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Thursday, May 30, 2013

A Debate on 'Friendship' at the Center

Topic: Debate!
Debate: “Friendship”
Suggested Points: What is friendship? What makes a person a good friend? Is friendship dependent on time or place? Can a friendship last across a great distance? Do friends need to meet regularly to be real friends? How many real friends can a person have and how do you know they are true? Is friendship between a man and woman possible? How can friendship change you?

Divide into 2 Teams and a 3-Person Jury

1. Introductions and team divisions. 10 minutes.
2. Argument formation: 1 main thesis per group. 10 minutes.
3. Opening statements. 10 minutes (5 minutes each).
4. Plan counter statements. 5 minutes.
5. Counter statements. 10 minutes (5 minutes each).
6. Plan closing arguments. 5 minutes.
7. Closing arguments. 10 minutes (5 minutes each).
8. Review and verdict. 10 minutes.
Total time: 70 minutes.
Saturday, 01 June at 10:30
Thursday, 06 June at 5:30

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

English Teens Club with FLEX Alumna

On May, 29 there was the last time we have met in this spring. One more lesson and we are done with our club, ready to have summer holidays. This Wednesday the participants learnt new words regarding "Summer holidays", then using the Power Point Presentation Dasha Batalova had made, she checked how they memorized all the new words. After that everybody got a chance to practice their listening skills by listening to the song "Summer Paradise" by Simple Plan, watching a video" Tell me how you spent your holidays" and doing some related exercises.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Kindle's New Content Offers...

For those who enjoy reading classic American fiction in an origin and adapted ones, psychological or social issues! You are welcome to use the updated content on Kindles.

More: A List of E-Books:

1. Barack Obama “The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream”.

2. Barack Obama “Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance”.

3. Ellen Levine “Freedom's Children: Young Civil Rights Activists Tell Their Own Stories “.

4. Mary Pope Osborne “Magic Tree House #1: Dinosaurs Before Dark “.

5. Mary Pope Osborne “Magic Tree House #22: Revolutionary War on Wednesday “.

6. Mary Pope Osborne “Magic Tree House #28: High Tide in Hawaii “.

7. Kate Drumgoold “A Slave Girl's Story Being an Autobiography of Kate Drumgoold”.

8. “Kindle User's Guide, 3rd Ed.”.

9. “The New Oxford American Dictionary”.

10. Benjamin Franklin “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin”.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

English Club on Entertainment

It is time to think about your summer vacation: to stay at home and "kill time" or to take a chance for traveling. By the way, do you have typical activities for entertainment? Let's discuss this topic together and help each other to be original and creative in our choice.

Topic: Entertainment


Fun Fact of the Day: “In Fairbanks, Alaska, it is illegal to feed alcoholic beverages to a moose” (

1. What does the word “entertainment” mean? What do you like to do in your spare time? When you are really bored, how do you tend to “kill time”? How much free time do you usually have? Do you have a “routine” for filling this time, i.e. typical activities for entertainment? Does your activity depend on the time of day or how many minutes you have to relax? How directly is “entertainment” related to “relaxation”?

2. When seeking entertainment, do you prefer to be by yourself or with others? Do you like to relax on your own in a quiet place, or rather have an active social life? How often do you attend parties and other social gatherings? Do you consider loud meetings, concerts, performances, etc., as relaxing entertainment? What is the last party or big gathering you attended?

3. Which form of media do you prefer for entertainment purposes: TV, movies, books, music, games (video or board games), online video clips? Do you like more active forms of entertainment: going to clubs, playing sports, enjoying the outdoors, etc.? How many different forms of entertainment do you use on an average day?

4. Do you consider traveling as a form of entertainment? What was your favorite holiday of all time? How did it entertain you? What adventures or activities did you participate in that made it so memorable? Is there anything you began during this holiday that you have continued after returning home? Where do you want to travel in the future?

5. What forms of entertainment can you participate in without spending any money? Do you try to avoid spending money on entertainment, or rather allow yourself to “splurge”? Can dining out be considered entertaining? When is the last time that you ate out and how often do you do so? Do you have a favorite restaurant or café in Vinnitsa? Why do you like this cuisine? Is there any place you want to visit?

6. Are there any new activities and hobbies that you would like to begin in the future? Why do you think these activities might interest you? How much time do you think each person should devote to entertainment and relaxation to be truly happy? What is more important: quality or quantity of entertainment? How can you best “live life to the fullest”?

Schedule: Thursday, 30 May at 5:30 Saturday, 01 June at 10:30

Friday, May 24, 2013

Walt Whitman /Birth Date - May 31, 1819/

 Happy 194th Birthday, Walt Whitman
On May, 31st there would be 194-th birthday of Walt Whitman

A Meeting with a Special Guest Diana Rihl Penniman

A Meeting with a Special Guest Diana Rihl Penniman, Deputy Director of International Programs, Best Buddies International on Political Correctness, Human Rights, and Disabilities (with a presentation on Best Buddies) was held on May 23, 2013 at Vinnytsia WOA Center.
Topic: Political Correctness, Human Rights, and Disabilities
Special Guest: Diana Rihl Penniman, Deputy Director of International Programs, Best Buddies International 
 Fun Fact of the Day: “In Hartford, Connecticut, it is illegal to educate a dog” ( 

1. Have you heard of the Best Buddies International program? What are your opinions about it? Would you like to become a part of this program? How do you think it helps everyone involved in the organization, including volunteers? 

Definitions: aurally inconvenienced (deaf), visually impaired (blind), hair disadvantages (a little hair or even bald), person with alternative body image (fat), vertically challenged (short), charming-free (boring), chronologically challenged (old), terminally inconvenienced (dead), involuntary undomiciled (homeless), canine American (dog living in the USA). 

2. What does the term “political correctness” mean to you? Do you think that this notion is essential in everyday life and interactions with others? What tends to happen when a person is not politically correct? How do you interact with individuals who ignore political correctness and deliberately offend others? 

3. What is the definition of the word “disabilities”? Why do you think people should say “a person with disabilities,” instead of “disabled” or “handicapped”? Have you heard of the “Spread the Word to End the Word- No Use of the Word ‘Retard’” campaign? Do you think that this is an essential international movement? Why or why not? 

4.How does economic crisis affect programs for individuals in wheelchairs, visually impaired or aurally inconvenienced people, etc.? How important are these accessibility programs? Do you think it is important to help all people who appear to be “in need”? What is your position about begging in the streets, for example? Is it a good or bad idea to help in these cases? 

5. What are “human rights”? How could we help provide the equality of human rights for people with disabilities? Why do you think this sort of equality is important? What can each of us do on a daily basis to help others in need and to increase rights and promote a better quality of life for others? 

6. How is “political correctness” related to our discussion on “disabilities” and “human rights”? Do you consider yourself as a politically correct person? After this discussion, do you think you will make a greater effort to be politically correct when dealing with others? How can political correctness be balanced with freedom of speech and expression? 

Saturday, 25 May at 10:30
Thursday, 30 May at 5:30

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Літня школа у Нью-Йорку

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in collaboration with the Education First (EF) is accepting applications for the first UNAOC-EF Summer School, which will take place in Tarrytown, NY, USA, from 24 to 31 of August 2013. This program seeks to bring together 100 youth from all over the world for a week of discussions on pressing global challenges within the context of cultural and religious diversity. Several skills-building workshops will be offered with a view to strengthen participants’ ability on topics such as peace-building, human rights, advocacy, socialentrepreneurship, etc.
For more information, visit the link:

Семінар “Як написати переконливий мотиваційний лист та есе” від Джека Мортона

Семінар по написанню переконливого мотиваційного листа та есе, який проведе Джек Мортон, стипендіат програми Фулбрайт (Fulbright English Teaching Assistant based in Luhansk).
Презентація відбудеться 23 травня о 16:00 у Київському консультативному центрі EducationUSA, вул. Еспланадна 20, 6 поверх.
Ви дізнаєтеся:
  • На що звертати увагу при написанні мотиваційного листа.
  • Як створити успішне есе.
  • А також отримаєте цікаві поради щодо написання офіційних листів англійською мовою.
Участь є безкоштовною. Реєстрація не потрібна.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development as an opportunity to help communities understand the value of cultural diversity and learn how to live together in harmony.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

English Club on Medicine and Healing

 Topic: Medicine and Healing
Fun Fact of the Day: “The seven rays on the crown of the Statue of Liberty represent the seven continents. Each measures up to 9 feet in length and weights as much as 150 pounds” (
1. What is “medicine”? What kind of medicine do you prefer and why? How has “modern” medicine changed they way that people are treated for illnesses and diseases? Do you think that modernmedical practices are effective and beneficial? Have medical developments lead to an improved standard of life or longer life span? Does a longer life necessarily imply improved health? Why or why not?
2. What is your attitude about vitamins, minerals, and “bioactive components”? Do you think that it is important to take daily supplements in pill form or to consume excessive nutrients through food products? What adverse effects might these substances have on us over time? Is there any medicine or supplements that you would refuse to take? If so, why would you avoid them?

3. In contrast to modern practices, what “traditional” medical methods you have heard of? How do these traditional variants differ from treatment a person would receive in a hospital, for example? What is your personal impression about traditional medicine? What effects can these methods have on the human body, in a positive or negative way?

4. What are the pros and cons of modern vs. traditional medicine? Which methods do you think are safer and healthier, both for our bodies and for the surrounding environment? Do you think that people should have a choice of treatment methods, or should they be standardized? Would you participate in any healing methods that are not considered “mainstream”?

5. Do you know anything about “reflexology”? How does this therapy use pressure points to encourage healing? What is your definition of the word “healing”? Do you tend to associate this concept more with modern or traditional medicine? In addition to reflexology, what other methods of healing can a person attempt to perform on their own?

6. What is your opinion about medicine and the medical system in Ukraine? Do you think that many people participate in traditional medical practices here? In your opinion, are there any practices that should be revised or changed? If so, what steps can be taken to improve the medical system? How do you see the future of medical care around us?

Schedule: Thursday, 23 May at 5:30, Saturday, 25 May at 10:30

Thursday, May 16, 2013

English Club Talent Contest - 2013

 Thanks to Michael D. for being a sponsor presenting tickets for the concert of the band "Okean Elzy"
 Home-made soap /Olena C./
 Break Dancing /Alex/
 Drawing /Olena C./
 Chinese Food (Dan Li)
 Reciting Poetry /Masha M./
 Making Tricks /Anton K./
Singing /Pasha M./

Якщо Ви хочете навчитися вирішувати міжособистісні конфлікти ...

До уваги користувачів Центру "Вікно в Америку" (Вінницька ОУНБ ім. К.А Тімірязєва):

Якщо Ви бажаєте стати учасником інтерактивного спілкування /тренінга на тему: "Міжособистісне спілкування у 21 ст.", дізнатися про чинники, які обумовлюють виникнення міжособистісних конфліктів, навчитися успішно вирішувати їх, взнати про можливості саморегуляції у складних життєвих ситуаціях тощо, запрошуємо Вас до Інформаційного Центру "Вікно в Америку" (Вінницька ОУНБ ім. К.А. Тімірязєва).

Модератор тренінга - Тетяна Міхновець, президент "Пані Всесвіт", психолог, незалежний тренер-консультант гендерних програм.

Час та день проведення тренінга буде узгоджено з групою учасників. Просимо попередньо зареєструватись за тел. 56-27-44 чи сьогодні перед клубним заняттям, оскільки кількість учасників обмежена.

Сподіваємось, що буде цікаво та корисно.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

The new and free "American English" (AE) mobile application

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is pleased to announce the new, free "American English" (AE) mobile application. The app provides American English language learning and teaching resources through an easy-to-navigate, smartphone-like interface for lower-end mobile devices.

The Department of State has partnered with biNu and Worldreader. biNu and Worldreader aim to empower English language learners and teachers by providing content "anytime, anywhere" via low-tech mobile devices. Improved English language proficiency deepens overseas learners' economic, cultural, and political engagement with the United States.

THE "AMERICAN ENGLISH" (AE) MOBILE APP: The AE app consolidates State Department mobile English language learning content in one easy-to-find location. This content includes e-books, audiobooks, music, quizzes, and the "Trace Word Soup" vocabulary game. Voice of America news feeds for English learners and a variety of other language, news, and social media content are also available on the app.
The free AE biNu app for feature phones and Android devices can be downloaded at; the AE app is not available for iOS devices or Windows phones at this time. Feature phones (non-smart phones, e.g., Nokia 6600) are the largest segment of the global mobile market. Feature phones make up over 80% of this market with over 5 billion mobile subscribers worldwide, most of which are in countries with emerging economies. The AE biNu app can be downloaded directly by end-users.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Dear Users of the Center,
TALENT SHOW will be held on the 2d floor of Vinnytsia RUR Library named after K.A. Timiriazev, WOA Center (70, Soborna).
Our tel. number has been changed into the following one: 562 744.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

English Club on Clothing and Identity with Matt M.

 Matt M. /a leader of this activity/
 Introduction Question
 • What place that you have never visited before would you like to visit this summer? Try to think of one place inside Ukraine and one place outside of Ukraine.


Discussion Topic: Clothing and Identity

1. Do you think that you can understand a lot about a person because of their clothing? What can you know about a person before you talk with them because of how they dress?
2. Are there any celebrities that you consider to be fashionable?
3. How important is it to always be well-dressed?
4. Do you feel any pressure to dress fashionably?
5. Can you tell which people are foreigners in Ukraine because of their clothes? How?
6. How do Americans and Ukrainians dress differently?
7. What do you think about the statement: “the absence of style is also a style.”
Group Contest
Alex and Max /Club's members/


Hey Everyone!

This is a reminder about our TALENT SHOW club on Thursday, 16 May! The top 3 winners will all receive 2 tickets to the Океан Ельзи concert at the end of the month!

If you are interested in participating, please sign up here OR at the club on Saturday! Please write what you will be doing when you sign up... We need to know who will take part in this event and what equipment we need. It would be great if everyone could please sign up by next Wednesday, the 15th.

Thanks! Please let us know if you have any questions.


FLEX Program 20th Anniversary

Friday, May 10, 2013

English Teens Club on Easter Time

On the 8th of April the participants of English Club had a chance to practice their reading skills. At the beginning of the club everybody took a look at new words that were needed during reading. After that all the participants read the text that was dedicated to the History of Easter. That was very interesting and informative for everybody who came that day. At the end of the club a short movie about Easter was shown to all the members. The atmosphere was as usual warm and easy going.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Майстер-клас з виготовлення пасхальної листівки

Такий майстер-клас з виготовлення пасхальної листівки було організовано вперше. Вихованці Вінницького обласного центру соціально-психологічної реабілітації дітей та молоді з функціональними обмеженнями «Обрій» вчились самостійно робити святкові листівки для своїх рідних та друзів. Кожна листівка індивідуальна та іменна, а головне те, що робилась з подумкою про тих, хто близький нашому серцю. До того ж, була й можливість дізнатись трохи більше про значення Пасхи, про традиції святкування як у нас, так і за кордоном.

Shaping the Way We Teach English: Successful Practices from Around the World

Free American English e-books are available in .epub and .mobi format in the "downloads" section of select resources on the American English website.
 The following list includes the e-books that are currently available:
    The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
    The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
    The Autobiography of Mark Twain
    To Build a Fire and Other Stories
    The Children’s Response (TPR)
    The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories
    In the Loop (Idiom Reference)
    Raggedy Ann Stories
    The Red Badge of Courage

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Beauty, Body Modifications, and Plastic Surgery

Have you ever thought about Beauty as a philosophical or even to say an ethic definition. If you can say a definite 'yes', then you will discuss this topic with pleasure. How should you keep a health and spiritual beauty? Do you think that standards of beauty are personal, or rather social constructs? Would you say that people spend too much time and money on beauty? Do you have negative feelings toward individuals who “put a mask on” everyday, thus changing their essential appearance in public? If you are interested in these questions, no doubt, you'll be a part of this discussion.
Topic: Beauty, Body Modifications, and Plastic Surgery
Fun Fact of the Day: “One out of four American households own a cat” (
1. What is “beauty”? What do you consider “beautiful”? Do you think that standards of beauty are personal, or rather social constructs? How do these standards change over time? Are they dependent on such factors as age, gender, socioeconomic class, nationality, etc.? Do you agree with the proverb, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”?
2. Do you think that beauty is directly related to success? Do beautiful people get hired for jobs or promoted more easily? What is more applicable to daily life: physical attractiveness, intelligence, or wealth? Is beauty related to “power”? How so? Do you think that beauty is more positive or negative for those considered as “beautiful”?
3. Would you say that people spend too much time and money on beauty? Should there be a limit to modifications of a person’s appearance through natural means? What can people do naturally to change their looks? What is your opinion about cosmetics and hair alterations? Do you have negative feelings toward individuals who “put a mask on” everyday, thus changing their essential appearance in public?
4. What is your opinion about “plastic surgery”? How is plastic or “cosmetic” surgery different from “reconstructive” operations? Do you think there should be a minimum age for such surgeries? What are the most popular surgeries in Ukraine and worldwide? Do you think a person’s desire for such operations is related more to self-esteem or social pressure? Would you ever consider getting surgery?
5. Have you ever felt pressured to or willingly changed your looks to participate in body modification trends? What is “body modification”? What is your opinion about body piercings and tattoos? Do you have any tattoos? Do you think that someone could have too many tattoos or piercings? How do standards of acceptance vary across cultures? What other, perhaps less common, forms of “body modification” have you heard of?
6. What is your opinion about beauty pageants and contests mostly judged on appearance? How do celebrities alter beauty standards for residents in a particular country? Do you think that these institutions reinforce the idea that “beauty is skin deep”? Is there a way to promote healthier standards of beauty? Is there anything in our world do you consider the most beautiful? Are there any “pure” examples of this beauty? Why do you think it is beautiful?
Schedule: Please put topic ideas in the Suggestion Box!
Thursday, 09 May- Holiday
Saturday, 11 May at 10:30