Discussion with Dima S. about Social Networking

English Club

31 August 2013

Topic: Social Networking

Leader: Dima S.

Fact of the Day: Americans are so fixated on social networks that they spend an average of 16 minutes out of every hour on them, according to a study by Experian Marketing Services. In the U.S., 27% of users' time online is spent on forums and social networks, like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, Experian said. U.S. social networking numbers have held fairly steady over the last few years. Experian reported that social media took up 30% of Americans' time in 2011 and 27% last year.

A social networking service is an online service, platform, or site that focuses on facilitating the building of social networks or social relations among people who, for example, share interests, activities, backgrounds, or real-life connections. SNS - for Social Networking Service

1. What is Social Networking? Do you prefer online communication with Internet users to any meeting with friends? What social networking websites do use in your practice (MySpace, FriendWise, FriendFinder, Yahoo! 360, Facebook, Orkut, and Classmates, Linkedin)? Do you share your interests in hobbies, religion, politics and any private information with others?

2. Do you like to load your private information with pics on Facebook (Twitter, etc.) or simply e-mail and instant messaging when you need to interact with your friends? What is a popularity of social networks in your country?

3. Are there any dangers associated with social networking including data theft and viruses? Have you ever experienced intervention of online predators or individuals who claim to be someone that they are not in social networking websites? Are you aware of your cyber-surroundings and who you are talking to? Do you safely enjoy social networking online?

4. Have you ever thought about security and trust in social networking? What do you think about “openness” of social networks? (Socialcam application automatically shares with your Facebook friends videos you watch, etc.). Anybody can post any picture of you on Facebook at any time. Even if it has been deleted, it is there forever, stored in vast Internet memory bank to be found again and again.

5. Have you ever managed your account? Are you sure that what you are sharing or posting now is not going to cause regret? What do you think about privacy on social network websites?

6. Do you agree with the following statement: “Social networking surveillance: trust no one”? Do you worry about your data security but still trust social networks? Could any of social networks users be at risk of cyber fraud? Can any personal information be harvested and exploited by a determined cybercriminal?

Many people still do not believe they are a target for cybercriminals, with 51 percent of all respondents claiming they are not at risk of cyber fraud, and 28 percent believing there is no value in the information posted on their social networking pages.

Although the majority of people (71 percent) are worried about the amount of personal information held online, a significant proportion would still share confidential information with people they didn’t know, with almost a third (32 percent) stating they would send a password, bank account number or their mother’s maiden name via email or a social networking website, say the result of a recent Faronics survey exploring UK web users’ attitudes to online security. While 46 percent of Facebook users have customized their privacy settings, just 20 percent of those on LinkedIn have controlled who can view the information on their profiles.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/woa.vin

Schedule: 7 September 2013, PC Volunteer, Saturday – 10.30 am.

English Club with Natalia M. about Dreaming

English Club
Leader: Nataliia Maslavchuk
Date: 29 August, 2013
Topic: Our Dreams

Fun Facts of the Day:
I. Even though the grizzly bear is California’s official state animal, none have been seen there since 1922.
II. An unusual man. Chester A. Arthur is known for his amazing fashion sense. He owned about 80 pairs of pants, which he often liked to change several times a day.
III. In New York, at the top of a skyscraper it is possible for people to see snow falling while people on the ground see rain.
IV. Americans eat 18 acres of pizza each day, throw away 2,5 million plastic bottles very hour, eat about 150 million hot dogs every day.
(http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/random/articles/21944/facts-usa-did-know)
Introduction: predict the answer

Discussion:
1. What are dreams? Is it useful for us or is it just wasting time? How do you understand the proverb by Eleanor Roosevelt The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams? Name the ideas that associate with the word DREAM. Thoughts about dreams of what people do you know? What is your attitude to dreaming? How often do you dream?

2. Remember your childhood. How did you see the world? Did you dream? What sorts of dreams had you? What did you dream about? Describe one of your dreams? Has it come true? What did you do to make dreams come true? Did you think of difficulties, conditions or even fears that can appear while you realize your dream? What was your “dream job”? Why?

3. Remember your adolescence (teenager age). What was your priority? What were you dreaming about? What was your “dream job”? Why? How did your “dream job” change (compare with your childish dream)? Describe one of your teenager dreams. Has it come true? What did you do to realize it? What helped you to make it come true? What impede you to effectuate it?

4. Now we return to now. What makes you happy? What makes you act and move forward? And what stands in your way to do something? Do you have dreams and wishes now? What are you doing to make them come true? If nothing what impedes you? What can we do to realize our dream? Share your own experience or advice of a psychologist you follow? How do you understand the saying “We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort” (Jesse Owens).

5. Discussion. Orlando War – homeless man who has made his dream come true.
What do you think of Walt Disney’s saying All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them?
How do you understand the Paul Valery’s words The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up?
What is your attitude to Khalil Gibran’s saying The most pitiful among men is he who turns his dreams into silver and gold.
6. Are there some rules of dream realization? Share your principals of accomplishment dreams. Do you agree with Jack Canfield steps to make our dream come true? Why? Why not? Would you follow it? How would you like to modify these steps?

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/woa.vin

Blog: www.woavinnitsa.blogspot.com

Мультимедійний урок-дискурсія "Employment: how to write a successful CV, job interview tips"

22 серпня 2013 р. - Мультимедійний урок-дискурсія "Employment: how to write a successful CV, job interview tips" за підтримки Harvard Business Club і Vinnytsia Window On America. Мультимедійний урок-дискусія буде проходити за підтримки Harvard Business Club в інформаційно-ресурсному Центрі "Вікно в Америку" у м. Вінниці, що знаходиться на III поверсі філії Вінницької обласної універсальної наукової бібліотеки ім. К.А. Тімірязєва за адресою: вул. Соборна, 70 (тел. 0432 562 744). Наявність читацького квитка обов'язкова.

A Debate on "What are the Most Influential Inventions in Modern History?" with Michael D.

Debate at WOA Center with Mike D.

Join our latest discussion piece, as we ask: What are the Most Influential Inventions in Modern History? WOA Center, today @ 10.30 am, 56-27-44. Facilitator: Mike D., PC Volunteer

"Living a Happy Life" with Alex Erwick: a Discussion

An interactive discussion “Living a Happy Life”

Join us for an interactive discussion “Living a Happy Life” with Alex Erwick. When: Thursday, 15 August 2013, @ 5.30 pm. Where: Window on America Center. More: 562-744.

Join us for a live and interactive virtual film screening of The March

Global Viewing Party: “The March” - NEW!

Monday, August 26, 2013
06:00 EDT (10:00 UTC)
URL: https://conx.state.gov/live-event/globalviewingparty
Join us for a live and interactive virtual film screening of The March, a 1964 documentary by James Blue about the 1963 civil rights March on Washington. 

The program will be opened with brief remarks from John Robinson, Director of the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of State.  Mr. Robinson will introduce the 30-minute film, which will be streamed online in its entirety.  After the film, stay for a virtual discussion with Washington, DC-based civil rights experts who will answer your questions and comments submitted online before or during the program.

The March is a documentary that examines one of the largest political rallies for human rights in United States history.  The March on Washington called for civil and economic rights for African Americans.  It took place in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, August 28, 1963.  During the march, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech advocating for racial harmony.

Format:  This program will be a live film screening and interactive video webchat in English.  Please click on the URL above to participate.  We encourage you to visit the website early to check out relevant content and materials surrounding Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

English Club on 'Travelling in Ukraine, Ukraine Tours, Tourism in Ukraine'

10 August, 2013

Travelling in Ukraine, Ukraine Tours, Tourism in Ukraine

Leader: Ihor S.

Discussion:

1. Why do people like to travel and what are the most popular destinations for the Ukrainians? At what time of the year is it better to travel? When and where do you personally like to travel and why? Do you choose traditional places for your trips for pleasure / the Ukrainian places of interest or exotic countries? Have you ever been to the Crimea or the Carpathians Mountains? What places can you propose to visit for your foreign guest or Peace Corps Volunteers who are new comers in Ukraine?

2. Do you prefer to travel alone or with your family / friends? Do you like to take kids with you? Would it be better to leave them at home with their grandparents? 

If you plan your travelling with children do you need to have a visa? What Travel Agencies do you like to use while planning your trips? 

3. What means of transportation do you use while traveling? Do you think about a financial factor, comfort or anything else while choosing your summer or winter rest?

4. Do you surf in Internet while planning your trips searching info about the place where you are eager to go? Do you make a list of places sightseeing worth to visit? Do you like to have excursions there or prefer to be a pioneer and do all the explorations by yourself?

5. Do you stay in hotels, hostels or at your friends? Do you plan your trip as a short one taking your return tickets to come back home in the evening?

6. How often do you like to travel? Do like to take pictures while traveling and post pics and stories in social networks or your own blog? Do you have any chance to share your experience with your friends?

Schedule: Thursday, 15 August 2013 – Alex Erwick – Living a Happy Life!

                 Saturday, 17 August 2013 - Michael Dixon – Debate! 

We are in Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/woa.vin

Our blog: http://woavinnitsa.blogspot.com/

Microsoft holds an annual global competition called "Imagine Cup"

It might be interesting to you:

Microsoft holds an annual global competition called "Imagine Cup." http://www.imaginecup.com/

Using the challenge-based learning model, students 16 and older form teams to create different programs, such as apps and games that have positive social/economic/environmental, etc. impact. They are urged to work with mentors teachers, etc. that can help them with their projects.

Each year, a different country hosts a big event where students chosen as finalists from all over the world come (paid for by Microsoft) and compete for the grand prize in several different categories. Winners can then apply for grants to come to the U.S. and work with people on projects that they are interested in. In 2013, Russia was the host country, and 87 teams of students from 69 countries went to the finals in St. Petersburg.

In 2014, the country will be the U.S. and the city is Seattle. The 2014 program will start up again in September.

"Містечко USAID" у Вінниці

Після невеликої літньої перерви, "Містечко USAID" знову готується в дорогу. Після успішних і якравих презентацій у Івано-Франківську та Сімферополі, наша наступна зупинка - Вінниця.

7 вересня, під час святкування Дня міста, USAID представить проекти та організації, які втілють наші проекти у Вінниці та навколишніх територіальних громадах. Чекаємо на Вас з 11:00 до 17:00 на Майдані Незалежності (площа перед рестораном Поділля). Отож приходьте і приводьте друзів! Обіцяємо - буде цікаво і весело!

We Discuss Volunteerism

8 August 2013

What is Volunteering for You?

Leader: Dasha B., FLEX alumna 2012

1. What is Volunteering for you? Do you have any experience in it? Is it generally considered an altruistic activity and is intended to promote or improve human quality of life? Do you think that Volunteering should be paid anyway? What is the main idea of Volunteering? What are reasons to start Volunteering?

2. Can this activity produce a feeling of self-worth and respect? What is a role model of a volunteer to you? Do you remember your first volunteering? Are you affiliated with a group of volunteers or a charity organization? Do you work independently to support any volunteer activities? Why? Is home care about others considered to be a kind of volunteering?

3. What spheres/areas would you like to choose to start your volunteering? Have you ever been a volunteer at an orphanage or a nursing home /an elderly care home, geriatrics, hospice care, home care/ in your city? Are you ready to donate your time to help combat disease and suffering in developing countries? Have you ever worked on ‘as-needed basis’? Do you like to be a volunteer on a rock or jazz concert?

4. Would you like to volunteer in other country? What country do you prefer and why? Have you ever heard about Volunteering abroad? What popular forms of volunteering among young people do you know? Have you travelled to communities in the developing world to work on projects as a volunteer? Does International Volunteering give valuable skills, knowledge, and the experience of a lifetime? Would you take your chance to be trained for a health professional volunteer to assist others in need?

5. Do you think that Virtual Volunteering is possible /e-volunteering or online volunteering/? Have you ever used this cyber service? Would you like to try yourself in Volunteering in an emergency /natural disasters, such as tsunamis, floods, droughts, hurricanes, and earthquakes/ or an international workcamp as an international voluntary project concerning issues about environmental conservation, cultural heritage, social justice, rural and human development, etc.?

6. Is a volunteer work popular in your community? Do you know any NGO in your community that can propose volunteering opportunities to you? Is it safe for young people to be volunteers abroad? Have you participated in activities sponsored with volunteer grants? Would you like to start a new volunteer program in your community? Have you ever heard about a volunteer project “Youth in Action” or “A Make-A-Wish® International Volunteer”?

More: http://worldwish.org/en/volunteer/index.php

Schedule: Saturday, 10 August 2013, 10.30 am – Igor S.

                 Thursday, 15 August 2013, 5.30 pm – Alex Erwick – Living a Happy Life

Клуб спілкування англійською мовою для початківців розпочинає свою роботу

В Інформаційному Центрі «Вікно в Америку» м. Вінниці відбулась перша зустріч Клубу Спілкування англійською мовою для початківців. Учасники зустрічей зможуть більше дізнатись про США та американську культуру в Україні, взяти участь в обговоренні різних тем, що стосуються культурного життя обох країн, а також поглибити свої знання з граматики англійської та вдосконалити навички спілкування.

Save a Date: a New Webchat on Volunteerism

Save the Date: Mark your calendar for an online discussion about volunteerism
Webchat: URL: https://conx.state.gov/digital-diplomacy

Volunteerism: Virtual Q&A with Michelle Kwan, Omowale Ogunrinde & Korvi Rakshand  – NEW!
Thursday, September 12, 2013
08:00 EDT (12:00 UTC)
URL: https://conx.state.gov/digital-diplomacy

SAVE THE DATE:  Mark your calendar for an online discussion about volunteerism featuring Michelle Kwan, Senior Advisor in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history!  Join Michelle and other special guests for a virtual Q&A, including Omowale Ogunrinde, Executive Director of Foundation for Skills Development, and Korvi Rakshand, Founder of JAAGO Foundation.  Additional information is forthcoming, stay tuned!

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

Клуб про Волонтерство з Випускниками Програми FLEX

Конкурс від Організації Peace Corps Ukraine

КООРДИНАТОР ПРОЕКТУ З МІСЦЕВОГО РОЗВИТКУ
/ Local Capacity Development Project (LCDP) Coordinator/

Організація Peace Corps Ukraine шукає координатора проекту з місцевого розвитку. В обов’язки координатора входитиме налагодження співпраці між волонтерами Peace Corps та українськими громадськими організаціями. Від кандидатів вимагається досвід роботи у громадському секторі та вільне володіння англійською. Резюме, мотиваційний лист та рекомендації слід надсилати до 15 серпня.

http://gurt.org.ua/vacancies/18878/

American Football in Vinnytsia

English Club on Forbidden Archeology, Human Evolution and Life in Space with Dima S.

Questions for this discussion:

August 3, 2013

Topic: Forbidden Archeology, Human Evolution and Life in Space
Leader: Dima S.

Discussion:
1. What do you know about such a study as Forbidden Archeology? All over the world, enigmatic artifacts have been found that do not fit the accepted geologic or historical timeline. Do they offer a radically different view of our world? What do you know about these archaeological discoveries that don't fit into the standard templates of what conventional science would have us accept? Is Forbidden Archeology a science or pseudoscience? Do you think that Forbidden Archeology challenges the scientific theories and is contradictive and really critical?

2. Do these facts contradict the dominant views of human origins and antiquity? What is your position? Can Forbidden Archeology change thoughts on human origins, identity, and destiny and take on one of the most fundamental components of the modern scientific world view? May it be the commonly accepted theory some day?

3. Have you ever read about people of the unusual demeanor /abnormal-sized ones: giants or dwarfs/? What factors can influence on human changes? Do you think that rapid changes in Earth climate coincide with a tripling in the size of the human brain and skull? How might the physiological features of human beings change in the future, especially as new, wearable technology (Google Glass, iWatch, discrete implants, embedded nano-chips, and communication lenses) changes the way we use our bodies? Could harmful UV radiation outside of the Earth’s protective ozone make any changes? Do you know the disruptive effects of other phenomena that affect human beings?

4. Is it possible in future to get the ability to control human biology and human evolution in much the same way we control electrons to power our world today? What is your attitude to genetic engineering? Unusually warm weather generates more aggression and conflict, and even more political change, researches show. How climate change can “make us hot under the collar”?

5. Would you like to be an archeological researcher or a paleoarchaeologist? Have you ever participated in archeological excavations? What are the results? Why did freelance researchers start their research findings only over the past two centuries?

6. Do you believe in life on other planets? Have you ever heard about modern investigations on it? What's it like to live in space? Why do people want society to build places in space to live?

Schedule: Thursday, 8 August – 5.30 pm
Saturday, 10 August – 10.30 am
http://www.facebook.com/woa.vin and http://www.facebook.com/groups/107061309346532/

Reminder on English Club Session

You are invited for English Club Session on Forbidden Archeology, Human Evolution and Life in Space. 

Where: Window on America Center. 

When: 03.08.2013, @ 10.30 am. 

Leader: Dima S.

English Club on "What Is Your Five-Year Professional Plan"? with Ihor S.

            How do you see life in Ukraine in five years? What is your five-year professional plan?

                                                                Leader: Igor Strelkov

Thought Of The Day: “ Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground. ”

— Theodore Roosevelt

Fun Fact of the Day: Real Funny Dumb Laws in the United States

New York: (1) It is against the law to throw a ball at someone's head for fun. (2) A fine of $25 can be levied for flirting. This old law specifically prohibits men from turning around on any city street and looking "at a woman in that way." A second conviction for a crime of this magnitude calls for the violating male to be forced to wear a "pair of horse-blinders" wherever and whenever he goes outside for a stroll.

West Virginia - If any person arrived at the age of discretion profanely curse or swear or get drunk in public, he shall be fined by a justice one dollar for each offense.

Discussion: 

1. What changes can you predict in the economical, political and social development of Ukraine? What parties could be real leaders for the successful development of our country? If you were a government policymaker or a planner what changes or key issues could affect the economic or social development of Ukraine? What countries are effective model roles for our national development?

2. Would you like to be a future leader? Is it important to have leadership skills and to be talented in order to become a successful leader in any sphere? What essential business leadership skills do you use in your practice?

3. Do you think it is easy to be a President of Ukraine? You have probably heard the old saying that "anybody can grow up to be a President”. But not everybody is cut out to be a President. What qualities does a real leader need to possess? What kind of a party or NGO do you want to organize or lead? Being a president of Ukraine, what changes and quick actions on problems facing the nation do you like to make? Why? What makes a great president? What team do you need to have

4. What Ukrainian historical leaders are model roles for you? Why? Does the historical memory influence on the future of a nation? What positive / negative features does the Ukrainian nation have?

5. Can a woman be a successful President? Do you believe in a line “It’s a man’s world” without giving it a second thought? How would people know if this woman, from the streets is really better than Clinton? What is your attitude to female heads of a government? Do you know any successful female representatives in power? Why do women seek to have power instead of being a superb nanny? What makes a woman strong enough to lead in the times of global changes?

6. Do you think that the amount of the Ukrainian population decrease? What factors can influence on this process? What countries do Ukrainians choose to immigrate? Why? What problems can you face being abroad? What country do you prefer to immigrate? Why? What is your five-year professional plan?

Schedule:

Saturday, August 3, 2013 – 10.30 am – Dima S.

Thursday, August 8, 2013 – 5.30 pm

Англомовна екскурсія "По той бік панорами"

Під час цієї безкоштовної екскурсії компанію вам складуть не тільки Історія і Розповідь, але й панорама прекрасного Дніпра і всього лівобережного Києва з різних кутів зору.

Чудова пообідня недільна прогулянка для тих, хто любить практикуватися в англійській і робити хороші фотографії.

CoolClub у Києві щонеділі

http://platfor.ma/hobbies/51e52846bb952/

 Coolclub – це унікальне поєднання пізнавальної інформації і кулінарного майстер-класу англійською мовою в атмосфері цікавих людей. Кожну зустріч вибирають для вас нові країни світу для обговорення, підбираючи найцікавіші факти про культуру, людей і звичайно ж традиційні страви для приготування під час майстер-класу!
Кожної неділі об 11:00 чекають на вас з пачкою хороших емоцій і бажанням підтягнути свій інгліш.