreme trends? In contrast, do you tend to avoid such extreme or sensational activities? Why or why not? 

4. Do you consider certain sports as extremes? How extreme are beach sports, for example (surfing, diving, kite or wind surfing, kayaking, etc.)? What is the most extreme sport you can think of? Would you ever try this personally? Why do people like extreme sports? 

5. Have you ever heard of "extreme eating" contests? What do you think they are and who tends to participate in them? Are these eating contests healthy or in direct contrast to healthy eating standards? Do you think shopping for food or eating in general can be "extreme" if it is not properly labeled or prepared? 

6. If you could initiate an extreme activity or trend, what would it be and why? Who would you involve in this process? What would be your expected results? Do you thinlc this would be risky or fun? How could you practically start this project? 

Schedule: Please put topic ideas in the Suggestion Box! 

Thursday, 03 January at 5:30- Holiday Party! Please bring some snacks to share!

Saturday, 05 January at 10:30

A Project "Great Reading" in Khmelnyts'ky

You are welcome to get to know more on

 a project "Great Reading"

 using this link:

http://www.ounb.km.ua/woa/galery.php?album=20120424151700

'Picturing America' Exhibition

Picturing America Home Page - picturingamerica.neh.gov

Picturing America, an exciting new initiative from the National Endowment for the Humanities, brings masterpieces of American art into classrooms and libraries nationwide.

Through this innovative program, citizens will gain a deeper appreciation of the American nation's history and character through this exhibition, study and understanding of this art.

English Club on Fashion and Trends

 Topic: Fashion and Trends

Fun Fact of the Day: “There are 182 places in the U.S. that have the word ‘Christmas’ in their names” (www.travelandleisure.com).

Introduction about “Trace Effects”: A video game for learning American English and culture! 

Topic:

1. What is “fashion”? How do people influence fashion? How does fashion influence us? How important is “style” to you? What is the difference between fashion and style? What iconic “fashionistas” do you know? Do you like to follow fashion trends?

2. Does fashion have an important impact on youth? Do you think there are certain clothing styles that younger individuals should avoid? How important are uniforms in school? Do you think that uniforms are a good or bad idea?

3. Do you have a uniform at work? What kind of clothing regulations do you have to follow? Do you think this promotes an atmosphere of equality between co-workers? If you do not have clothing regulations, do you think you should? Is your work attire drastically different than in your personal life?

4. In contrast to daily life, what types of clothing do people tend to wear at special holidays? What clothing rules exist at weddings, for example? Does the type of wedding determine specific dress or are there general guidelines in place at all times? Do you like ceremonial attire?

5. Aside from clothing and fashion, what other popular trends exist right now? What do you think makes these trends successful? How are they spread and promoted? Do you participate in any of these popular trends? Why is it meaningful to you?

6. What trends from the past do you think will become popular again? What current trends do you think will become obsolete in the future? What causes these trends to come and go? Who is responsible for their success or failure? Is there any kind of trend you would like to invent yourself or promote?

Schedule: 

Saturday, 29 December at 10:30

Thursday, 03 January at 5:30 - Holiday Party! Please bring some snacks to share!

Trace Effects Presentation

 http://americanenglish.state.gov/ 

 Learn About the United States Through 

Online and Print Publications

English Club on "Future"

Topic: The Future

Fun Fact of the Day: "The state of Louisiana has almost 2500 islands" (all4cellularblog.com).

Topic:

1. What is the "future"? Do you like to think about the future? How often do you think people should think about their futures? Do you think it's possible to become "obsessed" with the future? How can thinking about the future too much detract from our current lives?

2. Do you think there's a way for people to calculate their futures? Can you really plan for the future? How connected are we to determining our future lives? What steps lead us to the future? How does life tend to alter our future plans?

3. How do your ambitions and goals help you to formulate your ideal future? Is it important to plan far in advance? How far in advance do you tend to plan? What is more important, in your opinion: spontaneity or careful planning?

4. How do you think the world will change in the future? How will people change? How will the surrounding environment change? What aspects of life do you think will remain the same for future generations? Will the world be recognizable 50 or 100 years from now?

5. What kinds of books, movies, stories, and events do you think will be popular in the future? Is it possible to predict these future trends? What tends to spark popular trends? What fads and trends are popular now that you think will become obsolete in the future?

6. What do you hope to accomplish in your life in the future? Do you have important goals? How do you hope to achieve these goals? Is it important to you to formulate a future legacy and to leave an influence for future generations? If so, what do you want to do and how do you intend to accomplish this?

Schedule: 

Thursday, 27 December at 5:30 Saturday, 29 December at 10:30

Ukrainian Carols

The Ukrainian carol of the bells /Щедрик/ Shchedryk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPDnjq9fTLw&feature=youtu.be

Програма «Сполучені Штати та Україна – культурні зв'язки»

На цьому тижні на сторонці Facebook Посольства США стартувала програма «Сполучені Штати та Україна – культурні зв'язки». Тепер Ви зможете прочитати пости про видатних американців, чиї родини походять з України. Вже понад 150 років українці, росіяни, поляки та інші вихідці з території сучасної України своїм талантом і наполегливою працею роблять свій неоцінимий внесок у збагачення американського суспільства та культури. Деякі з цих дочок і синів полікультурної України спробували піти далі, аби знайти славу і щастя у їхній новій американській оселі. Протягом наступних кількох місяців Посольство США в Україні буде розказувати про деяких музикантів, учених, художників, інженерів, дипломатів, акторів та інших фахівців своєї справи, які допомогли зробити сучасні Сполучені Штати різноманітною та динамічною країною. Пропонуємо Вам долучитися до цих історій на нашій сторінці Facebook http://www.facebook.com/usdos.ukraine.

YOU can study in the global business and media capital of the world—New York City !

YOU can study in the global business and media capital of the world—New York City !

Apply for the Fordham Business Challenge '13 and compete to win one of 8 available full-tuition scholarships to study a Master of Science program at Fordham Graduate School of Business Administration (GBA) in New York City fall 2013

SOUNDS GREAT ! WHO CAN COMPETE? College seniors who will obtain their Bachelor’s degree by June 2013 OR recent university graduates and young professionals holding a university diploma WORLDWIDE

WHAT IS THE PRIZE? First place winners (8) will receive a full-tuition scholarship and an invitation to attend the prize ceremony in New York City in April 2013.

Second place winners (8) will receive a half-tuition scholarship.

WHAT ARE THE PROGRAMS? Scholarships available for the following eight Master of Science Programs:

• Master of Science in Quantitative Finance (MSQF)

• Master of Science in Global Finance (MSGF)

• Master of Science in Marketing Intelligence (MSMI)

• Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)

• Master of Science in Investor Relations (MIR)

• Master of Science in Media Entrepreneurship (MSME)

• 3-Continent Master of Science in Global Management (3CMGM)

• Master of Science in Business Enterprise (MBE)

There is a program for everybody !

Study Engineering? Check out the MSBA or MSQF programs.

Want to travel the world and earn two degrees? The 3CMGM program is just for you.

Read about all 8 programs at www.fordhambusinesschallenge.com and find the one that is right for you

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE? February 1, 2013

HOW CAN I COMPETE? Register at www.fordhambusinesschallenge.com and take the challenge by answering (3) multiple-choice question sets and (1) essay question

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity that will take you to the business, finance and media capital of the world—New York City !

Game Night: Let's Play Together!

This activity aims to build and foster English language skills in a fun and competitive way

Scrabble, Apples to Apples, Taboo, UNO, and more

10 Days in the USA

English Movie Club

English Club on Problems and Progress

Fun Fact of the Day: “The average American will eat about 11.9 pounds (5.4 kilograms) of cereal per year” (hidden007.tripod.com).

Topic:

1. What are the definitions of the words “problems” and “progress”? How often do we encounter problems in our lives? Do you think that problems can often lead to progress if they are solved correctly? Is progress important?
2. Do you consider immigration and work abroad as a problem or as personal progress? Is human migration generally progressive or problem-causing for those left behind? If you had the opportunity to move abroad permanently, would you take advantage of this situation?

3. Do you think that multi-cultural environments can cause problems or do you think that this exchange of culture is vital for progress? What is your opinion of this situation in the United States, for example, as a “melting pot” or “salad bowl”?

4. Do you think that population growth is progressive or also a problem? How does population growth affect the environment? Does it cause environmental problems worldwide? What is your opinion about population growth in Ukraine?

5. How do health problems develop in our progressing world? How does tree removal and littering cause problems? Has industrial progress and practices caused accidents and environmental problems? Do you think there can ever be a solution to pollution if industries and general production continues to grow around us?

6. Do you think that certain “freedom” movements are progressive or do they cause more problems than they solve? What is your opinion about zoos and animal’s freedom, for example? Would you support initiatives to protect animals? What would happen if such initiatives did not exist? What other initiatives would you support?

Thursday, 20 December at 5:30

Saturday, 22 December at 10:30

Експозиція "Picturing America" у нашому Центрі

Шановні користувачі Центру «Вікно в Америку»,

Нещодавно ми отримали від Посольства США колекцію плакатів і книгу «The Picturing America». Вона створена Національним гуманітарним фондом і включає 40 великих репродукцій американських шедеврів, а також книгу для вчителів з рекомендаціями та ідеями щодо кращого використання цих творів мистецтва, матеріалами з історії цих творів. Ця книжка також доступна он-лайн http://picturingamerica.neh.gov/ для всіх користувачів. На цьому веб-сайті також представлені плани уроків. 

Ви також можете переглянути серію коротких відео “Picturing America on Screen” (25 фільмів): http://www.thirteen.org/picturing-america/ . Ці фільми було створено WNET за підтримки Національного гуманітарного фонду, наданої Educational Broadcasting Corporation у Нью-Йорку. 

Запрошуємо Вас переглянути експозицію та поділитись враженнями.

Fordham Business Challenge 2013

www.fordhambusinesschallenge.com

Fordham Business Challenge 2013 and is a scholarship competition for students round the world, particularly Europe, to win a scholarship to study a specialized Master of Science program at Fordham Graduate School of Business in New York City fall 2013.
Scholarships available for the following Master of Science programs:
MS in Quantitative Finance
MS in Global Finance
MS in Media Entrepreneurship
MS in Investor Relations
MS in Business Analytics
MS in Marketing Intelligence
MS in Business Enterprise
3-Continent Master of Science in Global Management
Competition: the competition consists of answering a series of multiple-choice question sets and answering an essay question that relates to applicant's chosen MS program.
Prizes: there are 16 scholarships in total, 8 full- and 8 half-scholarships.
(8) first place winners will receive a full-tuition scholarship and will be invited to the prize ceremony which will be held in New York City in April 2013.
(8) second place winners will receive a half-tuition scholarship.
Eligibility: Open for college seniors, recent graduates and young professionals worldwide.

Deadline: February 1, 2013.

English Movie Club

Waiting for u this Saturday at 4 pm. 

Let's watch a movie and discuss it together.

English Club on "Characters"

Fun Fact of the Day: “The average American drinks about 600 sodas a year; they vary in size” (hidden007.tripod.com).
Topic:
1. What is “character”? How do you think an individual’s character is formed? What aspects of a person’s life help form his or her character? Who do you think has the most influence on a person’s character: parents, peers, celebrities, etc.?

2. What is the difference between “character” and “characters”? What are the different definitions of the word “characters”? Are characters always actors and actresses? What people can be characters? 

3. Do you think that it is possible for a person to have multiple different characters? If so, what might influence this trend? How might an individual’s personality differ in separate aspects of life? Is this a reflection of his or her fundamental “character,” or is he or she likely acting in a way? 

4. Do you have a different character at work vs. with your friends or family? Do you think these separate characters are intentional or more accidentally formed? Is it sometimes fun to “play a part” and act with an unusual character? In what situations might this role-play occur?

5. Have you heard of the phrase, to “put on a mask” in public? What do you think this means? If a person wears a “mask” in public, are they being true to their character or rather playing a different character role? How might this alter their relationships with those around them? 

6. If you could become a character from any book or play that you have read, who would you choose? Why would you choose this character? Is there anything you would change about his or her personality? If this character lived in a separate time period, how would you adjust to life at this time? 

Schedule: Please put topic ideas in the Suggestion Box! 

Saturday, 15 December at 10:30 

Thursday, 20 December at 5:30

English Club on "Addictions and Habits"

Fun Fact of the Day: "George Washington was also quite an alcohol manufacturer. In 1798 alone, he produced 11,000 gallons of whiskey" (www.thirdage.com).

Topic:

1. What is an "addiction"? How does it

differ from a "habit"? Are they at all related or do you think these are two entirely different things? Are they mainly positive or negative? How do they affect those around us?

2. Do you consider yourself "addicted" to something? If so, what is your addiction? Do you think you are addicted to any of the following: social networks, TV, other technological devices, gossiping, food, drink, sleeping; cleaning, gaming, etc.? How might these addictions affect daily life?

3. In addition to such addictions, what do you consider "good" and "bad" habits? Do you have any good habits that you are particularly proud of, or conversely, bad habits that you are trying to change? Do you even want to change your "bad" habits or do you just accept them as part of your character?

4. What do you think are the most common habits and addictions of your peers? Do you think that they differ by age, gender, socio-economic class, or other factors? What divisions can you see in different aspects of your life?

5. What are different ways that people develop habits or become addicted to certain activities? Do you think that sometimes this reliance is intentional or do you think this process is largely accidental? Can you think of any old addictions or habits that you eliminated? How did you do so?

6. Do you consider an over-reliance on technology as more of an addiction or a habit? What do you think would happen in the future if people stopped using mobile phones, for example? Do you think that life would be better and people healthier if they rid themselves of mobiles? Or, contrarily, do you think that communication problems would make this too difficult?

Schedule: Please put topic ideas in the Suggestion Box!

Thursday, 13 December at 5:30, 15 December at 10:30

International Volunteer Day and Choices

On December 6th Vinnytsia English Club with a leader Mila H. organized an event dedicated to marking the International Volunteer Day which is celebrated worldwide on December 5th. The panel discussion during this event offered the audience a chance to learn more about volunteering opportunities on local and international level. Mila Hooten, PC Volunteer, gave information about the strategies of implementing volunteerism. The following questions on ‘how volunteerism relates to modern ‘global values’ and exchanges of culture, and the main benefits of volunteer work were in a spectrum of an active discussion among participants of this Club’s meeting. 

Fun Fact of the Day: “Maine makes more toothpicks than any other state” (http://johnb0127.hubpages.com).
Topic:

1. What is volunteerism? Do you think that volunteer work is necessary and important? Have you ever worked as a volunteer? If so, what did you do and who did you help? 

2. Every year, the 05 of December is “International Volunteer Day.” Have you heard of this special day? Do you think that it’s important to have a specific day devoted to volunteerism? How might this day promote selflessness and volunteer activities?

3. What are the main benefits of volunteer work? How do you think that volunteer work affects volunteers themselves? Do you think that this is emotionally meaningful and fulfilling? What motivation and incentives do people have to do volunteer work? 

4. Do you think working as a volunteer is a kind of “dilemma”? How would you feel about working as a volunteer vs. having a job that pays lots of money but is boring and uninteresting? Have you ever experienced such a dilemma? What other dilemmas have you had in your recent history?

5. How does volunteerism relate to modern “global values” and exchanges of culture? Do you think that volunteer projects promote discussions about cultural traditions and values? Do you think that the idea of being a volunteer is at all related to cultural upbringing? 

6. Have you ever changed your mind or gone against your basic instincts to pursue a particular project or adventure? Even if this was not volunteer work, have you ever stepped outside of your usual comfort zone to try something new or to help others? Was this pursuit a dilemma for you?

Schedule: Please put topic ideas in the Suggestion Box!

Saturday, 08 December at 10:30
Thursday, 13 December at 5:30

English Teen Club on Travelling

On Wednesday, the 5th of December FLEX alumna Dasha led the English Teen Club. The topic of the lesson was “Travelling”.

The members of the club had a great opportunity to learn new words that will help them while travelling to other countries. In addition, there was a fun game, where the participants had to put the words in a right order to build sentences. At the end of the club Dasha had a special quiz for the members of the club. With the help of this quiz everybody checked how well they know Europe and fun facts about it. 

Celebrate December 12 as American English Day!

On December 12, the State Department will officially launch American English, a website for overseas teachers and learners of English as a foreign language. This website is an extensive resource center not only for American English language teaching and learning, but also for American culture. It provides a variety of engaging materials and resources for teachers' professional development and for students in the classroom. 

December 12 also marks the official launch of Trace Effects, a 3-D immersion video game intended for young English language learners (see background here). A link to the game is included on the American English website. Ideas for Launch of American English (http://americanenglish.state.gov/):
https://conx.state.gov/trace/ 

December 4th is Wildlife Conservation Day

December 4th is Wildlife Conservation Day - a global event aimed at educating foreign publics about wildlife trafficking and inspiring them to take action against this illicit trade.

The Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP) has released its new electronic journal "Go Wild! Coming Together for Conservation", December 2012. The publication may be freely distributed to your contacts, either in part or in its entirety. 

http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/publication/2012/11/20121116138806.html#axzz2DjBLkCK3

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/amgov/30145/publications-english/EJ_20121129_Go_Wild_DGW_English_web.pdf (7.4 Mb)

Pamphlet "Combating Wildlife Trafficking: Respect and Protect":

http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/pamphlet/2012/10/20121024137888.html#axzz2BMaeTWDs

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/amgov/133183/english/P_20121101_RespectAndProtect_lj_English_10022012.pdf (1.5 Mb)

Wildlife Conservation Day Pledge that encourages people to sign up to show their support for the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking. Please promote the pledge on your social media sites:

http://www.wildlifepledge.org

To explore previous electronic e-publications, please click here:

http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/iipdigital-en/publications.html#axzz1lJpUTyyo

December 4th is Wildlife Conservation Day

December 4th is Wildlife Conservation Day - a global event aimed at educating foreign publics about wildlife trafficking and inspiring them to take action against this illicit trade.

The Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP) has released its new electronic journal "Go Wild! Coming Together for Conservation", December 2012. The publication may be freely distributed to your contacts, either in part or in its entirety.

http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/publication/2012/11/20121116138806.html#axzz2DjBLkCK3

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/amgov/30145/publications-english/EJ_20121129_Go_Wild_DGW_English_web.pdf (7.4 Mb)

Pamphlet "Combating Wildlife Trafficking: Respect and Protect":

http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/pamphlet/2012/10/20121024137888.html#axzz2BMaeTWDs

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/amgov/133183/english/P_20121101_RespectAndProtect_lj_English_10022012.pdf (1.5 Mb)

Wildlife Conservation Day Pledge that encourages people to sign up to show their support for the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking. Please promote the pledge on your social media sites:

http://www.wildlifepledge.org

To explore previous electronic e-publications, please click here:

http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/iipdigital-en/publications.html#axzz1lJpUTyyo

HIV Awareness Day - December 1st

English Teen Club with Dasha B.

 The participants of this English Teen Club's meeting discussed a topic "Hobbies" sharing their ideas how it could be useful to spend a day without social nets.

Useful expressions on the chosen topic were practised in dialogues. After a short presentation atendees discussed questions on Hobbies.

Dasha B., FLEX alumna 2012, shared her own experience on her being as a baby sitter in the U.S.  and some hobbies she used to have.

English Teen Club!

Привіт, друзі! ЧУДОВА НОВИНА!!!

З середи, 21 листопада, стартує English Teen Club.

Якщо ти навчаєшся у школі і тобі ще немає 18, то ласкаво просимо до клубу англійської мови, де ти матимеш змогу попрактикувати мову у цікавій та розважальній формі. На тебе чекають захоплюючі теми для обговорення, ігри, перегляди кінострічок та багато іншого.

Заняття проводяться щосереди о 16,00 у Центрі "Вікно в Америку", що за адресою: вул. Соборна,73, 3 поверх.

Вхід вільний!

Приходь, приводь друзів and let's have some fun!

A Workshop on Thanksgiving Candlesticks

A workshop on decorating candlesticks which is dedicated to the celebration of Thanksgiving

29 листопада о 16,30 у Центрі "Вікно в Америку", що знаходиться за адресою вул Соборна,73, на 3 поверсі Вінницької обласної наукової бібліотеки, відбувся майстер клас по декоруванню підсвічників, присвячений святкуванню Дню Подяки. На воркшоп завітали усі бажаючі, хто вирішив зробити маленьку гарну річ своїми руками та подарувати її дорогій, близькій чи коханій людині.

Усі матеріали для декорування надані представництвом FLEX.

Усі зібрані кошти передані на допомогу онкохворим діткам. 

Ваажаєш,що хочеш провести гарно та з користю для себе час та при цьому допомогти іншим, приєднуйся до нас. Затишну та теплу атмосферу гарантуємо. Чекаємо на інших майстер класах.

Майстер клас провела Даша Баталова (FLEX 12)

English Club on Music, Art, Culture, and Fulfillment

Topic: Music, Art, Culture, and Fulfillment 

Fun Fact of the Day: "16% of Americans will receive one speeding ticket this year and it will cost them on average $150 per ticket" (www.funfactz.com). 

Topic: 

1. Do you often listen to music? How important is music in our lives? What is your favorite song, artist, or composer of all time? Why so? Has a song or other musical composition ever truly touched you? If you could choose one "theme song" for this stage of your life, what would it be and why?

2. What music "movements" are currently popular? What audiences do you think they are geared to reach? Why do you think rock-n-roll became so popular? Do you think it was a result of its new style or iconic personalities? What is the best music genre, in your opinion? 

3. How does music relate to culture? Do you agree with the statement that, "culture is the widening of tpe mind and of the spirit"? If so, how can music help achieve this? What otheraspects of culture might contribute to this "widening"?
4. What additional works of art might be related to culture, the mind, and spirit? What is your opiniin about "modern," "post-modern," and "contemporary" art? Do you think that these movements are true artwork? What is your favorite style and medium of art and why?

5. Do you have a favorite piece of artwork in Vinnitsa? Where can you go to see works or art and view live performances? What is the best experience you have had here and why did you enjoy it? Do you think that Vinnitsa is a center for artistic expression in Ukraine? Can artwork lead to personal "fulfillment"? 

6. Is there oi\q particular means of artistic expression or artwork that you would like to see or hear in your lifetime? Perhaps a live performance or live taping of a TV show or movie? A famous painting or sculpture? A music, dance, theater, or opera group? Would you like to pursue any of these mediums as a profession or hobby? 

Schedule: Please put topic ideas in the Suggestion Box! 

Saturday, 01 December at 10:30- special session for World HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. 

World HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

We are having a very special discussion on Saturday, 01 December at 10:30 for World HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This is a serious but important subject matter, and we hope that you all will be able to attend. 

A special note to our younger club members: Anyone under age 16 will need signed permission from your parents to attend on this day because of the subject material. Anyone under age 16 who does not have permission, will not be allowed to attend this day. We apologize for any inconvenience. We expect and open and challenging discussion.

Happy Thanksgiving Party

Participants of Thanksgiving Day party 

Maggie Hankamp with her Thanksgiving turkey

Feasting with WOA Center is an integral & most delightful part of Thanksgiving Day celebrations not only for PC Volunteers of the U.S. in Ukraine. This year a special party was organized for all users of the Center in Vinnytsia. 

Traditional American dishes of this day commemorated the feast held by the Pilgrim colonists and members of the Wampanoag people at Plymouth in 1621. The traditional turkey adorned this dinner table during the feast. Pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, corns were some of the dishes cooked by the American volunteers to mark the day. 

Symbolic Pilgrims decorated the festive table resembling the history of this day. The participants of this joyous activity celebrated Thanksgiving Day with lot of enthusiasm expressing gratitude and giving thanks for love & support. 

There were 38 attendees sharing their Special Thanks to the dearest ones. PC Volunteers told some stories about Thanksgiving Day celebrations in their families.

English Club on Time and Influence

Can we really stop the aging process, slow it down, or even reverse the effects of aging on our skin and body? It is an enigma for which so many have searched the answers to for years. Does time flow quickly when you are young or when you become older? Let's discuss this question together. 

Topic: Time and Our Influence 

Fun Fact of the Day: "There are more unemployed workers in the United States than there are people living in the entire nation of Greece" (theburningplatform.com). More than 11 million. 

Topic: 

l.What are the many definitions of "time"? What are different ways of calculating time? How important is time in our daily lives? In what different ways do we use and rely on time controls? 

2. How does time influence the course of our lives? In contrast, how can people influence the course of time? Do you think that time controls us or can we ever control it instead? Do you think that paying attention to and organizing time is a good thing, or are people sometimes almost obsessed with "time"? 

3.Have you heard the expression that "time flies"? What does this phrase mean? Is there a way to slow down time? Do you wish time went by slower or would you ever like it to speed up? What events in your life would you like to rush through? 

4. If there was one point or time in your life you could return to, what would it be and why would you do this? What was the best "time" of your life thus far? Was it a particular age, place, relationship with an individual, or journey, for example? What made it the best? 

5. Do you think that our appreciation of time gets better as we age? How do humans influence the Earth, or at least our places in it, over time? How do we each leave our own "footprints" in our worlds? Do you agree that time is truly "wasted on the young"? 

6. Have you heard of the many different "end of time" predictions, such as the 21st of December date? What do you think of these predictions? Is it a "waste of time" to pay attention to such notions, or do you think they are important in our daily lives? 

7. To achieve true success and to find meaning in life, how much time do you think needs to pass? Does time matter in being successful? Why or why not? 

Schedule: Please put topic ideas in the Suggestion Box! 

Thursday, 29 November at 5:30

Saturday, 01 December at 10:30- special club for World AIDS Awareness Day.

Thanksgiving Presentation for English Teen Club with FLEX Alumna

On the 21st of November Daria Batalova, Flex alumna, hosted a presentation on Thanksgiving in an English Teen Club that started on that very day. There were present 8 people at the first meeting of the club. After a short presentation Daria had some fun activities for the members of the club. They were able to learn more fun facts about Thanksgiving.

They also had a nice opportunity to practice their speaking abilities while having a discussion on the topic “What we may be thankful for”. At the end of the lesson that was a lot of fun to have a quiz and see how everybody understood the information about this amazing American holiday. Hopefully the club will exist in the future and everybody who is willing to better their English will have this chance.

 

CO.NX Upcoming Program Guide

Tales from the Wild: 

Wildlife Q&A with TV Personality Jeff Corwin

First webchat: Monday, December 3, 2012 at 22:00 EST (03:00 UTC on Tuesday, December 4)

Second webchat: Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 08:00 EST (13:00 UTC)

URL: http://conx.state.gov/digital-diplomacy

Description: Are you curious about wildlife, from large horned land animals to their striped, spotted and feathered counterparts? Learn more about wildlife and the importance of conservation from Animal Planet TV personality Jeff Corwin! Corwin will join us for two online Q&A discussions on Monday, December 3 and Tuesday, December 4 at the times listed above. Tune in to ask him your questions! 

Jeff Corwin is an American animal and nature conservationist best known as the host of Animal Planet television programs, The Jeff Corwin Experience and Corwin’s Quest, as well as his current ABC series, Ocean Mysteries. Since he was a teenager, Corwin has been an environmental activist and has worked on the conservation of endangered species and ecosystems around the world. During these hour-long webchats, he will share personal stories and experiences from his travels and discuss the work that he has been doing. 

Format: These programs will be video webchats in English. Please click on the URL above to participate.

Ideas Worth Spreading

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/ru/joshua_foer_feats_of_memory_anyone_can_do.html?source=facebook#.UJ4yziDL5bV.facebook

Careers For People Who Like To Work Alone

If you're a loner looking for a career that suits your personality, consider one of these options.

Does your idea of a perfect workday include more alone time and less interaction with clients and co-workers? You aren't alone in preferring a more solo-based career /by Amy Chang/.

MORE:  http://education.yahoo.net/articles/careers_fit_for_loners.htm?kid=1NDUI

Thanksgiving Celebration is Coming... U r Welcome!

I am sure everybody has their Thanksgiving dinner recipes out. All the Thanksgiving traditions and the Thanksgiving dinners, but do you know the real story behind the first Thanksgiving dinner? 

In 1621, after a very difficult year, the fifty three surviving members of the original 102 that landed on Plymouth Rock gathered together for a three day Thanksgiving celebration. Of the fifty three Pilgrims that survived, only five were women. 

They landed in Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620. They found themselves in a strange land in the middle of winter. This was not going to be easy. 

In the first ten months they built seven dwellings, a meeting house, and three small storehouses for food. They had provisions with them when they arrived, but those went quickly in the very harsh winter. Sickness and death found its way in among them, and forty six Pilgrims died that first year. The winter was so harsh and food and warmth were getting so hard to find, that their food ration was five kernels of corn a day. 

Why did these people go through all of this? Taking their families and leaving England to start a new life in a land that they did not know? 

Think about that for a moment. Put yourself in their shoes. Their devotion to God and the freedom to worship Him as they see it in the bible, drove them from the land they were born. They left everything that was near and dear to them behind. Friends and those family members that did not go were probably never going to be seen again. They were giving up everything and for what? 

I think if I were there, I would have told them to stay. Stay in England! This is where your roots are! So what if the government tells you how to worship, and where to worship, it’s not worth going to somewhere you’ve never been. Who knows what fate awaits you over there. Even the journey by sea was long and dangerous. 

Outside of a brief try at life in the Netherlands, it was agreed to go to the new land. They were not the first ones who had been there, but they were among the first colonies to stay and lay down roots in a land they would call home. 

Then there was the problem of trying to set up new relationships with the Indians of that land. These Indians had seen white people come before, but now to have them stay……that was another story. The Indians were very cautious of their new neighbors. 

After watching them struggle and many of them dying, the Indians made a treaty with the Pilgrims and showed them how to fish and plant food that would grow well in the soil of their new home. If it were not for the Indians, many believe all of the Pilgrims would have died that first year. 

That brings us to the first Thanksgiving celebration. It was not what we do today, because the English always had a celebration that they did every year, but this time they brought in their Indian friends. The harvest had been good, because of what the Indians had taught them, and they and about sixty of their Indian friends were going to worship God and give thanks. 

Remember, there were only fifty three Pilgrims left. They survived a long winter on rationing the last few corn stocks they had left. Some of their family and friends died. They were cold, and yet they were going to feast for the next three days with their new found friends, on the provisions that God had provided for them. 

That is just amazing to me. I know that times are hard right now for a lot of us. The economy is down. Many have lost their jobs. But we live in the greatest country on the face of God’s green earth. We can worship were we want too. We can worship what we want too. We have it so well today, and all I ever hear is people complaining. Some people are such whiners and complainers, that I think if you gave them a million dollars, they would complain that the bills are too stiff. You can never make them happy. 

After everything that they had been through, these fifty three people got down on their knees and gave thanks to God for all that He had provided. 

Gratitude is the missing element in our society today. We live in a,” You owe me,” society is what we have today and everybody grabbing, taking, and never giving a thought to say thank you. 

I don’t know what your tradition is at Thanksgiving, but this year at your Thanksgiving celebration, give a thought to someone or something that you are grateful for. 

Find someone who is struggling, and reach out to give them a hand so that they also may enjoy a heart of gratitude and thankfulness at their Thanksgiving Celebration. 

Happy Thanksgiving

/http://www.articlecity.com/articles/family/article_3918.shtml/

English Club on 'Culture and Conflict'

Topic: Culture and Conflict

Fun Fact of the Day: “One out of every seven Americans has at least 10 credit cards” (theeconomiccollapseblog.com).

Topic:

1.What is “culture” and how does it help form our characters and affect our daily lives? Are you proud of your cultural heritage? How important is culture in shaping national pride and in forming relationships with friends and colleagues?

2. What important factors contribute to the development of interpersonal relationships with other members of your own culture? Do you feel an immediate closeness with members of your own culture, as opposed to foreigners? Can other people from your culture feel like foreigners to you? If so, how?

3. Have you ever had a conflict with someone from another culture, perhaps someone who lives in your native country? How did the conflict develop? What strategies might be useful for managing and solving this situation?

4. How do you or other members of your culture cope with and adapt to unfamiliar cultural environments, at home or abroad? Is it ever challenging to communicate with people from other cultures? Do they have different approaches to basic interactions? What factors can increase our effectiveness in communicating across cultures?  

5. While becoming acclimated into another culture or getting to know foreigners, what do you think are some of the biggest offenses you may have accidentally made? Do you think it is easy to inadvertently offend someone from another culture? How can you try to avoid such situations?

6. Have you noticed any changes in yourself as a consequence of your experiences abroad or relationships with individuals from another culture? How can we all become more intercultural as a result of cross-cultural relations? Can new and maybe even improved “cross-cultural communities” develop?

Schedule: Please put topic ideas in the Suggestion Box!

Thursday, 22 November at 5:30- Happy Thanksgiving Party! If you would like to contribute, please bring a small food or drink item to club. We will share our spread and learn about the history of this great holiday!

Saturday, 24 November at 10:30

International Exchange Visitor Programs and Travelling

 

  Special Guest: Dasha 

Fun Fact of the Day: “The state of Alaska is 429 times larger than the state of Rhode Island, but Rhode Island has a significantly larger population than Alaska” (theeconomiccollapseblog.com). 

Topic: 

1. What is an “international exchange visitor program”? What do you think are the main goals of international exchange programs? Do these programs affect international relationships across the world? Do you know anyone who is currently studying or used to study abroad? What experiences have they shared with you? 

2. Would you like to go abroad on an exchange program? Why or why not? If so, where would you like to go? What else would you do while studying abroad? Do you think it is hard to get used to life in another country? If you were an exchange student, what do you think would be the easiest and hardest issues to cope with? 

3. Why do people like studying abroad? Does studying in another country give them any advantages for their future lives? Why might international students want to study in Ukraine? How do they differ from host country citizens? 

4. Do you think that people change a lot while working or studying abroad? Do you believe that their personalities change over time, or do they perhaps alter their opinions on particular issues? Why do people who have been abroad, want to make contributions to their communities? Do you think they can make a difference in their home countries? 

5. Who are “global citizens”? Do you believe that people can ever be truly global citizens? What do you think of this quote by Miriam Beard: “Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” Do you agree with this opinion? 

6. Do you like traveling? What countries have you visited? Which one did you like the best? If you have lived abroad, what lessons did you learn? Have you ever thought that life in another country may be better, or rather just different? How can you compare life experiences between countries? 

Schedule: Please put topic ideas in the Suggestion Box! 

Saturday, 17 November at 10:30 

Thursday, 22 November at 5:30- Thanksgiving Party!