The 187th Communication Session
Date: Sunday, May 25th, 2008
Time: 10:00-11:20 Communication Session by Mr. Ryan Lidster from Canada
Topic: Sleeping with an elephant: Canada-US Relations in focus
Two quotes from national leaders exemplify the extreme positions in viewing the relationship.
First, John F. Kennedy, speaking of Canada's closeness to its neighbour, said, "Geography has made us neighbours. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder."
Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau, however, said in 1971 that the US posed "a danger to [Canada's] national identity from a cultural, economic and perhaps even military point of view."
Which of these, if either, is an accurate portrayal of North America, and why would two people at the very highest levels of government disagree so much within such a short period of time?
Every day, billions of dollars in goods and services cross the world's longest undefended border. Canada and the United States share a complex history that is in some ways unique, but in other ways it is also similar to that of any big-country-little-country relationship. Russia-Ukraine, China-Vietnam, France-Belgium, the UK-Ireland, and to some extent the relationship between the United States and almost every other country in the world, share many parallels. What can be learned from this, and what can or should be done about it to promote a future in which the relationship and the participants in it are better off? Together, we will examine how, and more importantly why, the relationship has changed over time, and what lessons can be learned from the world's most successful, and arguably most idiosyncratic partnership.
Time: 11:30-12:30 Debate Practice
No debate practice today, instead we enjoyed chatting about various things.
11 people attended.
The 186th Communication Session
Date: Saturday, May 10th, 2008
Time: 10:00-11:20 Communication Session by Mr. Wayne Malcolm from US
Topic: The Strange and Interesting Marriage Between Religion and Politics of the State
Here's his message:
Description: In the days of Leonardo da Vinci the Church "controlled" everything. It didn't officially run the State, but if a ruler did not have its support and blessing, that ruler failed. Fast forward to 2008 and we see that religion still plays an important role in the affairs of the State. China says there is religious freedom, then passes a law requiring Tibetan Buddhist Monks to fill-out forms seeking official reincarnation status for their religious leaders. In the United States there is suppose to be a separation between church and state, but at the very moment the President of the United States takes office they have to raise their hands and basically take an oath to uphold the rule of law. Many presidents have added the words, "So help me God." Have the lines between these two worlds become blurred, and/or invisible?
This is our topic for the day. We will take brief looks at the history of this union, and how it is carrying itself out in the these modern times. We will also discuss religion in Japan - does it have the same effect on political life as it does in America?
Come and join us for a discussion that one doesn't normally have in everyday conversation, but maybe should.
the summary of the presentation:
"Religion and politics have always been difficult subjects to talk about in a direct and singular manner. They are sensitive subjects that for many people define their being. To call either, or both, into question can be damagining. That said, the link between them is strong, and one that should be respected and explored. We did that. In an educated forum we were able to discuss ancient political and relgious history, as well as the links they have to modern day religion and politics.
Questions and comments were raised that addressed the link between religion and politics, and they're sensitivies towards each other. We also talked about how they effected everyday life. Japan is the perfect place for a discussion of this magnitude because of an apparent disconnect between Japanese people, religion and politics. For good or for bad the Japanese, as echoed, by some of the discisson members, seem to be able to separate religion and politics into separate and equal rooms under one home. A trait some civilizations might envy."
Time: 11:30-12:30 Impromptu Speech
1) religion 2) politics 3) economics 4) power
11 people attended.
The 185th Communication Session
Date: Sunday, April 27th, 2008
Time: 10:00-11:20 Communication Session by Mr. Tim Ernst
Topic: Optical and Other Illusions in our Lives
Tim talked to us on the subject of `illusion and reality. He told us that as humans we perceive reality as factual if we can define it through use of our five senses. The five senses being : sight, touch, hearing, taste and, smell. anything that can't be defined by our senses is an illusion, such as love, happiness or even God. Tim explained that our sight give us 80% of our perceived reality while our other five senses give us the other 20%.
Tim went on to explain the function of the eye as a perceiver of images and colors translated as light waves received on the retina at the back of the eye. The images we see are inverted on the retina then sent via the optic nerve to the brain where they are re-inverted. The brain then searches its vast memory resources to identify what we see then define it by what we know as real.
However, sometimes the brain can be fooled by illusions or what we think is real actually isn't. A magician or and artist are illusionists who trick our sense of reality. A painter makes you believe that his 3 dimensional painting on a 2 dimensional surface is really 3 dimensional. A magician can make you believe that objects can disappear and reappear when he commands them to do so.
Tim then showed us some visual optical illusions and talked about the drawing of M.C.Ecsher. Tim explained that humans have a tendency to visualize vertically first and then horizontally. Our eyes can then deceive us sometimes into believing something to be real which later our brains reveal to us, isn't.
Time: 11:30-12:30 Debate Practice
English education in elementary school should be stopped.
14 people attended.
The 184th Communication Session
Date: Sunday, April 13th, 2008
(Beware -- the second Sunday, not the second Saturday this month)
Time: 10:00-11:20 Communication Session by Mr. Michael Sammler from US
Topic: Leonardo De Vinci discovers the Psychology of Perception
Here's his message:
Leonardo De Vinci is one of the first people to document painting techniques based on how the eye and brain perceive images. Even though the field of psychology was not invented yet, Leonardo's notes on painting reveal his understanding of things like how we see depth on a two dimensional service, or why certain images inspire different emotions. Using his painting "Madonna of the Rocks" and many other art examples we will explore Leonardo's notes compared to the current knowledge of how the brain works and end up with a better understanding of how artists create illusion on a two dimensional surface.
Time: 11:30-12:30 Impromptu Speech
1) My favorite paintings 2) Da Vinci Code 3) Feelings
13 people attended.
The 183rd Communication Session
Date: Sunday, March 23rd, 2008
Time: 10:00-11:20 Communication Session by Mr. Roddie MacDonald from Canada
He's started teaching English in Akita, especially through cooking.
Topic: The Antigonish Movement
It's a social welfare movement that came from his hometown in Canada and is now an international organization. He's going to talk about how and why the movement came about and it's continued involvement in developing countries.
Time: 11:30-12:30 Debate Practice
Whaling should be banned.
10 people attended.
The 182nd Communication Session
Date: Saturday, March 8th, 2008
Time: 10:00-11:20 Communication Session by Mr. Thorfinn Tait from Scotland
Topic: The Orkney Dialect--History of Language in Orkney
The summary by the speaker:
Living here in Akita, we hear Akita dialect every day. For many of you it is your native dialect, with which you have been familiar since you first learned to speak. For others - including myself - it had to be learned through experience and contact with Akita natives.
In this lecture, I introduced you to my own native (English) dialect: Orcadian, the dialect of the Orkney Islands in the north of Scotland. Orcadian is known for its sing-song intonation, which means it is often mistaken for a Welsh accent.
We started with a rousing warm-up, in which everyone had to greet eachother using local Orkney dialect. It went like this:
A: Aye, aye, beuy!
B: Aye, aye.
A: Whit like the day?
B: Nae bad at-all.
Everyone performed the task brilliantly, and it was wonderful listening to a group of Japanese people talking like native Orcadians for a few minutes!
Next we briefly studied the history of language in Orkney, from the mysterious Pictish past, through the Old Norse evolving into the Orkney Norn in the Viking era, to the current Norn-influenced English dialect.
Then we moved on to a look at some Orcadian dialect texts, using Gregor Lamb's book, "Whit Like the Day?" The book comes with a CD recording, so we were able to hear authentic readings by the author himself: first the Lord's Prayer, in late 18th century Orkney Norn and then in modern Orcadian; then his adaptation of the opening part of Little Red Riding Hood into modern Orcadian dialect ("Peedie Red Riding Hood"). Using the CD, multiple listenings, and the text, hopefully everyone was able to understand a little of the dialect, or at least get a feel for how it sounds.
Lastly we had an interesting discussion about the changing status of dialect during our lifetimes, and we speculated on the future of dialect in both Orkney and Akita.
Time: 11:30-12:30 Impromptu Speech
no speech making today
9 people attended.
The 181st Communication Session
Date: Sunday, February 17th, 2008
Time: 10:00-11:20 Communication Session by Mr. Kola Olagboyega from AIU
Topic:Nigeria--Africa's Most Populous Country
Here's his message:
Introduction - This is a presentation of information on Nigeria — geography, history, politics, government, economy, population statistics, culture, religion, languages, largest cities, ... It is designed basically to "inform" the group on one of the most important countries in Africa.
Background information - British influence and control over what would become Nigeria grew through the 19th century. A series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater autonomy; independence came in 1960. Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The government continues to face the daunting task of reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, Nigeria continues to experience longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. Although both the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections were marred by significant irregularities and violence, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence.
Activities – ACES members will be invited to juxtapose all aspects of the presentation with the Japanese situation.
Time: 11:30-12:30 Debate Practice
"Dotoku" shoud be taught at school.
15 people attended.
The 180th Communication Session
Date: Saturday, February 9th, 2008
Time: 10:00-11:20 Communication Session by Mr. Wayne Malcolm from US
Topic: U.S. politics and what this presidential race means for the United States, and the World
Here's his message:
"I am going to talk about the race for the White House, and how the current United States presidential race might affect the rest of the world. I will discuss all sorts of issues from how money in politics can change the outcome of a race to media coverage, issues, even political speech. Of course, I want to compare the political cultures of the United States and Japan, so I will be asking you to help with discussion about Japanese politics. Be ready for some stimulating and interactive discussion."
Here's his summary:
"Today we talked about the race for the President of the United States and all that goes with that. This year the race seems to have grasped the attention the entire world. With that some questions about the nuances of the election system have risen. We answered questions like - what is a delegate (and super delegate)?; what significance does money play in the presidential election process?; how do these candidates gain such large sums of money?; what do they spend the money on?; what role does media play in this whole situation (we watched and listened to clips from political TV and radio shows)?...We talked about a whole gambit of things. We even discussed some differences between the Japanese political system and the U.S. political system. All-in-all everyone showed good knowledge of the U.S. political process (I was tremendously impressed). Hopefully it was as enlightening for the audience as it was for this presenter."
Time: 11:30-12:30 Impromptu Speech
1) How will these elections affect other countries? 2) Who do you endorse? 3) Winter Festivals
15 people attended.
The 179th Communication Session
Date: Sunday, January 27th, 2008
Time: 10:00-11:20 Communication Session by Ms. Stephanie Gillis
The guest speaker is a third year student at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota and she's going to talk about racism in universities and especially about the case of Affirmative Action.
Topic: Affirmative Action
Time: 11:30-12:30 Debate Practice
We had no debate practice today.
9 people attended.
The 178th Communication Session
Date: Saturday, January 12th, 2008
Time: 10:00-11:20 Communication Session by Mr. Douglas Perkins
He's an ALT who lives in Chokai.
Topic: Deductive Reasoning, using several proofs of God's existence
What makes an argument a good argument? Philosophers have attempted to answer this question for thousands of years. We'll look at one standard for argumentation: deductive reasoning. After defining 'valid' and 'sound', we'll create some examples of valid, invalid, sound, and unsound arguments. Next, we will take a look at St. Anselm and St. Aquinas, Christian priests trying to prove the existence of God. For each of these mens' arguments, we'll determine what we think its problems are.
the summary of his presentation:
Rational discourse goes back thousands of years, but what is it that makes an argument good? We examine valid arguments and sound arguments, two terms that can help us determine whether arguments are good. This is done with two main examples: proofs of God's existence by St. Anselm (the Ontological Proof) and St. Thomas Aquinas (the Unmoved Mover Proof); in each we attempt to see if and where the arguments are problematic.
"An argument is a set of statements where one follows from the others: an argument is valid if whenever the premises are true the conclusion is also true: an argument is sound if it is valid and the premises are true..."
Time: 11:30-12:30 Impromptu Speech
1) How did you spend your New Year's Day? 2) What are your New Year's Resolutions? 3) American Presidential Election
8 people attended.
more pictures of AES past meetings to photo album 31
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