We Discuss a New Topic Today: Law and Crime

Topic: Law and Crime

Fun Fact of the Day: “1st President, George Washington was the only one to receive 100 percent of the electoral vote, which he did twice” (ibtimes.com).

*Disclaimer*: Today’s club is meant to be an active and interesting discussion. Please refrain from discussing specific political matters and direct political examples related to this topic.

Topic:

1. What is “law”? How is law different than “justice”? In what different contexts do you hear the word justice? Who are “just” people? How do they play a part in our daily lives? Similarly, how does law affect us everyday?

2. When was law created and what was its main purpose? Do you think that laws today are similar too original laws? How are laws related to “punishment”? Do you think that punishment is a direct measure of law? Do you consider certain punishments as too serious? For example, what is your opinion about life-in-prison vs. the death penalty?

3. Do you think that criminals are more often unintelligent and easily caught, or can they be smart enough to know the justice system and avoid punishment? Do you think of such “smart” criminals differently than those who commit “crimes of passion” or otherwise unplanned crimes (in the moment)? 

4. What is your opinion about firearms? Do you think that people should have a right to possess weapons or do you think this should be limited to law enforcement personnel? What benefits and problems result from weapons possession? 

5. How can you best protect yourself from crime? Do you think that crime is a problem in Vinnitsa? If so, what do you think are the most common crimes and how can you make sure that you are not a victim of such actions? Has anyone ever “pick-pocketed” you, for example? How did you solve the situation?

6. On a lighter note, have you heard of any funny or somewhat ridiculous laws that exist here or anywhere around the world? Are there any laws that were written long ago that you think should be eliminated? (For example: In the U.S., “It’s strictly prohibited to pronounce ‘Arkansas’ incorrectly;” “Those under 21 can drink legally, but they must be enrolled in a culinary program to do so;” “It’s unlawful to let a dog pursue a bear or bobcat at any time;” “You may only throw a Frisbee at the beach in Los Angeles County, CA with the lifeguard’s permission”, etc.). 

Schedule: Please put topic ideas in the Suggestion Box!

Saturday, 02 February at 10:30

Thursday, 07 February at 5:30

Study in the USA: Wentworth Institute of Technology – NEW!

Friday, February 1, 2013

07:30am EDT (12:30 UTC / 18:30 Astana)

Live webchat URL: https://conx.adobeconnect.com/kazakhstan

Description: Learn about how you can study in the USA as an international student! Join a live webchat with academic advisers and admissions officers from American colleges and universities. Hui Cheng, International Admission Counselor at the Wentworth Institute of Technology, will give a presentation and answer your questions online.

Format: This program will be a video webchat in English. Please click on the URL above and enter the room as a ‘Guest’ to participate.

Study in the USA: University of Colorado Boulder – NEW!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

07:00am EDT (12:00 UTC / 18:00 Astana)

Live webchat URL: https://conx.adobeconnect.com/kazakhstan

Description: Learn about how you can study in the USA as an international student! Join a live webchat with academic advisers and admissions officers from American colleges and universities. Graham Douglas, International Admission Counselor at the University of Colorado Boulder, will give a presentation and answer your questions online.

Format: This program will be a video webchat in English. Please click on the URL above and enter the room as a ‘Guest’ to participate.

Study in the USA Presentation of Historically Black Colleges: North Carolina Central University – NEW!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

07:00am EDT (12:00 UTC / 18:00 Astana)

Live webchat URL: https://conx.adobeconnect.com/kazakhstan

Description: Learn about how you can study in the USA as an international student! Join a live webchat with academic advisers and admissions officers from American colleges and universities. Dr. Marilyn Morgan, MBA Program Director at the North Carolina Central University School of Business, will give a presentation and answer your questions online.

Format: This program will be a video webchat in English. Please click on the URL above and enter the room as a ‘Guest’ to participate.

English Teen Club Speaks About Movies

On the 30th of January Daria Batalova (Flex alumna’12) led a club on the topic which was dedicated to the different genres of movies. The members of the club learnt new useful words that they can use when they talk about their favorite movies, etc. Moreover, they learnt a new grammar topic “Past Simple Tense” and reviewed Present Simple and Present Continuous Tenses that they learnt last time. 

The members of the club did a bunch of exercises that helped them to memorize a new topic better. At the end of the club there was a discussion on favorite movies/actors and actresses. The atmosphere during the club was very warm and friendly that made everybody feel confident.

CO.NX Upcoming Activities

Harry Holzer: The Lincoln Scholar 

Thursday, February 21, 2013

05:00 EST (09:00 UTC)

Live webchat URL: https://conx.state.gov/live-event/pakistan-2/

Description: Want to learn about what led Abraham Lincoln to sign the Emancipation Proclamation and end slavery in America? What role did civil society play in fighting social injustices? To find out, chat with renowned Abraham Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer about his latest book, Lincoln: How Abraham Lincoln Ended Slavery in America. This book is the official young adult companion book to Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln film. Mr. Holzer will lead a discussion on Abraham Lincoln and Emancipation for a middle-school aged audience and will also answer live questions submitted online.

Format: This program will be a video webchat in English. Join the conversation now! Starting January 24, discussion leaders from around the world, including Mr. Holzer, will interact with students worldwide about the Emancipation Proclamation. The webchat URL above will also offer further resources for discussion. Please click on it to participate.

*Tech Reminder: Be sure to have an updated version of Flash and if you experience difficulties accessing the webchat, please try a different browser.*

English Teen Club

Are you going to travel this summer or would like to chat with your friends abroad?
You are invited for English Teen Club if you are under 18. Let's learn English together. Let's discuss topics you are interested in and communicate with each other. Let's practice English every Wednesday @ 4pm. Where: Information Center WOA (70, Soborna, tel. 351-059).

Enjoy Your Lazy Sunday

Sunday is considered to be a day for relaxation. In the most of cases, the only thing you want to do is to relax and think about fun activities. However, there are some really nice things you can do during your lazy Sunday.

Cleaning. Well, this is not supposed to be a deep clean. You can always book your renovation cleaning services, but that is not the point. If you are bored to death and you just do not want to lay on your bed all day long, you can do a quick clean. You need some preparations before you get the work done. Get a dust mask and plastic gloves. Dust can be really harmful, especially if you suffer from asthma. Some of the cleaning detergents are highly toxic, so I strongly advise you to use protective gloves. Do not rush yourself. I advise you to just collect the dust and refresh the house. Use a vacuum cleaner or a mop to clean the dust. Remember to open your doors and windows while cleaning.

Reading. In these modern and dynamic days people usually do not have enough time for reading. A Sunday afternoon is probably the best time to read a nice book. According to me, there are only few things better than reading a nice book and drinking coffee on a lazy Sunday. If you are wondering, which book to choose, you can surf the internet for some suggestions. Get your favourite sofa and enjoy the book.

Watching sports. What can be better than watching your favourite sports team in the weekend? You can call your friends and invite them at home. Your wife will not be pleased, I suppose, but it is really fun to watch football with all your mates. You do not need much preparations. Just go to the local store and get a lot of beers, and some snacks. Clean your space and rearrange the space so every guest will have a comfortable seat. Enjoy the game and remember to clean the place when the match ends.

Play games. No matter what game you choose, a board game, or an outdoor sport, like football or tennis, it is always a great idea to play. If all the family members are at home, I advise you to play a family game. They often last long, I know, but are real fun. Most of the best selling family games are perfect for your lazy Sunday. Often board games make people angry, but that is not the point. Do not get family games too personal. Remember, this is only a game and do not get loses too deep. The only important thing is to have fun and relax. If you plan to play football, or any other outdoor sport, I advise you to arrange the game at least a week before, so you are sure the opponents will be available. In fact, I advise you to play games more regularly. They improve not your physical condition, but the way you think too.

I hope you have spent your Sunday the best way. You can change the activities from time to time. Enjoy your lazy Sunday.

More: http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm?articleid=5360442

Game Night - Play with Us!

Vinnytsia Information Center 'Window on America' hosted an activity on Game Time on 26 January, 2013. There were 38 attendees of it. The leader of Game Night PC Volunteer Michael Dixon told about a history of every game at the beginning of this meeting. 

There were several groups playing various games. The participants, engaged into this game activity, learned more on the USA and how to play these board games. 

Don't miss the next time, play board games with us!