Efl Conversations & Social Talks 2

Addicted to Breakfast Cereals: Personal Story: When I was a child, I had a constant craving for sugary breakfast cereals. I desired Cocoa Puffs and Frosted Mini-Wheats, Trix, Lucky Charms, Fruit Loops, and Cheerios. The boxes were so interesting. They had games and pictures on them and were very colorful. Inside each box, one could often find a toy. Americans eat cereal cold, adding milk to the cereal and eating it with a spoon. Sometimes I had an extra helping or two or three servings. If I was hungry at night, I would eat a bowl of cereal. Not only was it breakfast food, it was a snack and dessert. Sometimes in the evening after dinner, I would eat a bowl of cereal. Now I am more health conscious and do not eat cereal anymore, with the exception of oatmeal.

Questions: 1. What do you normally eat for breakfast? Do you ever eat breakfast foods at other times of the day? 2. What is cereal? What are pancakes/flapjacks/hotcakes, waffles, and French toast with maple syrup, donuts/doughnuts, scrambled eggs, breakfast burritos, hash browns, bacon, and toast, biscuit, cinnamon roll, omelet, muffins, 3. What is the difference between breakfast foods in America and China? 4. Are breakfast foods different in different parts of China? 5. Do you ever make your breakfast from scratch (Do you make it yourself from the ingredients)?

6. Is it important to start the day with a healthy breakfast?

Do you ever skip

breakfast? 7. What do you consider a healthy breakfast? 8. Do you think cereal companies should put so much sugar in breakfast cereals or should parents just not buy them? Who is at fault, the companies, parents, the children who beg for them, or both? 9. Do you think advertisement that appeals to child fantasies should not be allowed? 10. In America, all packaging and advertisements for cigarettes must display a health warning from the Surgeon General. Should there be a health warning for foods with processed sugar which especially target children? 11. Should advertising that targets young children be allowed? Should the packaging be plain and unappealing? 12. Are Nutrition Facts on foods enough to keep people from buying junk food, such as most of the breakfast cereals in America?

Breakfast Foods and Pancakes The question “What do Americans eat for breakfast?” is a complicated one, and on several levels. Americans may eat heavy dishes for breakfast, light dishes, or combine the two. American breakfast foods in any of the categories may well be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or for a midnight snack. Conversely, great numbers of Americans skip breakfast entirely, or eat “just about anything” first thing in the morning. Most American breakfasts will include coffee, tea, fruit juice (primarily orange, grapefruit or tomato), or milk as side beverages. Some general formats include: • • •

•

• • •

Bread based: toasted bread, bagel, roll, English muffin, corn muffin, bran muffin, topped with butter, a butt-like spread, jam, jelly, or cream cheese. Health based: fruit and cottage cheese or yogurt. Cold cereal based: a breakfast cereal, usually crunchy, in a bowl doused with milk and with possible addition of fruit chunks: bananas, strawberries, raisons. Granola is a growing trend. Children’s themed cereals may be highly sweetened. Hot cereal based: oatmeal, cream of wheat or rice, often with milk added. May be made from scratch or purchased in pre-cooked, ready-to-microwave pouches. Oatmeal varieties are frequently flavored with cinnamon, apples, raisins, or nuts. Egg based: fried, scrambled, or poached eggs (sunny side up), or an omelet. Pancake or waffle based: pancakes or waffles are generally buttered then doused in maple or maple-flavored syrup. Smoked-fish based: smoked salmon, sturgeon, trout, herring, served cold, with a bread item, capers, onions; a luxury breakfast.

Hot breakfasts are accompanied by two general categories of side dishes: • •

Meats: bacon, ham, breakfast sausages, breakfast steak, corned beef hash. Starch: potatoes (French fries, home fries, country fries, hash browns, cottage fries), baked or refried beans, grits (ground corn meal, popular in the south), biscuits and rolls.

The American omelet may include ingredients plain or fancy. Common additions are cheese, mushrooms, onions, diced green or red bell peppers, diced ham, bacon, chili peppers, and various other diced meats and vegetables. Some fancy egg dishes served at “brunch” events or fine restaurants include Eggs Benedict (a poached egg on an English muffin or toast with a slice of Canadian bacon, covered in a rich hollandaise sauce), or Eggs Florentine (eggs covered with fresh spinach in a cheese sauce).

Huevos Rancheros, a dish of Mexican inspiration, is an omelet made with onions, tomatoes, chili peppers and garlic, served over a tortilla in a spicy red sauce. Fast-food restaurants like McDonalds serve easy-to-eat breakfast sandwiches: egg, sausage, cheese, all sandwiched into an English muffin. Many Americans enjoy similar egg sandwiches on bread or rolls as a quick take-out breakfast on the run. Pancakes are made on a grill out of a batter of flour, baking powder, milk, and eggs; the buttermilk pancake is an American classic. Pancakes may be served with any of the meat, fruit and potato sides common with other breakfast foods. Pancake restaurants specialize in giant, festive stacks of the delicacy, smothered in butter or syrup, covered with berries or other fruit, festooned with whipped cream, or even topped with a scoop of ice cream. Waffles are served in similar formats. “Flapjacks” are a traditional name for pancakes, associated with the diet of lumberjacks. “Griddle Cakes” may simply be another name for pancakes, or may contain cornmeal. “Hoe Cakes” are a southern cornmeal-based pancake; “Johnny Cakes” are simple, unleavened flat corn cakes. Small “Swedish Pancakes” (plattar) are popular in many regions. French crêpes are available in major cities but have yet to infiltrate the mainstream American breakfast menu. Russian Bliny may find themselves on some menus, and Jewish Blintzes are popular in New York and other large cities. Pancakes are prepared in home kitchens on a “from scratch” basis, and also from popular dried mixes. Waffles may be made at home using waffle irons and batter, but frozen toaster waffles are extremely popular, at any time of the day. The large American breakfast buffet featured by some restaurants and hotels may offer a wide variety of these American breakfast foods on an all-you-can-eat basis. http://www.lifeintheusa.com/food/breakfast.htm

Are you cozy or claustrophobic? Questions 1. Are you the type of person who likes a lot of space or doesn’t mind being confined? For example: a) How will you feel living in a studio apartment or studio flat (UK), efficiency apartment or bachelor/bachelorette style apartment? Could you live with other people in small spaces?

2.

3. 4. 5.

6.

b) How do you feel when standing or sitting on a cramped or crowded bus, train, elevator, or when waiting in line or queue? Waiting for doctor’s check-up? Describe any interesting situations. c) How do you feel when you get stuck in traffic? Have you ever shouted or lost your cool? Do you get antsy? d) Do you feel comfortable mingling with a lot of people, perhaps even strangers, or do you become anxious and claustrophobic? (i.e., social anxiety or social phobia). A psychologist is doing experiments to study cabin fever or claustrophobia when people are trapped or isolated for a period of time. Each situation is recorded with a camera. If you take part in the experiments you will be nicely compensated. Which situation do you choose: a) In a cabin during a snowstorm. b) Stuck on a deserted island, or incarcerated in a prison (stir crazy) c) Enclosed in a tight spacecraft simulation for several months. d) Stuck in a simulated disaster situation. e) Buried deep in snow to simulate an avalanche. f) Enclosed in a box or casket and buried under the ground for 1-2 days. g) Confined in a stalled elevator. h) A Biosphere 2 experiment (controlled artificial space colony on earth) Would you take part in the experiment? How much would you want to be paid? What tends to make you restless or uncomfortable? Describe a time you were stuck in the middle, between a rock and a hard place or between the devil and the deep blue sea? Were you able to get out of the bind? Are you good at getting out of tight places or difficult situations? Describe a situation and how you responded. (Biosphere 2)

1.

Describe a time when you had to drop everything, stop doing what you were doing and attend to another matter.

2.

Have you ever been asked to do something at a moment’s notice?

3.

What is something that you will do at the drop of a hat, without hesitation?

4.

Have you ever finished something right at the last minute, just in the nick of time / just in time?

5.

Do you usually show up to school or work on time? Do you usually finish your homework or duties on time? Describe.

6.

What do or did your parents often tell you to do at once? Did you do it right away or straight away? Did you do it gladly or not?

7.

What can you finish in no time or in a jiffy? What takes you a long time to finish?

8.

Describe a time you experienced a long delay and you were kept waiting.

9.

What do you do in the following situation:

At once, Immediately, In a jiffy, In no time, Promptly, Quick as a wink, Right away, Speedily, Straight away, Unhesitatingly, Without delay, Without demur (dispute or argument),Without hesitation

a.

At the last moment your boss asks you to work longer on a project, but you will have to cancel a date you have with another person.

b.

Your friend calls you and invites you out for the weekend at the drop of a hat. Do you go without any prior notice?

c.

Your relatives drop by your house without any notice, are you upset? If it depends on the time of day, what time(s) of day would be most upsetting?

d.

If you were a teacher and a student didn’t turn in their homework on time, would you accept it? How late is too late? One minute? 5-10 minutes? 1 hour? Does it depend on the student in question? Explain.

10. Describe something you are eager to do because time seems to fly by (i.e., time flies when you’re having fun)?

At the Drop of a Hat Fig. immediately; instantly; on the slightest signal or urging. (Alludes to the dropping of a hat as a signal.) John was always ready to go fishing at the drop of a hat. If you need help, just call on me. I can come at the drop of a hat. This saying is said to come from the American West, where the signal for a fight was often just the drop of a hat. It may have an Irish origin, based on something like "he's ready to fight at the drop of a hat" which in turn may be followed by "roll up your sleeves" or "take off your coat" ie items of clothing are involved in the start of fights. DROP OF A HAT - "Acting readily or on some single signal. In the 19th century it was occasionally the practice in the United States to signal the start of a fight or a race by dropping a hat or sweeping it downward while holding it in the hand. The quick response to the signal found its way into the language for any action that begins quickly without much need for prompting." "Dictionary of Cliches" by James Rogers (Wings Books, Originally New York: Facts on File Publications, 1985).

At a Moment’s notice At a moment's notice and on a moment's notice with very little advance notice; with just a little bit of warning. They are always asking us to produce reports at a moment's notice.

At the last minute Fig. at the last possible chance; in the last few minutes, hours, or days. (Often an exaggeration.) Please don't make reservations at the last minute. Why do you ask all your questions at the last minute?

What is the difference between (in time) and (on time)? How and when are they are used? ANSWER: If I insist that my students be prompt in submitting their assignments, I will tell them to get

their work in on time. "I want the papers by three o'clock, and they must be handed in on time." Or one could advise a friend to get to work on time (at the established hour for the start of business) and hope that that the bus arrives on time (again, at the scheduled hour). If there is an established deadline of some kind, then, a student could say that he submitted the work in time (prior, perhaps just prior, to the established deadline). In saving someone's life, the hero might have to arrive just in time to foil the assassin's plot.

2

The stores are open, the prices are marked down, but U.S. shoppers are buying sparingly at the start of the holiday shopping season as a contracting economy crimps budgets. (It’s a recipe for disaster) The frenzied bargain-hunting took a somber turn on Black Friday when a worker at Wal-Mart in Valley Stream, New York, died in a stampede by shoppers who broke down doors to enter the store at 5 a.m. EST (1000 GMT). Four others were hurt in what Wal-Mart called a "tragic" incident. Two men began arguing in a Toys "R" Us in Palm Desert, Calif., east of Los Angeles. The argument escalated and the two men shot each other, both dying soon after. Shoppers "are trying to compensate for their lack of income by making sure that they get in and get in first. ... The stores are getting a larger volume of people over a short period of time.

Questions for Discussion: 1. In America after Thanksgiving many people begin their Christmas holiday shopping and prices are marked down with cut-rate holiday deals. Do stores in China offer similar specials and promotions during and/or after the holidays? 2. In America there is a no-cutting-in-line etiquette which is public knowledge, especially in shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Does China have such public expectations that everyone is supposed to follow? 3. What do you do when these rules, policies, or public etiquette are not followed? If someone pushed you or is pushy, cut in front of you what would you do? 4. Are you aware of any cases in which holiday shoppers have gotten out of hand, or the holiday shopping season started with a frenzied kickoff? 5. Have you ever heard of or seen stampeding shoppers or a stampeding crowd of people? What would you do if you found yourself in the middle of a crowd rushing for the doors? 6. What would you do if you had been waiting in line for a store to open and another group of shoppers mobbed you to get in first? 7. Recently, shoppers at Wal-mart, Toys R Us and other stores have resorted to a mob mentality of pushing, shoving, and stampeding their way to the front, many damaging property, trampling people under their feet, and starting deadly shootouts. What do you think about this kind of behavior? 8. Would you wait outside a store hours before it opens or even spend the night there (go camping) to get a better deal or be the first to have a new product, such as the newest video game system? 9. What are some ways stores can discourage this kind of behavior on the part of their customers. For instance, hand out tickets ahead of time, or create a lottery system.

The earliest uses of "Black Friday" is the name which the Philadelphia Police Department has given to the Friday following Thanksgiving Day. It is not a term of endearment to them. "Black Friday" officially opens the Christmas shopping season in center city, and it usually brings massive traffic jams and over-crowded sidewalks as the downtown stores are mobbed from opening to closing.[12] It is an implicit comparison to the extremely stressful and chaotic experience of Black Tuesday (the 1929 stock-market crash). JANUARY 1966 -- "Black Friday"

B Below are some common baseball idioms that Americans use in daily speech:

1. Have you ever had difficulty just getting to first base with someone or something? (i.e., to advance something, to do well enough to get a good start on something “I wish I could get to first base with my boss.”) 2. Describe a time you forgot to do something, or did poorly and felt that you dropped the ball or struck out. (i.e., to blunder, to fail in some way. “We sure dropped the ball that time.” “We struck out.”) 3. Describe a time you took a rain check and postponed an appointment or meeting with someone. (i.e., to change a date, a time for meeting. “Let's take a rain check for that dinner date. We can come next week.”) 4. Describe a time you had two strikes against you, and only one more chance to do something right? 5. How often do you touch base (to talk to someone about something) with your friends, family, etc? Do you always/sometimes/often/rarely keep in contact with people? 6. Describe a time you really made a hit with someone or something was a hit (i.e., to do well and be recognized by others or the public) 7. Describe a time you were up (to bat) to do something and were very nervous. (i.e., you are next.) 8. Describe a time you felt left out or out in left field. (i.e., to be away from the action, from what's happening. “I was out in left field because you didn’t tell me about the change in the schedule.”) 9. Sometimes life throws us curve balls. (i.e., to surprise someone unpleasantly) Describe such a time in your life.

"Take me out to the ball game, Take me out with the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack, I don't care if I never get back, Let me root, root, root for the home team, If they don't win it's a shame. For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out, At the old ball game."

OPEN 6:00 A.M. A.M.- 10:00 P.M. All--You-Can-Eat Buffet $9.00 Special 6:00 A.M A.M-11:00 A.M Except Holidays Monday through Friday – Includes: Potatoes, Buttered Toast, Jelly, & Coffee or Juice

Beverages 饮料

(small 小, medium 中, large 大)

Orange juice 橙汁橙汁 $3.95 Milk 牛乃 sm. 1.50 lg. $3.00 Tea 茶 $1.95

Apple juice 苹果汁 $3.95 Coffee 咖啡 $1.35 refills $0 .65 Hot Chocolate 热巧克力 $2.95

Purified Water 净化水

Yogurt 酸牛奶

$2.00

$2.00

Combos 结合 The following selections come with hash brown potatoes (以下面包可以和马铃薯煎饼 马铃薯煎饼组合在 一起). Your choice of toast 烤面包 烤面包: multi-grain 杂粮面包/whole-wheat 麸皮面包 flax 亚麻面包/white /white 白面包/or rye bread 黑面包 Substitute multi-grain grain BAGEL 百吉饼 Pancake 薄煎饼 or Waffle Combo 蛋奶烘饼

$6.95

Three hree eggs and two pancakes/waffles with your choice of bacon or sausage links links. （三个鸡和两个煎饼或蛋奶烘 或蛋奶烘饼和你选择的熏咸肉或香肠组合在一起）.

French Toast 法国土司 or Omelet Combo 煎蛋

$7.29

Old-fashioned fashioned French Toast with three eggs /Omelet and your choice of bacon or sausage links. (老式的法国土司和三个鸡蛋或煎蛋还有你选的熏咸肉或香肠组合在一起 老式的法国土司和三个鸡蛋或煎蛋还有你选的熏咸肉或香肠组合在一起).

Sides 正菜外另加的菜 正菜外另加的菜， ，添菜 Cereal 麦片粥 (Corn Flakes, Mini Mini-Wheats, Cheerios) Oatmeal 麦片 (Regular, Brown sugar, Fruit)

$2.99 $2.99

Cinnamon roll 桂皮(香 香)甜面包

$3.99

1-800-944--6196 • PO Box 12702 • Salem, OR 97309

Beginnings and Endings Questions 1. Which do you prefer beginnings or endings? a. Do you like a fresh start, the challenge of the unknown, a change of direction and pace? b. Do you like wrapping things up, finishing what you have started, closure, and moving back to new beginnings again? 2. Do you find new beginnings exciting or frightening? Explain with examples. 3. What leaves the biggest impression on you: beginnings, endings, or the in-between / middle? 4. Describe something that finished and you didn’t want it to. (For example, friends or family you rarely see come to visit and their time is coming to a close). 5. When does your day begin? How do you start your day? 6. What do you do when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed? 7. When and how does your day finish? 8. What’s more important, how you start something or how you finish it? 9. If you could start something over again and have a second chance to get it right, what would you choose to do differently? 10. “There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.” – Louis L’Amour. What do you think this quote means? If you feel comfortable, describe a time you felt everything was finished for you, and perhaps you felt all was lost and you were at the end of you road. How did you get out of your rut? 11. Which quote do you agree with most: a. A hard beginning maketh a good ending. ~ John Heywood b. A good beginning makes a good end. – English Proverb 12. Do you have difficulty starting things? Are you a procrastinator or do you have initiative and motivation? Which quote do you agree with most: a. It is much easier to begin than to end. ~ Plautus b. It is hard to begin to move when you don't know where you are moving, how to move, or if you are going to get there. – Peter Nivio Zarlenga 13. Do you agree or disagree with following quote: “If you must begin then go all the way, because if you begin and quit, the unfinished business you have left behind begins to haunt you all the time.” ~ Chögyam Trungpa 14. Share your experiences related to beginnings and endings for the points below which apply to you: a. Birth and death; beginning and ending of day, month, year, seasons, etc.; b. New romance / relationship, an engagement, a marriage, divorce, remarriage; c. Starting a new job, leaving your job; attending a new school, graduating from school; d. Other_____________. Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. – Carl Brand

Creativity and Creation Questions 1. What kinds of things do you dream of creating or making? Why do you dream of creating or making these things? 2. Do we create more out of necessity, desire / want, boredom, or fear? 3. Do you think society is becoming more creative or less creative? Explain and defend your position or point of view. Consider the following: a. The things we fear most in organizations -- fluctuations, disturbances, imbalances -- are the primary sources of creativity. - Margaret J. Wheatley b. Highly structured innovation systems inevitably fail because they do not provide freedom to be creative. - Jeffrey Baumgartner c. Artists and musicians have by and large embraced the Internet as a tool that helps them create - Renee Hopkins Callahan 4. Is there a link or connection between creativity and madness/insanity? Albert Einstein once said “If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.” To what degree do you think creative people are risk takers and to some degree possibly mad (e.g. the mad scientist)? 5. If you could write a book, about anything what would you want it to be about? 6. Have you ever watched a movie and thought, “I could do better.”? If so, what kind of movie would you make? What would the story or subject be? 7. How do you find your inspiration when faced with writer’s block, an empty page, or blank canvas? What do you do if you can’t think of anything after a long hiatus (i.e., break)? 8. Have you ever had a moment of inspiration or a free flow of ideas? 9. When and where do you find you are most productive? Describe a time and place in which you accomplished a lot? 10. Do you create and work better as a lone wolf (by yourself) or in a team? 11. How do you create the change you want to see in the world? What changes do you want to see in the world? 12. What is the most important creation or invention in the world? 13. In your world you can create any of your dreams and thoughts. Whatever you imagine comes true. It can be like a fairy tale with talking animals, mythical (i.e., mysterious or spiritual) and mystical creatures, magic and fantasy. What do you create in your world? Describe the animals or creatures, the environment, and what kind of intelligent life there is.

Questions 1. What do you think is the strangest, weirdest, most curious and odd thing in the world? What are you curious about? What do you ponder or think about? 2. What kinds of things pique your curiosity? 3. Are you dying of curiosity to know anything or something? 4. What were you curious about as a child? As an adolescent /teenager? As an adult? Tell your memory. (e.g., you were curious about bugs, animals, food, the opposite sex, other races and cultures, etc.) 5. How and when did you find out about the opposite sex? Were you curious about girls or boys? Did you have a childhood crush on someone? 6. When should children find out about reproduction or sex? Who should tell them: parents, school, friends, books and magazines? 7. What were or are you curious to experience firsthand? Describe your experience. a) Eating something (e.g., ice cream, cake, cotton candy, western foods, etc.) b) Swimming, riding a bicycle, driving a car, an extreme sport etc. c) Going on a plane, train, bus, elevator / lift, or escalator. d) Living in a tall or short building, a small or large house, etc. e) Your first day in school (preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle school, high school, college) or at work. 8. Have you ever been to a curio and relics shop, an antique store, or perhaps an arts & crafts store in China or another country? What kinds of things catch your eye? Random Questions & Queries to Ponder Over When You Get Bored: 1. What is the meaning of life? Why do we eat, sleep, work, and die? 2. Does the universe have a beginning or ending? Is it flat, round, or spherical like the earth and other planets in shape and dimension? 3. Did you ever wonder why pandas and kangaroos have babies that are so small and helpless? Why are humans born helpless while many animals become independent in a short time? Why do you think this is? 4. Why do you think some birds can’t fly? (e.g., penguins, chickens, ostrich, etc.) 5. Why do you think our brains forget some things so easily and remember other things so well? What kind of strange things can you still remember? Consider: a) Daniel Paul Tammet is a British high-functioning autistic savant gifted with a facility for mathematical calculations, sequence memory, and natural language learning. He speaks eleven languages. Tammet is capable of learning a language in one week.

b) A 40 year old woman in California has near perfect memory and is able to remember nearly every detail of her life. 9. Why would every culture have myths & legends, unexplained mysteries, stories of the supernatural, or paranormal if there is not some truth to it? What do you think is true? “Curiosity killed the cat!”

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Have you ever been on a diet? diet How do you know if you are fat? What is the best way to diet? Do you think dieting can be dangerous? Do you think fiber is important in your diet? What kind of fiber is the best when you are trying to loose weight? Do you think protein is important in a balanced diet? What is a good source of protein? Do you think people who are fat can be happy? Do you think people are in general gaining weight or losing weight? Have you ever been on a diet? What kind of diet would you recommend to your friend? What kind of diet would recommended for an older person (40's) and a younger person (teens)? What is the difference between dieting and a healthy diet? What is Detoxification or Detox? Detox What are toxins? toxins Where do toxins come from? Do you think your body is toxic? What foods create a toxic body? What foods create a healthy and clean body? What foods are good for ridding the body of toxins? What is processed food? What is natural food? What is a fast? (The act or practice of abstaining abstainin from or eating very little food.) Can you guess why we call breakfast,“BREAK FAST?” What is a sauna? sauna Why is a sauna detoxifying?

Difficulty & Adversity All good is hard. All evil is easy. Dying, losing, cheating, and mediocrity is easy. Stay away from easy. – Scott Alexander Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict. –William Ellery Channing The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. – Winston Churchill Questions 1. When you think of difficulty, what are some of the first things that come to mind? 2. What was the most difficult thing, obstacle, or challenge you have faced in your life? Did you overcome it? With a partner discuss several of your experiences. 3. When faced with a fork in the road, do you take the road less traveled or most traveled? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both? 4. Have you ever met a hard ass (someone who is difficult on purpose) or been a hard ass? 5. How do you respond when faced with technological difficulties? Describe an experience you have had? 6. Do you have difficulty with any of the following below? Explain with details and stories. If you have overcome any, explain how. a) Sleeping b) Concentrating c) Losing weight d) Speaking e) Other: ___________________ 7. What is more difficult? a) Telling someone you love them or telling them you no longer love them. b) Finding a best friend or losing a best friend. c) Forgiving others or forgiving yourself. d) Helping others or helping yourself. e) Taking care of an old person or taking care of and raising a baby. 8. How do you cope (or get by) with difficulties and stress when the going gets tough? When the going gets tough, do you get going? Or, in some situations should you give up and surrender? When will you crack/buckle under the weight/burden of difficulties/pressures?

EVER – AT ANY TIME Do not answer the questions with only “yes” or “no!” Choose the questions you like and explain why or why not. If you don’t like the questions, make up your own questions. EXPLAIN!

1. Do you ever…? (This means nowadays because it's the present tense) a) Do you ever give money to panhandlers/beggars? b) Do you ever do your homework in front of the television or watch TV all day? c) Do you ever lie for a good reason? d) Do you ever eat strange food? If not, why? e) Do you ever think about living forever and ever?

2. Have you ever…? (This means in your whole life because it's the present perfect tense)

a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) 3. Did

Have you ever been in a fist fight? If so, what happened? Have you ever broken a bone? Have you ever done something silly that you wish you had not done? Have you ever eaten in a restaurant and realized you have no money with you? Have you ever fallen in love at first sight? Have you ever fallen or stumbled in front of others? Have you ever thought of something funny and started laughing out loud in the presence of others? (around other people) Have you ever let your pet sleep in or on your bed with you? Have you ever called a 'he' she or a 'she' a 'he?' What was the response? Have you ever asked a woman when she was "due" and she wasn't even pregnant?

you ever…?

(Used if you want to focus on a finished action in the past because it's using the past simple) a) Did you ever make someone cry? b) Did you ever pass out/lose consciousness? c) Did you ever spend too much money on something? d) Did you ever say something you later regretted? e) Did you ever see something you should not have? f) Did you ever pick your nose when you were a child or do something gross?

4. Would you ever…? (Doing an action now and/or at some time in the future)

a) b) c) d) e)

Would you ever go skinny dipping? (swim naked, take a dip in water only in your skin) Would you ever pose nude for a magazine, and they will pay you a lot of money Would you ever pick up a hitchhiker or hitchhike? Would you ever spank your child? Would you ever "take a bullet," “take the fall,” “take the heat,” or “take the flak” for someone else?

f) Would you ever consider cosmetic or plastic surgery? g) Would you ever adopt a child?

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Adverbs of Frequency: ‘EVER’ (at any time) Adverbs are like adjectives, but they modify the verb. We use some adverbs to describe how frequently we do an activity. These are called adverbs of frequency and include: Frequency

Adverb of Frequency

Example Sentence

100%

always

I always go to bed before 11pm.

90%

usually

I usually walk to work.

80%

normally / generally

I normally go to the gym.

70%

often / frequently

I often surf the internet.

50%

sometimes

I sometimes forget my wife’s birthday.

30%

occasionally

I occasionally eat junk food.

10%

seldom / rarely

I seldom read the newspaper

5%

hardly ever

I hardly ever ever drink alcohol.

0%

never

I never swim in the sea.

SOME OF THE DIFFERENT WAYS TO USE ‘EVER’: We use hardly ever and never with positive, not negative verbs:

•

She hardly ever comes to my parties.

•

They never say 'thank you'.

We use ever in questions and negative statements:

•

Have you ever been to New Zealand? Would you ever learn their language?

•

I haven't ever been to Switzerland. (The same as 'I have never been Switzerland').

•

Never ever kill, steal, or do drugs!

We use ever with comparatives:

•

'You’ll have to work harder than ever today, if you want to finish this job before it gets dark.'

•

'Jane, it’s been so long since I heard you sing, but you sing as beautifully as ever!' ever

•

I love her more than ever now!

We use ever with superlatives:

•

This is the closest I have ever been to China.

•

This is the happiest I have ever been in my life.

We use ever as an intensifier:

•

What ever do you mean?

•

She was ever so friendly.

2

Tiffany Teng from Singapore asks: We know it is correct to say: ‘I have never been to London’. But for someone who has been to London before, is it correct to say: ‘I have ever been to London’?

Roger replies: No. Ever means at any time, so it is inappropriate in the above sentence. It is because you haven’t been there “at any time” but specific times (see the example in the box below). Ever is used mainly in questions. Although it is usually associated with the present perfect, it can also be used with a present, past or past perfect verb form or with future reference. If the answer is no, we often use never in the reply, meaning ‘not at any time’. If the answer is yes, we might add once or twice, etc, to indicate how many times we have done whatever is being referred to. Compare the following: •

'Have you ever been to Ireland?' 'Yes, I’ve been there twice, once in 1983 and again in 1995.'

•

'Did you ever meet Tom Robinson when you were at uni?' 'No, I never did.'

•

'My driving instructor asked me if I’d ever driven before.' 'I said, no, I never had.'

•

'Do you ever go to the cinema?' 'No, I prefer to watch films on video or DVD.'

•

'Are you ever going to finish this book?' 'I’ll try and finish it over the summer. I’ve no time now.'

•

'Will you ever marry me?' 'No, Jason I don’t think I ever will.'

As you can see from this last example, ever can be used in an affirmative sentence with not as an alternative to the more usual 'never'. It can also be used in affirmative sentences with if and with adverbs which express a negative idea, like hardly. Remember the meaning of ever is always ‘at any time’. Compare the following: •

'If you ever change your mind, let me know. We’d love to have you on the team.'

•

'If you are ever in London, be sure to come and see us.'

•

'We hardly ever go to the theatre. It’s too expensive.'

•

'I don’t think we shall ever see Jenny again now that she’s emigrated to Australia.'

3

Remember also that ever can be tagged on to ‘where’, ‘when’, ‘what’, ‘which’, ‘who’ and ‘how’ to make the conjunctions wherever, whenever, whatever, whichever, whoever and however, meaning 'no matter where’, ‘no matter when’, ‘no matter what’, ‘no matter which’, ‘no matter who’ and ‘no matter how’. Compare the following: •

'We were playing ‘Hide and Seek’ and we couldn’t find him wherever we looked.'

•

'If you have a problem, you can phone me up whenever you like – at any time of the day.'

•

'Whatever advice I gave her, she would be sure not to take it.'

•

'Whichever path we took, we were unable to find our way out of the maze.'

•

'I shall sell my computer to whoever wants it.'

•

'However hard I try, I can never seem to learn vocabulary.'

Finally, ever is used in the comparative expression as ever and than ever, meaning ‘as/than at any time in the past’. Study the following two examples: •

'You’ll have to work harder than ever today, if you want to finish this job before it gets dark.'

•

Sources:

'Jayne, it’s so long since I heard you sing, but you sing as beautifully as ever!'

http://www.grammar.cl/Basic/Adverbs_Frequency.htm http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv82.shtml

The adverb EVER has 3 senses: 1. At any time: did you ever smoke? 2. At all times; all the time and on every occasion: He is ever hoping to strike it rich / ever busy 3. (Intensifier for adjectives; intensify the meaning it modifies) very: she was ever so friendly / what ever are you doing?

Source:

http://www.audioenglish.net/dictionary/ever.htm

4

LOOK INTO MY EYES 1. Do you like being looked at or do you dislike it when people stare at you? Have you ever been in a staring contest? 2. Have you ever enjoyed people watching? Is it ok to look at people as eye candy? 3. Describe a time you did not see eye to eye with someone about something. Were you able to resolve the disagreement and see eye to eye? 4. What are some situations in which people turn a blind eye to something or close their eyes to something? (e.g., disobeying a direct order or something you’re told to do; not helping when you should, etc.) Describe a time you pretended not to notice something or someone. 5. What do you think about looking someone in the eye and making eye contact? What will you do when someone is eyeing you, making eyes at you, trying to catch your eye, or giving you the eye (perhaps the “evil eye.”) 6. What will catch your eye? Have you ever been caught gazing at something or someone or spacing out? 7. If someone makes puppy eyes at you, do find it easy or difficult to refuse them? 8. What is something you have set your eyes on (such as a goal or desire to get something)? 9. Describe a time in which you were asked to keep an eye on something? Did you? Describe any times in which you actually forgot to keep watch. What happened? 10. Do you know anyone with eyes in the back of their head (e.g., “my mother has eyes in the back of her head; she knows when I am doing something bad even if she doesn’t see me doing it.”)? 11. Do you believe in an eye for an eye? If so, why? If not, what are other alternatives to justice and punishment? 12. Describe a time you were an eye-witness to something (e.g., a crime, accident, cheating, etc.). 13. What is something you consider an eyesore either in your home, neighborhood, community, school, or city that you would like to fix or clean up? 14. What do you think about the advances in eye care? If applicable describe your experiences with wearing glasses, contacts, or with getting LASIK surgery (Laser Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis). 15. Do you have an eye for something? (i.e., you have a talent for something and can see whether something is good/bad or right/wrong.) 16.

EYE IDIOMS raise one's eyebrows to (lift one's eyebrows in order to) show surprise.

an eye for an eye Punishment in which an offender suffers what the victim has suffered.

clap/lay/set (one's) eyes on To look at. “I never laid eyes on him again”

eye to eye In agreement: We're eye to eye on all the vital issues.

The eye of a storm, hurricane, or tornado (the calm of the storm).

all eyes Fully attentive; acutely vigilant

with (one's) eyes open Aware of the risks involved.

in one's mind's eye imagined or remembered vividly

in the eye of the wind Nautical In a direction opposite that of the wind; close to the wind.

with an eye to with something as an aim or intention “He's doing this with an eye to promotion.”

with (one's) eyes closed Unaware of the risks involved.

in the public eye 1. Frequently seen in public or in the media. 2. Widely publicized; well-known.

In the eyes of the law in the opinion of

The eye of a needle

My eye! Old-fashioned informal nonsense!

have eyes for To be interested in.

keep an eye on to take care of

up to one's eyes in extremely busy with

keep an eye open or out for to watch with special attention for

keep one's eyes peeled or skinned to watch vigilantly

Look someone in the eye to look openly and without embarrassment at someone; gaze into their eyes.

make eyes at someone; more than meets the eye someone up to look eye hidden motives, at someone in an meanings, or facts obviously attracted manner; to leer at,

Have an eye for something. “He has an eye for fashion.” "She has an eye for fresh talent"

turn a blind eye to or close one's eyes to to pretend not to notice; take no notice of, pay no attention to, bury your head in the sand

have (one's) eye on 1. To look at, especially attentively or continuously. 2. To have as one's objective.

Eyesight, vision, sight, with one’s naked eye vs. seeing through the eye-piece of telescope, binocular, microscope

before/under one's very eyes in front of one, usually with no attempt at concealment “It happened before my very eyes.”

An eye opener something that reveals an unexpected fact

Eyeball, eyelids, eyelash, eyebrow, eye shadow, eye-piece

with one's eyes open in full knowledge of all the facts

Look at, have or take a look at, glance at, gaze at, scan, survey, stare.

Fame & Fortune – to be number one! Questions 1. Did you dream of becoming famous as a child? Do you aspire to be famous, to become a household name? 2. Would you be content being a one-hit wonder? 3. What in your mind is more important fame or fortune? Would you mind becoming famous after you die having received no fame or fortune while living? 4. If you were to become famous for something, what would you want it to be? 5. Is a name important? How about a family name? Do you think family names could one day be considered insignificant? 6. Should the last names of women and men be equally significant? Do you prefer a patrilineal or matrilineal society? Is there anyway society could choose both? 7. Would you ever change the name that your parents gave you? Do you think they would be offended? Why do you think Hollywood stars change their names and have stage names / screen names, (a fictitious alternative to a person's legal name) or writers have pseudonyms or pen names? Consider below: “Although the Hollywood Stars are known the world over by their now famous names, many of these stars birth names were less than glamorous, so they changed them. Do you think John Wayne would have become an American icon with his real name of Marion Morrison or Tom Cruise become a Mega Star with his real name of Thomas Mapother IV.” http://www.hollywoodusa.co.uk/starnames.htm 8. In what way would you want to be remembered in history? What do you think of being remembered in the following ways: a) Hollywood Walk of Fame (a sidewalk in Hollywood with stars featuring the names of celebrities and Hollywood stars.) b) A Time Capsule (a historic cache of goods and/or information, usually intended as a method of communication with people in the future). c) Author a book, create a work of art or compose a song. d) Make your mark on history as a politician, social activist (e.g. Martin Luther King Jr.), or teacher who influences the minds of others and future generations. e) Make a technological or medical break through that benefits humankind and perhaps all species of life on our planet. 9. What in your mind are the advantages (e.g. wealth and notoriety) and disadvantages (e.g. the paparazzi, no privacy) of becoming famous?

“And what after all is everlasting fame? Altogether vanity.” - Marcus Aurelius “In the very books in which philosophers bid us scorn fame, they inscribe their names.” - Marcus Tullius Cicero

Fashion Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new. Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862), "Walden", 1854 In difficult times fashion is always outrageous.” Elsa Schiaparelli

Questions 1. What is fashion? 2. How important is it to be fashionable? 3. What do you consider in style or out of style? What is in vogue (The prevailing fashion, practice, or style), chic (Σi:k) (stylish or smart), or posh (elegant and fashionable; classy clothes; a classy dame)? 4. Would you want to work in fashion as either a: model, designer, retail or salesclerk, tailor, dressmaker, outfitter, etc.? (In Britain you may hear: Haberdasher (a person who sells clothes, needles, spools, and stitching materials), or clothier). 5. What do you think of the styles models wear on the catwalk? Do you think some of them are funny? Would you ever consider walking on a catwalk? 6. Do you read fashion magazines? Do you stay on top of current fashion trends? 7. How can you have good fashion on a budget or in your budget price range? Are you good at finding good bargains, discounts, or clothing on sale? Would you buy used clothing at places like second-hand stores, thrift stores, resale stores, the Goodwill (in America), etc.? 8. Does China have such stores where people can donate their clothes and resale them at a lower prices for charity? 9. Do you like to have a lot of accessories? (articles carried rather than worn) 10. What is a fashion statement? Would you ever make a fashion statement? Do you know someone who often makes fashion statements by wearing eye catching clothing to draw people’s attention? 11. Should people pay an arm and a leg for brand name and designer label clothing? 12. What do you think about following fashion trends, buying new clothes every year even if your old clothes are still suitable? 13. Who decides what is “in fashizon”? Who has the most influence, the socialites/glitterati or consumers? 14. Have you ever been disappointed with the current fashion and found it didn’t suit your personality? Can fashion be confining and imprisoning for the personality, or do you think there are enough styles to fully express oneself? 15. Do you think positively or negatively towards dress codes and company policies for what clothes one can and can not wear? 16. What do you think about online shopping?

What is fashion anyway? Dictionary.com's definitions: 1. 2.

The prevailing style or custom, as in dress or behavior: out of fashion. Something, such as a garment, that is in the current mode: a swimsuit that is the latest fashion.

3.

The style characteristic of the social elite: a man of fashion.

People wear clothing (dress, garments, apparel, or attire) for functional and/or social reasons. Clothing protects the body; it also delivers social messages to other humans. Function includes protection of the body against strong sunlight, extreme heat or cold, and precipitation; protection against insects, noxious chemicals, weapons, contact with abrasive substances -- in sum, against anything that might injure an unprotected human body. Social messages sent by clothing, accessories, and decorations can involve social status, occupation, ethnic and religious affiliation, marital status and sexual availability, etc. Who decides what's in? Designers can greatly influence what direction fashion will go in. Miuccia Prada of Prada and Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs of Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton are considered directional designers (Prada for remixing classics, Jacobs for vintage-inspired styles). Working five or six months ahead of the season, the press attends fashion shows presenting designer collections; the media will then give editorial coverage to trends they think their readership is interested in. Store buyers work many months in advance of the season to place orders with manufacturers for styles they think their customers will want to buy. Celebrities and other opinion leaders (socialites and other glitterati) are usually the first to sport new looks, spurring the buying public into accepting emerging trends. So everyone from big-name designers to celebrities may be behind influencing the direction fashion will go in. But ultimately, it is you, the consumer, who will decide what is "in" when you choose whether or not to buy into a trend. Where are the world's fashion centers? New York, Paris and Milan are considered the major hubs for designers and manufacturers of fashion apparel and accessories. London, Los Angeles, Toronto, Hong Kong, Sydney and Sao Paolo, in addition to hundreds of other smaller market areas are host to excellent designers and manufacturers. Sources: http://fashion.about.com/cs/historycostumes/a/whatisfashion.htm http://www.apparelsearch.com/Definitions/Clothing/APPAREL.htm

1. Describe a time you were learning something new and you were trying to find your feet. (i.e., finding your balance or direction; in Synonyms for Show me the Ropes: the process of gaining confidence and experience in something.) 2. Did anyone ever show you the ropes (either at your new school or Fill me in Give me the rundown new job)? 3. How do you normally get a feel for new situations that are Give me the lowdown Show me the lay of the land unfamiliar to you? Give me some pointers 4. Discuss your experiences finding your feet or balance while: Give me some tips a) Skating / Rollerblading b) Riding a bike c) Driving a car in the rain d) Walking on a slippery floor. e) Other________________. 5. Do you like people to teach you how to do things, or do you like to learn by yourself? 6. What is your response when people give you their two cents / a penny for your thoughts? (i.e., to show that one’s opinion may not be worth much, or is of little value when giving advice.) 7. If you went to another country much different from your own, how would you go about finding your feet? 8. How do you go about finding yourself? (i.e., self-discovery about who you are, what you believe, and what you want to do in this life.) 9. How do you find your passion in life? 10. Do you think people have a calling or mission? 11. Do you think people have a “true self,” “place,” or “niche” (how and where an organism makes a living) where their full potential and skills can be realized? If so, what do you think yours is? If not, explain. Adding my 2 cents

Finding your niche

Show you the ropes

Give out, Give in, Give up Questions 1. What’s the difference between giving up and giving in? Have you ever given into something (e.g. peer pressure, temptation, giving in to giving up)? 2. Do you mind giving up on something? When is it ever a good thing to give up on something? 3. Have you ever given something up? What does it mean not to give up giving up on something? 4. Could you give up your phone or computer for a day? How about for a week? 5. Could you give up coffee, tea, soda, gum, etc., for a day? 6. What’s one thing you love so much and do every day that you would have difficulty giving up for a day or week? Do you think it would be better after abstaining from it for a time? 7. What does “give it up” mean in the following sentences? a) "Just give it up man, she's not interested in you." b) “Dang I was with Abby for 10 minutes when she was ready to give it up!” c) “Give it up to your DJ who is keepin’ it crunk for the party (crunked: crazy and drunk).” 8. Do you give out things freely or with a lot of discretion? (e.g., your telephone number, personal information, money, etc.) Explain. 9. Do you like to give out your opinion to others? Do you like to give out hugs or affection? What do you especially like to give out? Giving up Coffee for Lent

I gave up coffee one Lent (40 days of fasting and prayer leading up to Easter in Christianity). I thought I could handle it. I wanted to feel the pinch, but I didn’t expect (or want) to feel walloped with a bat instead. I gave it up, and I found that I really missed it. For one thing, I soon realized that I didn’t like coffee only for the taste, or for the caffeine, but for the rituals, of getting up from my desk and wandering to the faculty lounge to get another cup, of chatting with the colleagues on the way, of wandering back to my office to settle in again after a pleasant break. It just didn’t feel right, not getting up for coffee. However, the things you’ve given up come to you afresh, almost as if you’d never enjoyed them before. When you can have them any time you want, and do have them any time you want, you don’t enjoy them as they are perhaps meant to be enjoyed. At least I don’t. I sat down at breakfast on Easter morning—we’d gone to the Vigil the night before, so that I really was breaking my fast at breakfast — and drank a big cup of very strong coffee. And it was really, really, really good. I haven’t enjoyed coffee that much for years, decades even. I suddenly had some idea how heroin addicts feel.

Going Green and Loving Trees 1. Have you ever planted a tree or any kind of plant? If the government or a tree nursery/farm donated trees to be planted in a deforested area, would you volunteer? Do you know about Arbor Day (植树日- tree planting holiday)? 2. Do you think it is important to try and live a “green” or eco-friendly lifestyle? What are you doing now? What can you still do? 3. What do you think about Tree Huggers who hug trees when tree cutters / loggers are trying to cut them down? Would you ever do anything drastic to protect the environment? 4. Which side of the argument do you agree with? a) Loggers/Lumberjacks: We need to cut down trees for housing, furniture, paper, etc. When trees are cut down in most cases new trees are replanted and deforestation only occurs in preselected areas. b) Environmentalist / Tree Huggers: We depend on trees for our future and society should find alternatives to deforestation. 5. Every year during Christmas thousands of trees are cut down and later thrown away. 33 to 36 million Christmas trees are produced in America, and 50 to 60 million are produced in Europe. What do you consider about this holiday tradition? Do you think fake trees are any better? Should Westerners use potted Pine/Douglas Fur trees and then plant them? a) Natural tree growers contend that artificial trees are more environmentally harmful than their natural counterpart. Natural Christmas trees are entirely biodegradable and are often reused by tree farms or local governments as woodchips or mulch. In addition, the trees are grown as a crop and are not contributing to deforestation. b) The American Christmas Tree Association, continue to refute that artificial trees are more harmful to the environment and maintain that the PVC used in Christmas trees has excellent recyclable properties. 6. Computers allow for the reduction of paperwork while creating an accumulation of electronic waste. What are some solutions to E-waste and paper waste/rubbish? (e.g., Recycle, Reduce, Reuse) 7. If you could live in a tree, or have a tree house (perhaps for children) would you? Look at the pictures of the tree houses and choose the one that you like best or describe the kind of tree house you would like. Would you eat in the tree house restaurant (see pictures)? “We say we love flowers, yet we pluck them. We say we love trees, yet we cut them down. And people still wonder why some are afraid when told they are loved.”

Heaven and Hell Questions: 1. In your opinion, what would be heaven on earth or an earthly paradise? Consider some of the ideas below, what in your mind is most important? a) A clean environment and use of it (e.g. using clean energy, refusing to use anything that pollutes). b) A fair and just society, political system, and legal system? c) No more aging, death, or disease (the fountain of youth). d) No more war, fighting, or terrorism. e) A purposeful education and choice of occupation. f) Other _____________________. 2. Do you think a utopia (an ideal society or community possessing a seemingly perfect socio-politico-legal system) is possible? 3. What in your mind would be a marriage made in heaven, or a match made in heaven? 4. What in your mind would be the wife, husband, child, neighbor, or boss from hell? 5. What would be hell on earth? Consider the following, rank from most to least horrible, and discuss why: a) Having a disease or disability b) Being so beautiful that no one wants you for you, so you have difficulty feeling love. c) Being smart in a population of dumb or idiotic people. d) Living in poor living conditions, starvation, etc. e) Being denied basic freedoms of choice and expression. f) Being born a slave. g) Working in a mindless, mundane job, day in and day out. h) Being imprisoned for a crime you did not commit. i) Having no friends or family. Everyone abandons you or betrays you. j) Other _____________________. 6. If any of the above situations did happen to you. How would you respond and maintain hope and a positive attitude? Choose a few and discuss what you imagine you would do. 7. They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Do you agree or disagree. Have you ever intended to do something nice and had it blow up in your face and go to hell? 8. What won’t you do until or when hell freezes over? (meaning you will never do it) 9. When you die, do you hope there will be more to come or do you hope there will be nothing? Why do you think there is or isn’t a here after? 10. Many religions claim there are levels of heaven (e.g., I am in the seventh heaven), and levels of hell (i.e., purgatory), both physical and nonphysical in nature so that we reap what we sow, or experience the full effect of the wise and poor choices we make now and in a here after. (also known as cause and effect and karma ) Do you agree or disagree with this idea or notion? 11. Which do you think is best: Eternal heaven/hell (with Devil and Demons), Eternal heaven/annihilation of the wicked, reincarnation (many lives to Nirvana), Atheism (belief in no God), Nihilism (nothing). Idioms for Hell Hell: ll

a hell of a

have a cat in hell's chance

play hell

a hell of a lot of

have a chance in hell

play hell with

a hell of a mess

have a snowball's chance in hell put through hell

a living hell

have been to hell and back

quicker than hell

all hell breaks loose

have the devil to pay

raise hell

all hell broke loose

He that would go to sea for

raise the devil

as hell

hell breaks loose

road to hell is paved with good

be hell on wheels

Hell hath no fury

intentions

be hell-bent on

Hell hath no fury like a woman scare the hell out of

be shot to hell

scorned

see in hell before

beat the hell out of

hell of a note

shoot to hell

catch hell

hell on a holiday

shot full of holes

come hell or high water

hell on earth

sure as hell

fight like hell

hell on wheels

the [child, etc.] from hell

for the devil of it

hell to pay

The hell you say!

for the hell of it

hell with that!

The road to hell is paved with

frighten the hell out of

Hell's bells!

good intentions

from hell

hell-bent for

There will be hell to pay

get the hell out

hot as fire

there'll be hell to pay

get the hell out of

It'll be a cold day in hell

through hell and high water

give hell

knock the hell out of

till hell freezes over

Give them hell!

like a bat out of hell

to hell and gone

go through hell

like hell

to hell with

go to hell

like hell and high lightning

until hell freezes over

go to hell in a bucket

like the devil

What the devil?

go to hell in a handbasket

not have a chance in hell

what the hell

Go to hell!

not have a snowball's chance in What the hell? hell and not a hope in hell

Who the hell? You scared the hell out of me

Idioms for Heaven Heaven: aven a marriage made in heaven

Heaven help us!

manna from heaven

a match made in heaven

heaven on earth

Marriages are made in heaven

be in seventh heaven

Heaven protects children and

move heaven and earth

bundle of joy

drunken men

move heaven and earth to do

Crosses are ladders that lead to heavens opened

smell to heaven

heaven

Heavens to Betsy!

smell to high heaven

For Pete's sake!

heavens!

stink to high heaven

God forbid!

in heaven

Thank goodness!

God help

in heaven's name

thank heavens

God's in his heaven; all's right in hog heaven with the world heaven forbid

in seventh heaven

the heavens opened

History Questions: 1. Have you had a history class? Did you enjoy it or dislike studying history? When you think of the word “history” what comes to mind? (personal history (autobiography), history of a person written by another (biography), local/national/or world history) 2. Tell a student next to you a short biography about yourself from childhood to present. 3. Do you think that national and world histories are important? Why or why not? 4. Look at the quotes for the pros and cons for history. Which do you agree with most? PROS A. “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it” George Santayana B. "What experience and history teach is this-that people and governments never have learned anything from history, or acted on principles deduced from it." G. W. F. Hegel CONS A. "The past is useless. That explains why it is past." Wright Morris B. "History . . . is indeed little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind." Edward Gibbon C. "History is more or less bunk (nonsense or empty talk)." Henry Ford 5. If every thing you were taught by historians was a lie or a half-truth, how would you discover the truth? Do you agree or disagree with the following quotes: Readers should be very attentive to and critical of historians, and they in turn should be constantly on their guard." Polybius “History is written by those who've hung heroes.” Braveheart 6. What is more important, knowing history, or knowing how one should act, either by principle or ideas of right and wrong? Do you think you can know how to act with out knowing history? Do you think the past is changing? How can the past be changing if it is past? Evaluate the following quotes: "If you do not like the past, change it." William L. Burton "Each age tries to form its own conception (or idea) of the past. Each age writes the history of the past anew with reference to the conditions uppermost in its own time." Frederick Jackson Turner 'Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.'" George Orwell, 1984 7. Do you think religious books, which claim to be factual should be considered so?

Illusions Questions 1. Look at the optical illusions and discuss with a partner what you see. What did you see first? How long did it take you to see the images? What is your way of looking at them? 2. Should we trust our eyes? Is seeing believing? Or, are you skeptical of your senses? T/F a. Everything we sense is the past in the present. b. The images we see are not ‘out there,’ they are all inside our head. c. The senses only perceive; the mind interprets. 3. Do you think our world is a grand illusion? Fill in the blanks: a. The world is spherical or round, but it looks____________ (thin, flat, square). b. People with blindfolds can confuse taste and __________ (sight, smell, and hearing). c. A car is moving forward. Its wheels appear to be moving_________(backwards, straight, forward). d. A stick or pencil in water appears to be________ (straight, bent, round). e. People see a mirage in the desert and think they see_______ (sand, water, clouds). 4. Are you your thoughts and feelings? Have you ever watched your thoughts? Can you stop them? If you can’t stop them, are they you, or are you just unable to control your thoughts? Try to ‘catch a thought.’ 5. Do you ever talk to yourself? If so, who is that other self if there is another self? 6. "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" 7. Are you interested in magicians and illusionists? Are there any magicians and illusionists in China that are famous? What do you think about their tricks? 8. Do people treat you badly because you teach them to, or because they want to treat you badly? 9. You are a quiet or noisy person. You want to change. What is harder, changing yourself or the expectations other people have of you? 10. Is the glass half empty or half full? Do you view life from a positive or negative point of view / viewpoint / standpoint? Are both perspectives / approaches correct? 11. A writer writes a book. A reader reads the book. There are two different books, yet only one book. How? (hint: interpretation) 12. Five blind men want to know what an elephant is. Each touches a part of the elephant. The blind man who feels a leg says the elephant is like a pillar; the one who feels the tail says the elephant is like a rope; the one who feels the trunk says the elephant is like a tree branch; the one who feels the ear says the elephant is like a hand fan; the one who feels the belly says the elephant is like a wall; and the one who feels the tusk says the elephant is like a solid pipe. All the blind men disagree with each other. What can we learn from this story?

Why do we see illusions The Human brain puts images together because they have learned to expect things, and sometimes the data might get a little confused. We may see an illusion because we know what we are expected to see, even though part of a picture or design may not be completely there. The basis of this is in how we perceive things. That almost explains everything right there. If our brain and eyes did not function like they do, we would not see illusions like we do. One example of optical illusion is the television. The television just shows us a continuous flow of still pictures, one right after the other. Our eyes along with your brain fill in all of the empty spots. Our brain has learned to expect movement. As a result, our brain can fill in all of the missing pieces and the television appears to be actually moving to you, even though it really isn’t! A computer monitor is also one big optical illusion. Sometime when you have a chance, look at a computer screen really close for a minute or two. You will notice that you computer screen is made up of tiny red, green, and blue dots. The illusion is, you see more than just red, green, and blue dots; you see thousands of different colors. Our brains put the red, green, and blue dots together to make the colors. Optical illusions just trick you into seeing something else. They are an error in our perception of the illusion.

Impermanence Questions 1. Do you think there are golden moments, golden years, or wonder years in a person’s life? Why are some moments when remembered so golden? 2. Can you think of a time that was for you so special? 3. Do you think life is better because nothing lasts? Or do you long for a “Heaven” or “Eden” where nothing is transitory, fleeting, or momentary? Do you want things to always stay the same? 4. Which is best a life of mortality or a life of immortality? 5. Why do you think we find ourselves in a life of mortality, with pain, suffering, and hardship? Is it worth it? 6. Do you think we can take anything from this life? If so, what? If not, what do you think is the point of life? 7. Does there need to be a purpose or point to life? 8. Read the poem below by Robert Frost. What do you think about it? After discussing read the analysis next to it.

"Nothing Gold Can Stay" explicitly describes identical moments in three temporal cycles: the daily, the yearly, and the mythic. In each case the poem depicts the moment when the promise of perfection declines into something lesser. Gold unabashedly becomes a symbol–a very traditional one–for the highest value and most radiant beauty. Spring, dawn, and Eden are each a sort of Golden Age, an impermanent paradise. What lies ahead is never stated overtly, but it is inarguably present by implication. Day is inevitably followed by night. Summer is succeeded by fall and winter. The green leaf eventually turns brown and decays. The loss of Eden gave Adam and Eve mortality. Human youth, by implication, is followed by maturity, old age, and ultimately death. The golden moment, therefore, is all the more precious because it is transitory. By focusing on a single moment, Frost evokes an entire day, year, lifetime, and human history…It can also be read –in general terms at least–from a biographical perspective. Written by a middle-aged man who had already lost two children, both parents, and his closest friend, this short work evokes a point in life when the golden illusions of youth have vanished. http://www.danagioia.net/essays/efrost2.htm

Is Plastic Fantastic? – Plastics like Diamonds are for Forever!


Biodegradable Plastic: Biodegradable plastic is designed to break down and decompose. But critics say there is no such thing, and that at best it can be expected to decompose partly…"There is no such thing as biodegradable plastic…The best you can do is to enhance the plastic to break up into smaller pieces. But it will still be plastic and it will still harm the environment." http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-07-28-tiger-launches-new-biodegradable-plastic




Plastic Pollution: Today, less than 3 percent of the plastic garbage we dispose of is being recycled, and much of the remainder may never be reused in any form. Instead, it is ending up in landfills and as litter, and is endangering wildlife, especially fish and other marine animals. http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-9206815.html Recycle, Reduce, Reuse: Recycling has become a large industry that depends on plastics. Our Plastic Economy: Plastic Card and Debt; high interest rates.  Over a period of decades, people learned that instant gratification is possible if they pulled the “plastic” out of their pocket book or wallet and purchased that “must have now” item.…. Although much of the “plastic” pandemic is prevalent throughout all social-economic demographics, “plastic” is being spread like candy around college institutions to continue the concept of instant gratification and worry about how to pay later. http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/the-plastic-conspiracy-592163.html Plastic Surgery (reconstructive and cosmetic/aesthetic plastic surgery)  Use of skin grafts from another part of the body, or a human or animal donor. The word "plastic" derives from the Greek plastikos meaning to mold or to shape; its use here is not connected with the synthetic polymer material known as plastic. Plastic Parts: Designed to break—and keep us buying.  Many of the products we buy today are no longer able to last more than a year or six months. If you get a warranty for a product, it usually lasts no longer than one-three years. Very few products have a life warranty. Things are designed to break, and this is evident because the most important parts are made of plastic that breaks easily. This is a tragedy! Plastic products and e-waste all end up at landfills contributing to pollution of our environment. Questions:  Do you find yourself buying products that are cheap and break quickly, or do you save money and buy the more expensive product with better manufacturing?  What do you think of China’s policy to ban plastic bags? Is it working?  What are some ways to reduce e-waste?  Do you see plastic as a pandemic (a spreading disease) or an important part of our way of life?  In what ways is plastic good and in what ways is plastic bad? Do the negatives outweigh the positives?  As consumers what can we do to get products that are not cheaply made?














1. Have you ever eaten something so bad that you just wanted to spit it out or did spit it out? 2. Describe a time you or another person you know wanted to say something, but couldn’t spit it out. (e.g., Come on! Say it! Spit it out! Spit it out! Get it said!) a) Perhaps you have a crush on someone and want to tell them you like them. b) Perhaps you have big news or bad news. c) Perhaps you can’t find the right words and feel tongue tied. 3. Describe a time you spit out your words in anger or were mad enough to spit nails/blood. (e.g. she spit out the most unpleasant string of curse words I have ever heard from anyone.) 4. Have you ever lived within spitting distance of a place you really liked? What place? Describe. 5. Has anyone ever said you were the spitting image / the spit and image (as if you were spit out of your parents mouth) of your father or mother? Who do you think you most resemble? Do you think you are like them? 6. Describe a time you tried to change something or do something and knew you were just spitting into the wind/pissing into the wind. (it only comes back to hit you) 7. What do you think of spitting or expectorating on the ground? If there was a no spitting sign near you and you really needed to spit, would you? 8. What do you think is more offensive, smoking or spitting? 9. Describe a time you were spit on by an animal or person. (e.g. the spitting llamas) 10. Do you think a spitting contest would be fun (e.g., spitting the pits of cherries, or the seeds of watermelons)?

Labor of Love 1. Have you ever volunteered to do something? If so what? 2. If you have never volunteered to do something, what would you enjoy doing? Consider the following non-profit organizations (非营利组织机构): a) Best Friends Animal Society (helps animals) b) Doctors without Borders (doctors provided health care for free) c) Guide Dogs of America (raising dogs to give to blind people) d) Action Against Hunger; Food for the Hungry e) Paralyzed Veterans of America; Blinded Veterans Society (Does China have one?) f) Citizens Against Government Waste g) Boys and Girls Club of America (Does China have one?) h) SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions, formerly Against Drunk Driving) 3. What do you enjoy doing so much that you wouldn’t mind doing it for free to help people? 4. Have you or would you ever adopt a stray or abandoned animal, or parentless child? If not, how can people help out in other ways? (e.g. donate money or time) Services: 5. What do you think of fundraising? Do you think the money Swimming pool gets to the people who need it? How can we keep track of Support networks charitable donations? Free kitchen / soup kitchens 6. What services would you like to have at a local community Free Shops / Swap Shops center? Are there any available in your neighborhood? Second-hand stores (exchange Consider the following services to the right. goods or buy at a reduced cost) 7. How can we help the homeless, poor, and sick in your city get Computer labs back on their feet (恢复健康)? What about the elderly and Career centers (for laid-off disabled. Could community centers help to reduce crime? employees) 8. Should volunteer work or charity work be required of high Free housing for the homeless school students and college students? If the government Recreation required people to do community service would this be a good Spaces for dances, performances, or bad thing? and art exhibitions 9. Which of the following benefits of volunteering and giving of your time and talents would you be interested in? a) Making new friends and networking contacts b) Building self-esteem & Personal satisfaction c) Learning new skills d) Having fun e) Making a difference in the lives of people f) Using the experience on your resume 10. What do you want to do to change the world for the better? How can you get started? Give time for a worthy cause (with eagerness) — you will be worthy and richly rewarded. - W. Clement Stone

LABOR OF LOVE (beginners) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6. 7. 8. 9.

Have you ever volunteered to do something? If so what? What would be a labor of love for you (e.g. child birth, helping others, etc.) How can you help people? How would you give of your time? Have you ever adopted or helped a stray or abandoned animal? If there is a community center in your city, what services are needed most? a) Recreation center (basketball courts, swimming pools, etc.) b) Support groups/networks c) Soup Kitchens d) Computer labs e) Career Centers f) Other______________. How can we help the poor, elderly, disabled, and homeless in your city? What do you think is an eyesore or problem in your city? How can it be solved? What can you do? What do you want to do to change the world for the better? How can you get started? Word List: Should children be required to do community service? What Volunteer would be most meaningful and useful? Charity Work Partnership Community Center Recreation Center Non-Profit Organization Contribution/Donation/ Fundraising Soup Kitchens Second-Hand Stores Mission to change the world

1. How long does it take for you to be out for the count, or to be sleeping soundly? How do you fall asleep? 2. What do you rarely do, and you can count the number of times on the fingers of one hand? 3. Did you ever make a mistake that was counted against you? Did you make the same mistake again? 4. When you feel sad and you count your blessings, what do you consider your blessings to be? 5. Describe times when every minute counts and you feel short on time. How can you make every minute count? 6. What are the qualities of someone who can be counted on? How have you shown other people that you are a person they can count on? 7. Talk about something you have done so many times that you have lost count of it. Do you remember the first time you did it? 8. Have you ever counted your chickens before they hatched? (i.e., things did not work out as you wanted, and you were not prepared for what happened.) 9. Describe a time you had to ask a friend or family member to count you out of their plans. What were you doing at the time? Describe. 10. Describe someone you count among your closest friends or family. How did they come to be so important to you? 11. Describe something you were so excited about that you were counting down the days. 12. Have you ever given up or quit on something after counting the cost and seeing that you were losing too much or would lose too much? Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch: It means that you should not plan on everything going exactly as you expected until you see the results for yourself. Just because a chicken lays four eggs doesn't mean that four will hatch, so don't make plans based on expected results until those results are for sure.

Be out for the count Can count on the fingers of one hand Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades Count against Count among Count as Count blessings Count chickens before they hatch Count down Count for something- to be valid for something; to be worth something. Count from Count heads Count in – to include someone as part of something. “Count in everyone who said they would attend.” Count me in Count me out Count off - to count people or things, to see if they are all there. “Let's count them off to see who is missing.” Count on Count out Count the cost Count up Count up to Counts with - to be important to someone. Don't count chickens before they hatch. Every minute counts Lose count of Stand up and be counted Take the count – to die. Wouldn't bet on it

Let your conscience be your guide Questions: 1. What is a conscience? Do you listen to your conscience? What do you think should determine our actions: conscience, governments/law, religion, etc.? 2. Does everyone have a conscience or do you think some people are morally bankrupt? 3. If you have a guilty conscience should you tell someone or keep it to yourself? Discuss what you would do for each of the following: a) You cheated on a test and got 100%. The teacher is so happy that she gives you a reward, such as some candy or takes you out to lunch. Do you tell the teacher you cheated? b) You cheated on your spouse once many years ago. Since then you have been faithful. Do you tell or keep it a secret? c) You broke one of the rules at work, knowing there is no way your boss can prove you did. When the boss asks you about it, you deny it and feel guilty later. Do you confess the truth to your boss and possibly lose your job? d) You let a thief get away. Later when walking home you discover your grandfather tried to stop the same thief and was shot and killed. Should you feel guilty for not acting as your grandfather had? (Taken from Spiderman) e) When you were younger you and your partner decided to have several abortions. Under what circumstances should one have a clear conscience or guilty conscience? f) You own a gun. Your three year old child finds your gun and shoots his brother with the gun, thinking it is a play toy. Should the child or the parents be found guilty? Is the child still at an age of innocence? 4. Under what circumstances would you become a conscientious objector, thus refusing to participate in a war that your country is endorsing or supporting? 5. What is more important, one’s own conscience or social conscience (an attitude of sensitivity toward and sense of responsibility regarding injustice and problems in society)? Are the two related? Consider the quote below: “Justice is conscience, not a personal conscience but the conscience of the whole of humanity. Those who clearly recognize the voice of their own conscience usually recognize also the voice of justice.” - Alexander Solzhenitsyn 6. Do you agree or disagree? To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men. – Abraham Lincoln. 7. Do you think we have a still small voice inside us? Where does it come from? Is it part of you or from outside? Is it part of social conscience or a collective whole? Consider the quote below: “I think we all have a little voice inside us that will guide us. It may be God, I don't know. But I think that if we shut out all the noise and clutter from our lives and listen to that voice, it will tell us the right thing to do.” – Christopher Reeve

Through pride we are ever deceiving ourselves. But deep down below the surface of the average conscience a still, small voice says to us, 'Something is out of tune.' – Carl Jung

Life Extension: The Fountain of Youth & Tree of Life Opening Questions 1. Rather than living 60-85 years on average, the science of the future may allow for longer living. Would you want to live a longer life that exceeds a hundred years? 2. Do you think that science can slow down, reverse aging, rejuvenate dying cells, or even eventually overcome aging and death? Would you want it to? 3. Many people don’t want to live longer as an aging person, but what about extended youth? What if you could be 25-30 for hundreds if not thousands of years? 4. Do you think that life is tiring and painful, or do you say life is a gift, a wonderful, fascinating, and beautiful experience? 5. What conditions would you want to change or overcome in the world today to make a longer life a pleasant, enriching, and positive experience? How important do you think attitude is? 6. Do you think the natural balance or order in nature would be disrupted if people lived longer? How would living longer affect how we have children, how we educate ourselves, what kind of jobs we pursue in life, where we live, and how we travel? 7. If science could extend the life of animals, would you want to allow your pet dog, cat, or bird to live longer? 8. Why do you think it is that the more intelligent a being is the longer it lives? (e.g., humans live longer than dogs, dogs live longer than fish, fish live longer than insects). Do you think that as humans become more intelligent so also will we live longer naturally if not scientifically? 9. What subjects, skills, and trades would you most want to gain mastery over? (For instance, be the jack of all trades, or a Mr. Fix It). 10. Many scientists say that currently the best way to extend life is through calorie restriction. What is calorie restriction? 11. Many are talking about cloning and body part replacements which could replace transplants. Should we support or fear a future where cloning is a reality? Short Excerpt: http://www.benbest.com/lifeext/whylife.html What would I do with a thousand-year lifespan? I'd probably spend some of it trying to find a way to live longer. But I would not otherwise lack for things to do. It would take me at least 200 years to read my way through my book collection. I would like to gain mastery of mathematics, physics and chemistry. I would like to learn and practice medicine. I want to understand jurisprudence and practice law. I would like to master carpentry, plumbing and electrical skills -- and build houses. I would like to master industrial design & fabrication, computers and biotechnology so as to start & operate productive businesses. I want to build financial empires. I want to learn to play musical instruments and explore the many worlds of music. I want to join and organize communities for social experimentation. I want to write great books. I want to do experimental scientific research. I want to explore the planet Earth with a deep enough knowledge of flora & fauna & geology that I can appreciate what I am seeing, hearing, smelling and touching. I want to learn foreign languages, live & work in many different countries and gain a direct sense of the lives, histories & cultures of others. And I want to explore to the fullest my own loves, hates, fears and joys. I want to fathom love, my capacities for love and the limitless mystery of love & sexuality.

1. What do you think about dressing exactly like your significant other? 2. If you showed up for a date and your date was wearing the exact same thing as you either clothes-wise or colors-wise, would you want to change your clothes? Would you consider this a sign? 3. Should young sweethearts and young couples match? 4. What’s the difference between matching and complimenting your mate or significant other’s clothing? 5. Some people say people match clothing so people will know they are an item or spoken for. What does it mean to be an item or to be spoken for? 6. Will knowing that your special someone is wearing their matching shirt, or matching ring, etc, make you feel closer to each other all day long? 7. Do you think the look should be well coordinated, subtle, understated, and minimal, or should couples clothing stand out, scream at you, and explicitly show togetherness? Is this more important for younger couples? What about older couples? Do you know any older couples who have matching dressing styles? 8. Would you or do you go shopping for clothing with your significant other? Have you ever tried to match their style, color, fabric, shoes, etc.? 9. Besides your boyfriend/girlfriend, or husband/wife, have you ever noticed yourself matching any other people, such as a friend, brother, sister, or parent? 10. Have you ever heard of an aura? Some couples who have been together a long time and shared similar experiences also share matching auras, which special cameras can pick up in a photograph. 11. Do you think couples begin to look the same in appearance after being together for a long time?

Moral & Ethical Dilemmas 1. What are your perceptions of morality? Is it black and white, or do you often perceive gray areas (the line between right and wrong is blurred)? Discuss what you would do in the following moral or ethical dilemmas. Discuss your reasons and any possible alternative solutions. a. The Accident. You are an emergency worker. You discover your wife in a wreck with a man. She says, “I’m sorry,” and you know it’s her lover. If you try to save your wife first, the man will surely die, what do you do? Do you let them both die? b. Stuck in a Cave. There are six people in a cave on the coast. One is a pregnant woman. She goes through the mouth of the cave but gets stuck and the water is getting higher. One person has a stick of dynamite. Do you kill her to save the other five who will certainly drown? c. Runaway Trolley. A runaway trolley car is hurtling down a track. In its path are five people who will definitely be killed unless you, a bystander, flip a switch which will divert it on to another track, where it will kill one person. Should you flip the switch? d. Hit and Run? You are driving your car and hit a person when changing the music on the radio. Several other cars are also involved as a result. When you get out, the woman in the car behind you thinks she hit the person and is to blame. Do you let her take the blame and perhaps go to prison? Or do you tell the truth fearing you may go to prison if you don’t? e. The Torture of the Mad Bomber. A mad bomber has been arrested, but not before he has already planted bombs throughout the city. Some people suggest torturing him or members of his family, who are innocent, to save all the people in the city. Torture is illegal however. Do you agree to torture in this desperate situation? f. A Father's Agonizing Choice. You are an inmate in a concentration camp. A sadistic guard is about to hang your son who tried to escape and wants you to pull the chair from underneath him. He says that if you don’t he will not only kill your son but some other innocent inmate as well. You don’t have any doubt that he means what he says. What should you do? g. What fare? You get on the bus but the conductor forgets to take your bus fare. Do you keep the money or pay your fare? Because it is a trivial amount of money (small amount) should you care or not care? Have you ever done it before? h. Lost and Found. Scenario 1: You discover Bill Gate's wallet lying on the street. It contains $1000.00 Do you send it back to him? Scenario 2: You find a wad of stolen money hidden by bank robbers. The police are not looking for you and they will never know you took it. Do you keep only some of it? Do you take all of it? Do you return it? i. Cruelty to Animals. Would it be justifiable to whip pigs to death if more succulent pork resulted from this process, giving the consumers of pork more pleasure? Should the slaughter house or butcher be held accountable?

j.

Drug Bust. You are in Bali, traveling with your wife and 18 year old son. At the airport, an armed officer with a sniffer dog comes by and it starts barking. Your son’s bag is opened and marijuana is found. The officer asks whose bag it is. They have a zero tolerance policy on drugs, meaning your son could be jailed for life, or worse, executed, if he does have some illicit materials in his bag. You are aware that he occasionally smokes marijuana. Both you and your wife fear the worst. Your wife is about to take the blame, do you take the blame instead? Or, do you protect your wife and blame your son? k. The Principle of Psychiatric Confidentiality. You are a psychiatrist and your patient has just confided to you that he intends to kill a woman. You're inclined to dismiss the threat as idle, but you aren't sure. Should you report the threat to the police and the woman or should you remain silent as the principle of confidentiality between psychiatrist and patient demands? Should there be a law that compels you to report such threats? l. The Partiality of Friendship. Jim has the responsibility of filling a position in his firm. His friend Paul has applied and is qualified, but someone else seems even more qualified. He reasons that friendship has a moral importance that permits, and perhaps even requires, partiality in some circumstances. So he gives the job to Paul. Was he right? m. The Overcrowded Lifeboat. Your boat has struck an iceberg. More than 30 survivors are crowded into a lifeboat intended to hold 7. There is a storm and it is obvious that the lifeboat will have to be lightened if anyone is to survive. The captain reasons that the right thing to do in this situation is to force some individuals to go over the side and drown, thus saving some and not being responsible for the deaths of all. Others argue that if nothing is done and all die, none will be held responsible for the deaths. Who do you agree with? If so, would you draw straws or pick the weakest? n. Red Light. 10. It is 3 a.m. and you are late getting home. As you approach the intersection you notice that no one is around. Do you drive through the red light?

Person drowning

Traffic Accident

Lifeboat Concentration Camp

Be nice to people on your way up because you'll meet them on your way down. – Jimmy Durante Nice guys finish last. – Leo Durocher Questions 1. Do we live in a dog eat dog world, of an eye for an eye, where nice guys finish last when climbing up the ladder of success? Or, should we treat others the way we wish to be treated (i.e., the Golden Rule)? 2. Can you be a nice guy and still not be a pushover who is always walked all over and taken advantage of? 3. You know someone who you discover is a two faced, double-crossing hypocrite. How do you respond to them if they are your: Friend, Relative, Family member, Colleague / co-worker, Boss, or Classmate? 4. When the pressure's on, do you surrender or take a stand? Do you let people walk all over you or do you know how to stand up for yourself and be a little bit aggressive? 5. When there is a bone of contention, or someone has a bone to pick with you, how do you respond? 6. What will push you over the edge? 7. Have you ever felt cornered or pushed up against a wall and reacted aggressively? 8. Do women want the nice guy (is too nice and becomes a ‘doormat’ that everyone steps on) or the bad boy (a jerk, macho man, loser who doesn’t treat her well)? Do men want a nice housewife or the sexy vixen? Can one have the best of both worlds? 9. While nice guys may not be competitive in terms of the numbers of lovers, they tend to be more successful with respect to longer-term, committed relationships. Do you agree or disagree?

Push Back When you’ve been pushed around all your life, you have to learn how to push back – verbally, that is. Stand up for yourself when someone is mowing over you. It’s okay to say “no”. If you’re at work and your colleague insists: “It’s your job to handle this”, take a minute to look at what’s being shoved in your face and respond: “You may be right, but I’ll have to look it over and let you know.” If it’s not your responsibility, give it back. If you’re at home and your spouse bellows: “Get ready! I’ve made dinner reservations and we’re going to be late!” it’s fine to respond: “That was very nice of you, but you didn’t ask if I wanted to go so give me a minute to see if I care to go along.” You have needs, rights and feelings too and it is up to you to see that people respect them – and you http://www.drcarolwebster.com/Are%20You%20A%20Pushover.htm

On the other side of the Bridge… 1. Do you have a gap between where/who/what you are in life and where/who/what you want to be? How can you bridge the gap 弥合差别;消除 隔阂? 2. Which of these gaps do you want to cross? a. Is there a gap between how fit you are and how fit you would like to be? b. Is there a gap between how much you work and how much you play? c. Is there a gap between the job you have and the job you want? d. Is there a gap between what you have and what you want? e. Is there a gap between you and your family, friends, classmates or colleagues? f. Is there a gap between what you know and what you need to learn? g. Are there any other gaps in your life that you want to leap over 跳过 or "loose ends" 零 碎材料, 未扣牢的一端 you want to tie up 完成几件必须做的事? 3. How can we fill the gap ( 弥合差距, 弥补缺陷, 填补空白) or bridge the gap between the rich and poor, the young and the old (generation gap 代沟), and different cultures? 4. Are you worried about crossing any bridges when you come to them (船到桥头自然直)? (For instance, you are worried about crossing the bridge into adulthood, parenthood, choices to be made prior to and after graduation from college, becoming old, etc.) 5. Are you the type of person who plans ahead (谨慎小心的事先注意或计划的) or do you say, “Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it.”? 6. Have you ever burned any bridges 不留后路,不再改变,破釜沉舟 that you would like to rebuild (再建,改建,重建)? What can you do to build bridges (relationships with people)? 7. Can you think of something you were once upset about but now consider “water under the bridge”( 无法改变的事) or “water over the dam.”? (Meaning it happened a long time ago and no one is upset anymore.) 8. How long does it take you to forget about something Don’t burn any bridges. when you have been hurt? Can you move on without an It’s all water under the bridge apology 道歉? `

Cross the bridge when you come to it.

Perceptions of Beauty 1. What are your perceptions of beauty? What is your mindset? (i.e., what have you set your mind on as being beautiful?) a. Why do you think many people in the West want brown, tan skin, while many people in the East want white skin? b. What do you prefer, a woman with or without make-up or cosmetics? What do you think of men wearing cosmetics? c. A tall woman with a short man, or a tall man with a short woman? d. How many moles are too many moles? Is a beauty mark, really a beauty mark? e. How much hair is too much hair? How much hair is not enough? Can a woman be beautiful with a shaved head? Can a man be handsome with long hair? Is hair under the armpits or on the legs ok for both women and men? Should women shave their body or be hairless? f. What in your mind is too skinny or slim? What in your mind is just right? What in your mind is too fat or overweight? Can you trust what you see in the mirror? g. An older woman or man is trying to look younger either with make-up, facial creams, fake hair, hair implants, or plastic surgery. What do you think of these things? h. A young person trying to look older and acting older than she/he actually is. (e.g., breast enlargements to look bustier or wearing more mature clothing). i. Bodybuilders both male and female. Are their bodies beautiful? If you were a man would you be with a woman more muscular than yourself? 2. Do you believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder? Where do our ideas about beauty come from? (e.g., nature, parents, friends, the opposite sex, employers, society, the media, etc.) 3. What is more important to you inner beauty or outer beauty? Are people able to look past surface appearances and judge only someone’s heart? Is beauty only skin deep (meaning physical beauty is superficial and what lies beneath the skin is most important)? 4. Would you choose a girlfriend or boyfriend who is not attractive physically, but is truly kind, compassionate, loving, tender, sensitive, and intelligent? 5. What do you think about the following? a. Attractive patients receive more personalized care from their doctors. b. Handsome criminals receive lighter sentences than less attractive convicts. c. How much money a person earns may be influenced by physical beauty. Should it be? 6. In the past everyone considered you the ugly duckling and made fun of you. Now you are attractive and they want to be your friend. Do you forgive and forget or ignore them now?

1. What are tabloids and celebrity rumors and gossip? What do you think about reading the tabloids? 2. Who comes to mind as a pop star/celebrity (a famous or popular person), a diva (exceptional female singer, Italian word applied to the world of opera), a Queen of Pop, and a Pop Icon (an image or representation; a symbol; one who is the object of great attention and devotion; an idol)? 3. What stars do you know that are household names or superstars? 4. What is a Prima Donna? (Italian for ‘first lady,’ can be someone who gets or desires the spotlight more than others). Would you give any celebrity this title? 5. Who do you consider a tabloid queen? 6. Do you think the stories in the tabloids are all just a bunch of hype? (hype may come from hyper, and means to have a lot of commotion or exaggerated claims and excessive publicity) 7. Is there any celebrity or artist you hope will make a comeback and be back on top? 8. What do you think about media ridicule of celebrities’ weight and strange behavior? Do you think the attention could just be a publicity stunt? 9. What do you think about media whores? Interesting? Annoying? or best to be avoided? (Media whore: one who use their private life to enhance their celebrity status, sometimes doing so desperately with fake or planned relationships, reality television appearances, celebrity nudity, and in extreme cases scandal or celebrity sex tapes). 10. Dancing divas are known for pushing the envelope. (To attempt to extend the current limits of performance. To innovate, or go beyond commonly accepted boundaries. An envelope is that which envelops or covers. Inside the envelope it is tested and safe, but to push it is to go beyond the current tested limits). Who do you think pushes the envelope? 11. Do you consider yourself a fan of any pop stars in Western or Chinese popular culture? 12. If someone predicts an album or record from a famous recording artist will be big, will you be more likely to listen or buy their music, or go to one of their upcoming tours?

Opening Questions: 1. What is religion? What are some of the religions in the world and their beliefs? 2. What are some of the religions in China? 3. What does it mean to believe something by faith? 4. Do you believe anything by faith or do you only believe what you can feel, touch, taste, see, hear, etc.? 5. What role do you think faith based groups and organizations play in American and other countries around the world? 6. Do you think religion is a blessing or a bane (a cause of suffering or harm) to society? 7. What is the difference between someone who says they are religious, conservative, and believes in absolutes (everything is black and white) and someone who is either spiritual but not religious or not spiritual or religious at all (Athiest), is liberal minded, and believes in relativism (nothing is black and white, we understand one thing by its relationship to another). Vocabulary: Religion

Faith

Theist

Atheist

Moderate

Conservative

Liberal

Religious

Spiritual but not religious

Freethinker

Absolutes

Relatives/ Relativism

Scientific Theory

Fact Fiction

Myth/Mythology

God

Gods/ Goddesses

Bane

getting your just reward

Heaven Hell

Salvation Savior Saved by works

Perfection Grace vs. Merit/Work

Sin/sins Light Dark

7 deadly Existence sins

World Faiths: 1. Judiasm=Jewish 2. Christianity=Christians 3. Islam/Mohammedanism=Islamic/Muslim 4. Hinduism=Hindu 5. Buddhism=Buddhist, Zen Buddhist 6. Sikhism=Sikh http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html

Free Will

and

vs.

Reincarnation Predestination Destiny Fate

Screaming at the top of my lungs 1. Have you ever had to raise your voice either to be heard or to yell at someone? What would cause, or causes you to raise your voice? 2. Describe a time you got a sore throat or your voice became hoarse (i.e., strained vocal cords) because you were talking too loudly (e.g., talking loudly at a bar or club with loud music; got in an intense shouting match with someone, singing too much at KTV, etc ) 3. What is something you would refuse to do, and if forced to do it you would be kicking and screaming the whole time? 4. Were you ever so mad that you could scream? Did you scream? What makes you really mad?

We scream when we are happy, afraid, in pain, or surprised. When was the last time you screamed?

5. Were you ever so happy about something you wanted to shout it from the rooftops? What would make you happy enough to want to shout out loud (with a mega horn)? (e.g., your love for someone; you or your wife is pregnant; someone or something that was lost is found). 6. What keeps you screaming for more, or begging in delight for more? (e.g., rollercoaster rides; fans screaming for their favorite pop star, singer, or band at a concert; sports event) 7. What will make you scream or shriek in horror? (e.g., rats and mice, cockroaches, dead things, a scary movie, a cheating lover caught in the act, etc.) 8. Describe a time you weren’t listening or felt very tired and someone gave you a wake-up call (i.e., they shouted at you)? 9. What do you find most disturbing? What is most annoying? How would you handle each? Describe any experiences you have had with the noises below: a. Someone who is bawling, wailing, weeping, and bellowing. (i.e., crying) b. An animal that is making noise (the dogs are howling; an owl is hooting; an eagle is screeching; chickens are squawking; a lion is roaring; a puppy is yelping, yipping and yapping). c. A piercing, shrill scream, squeal, or temper tantrum of a toddler or child. (“I am child, hear me roar.”) 10. Have you ever won something or been victorious and made a whoop of joy? 11. If someone hoots and hollers at you when you are walking down the street, will you be embarrassed or flattered that they consider you attractive? How will you respond?

Questions 1. Is keeping secret easy or difficult for you? Have you ever let the cat out of the bag? Have you ever spilled the beans? Are you a kiss-and-tell kind of person? 2. Try to guess the meanings of these other idioms: a. "It was difficult for me not to react; I had to bite my tongue." b. "The personnel were kept in the dark about the merger until the last c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. l. m. n.

minute." If you turn a blind eye to something, you ignore it intentionally. "I'd like to be a fly on the wall when the management discusses my project." "My boss has promised me a promotion, but it's not official yet, so keep it under your hat." "The company tried to keep a lid on the negotiations but word got out to the Press." "The inventor is a discreet man who keeps a low profile." "The plan was kept under wraps until the contract was officially signed." "He left the company like a thief in the night, without telling his colleagues or saying goodbye." "I promise I won't tell anyone. My lips are sealed!" "We're organizing a surprise event on New Year's Eve so "Mum's the word" - OK?" "My comment was made off the record, and shouldn't have been published" Sweep something under the rug. "I don't know if the police gave the full details, but inevitably 'truth will out'."

3. Do you think we should tell our children the truth about everything when they ask? If we don’t do you think it teaches children that it is ok to lie? Is it ok to lie sometimes? 4. Do you like and or desire surprises (i.e., surprise proposal, surprise birthday parties, etc.) 5. What is gossip? Are you a social butterfly, or like the three monkeys who see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil? 6. Have you ever or would you ever write a secret love letter, have a secret romance, or keep a secret? 7. Most every government has Top Secret programs that withhold information. What do you think about this? What are the positives and negatives of such policies? Consider the following: a. Pros: National Security, Protection, People can not handle the truth/People are not ready to know, b. Cons: Lies, deception, trickery, smoke and mirrors, conspiracy, lack of trust, 8. Do you like to watch magicians, even knowing they are just tricking you? Have you ever thought a magician was for real? 9. Do you like to watch spy movies with actors who wear different kinds of disguises?

So you’re Over the Hill… Questions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

What does it mean to be over the hill? What does it mean to walk down memory lane? Do you think about becoming a senior citizen or getting old? Do you think you can make your old age better by the way you live now? What do you want to do to prepare for your old age? Do you want to depend on your children when you are old or be independent? Would you mind living in a rest home or convalescence home with other old people your age? Do you think this is good or bad for old people? 7. If your grandparents or parents were in an old people’s home, how often would you visit? 8. When you get old will you let yourself go or will you clean and groom your body as you do now? Would you grow a long beard? 9. What do you fear most about getting old? (Bad teeth and dentures, walking with a cane or not being able to walk and using a wheel chair, losing your hair or going bald, losing your memory, being forgotten by your family and friends, etc.). 10. Which statement do you agree with most: a. I don’t care (about smoking, drinking, etc.); I am going to die one day anyways. b. I may die one day but I want to live and die in a good state of mind and health. c. I don’t know if I care or not, I am confused with life and just try to get by. 11. Discuss with a partner whether you can or can’t see yourself doing the following things when old: a. Tai Chi in the park -- way before anyone is awake. b. The community dance every evening in nearly every park around town. c. Blow snot through your nose will riding down the street on your tricycle (with either your wife or some veggies in the back). d. Help raise your grandchildren. e. Fly kites, take your little dog for walks, go fishing, write in calligraphy… f. Walk backward, swing your arms up and down, etc. g. Have community group pajama parties with your baby grandchildren. h. Go shopping for vegetables early in the morning. i. Play Mahjong all day and night long. j. Collect recyclables. k. Hang out in the park playing chess while smoking. l. Be a life-long learner educating yourself every day. m. Sit back relax, do nothing except watch birds and TV.

Opening Questions: 1. 2. 3. 4.

What do you think about sugar? What do you think about chocolate and candy? Do you eat and drink products made with a lot of sugar? How do you feel after eating a sugar drink or food? Would you say you consume: hardly any sugar, a little sugar, a moderate amount of sugar, or a lot of sugar? 5. Do you think that sugar has the potential to make you sick? 6. Would you consume less sugar if you discovered that it weakens your bodies immune system and ability to fight colds and disease? 7. What kinds of products have sugar in them? 8. Do you think China is consuming more sugar now than in the past? Are people getting fatter and sick more often in China than when they ate only a traditional Chinese diet? 9. When you eat starchy carbohydrates such as potatoes, rice or pasta, do you find it difficult to stop? 10. When you eat sweets or sugar do you find it difficult to stop or feel sleepy about 30-45 minutes later? Have you experienced a sugar rush or sugar high (you feel as high as a kite)? 11. Do you find that within 24 hours of overeating sweets you get depressed, lethargic or have mood swings? 12. Do or did one or more of your parents or grandparents have heart disease, diabetes, a stroke or high blood pressure. Do you have any of these problems? SUPPLEMENTAL READING When you consume foods containing refined sugar, caffeine or alcohol, your blood sugar takes a sharp rise, which triggers the pancreas to release insulin in order to bring your sugar level back into balance. Insulin is secreted upon eating any food, yet these particular foods cause an inordinately high amount of insulin to be released. Shortly thereafter, your blood sugar level drops below normal and your energy drops dramatically. The body, in its effort to return to a healthy balance, may misinterpret this energy low as hunger-often ravenous hunger, often causing you to eat out of control to bring back your energy. Refined dietary sugars lack minerals and vitamins, and so they must draw upon the body's micro-nutrient stores in order to be metabolized into the system. When these storehouses are depleted, metabolization is impeded.

Sugar consumption in America is one of the 3 major causes of

degenerative disease. It is little wonder that the honey bear is the only animal found in nature with a problem with tooth-decay (honey decays teeth faster than table sugar). The glucose found in sugar is thought by some to speed up the growth of cancerous cells. Studies conducted on animals suggest that yeast and bacteria feed on sugar. If they get out of control they can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to whatever bug or virus is going round. Diabetes is actually caused by an imbalance of insulin in your body.

r

Surveillance Society Questions 1. Do you think that surveillance cameras are for our safety or so that governments (Big Brother) can track our every move? 2. Do you think public cameras violate our rights? 3. You are being monitored and watched! Does this bother you that every move you make could be scrutinized? 4. Have you ever looked in a surveillance camera and made a face or done something funny? 5. Why do you think stores are so worried about you bringing cameras in their store? They have the right to record us, but we don’t have the right to record them. Is this fair? 6. How do you think the camera phone is changing “no camera” rules? Do you think “no camera” rules are silly? 7. Do you think it is a good thing that there are surveillance cameras at traffic stops with busy intersections in places in China and around the world? Should there be more? 8. Do you think installing a hidden camera in your house is a good idea? 9. Do you trust public places like restrooms and changing rooms where someone could hide a hidden camera? 10. Do you know what voyeurism is? Have you ever spied on your neighbor or tried to get a closer look, perhaps even with binoculars? 11. What do you think of internet surveillance and censorship? 12. Grocery loyalty cards are a form of commercial surveillance to track customer shopping habits. What do you think about these membership cards? 13. Do you think a surveillance society could lead to a totalitarian state or even a one world government controlled by the world businesses and corporations that politicians are funded by?

"We really do have a society which is premised both on state secrecy and the state not giving up its supposed right to keep information under control while, at the same time, wanting to know as much as it can about us."

What is a taboo (禁忌) or social prohibition (ban)? What is a superstition (迷信)? What is a freak (怪人)? Are there any rules you would especially like to break? Why do you think something is taboo? Which of the following do you agree with most? a) It causes others or the person doing it some degree of harm. b) It is disgusting and yucky (令人讨厌的,很难吃的, 令人不快的). c) It causes someone to feel guilty (内疚的, 心虚的). d) Because some authority (权威, 某方面的权威, 当局) says it is bad, be it parent, teachers, leaders, governments, or someone’s god. e) Because it is not natural. 5. If something doesn’t cause anyone any harm, would you say that it is therefore not morally wrong (道德过错行为)? What do you consider harm? 6. If you believed something was not wrong, but everyone around you considered it morally wrong, would you still do it? For instance eating meat, smoking, or drinking alcohol or coffee. 7. Do you think the following behaviors should or should not be considered taboo? a) Tattooing (纹身)or Piercing (体饰) your body, or even your entire face and body. b) A man or woman marrying someone 25 years younger than he/she is. c) Nudity (裸体), pornography (色情作品), and exhibitionism (风头主义, 表现癖，好 出风头). d) Making nude or pornographic material or paraphernalia (随身用具(附件)). e) Body Painting (文身, 人体彩绘) in the nude (裸体) or topless (袒胸的). f) Dressing like the opposite sex (cross dressing [相反衣着]). g) A woman who has hair on her body (above lips, on her legs and underarms) h) Eating the penis (阴茎) or genitalia (生殖器) of an animal, eating bugs (小虫, 臭虫, 昆虫), or worms(虫子, 蠕虫). i) Not taking care of your parents when they get older. j) Saying that a leader or president is corrupt or bad. k) Calling a teacher or elder by their first name rather than their title. l) Eating animal heads, your pet (宠物) or dead family member (cannibalism [食人，指人 吃人]), and animal fights (cock fights, dog fights, etc.) m) Nose picking, flatulence (肠胃气胀), spitting, burping, n) Obscenity (淫行, 脏话), vulgarity (粗俗,粗鄙,卑俗性), offensive language (无礼的 语言) o) Controversial topics: sexual orientation, religion, dissident (意见不同的人,不赞成者) political groups, handicaps.

1. 2. 3. 4.

The First Date…and After 1. What do you look for in a boyfriend or girlfriend? What qualities are important? 2. When is a good age to start looking for a boyfriend or girlfriend? Is dating in middle school too soon? How about high school? 3. Would you ever go on a blind date? How about speed dating? How about using pick-up lines? (pg.3) 4. What are some ways to make a move on somebody and hook up? (i.e., to try to start a romantic relationship with
Watch a movie together (at home or someone.) What do you think of the following tips? cinema – Dinner and a movie) a) Just be his or her friend. Go with the flow.
Take a walk in the park; take a walk in b) Do not have somebody else ask them for you. the rain sharing the same umbrella; take Show confidence. a walk on the beach. c) Flirt(调情)with them. See if he or she flirts back.
Have a picnic together. d) Start out slowly, don’t rush things – this could be a
Listen to music sharing headphones. turnoff.
Go on a day hike. e) Use eye contact and mirroring body language.
Playing pool or billiards together. f) Tell him or her you are interested. Be upfront.
Play miniature golf together. g) Find a way to be alone with the person.
Go roller skating / ice skating together. 5. You have asked him or her out and want to make the
Going to an amusement park (ride a first move (to hold hands, hug, cuddle/snuggle, or kiss), rollercoaster). how does one do it? How do you break the ice? You can
Cooking together consider
Ride a tandem bicycle / 2-seat bicycle 6. Are you the type of person to make the first move or wait together. for the other person to move on you or approach you?
Pick fruit together. 7. Who should make the first move? The man or the
Drink coffee at a coffee shop / tea at a woman? Or, are both ok? teahouse. 8. What do you think is romantic for the first date, second
Visit a pet store together. date, and third date? Explain why.
Play a board game together (e.g. chess) 9. What do you think is romantic for a couple who has been
Go window shopping together. together for awhile and knows each other?
Visit a bookstore together. 10. What time of day do you prefer for going out on a date?
Have a night out on the town 11. Would you move in with your boyfriend or girlfriend? If
Other ______________. so, when is the right time? 12. As a newlywed, what would you want to do with your spouse on your honeymoon? 13. Is age just a number? What do you think if a couple is dating and there is a large age gap?

1

2

Pick-up lines: The only thing your eyes haven't told me is your name. What's your sign? Come here often? Is it hot in here or is it just you? Read any good books lately? Seen any good movies lately? So, what do you do for a living?

3

A Good Samaritan in China I was walking down the street to work and a woman was riding her bike towards me on the side of the street. Suddenly the box on the back of her bike fell off and the contents were scattered all over the pavement. I saw what appeared like receipts or notes and some of them were lying in a puddle of water. I began to pick them up and the woman ran towards me in alarm thinking that I was planning to steal them. But when she understood my intent was to help she was quite happy and could not thank me enough. I understand why she reacted at first as she did, but after I left, I asked myself if I did the right thing. Perhaps the next act of kindness would not be received so kindly. Topic Questions: 1. What is a parable? (A parable is a brief, succinct story, in prose or verse, that illustrates a moral or religious lesson). 2. What is a Samaritan? What is a Levite? What is a priest? What is a monk? 3. The Good Samaritan aims to say that our neighbor is not just those we know, but all who may suffer as we one day may suffer. Do you agree with this idea of neighbor? Who do you consider your neighbor to be? 4. Are you willing to help: a stranger who is a fellow Chinese citizen, a foreigner, the elderly, someone who is injured, an injured or dying animal, your ex-husband or wife, an enemy? 5.

When is it ok to offer a helping hand? When do you think it is not wise to offer a helping hand?

6.

Can you think of examples in which people in China tried to be good Samaritans only to have it blow up in their faces?

7.

Should you help someone if you may bring danger upon yourself?: a)

Because some acts of kindness can be interpreted as malice, should we therefore stop showing compassion and mercy on others, or should we help others, knowing that they may strike us back?

8.

Have you ever heard of the Golden Rule? What is it? Do you think it relates to the parable of the Good Samaritan?

9.

Should China have Good Samaritan Laws, laws which protect from liability those who choose to aid others who are injured or ill? (Such laws would entail right to consent, right to refuse, parental consent, and completion of basic first aid training or certification for rescuers.)

"Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you" “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”

The parable of the Good Samaritan is found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10, verses 25 25– –37. "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. robbers They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead with no clothes. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, Levite when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, Samaritan as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, wounds pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, donkey took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." New International Version http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_Good_Samaritan

I’ll believe it when pigs fly! 1. What do you think of skepticism (skeptic), cynicism (cynic), criticism (critic), or dogmatism? 2. Do you think it is healthy or unhealthy to be a skeptic, critic, or cynic (While a "skeptic" has reservations about things, a cynic has a negative attitude about everything.)? 3. Do you believe things at face value, or do you tend to question what you are told? Or, do you find yourself caught between (or in the middle) believing everything and doubting everything? Explain. 4. Do you think skeptics should openly confront others’ belief systems? Or do you think people should be allowed to believe what they want, even if it appears to be wrong by most people? 5. Can one be both open-minded and skeptical at the same time? 6. What does it mean to be naïve and gullible? 7. What is a Doubting Thomas (is a term that is used to describe someone who will refuse to believe something without direct, physical, personal evidence; a skeptic. Comes from a Bible story in which Thomas did not believe Jesus was alive unless he touched him.)? 8. What do you think of blind faith? When you buy something, eat something, or wear something which you have not made, is this faith or blind faith? Is it dangerous? 9. Should you trust people first and ask questions later, or ask questions first and trust later? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both? 10. How important are first impression, gut feelings, instincts, and hunches to you? Is this a kind of blind faith? How often do you follow them? 11. Does wishful thinking influence you? (i.e., you hope something is true, and believe it must be.) 12. Things people are skeptical about: a. Are you skeptical about Y2K, SARS, and Bird Flu? Many people were scared into believing so-called ‘epidemics’ (within a country) would become ‘pandemics,’ (worldwide) but they never did. Do you think the “Pig Flu” H1N1 is a hoax? Are you skeptical or do you believe in “better safe than sorry”? b. Vaccinations. Do they really protect us from disease? Should we have a choice? c. Global Warming. Is the world really getting hotter because of carbon dioxide or is the sun just getting brighter? d. 2012 hype. Is it really the end of the world or a new Golden Age? e. Religious and Scientific Dogmas: God, Heaven, Hell, Creationism, Big Bang, Evolution. f. Popular Media View about: The Holocaust, 9-11, War on Terrorism, etc. g. Paranormal Activities, UFOs, and Aliens “There are two ways to slide easily through life: to believe everything or to doubt everything. Both ways save us from thinking.” “Do not believe anything because it is said by an authority, or if it is said to come from angels, or from Gods, or from an inspired source. Believe it only if you have explored it in your own heart and mind and body and found it to be true. Work out your own path, through diligence.” Guatama Buddha

1. People do things that we just don’t like, and perhaps just plain hate. What is your pet peeve or pet hate? What do your friends, parents, boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, do that you just can’t stand? 2. Do you have a love-hate relationship towards anything? For instance, you love the internet, but hate how much time you spend on it. Or you love sweets, but hate how it makes you gain weight. 3. What do you hate to tell people? For instance, a. “I hate to tell you this, but your fly is open / your zipper is undone.” b. “I hate to tell you this, but your breath stinks.” c. “I hate to tell you this, but I accidentally deleted or threw away your document, essay, or letter.” 4. Over time our tastes change. What did you hate (perhaps you considered something gross, distasteful, disgusting, nasty, strange, or foreign) as a child, teenager, young adult, etc., that you now like. Share your stories. For example: 5. What tastes haven’t changed for you? What do you still have an aversion towards? a. I hate calling strangers on the phone, and I hate being late or tardy. 6. “I hate to eat and run” (an apology made by someone who must leave a social event soon after eating). Describe an experience when you had to eat and run. 7. What would you do if someone hates your guts (hates you very much), or hates you like sin? If you have had this experience, what did you do? What should someone do in this situation? 8. Do you agree or disagree? “What you hate most in others may be the shadow (repressed or pushed down emotions and impulses) in yourself…Look at people who we absolutely loathe. They represent something we loathe within ourselves.” - Kellen Von Houser 9. Many people hate to belabor a point, (spend too much time going over the same thing) while others like to have the last say in a discussion or argument. What kind of person are you? Is it sometimes necessary to belabor a point? Describe any experiences you have had. 10. You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’ – Jesus Do you agree or disagree? If someone hit you, would you turn the cheek? How can we apply this to the problems in our world today? Can we? Always remember others may hate you but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself. – Richard Nixon

We define personal space as the area surrounding a person that he/she considers his territory or domain. Crossing or entering someone else’s personal space creates discomfort because he/she feels the physical intimacy exceeds the relational intimacy. Keep in mind though, too much space can cause discomfort and indicate rudeness as well. The size of the personal space bubble varies by culture and situation. While difficult to gauge, the best estimates for personal physical space place it at about 24.5 inches (60 centimeters) on either side, 27.5 inches (70 centimeters) in front and 15.75 inches (40 centimeters) behind for an average westerner. Americans usually have larger personal space boundaries than people from other cultures. If you notice someone backing up a little while talking to you, don’t step toward them as they most likely feel uncomfortable with the lack of distance between you. Under certain circumstances people can accept having their personal space entered without experiencing discomfort. Examples might include romantic encounters and crowded subways or events. In business environments, people typically maintain more personal space between them than in social situations. Also, personal space boundaries between a man and a woman usually remain larger than those between two women. People who live in highly populated areas often have a smaller personal space bubble than those who live in less populated areas. People of higher status or wealth usually have larger personal space bubbles as well.

Questions for discussion: 1. What is personal space, domain, or territory? 2. How big or small is your personal space bubble? 3. Do you think staring is a violation of personal space? 4. A foreigner has long hair on their arms and face, black skin or beautiful blonde hair. Someone who has never seen a foreigner is amazed and wants to touch the person. Do you think the foreigner should be mad? How should they respond? 5. A foreigner couple is walking with their baby in the park. An elderly woman approaches and says “好乖!” The woman grabs at the baby saying, “抱一下” The foreigners become upset at the woman. Do you think the foreigners should be mad? 6. Do you like your privacy or do you share many of your private affairs openly. Do you keep a QQ Zone, Facebook, or Myspace. Why do you think people feel comfortable sharing about themselves on the internet? 7. What is your comfort zone? Where do you feel most safe? In what situation will you feel discomfort and anxious? 8. To step outside a person's comfort zone, one must experiment with new and different behaviors, and then experience the new and different responses that then occur within his environment. How often do you step out of your comfort zone or let others in your comfort zone? 9. What do you think of this motto: Do the things which you fear most to do!

Violence vs. Non-Violence Opening Questions: 1. What is non-violent resistance? What is pacifism? What’s the difference? 2. Do you think non-violence is or can be as effective as violence? 3. Is violence and aggression effective? 4. What do you think about watching movies about war and violence? 5. The media produces so many movies about war, animosity, and violence? Why do you think this is? Is it because we are violent and enjoy watching violence, or because we are in fact mostly peaceful and without such influence few would support the war and violence of governments? 6. After 9-11, the message was, “We will never forget!” Should we put the past behind us though, forgive and forget? 7. Should we watch movies about holocausts, terrorism, death and destruction, or should our focus be on things of peace even in the face of aggression? 8. Should children play with toy guns, soldiers, etc.? Scenarios (what would you suggest for each?) 1. A country directly attacks your country with their army? 2. A terrorist attack occurs and fingers are pointed at a particular country. Do you attack that country? 3. Your country believes another country will attack you soon. Do you stage a preemptive strike or attack? 4. Your government tells you to fight a war everyone believes in their hearts is unjust. Do you fight? 5. The economy is poor. The military offers a stable job and college education. Do you join? Would you join if the economy wasn’t poor? What affects your decision? 6. Your country has gone to war and many people disagree with it. The government is trying to silence protests, oftentimes censoring from media such protests that support the anti-war agenda. On the other hand the government is promoting pro-war propaganda. What do you think about this? What would you do in this scenario? 7. Another country is being attacked by a stronger country. Should your country intervene and help? In what ways should your country intervene? 8. Another country is pressuring you to join a war? Under what conditions would you? 9. Your country legalizes military conscription or a draft? You receive notice to join and fight or face a prison sentence. You disagree with the war. What do you do? 10. You have the choice to resist a country non-violently or violently and the death toll for each option will be about the same. Which do you choose? 11. You are attacked by a thief. Do you fight back or defend yourself? Is there a difference between self-defense and fighting back? 12. Someone close to you is murdered and you happen to walk in on the act. What do you do? Do you kill that person and take revenge? Do you try to detain them with extreme force if necessary? Do you run away?

Forrest: Momma always says there's an awful lot you could tell about a person by their shoes. Where they're going. Where they've been. I've worn lots of shoes. I bet if I think about it real hard I could remember my first pair of shoes. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.

Jack Handey

Every great journey begins with one step… Opening Questions: 1. Do you remember the first pair of shoes that you ever picked out? 2. What is the funniest kind of shoes that you have ever seen? 3. What is your favorite kind of shoe? 4. What is your favorite brand for shoes? 5. What can you tell about a person by the shoes that they wear? 6. How do you clean your shoes？Do you clean them or someone else? 7. How should we walk a mile in others shoes? How can we better understand other people? 8. How often do you buy a new pair of shoes? Do you have more than one pair of shoes? 9. Have you gotten a blister, water blister, or ingrown toenail from wearing bad shoes, or not taking care of your feet properly?

Affairs: Wearing the Green Hat Adulterer/Adulteress

Lover

Mister

Stud

Prostitute

Cheater

Man Whore

Secret Lover

Pimp

Bimbo, hoe

Mistress

Stud Muffin

Sugar Daddy

Slut

Hoochie mama

Gigolo

Male Escort

Back Door Man

Whore

Hooker

Questions 1. Do you believe that marriage is sacred? Is cheating bad for both men and women? 2. Your husband or wife is away for long periods of time and so he/she has given you permission to have extra-marital affairs? What do you think of this? Would you consider having a lover? 3. A man walks in on his wife in the act with her lover and kills both in a moment of passion? Should this person spend a life time in prison for a crime of passion? 4. Your fiancé cheats on you and says it was a moment of weakness and still wants to marry you. Is this a deal breaker? Is the marriage off or do you forgive them? 5. A husband and wife are both promiscuous and always were since they met each other. They only married to save money on taxes and have financial stability but desire a no strings attached kind of marriage. Do you consider this cheating? 6. A man is filthy rich and his wife dislikes his cheating habit but stays with him because she loves the lifestyle of being rich and famous. Before she was married she signed a prenuptial agreement stating that if she divorced him she would only be entitled to the money she had earned. Would you stay with such a partner or divorce them? 7. Your wife tells you after twenty years that the child you think is your child is the child of a past lover. How do you react? Do you forgive your wife? Do you still care for the child? Cuckold: By definition, a cuckold is a married man whose wife cheats on him behind his back The females of certain varieties of cuckoo lay their eggs in other bird’s nests, freeing themselves from the need to nurture the eggs to hatching. Cuckolds have sometimes been written as "wearing the horns of a cuckold" or just "wearing the horns". This refers to the fact that the man being cuckolded is the last to know of his wife's infidelity. He is wearing horns that can be seen by everybody but him. “

I discovered my wife in bed with another man, and I was crushed. So I said, 'Get off me, you two!'”

Facebook ban of breast-feeding photos sparks protests Are photographs of a mother breast-feeding her child indecent? The social networking site Facebook has sparked a massive online debate -- and protests -- and after removing photos that expose too much of a mother's breast. Facebook spokesman Barry Schnitt said the website takes no action over most breast-feeding photos because they follow the site's terms of use but others are removed to ensure the site remains safe and secure for all users, including children. "Photos containing a fully exposed breast (as defined by showing the nipple or areola) do violate those terms (on obscene, pornographic or sexually explicit material) and may be removed," he said in a statement. One breast-feeding mother, called Rebekah, said Facebook removed a photograph of her feeding her child. "I find it offensive that (Facebook) can remove my photo but not the close up picture of a thonged backside I (have) seen on a friend's page or remove the "what kama sutra position are you?" quiz application," she wrote.

Topic Questions: 1. Are photographs of a mother breast-feeding her child indecent? 2. If you see a woman openly breast-feeding her child, do you consider this 3. 4. 5.

6.

7. 8.

indecent? When you see a naked child, do you consider this indecent (either pictures or in public)? What about a child with split pants in the crotch area? What do you think of older children and adolescents (8-12) who need to use the restroom and do so in public on the street? In Western countries, many people have a problem with breast feeding women in public and child nudity, but little is said concerning a sexually suggestive or blatant media and advertising (that is intended to catch your eye). Do you think both are private matters, both are normal and acceptable to public audiences, neither are appropriate, or just one (and which)? If you were a nursing mother, doing so in public, and someone asked you to cover up or go nurse in a bathroom that was uncomfortable and perhaps even dirty, would you resist or comply? Are you offended by nude mannequins? For a lot of money, given to you, would you take nude photos?

Is this child peeing indecent?

Is this child decent?

Take a sick baby and an anxious mother; Put them in a waiting room in a Medical Center with other patients and their relatives; Add in that the mother decides to breastfeed the child in the waiting room; Toss in a somewhat intolerant observer of the breastfeeding who registers a complaint about it, and Presto! All hell breaks loss.

1.

Have you ever won something? Have you ever lost something? Have you ever misplaced something? Describe the situation. What did you learn from each experience? Some examples of belongings one might lose: a)

Personal items & accessories: Keys, bag, purse, wallet, glasses, sunglasses, binoculars, umbrella, lighter, ID, Passports, favorite pencil or pen, clothing, jewelry

b)

Money: cash/credit card/checkbook/

c)

Electronics: TV controller, cell phone, headphones, CD player, MP3 player/Ipod, DVD,

d)

Household/Garden tools: hammer, flat head screwdriver, Philips head screwdriver, clippers, hand shovel, trowel, rake, broom, hand hoe

2.

What are some ways to avoid losing things? Have you ever heard of Lost & Found?

3.

Do you think that messy people lose their stuff more often than organized people? Have you met messy people who know where everything is?

4.

Describe a time when you were a winner or loser. What did you learn from that experience?

5.

Do you learn more from winning or losing?

6.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?

7.

What do you value more: the recognition received from winning, such as receiving a medal or

8.

Do you consider losing an important part of life?

9.

Rank the following kinds of loss from 1-10 (1 being most painful , 10 being least painful):

trophy, or gaining no recognition but receiving something useful like money or a new car?

a)

A relationship breakup

f.) Death of a pet

b)

Loss of health

g.) Loss of a cherished dream

c)

Losing a job

h.) A loved one’s serious illness

d)

Loss of financial stability

i.) Loss of a friendship

e)

A miscarriage

j.) Loss of safety after a trauma

10. Which kind of loss would cause you the most grief? How do you cope with grief or loss? 11. Have you ever been lost? How did you find your direction? 12. Ways to use Lose: a)

Lose weight/fat/voice

o.) lose train of thought

b)

Lose heart

p.) lose track

c)

Lose one’s head

q.) no win situation

d)

Lose out

e)

Lost cause

Win:

f)

Almost lost it

a.) Carry the day/win the day

g)

Get lost

b.) Win a few, lose a few

h)

Make up for lost time

c.) Win by a nose

i)

Be lost for words

d.) May the best man win.

j)

Like a lost soul

e.) You can’t win ‘em all.

k)

Lost in the mists of time

f.) Win somebody over

l)

Lost in thought

g.) Win out: win after great effort

m)

Lose touch with reality

h.) Win (something) hands down

n)

Losing streak

i.) Winner take all

YES OR NO? Questions: 1. Are you a “Yes” man or a “No” man? Or do you say nothing and try to avoid a problem? Are there times you want to say “Yes” but feel frightened and say “No” or do nothing? Which word has more power behind it for you: YES or NO? 2. Do you find it hard to refuse anyone (you are a people pleaser, pushover, doormat,or easy)? Or do you refuse people too often? (perhaps hard to please) 3. Describe a time in which you decided to cave-in to someone else’s requests or demands on you? 4. Describe a time in which you had to assert yourself, put your foot down,“take a stand” and say, “No!” Did you find it nerve racking? 5. Have you ever said “Yes,” but in your mind, you wanted to say “No.” Do you regret your decision? What would you do different given a second chance? 6. What will you do in the following situations: a) A clerk wants to write your phone number down. b) Someone is offering you a student credit card for free (free gift included.) c) A telemarketer disturbs your dinner or sleep to sell something over the phone to you. d) A demonstrator at the department store wants you to sample their product. e) A person on the street is handing out business cards for airplane services, etc. Do you take it or pass on by? f) A boy or girl asks you to be their boyfriend or girlfriend. You don’t like them or find yourself attracted. What do you say? g) You are at a business meeting and don’t drink or smoke. Your boss wants you to drink and/or smoke. Do you say “No.”? h) Your brother or friend asks you for money. They are known for wasting money. i) A charity worker or beggar asks you for money. j) You feel pressured to have sex with you boyfriend or girlfriend and worry that they will leave you if you don’t become more intimate. k) Your boss asks or expects you to do overtime with no extra pay. 7. Will you speak up / speak your mind if someone is doing something that disturbs you? GENERAL TIPS for saying NO! When in doubt, say “no” now and then change your mind later. It’s more disappointing if someone is counting on you and then you let them down. Be polite but firm. Keep your answer short If these don’t work – Talk to the Hand!