Meetings Topics

THURSDAY, 21ST APRIL


Following our conversation last week I propose:

The first part of our meeting on Thursday we focus on planning the next steps in ‘Project Dani’. There are three aspects, the next  venue for Dani’s performance, the design and content of a marketing leaflet  and more thoughts on his video.

The second half of the meeting we should discuss, agree and finalise the constitutional aspects of our group ready for registration.

After the meeting it would be very useful if we (you , me and Adan) spent 10 minutes together checking the words to our song before we approach Mariano.  As you might remember Sara and Maria Jose spoke with Jackie about helping them practice their English. Jackie is happy to do this for 20 minutes or so each week.

John and Jackie
THURSDAY, 18TH FEBRUARY


Message from John and Jackie :

Propongo que cada semana publicamos lo que vamos a hacer en la próxima reunión en el lugar de lo que vamos a hablar. Con este sentido activo propongo que nuestra reunión día 18 se centra en:
' Ideas para recaudar fondos para un marketing de campaña de nuestro grupo en ruta y Dani nuestro mago. Será un debate muy activo y divertido en inglés y español, tomando ideas de todos en el grupo y pruebas de funcionalidad. John y Jackie iniciarán la discusión con una serie de ideas que han utilizado con éxito en el pasado para recaudar fondos para buenas causas. Al final de la reunión tendremos una lista de ideas que colectivamente podemos desarrollar y entregar.


WEDNESDAY 'S BARBEQUE AT JOHN'S AND JACKIE'S
Our Group Barbeque party-Wednesday 22 July

Behind every great event there is great planning and organisation and that will be the case for this coming Wednesday. In a wider context I think being a member of the ‘On Route’ group is a privilege because it gives me an opportunity to experience and do memorable things that enhance my life that others cannot have access to. 9  

Our forth coming party is one such experience and a celebration of diversity. It will be an easy and comfortable fusion of two very different cultures being neither a Spanish or English event. To help in this fusion ‘On routers’ should know the rules of our house they are:

No smoking anywhere in the house or gardens except for Berna ( we have a special outdoor place for him).

No teasing of our pets or tempting them with snacks, especially my dog Luis who is a ‘sangre pura’

No throwing one another in the pool clothed or otherwise

No one comes ‘empty handed’ – therefore no ‘free loaders’

No one sits in a corner being shy, timid or bored

All visitors should relax, soak up the atmosphere, be cool and have a great time

The programme:

Arrive 7 o’clock prompt, not 7.30 or 8 but 7.

7.15 p.m. -9.00p.m. pool-side party with drinks and snacks in the covered patio + pool competitions and races giving people the opportunity to win valueless prizes.

9 p.m. Barbeque and Pizza party up on the Mirador with delicious carefully cooked food served under the stars

Responsibilities:

Jackie  responsible for– 3 large pizza’s, two salads, couscous ,bread, snacks and salsa’s, hamburgers beer, wine and non- alcoholic drinks and John.

John responsible for managing the pizza oven, ensuring the drinks don’t run out and making the very best sangria in Cordoba province.

Peter and Irene – chicken legs, sausages + 1 bottle of wine. Peter is also asked to be the main man in charge of the barbeque.

Carmen – ensalada rusa, 1 bottle of wine, the twins and Berna.

Sara – postre, patatas fritos.

Maria Jose- pinchitos y sandia.      

Berna – responsible for developing interesting, intelligent and witty conversations and bringing anything else he can carry from the car that is in liquid form.

If Rosa and Oscar can make it, great, but bring a bottle or a pack of cans or some great Spanish food that is not already provided, that way they get through the gates.

Look forward very much to seeing you all on Wednesday, I have checked the weather forecast and it’s not  going to rain.

Besos Fuertes

John

P.S Thought about inviting Estrella? We think it would be a very good idea. JOHN AND JACKIE'S IDEAS FOR THE SUMMER

Themes, Ideas and Topics

A Life in Six Photographs – each person brings six photographs of themselves in the different stages of their lives from being children through to adulthood and old age and come prepared to talk about them. The communion photographs of Guiomar and Valentina gave me this idea.

Comedy Night- This is basically Peter’s idea. Each person comes with three jokes that could be used in front of a family . I will devise a ‘laughometer’ that will register the amount of laughter each joke attracts and we will donate three prizes, one (obviously ) for the best joke, the second and third. The jokes must be told in their original native language.

Masterchef – Each person brings (in writing) the recipe of their favourite dinner or lunch dish and comes prepared to talk about it-all in Spanish. We would then have the basis for an excellent Anglo/ Spanish lunch or dinner that we would collectively prepare in our home.

Party Night – Berna gave me this idea when we were talking about cocktails whilst others talked about measles. We all come with ideas about how to plan the greatest party Rute has ever seen and puts his bar on the international map for great party venues. The ideas should be economical and practical because once planned we might just decide to hold it.

La Goya night-this is your idea Carmen but with a hint of excitement. We should come prepared to talk about a great book that we have loved reading. Each person would be required to read a short passage from the book but with as much passion and ‘colour’ as possible just as an actor would on a movie set or theatre stage. The best ‘actor’ would be awarded our version of a ‘Goya ( I will make the trophy).’

Going to the Seaside – we should come prepared to talk, plan and agree about a group day at the seaside. The focus should be on inviting friends and families and then deciding where and when we should go. This idea focusses on having more people coming to our group in the context of a fabulous day on the beach.

Open Microphone night – This should come later in the year once we have confirmed the words and melody of our song  and would focus on instrumentalists coming to the bar to play their instruments with all of us as the ‘jury’. The best ones would then be invited to join our song team. It would also mean we could test our relationships with radio Rute and social networks to advertise the event.

Estrella -and last but by no means least it would be helpful if you could talk with Estrella about planning an excursion to Puente Genil to visit her father’s museum, Roman town and then have lunch. I think it would be best to arrange the visit after school has finished for the summer holidays.

PETER'S CONTRIBUTION

Learn from each other, give as well as take,
Hold out the hand of friendship and with every friend you make,
You will learn from each other,
Looking outward looking inward, what you give is what you get,
Learn from each other.

BERNA'S MIND MAP

OUR LATEST OUTCOMES

Hablar de cosas que podemos hacer.

Lenguaje sencillo.

No mates al mensajero. (Don’t blame the messenger)

Más vale una gota de valentía, que un océano de cobardía.

What makes you move (Qué te mueve)

What makes you stay?

Somebody is taking a part of you away

Weather is part of the culture. Culture is part of the weather.

Crossing frontiers wasn’t as easy as is now.

La tecnología no te permite desconectar. Puedes estar en inmerso en otra cultura y al mismo tiempo en la tuya.

Spanish people are not adventurous.

Spanish culture has a lot collective rituals.

La calle engancha.

Y la tapa remata!!!

Money

Bravery

Cowardice makes us stay

Are you proud of be Spanish?

Passenger of the world

Change the class system

Es más fácil bajar que subir.

The gap gets bigger. Se agranda la distancia.

Una guía para escribir nuestra canción

(A guide for writing our song)

 Pensar en cada verso como un capitulo de una historia

(Think, every verse is a chapter in a story)

El titulo del verso da una indicacion de su mensaje

(The title of each verse gives an indication of it message)

Primero piensa en el titulo y luego comenzar con las palabras

( First think about the title and then start on the words)

A continuacion se muestran mis ideas para los versos

(Below are my ideas for the verses)

1. Estar en una prision
   (We are in a prison)
2. Podemos escaper toda, podemos
   (We can all escape, we can)
3. Pero como?
   (But how)
4. Paciencia no te rindas
   (Patience, don’t give up)
5. Junto todo es possible
   (Together everything is possible)
6. Veo que me siento
   ( I see, I feel)
7. Juntos
   (Together)

OSCAR'S CONTRIBUTION

"Si haces lo de siempre

pasará lo de siempre.

Acelera y rompe tus cadenas

Aprendamos juntos que sí se puede.

We can, we can, we can...

Vayamos juntos hacia el camino nuevo

A new era waiting for us

the new way is no the same.

Hagámoslo, ya no será lo mismo, 

será un camino nuevo...

... y lo de siempre ya no será para siempre

New way... a new era, new way... we can

Oh yes, WE CAN!"

CARMEN MARÍA'S CONTRIBUTION

Con ojos curiosos

Y corazón inquieto

Siempre buscando

En el camino me quedo

IRENE'S CONTRIBUTION

Learn how to love,

For hate corrupts the heart,

Embrace peace,

The olive branch, not the sword.

Learn how to love.

JACKIE AND JOHN'S CONTRIBUTION

Borrador

We die a little when we’re lonely every single day

We live in prisons but never see the bars

Make our escape, getting out but then which way?

Escape sounds easy you think all we need is a fast car?

How can we be happy when we don’t know who we are?

Sientelo, sientelo, sientelo

Illuminame, muestra un nuevo camino

Ganamos mucho, creciendo juntos

Aprendiendo juntos es la forma

Es la manera de escaper de nuestra prisiones

Si siempres haces lo que has hecho

Estribillo

Escape from tradition, escape from routine,

Escape from the world that entraps us

To a new one now so rarely seen

FEEL OTHER’S FEELINGS

Hold the light, show me a new way

Help us learn, help us belong, help us know

Let’s grow to together we’ve so much gain

You die a little when you’re lonely

How can you be happy when you don’t know who you are?

People live in prisons but never see the bars

If you always do what you’ve always done you’ll always get what you’ve always got

Never think you’re better, the more you do the less you are

Certainty makes us smaller – doubt a little and grow

If you stand in a different place you’ll get a different view

Always looking in means you’ll never learn how to look out

No need to travel to know different lands

If I help you I help myself

Traditions a silent trap you go nowhere but think you’ve travelled a lot

Without you I can dig up diamonds, find some  gold, rob a bank , take a hostage or two and still stay poor.

WE MAKE OUR OWN SONG


            

THE IDEA OF WRITING A SONG:

Brainstorm possible words (from 10 to 30) to be part of the lyrics in a joined song and bring them for Thursday, John is going to help us build a great song!!

As the artist Beck usually says "everyone should make their own song"

THE MUSIC WE LIKE

 

Music has certainly moved us one way or another. We all like music and remember our life experience connected with a particular song.

We would like to exchange one song in our next meeting, Thursday 5^th March. We choose one song and speak what it makes us feel, style, artist, why we chose it, etc. in the target language.

Please send which title you have chosen in advance so that they make a playlist at La Tequería.

  

Spanish Beginners Practice (Thurs, 26th Feb)

Is crowdfunding good or bad for the entertainment industry? (Thurs, 26th Feb)

Crowdfunding is a fast growing practice. But is it positive or negative for the entertainment industry?
Crowdfunding is the practice of funding the development of a new product by raising money from a large number of people, usually via the Internet. The use of crowdfunding  has grown quickly in recent times. There are many different online platforms for crowdfunding, such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo, RocketHub. Many of the projects financed via crowdfunding are entertainment related. In particular the gaming industry is exploiting this new funding practice.

Crowdfunding pros and cons

Corwdfunding has many advantages. For instance, it lowers entry barriers to the industry, helps independent and small creators, enhances consumer/producer relationships and anticipates cheap funding for entrepreneurs. However there are also many problems and risks associated with it, including inadequate regulation, lack of protection of investors and excess of low quality products.

Is eating meat unethical? Veganism the only moral option? (Thursday, 12th February)

Is eating meat unethical? Can the exploitation and killing of animals ever be justified? Isn't animal suffering a good reason for becoming vegan?
There is a joke that goes: 'How do you know if there is a vegan at your dinner party? ... They will be sure to tell you'. Although the indignant self-righteousness of many vegans alienates many, it's sometimes hard to formulate a robust defence of meat eating which has become questionable from an ethical perspective. After all, the concept of killing and eating a human is likened to severe mental disorder and cruelty. Even the prospect of eating dogs or cats would disgust many. So how is it that people generally do not think twice when eating cows, pigs and chicken? It seems as though the selection of animals for our plates is arbitrary. Vegans, unlike vegetarians, also reject the consumption of eggs and dairies.

Eating meat unethical? What about eggs and dairies?

The dilemma posed by vegans is this: if it is an evil act to keep humans against their will for their produce and ultimately flesh, then what makes some animals so different? The most intuitive response is perhaps that eating meat is simply custom in our society. The vast majority of us are brought up with it, and the option is always available for us in supermarkets, restaurants and cafes. Also, certain meats are associated with particular cultural traditions, imbedding the custom of meat eating more and more into our identity as a society. However, it is an uncomfortable thought to think that our only justification is because 'other people do it'. After all, there is a long and tragic history of social norms that are later seen as barbaric. There are of course alternative defences. Perhaps the most interesting is that humans are not alone in their meat eating. Carnivores are found in all manner of environments, and require the meat of other animals to survive. However, for many in the west, the option not to eat meat is a feasible one, even if the same option is not available for many in the developing world.
Finally vegans bring their concern to a higher level than vegetarians. The latter do not consume meat either but find defensible the consumption of eggs and dairy products. For vegans these products are also causing animal exploitation and suffering and therefor are kept out their eating habits. The way hens and cows are usually treated in farms poorly fed and with bad little room to move makes questionable the consumption of dairy products and eggs.

From Netivist:  https://netivist.org/debate/is-eating-meat-unethical-and-veganism-the-moral-option

  HOMOSEXUALITY (Thursday, 5th February)

            Attached is a short extract from my mss, ‘The Causes and Cures of World Conflicts.’ If you think it may be an interesting topic for the Tequeria please forward it to others in the group, or if you wish I will.

Homosexuality.

Every prejudice against homosexuality is founded on Biblical texts. For example, Leviticus 20:13 reads, ‘If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death;’  Romans 1:26 adds, ‘Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.’ This so called ‘word of God’ offers no excuse, the entire condemnation hinges on sentiments like ‘unnatural perversions’.  However the science I come to below demonstrates such blanket judgements as flawed human perspectives rather than divine edicts.

Many homosexuals are born with external genitals that conflict with internal ones, others have indeterminate or dual genitalia. Nevertheless, in some countries -Britain included- medics are compelled by law to define gender more or less at birth even where ambiguity is evident. In later life affected children give appearance of one gender but in reality are driven by opposing hormones produced through concealed internal organs. When their unavoidable sexual orientation becomes clear, those wrongly defined suffer religion’s blind condemnation. However, where conflicting naturally produced hormones exist within individuals, their homosexual acts cannot be described as ‘unnatural’ or ‘perverse’. Since religious laws on homosexuality fail to recognise opposing internal and external genitalia, texts cannot be produced by an all knowing God; clearly He is ignorant of the above science. Thus religious laws against homosexuality have backfired with fatal consequences, proving God’s fallacy; for one cannot have a God who is both omniscient and ignorant and since his ignorance is herein evidenced, He cannot exist.

Once again science reveals realities previously concealed from the pseudo prophets of a false god, who condemned what they did not understand. Thus fundamentalism’s stigmatising edicts only denounce their authorising agency, i.e. God and his so called holy books. That inglorious example of God’s ignorance provides sound evidence of His concoction and man made texts, there are many more examples.

            Incidentally, as a youth in England I personally knew two boys and two girls, who I came to realise it were gender mixed.  Adults even in those days must have known this natural but then unacceptable orientation. However, despite their general ostracising, to the best of my knowledge, all four became kind, harmless members of society. So alongside the science v religious argument just articulated we have social or humanistic reasons to accept such diversities.

One final point I must make absolutely clear, just in case anyone is wondering, though I take this stand for homosexual equality, I am most certainly heterosexual, just ask my lovely wife.

            Hasta jueves amigos,

            Peter

Incidentally, my motives for coming to the Tequeria are to enjoy myself while learning Spanish, to make new friends and consolidate old ones and peacefully consider any adverse logic to my above and any other input, perhaps like abortion.

Another text for your choice

GENDER ROLES (Thursday, 5th February)

A

American girls' chores typically include domestic chores such as setting the table, helping with the laundry, vacuuming, and loading the dishwasher. American boys' chores typically include _______________.
Parents often give gender-differentiated toys to their children such as stuffed animals and Barbie Dolls for girls and _______________ for boys.
Children are trained to prefer different colors as well. Girls' rooms are more likely to be pink while boys' rooms are more likely to be ____________.
If a girl plays sports she'll likely try gymnastics, dance, or horseback riding. A boy will play ______________. Boys and girls are both likely to play soccer at a very young age but most boys will give up soccer for football as they grow up.
Extra practice: Read and talk about gender roles at http://forum.eslgo.com/viewforum.php?f=44

B

American girls' chores typically include _________________________. American boys' chores typically include yard work such as raking leaves, mowing the lawn, weeding, and watering outdoor plants and trees. Parents often give gender-differentiated toys to their children such as __________ for girls and GI Joe figures, computer games, robots, and cars for boys. Children are trained to like different colors as well. Girls' rooms are more likely to be ____________ while boys' rooms are more likely to be blue. If a girl plays sports she'll likely try __________________. A boy will play baseball, basketball, or football (hockey in Canada). Boys and girls are both likely to play soccer at a very young age but most boys will give up soccer for football as they grow up.
Extra practice: Read and talk about gender roles at http://forum.eslgo.com/viewforum.php?f=44

Discussion questions

1. How do the American gender stereotypes differ from those in your country?
2. Do any of the gender stereotypes bother you?
3. Is it appropriate to encourage boys to wear jeans and girls to wear dresses?
4. How do gender differences affect the middle and high school lives of boys and girls in your country?
Do teachers treat male and female students differently?
5. What are some typical jobs for men and women in your country?
6. What are the typical jobs for men and women of your parents' generation?
7. Are men and women treated equally - and paid equally - at work?
8. Is there a women's rights movement in your country? If there is one, how has it helped or hurt society? If there isn't one, do you think there should be?
9. Name some famous women and their accomplishments. You may name women you admire from other countries, but try to name as many as you can from your own country.
10. What are stereotypical reactions for men and women in the following situations (in other words, what are males supposed to do and what are females expected to do?):
a. When your car breaks down
b. When you're in a car accident
c. When you're lost
11. What does a woman need to do to be considered attractive in your country? What do men have to do?
12. Are there differences in how your society views men and women who date a lot or sleep around?
13. What do women hate most about men and vice versa?
14. When do men and women cry in your country?




ABORTION (12th February 2015)

Hippocratic Oath

© Before the Declaration of Geneva in 1948, the Hippocratic

Oath used to read as follows:

I will prescribe regimen for the good of my patients and

never do harm to anyone. To please no one will 1 prescribe a

deadly drug, nor give advice which iiuiy tau.sc liis dcalli. Iiiio

whatever house I enter I will go into it for tiie benefit ot the

sick, and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief

and corruption. Whatever in connection with my

professional practice or not in connection with it, I see or

hear in the lives of men which ought not to be spoken of

abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should

be kept secret. While I continue to keep this oath inviolate,

may it be granted me to enjoy life and the practice of the art,

respected by all men in all times, but should I trespass and

violate this oath, may the reverse be my lot.

Debate

• Promises are made to be broken. Discuss.

BEST ONLINE DATING SITE OR APP: (27th January)

Badoo, Match.com, Meetic, Tinder or Zoosk?

Online dating is now a common and widely accepted practice to meet other people and start a romantic or sexual relationship, or just make new friends. Badoo, Match.com, Meetic, Tinder and Zoosk are some of the most prominent dating services today. According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 35% of couples married between 2005 and 2012 met online. Online dating is also a multimillion dollar industry. Some other interesting facts about online dating: ·         Men make 80% of the initial contacts which only 25% were actually reciprocated.
·         Today 33% of couples have met online. By 2040 this number will rise to 70%.
·         38% of American singles have used a dating services.
·         The US dating service market is estimated to be worth $2.2 billion.
·         Users posting a full body profile photo increase their chances of getting a response on average by 203%, but posting profile photos of you and your friends decreases your chance of response by 42%.
·         The average dating site customers spends $239 a year.
·         Online dating sites in the US spent $241 million on national TV ad placements in 2013.
·         Mobile dating apps generated a billion dollars in 2011. By 2016 it is expected to be worth 2.3 billion.
Multiple companies provide dating services either through their websites or cell phone apps (as those mentioned above). They differ in terms of their target audience, what sort of relationship their users are looking for, and whether users pay for the service or it is free of charge, among other things. Which do you think is the best online dating app or service: Badoo, Match.com, Meetic, Tinder or Zoosk? Vote and explain why. Do not hesitate to mention any other website or app that you like.You can see this debate on Netivist

POLITICS (Thurs, 22nd Jan 2015)

Should Catalonia become an independent state and break away from Spain?

IS IT OK TO SELL UNWANTED GIFTS? ( Tues, 13th Jan)

Christmas time is over, and you probably got a lot of lovely presents. On your birthdays, your wedding anniversary, mothers' or fathers' day, and so on, you may also get new gifts. Often people around you know your needs and get you something you wanted. But from time to time you also receive gifts that you don’t like at all. What do you do with them? Would you keep them, give them to someone else or sell them? Do you think giving away or selling gift could hurt the feelings of the person who made the present? Do you think that once it has been given to you it’s yours, and you have every right on it? So if you want to sell it, nobody can say anything about it.
What is your opinion? Is it ok to sell unwanted gifts? Vote and tell us if you have ever sold a gift.

You can see the debate on Netivist

Let's do some practice on shopping first:

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS DIFFICULT TO KEEP (8th Jan 2015)

Read this article on Breaking News with activities to practice your English, and comment upon the following questions at the debate.

   A.    How difficult would it be for you to save money this year?

   B.     How difficult would it be for you to get fit this year?

   C.    What do you think this year will be like for you?

   D.    What things would you like to stop doing this year?

   E.     What resolution should your best friend try, and why?

   F.      What do you think of the idea of New Year's resolutions?

   G.    What New Year's resolutions do you make?

0 H.   Are you good or bad at keeping New Year's resolutions?

   I.    What is special about the New Year period?

   J.    How do you celebrate the New Year?

   K.    How was last year for you?

   L.      What one thing would you like to change about last year?

   M.  Why do people have a hard time sticking to New Year's resolutions?

Read more: http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1501/150102-new-years-resolutions.html#ixzz3NkWQo0DR

NAVIDAD - CHRISTMAS

4th December 2014

See this video for ELE students: ://www.videoele.com/B2_Ya_es_navidad2.HTML