Sorry

In today's discussion, I volunteer to host the 3/6 discussion, but I forget that I need to go to Taipei next Saturday. Sorry for being unable to particpate in and host the discussion. Sorry for that. Since I can't show up, I'm wondering if Angela will be back next week. If not, 3/6 discussion probably will be cancelled.

Best,
James

Topic for Fec 26'10 - CAP&TRADE

Following our topic last week, The Story of Stuff, I would like to continue discussing our attempt to reduce the impact of the stuff we posses towards our mother earth, by inventing a trend called Cap & Trade ... but ... Who Pays?

1. Before watching the clips, what do you know about carbon emission trade? Do you agree with this solution before you knew the hidden devils?
2. If we took out "offset permits" out of the list, will you vote for Cap and Trade?
3. I say, this Cap$Trade idea exists because our need for money is incredibly vast. Do you think it's wrong to use money as a bait to allure people to concern about the environment?
4. Do you agree that at the end, it's the poor people who suffer because of the Cap&Trade policy?
5. Sarah Palin wrote that Cap&Trade eventually will not enable USA to control their energy supply and its environmental impact, but outsource it to China, Russia and Saudi Arabia. Do you agree with that?

cheers,

maria

Topic for Feb 20 '2010

First, Happy Tiger Year!

Let's practice our listening this time.
A year ago my ex-study group showed me this clips "The Story of Stuff", which is awesome, and it also gets a new topic "Cap & Trade"



But let's focus on "The Story of Stuff" first:

1. What is in the clips that impressed you most?
2. Have you ever thought about the story of stuffs that you bought?
3. Do you agree that if we don't buy or own stuff, we don't have value?
4. Which one will you choose, avoiding toxin by living in Prairie, or using toxin-stuff and live a convenient life?
5. Do you think you need to contribute to the "Golden Arrow" by not being perceived obsolescence?
6. Do you feel that you're also inside the evil-circle of working-spending-TV-working?
7. I say: being rich make us overuse resources, do you agree with that?
8. After watching this movie, is there any "light-bulbs" in you head that will change your present shopping habits?
9. Won't the shopping-less attitude halt the global-economy-growth, especially for production countries like China?
10. If you think it will, is there any other way to save the world without give any negative affect on the economy?
    

And just for fun, a comedian George Carlin said: "Have you ever noticed that their stuff is shit and your shit is stuff? God! And you say, "Get that shit off there and let me put my stuff down!"

cheers,

maria

2/13 discussion

Hi,

Maria and I have a wonderful discussion on censorship this week. I'm really impressed on the speech censorship in Singapore!!!

Since next week will be the Eve of the Chinese New Year, both Maria and I cannot show up. I'm wondering if it suits others (acually, Angela only...haha) well to postpone our discussion until the week (2/20) after next week.

Besides, regarding to the host, Maria says that it is fine for her to host the discussion if Angela wanna take a rest. Maria's tentative topic will be a movie. (sorry, I forget the title...)

Happy Chinese New Year & Valentine's Day!!!

Best,
James