English Club's Discussion: 'What trait or characteristic do you admire most in people?'

 

Introductions

What event would you most like to attend (Rank 1-8):
- The Olympic Games this summer in London
- The Championship match of Euro 2012
 - A Hollywood Movie premier with your favorite star
 - The Prince’s wedding in London
 - A Championship fight of the Klitschko brothers
 - Easter Church service in Jerusalem
 - A Concert of your favorite Band in the world
 - A lunch and personal interview with your favorite writer of all time

Discussion Topic: 

What trait or characteristic do you admire most in people? Why is this trait important to you? 

What is the trait or characteristic that you can’t stand in other people?
Is there one characteristic that you don’t have that you would like to have?
Do admire people who are brave? Can you think of some examples of brave people or brave actions? Where does their bravery come from?
Are you a person who can persevere through difficult times?

Group Contest

Our Schedule

Thursday, May 3 – 1730 Library

Saturday, May 5 – 1030 Library

Visit Our Group on www.Facebook.com – English Club in Vinnytsia

English Club Blog - www.woavinnitsa.blogspot.com

Skype Discussion with Andrea Chalupa

April 26, 2012. Vinnytsia 'Window on America' Center hosted a guest from New York for the forth Skype Discussion. 

We were focusing on American cinema, Oscar Film Festival and its results, the current state of Hollywood and how Oscar Award-winning movies are made. Our guest, Andrea Chalupa, is a journalist and producer in New York, her public speaking experience began as the Director of Entertainment for UC Davis, lived in Kyiv where she auditioned to be a national news anchor. 

The 84th Academy Awards ceremony with the best films of 2011 was one of the points of our discussion. 

It started with Andrea Chalupa's presentation “American Film & the Oskars' and continued with questions from participants.

 Andrea C. adviced to watch 10 the best American movies. 

This Day at Our Center

Chicago will host the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates

12th Annual World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates 

Last Day of Summit Webcasts: Wednesday, April 25, 2012

12:45-16:00 EDT (16:45-20:00 UTC)

Chicago will host the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates April 23 - 25. Laureates will bring their messages of peace, human rights, and individual responsibility to students, government leaders, international dignitaries and the general public. 
URL to participate in the live programs: http://conx.state.gov/digital-diplomacy/ (Short URL: http://goo.gl/q7G6N )
Description: Interested in seeing Nobel Peace Laureates and superstars, including President Jimmy Carter? Join us for live webcasts of the 12th Annual World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, on April 23-25. Nobel Laureates and Panelists will include: President Mikhail Gorbachev; Professor Muhammad Yunus; President Lech Wa??sa; President Frederik Willem de Klerk; President Oscar Arias; President Jimmy Carter; Dr. Shan Cretin, American Friends Service Committee; Mr. Steve Goose, International Campaign to Ban Landmines; Dr. Bruce Lampard, Médecins Sans Frontières; Dr. Shirin Ebadi; Ms. Suzanne Nossel, US Executive Director of Amnesty International; Mrs. Ingeborg Breines, International Peace Bureau; International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War; Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala, PUGWASH Conferences; Professor Jody Williams. Also joining the event to receive an Annual Peace Summit Award will be actor and director Sean Penn. For more information and the complete list of panelists, visit the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates website:www.nobelsummitchicago.org.
Format: This will be a video webcast in English. Please click on the URLs above to learn more and participate. Follow the conversation on Twitter by tweeting your thoughts and questions with the hashtag #Nobel

READ MORE: http://www.nobelsummitchicago.org/?utm_source=CO.NX+Online+Programs&utm_campaign=96696d8584-MailChimp_April_24_2012&utm_medium=emai

Study in the U.S.

A First Draft of 2012 Admissions Decisions at Dozens of Universities

thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com

CO.NX Webchat "Networked Librarians Serving Networked Patrons"

Vinnytsia Information Center “Window on America” participated in CO.NX webchat “Networked Librarians Serving Networked Patrons” organized by Lee Rainer (Director of Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project - http://www.pewinternet.org/) on April 20, 2012 (Biblionext: Rome). Representatives of American Corners abroad and public libraries took an active part in this discussion having a lot of questions concerning on Strategic Visions for the 21st Century Public Library (“HOW LIBRARIANS CAN BE MORE VALUABLE IN THE DIGITAL AGE”). In a focus of this discussion was the rise of e-reading in the USA (Read more: 1- http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2012/04/04/the-rise-of-e-reading/ 2- http://pewresearch.org/pubs/2236/ebook-reading-print-books-tablets-ereaders).

 “5 questions for librarians as they confront changes” were presented by Lee Rainer (What is the future of knowledge? What is the future of reference expertise? What is the future of public technology in libraries? What is the future of learning spaces? What is the future of community anchor institutions?).

 A lot of questions were asked. The following ones are among them:

- What strategies should be utilized to link social media with centers of information resources particularly when reaching out to youth audiences?
- Could you expand a bit more on the concept of a creation library?
- Where do you think most libraries will fall on the ALA spectrum? 

- What do you think about the rise of e-reading in the USA?
- How do you counter pricing issues, we know that apples attempt to price all e-books at $10 was thwarted by the US consumer groups?
- What about a piracy, how do you protect digital assets? We know, last year when students at the MIT tried to steal jester article in an attempt to share them free online, and how do you make sure protection does not stifle creativity.
- How do I read a Google e-book on my e-reader? (http://www.mainstreetbookcompany.com/gbook/help/other_ereader),
- I've heard that Facebook has become 'uncool' since too many people are on it now. Is there anything 'cool' out there we should be keeping our eyes on?
- What is your opinion on e-books in academic libraries?
- Any word on Pinterest and ways to use it? It seems to be catching up fast (http://blogoreader.org.ua/2012/03/11/popularity-of-pinterest/, http://pinterest.com/).

More about Pew Research Center project:

Source: Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project – April 26 – May 22, 2011 and January 20- February 19, 2012 tracking surveys. For 2011 data, n=2,277 adults aged 18 and older, including 755 interviews conducted on respondent’s cell phone. For 2012 data, n=2,253 adults and survey includes 901 cell phone interviews. Both 2011 and 2012 data include Spanish-language interviews.
More pictures: 

Earth Day

Earth Day is a day early each year on which events are held worldwide to increase awareness and appreciation of the Earth's natural environment. Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, and is celebrated in more than 175 countries every year. In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 International Mother Earth Day. Earth Day is planned for April 22 in all years at least through 2015.

The name and concept of Earth Day was allegedly pioneered by John McConnell in 1969 at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco. Earth Day was first observed on March 21, 1970, the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. This day of nature's equipoise was later sanctioned in a Proclamation signed by Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations where it is observed each year. About the same time a separate Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970. While this April 22 Earth Day was focused on the United States, an organization launched by Denis Hayes, who was the original national coordinator in 1970, took it international in 1990 and organized events in 141 nations. Numerous communities celebrate Earth Week, an entire week of activities focused on environmental issues.

READ MORE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Day

BELLA GAIA - A Poetic Vision of Earth from Space

A Discussion on 'Selfishness vs. Selfessness'

Topic: Selfishness vs. Selfessness

Fun Fact of the Day: Which U.S. state is the only one to grow coffee? "Hawaii" (john0127.hubpages.com).
 Topic: 

1. What does the turn "selfishness" mean to you? How does it contrast with 'selflessness"? Do you think that a person can ever be completely selfish or selfless? Do you consider yourself more selifish or selfless? 

2. What factors or circumstances may contribute to a person's selfishness? Is selfishness a bad characteristic or are there benefits to being selfish? can a selfish person also help others?

3. can you be an entirely selfless person or do you think that ulterior motives or personal interest contributes to an individual's desire to help others? What inspires you to be selfless?

4. Are possessions important to you? What is your most valuable possession? What do you think of the saying, "possessions rot, rust, and decay but compassion lasts forever"? Do you feel having possessions or giving things away?/ Do you think it's important to have reciprocal "give and take" relationships with others?

5. Aside from physical possessions, what do you consider as important in your life? Would you rather spend money on physical objects, temporary things (like a good meal or flowers, for example), or would you rather invest for the future?

6. How can combining selfish and selfless qualities help us? Should you favor one quality of the other? Do you think there can be a good balance between taking care of yourself and helping others? How can you find this medium?

Schedule

26 April t 5:30 - Skype Discussion: American Movie

28 April at 10:30

English Club on Arguing and Constructive Conversations

19 April 2012

Arguing and Constructive Conversations

Fun Fact of the Day: “The world’s highest roller coaster is located in Ohio” (johnb0127.hubpages.com).

Topic:

1. What characteristics or situations make it easy to talk to another person? Do you think there’s a real “art of conversation”? What differences are there when conversing with a friend or colleague vs. a complete stranger?

2. What are some examples of good conversation habits or bad traits? Do you think that certain people communicate better or more effectively than others?

3. Are there certain topics that you like to discuss often, or rather avoid in conversation? Are there any subjects you would rather discuss over the phone or email instead of in person?

4. How often do you argue with others? Do you like to argue? Do you think it can be constructive? Do you ever feel bad after having an argument? How do arguments differ from debates?

5. How can you avoid arguments? Is there a difference between being a passionate person and an argumentative one? How would you feel if someone tried to impose his or her beliefs on you? How would you react if someone argued or disagreed with everything you say?

6. Are you easily persuaded by others’ arguments? Have you ever “played the devil’s advocate” when having a conversation or argument with another person?

Do you often voice your opinion on controversial issues that may, in turn, provoke others? Do you try to remain “politically correct”?

Schedule:

21 April at 10:20

26 April at 5:30- Skype Discussion: American Cinema

Програма стипендій ім. Едмунда С. Маскі (Muskie)

Програма стипендій ім. Едмунда С. Маскі (Muskie) є програмою Бюро у справах освіти та культури Державного департаменту США та адмініструється Радою міжнародних наукових досліджень та обмінів (IREX). Програма Маскі надає можливості навчання в університетах США для отримання ступеню магістра громадянам Азербайджану, Білорусі, Вірменії, Грузії, Казахстану, Киргизстану, Молдови, Росії, Таджикистану, Туркменістану, України та Узбекистану. Учасники відбираються шляхом відкритого конкурсу.
Учасники будуть:
 навчатися за повною університетською програмою протягом одного/двох років
 розробляти і виконувати протягом першого академічного року проект, спрямований на користь місцевої спільноти
 сприяти просуванню віртуального обмінного проекту, спрямованого на налагодження зв’язків групи студентів або професіоналів у вашій країні із партнерами або технічними експертами із США
 брати участь у стажуванні по закінченню навчання.
Програма повністю фінансується і передбачає:
 візову підтримку (віза J-1)

 оплату подорожі з міст проживання учасників у Євразії до приймаючого університету в США

 щомісячну стипендію

 медичне страхування на випадок хвороби або нещасного випадку

 оплату навчання та інших університетських зборів

 обмежені кошти на придбання підручників

 широкі можливості контактів з випускниками програми та різноманітні програми тренінгів.

Більш детальну інформацію за програмою можна знайти на: http://www.irex.org/programs/muskie

Ви можете спілкуватися з іншими учасниками та випускниками програми на сторінці: http://connect.state.gov/group/muskie

Контактна інформація в Україні:

Рада міжнародних наукових досліджень та обмінів (IREX)

вул. Cаксаганського 36-Д, 2-й під’їзд, 5-й поверх, Київ, 01033, Україна

Тел: (044) 537-0604 Факс: (044) 586-2782

E-mail: muskie@irex.ua Web: http://www.irex.ua

April Skype Discussion will be...

If you are interested in 'Modern Movie', you can participate in this discussion with a journalist and producer in New York. April Skype Discussion will be American cinema, Oscar Film Festival and its results. Our guest is Andrea Chalupa with a presentation on April 26 at 5:30 pm (Kyiv time). Here is a short bio for Andrea Chalupa:http://www.andreachalupa.com/about/

Waiting for you with questions to our guest at our Information Center "Window on America" (Vinnytsia, Ukraine). You can find us in Skype (woavin) and connect this day to make this discussion more interesting and detailed!

ANDREA CHALUPA

www.andreachalupa.com

My name is Andrea Chalupa, and I’m a journalist and producer in New York. My mother and father were born in displaced persons camps in 1945 Europe. The hellish machine of the Soviet Union that their parents escaped has been my major preoccupation for the last decade, leading me to discover a pricel...

Study in the USA! Stay Tuned for More Upcoming Programs

Study in the USA: Oberlin College - NEW!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

08:00 EDT (12:00 UTC, 18:00 Astana)URL: https://statedeptasia.connectsolutions.com/kazakhstan (Short URL: http://goo.gl/PsLec ).
Description: Learn about how you can study abroad at Oberlin College as an international student. The Coordinator of International Admissions, Joel Presti, will give a presentation and then answer your questions.

Format: This will be a video webchat in English. Please click on the URL above and Enter as a Guest to participate.

Study in the USA: Boston University - NEW!
Thursday, April 26, 2012

07:00 EDT (11:00 UTC, 17:00 Astana)

URL:https://statedeptasia.connectsolutions.com/kazakhstan(Short URL:http://goo.gl/PsLec )

Description: Learn about how you can study abroad at Boston University as an international student. Two representatives from the university will give a presentation and then answer your questions.

Format: This will be a video webchat in English. Please click on the URL above and Enter as a Guest to participate.

World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates

12th Annual World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates - Updated

Pre-Summit Webchats: Wednesday, April 18 – Friday, April 20, 2012
Summit Webcasts: Monday, April 23 – Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Program times will vary

URL to participate in the live programs: http://conx.state.gov/digital-diplomacy/ (Short URL: http://goo.gl/q7G6N )

Full program schedule: http://goo.gl/Xe8TK

Description: Interested in seeing Nobel Peace Laureates and superstars, including President Jimmy Carter? Join us for live webcasts of the 12th Annual World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, on April 23-25. Nobel Laureates and Panelists will include: President Mikhail Gorbachev; Professor Muhammad Yunus; President Lech Wa??sa; President Frederik Willem de Klerk; President Oscar Arias; President Jimmy Carter; Dr. Shan Cretin, American Friends Service Committee; Mr. Steve Goose, International Campaign to Ban Landmines; Dr. Bruce Lampard, Médecins Sans Frontières; Dr. Shirin Ebadi; Ms. Suzanne Nossel, US Executive Director of Amnesty International; Mrs. Ingeborg Breines, International Peace Bureau; International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War; Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala, PUGWASH Conferences; Professor Jody Williams. Also joining the event to receive an Annual Peace Summit Award will be actor and director Sean Penn. For more information and the complete list of panelists, visit the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates website:www.nobelsummitchicago.org.

In the week prior to the Summit, join the human rights discussions between Chicago’s Lincoln Park High School and students in Ghana (April 18), Zimbabwe (April 19), and Algeria and Lima (April 20). All hour-long webchats begin at 09:30 EDT (13:30 UTC). For further information on Summit activities, watch Secretary Clinton’s special video message about the State Department’s youth initiatives surrounding the 12th World Summit: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2012/04/187497.htm. 

Format: This will be a series of video webchats and webcasts in English. Please click on the URLs above to learn more and participate. Follow the conversation on Twitter by tweeting your thoughts and questions with the hashtag #Nobel

U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy

http://uscenterforcitizendiplomacy.org/

Networked Libraries serving Networked Patrons

Networked Libraries serving Networked Patrons - Updated

Friday, April 20, 2012

09:00am EDT (13:00 UTC / 15:00 CEST)

URL for interactive discussion: https://statedept.connectsolutions.com/rome

URL for viewing-only: http://conx.state.gov/italy/

Description: Join Lee Rainie, Director of the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project, who will discuss his Project's latest findings about how people use the internet, smartphones, and social media tools, and how those digital tools have affected their use of libraries. He will describe the Project's new research about the emergence of e-books and how tablet computers like iPads and e-book readers like the Kindle have affected people's book-reading habits. Learn about how libraries and publishers are determining the right way to provide these new materials to library patrons.

Format: This will be a video webchat in English. Please click on the URL above to participate.

Happy Easter!

http://www.google.com.ua/imgres?imgurl=http://www.grandma-ladybug.com/happy_easter%2520the%2520true%2520meaning.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp%3FTID%

Birthdays, Easter, and Holidays in General

Fun Fact of the Day: “90 million chocolate Easter bunnies, 5 million marshmallow chicks and bunnies, and 16 billion jelly beans are made for Easter each year” (www.lilduckduck.com).

Topic: Birthdays, Easter, and Holidays in General

1. Why do birthdays tend to be celebrated? Do you like birthdays? How are they usually celebrated here in Ukraine? How does this compare to what you know about the U.S.? Do you know of any other interesting birthday traditions from around the world?

2. What are your best and worst birthday memories? What are the best and worst gifts you have ever received? Have you ever had something truly surprising happen on your birthday? Do you have any unique family traditions?

3. Do you think there is a “best” age or “optimal” celebration? How do birthdays differ across time? If you could create your dream birthday celebration, what would you do and where would you go?

4. Do you celebrate Easter? What are some interesting (non-religious) traditions associated with Easter here in Ukraine? How do you think they differ from the U.S.? What do you know about the “Easter bunny” and Easter egg hunts, for example?

5. What are your favorite and least favorite holidays? What is the most dangerous holiday you can think of? What is the most exciting or thrilling?

6. What do you consider the most “commercial” holidays? On the other hand, is there a particular holiday that you think is especially meaningful or important for you?

Schedule:

Thursday 19 April at 5:30

Saturday 21 April at 10:30

FINDING FREE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Open educational resources (OER) are digital materials in the public domain or licensed under Creative Commons (http://creativecommons.org/ ), meaning the creator permits free use with certain restrictions (for example, requiring that the materials be attributed to the original author). The Creative Commons website allows people to license their own materials, as well as search for Creative Commons–licensed works. The Creative Commons site is not limited to educational materials, but many other websites focus only on education, such as Merlot ( http://www.merlot.org/ ), Connexions ( http://www.cnx.org/ ) and OER Commons ( http://www.oercommons.org/ ).

READ MORE: http://woacenter.wordpress.com/

Earth Day Regional Webchat Series for the Americas

Earth Day Regional Webchat Series for the Americas - Updated

Madre Tierra: Juntos por Ella
Monday, April 23 – Thursday, April 26, 2012
Program times will vary.URL: http://conx.state.gov/wha (Short URL: http://goo.gl/VR1AS )

Description: For centuries, the Pachamama has provided mankind with food, water, and resources needed to survive. Now, it’s our turn to care for Mother Earth. On the week of April 23-26, join U.S. Embassies La Paz, Lima, Mexico City, and Santo Domingo for a Spanish-language webchat series in honor of Earth Day. Featured experts will focus on issues of interest within the host country and the Americas. For more information on the individual programs, visit:http://goo.gl/ncCkw. 

The program series is as follows:

Monday, April 23 at 14:30 EDT (18:30 UTC) - Alternative Energy in Developing Countries: Challenge in Bolivia (U.S. Embassy La Paz)

Tuesday, April 24 at 14:30 EDT (18:30 UTC) - Integration of Public and Private Sectors for Best Environmental Practices: The Case of the Dominican Republic (U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo)

Wednesday, April 25 at 13:00 EDT (17:00 UTC) - Water Issues (U.S. Embassy Mexico City)

Thursday, April 26 at 17:00 EDT (21:00 UTC) - Economic Incentives to Conserve the Amazon (U.S. Embassy Lima)

Format: These will be video webchats in Spanish. Please click on the URL above to participate. Follow the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtags #DiaDeLaTierra or #SerieMadreTierra

Transportation, Pollution, and Earth Day

Fun Fact of the Day: “Earth Day was first conceived by Sen. Gaylord Nelson in the early 1960s.” It “helped inspire the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts. Each year, April 22 marks the celebration of Earth Day, which is now observed around the world” (www.parents.com).

Topic: Transportation, Pollution, and Earth Day

1. What are the main modes of transport in Ukraine and within Vinnitsa? What do you tend to frequent the most? Do you like public transport or would you prefer to have your own private car?

2. Are the available modes of transport convenient, affordable, fast, and safe, or are they an annoyance, expensive, time-consuming, and dangerous? If you could change anything about the transportation available in Vinnitsa, what would you change and why?

3. What do you think is the most “environmentally friendly” form of transportation? What do you think is the worst for the surrounding environment?

How does the transportation system lead to pollution? How can it be altered to decrease levels of pollutants in the air and water?

4. What are the biggest issues with pollution you can see in Ukraine and more specifically in Vinnitsa? Aside from transportation leading to pollution issues, what other problems are present? What measures are in place to try to reduce levels of pollutants and protect the environment?

5. What do you know about Earth Day? Is Earth Day acknowledged here in Ukraine? If so, what examples can you think of? If not, would you do anything personally to spread the message of Earth Day throughout the community? Can we each help make a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment around us?

Schedule:

Saturday 14 April at 10:30

Thursday 19 April at 5:30

Літній інститут з американознавства “Вибори в США як відображення американського суспільства”

Оголошення Посольства США в Україні

13-й Літній інститут з американознавства

“Вибори в США як відображення американського суспільства”

в Євпаторійському відділенні

Східноукраїнського національного університета ім. В. Даля

з 11 по 15 червня2012 року

Посольство США в Україні оголошує конкурс для участі у 13-му Літньомуінституті з американознавства за тематикою “Вибори в США як відображення американського суспільства” що проходитиме вЄвпаторійському відділенні Східноукраїнського національногоуніверситета ім. В. Даля з 11 по 15 червня за підтримки Відділу преси, освіти і культури Посольства США. 32 молодих викладачів та науковців з вищих навчальних закладів України зможуть взяти участь у роботі інституту на основі відкритого конкурсу. Останній день подання заявок:18 квітня 2012 р.

Лекції та дискусії будуть проводитися американськими професорами і робочою мовою буде англійська мова. Програмою літнього інституту не передбачено обговорення питань методики викладання англійської мови та лінгвістики. 

Вимоги до кандидатів:

• Програма Літнього інституту розрахована переважно на молодих викладачів вищих навчальних закладів, які мають як мінімум два роки викладацького досвіду та викладаютьсуспільні науки та гуманітарні науки або розробляють курси з американських студій, що включають проблематику літнього інституту.

• Вільне володіння англійською мовою.

Як взяти участь у програмі:

• Заявка на участь складається з аплікаційної форми, рекомендаційного листа, та мотиваційного листа з описомкурсу американознавства, який викладає або розробляє кандидат. Бланки анкет розміщені на веб сторінці Посольства США http://ukraine.usembassy.gov, абоелектронною поштою за адресою ShyloLP@state.gov
• Перевага буде надаватися кандидатам, які ще не брали участі в попередніх літніх школах з американознавства, що проходили за підтримки Відділу преси, освіти та культури Посольства США в Україні.
• Учасники будуть забезпечені проживанням та харчуванням під час проведення Літнього інституту.
• Транспортні витрати на дорогу до Євпаторії програмою не покриваються.
• Реєстраційний внесок 50 гривень сплачується учасниками під час реєстрації в Євпаторії.

Заявки на участь прийматимуться до 18 квітня 2012 р.

електронною поштою на адресу: ShyloLP@state.gov

International Jazz Day Concert

Live from NYC: International Jazz Day Concert - NEW!
Monday, April 30, 2012
19:30 EDT (23:30 UTC)

URL: http://conx.state.gov/digital-diplomacy/  (Short URL: http://goo.gl/vFhaK )

Description:

On April 30, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock will headline a star-studded sunset concert in New York City at the UN General Assembly Hall. Hosted by Morgan Freeman, Robert DeNiro, Michael Douglas, and Quincy Jones, this concert celebrates International Jazz Day—a day intended to unite communities all over the world to learn about the art of jazz, its roots, and its impact.

The performer lineup includes Dee Dee Bridgewater, Wynton Marsalis, Wayne Shorter, Christian McBride, Esperanza Spalding, Jack DeJohnette, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, and Jimmy Heath. The Americans will be joined by an international cast of musicians spanning different genres, including Richard Bona (Cameroon), Hiromi Uehara (Japan), Zakir Hussain (India), Angelique Kidjo (Benin), Lang Lang (China), Eli Degibri (Israel), and Romero Lubambo (Brazil). Tune in for this two-hour musical event!

Format: This will be an interactive video webcast in English. Please click on the URL above to participate.

The 10 Best Interview Questions to Ask

When your interviewer wraps up your job interview by asking if you have any questions, you might think that he or she is finishedassessing you, but that's not quite the case. Interviewers draw conclusions about you based on the questions you ask--or don't ask. You don't want to give the impression that you're not very interested in the job, or that you're only concerned about the compensation. Instead, ask about the work, company, and team. Here are 10 great questions for your interviewer: 1. What are the biggest challenges the person in this position will face?

Read More: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/10-best-interview-questions-ask-130422407.html

Living in the Moment and Success

Topic: Living in the Moment and Success

Fun Fact of the Day: The far northern state of “Montana has 3 times more cattle than people” (johnb0127.hubpages.com).

“Life is a succession of moments. To live each one is to succeed.” – Corita Kent

Topic:

1. Do you consider yourself as a person who lives in the moment or one who tends 

 to constantly follow plans? What differences in character or circumstances do see between those who plan and those who live one day at a time?

2. Is spontaneity a good thing or do you consider it reckless behavior? What are the biggest positives and negatives of living in the moment?

3. Life is full of obstacles and unexpected twists and turns. How can living in the moment help us adapt to these challenges and thrive in unexpected situations?

4. Can spontaneity lead to success? If you quit your job, for example, and move to another city to start over, how could you try to make a fresh start in this situation?

Who do you think are generally more successful: People who live spontaneously or those who plan out goals and take steps to achieve them?

5. Is it more important to enjoy each moment or to always plan for the future? Can you ever really plan for everything that gets in your way? Do ambitions and goals prevent us from ever truly living in the moment and enjoying our lives? Who do you think is happier overall: Those who live spontaneously or those who plan?

6. What plans do you have for the future? Do you take life a day at a time or do you live for a goal, following a planned path? Can we really preserve the future for the next generation or should we focus more on our own immediate lives?

Schedule:

Saturday 07 April: Alex will lead at 10:30!

Thursday 12 April at 5:30

Outstanding Women of English Speaking Countries

Outstanding Women of English Speaking Countries 

1. Julia Gillard (Australia). On 11 December 2007, she became the first female Prime Minister in Australia and still holds this role. Soon after Gillard first took over from former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, she expressed her support for mandatory internet filters in Australia and justified her stance by saying that images of child abuse and child pornography should not be legally available on the internet. Do you support her position? How important is it that she is the first female to hold the Prime Minister position in her country's history?

2. Jeanne Mathilde Sauvé (April 26, 1922 – January 26, 1993) was the first woman to serve as Governor General of Canada (May 14, 1984 – January 28, 1990). Sauvé caused some controversy, mostly due to increased security around the office, as well as an anti-monarchist attitude towards her position. What does the Governor General do? Would you support or criticize her for her views?

3. Dame Jenny Shipley (New Zealand) served as the Prime Minister of New Zealand from December 1997 to December 1999, the first woman to hold this office there. Under her administration, Shipley personally helped lower the legal alcohol age from 20 to 18 in 1999. What’s your attitude toward this achievement? Why is this issue important?

4.Margaret Thatcher (UK) , was the longest-serving British Prime Minister (1979-1990) of the 20th century, and the only woman ever to have held the post. Her political philosophy and economic policies emphasised deregulation (particularly of the financial sector), flexible labour markets, the privatization of state-owned companies, and reducing the power and influence of trade unions. Why would her accomplishments be considered important? Do you share her views?

5. Madeleine Albright (USA) was the first woman to become Secretary of State. In this position, Albright reinforced the United States' alliances, advocated democracy and human rights, and promoted American trade, business, labor, and environmental standards abroad. How important were her successes in this role?

See you next week: Thursday, April 12, 7.30-7.00 PM; Saturday, April 14, 10.30 – 12.00 AM

Fahrenheit 451 Video Guide - Watch Video

http://neabigread.org/books/fahrenheit451/filmguide.php

The Big Read Program in the USA

http://neabigread.org/getinvolved.php
http://www.nea.gov/research/ToRead_ExecSum.pdf
http://neabigread.org/events/#Event46192
http://www.arts.gov/bigreadblog/
http://neabigread.org/books/fahrenheit451/teachersguide02.php
http://www.raybradbury.com
http://www.spaceagecity.com/bradbury
This is a privately maintained site with considerable information on Bradbury and his writing career.

Pride vs. Humility

Introductions

Ask your partner

- Tomorrow is April Fool's Day. What are some of the best jokes or pranks that you have ever seen or head about? What is a good way to "fool" someone this day?

- Who is your favorite character of all-time from any movie, book or television show?

Discussion Topic: Pride vs. Humility

1. Is it important to be proud of yourself for the work that you do/
2. Among people who are famous, can you think of an example of someone who is very proud of himself?
3. Is it possible to become too proud of yourself?  Can anything bad happen if people are too proud of themselves?
4. Is there a difference between confidence and pride? What is this difference?
5. Can you think of any examples of people who are both humble and successful?
Group Contest

Our Schedule

Thursday, April 5 - 5:30 pm.
Saturday, April 7 - 10:30 am.
Visit Our Group on www.Facebook.com - English Club in Vinnytsia and English Club Blog on www.woavinnitsa.blogspot.com