[Information] Lynn's reply to Caroline about an interesting magazine called The Big Issue

Dear Caroline

Want to say THANK YOU for telling Pei and me about The Big Issue at the late Dec session last year. ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN! I've bought 2 issues since then, and have decided to buy one every month. Of course, I can't read most of the magazine since it's in 中文, but the articles are mostly short and so I've read a few...well, one or two! I'm planning on recycling it every month via my language exchange partner's office library.

I found it really interesting that I'd noticed the guys selling this magazine called The Big Issue for many months, but didn't have the courage to go up to them and ask about it. It was only after hearing about it from YOU that I finally DID something. Thanks!

Has anyone else bought The Big Issue? Only 100 NT for such a good cause! I know it's sold at Daan and Shipai MRT stations, and also sometimes in front of Eslite bookstore (Dunhua branch). Does anyone know of other places where it's sold?

Miss you (along with everyone else!). Hope you're well! Let us know. Hope that university's not working you too hard these days...

:) Lynn

P.S. Pei--how was your Chinese New Year dinner event back in January? Did it go smoothly? I hope so!

25 Feb. 2012 TIiA Session Announcement

2012.03.01 UPDATES with session minutes
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1umzItJDoJKiLzpvA9DShqnS33ceM7TQr2Y0fodDfx5Q/edit

Date:  Sat 25 Feb 2012
Time: 1:30-4pm
Place:  Hess International Studies Institute, 2nd Fl, 260 Xinyi Rd Sec 4  (信義路通化街口cnr of Xinyi Rd Sec and Tonghua St, opposite Watson's)
MAP:

檢視較大的地圖


Topic: Mothers of Dissension: Some Japanese women are going against the general nature of Japanese society by becoming active about nuclear radiation levels there.  

          Find out what they're doing, and why Japanese experts think Japanese people, in general, are NOT very socially active. Discuss how Japan compares with Taiwan...
          ...Some Japanese wonder if the stoicism and perseverance praised in the aftermath of the tsunami could also be a liability. Perhaps some impatience for change is good... 

          (from an article with the title above in the South China Morning Post newspaper (in Hong Kong), 8 Jan 2012 

           

Optional  preparation: Read this excerpt from the article:

Japan's affluence is an obstacle (to bringing about change in the government). Most people live comfortably and are reluctant to make a fuss, even if they're unhappy with the political leadership. Culturally, it's considered better to adjust to one's surroundings than to try to change them, says Ken Matsuda, a sociologist at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka.

"Most people aren't hungry or angry," he says. "People need a clear enemy; public anger needs to hit a critical mass. It's not near that."

Historically, Japan has undergone major change only when it was thrust upon the country from outside--after its  defeat in the 2nd World War, and after the arrival of US Commodore Matthew Perry's warships in 1853 essentially forced the country to open up to the rest of the world.

..."The (recent) disasters didn't stimulate a real sense of emergency," says Ichiro Asahina (who has established a think tank and leadership institute in Tokyo)...He faults a risk-averse political culture, a reluctance to take personal responsibility and a diffuse leadership system that spread out responsibility too thinly.

"To stimulate change," he says, "we may need to confront even more severe crises."

For planning purposes, please register for this session by Fri 24 Feb, 12 noon.

It would be great to see you!


Cheers
Lynn

11 Feb. 2012 TIiA Session Announcement

Date:  Sat 11 Feb 2012
Time: 1:30-4pm
Place:  Hess International Studies Institute, 2nd Fl, 260 Xinyi Rd Sec 4  (信義路通化街口cnr of Xinyi Rd Sec and Tonghua St, opposite Watson's)

MAP:

檢視較大的地圖

Topic: The Big Issue: a Good Example of a Social Enterprise
          Have you seen the people who sell magazines called The Big Issue at MRT stations?

          There are interesting stories behind them and the magazine. Come, find out and
          discuss!

Optional preparation: Read this article http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=176707&CtNode=428

For planning purposes, please register for this session by Fri 10 Feb, 12 noon.



I'd love to see you and find out about the highlights of your Chinese New Year holiday...and any plans you have for the beginning of this Dragon Year!


Cheers
Lynn