z4BSA+Speaking+Out+SLOT+A


 * Welcome to Speaking Out Intern****ationally**

You can contact me by email at ** belen.san-antonio@cpe.fr **

 * 04/05/2015 **
 * Please don't forget to put your speaking activity down below in the appropriate section. Put/post your slides, docs, and anything else you used during the activity **

** Speaking  Out Internationally** gives you the opportunity to share your ideas on topics of an international flavour. This could be something about a country, an event or issue. It is ** your ** course and you are the masters  of the course. If you do nothing, not much will happen and the whole thing will fall through !


 * To start ** you will have to become members of this wikispace as you will have to put your ideas for discussion on this page by the **Friday** of the week preceeding the class. **P** ** enalties will be applied to students who fail to post at least one question on the wiki every Friday. ** (You can see some examples below. Please be more creative than most of last year's students!!!!)


 * Class will take the form of ** debates, speaking in pairs and groups, quizzes and any other interactive types of communication ** . You are the 'actors' in your learning here, so be active!! This will make up **33%** of your final grade.


 * Everyone will create ** a short oral activity ** for your classmates to enjoy and take part in. This will be about a subject (Internationally speaking) which is close to your heart and that you would like to share with us and will lead to a class discussion. You don't necessarily need to do a Power Point . Your activity must be fun and very interactive, for example a game or #|quiz for the whole class [[image:http://cdncache1-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png height="10"]] in, a debate with interactive questions, etc. This will make up **33%** of your final grade.
 * There will be a ** writing element ** to the module. You are to produce a short #|dossier on 3 of the topics introduced during the semester. This should include: i) Information you gleaned from the talk and discussion in class, ii) information on the topic that you have researched, iii) a personal comment. These 3 elements will be the written evaluation mark of the module and will be worth **33%** of your final grade. This should be handed in to me on the last but one class.
 * In addition, each week, one small group will do a short revision vocabulary game, with the language seen the previous week.

= 30/03/2015 Hello there. My voice is still not 100% ok. This is the Speaking Out module. Today I need you to do pretty much all the talking so that I can minimise my talking and continue 'resting' my voice. We will do the revision game if there is one, the speaking activity, and then we'll go through the videos, articles and questions that you posted on the wiki. = = Thanks =

Please sign up for your speaking activity:

MOTTI BACH || Thug Life || As pointed out last week, we have here! You should have put your names down for today. I don't know if well have time to do 3 Speai kng Activities!!! || ** Compulsory I believe ** ||
 * ||  || **NAME** || **SHORT DESCRIPTION OF ORAL ACTIVITY** ||
 * **1** || 2 FEBRUARY ||  ||   ||
 * **2** || 9 FEBRUARY ||  ||   ||
 * || **16 FEBRUARY** || **VACANCES HIVER** || **PAS DE COURS** ||
 * || **23 FEBRUARY** || **2ND SESSION** || **PAS DE COURS** ||
 * **3** || 2 MARCH || poissonnier achard || strange laws ||
 * **4** || 9 MARCH || FAN / DUMONTIER || Education in different countries ||
 * **5** || 16 MARCH || JEANNOT / GOUBE ||  ||
 * **6** || 23 MARCH || jornet pace ||  ||
 * **7** || 30 MARCH || RECORDON/PESTRE ||  ||
 * || **6 APRIL** || **LUNDI DE PAQUES** || **PAS DE COURS** ||
 * || **13 APRIL** || **VACANCES PRIMTEMPS** || **PAS DE COURS** ||
 * || **20 APRIL** || **PAS DE COURS** || **PAS DE COURS** ||
 * **8** || 27 APRIL || BLASER/VALLET ||  ||
 * **9** || 4 MAY || SUGITA / MOUBAMBA ||  ||
 * **10** || 11 MAY || MERY / CASSAR ||  ||
 * **11** || 18 MAY || DELAYRE / INGOUF
 * || **25 MAY** || **FERIE** || **PAS DE COURS** ||
 * **12** || 1 JUNE || ** MOCK CAE **
 * vagaggini/ saumet. **

==

==

**Please post here your speaking activities**

 * -THUG LIFE _ Delayre Bastien & Ingouf Xavier**


 * - Women and Society MOUBAMBA/SUGITA**


 * Improvisation game BLASER/VALLET**

- Knowledge GOUBE/JEANNOT

- Cannabis CASSAR/MERY


 * -** Stange laws ACHARD/POISSONNIER

//-// Education in different countries, FAN / DUMONTIER

- Record JORNET / PACE

**Questions for discussion Monday 2 March: **
[] This film talks about artificial intelligence. A man dies and his wife backs up his memory in a computer : it is as if she was downloading her husband's brain. one day artificial intelligence awakes and the computer talking with the woman. She has a loving relationship with IA.
 * - transcendance -- **

At the end of the film, the IA is capable of downloading / create matter. It goes beyond any kind of energy and is able to create an invincible human. 1. according to you, is it possible to fall in love with a artificial intelligence? 2. in this film, the IA is able to control others. Does The advanced technology scare you?

https://www.ted.com/talks/myriam_sidibe_the_simple_power_of_hand_washing?language=en
 * Heitor**

How do you feel about hygiene? Do you think it is important to avoid diseases? Do you think that bad hygiene can spread illnesses? Do you think that special soaps can help? What can we do to have good hygiene?

[] According to you, do you think sampling limits the musical creation ? Is using samples really create?
 * Ombeline SAUMET**


 * Celia Vagaggini**

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/oct/23/why-population-growth-costs-the-earth-roger Do you think we should take measures about the number of births per family in order to reduce the current population growth? What do you think will happen In the near future?


 * Xavier**

UK approves “three-person babies”. In order to prevent babies inheriting deadly genetic disease, UK scientist developed a new IVF method, and first attempts could take place by the end of 2015. Scientists remove the nucleus from the “sick” embryo, and insert it into another healthy embryo, obtained from an other woman(the third parent). As the nucleus is containing the parent’s genetic information, the baby gets his two parent’s DNA, but it also get 0,1% DNA from the third parent. This change is permanent and will echo down to the next generations. Many groups, as Human Genetics Alert, say the move would open the door to further genetic modification of children in the future : baby genetically modified for beauty or intelligence. What are your feelings about this information ? Do you consider this as a scientific breakthrough, or as a threat for ethics ? Do you think that one day, most of the newborn would have their DNA modified ? Is it a good thing to change DNA in order to prevent diseases ? Maybe Huxley’s Brave New World predictions will one day become true ?


 * Bastien**

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/feb/05/sports-illustrated-swimsuit-issue-plus-size-model Can this kind of advertisment change the way one pictures the perfect body shape ? Do you think magazines create beauty standards ? How much are we influenced by them ?


 * Marion**

I don't know if I have to answer to your questions here and know. Anyway, I find your article very interesting and the question which resulting is very deep. For my part, I think that is the fashion professionals, like medias on the way we see the wolrd, that bring us the illustration of the "perfect" woman without taking into account the tastes of many men in te world. I think that this article is a kind of awareness of the specialist and the desire to break codes.


 * Pierre**

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31639374 Nowadays, drones are very common and with a couple of hundred euros, anyone can buy a drone and do what he wants with it. Are you afraid from what people can do with drones ? If you had one, will you fly over cities like Paris (which is forbidden) ? Do you think that governments have fast reactions to threats related to new technologies or that there is always a delay before they react ?


 * Thibaut**

I've watched recently on french television a report about cyber criminality that made me question the way we use social networks, and how it makes us more vulnerable to cyber attacks. My questions are : do we share too much informations on social networks ? What solutions do we have to protect our private life and erase any "digital footprints" we leave behind us on the internet ?


 * Lena**

http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_gilbert_asks_why_are_we_happy

What is the secret of happiness? Do you think that freedom decreases happiness like surveys seem to show?


 * Sylvain PACE**

http://www.ted.com/talks/severine_autesserre_to_solve_mass_violence_look_to_locals

Severine Autesserre studies the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is in the middle of the deadliest conflict since World War II; it's been called "the largest ongoing humanitarian crisis in the world.” The opinion in the video is that the local conflicts fuel violence in the most war and post-war environment, because of the presence of a dominant peace building culture. Or more generally, the culture of the local motivates the conflicts (example: ). As we know the violence is often motivated by the national and international causes, like resource exploitation, political intrigue… What you think nowadays most influence effect to cause conflicts or wars?


 * Xiaoyun**

[] On every ads, you can read that the electrical cars are ecologic, but are you sure they are really good for the environment ? Electric cars might pollute much more than petrol or diesel-powered cars, according to new research.


 * Quentin POISSONNIER**

** Questions for discussion Monday 9 February: **
Today is the beginning of three days without mobile phone. This day permits to think about the utility of our mobile phone. __@http://www.20minutes.fr/societe/1095525-20130206-journee-mobile-cest-moment-sinterroger-propre-rapport-telephone-portable__ Do you think we are slave or dependent on our mobile? Could you stay more than one day without your phone?
 * Laura**
 * EXEMPT FROM POSTING QUESTIONS UNTIL 27 APRIL - Although, I didn't realise your article was in French. I'm sure you can find information about this in English. Please do so and post it here for the next class, March 2. Thanks **

President Barack Obama made a sound intervention in what it seems to be in favor of Greece’s positions against austerity, saying that you cannot keep squeezing countries in recession. The current economic system doesn’t allow to several countries to repay their debts because the interests are too much important and the economies of these countries are collapsing. Do you think the US and the EU should take measures to improve this situation? Isn’t it a bit hypocritical to say that whereas Greece has sunk because of American firms betting on the recession of the country?
 * Sylvain**
 * EXEMPT FROM POSTING QUESTIONS UNTIL 27 APRIL **

Facebook is faced with a big dilemma: censor your posts or the company gets banned in some countries. Indeed, in India, Turkey or Pakistan, Facebook had to delete or block nearly 2,000 posts or photos last year. However, you can still see those posts outside of those countries. But they're nonexistent back home. Do you think Facebook has the right to censor a number of users because their posts speak about religions, politics... and the government disagree?
 * Marion**
 * EXEMPT FROM POSTING QUESTIONS UNTIL 27 APRIL **

Of all the money pledged by well-intentioned individuals, organizations and nations, only 40% has actually reached the countries hardest hit by the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. This is what shows a study of Karen Grepin, an assistant professor of global health policy at New York University. Indeed, On $2.9 billion pledged by December, only $1.09 billion of this support has actually been paid. The delay in dispatching resources to West Africa may have contributed to the spread of the virus, which increase the needs of donations. How donations dispatching to fight against a such epidemic and dangerous disease can take so much time? Do you think there is flaws in donations transactions system in emergency cases?
 * Leslie**
 * EXEMPT FROM POSTING QUESTIONS UNTIL 27 APRIL **

Tuesday 27th january, Barack Obama and his wife were in Saudi Arabia after the king’s burial Abdallah. In this country, women’s rights are not respected and they have to veil. But it is not obliged for foreign women, even if they always do it out of politeness. But Michelle Obama did not wear a headscarf, maybe in order to send a message. That causes a big debate in the Internet, a part of people thinking it is impolite.

And you, what are you thinking about this behavior? Was she right? Do you think occidental women have to veil in Arab country, even if they don’t have to?

And do Arab women have to veil in occidental country?

[]


 * Eugénie **
 * EXEMPT FROM POSTING QUESTIONS UNTIL 27 APRIL **

It's been 6 months since flight MH370 vanished, but investigations are still going on. http://edition.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/bestoftv/2014/09/08/exp-erin-dnt-lah-malaysia-airlines-flight-370-milestone.cnn.html What do you think happened to this plan e? Do you think we will one day find out what really happened?

//I think it's very difficult to say what happened because we have any tangible answers. This plane has vanished since 6 months and investigations don't make progress. I think it's too late to hope for results because the environment of researches is very complicated (by the flow and the depth) and huge. **Nina**//

//I do not believe we will ever know what actually happened to this plane, there must have been some kind of trouble with the monitoring instruments. Even if it is great for families to keep searching for the plane and the passengers, I do not think there is much hope left.//
 * //Simon//**

//I think that after six months of vanished that might be hard to find results. More time will pass more research will be difficult. But, i think it should not stop looking for answers and try to understand what really happened.//
 * //Ashley//**

I don't have a single opinion on what happened to this plane (non-voluntary or voluntary accident). But I think we'll have some answers one day, which will help us to understand what happened. //**Stan**//

I think it is too late to know what happened to that plane. The research did not yield any results and I think there is no hope of finding anything. It is difficult for the victims' families but I do not think we really know what happened.
 * Florian**

//About that subject, I don't believe that we will find this plane easily. There is a huge probability that it crashed in Ocean (in an other case, we should have found it long time ago). An when we look at some others smaller water areas, it is already really difficult to find something that we search. The geography of the seabed, the oceans flux and some others parameters allow me to say that we will probably not find this plane. Or long time in the future, like boats or planes of WW2 we find today. Accordingly, we will not find what happened soon.//
 * Daniel**

I think it's a very difficult situation. There is no chance to find this plane because the research area is extensive and the ocean is too deep. I think the research is just a good way for familly to keep their hope. I've no idea about the reason of this loss.
 * Matthieu**

The Israelian prime minister Benyamin Netanyahou said France could make a big mistake by recognizing the Palestinian state in the next month. The decision will be given on the 2. of December. Do you think France should recognize the Palestinian state ? Do you really think that European countries should give their opinion on this case ?

//I think that all the countries can give their opinion in order to see their position about this subject. Nevertheless, I think that only Benyamin Netanyahou have the right to take the decision to know if the Palestinian could be or not a state.//
 * Ashley**

I think France should not be the only State to answer this question. Because there must be several States which recognize a new State. //**Stan**//

//I think that currently, France can ask this question itself. But France don't have to recognize the right of a state currently. I think that Europeans and others "big" states have made big mistakes by their interventions along the time in Orient or Africa. A big part of the differents situations that provokes crysis nowadays are the results of what we did in the past, by our interventions. The Europeans countries should resolve their own problems before searching to resolve the problems of the others, I think.//
 * Daniel**

I think the France should give their opinion to help the Israelian prime minister to take his. However, it is the prime minister to decide what to do.Countries can give their opinion but they should not influence the choice of Benyamin Netanyahou.
 * Florian**

A 12-year-old boy who was carrying what turned out to be a fake gun is dead, after being shot by a Cleveland police officer. An attorney for the family said the boy died early on Sunday morning at a hospital. The shooting happened on Saturday after officers responded to reports of a male with a gun. A man who called 911 told dispatchers the boy was at a recreation centre, pointing a pistol that was “probably fake” and scaring everyone. Police say the officer fired two shots after the boy pulled the fake weapon from his waistband. An orange safety indicator had been removed from the barrel. Investigators say the boy did not point the fake pistol at officers but reached for it after being told to raise his hands. Do you think fake guns should be for sale? Don't you think policemen shouldn't have the right to shoot people, and especially children ?

Three years after the Libyan revolution and the subsequent downfall of its dictator Muammar Qaddafi, the country has descended further into chaos and insecurity. Rebel militias, radical Islamists, and former Qaddafi commander Khalifa Haftar are among the different groups vying for power and oil wealth, creating a vacuum in which violence and militancy reign supreme. http://www.vice.com/video/libya-a-broken-state-158 Do you think occidental countries made the situation worst in Libya ? Do you think we should have let the situation evolve by themself ?

//I think that the situation in Libya is bad and it will be difficult to straighten out this country because of his complicated history (italian colonization, freedom and royalty, dictatorship, chaos after the fall of Qaddafi...). For sure occidental countries made this revolution happened, but they had the benefit too of Qaddafi's supremacy before the revolution regarding the defense weapon market, which represent a huge part of our economy. **Nina**//

In Grenoble, the mayor decided to take off every advertising panel in the city and to replace them with trees. Do you think it is a good idea ? Do you think we should preserve the ecology or would it be better for the city to earn money with adverts ? Don't you think there would be an other way to become a "green" city ? Don't you think loosing the money earned by thoose panels could be a big mistake ?

** Questions for discussion Monday 17 November: **
Yeah ! Free election in Tunisia ! The 1st democrtical election in Tunisia since the Arab spring. It's a glorious and historical moment for Tunisia and all the Arab countries especially which those were touched by the Arab spring. There are portentous sides like the acceptation of the defeat of Islamist and the victory of a moderate party, then certainly a 2nd round. There are also bad sides, like 40% of absenteism and more absenteism for the youth because they are resigned and had desillusion even if there were more than 20 parties.

Why do you think there is so much absenteism ? Do you believe is the 1st step to a real democraty ? Do yuo think, islamists will let other parties take the power ?


 * Thizy**

As you might know, Rebuplicans won the last midterm election in November in the USA putting Barack Obama in a difficult position. In order to win this election, some republican candidates posted short movies where they strongly criticized Obama and even made fun of him.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6i7xc_barack-obama-l-antechrist-selon-les_news

What do you think of this way to conduct a campaign? Do you think such a method could be used and actually work in France or other european countries?

Simon

Currently, a big array of wards or GPS are used to keep an eye on children. Some parents paid companies for software or products to this. The main argument is that the current society is dangerous for children, and parents want to know about where their children are. But it could be an infraction for freedom privacy.

What do you think ? Is it really a bad way to protect children ? Have you other solutions ? What about danger for children in current society ?
 * Daniel.S**

After the Russia army in Ukraine, there are high tension between Russia and other countries in the world. At the G20, Putin went before the traditional breakfast. Then, last Saturday Russia expelled a diplomat form the embassy of Germany in Moscow. What do you think of Russia's actions? For you what will become the international relations in several years? **Matthieu. C**

The former US Navy Seal, Robert O'Neill who claims to have killed Osama bin Laden has delivered his dramatic account of the moment that he said he pumped three bullets into the al-Qaeda terror chief. What do you think about this revelation? Don't you think this is a deloyalty?
 * Nina**

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBQ-IoHfimQ Do you think we can actually help the children in any way?

Sam.C

As you probably know, France made a contract with Russia for the construction of 2 warships. But France refuses to deliver them if the situation in Ukraine is not going better. As a response, Russia threatened France of economical sanctions if the first ship is not delivered before the end of November. Do you think it's a good idea to stand up against Russia ? Which side is going to give up first ?


 * Alban**

Wismeijer Martijn, a Dutch entrepreneur **specializing in bitcoins **, implanted two chips in his hands. Inserted into the glass shells "biocompatible" on 12mm*2mm, they were injected by a specialist using syringes. The chips work with NFC and can store up to 888 data bit each. Payments are always made with a smartphone but the chips are used as a bank account. In addition to storing the bitcoins, these chips can be programmed to open doors without keys, turn off an alarm or unlock some electronic devices. He decided to remove all bitcoins stored in his hands. "The goal was not so many people are aware", he said.
 * As it’s possible to get these chips on internet, do you think this is a good thing ?**
 * In your opinion, what was his first intention ?**


 * Stan**

Safra Group, the group of Joseph Safra, a Bresilian, announced that they will buy "The Gerkin", an emblematic building of London Financial District, for £726.000.000. Nowadays, it's a current fact for countries to sell important or emblematic building to others states or organisations.

What do you think about selling heritage or lands to others states or private companies ? Is it really a good decision, in present and future ?


 * Daniel.S**

According to NATO's cyber-security services, their intrusion detection systems find about 5 confirmed cyber-attacks per week. Cyber-terrorismis considered to be as serious as attacks with bombs. Viruses can potentially shut down power grids, hospitals, financial markets etc. Organisations hacked include Google and the French economics ministry. At present about 95% of cyber-attacks are criminal activity rather than political or military.

Should we be more concerned with defending ourselves against cyber-terrorism rather than "physical" terrorism ? Should we reduce spending on conventional defence (military) and spend more on cyber-defence?

Sam.C

Last week-end in Florida, a 90 year old man named Arnold Abbott was arrested by policemen because he was giving meals to homeless people. He created 26 years ago an association called "Love Thy Neighbor", and since this, he helps every day poor people on the street. But nowadays, a new law appeared which forbids people to give food on the street. Now, he is sentenced to a 500€ fine and 60 days of prison. Do you think forbidding people to give homeless people a meal is a good way to get rid of them ? Do you think that such a law is correct with the ethic ?

https://news.vice.com/fr/article/un-homme-de-90-ans-arrt-en-floride-parce-quil-donnait-manger-des-sans-abri

Matthieu L.

There was up to 4.2m CCTV cameras in Britain in 2006 - about one for every 14 people.
==== It predicts that by 2016 shoppers could be scanned as they enter stores, schools could bring in cards allowing parents to monitor what their children eat, and jobs may be refused to applicants who are seen as a health risk. ====

Nina
In 1989 for the end of the berlin's wall, there was around the world 12 walls. Nowadays, we can count more than 50 walls in the whole world. There are some walls anti-immigration as between the USA and Mexico or anti-talibans wall as bewteen Lageria and Marocco or Isreal and the state of Palestine or India and about all the others countries wich share a border with him, or for dictator purposes as between north and south Korea. Ukraine even want to create a new wall between them and Russia what will start perhaps and 2nd Iron curtain ( "Rideau de fer" ).
 * Why do you think world need so much walls, always more dangerous for people who want to cross ? In a world with no communication barrier, why do we so much need physicals gates ?**
 * Thizy**

http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/paying-a-terrorist-ransom-may-put-a-country-s-citizens-at-greater-risk-expert-1.1971270 France is a country known for negotiating with terrorist and for paying a lot of ransoms. What do you think about it ? Is it a good strategy or at the contrary that it's a way to increase terrorist power ?

Alban

Silk Road 2.0 (online drugs marketplace) and 400 other sites believed to be selling illegal items including drugs and weapons have been shut down. The sites operated on the Tor network - a part of the internet unreachable via traditional search engines. The joint operation between 16 European countries and the US saw 17 arrests, including Blake Benthall who is said to be behind Silk Road 2.0.

**Tor**, as well as hosting legitimate sites, is home to thousands of illegal marketplaces, trading in drugs, child abuse images as well as sites for extremist groups.

**Tor** is a special part of the internet that requires software, known as the Tor Browser bundle, to access it.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helmet,Freesans,sans-serif; font-size: 1.07em;">The name is an acronym for The Onion Router - just as there are many layers to the vegetable, there are many layers of encryption on the network.


 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helmet,Freesans,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Did you know that Tor exists ? **
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helmet,Freesans,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">What do you think about it ? **

Stan RENIA

** Questions for discussion Monday 3 November: **
A proposal has been made to the mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to ban smoking in public parks. In 2007 it became illegal to smoke in enclosed public spaces across the UK such as pubs, clubs and restaurants. However, if this idea was to be put into practise, parks would be the first outdoor place where smoking would be banned. Campaigners defend the idea by saying that not only would it continue limiting the areas of passive smoking risks but it would also deter young people from smoking by reducing the possibility of children seeing grown ups having a cigarette.

Do you think this proposal could be a step forward for the health of our society or would it be reducing the freedom of each individual ?

As I had forgotten last week to post a question I am posting two for this week.

And my second subject remains in the same domain: Health care. However in this case it is about fighting obesity. This is a very urgent problem since one in five young people and one in four adults in the UK now suffer from obesity. Each year this "disease" causes 34,000 deaths. In order to fight against this, the NHS (National Health Service) is going to encourage its own staff (1.35 million people) to join weight-watching groups and take out gym memberships. This isn't just to help a small percentage of people to improve their health but also to give an example to the rest of the population and, particularly, the patients. They would also want to ban the sale of high-sugar and high-fat products in hospitals, hoping the same rule would then apply to schools.

Do you think that the state has a role in trying to do everything they can to improve the health of the population or should the state not get involved in the personal life of the NHS staff, or the public in general?

Sam.C

Ken Munro is an ethical hacker and expert in industrial control systems known as Scada (supervisory control and data acquisition) Going back more than a decade, he did security testing on a set of traffic lights in a large UK town that he doesn't want to name and found that someone with a bit of knowledge could change the lights on demand and cause chaos. "Fortunately that particular set of lights was fixed as a result," he says.

But as more and more cities introduce smart traffic lights and roads that speak to each other and are connected to the network, the problem is only going to get worse. And so, security firm F-Secure has seen a rise in the number of attacks on so-called Scada (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems used by the gas, electricity and water industries. "If someone gets access to the data headquarters then it starts to get really scary." he says.

Do you think we are so excited about the technology that we forget the importance of security ? As hacking is a growing phenomenon, do we have to slow down the development of technology ?

Stan R.

Recently a man molested a cat with his friends. A young girl, who knew the cat, filmed it and posted it on youtube. Due to the reaction of internet's people when they saw the video, this man commit a suicide.

Do you think internet can destroy life ? Why ? In addition, what do you think about guys who molested animals ? Daniel S As you certainly know, Martin Couture-Rouleau and Michael Zehaf-Bibeau commited both aggression in Canada in the name of Islamists (even if you don't know the names). Then, one Mosque was graffitied in respond with sentences like "Free Canada" or "Go Home" speaking about muslims. But, it breeds a movment of solidarity and a lot of canadians went to this mosque and washed the graffiti then they placed messages of peace and tolerance to show the world that isolate cases don't represent the entire nation.

Do you think that is a good way to answer and do you agree with their actions ? Do you think in france we can do some actions and what ?


 * Thizy**

** Questions for discussion Monday 20 October: **
Dear class, Sorry I was not well enough to be there today. I have had a look at the questions for today and noticed that not everyone has posted questions for today. Please make sure that you all post questions for the next session. If you haven't posted any today (and you weren't doing the vocab. revision activity), there's a penalty and you must post a minimum of TWO questions next time. Please also put your name down for the speaking activity in the table below if you haven't done so yet before Monday 3 November. Have a good break and see you then.
 * 20/10/2014**
 * Belén **

Last week I watched a documentary about a man named Mister Brainwash who followed and filmed knowned street artists like banksy. Then, thanks to their help, he was able to create his own art and sell some pieces for millions of dollars. Do you think that sometimes modern art is overrated and becomes more about fashion than actual quality ?

Simon 8

As you must know, the environment is an issue of our time. We can see an ice melt, higher temperature, walrus migration. For you, is it too late to stop this or reduce ? What will be the solutions for you ?

ice melting : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aUr83eWKGo

Matthieu C 1

I have heard that Facebook and google offered to women who work for them to freeze their eggs to have children later in exchange of financial assistance. This allows them to not interrupt their carrier. So these companies meddle in human reproduction ... What do you think of this policy adopted by these big companies? What is the interest for these women to accept this proposal?

Florian C. 2

Last week, the pope made an announcement during an annual meeting and i think, started a revolutionfor christianism. He said: " Homosexuals have qualities and gifts which can brings something good in the home of god" and he said “Who a m I to judge? ”. Do you think that this pope can change the point of view of billion of people. Do you think that prootest in france against gay marriage etc can be stoped with this announcement ?


 * THIZY 3**

How different are men and women? Before you click on the link, discuss in your groups as many ways as you can think of. Consider love, career, attitude to money, etc.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_eye/2014/08/22/man_meets_woman_by_yang_liu_uses_pictograms_to_explore_the_differences_between.html

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #424242; font-family: Lora,Georgia,Cambria,;">** Want VS Need Check out this great series of illustrations reminding us of the little things that are important in every day life. ** <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #424242; font-family: Lora,Georgia,Cambria,;">Great series of illustrations by talented designer Erin Hanson entitled Want VS Need. Very clever, reminds us about the important little things of everyday life. Hanson is a graphic designer/photographer currently living in Austin, Texas.

http://chicquero.com/2012/03/14/want-vs-need/


 * Belén**

With the new technologies, there will be more and more robots all over the world soon. Maybe they would be replace humans in industry, in supermarket or in school for example? What do you think about that? Watch the video : []


 * Nina 4**

There are three weeks I met a man coming from Venezuela and he explained to me that over there the rules were very strict. For example, at the table, everyone must stand as the mother is not sitting and they have to get up every time she gets up and she sits down. Some people find it offensive or even too strict.

Do you think his is knowing that we are in the 21st century and that cultures change?

Ashley 5

http://science.time.com/2013/07/25/creating-false-memories-in-mice-brains-and-in-yours/ This article explains that scientists are now capable to create false memories into mice brains. It is also written that we can probably do it on the human brain, it means that it would be possible to manipulate people by putting false memories in their minds.

Have your ever got the feeling that science is going too far ? If yes, what was the subject ?

Alban 6

The largest U.S. gay-rights organization "Saturday", endorsed efforts to promote the use of a once-a-day pill, named "Truvada", to prevent HIV infection and called on insurers to provide more generous coverage of the drug. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says studies have shown that Truvada, can reduce the risk of getting HIV by 90 percent or more. According to the CDC, there are about 50,000 new HIV infections annually (in the US), with gay and bisexual men accounting for 63% of them.

Do you think this drug, Truvada, might encourage unprotected sexual behavior ? Is Truvada a great solution to end the epidemic ? Knowing that the cost of Truvada varies in a range of $8,000 to $14,000 per year, what solutions do we have in order to make it affordable for everyone?

Stan 7

** Questions for discussion Monday 13 October: **
Shortly after the iPhone 6 Plus was released on September 19, reports of the device bending when placed in a pocket began to surface. One user, for example, reported slight bending after the iPhone was in a pocket for approximately 18 hours, and after that, several other reports trickled in.

example to bend an iphone 6 using force: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znK652H6yQM

Do you think that it's really possible to blend an iphone after all tests before it is put up for sale?

Ashley A.

Recently Frank Van Den Bleeken, a 52 years-old criminal in Belgium, obtained to be euthanasied. This man thinks that he is dangerous for society, but argues that he can't support detention anymore, due to psychological pain. As a human, he asked to be euthanasied, and the governement allowed it. Belgium is the first state which allowed euthanasia in special cases for adults and sick children.

Do you think it's a good idea to give the liberty of choose to decease with medical assistance in certain cases ? Have you any exemple ?


 * Daniel S.**

I heard Singapur is one of the most secure country. It's the country with the most policemen per inhabitants (1out of 3), and the with the most strict rules. For example, if you smoke on the street you can go to jail, if you throw your chewing-gum on the street, you'lln have a huge fine, and if you smoke weed you can even be condamned to death. Do you think that you, as a student, would be ready to live there one year long for your internship and change your habits? Do you think work opportunities are more important than your social life?

Matthieu L

Do you think that the environmental tax could encourage less polluting means of transport ? If this is the case, do you think it will resolves our environmental difficulties ?


 * Amélie Ribour**


 * Excalibur, the most controversial dog in the world at the moment, well not any more! **
 * People didn't demonstrate when they brought the missionary that had contracted ebola to Spain (with taxpayers money), but when it came to saving a dog's life, they took to the streets, signed petitions, pleaded ...**

Do you think the world today often gets indignant about the wrong things? Have we lost the sense of what really matters? What, in your opinion is the right thing to do when somebody is infected with ebola in Africa? Should they be brought back to their countries? Would it be safer and help contain the spread of the disease if governments sent health professionals to treat them in the country where they were infected?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/ebola/11149379/Protesters-clash-with-police-over-the-fate-of-Excalibur-the-Ebola-dog.html http://www.eyeonspain.com/news/


 * Belén**

**And since we are talking about dogs...**
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2692966/The-Lewinsky-affair-best-thing-happen-Hillarys-career-claims-new-book.html Do you think that people are going to ridiculous extremes these days to further their careers?


 * Belén**


 * "**This umbrella protest in Hong-Kong will really changes something, according to you ? I don't think that the China dicatureship will let some people override their decisions. Actually, it can breed the same tendancy with Arab revolution, in other words give some other people ideas with protestation with the government in the center of China, do you ?

Moreover, do you know how this protest run throught ?"


 * Theophile Thizy**

Presidential elections are happening in the bigger country of South America opposing the actual President Dilma from the Workers Party with the centrist candidate, Neves. Dilma who is running for a second four year term has been succeeded to his mentor, Lula. Although the growth of Brazil is slowing down and public finances are degrading, the country actually knows a very low rate of unemployment. The question is: do the Brazilians have to consider the arrival of a new party to lead the country?

Florian CHAPUIS

Nowadays, many countries are interfering in an other as Russia in Ukraine or Israël over Gaza. How can we punish /avoid these interferences without starting a nuclear war ?

Alban GUESDON

**Questions for discussion Monday 6 October:**

 * Nowdays**

"Recently one of my friend noticed me that genetically modified moskitos were created by scientists to fight against paludism and chikungunya. Scientists added a vaccine in their genome and made the progeny of these moskitos infertile.

Do you think that genetical alterations can be an answer to several problems like this or others ? What problems ?"

= = = = = = =THE SCOTTISH REFERENDUM:=
 * Daniel S.**


 * QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION**
 * **Did you follow the Scottish referendum campaigns pro and against? Tell your classmates about it**
 * How much do you know about the historical relation between England and Scotland? ** Tell your classmates about it and find out more information from other people **
 * ** Mr Cameron made a number of promises in his post-referendum speech? What do you think are the implications of his promises? **
 * ** There are some claims that the vote was rigged. What reasons would the "NO" campaigners have to do that? **
 * ** What would have been the implications, socially, politically, economically etc. for The UK, had the "YES" won? **
 * ** What could be the repercussions of the referendum results on other countries currently dealing with this issue? What are the implications for the >EU? **

The before:
media type="file" key="Scottish_independence SPECULATION.mpg" width="300" height="300"

The during:
VIDEOS ON PEN DRIVE

The after:
= David Cameron: Queen 'purred' down line over Scottish Independence vote =

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/queen-elizabeth-II/11116606/David-Cameron-Queen-purred-down-line-over-Scottish-Independence-vote.html

media type="file" key="Catalans_and_Scots_-.mpg" width="300" height="300"

http://www.rgs.org/webcasts/activities_0109/what_is_africa.html

http://www.ilike2learn.com/ilike2learn/Continent%20Maps/Africa%20Map%20Exam.pdf

= A4 = Please sign up for your speaking activity:

A few things about the Universe, Ashley Allouche and Daniel Stuckens.
 * || **DATE** || **NAME** || **TOPIC/ACTIVITY (brief description)** ||
 * 1 || 29 September ||  ||   ||
 * 2 || 6 October ||  ||   ||
 * 3 || 13 October ||  ||   ||
 * 4 || 20 October **(SOME WRITTEN PRACTICE)** ||  ||   ||
 * || **27 October** || **TOUSSAINTS** || **PAS DE COURS** ||
 * 5 || 3 November || CONCHE/GIRARD/CHAPUIS ||  ||
 * 6 || 10 November ||  ||   ||
 * 7 || 17 November ||  ||   ||
 * 8 || 24 November || CORCORAL/RENIA ||  ||
 * 9 || 1 December **(SOME WRITTEN PRACTICE)** || GUESDON/THIZY || Game of throne ||
 * 10 || 8 December **(DEADLINE FOR WRITTEN DOSSIER)** || ASHLEY/DANIEL ||  ||
 * 11 || 15 December **(LAST LESSON)** || Laurent/Ziza ||  ||
 * VOCABULARY REVISION ACTIVITY || 13 October || Stan, Matthieu Conche, Nina || Mot de passe ||
 * || 20 October || Laurent, Ziza Hanged Man ||  ||
 * || 3 November || Alban and Théophile ||  ||
 * || 10 November || Ashley, Florian ||  ||
 * || 24 November || Daniel ||  ||
 * || 1 December || Stan, Matthieu Conche, Nina ||  ||
 * || 24 November || Daniel ||  ||
 * || 1 December || Stan, Matthieu Conche, Nina ||  ||

What's playing Qatar?. Nina-Matthieu Conche-Florian

SAMPLE ORAL ACTIVITY BY Justine & Thomas http://prezi.com/xzjuwoyldif5/tv-shows/?kw=view-xzjuwoyldif5&rc=ref-14706381

Cultures around the world. Sonia & Marie-Joelle

Activity about news. Amélie & Astrid

New technologies. Martin Recher, Camille Justeau

Why not eat insects to save the world ? Julie Aguesseau and Claire Munier

Food polemics Hafiz and Nicolas B

[]



By Othmane and Clémence : Unsolved Mysteries

By Bruno Mendez de Vigo.

http://www.newscurrents.com/intro/quiz/quiz.html

Here is the document to help you interpret the symbols on your writing 16 December 2013



 * 31/03/2014**


 * __About economy:__**

Actually, the economic system is in crisis. This crisis comes from many facts and so is hard to define the real causes of the actual state of the market. Experts in economics from most of the powerful countries try to found solutions. (5min video) []


 * Questions:**

http://elections.lefigaro.fr/municipales-2014/2014/03/30/01052-20140330LIVWWW00005-en-direct-suivez-les-resultats-du-second-tour-des-elections-municipales-2014.php This article talks about how the socialist parti lost historically municipal elections. Do you have any informations which can explain that result?


 * CHAMI KHAZRAJI Othmane**

There is a new movement of thought in the scientific world embodied by google society is transhumanism. This movement tries to create a new man who lives longer and whose capacity is increased with the new technologies. They said that they can defeat death. What do you think about that? do you think that being immortal will bring us more advantages in our life or more drawbacks?

Do you trust the experts in economics like Copyright Math people ™ or statistics? Do you think that the actual economic system could survive in the future with those people in charge? Do you think that is time to change the economic system and to replace the former economist ideals?


 * Bruno Mendez de Vigo**


 * __About cinema:__**

In the actual cinema films we can see that the quality, in visual terms, of films has take an improvement. Actually we are not able to do the difference between real things and visual effects create by computer graphics program. Game: Try to tell me the real (or not) things in different pictures.

.

Is there a limit in the scientist progress applied t computer vision? Are you afraid of the goal we can use this technology? Are the visual evidence stay evidences?
 * Question:**


 * Bruno Mendez de Vigo**


 * __About television and internet:__**

It’s been more than 50/100 years that woman are equals person as a men in matters like rights society, chances and salaries. But actually some part of population don’t recognize woman as equal to men…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt8VYOfr8To (3 min video)

Do you think that singers like Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and Madonna could help with all stereotypes bringing that image to young people? Do you follow one of these singers (Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and Madonna)? Do you agree (morally) with the ideology?
 * Question:**


 * Bruno Mendez de Vigo**

http://www.kxly.com/news/technology/Designer-genes-take-a-leap-forward/25211260 Recently scientists have managed to implant a designer chromosome in a living cell. This is a new leap for understanding genetics. The scientists defend their cause by saying that it will save life and eradicate fatal world diseases, however, playing with the genome is regarded as taking the place of God by many religions. Do you think designing chromosomes and playing with genetics is morally acceptable?
 * Julie A.**

http://www.thealmagest.com/mars-one-to-establish-martian-simulator-on-earth-to-train-astronauts-travelers/11963 As you may have heard, the NASA is currently developing astronaut programs to explore Mars. Billions of dollars are spent to develop the technology and infrastructure to achieve this goal. This research is beneficial for us as they are looking to make the smallest and lightest technology possible. However, don't you think that the money invested in these programs could be better spent ? (For example : solve World Hunger, ...)
 * Julie A.**

https://www.ted.com/talks/christopher_soghoian_government_surveillance_this_is_just_the_beginning#t-8847

What do you think about that ? In which way do the world is going ? Do you think is becoming too extreme ? Do you think about surveillance when you are behind your laptop ?

http://chantouvivelavie.c.h.pic.centerblog.net/00e8f50a.jpg http://www.ibostv.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/sudan_famine_6.jpg
 * Cesarole Florent**

How are you feeling ? If there are, who are the faulty ones ? Are there solutions ?

Do that photography push you to act ? Or do you think it's not your job even if it hurt you ?


 * Cesarole Florent**

=**24/03/2014**=

==As promised, I'm posting a document on Adolfo Suarez, the first decmocratically elected Prime Minister after Franco's death. I hope you enjoy doing a little research and finding out more about this great man. Please find the dates missing in the document so that we can look at them together next week.==



**Here's a link, in case you want to know more:** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urwbwvZPDa0
__

=Questions for discussion Monday 24 March 2014.=

Nowdays, we ues our smartphone, Iphone or android evry day and in evrey case. We can't live whithout it. For exemple, nobody looks a map for his travel. We just have to clic on our mobile phone and we have all the informations we need. This video shows us what is a real innovation. This last couple of year, people spent a lot of time and money to devellop innovations. But this kind of innovations are not necessary and we already know how to do it. It's not really an innovation if you already can do this thing.

In your opinion, what is a real innovation? Do you know a real innovation around the world which grows up in last years? https://www.ted.com/talks/toby_shapshak_you_don_t_need_an_app_for_that


 * Martin**

As you probably know, a current case makes our previous president in serious trouble. Mediapart makes some private calls between Mr Sarkozy and his layer public, indeed during they were both wiretaped by the governement because of their involvement in burning issue. Few months later a similar scandal involving the NSA hits the headlines : The NSA could be able to wiretape a whole country.

How far could we use the private life in the name of Justice ? Do you think these kind of methods are acceptable ?


 * Clément C**

What do you want to do before Dying ? Candy Chang installed a lot of boards around the world and invited people to write what they would like to do before dying. This has been a way for her to realise that there are more importants things than what she was purchasing. We spend a lot of time thinking about our career but, what do we really want to do befor dying ? Watch the video and You will have an idea of what is more important for people around the world. https://www.ted.com/talks/candy_chang_before_i_die_i_want_to#
 * Marie-Joelle**

Some irresolute mysteries still existe : what about the Bermuda Triangle? [|website] Facing these story, how do you react? have you an irrational fear to go around there or are you curious to resolve the mystery? How do you think the black hole works? Compared to Malaysia Airlines flight, do you think it is possible there is another supposed black hole on the Earth if you believe in it?


 * Clémence**

I would like to react about the flight 370 og Malaysia Airlines which were supposed to flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing but disappeared on 8 March 2014. The air traffic controllers know the eventuel last positions. Since, there were a lot of search, locations with the most serious authorities and several governments with theirs equiments are going to help to find this plane in the Indian Ocean. you can watch this [|video] For once, it is also really well explained in [|Wikipedia] How do you feel about this? have you ever taken a plane and there were any disturbance? How do you think about this story? What are your hypothesis as a scientific?


 * Clémence**

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26679240 To what extend Crimea is becoming Russian?
 * Amélie **

[|http:///society/video/2014/mar/06/widow-wins-fight-preserve-dead-husband-sperm-vide] In England, a widow won fight to preserve the sperm of her husband. Now, she is allowed to "use" it if she wants a baby. Here is her speech at the end of the judgement. Do you agree with the court's decision? Do you think everybody should be allowed to have a baby whereas her husband/his wife is dead ? Would you ask for it if you were in the same situation?
 * Astrid**

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/turkey-blocks-twitter-hours-after-countys-pm-vowed-to-eradicate-site-9207069.html Just recently, Twitter has been blocked in Turkey, after the country's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan vowed to "eradicate" the social network: "We’ll eradicate Twitter. I don’t care what the international community says. Everyone will witness the power of the Turkish Republic." This action was done in response to alleged recordings of him making corrupt statements being posted on the site. Do you use Twitter ? if so, how often ? What do you think of this decision ? Leaked communications of politic matters are more and more frequents (Ukraine, Turkey, France for example) what do you think about these ?
 * Nicolas B.**

Are humans still evolving? Watch this video and express your opinion by giving some examples. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVy5aO2DHmI


 * Hafiz ISMAIL**

Last week, most of the major cities were confronted to a pollution peak in France. One of the solutions, wich was found, was alternate traffic circulation according to license plate numbers. Indeed, in Paris, only cars with a license plate ended with an odd number were allowed to move on Monday 17 March. Do you think it is the best idea to reduce atmospheric pollution and greenhouse gases ? Do you have other ideas ? []
 * Claire**

Last week Facebook announced that it has developed a program called "DeepFace". With 97.25% accuracy, this program can determine whether two photographed faces belong to the same person. You can read this article : http://www.technologyreview.com/news/525586/facebook-creates-software-that-matches-faces-almost-as-well-as-you-do/ What do you think about this program? Can it be dangerous for our private life?
 * Sonia**

Can you think of robots as an entire part of our future? Are you afraid of them, do you think they can become the threat that is shown in some movies today? http://news.sky.com/story/1230005/robot-revolution-drives-pittsburgh-revival
 * Camille**

=**Questions for discussion Monday 24 February 2014.**=

**Questions**
http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity In This video Ken Robinson said that schools kill people's creativity because they teach us to fear failure. What do you think about that?
 * Othmane C**

Matt cutts thinks that trying something during a short period of 30 days will help you achieve goals you could not before. [] Do you ever succed in doing something you could not do until you tried a particular method ? Could you give an example ? Do you think this is a viable method ?
 * Marie-Joelle**

The olympics winter games in Sochi were finished since this week-end. Now, the paralympics winter games will start the 5 march. At the parlaympics games in London, the french television broadcast just a little part of it. People didn't agree with it and get up a petition. After it, france2 and france3 decided to broadcast 60 hours for the paralympics winter game.

What do you think about the paralympic's boradcast? Is it enough or do you want more broadcast about paralympics games? Do you think that a lot of people will watch this paralympics games? How many?
 * Martin**

Since the beginning of the year, 584 million euros have been bet by french people. For 2010, online sport betting are allowed in France and bet number increase every year. Moreover some studies show that poor people bet an important part of their wage. Needless to say most of players lose money ...

What do you think about the online system ? Can you understand that the government accept to see poor people lose their money so easily ? Do that system show some limits of online transactions ?
 * Florent C**

3 years after the tsunami, the nuclear power plant of Fukushima still makes itself known nowadays. Indeed, one problem after another the power plant recently had a radioactive water leak this Thursday. Under the light of this new problem, what do you think of the way the maintenance of this power plant is done? What do you think of the uproar in France about our nuclear power plant’s security after the Fukushima disaster? http://edition.cnn.com/2014/02/19/world/asia/japan-fukushima-daiichi-water-leak/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
 * Nicolas B**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The online drinking game 'Neknomination' is a game which involves filming oneself whilst 'necking' a drink. Participants post their videos on social media and then nominate someone else to do the same. Nevertheless this phenomenon has gone viral on Facebook since some people are dead because of it. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do you feel addicted to social media like Facebook or Twitter ? <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Can they become unsafe according to you ? What do you do to protect yourself against them ?
 * Claire**

What's app, the application which is used to send messages between friends has been acquired by Facebook 3 days ago. Do you think that large groups have to buy all the ideas and applications of small companies ?
 * Julie**

[]

Here is an article about an incident which happened on Wednesday in Sotchi. The members of the Pussy Riot, a Russian punk group, were attacked by Cossak militia while they were singing theirs new song “Putin will teach you how to love the motherland“ next to a sign advertising the Olympics. But later they held another performance next to Olympic rings in front of the city hall and police didn’t intervene. Was it in the interest of the policemen not to arrest the Pussy Riot ? Do you think music is a good way to denounce unfairness ?
 * Astrid**

Nowadays, people are more and more focused on the way they look like; the appearance tends to be provocative as well as extravagant or weird. Even if Fashion Week exists since a few decades, we are always impressed by the ideas of creators. You can watch this [|article] What do you think about the Italian style and their stereotyps? How much importance to you give to your appearance? do you think that it is a reflect of your personnality? How far can the famous brand like mcDonald's touch us ?
 * Clémence**

We spend more and more time playing video games. Do you think that playing video games is a waste of time or can video games make you smarter? You can watch this video: [|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOsqkQytHOs#t=30] Do you agree with the benefits presented in this video?
 * Sonia**

Currently takes place the 6 nations rugby championship for men and women. Most of the attention is on the men championship, but some of the women’s matches have recently been broadcasted. Do you think women in sports like football or rugby should have more media coverage? Would it be good for them (sponsorship, development of their sport…) or would it create some issues (fair play replaced by the lure of profit…) ? http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2013/dec/08/readers-editor-coverage-womens-sport
 * Camille**

please watch this video: http://new.ted.com/talks/kevin_allocca_why_videos_go_viral Within small groups, discuss about how these viral videos can influence our society. In your opinion, why people love posting their videos on youtube?
 * videos go viral**
 * Hafiz**

The viral videos could influence our society because it's became a part of our culture. Nowdays, if you dont have see the lastest viral video, you're out. Because people just talk about it. And I think people post this kind of video to be famous. They want to share our attention on them. And maybe, if they are a little bit lucky their video will begin a viral video. In my opinion it's more like a latest fad than a real need.
 * COMMENT :**
 * Martin**

Is there something you have always wanted to add to your life? Do you have bad habits or do you sometimes feel stuck in a daily routine? Watch this video from TED : http://www.ted.com/talks/matt_cutts_try_something_new_for_30_days.html Now, do you think your are able to follow the speaker's advice? Do you think this is worth doing it?
 * Amélie**


 * COMMENT :**

I think it could be useful for small changements or something that really motivates you. If you want to change an habit you have to do it steps by steps and the first step could be to make an effort during one month. But I don't believe in saying that from one day to another : I will write a novel. You need time to achieve some of your lifestyle goals even if some of them can be achieve in one-month full effort.


 * Clement C**


 * __Video Games:__**

Do you ever play to a video game? If the answer is yes could you explain the rules and type of video game? It was difficult for you to win?

[|Video]

Do you think that video games are useful for people? Can we be smarter by playing video games?


 * Bruno Mendez de Vigo.**

__Music__

I think you often listen to music when you walk around the city. Do you associate music to a particular place or moment ?

Video

What do you think about this idea of an ephemeral music which only makes sense when you are located at the right place ? Are you interested in having this app for Lyon ?


 * Clement C**

**Comments on the video**
I liked the idea of associating music and a chosen landscape. Connect to senses in a same instant constitute a exclusive emotion which is rare: they managed this and I suppose users are very satisfied living this unique moment of a sunny day: as they are taking for a walk which is relaxing and at the same time, they are listening to appropriate music: it is double effect. It is said: music softens lifestyle/customs in French (<span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Tahoma,Calibri,Geneva,sans-serif;">music hath charms to soothe the savage breast) . I believe in it. And I think it better works if you make music yourself. besides, their work supposed to have time to walk in central park or another place they know also themselves: that's why their app is a bit limited to their own travels.


 * Clémence**

I think that it will be amazing to have such an app for Lyon because there is a big park, (Parc de la tête d'or) even if it's not as big as central park, with different kind of spaces. So it would be nice to listen to a special album with interact with the different location of the park. We could have like different songs by animal at the zoo, or deep sound when there is lot of trees, or quiet song near water etc ... But the problem of this app is that you have to produce lots of song and update new album if you want people to keep using it.
 * Othmane C**

I had to deal with stress during a period and I cn tell that the bad effects of stress on the health of a person are reals and important. For me there is a difference between what we can call stress and what I just consider as adrenalin: The smal unconfortable feeling of being about to face something those issues are very important or what you feel when you are about to do something dangerous : I call it adrenalin. Adrenalin cans give you the power of overpassing your capacity and try to do your best. People can call it a kind of stress and if they do I agree with them in the idea of using stress like a strengh. But stress can be the worse thing ever. It paralysed and instead of leading you to the best of yourself it completly makes you enable to do anything. So I don't consider it as a good thing. Concerning what she said about health, I think that this is logic thath a person who consider stress as dangerous develop more diseases. In fact, they add another kind of stress and there is a kind of butterfly effect , they are by this way more exposed to stress and its effects than another person who will take things as they come. Finally, if we can't avoid to be stressed , it's so all about mesure. We have to try to deal with it without panic and take it as it comes to avoid the butterfly effect I explained before.
 * Marie Joelle**

I would like to respond to this video by exposing my vision of stress and comparing it to hers. Indeed I also think that stress, when seen as a good thing can lead to better performances in term of actions but also in health. I also think that stress bring this little insecurity that makes certain actions so interesting to experience. But, as I think stress is a really good thing, I would not go from one extreme to another as she likely does here. As I think stress even if apprehended well, in certain cases can still be a great weight on several people. She say it make you more sociable as a body response, but I think it can easily do harm for people too timid to talk about the source of the stress
 * Nicolas B**

I would like to react to what the speaker said at the end of the video. She believes that if you have the opportunity to choose between a stressful job and a stressless one, you should choose the stressful job. In her view, a stressful job would enable us to fight against our fears and overcome our limits. Thus, it will be challenging and satisfying if we succeed. To my mind, it couldn’t be generalized except people who have a well-balanced way of life. Indeed, stressful job is usually accompanied by insomnias, overtime, diseases and even suicides. What is your point of view about it? Which one would you choose?
 * Astrid**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think having a little stressful life is good for people. It means having responsibilities, projects and willing to succeed in them. It means taking part to their own lives and taking some risks too. In that way people are not just spectators, they are really alive. Stress lets people to be more productive and to give the best as they can. It shows that they are pushing back a limit. That is why I am rather agree with the woman. Stress is healthy until people don't manage to control it anymore. It is difficult for people to catalyse their emotions but this is necessary to control their stress and not to be overwhelmed by it. Indeed, in this case, stress can become dangerous and causes some damages. = = I agree with the speaker in the video. She is right stress can have health benefits. I think that stress can give a boost of energy and can for example improve memory and make you more productive. Stress can help us to know our limits and to overcome them. But too much stress can be harmful.
 * Claire**
 * Sonia**

I think the stress is not always bad in the way that it can push us to excel. In this case, we can say that the stress is positive. Otherwise, stress can mislead us and push us to precipitation. You have to manage stress because it can easily harm us.
 * Julie**

Stress can be both good and bad things. It is just how will you handle it that matters. In fact,stress help us to know ourself better and it allows us to improve our life. As the speaker says, one should share their stress with others and should involve in their community. However, I believe that everybody does have their own limit to handle stress.
 * Hafiz**

Stress is an integral part of our life. Everyone has a different approach to events and steps of life. Stress can be harmful in some situations but it has good sides. It is difficult to have an opinion on the goodness or not of stress because it depends on personality. We can just say that the "positive stress" allows many people to excel and it causes exciting moments. When the speaker deals with stressful job, I think everyone should know his limits et deal with that.
 * Florent**

I think that, accepting stressful challenges can be good for our health and our life. I gives us a goal and we get more pride from our success than if we did something too easy. To support stress is not easy but I think we must train to overcome this feeling and be able to handle it better for the next situations. For me, the stress never decrease but the more I learnt to handle it, the more it boost me and I become ambitious.
 * Camille**

I can understand the point of view of the speaker but I think I am unable to deal this way with my stress. I often experience good stress and I will say it is different from the bad stress. The good stress looks like adrenaline and it gives you strenght to surpass yourself. When I am experiencing bad stress, I prefer not to think I am stressing because it can be a vicious circle. In this case, I prefer the relaxation method, to eliminate the bad stress rather than using it as a motor.
 * Amélie**

=**Questions for discussion Monday 17 February 2014.**=

Before watching the TED Talks video below think about these questions :
 * Do you feel often stressed ?
 * Does your stress make you unconfortable ?

You can watch this video


 * What do you think about the speaker's point of view ?
 * Do you see your stress into another way ?


 * Clément Chagnaud**

In how many years will we be immortal?

[]

- What do you think about this innovation? Are you impressed? Did you expect this innovation?

-Do you think that one day a man can be immortal? How do you see the evolution of man with the speed of innovation?


 * Florent**

Organic food or GMO ?
[]

What do you think about organic food and GMO ? Are you afraid about GMO ? Does this decision is for you the beginning of the end of a healthy diet knowing that GMOs are very cheap ?


 * Florent**

= [|American cable and news networks don't dedicate a lot of time to international news.] =
 * How do Americans see the world?
 * Do you think they hear enough about the rest of the world? If not, w[|hy don't they hear more]__?__
 * Do you hear enough about other countries in French news programmes?
 * [|How does the news shape the way we see the world?]
 * You saw the map of the world according to what Americans see. What would the world look like for the average French citizen? In small groups, please draw a map of the world according to what you think French/Spanish people see and explain it to the class

http://www.ted.com/talks/alisa_miller_shares_the_news_about_the_news.html

What is the impact of the private life of a president on his work ? Do you find justified the great interest that people have for the private life of their president ? Is’nt it a way to put the most important things in second ? **Marie-Joelle**

A Chemist is working on a 3D printer that will be able to print molecules so that people will be able to print their drugs at home and also find out which disease they are suffering of. Do you think this technology is viable and usable nowadays ? And Do you have any special project or idea on something innovating we could do with chemistry ? http://www.ted.com/talks/lee_cronin_print_your_own_medicine.html **Marie-Joelle**


 * Belén**

From the 1st April onwards, the blank vote will be recognized in France. It means that a distinction will de made between valid votes, blank votes and null votes. Thus, blank votes will aim at expressing an unsatisfied expectation. I didn't find any English article about this topic so here is a French one: http://www.lemonde.fr/politique/article/2014/02/12/le-vote-blanc-sera-reconnu-apres-les-municipales_4365187_823448.html

Do you think that voting "blank" is the same thing abstaining ? Do you think that this lay is useful ?
 * Astrid**

=**Questions for discussion Monday 10 February 2014.**=

** I'm getting you started with some postings/questions. Please write the title yourselves in the future if you are the first person to post. Thanks. Happy posting! **
The Pussy Riot was interviewed on Canal Plus yesterday since they have released from jail recently. Do you agree with their shock actions which denonce the political power in Russia ? **Claire**

Syria's President, Bashar al-Assad, allows, after the negociations in Geneva, allows innocents civilians to leave the besieged city of Homs and the ONG to bring their help. Do you think that it is the first step to the peace or it is just to avoid an offensive intervention of the occidental countries like the USA against them? Nicolas

What do you think about the destruction of the buildings in Sochi before the rapid reconstruction of hotels and sport facilities in preparation of the Olympic Games ? **Julie**

Nowadays Ukraine is split in two because of the indecisiveness of the government in joining either the EU or the Russian-led economic union. But recently the USA claimed to stand with the European Union on the topic thus adding fuel to the fire. Do you think Ukraine could be the center of a new "Cold War" between the two powers?
 * [|US and Europe stand with people of Ukraine, says John Kerry]
 * [|Putin aide warns U.S. on Ukraine, says Russia could act]
 * [|Ukraine unrest: EU and US clash with Russia in Munich]
 * [|Ukraine crisis: Leaked phone call embarrasses US]
 * Nicolas Bruyer**

Researchers recently made a bionic hand for amputee which gives real sense of touch and feeling objects. The artificial hand is connected to the man’s nerves and controlled by electrical signals. How far do you think science can work on the human body to improve biotechnology? In a near future, would It be ok for you to implement biotechnologies like microchips for exemple in the human body? http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/feb/05/bionic-hand-limb-sense-touch-artificial
 * Camille Justeau**

We sawthe last summer olympics china heavily criticized its policy. For exemple about Tibet's policy. The olympics winter games was began in Russia this week and there are already some critics about the russian policy in the small country close to it. Do you think tha tthe Sochi Olympics will still be the scene of political issues ?
 * Martin Recher**

As everyone knows, Olympics games begin friday with a wonderful opening. How can you explain that Russia spends as much money as 37 milliards euro for a such event ? http://www.hrw.org/russias-olympian-abuses how can you explain that it's the first time that the olympics games are organised in Russia?


 * Clémence PIQUART**

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Two Senators in Maryland have proposed a bill in order to ban the French railway, the SNCF to build a new service in Maryland, because of its role in the World War II Holocaust. The SNCF has transported thousands of Jews in German concentrations camp. Should the SNCF pay compensation to Holocaust survivors in order to be allowed to work in the Maryland?
 * <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Sonia BEN HAJ KHALIFA **

__The political plight of Chinas's wealthy__ http://thediplomat.com/2014/01/the-political-plight-of-chinas-wealthy/ The top fifty members of Cina's National People's Congress boast a combined welth of $94.7 billion. The link between politics and money in China is well-established. So why all the excitement over the recent release of a report from the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) that 22.000 (out of 1.3 billion) people in China have established offshore companies to hold -or hide -their welth? The Chinese government has gone to such extraordinary lenghts to shut down any mention of the report's findings.

// Why the country's government is shuting down any mention of the report's findings ? // //Why is it in their interest to promote transparency and to make it public?//


 * Amélie TRIBOT**

Please watch this short talk show. http://new.ted.com/talks/drew_dudley_everyday_leadership <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,;">Personality tests seem to imply that you are either a leader or a follower, but Drew Dudley provides a new definition of leadership in his TED talk that challenges us all to reevaluate the impact that we have on others. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,;">Had you done something to someone that changed his/her life? How do you feel? <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia,;">Have you ever had someone change your life? Did you ever tell them?

Hafiz ISMAIL

__**Situation in France:**__

Do you think that the gesture of the French comedian “Dieudonné” was politically incorrect? Do you think that it was an anti-Semitic movement? Is it the loss of the right expression in France?

Bruno Mendez de Vigo.


 * Questions for discussion Monday 9 December 2013**

A few days ago, pope Francois 1st has been choosen by listeners of Europe 1 to be the personnality of the year. The second one is Chistiane Taubira otherwise they are really opposite on every subjects. Do you think that represent the diversity of opinions in France ? **Maguelonne**

Toxic 'e-waste' dumped in poor nations, says United Nations.Millions of tonnes of old electronic goods illegally exported to developing countries. In what way can we reduce the increasing of électronic wastes. **Michel**

Look at this video on this page : @http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/09/world/europe/kiev-teems-with-pro-europe-protesters-as-thousands-more-gather.html?_r=0 Hundreds of thousands of protesters demanding the resignation of President Viktor F. Yanukovich and a realignment of the country away from Russia toward Europe. In this time of crisis, do you think European's institutions are more helpfull than Russia ? **Michel**

Michelle Bachelet wins Chile election. Even if Michelle Bachelet was the favourite for the election, do you think that she is able to change things that people want to change in spite of the crisis ? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-25396002 **Elma**

In the USA, a four legged robot is being built by company Boston Dynamics in order to lift and throw breeze blocks. They want to use it to help soldiers for military use. Do you think that these robots can be part of our life in 10 years ? And what do you think about a society in which we could live with a lot of robots ? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21632849 **Elma**

Chineses have sent a robot on the moon last week. To what extend the economic growth of China could have an impact on the world? **Yoann** To what extend do you agree with the video ? [] **Yoann**

What do you think about the media storm caused by the announcement of the "selfie" Obama, Thorning-Schmidt and Cameron have done during Mandela's funeral? Do the media are now just trying to make buzz and not only informing people as they just are suppose to do? []
 * Thomas **

Do you agree with our minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem who says that girls are too young before 13 years old for participating at mini-miss competions?
 * Thomas **

Alternatives to cash are proliferating: not only point-of-sale technologies like Square and Google Wallet but also a digital currency.Should we eliminate cash and stop printing currency? **Alexandre**

About North Korea: do you fear military actions after the execution of Kim Jong-un's uncle<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helmet,Freesans,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">, who had been seen as <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helmet,Freesans,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">power-behind-the-throne figure? [] **Alexandre**

It is sometime forbidden to build a building near another building of historical interest. In which way is it right to let the past influence today's economy? **Aymeric**

Do you believe aspartam should be withdrawn from the food market? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSnbMue3Da0
 * Aymeric**

What do you think about the media storm caused by the announcement of the prostate surgery of the President François Hollande ? Do French people even care about it ? **Capucine**

It is almost 20 years since Nelson Mandela's struggle against apartheid culminated in South Africa's first multi racial election. What is his legacy to South Africa and to the world? And what lasting changes did he bring to a country that still sees a massive social divide between rich and poor? (Belén)

http://www.biography.com/people/nelson-mandela-9397017/videos http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20735685

Karl Marx wrote : "Religion is the opium of the people". What does it mean? Do you agree with this? Do you think that religion take more and more importance in our society? **Anthony**

Christmas day is coming. What do you think about this tradition? Nowadays, do you think that this event become a commercial event or it stays a real tradition? **Fabienne**

-In Shanghai, there is a pollution level peak which is between 23 and 31 taller than the international health authorities recommend. Do you think that the eagerness of China to develop its country without worried about pollution will turn against it? **Sophie** -In Shanghai, there is a pollution level peak which is between 23 and 31 taller than the international health authorities recommend. Do you think that the eagerness of China to develop its country without worrying about pollution will turn against it? ** Corrected by ****Sophie**

The Minister of Education has announced the creation of 4000 additional posts to help students and they can progress at their own pace. Do you think that this help is needed? Can it really help struggling students? **Haniya** The Minister of Education has announced the creation of 4000 additional posts of teacher to help students, so they can progress at their own pace. Do you think that this help is needed? Can it really help struggling students? **Corrected by Haniya**

Should books be replaced by e-books in schools? Do you think that e-books would be better for the education of children then books? **Youssef** Should books be replaced by e-books in schools? Do you think that e-books would be better for the education of children th a n books? **Corrected by Youssef**

Socialist Eurodeputy Vincent Peillon wants to remove the current system of "classes préparatoires" and "grandes écoles". Do you think this system is outdated? **Richard**

These days, it is "La fête des lumières" in Lyon, do you know the origine of this event ? Do you think that is beneficial for the city ? **Jean-Baptiste**

Last week, France has voted a law to penalizing customers of prostitute. Do you think that punish customers is a good idea to stop prostitution? Are you for or against legalization of prostitution? **Célia** Last week, France has voted a law to penalize customers of prostitute. Do you think punishing customers is a good idea to stop prostitution? Are you for or against legalization of prostitution? **Corrected by Célia**

This weekend, miss France is elected. Don't you think that this election degrade the woman's image? **Marine**


 * Questions for discussion Monday 25th November 2013**

** 24/11/2013 **
==** Well done Anthony! You are the only one who's posted questions so far, making it a lot easier for the people who have to correct them. And what questions! I am truly impressed! Come on then, the rest of you. This is the kind of thing that makes our module work. **==

** Happy posting everyone! **
1. Do you find normal for the young Kosovar Leonarda who was expelled from France to be allowed to come back alone ? **Capucine**

1. Have you heard about a new legislative proposal about a minimum wage in Germany? Do you think this is a good way for Germany to introduce this kind of regulation ? **Yoann**

Have you heard about Abdelhakim Dekhar? Tis the person who shot on a photograph reporter. Do you think it's an attempt to freedom and the principe of a democracy? **Anthony** 1. Have you heard about Abdelhakim Dekhar? ** It is ** the person who shot on a photograph reporter....... **corrected by Youssef**

Dante said "The darkest places of hell are reserved for the undecided which remain neutral in times of crisis morality". Are you agree? To what extent can we follow this advice? **Anthony** 2. Dante said "The darkest places of hell are reserved for the undecided which remain neutral in times of crisis morality". ** Do ** you agree? .......**corrected by Youssef**

2. In the actual situation of France and to respond with what was before : do you think that we have to vote for an extremist party (left or right)? **Anthony**

2. Is the idea of "Utopia" described by Thomas More still exist? **Anthony**

2 . Every year, the charity "les Restos du cœur" provides meals and food for the poor people. Have you ever give food or done something to help the poor? Do you think people have to find some ideas to help them? **Haniya**

2 . In November 11, demonstrators booed President. Do you think these people were right to do this? Have they missed respect to the Republic by manifesting during this commemoration? **Célia**

5 -Nowadays, many people say there is more and more juvenile delinquency. Do you think that the education must be stricter? **Sophie** 3 -The French football team lost his match this week-end for the qualification of the football world cup against Ukraine. The return match is on Tuesday in Paris. Do you think we can still win and be qualified for the world cup? Do you think we should forget that team and start a new beginning with new players less paid but maybe more motivated? ** [Corrected by Sophie] **
 * 5. -** In the USA, private prisons offer for 155 dollars per day 3 stars comfort with individual cells, individual shower, television HD, and no people from gang, etc. Only those accused of minor offenses may be admitted but it is clear that only rich people can enter those prisons. Do you think it is fair? This kind of prison should they exist? **[Corrected by Sophie]**
 * 5. - ** What do you think about advantages offered by company committee? Don't you think that it increases inequalities between children? Indeed, for example, children can travel at small prices in the entire world with a company such as Air France, whereas for another child, travel across France is impossible... **[Corrected by Sophie]**
 * 3.- ** In Spain, people express their anger and try to catch the government’s attention by jotting down their mind on bank notes. What do you think of this new way of demonstration? **[Corrected by Sophie]**
 * 3 - ** More and more French people are kidnapped in foreign countries and especially in Africa. The price to set these people free is about five million Euros each. The government said not to pay ransom. Can we trust them? Can we force people to stay in France? Do we have to pay for people risks (when the risks are known)? **[Corrected by Sophie]**

4 This week-end, a girl filed a complaint against Sanofi Pasteur MSD for some side effects related to Gardasil vaccine. Do you think we should be suspicious of all vaccines? **Marine**

4 The Google Mastercard is going to be tested in the US. Would you use it if it came out in France? **Richard**

6 Nowadays, the way many people interact with each other has changed because of technology. In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships people make? Has this become a positive or negative development? **Youssef**

=
6Last week, a man shot a jurnalist of the newspaper Liberation in a street and a few hours later kidnadped someone. Do you think the violence is increessing ? What do you think we can do to prevent it ? **Jean-Baptiste**======


 * Questions for discussion Monday 18th November 2013**

In 50 years, robots will cohabit with humans , to what extent do you think is it possible? **Yoann**

What kind of future for the kids that this year were named after famous people (Rihanna and Djayzie), magazines (Playboy), even after things (Hashtag) ?How could the register of birth accept that ? **Capucine**

The "one child policy" has been applied in China since 1970. It is a problem because the ratio between working age persons and the population as the whole is decreasing. The actual trend is to allow to have two children to couples which are "only children". Do you think this reform is a good thing for the country? For the world? **Marion**

What do you think about advantages offered by company committee? Don't you think that it increase inegalities between children for example? Indeed, for example, with AirFrance, children can travel at small prices in all the world, whereas for another child, travel across France is impossible... **Fabienne**

What do you think about celebrities who are in humanitarian association? Do you think that is a sincere feeling or just for publicity? **Fabienne**

Nowadays, 55% of children of 11 years have already drunk alcohol according to INSEE. Do you think this behaviour is a fashion effect or teenagers start drinking earlier? **Haniya** [ According to INSEE, nowadays 55% of 11 years old children have already drunk alcohol. corrected by Haniya] -In Chili, students are demonstrating because of the privatization of universities. Do you think that the education can be control by money? **Sophie** [Do you think the Education can be controlled by money? corrected by Haniya]

A 18 years old boy was shoot in Marseille. Are you worried to go in this town because it's became usual to use gun here? How do you think the government should do to protect the citiezents? [How do you think the government should do to protect the citizens? corrected by Haniya]

More and more French people are kidnapped in foreign countries and espacially in Africa. The price to set those people free is about five millions euros each. The government said not to pay ransom. Can we trust them? Can we force people to stay in France? Do we have to pay for people risks (when the risks are known)? **Anthony**

The French football team lost his match this week-end for the qualification of the football worldcup against the Ukraine. The return match is on Tuesday in Paris. Do you think we can still win and qualificate for the worldcup? Do you think we should forget that team and start a new begenning with new player less paid but maybe more motivated? **Anthony**

In France, it is impossible for justice to sue someone for tax evasion if the administration responsible for fighting tax evasion didn't give their approval. What explanations could be given to justify this? Should something be done about this law? **Aymeric**

Is this a good question ? ** Youssef **

In the United States, guns are allowed. Do you think this represents a danger to people or it is a protection for them against criminals and why the American government does not change the law regarding the carrying of weapons ? **Youssef**

A group of prominent climate scientists wrote a public letter calling on environmental groups to embrace the need for a new generation of nuclear power plants as a way of addressing the problems of climate change. And a risk expert recently argued that fears of nuclear disasters far exceed the real hazards.Does it make sense to expand nuclear power for environmental reasons, or are there better alternatives? **Alexandre**

In Spain, people express their anger by jotting down their mind on bank notes so that they can somehow catch the government’s attention. What do you think of that new way of demonstration? **Richard**

Divorce : do you think imposing the alternate custody is encouraging violence? **Richard**

Do you think that the French football team deserves to go to Brazil for the FIFA world cup in 2014? **Marine**

During the remembrance of November 11th, the "red caps" took advantage of the parade to express their anger in front of The President. These persons were there in order to protest against the F.Hollande's government. What do you think about these protestations? Do you think that it's a lack of respect for the memory of the soldiers who fought for France in 14-18 and for the people who came to the parade to pay tribute to these soldiers?
 * Elma**

In USA, private prisons offer for 155 dollars per day prisons all 3 stars comfort with individual cells, individual shower, television HD, no people from gang, etc. Only those accused of minor offenses may be admitted but it is clear that only rich people can enter these prisons. Do you think it is fair? This kind of prison should they exist? **Celia**

= **Questions for discussion Monday 4th November 2013** = **Two questions each pleas**e

Education in Norway is really different from the french system, students have in average twelve hours of class by week, how can we explain that their education system works better than our system? Yoann

In Copenhagen, there is an independant city within the city where you can buy drugs as you want and where everybody smokes cannabis everywhere. What can the government do about it?

Virgin Megastore recently collapsed because of Amazon success. Do you believe Fnac will have the same destiny? **Marion**

A cannabis- based medicine will be soon proposed by pharmacies in France. Cannabis benefits are recognized in several countries for a long time. Do you think we should adopt this new medicine? **Marion**

There is a detention center in Aleria, Corsica, where only sex offenders are held ; there are no protection walls or window bars, and prisoners can feel free to go outside and to work in the fields. Is it fair, and over all, is it safe ? ** Capucine **

Should the French government be more prudent about the "pro-ana" movement and control blogs which advocate the "thigh gap" ? **Capucine**

Are you worried or shock about the fact that the NSA is watching on all this private information? How should the government react? **Thomas**

It is now forbidden in NYC to sell cigarettes to people under 21. Do you think we should do the same thing in France? **Thomas**

Do you think that all publicities about food (eat five fruits and vegetable by days, eat balanced meat...) and sport have a positive effect for people? **Fabienne**

What do you think about home service (home delivery, home hairdresser...) ? Don't you think that it a "lazy attitude"? **Fabienne**

The government plans to tax the football clubs to 75 %. The tax only applies to higher winning player million per year salary and therefore concern 114 players in Ligue 1 and some clubs presidents. Do you think we should do the same in other sports than football because it is an economic effort to put public accounts up? **Anthony**

The government is working on a bill to penalize the clients of prostitution. The monthly " Talker" will publish a petition " Do not touch my bitch The manifesto of the 343 bastards ." The signatories protest against the bill. Do you think to be the next signatorie? **Anthony**

according to a study, 1% of the richest american adults own 40% of the country's wealth. what's could be the cause of such inequalities and what could they do against it? **Aymeric**

Do you believe that the study i refer to above makes sense? On which criterium should we really mesure wealth? **Aymeric**

Should the government be able to spy on its citizens ? Does this kind of spying threat our rights of having our secrets and keeping certain things private ? **Youssef**

As sports fans,do we have the right to say "we" when talkig about our favorite team ? **Youssef**

With the rise of technologies and screens in French homes, the government is starting a study on the media- and screen-addiction among children and teenagers. What kind of measures should be taken? **Richard**

The sell of antibiotics at single quantities is going to be tested soon in order to reduce drug waste. Do you think this system is going to be efficient? **Richard**

In many Anglo-Saxon countries, there are private military companies which take charge of the security of the state. What do you think about the privatization of the army ? **Sophie**

The USA and Germany promise not to spy each other. Do you think it is possible for them to believe this agreement ? **Sophie**

Today in France, the majority of people who have diplomas such as the bachelor or BTS have a lower salary than some people who do not have diplomas. Do you think that motivates young people to study? **Haniya** A baby was found severely shaken by his father. This incurs a prison sentence of 20 years. Do you think this is enough? What solutions should be put in place for this parents? **Haniya**

A lama was stolen a few days ago from a zoo in Bordeaux by young people. They wanted to have fun and decided to take the lama to the tramway. Do you think it's funny or dangerous for animals ? **Maguelonne**

Some countries or even some regions of France still have college where the uniform is mandatory. What do you think about this old culture ? **Maguelonne**

On Wednesday, the financial director of Facebook said that the website's use by the teenagers was decreasing. Do you think that Facebook is becoming square for teenagers and only used by the young adults like us ? **Elma**

Nowadays with the news, you can pay without putting your card in the machine and without typing your code for a purchase of less than 20 euros. You doesn't even any more need to remove your card of your pocket. Do you think that is very necessary for us ? Especially because if you loss your card, it's easier to pay with it without identification.
 * Elma**

In South Korea, the suicide rate is the highest in the world. To eradicate this problem, companies offer suicidal people to experiment their own death. Do you think that face his own death can be a solution against suicide? **Célia**

Many Israeli soldiers posted pictures of them half naked in suggestive poses. These soldiers were then punished. Do you think that as a soldier or police officer you must be more careful about, for example, photos or videos that you post on the internet? **Célia**

Whith the new attack in L.A 's airport, do you still feel safe when you travel by airplane ? **Alexandre**

France plans to increase the army in Mali, do you agree with it? and should a country interfere in a political crisis in another country? **Alexandre**

1500 paintings wich were confiscated by the nazi's during the WW2, have been discovered in Munich, what do you think the governement should do ? **Jean-Baptiste**

Nowadays we register ourselves on lots of websites, social networks (facebook, twitter ... ), are you afraid of all the datas you have already posted on the internet ? **Jean-Baptiste**

Last week, four French hostages were released from the Sahel. May be a ransom had been paid for their release. Do you think it would pay a ransom for each hostage? **Marine**

Last week, a lama was stolen by young people in Bordeaux. They took the lama for a walk in the city to have fun. Do you think it's dangerous for the lama or not? ** Marine **


 * Questions for discussion Monday 21st October 2013 **
 * Please remember we are concentrating on question forms so think about the word order and the use of auxiliaries when you are typing your questions. **

The UN has representatives from countries that do not respect the Human Rights ; how can these members be useful for the International Community ? **Capucine**

Do you think robots and artificial intelligences are the futur of humanity and to what extent could laws be changed? **Yoann**

SNCF proposes English lessons for its consumers. It consists in 30 hours of English divided up into 40 sessions of 45 minutes. It enables to consumers to employ their rail travels to. Could you subscribe to this service? **Marion**

Should there be replays in football matches ? will that thing affect the fluidity and the charm of the game ? Or it is better, because we will never see referee's mistakes in the matches ? **Youssef**

At the beginning of the year, most of us heard about hazing (bizutage) stories or has been victim/responsible of it. Do you think it's a good way to meet each other or is it something we should delete ? ** Maguelonne **

Last week a china's couple sold their daughter on #|Internet and then buy an iPhone, expensive sport shoes and other stuff. How do you think we could stop child traffic in China?
 * Thomas**

Do you think the French president did the right thing about Leonarda's faith, allowing her to come back but whitout her family ? **Jean-Baptiste**

Nowadays it is very difficult to succeed in medicine studying in France. That's why there are students who are going in Roumania in order to succeed their studying because they didn't succeed in France. Do you think that it's a good way to become a good doctor ? **Elma**

We know all that the senior officials have to show the example in their behavior. The fact is that a candidate FN in municipal elections in Rethel (Ardennes), Anne-Sophie Leclere said (about Christiane Taubira wich is our Lord Chancellor ): "I prefer to see her in a tree after the branches than to the government." What do you think about it ? **Anthony**

Nowadays, more and more reforms about highway code are set up. Do you think that it is beneficial or on the contrary, that is the cause of accidents on the road? **Fabienne**

Six people sued "Pôle " for not finding them a job in years. What do you think about the legitimacy of their action? **Richard**

This week a Kosovar teenager was deported to her country because she is not French even if she is at school. Do you think is necessary to deport foreign children/teenager who are in French school and have good marks? **Haniya**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In 2011, the first French “designer baby” was born, he was genetically selected in order to treat his sick brother. What do you think about this kind of practice ? **Sophie**

Since few days, a giant fire destroyed eastern Australia and is threatening Sidney. Some explosive tests realized by the army could be the cause of this disaster. Do you think it was judicious to realize these tests in a period of dryness and hot weather? **Marine**

After Snowden's revelations about NSA, it may be that the NSA spied the French governement and economy. How the France could react? **Alexandre**

Nowadays, many animals are used for scientific research. Most often they are used for vivsection. Do you think we should prohibit animal testing and think to other alternatives like L'Oréal which has created an artificial skin for these test? **Célia**

Living in a democratic country, the law doesn't force us to reveal our political opinion. Does society really enable us to keep our political opinion to ourselves?**Aymeric**

Nuclear power station at Hinkley are ready to sign a coalition with EDF. Does EDF must rely only on its nuclear energy for the future? **Michel**


 * Questions for discussion Monday 14th October 2013 **


 * Please remember we are concentrating ON (oops!, clearly not concentrating enough myself) the spelling of proper nouns next week! **

You heard about the controversy concerning the exploitation of the Jarawa tribe in India. Do you think countries should force isolated tribes to enter the "civilized world" for their own good ? ** Capucine **

'Google glass' is the evolution of the smartphone according Google. To what extent do you think 'google glass' is a mean to invade the privacy of people?
 * Yoann**

All of us have so many privacy informations on the net. Are you conscious of this? Are you worried about someone steal your identity? Thomas

Currently, sixty million of people are using the __#|electronic cigarette__. What do you think about the effect of the <span style="border-image: none; display: inline !important; float: none !important; height: auto !important; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px !important; min-width: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; text-decoration: underline !important; vertical-align: baseline !important; width: auto !important;"> ? Do you think that is the better solution to stop smoking? **Fabienne**

A law prohibiting fracking for shale gas has been promoted by France's constitutional court. On an other side, the United States are becoming the first largest producer of oil in the world thanks to shale gas. Which alternative should be employed in order to preserve environment and not be "in late" compared to major countries? **Marion**

Should people have to take regular classes on politics and current events in order to vote? **Youssef**

The FN (the extreme right party in France) is increasing its voting intentions in France for the municipal election and for the European election. Do you think we should be afraid about that or not when you remember the WW2? **Anthony**

At the beginning of the year, most of us heard about hazing (bizutage) stories or has been victim/responsible of it. Do you think it's a good way to meet each other or is it something we should delete ? **Maguelonne**

Autolib' is an electronic car sharing service which inaugurated in Paris, in December 2011. Autolib' has begun efforts to expand its business to other French cities in 2014-2015. Morever in Germany, this system already exist and it works good. Do you think this project can work in cities like Lyon ? Would you like to use this system of electronic car sharing service ? **Elma**

Should families with delinquent children be evicted from their low-cost housing (HLM) ? **Richard**

To what extent do you believe NSA is spying on us and do you think counter-terrorism justifies such a thing? **Aymeric**

What do you think about chemical weapon in Syria ? **Michel**

Are you aware that it exists a company called "Mars One" which is planning on sending peoples to leave on the planet Mars in 2023 ? Would you like to be on the first chip ? Do you think the company will be successful ? And more generally, what do you think about the space conquest ? **Jean-Baptiste**

A Malaysian court has ruled that non-Muslims cannot refer to God as Allah.Should the justice take position about religion? **Alexandre**

The French government wants to increase the life of nuclear power plants to 50 years instead of 40 with the aim to improve finances ' consumers. Do you think this system can improve the finances of France? **Haniya**

The French ministry consist of half men and half women. Do you think it is the good way to reduce gender inequality ? **Sophie**

In 2050 the consumption of meat in the world will double. Our current resources will not permit us to feed all these people. Do you think in vitro meat could be a good alternative against hunger in the world? **Célia**

Friday a boat carrying two hundred fifty migrants was sailed in the direction of Europe and turned over between Sicily and Malta. Which measures Europe should take to regulate the flow of migrants? **Marine**

Questions for discussion Monday 7th October 2013

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helmet,Freesans,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">**According to a UN report, by 2050, older people will outnumber children under 15 for the first time, with most of the elderly in developing countries. The report also said that Sweden is the best place to be old?** []

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helmet,Freesans,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">Are you worried about the rate at which the world's population is aging and the fact that one day there might not be enough people of working age to support this aging population? Do you think that France is a good place to be old? **<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helmet,Freesans,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">Belen **

You heard about the new French campaign "3 - 6 - 9 - 12" which does not allow kids under 3yo to watch __#|TV__, and so on... Do you agree with this campaign and all the negative effects of media that it wants to highlight ? **Capucine**

Nowadays in France, euthanasia stays an important debate without end, opposing persons who think that this practical is a crime and those who think it's a liberation for an human who presents an incurable desease. Do you think that euthanasia should be accepted in France? **Fabienne**

Many stores want to keep opening on Sundays, which is opposing the law (as part of the right to rest) as Minister of Labour Michel Sapin reminded us this week before calling a meeting at Matignon to discuss the topic. Do you think justice needs to be more flexible about working on Sundays? **Richard**

Do you think that the reelection of angela merckel in germany it is a good thing for this country and for the europe too ? **Elma**

France is not really in a good state since a few years(people don't like our country as much as americans for example), do you think a civil war could be a opportunity to restart on good basements? **Maguelonne**

Did the romanichels people have to quit our country like our government says a few days ago? **Michel**

More than one hundred employees died in textile factories in Bangladesh.These factories provided clothing stores like h&m.Do you feel responsible for the fate of these victims? Do you think that western companies should stop making their product in poor countries? **Célia**

Do you think that we should offer comforts to prisoners, such as TV and internet, while incarcerated ? or it should not be like that because they have done something wrong and they should not get more benefits than people who work hard and can't have them ? **Youssef**

The nacional Council of road safety issued a proposal to lower road deaths by lowering the maximum speed of 90 to 80 km/h.Do you think speed is the real problem of road deaths or is it the behavior of people? **Haniya**

The next council of Paris will have to decide on the establishment of a camp for gypsies in the sixteenth district of Paris. Do you think that is a good thing to create this camp in Paris? **Marine**

Do you support the egyptian military action in june, against the democratic elected government of Morsi? **Alexandre**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This week, the Hungarian Parliament pass a law which allow authorities to throw the homeless out. Do you think that throw poverty out is really the good way to protect population? **Sophie**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do you think that the American shutdown will really help to stop the American deficit? Should we do the same thing in France? **Thomas**

**Please post here the questions you wrote about the Slow texts you worked with in class last Monday:**

 * Many thanks to Sophie, Marion and Anthony for getting the ball rolling! Don't forget to also post some questions for discussion above. **

What is forbidden in Slow cities? What is the aim of Slow cities? Who is the founder of the Slow cities? What kind of advantages does this concept bring?

Bonneau Sophie, Crespo Marion, Messère Anthony.

Slow text: Slow Food What do the members of Slow Food seek? What fast food restaurant destroy? Why do they fear about fast food restaurant? To whom is sharing a meal important for? Is it necessary to teach to children at school facts about Slow Food?

Clamens Fabienne, Barthlemy Michel, Giraud Aymeric

Text : Slow cities. - Is the "slow-city" concept too extremist against the American way of life ? - Is the "unique character" of a city or a town really in danger without the slow-city concept ? - Do you think eating pizzas / pastas / Italian cold meat / tiramisus is much better than a fast-food meal ? - Is following the slow-city movement a kind of refusal to belong to the globalization phenomenon ?

Haniya, Capucine & Yoann

Text : Slow Food Does fast food actually jeopardize food culture? Can we teach food culture? With only 66000 members in the movement, can we consider slow food successful? Do yo think that despite having we can still "eat fast"?

Célia, Youssef, Richard

Text: Slow Food WHat are doing the members of Slow Food during their meetings ? Why the fast food are destroying our culture ? What is the aim of Carlo Petrini ? How many members of slow food are in America ?

Elma, Maguelonne, Alexandre

**The umbrella man**
[]


 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">It’s a cautionary tale. **


 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">If you put any event under a microscope, you will find a whole dimension of completely weird, incredible things going on .**
 * <span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">It’s as if the macro level of historical research where things sort of obey natural laws and usual things happen and unusual things don't happen. And then there's this other level where everything is really weird. **


 * <span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 1.5;">If you have any fact which you think is really sinister, is really obviously a fact that can only point to some sinister underpinning, forget it man. Because you can never, on your own, think up all the non-sinister, perfectly valid explanations of that fact. **


 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">It rained the night before, but everything cleared by about 9:30 in the morning. It was a beautiful day. Nobody was wearing a raincoat; nobody had an open umbrella, except one person, standing under a black open umbrella. **


 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Can anyone come up with a non-sinister explanation? **


 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The Umbrella Man was holding the umbrella as a visual protest.**


 * <span style="font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 1.5;">The umbrella was a reference to Neville Chamberlain. **


 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The only man with an open umbrella was standing right at the location where all the shots came into the limousine. **


 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Why do people believe in conspiracy theories? **
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">What are some of the most famous conspiracy theories? **
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Are there any conspiracy theories about famous people or events in France? What are they? **
 * <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Can you always find a logical explanation to strange events? **

[]

THE SIXTY SECOND IDEA:
[]

media type="file" key="Modulator of sensory information.mp3" width="240" height="20" media type="file" key="Make all music live again.mp3" width="240" height="20" media type="file" key="Three-lane pavements.mp3" width="240" height="20"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006r9yq http://www.englishclub.com/listening/news.htm [] [] [] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFrp9ROB44c&feature=pyv&ad=4559454344&kw=new%20years%20resolution
 * LINKS:**

=http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldserviceradio http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01mhvmr 5 MINS NEWS=


 * USA:**

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/
[] [] [] Why do you think so many young people voted for Obama?

http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_changing_education_paradigms.html
 * TED:**


 * WORDS IN THE NEWS **

media type="file" key="120921_witn_did_jesus_have_a_wife_report AUDIO.mp3" width="240" height="20"
 * Did Jesus have a wife?**

media type="file" key="120921_witn_did_jesus_have_a_wife WORDS.mp3" width="240" height="20"




 * PODCASTS**

media type="file" key="dog_and_duck.mp3" width="240" height="20"
 * 1. DOG AND DUCK**

media type="file" key="jersey.mp3" width="240" height="20" http://www.podcastsinenglish.com/pages/freesample.shtml
 * 2. JERSEY**


 * 3. PERFECTIONISM 2** http://www.betteratenglish.com/real-english-conversations-perfectionism-2/

media type="file" key="BE_44_perfectionism_2.mp3" width="240" height="20"


 * 4. HURRICANE SANDY** http://edition.englishclub.com/listening-news/2012-10-30/

media type="file" key="EnglishClub.com-News-Hurricane-Sandy-1.mp3" width="240" height="20"

http://www.learnerstv.com/Free-Language-Video-lectures-ltv199-Page1.htm

<span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: -40px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: 18981.5px; width: 1px;"> President Barack Obama made a sound intervention in what it seems to be in favor of Greece’s positions against austerity, saying that you cannot keep squeezing countries in recession. The current economic system doesn’t allow to several countries to repay their debts because the interests are too much important and the economies of these countries are collapsing.

Do you think the US and the EU should take measures to improve this situation? Isn’t it a bit hypocritical to say that whereas Greece has sunk because of American firms betting on the recession of the country?