Meet & Chat The face-to-face English talk point in Buenos Aires

May 4th to May 30th Invitation to Tana Sachs' art exhibition: Acontecer Diario

2010-04-21T10:48:00.002-03:00

tanasachs@yahoo.com.ar www.tanasachs.com.ar

Inauguración 4 de mayo de 19 a 21,30 hs.

El vocablo acontecer evoca cierta idea de flujo impersonal contraria a la imagen de disrupción que esboza el término acontecimiento. La presente muestra de Tana Sachs Acontecer Diario (conjunto de objetos y fotografías) se emplaza en esa sutil relación, para expresar experiencias disímiles en la pluralidad de los tiempos contemporáneos.

El enfoque opone lo virtual- la mediatización pública del acontecer diario- y lo real – la vivencia directa del acontecimiento privado-. Entre lo que por exceso nos afecta y lo que por defecto nos mantiene alertas se producen mutaciones y paradojas.

Sachs ausculta la dimensión global de la comunicación para dar figura al derrame informativo que satura los sentidos y contamina las representaciones.

Esgrimiendo una posición crítica, la artista transpone en afirmación estética lo que sería una buena práctica periodística: íconos coloquiales, integridad técnico- estilística, argumentos humanistas ; tiende puentes para acercar las orillas de acontecer y del acontecimiento: traduce temporalidades, crea en el telar del arte un texto tercero. Y, sólo entonces, comunica.

Alicia Romero & Marcelo Giménez Docentes e Investigadores en Artes

2010-03-16T23:15:00.006-03:00

Coffee, The talk drink...

"Meet & Chat Buenos Aires"

e n c u e n t r o d e i d i o m a s

Chat in Spanish for foreign visitors to be arranged personally.

Miércoles,17 de marzo Wednesday, March 17th.

Notice: Next week, due to the non working day on Wed. Mar 24th, the meeting will be held on Tuesday 23rd. Thanks!

PLEASE BE ON TIME! 7.45pm so that WE CAN BEGIN 8pm sharp! Thank you!

Topics: Thinking outside the box.
Show and tell all about your work
Next week:
Show and tell continues.
Personal relationships, sexual strategies, romantic attachment styles, and gender differences in human mating.

Ahora los Miércoles!! para mejor acomodar tu semana con otros eventos.

Now on Wednesdays! to better arrange your event week !!

Notice on finding our new meeting place: Av.Cabildo 545 is the "Coto" supermarket, as you come in through Cabildo's entrance there is an escalator just to the left. Take it to the next level and as you go out walk go all the way to the end, this is the BAR area passing the dinner area. You may also enter at the second level of parking on the parallel street 3 de Febrero. Free parking also!

Aviso de como llegar al nuevo lugar de encuentro: Av. Cabildo 545 es el supermercado Coto. Al ingresar por Cabildo tomar la escalera mecánica sobre su izquierda al primer nivel, luego caminar, pasando la zona de mesas y comidas hasta el fondo, area de BAR. También hay ingreso por 3 de Febrero, peatonal por ascensor o con auto en el Nivel 2 de estacionamiento. Estacionamiento sin cargo!

Hello! and welcome to Meet & Chat !!

As published in The Buenos Aires Herald

Leave your keyboard now!!!!

Come to "chat" in person! Forget Facebook !!

Meetings for English conversation!

Looking forward to have you with us !! Don't miss out !!!

This and every Wednesday at 7.45 pm.

Bring a friend along!

Welcome newcomers and expats !!

We meet every Wednesday at 7:45pm at "The Coto BAR Coffee Shop, Av. Cabildo 545, between Gorostiaga and Maure, (Line D, Subway (Subte) "Olleros" Station), to chat in English and Spanish, while enjoying something from the cafè in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere without rigid or set topics.

In these encounters people have the chance to chat and make friends while making a practice of the language where experiences and ideas can be shared freely.

Every meeting becomes an opportunity to enjoy a social event that's is both fun and useful to practice languages and meet people face to face.

In sum a "coffee chat" as may take place in any cosmopolitan city in the world.

These are not meant to be classes. The capability of communicating or expressing oneself in the language is enough to participate.

Topics are open and uncensored.

Minimum duration: 1 hour.

To participate a nominal contribution of $7.00 is required for expenses, plus your order at the café.

No need for previous confirmation!

Information:

meetandchat@gmail.com

Thank you and we will be seeing you!!!!

PLEASE NOTE: NEW MEETING PLACE AS OF FEB 10TH

2010-02-09T00:56:00.003-03:00

Atencion! Nuevo lugar! Tomar en cuenta que al menos temporariamente los encuentros tendrán lugar en Av.Cabildo 545. Desde el subte caminar hacia atrás 1 1/2 cuadra.
Notice : New venue ! Please note that the meetings will, at least for the time being, take place at Av. Cabildo 545. From the Subway station walk back 1 1/2 short blocks.

At the entrance of the supermarket you will see a moving stair or escalator to the second level. Take it and then walk all the way to the end to the BAR area.
There is also entrance through the 2nd level of parking with entrance at the parallel street, 3 de Febrero. No charge for parking.

Subir la escalera mecánica frente a la puerta del supermercado y luego caminar hasta el fondo hasta la zona del BAR.
Se puede acceder desde el estacionamiento sobre la calle 3 de Febrero, Nivel 2. El estacionamiento es sin cargo.

Please try to bring $6,00 in change if you can.If any questions send a mail to : meetandchat@gmail.com with sufficient time.

Coffee, The talk drink...

"Meet & Chat Buenos Aires"

e n c u e n t r o d e i d i o m a s

_______________________________________________

Miércoles 10 de Febrero - Wednesday, February 10th.

PLEASE BE ON TIME! 7.45pm, WE BEGIN 8pm sharp! Thank you!

Ahora los Miércoles!! para mejor acomodar tu semana con otros eventos.

Now on Wednesdays! to better arrange your event week !!

Hello! and welcome to Meet & Chat !!

http://meet-and-chat-buenos-aires.blogspot.com/

As published in the Buenos Aires Herald

Leave your keyboard now!!!!

Come to "chat" in person! Forget Facebook !!

Meetings for English conversation!

Looking forward to have you with us !! Don't miss out !!!

This and every Wednesday at 7.45 pm.

Bring a friend along!

Welcome newcomers and expats !!

We meet every Wednesday at 7:45pm at Av. Cabildo 545, between Gorostiaga and Maure, (Line D, Subway (Subte) "Olleros" Station), to chat in English while at the same time have something from the café in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere without rigid or set topics.

In these encounters people have the chance to chat and make friends while making a practice of the language where experiences and ideas can be shared freely.

Every meeting becomes an opportunity to enjoy a social event that's is both fun and useful to practice languages and meet people face to face.

In sum a "coffee chat" as may take place in any cosmopolitan city in the world.

These are not meant to be classes. The capability of communicating or expressing oneself in the language is enough to participate .

Topics are open and uncensored.

Minimum duration: 1 hour.

To participate a nominal contribution of $ 6.00 ( this amount will be adjusted to equal the cost of a small coffee ) is required for expenses, plus your order at the café.

No need for previous confirmation!

Information:

meetandchat@gmail.com

Thank you and we will be seeing you!!!!

JANUARY 13TH , 2010

2010-01-13T17:10:00.003-03:00

"Meet & Chat Buenos Aires"

e n c u e n t r o d e i d i o m a s

Miércoles 13 de enero - Wednesday January 13th.

19:45 hs, en Cabildo 849 y Fco. Lacroze, Café Havanna.

PLEASE BE ON TIME! 7.45pm, WE BEGIN 8pm sharp! Thank you!

Suggested topics: (so as not to go into politics and cry ).
1. Priorities: Food, sex and money? In that order?
2. Are you a flight phobic?
3. The ethics of reality thinking versus cherished values?
Ahora los miércoles!! para mejor acomodar tu semana con otros eventos.
NOTA: La participación tendrá un valor igual a una taza de café chica, redondeado a $ 0,50, durante el año.

Now on Wednesdays! to better arrange your event week !!
NOTICE: Participation will be the same as the small cup of coffee rounded to $0,50 peso, throughout the year.

Hello! and welcome to Meet & Chat !!

Leave your keyboard now!!!!

Come to "chat" in person!

Meetings for English conversation!

This and every Wednesday at 7.45 p.m.!

Bring a friend along!

Welcome newcomers and expats !!

We meet every Wednesday at 7:45pm at "Havanna" Coffee Shop, Av. Cabildo 849, between F. Lacroze and Teodoro García, (Line D, Subway (Subte) "Olleros" Station), to chat in English while at the same time enjoy something from the café in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere without rigid or set topics.

In these encounters people have the chance to chat and make friends while making a practice of the language in comfortable surroundings where experiences and ideas can be shared freely.

Every meeting becomes an opportunity to enjoy a social event that's is both fun and useful to practice languages and meet people face to face.

In sum a "coffee chat" as may take place in any cosmopolitan city in the world.

These are not meant to be classes. The capability of communicating or expressing oneself in the language is enough to participate .

Topics are open and uncensored.

Minimum duration: 1 hour.

To participate a nominal contribution of $ 6.00 ( this amount will be adjusted to equal the cost of a small coffee ) is required for expenses, plus your order at the café.

No need for previous confirmation!

Information:

meetandchat@gmail.com

January 4th 2010!!!

2010-01-04T20:21:00.006-03:00

"Meet & Chat Buenos Aires"

e n c u e n t r o d e i d i o m a s

We are posting an article on Rudi Mattoni's chat on the threat to biodiversity issue on the occasion of the
opening of the Art Exhibition "Pobre Mariposa", at Fundación Alon, curated by our friend Micaela Patania.
Read the article that has appeared at The Argentimes.com for these are important issues facing the beginning of a new decade.

Photo by Beatrice Murch

Dr Rudi Mattoni photographed at the Fundación Alon para los Artes

Illustrating the Point: Where Science meets Art

by: Victoria Nwosu-Hope | 12 December 2009

It seems rather incongruous that in a world of such sophisticated means of communication, we often suffer from a distinct lack of listeners. Getting a point across can prove to be the most difficult and frustrating task, and the messages we so adamantly attempt to impress habitually fall upon deaf ears. Sometimes, words are not enough.

‘A Lost Cause?’ – Dr Mattoni and Biodiversity

Dr Rudi Mattoni has come to realise this. He is the president of the Lepidoptera Research Foundation, an organisation established in 1962, with the objective of freely disseminating knowledge about the biology of butterflies and moths, and their significance in terms of environmental issues. As he paces back and forth in the small space of a downtown Buenos Aires art gallery in preparation for his next seminar, he is clearly exasperated.

“I can’t think of what else to do. We have a crisis on our hands, and we just can’t get through to people.” The crisis to which he is referring is the deplorable collapse of biodiversity, a major consequence of the environmental degradation imposed on the planet by man. The issue is particularly poignant here, given the rapid rate of deforestation in Argentina, which is one of the world’s 25 most biodiverse countries.

“Science has failed to communicate the significance of this to the public – in spite of overwhelming documentation – because almost all information is buried in boring reports and statistics.” In a last stand to make his cause heard, Dr Mattoni has turned to an entirely different approach: art.

The Butterfly Effect

On 18th November 2009, Dr Mattoni, alongside the Fundación Alon para los Artes, embarked upon the project: ‘Pobre Mariposa: Ahora la vemos, ahora no’ (Poor butterfly: Now you see it, now you don`t). Using the butterfly as a powerful metaphor for the fragility of the earth, it is through the works of a selection of ten high-profile, Argentine contemporary artists that he intends to communicate his message. At the heart of the project is the creed of British art critic, novelist, painter and humanist, John Berger, who asserted that: “Seeing comes before words.”

"I believe that art is more accessible than scientific jargon. Where conservation issues have failed to reach the general public, perhaps I will be able to gain better access to more people via the appeal of artistic expression". ‘Pobre Mariposa’ is a collaboration of art and science. Set to the backdrop of living and graphic butterfly displays, using Buenos Aires species as biological examples, Dr Mattoni inaugurated the exhibition with an in-depth seminar, aimed to acquaint his audience with the grave issue at hand.

The exhibition is beautiful. Showcasing photography, sculpture and paintings by well-established artists, such as Luis Benedit and León Ferrari, it is fascinating to learn that each piece was the result of the creator’s own sentiments towards butterflies. Nothing was produced specifically for this project, and Micaela Patania, curator of the Fundación, compiled the collection based on what she felt would best vivify the ideas behind Dr Mattoni’s seminar

Photo by Beatrice Murch

Sculpture by León Ferrari

Reflection and Representation

She explains that the idea of combining science and art was a shared aspiration: “Both Dr Mattoni and I believed that, although completely different, artistic expression and scientific theory must be inexorably linked.” At the core of the project is a notion of reflection and representation. Where scientific principles or global issues provide a stimulus for artistic production, artists may employ their craft to represent the state of the world around them. Simultaneously, the art itself serves as an illustrative trigger, encouraging the viewer to reflect on the world presented, without requiring a high level of scientific education or understanding.

When asked about whether they envisage the project being successful, both organisers are cautiously optimistic. Dr Mattoni sighs, “I certainly hope so, because honestly, we are helpless. I think it’s a tragedy. It’s staggering how many species of butterfly are being destroyed in Latin America. They’re irreplaceable, and no-one`s putting any money into the documentation of biodiversity, so who`s going to consider saving them? Butterflies don’t have any money.”

Fleeting Interest

Certainly, if the objective of ‘Pobre Mariposa’ is to provoke monetary donations to the conservation cause, the invitees were well-selected. The seminar was attended by an affluent crowd of art-savvy expats. However, although clearly impressed by the exhibition, it is debatable whether the urgency of the biodiversity crisis was truly conveyed. The post-seminar Q&A was dominated by inquiries into the different shapes, sizes and colours of Argentine butterflies. Despite the fact that the presentation was to centre on the destruction of the natural world, this wasn’t broached until two hours into the lecture, by which point audience interest was most definitely waning.

Dr Mattoni closed his presentation with the resonating words: “Poor butterfly, poor humanity.” Although ominous, after three hours of complex, scientific detail, they seemed nothing more than a precarious attempt to rekindle the intended essence of the project. Throughout, the art and science of `Pobre Mariposa’ remained conspicuously separate entities. In principle, the concept of amalgamating the two is an honourable one. However, two monologues do not make a dialogue.

Photo: Fundación Alon

Featured painting by Silvana Blasbalg

Nonetheless, as he continues the feat of ‘getting his point across’, perhaps he does so in a society where the more elaborate our modes of communication, the less we seem to communicate.

The ‘Pobre Mariposa’ art exhibition will be running until March 2010 at the Fundación Alon para las Artes, Viamonte 1465, piso 10. Entrance is free. For more information, visit www.pobremariposa.blogspot.com.

For more information on Dr Rudi Mattoni, the Lepidoptera Research Foundation and the biodiversity crisis, visit www.lepidopteraresearchfoundation.org.

‘Medicina y Arte’: Poeticising science

‘Pobre Mariposa’ is not the first innitiative of its kind. Exactly 20 years before its conception, another interdisciplinary project was established in Rosario, combining artistic expression with scientific theory.

‘Medicina y Arte’ was set up by Stella Maris Angel Villegas. It is a centre of study and investigation which questions orthodox or dogmatic modes of thought, prefering to adhere to a ‘philosophy of complexity’

Ms Villegas conducts virtual classes and seminars via the internet, and maintains that, “in this way, discussing and understanding science can be made more accessible, because I welcome a fresh view on subjects from people who are not specialists or experts”.

The project has gone from strength to strength since it`s beginnings in 1989, as it “promotes an open mind, in an open format”. By consulting the work of great artists, writers and philosophers, ‘Medicina y Arte’ primarily provides scope to explore new ways of dealing with the ethical issues surrounding modern medicine.

‘Medicina y Arte’ also hold live seminars and lectures in cultural centres and university faculties around Argentina. For more information on this school of hybrid thought, visit www.medicinayarte.com.

TODAY'S MEETING ON WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 30th. !!!

2009-12-30T01:39:00.000-03:00

Please bring a pencil ( or pen) Thanks.

Meeting for Wednesday Decembrer 23rd

2009-12-23T11:53:00.003-03:00

MIÉRCOLES 23 de DICIEMBRE, a las 19:45, en Cabildo 849 y Fco. Lacroze, Café Havanna.
Aviso importante: En lo que resta de diciembre y durante los meses de verano al menos Meet & Chat pasa a los días miércoles en el mismo horario.
Important notice: The last meeting in December and through, at least, January and February Meet & Chat goes on Wednesdays at he same time.

PLEASE BE ON TIME! You may come earlier WE BEGIN 8pm sharp! Thank you!

After the introduction, if the number of people present is 8 or more we will divide in groups to better hear each other.

Suggested Topic:

The year's balance for you, for the country, for the world and what to expect in 2010, a few short thoughts.

Hello and Welcome to Meet & Chat!!

As published by the Buenos Aires Herald

Leave your keyboard now!!!!

Come to "chat" in person!

Meetings for English conversation!

This and every Wednesday at 7.45 p.m.!

Bring a friend along!

Welcome newcomers and expats !!
Looking forward to have you with us !! Don't miss out !!!

"Meet & Chat"

e n c u e n t r o d e i d i o m a s

In these encounters people have the chance to chat and make friends while making a practice of the language in comfortable surroundings where experiences and ideas can be shared freely.

Every meeting becomes an opportunity to enjoy a social event that's is both fun and useful to practice languages and meet people face to face.

In sum a "coffee chat" as may take place in any cosmopolitan city in the world.

These are not meant to be classes. The capability of communicating or expressing oneself in the language is enough to participate .

Topics are open and uncensored.

Minimum duration: 1 hour.

To participate a nominal contribution of $ 5.00 is required for expenses, plus your order at the café.

No need for previous confirmation!

Information:

meetandchat@gmail.com

Thank you and we will be seeing you!!!!

Political-Economical Quiz

2009-12-12T16:28:00.004-03:00

¿How to complete the questionnaire?

There are two groups of statements, the first about individual liberties and the second about economic liberties.

In each statement you will answer if you agree or do not agree. The center option is for more or less, not conclusively agree or disagree.

Once finished return the questionnaire for processing

Political orientation Test:

This is a Meet & Chat translation. Please return for processing This is a Meet & Chat translation. Please return for processing or go to: http://www.encuestaonline.tk/
http://www.theadvocates.org/quizp
This test is based on the: World's Smallest Political Quiz

Photos at Flickr

2009-12-10T10:41:00.000-03:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/meet-and-chat_buenos_aires_photos/sets/72157622829429236/

Topics for Dec 10th------ Meeting days on Dec and Jan.

2009-12-09T21:50:00.004-03:00

>>> What are we planning for vacation time?

>>>Are you afraid to come to Meet & Chat or other places because you don't feel safe in the city?

>>>Are you worried about global warming, pollution, population growth?

>>>Which is the most threatening or is it just more doomsday talk or media exaggeration?

Notices:

--Meet & Chat will be held on Wednesday December 23rd and 30th.

--During the summer the meeting day will be Wednesday, until new notice.

--News update from Paul Lim, the lone sailor.

He sends greetings and says that he is soon to cast off from Puerto Montt, Chile, to high seas due south and around Cape Horn to South Georgia Islands.

We wish him good ventures and good winds!!

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

2009-11-26T01:14:00.020-03:00

JUEVES 10 de DICIEMBRE, a las 19:45, en Cabildo 849 y Fco. Lacroze, Café Havanna

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10th, at 7:45 pm, Av. Cabildo 849 and Fco. Lacroze, Havanna Cafè.

PLEASE BE ON TIME! WE BEGIN 8pm sharp! Thanks!

After the introduction, if the number of people present is 8 or more we will divide in groups of 4 to better listen and hear each other.

This is Meet & Chat's new blog spot where you will find notices, and readings.
You can post your comments.

The blog is open but it is yet undesigned. It will remain open for a few weeks but it is recommended that you register with a google (gmail) or yahoo account where it says: "Join this site", You can also become a follower to keep up to date.
In a few weeks we will not send out mails to you so all news modifications and updates can be read at the blog.
Please consider the relevancy and interest of what you post before doing so. Before approving the entries all has to be read. Thank you all.

Hello! and welcome to Meet & Chat !!

As published in the Buenos Aires Herald

Leave your keyboard now!!!!

Come to "chat" in person!

Meetings for English conversation!

Looking forward to have you with us !! Don't miss out !!!

This and every Thursday at 7.45 p.m.!

Bring a friend along!

Welcome newcomers and expats !!

"Meet & Chat"

e n c u e n t r o d e i d i o m a s

We meet every Thursday at 7:45pm at "Havanna" Coffee Shop, Av. Cabildo 849, between F. Lacroze and Teodoro García, (Line D, Subway (Subte) "Olleros" Station), to chat in English while at the same time enjoy something from the café in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere without rigid or set topics.

In these encounters people have the chance to chat and make friends while making a practice of the language in comfortable surroundings where experiences and ideas can be shared freely.

Every meeting becomes an opportunity to enjoy a social event that's is both fun and useful to practice languages and meet people face to face.

In sum a "coffee chat" as may take place in any cosmopolitan city in the world.

These are not meant to be classes. The capability of communicating or expressing oneself in the language is enough to participate .

Topics are open and uncensored.

Minimum duration: 1 hour.

To participate a nominal contribution of $ 5.00 is required for expenses, plus your order at the café.

No need for previous confirmation!

Information:

meetandchat@gmail.com

Thank you and we will be seeing you!!!!

Meeting for Thursday, Nov. 19th 2009

2009-11-18T11:14:00.000-03:00

This Thursday Horacio T will bring a short excerpt part of Act I Scene 3 of Hamlet to read and discuss. It is not difficult and there will be copies.

See the the link for a general comment on Hamlet. You may find more information in google.

http://hudsonshakespeare.org/Shakespeare%20Library/Character%20Directory/CD_Hamlet.htm

THIS ABOVE ALL

(from HAMLET, ADVICE FROM POLONIUS TO HIS SON LAERTES )

And these few precepts in thy memory

See thou character. Give thy thoughts no tongue,

Nor any unproportioned thought his act.

Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar

Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,

Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel,

But do not dull thy palm with entertainment

Of each new-hatched unfledged comrade. Beware

Of entrance to a quarrel; but being in

Bear’t, that the opposed may beware of thee,

Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice;

Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,

For the apparel oft proclaims the man;

And they in France of the best rank and station

Are of a most select and generous chief in that.

Neither a borrower nor a lender be

For loan oft loses both itself and friend

And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry,

This above all, to thine own self be true,

And it must follow, as the night the day,

Thou canst not then be false to any man

Museum's Night

2009-11-13T00:49:00.002-03:00

Topic for Nov. 12th.

2009-11-11T20:24:00.007-03:00

Please read this comment :
http://edinburghexchanges.wordpress.com/2009/11/11/when-in-rome/

by a visitor from Britain staying in Buenos Aires in relation to our topic for Thus. Nov. 12.

Thanks! See you Thursday!

Cristián

Meet and Chat Buenos Aires

Flickr

2009-11-04T13:07:00.001-03:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Meet & Chat October 29th 2009

2009-10-28T16:56:00.000-03:00

We are inaugurating this blog site for all fans of Meet & Chat and new friends. Today is October 29th, 2009, Gnocchi Day! So Good Luck to all! Cristián

Meet & Chat The face-to-face English talk point in Buenos Aires

May 4th to May 30th Invitation to Tana Sachs' art exhibition: Acontecer Diario

PLEASE NOTE: NEW MEETING PLACE AS OF FEB 10TH

JANUARY 13TH , 2010

January 4th 2010!!!

TODAY'S MEETING ON WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 30th. !!!

Meeting for Wednesday Decembrer 23rd

Political-Economical Quiz

Photos at Flickr

Topics for Dec 10th------ Meeting days on Dec and Jan.

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

Meeting for Thursday, Nov. 19th 2009

Museum's Night

Topic for Nov. 12th.

Flickr

Suggested topics for the chat

Meet & Chat October 29th 2009