Animal Instinct or Human Invention?

The Green Eyed Monster - Jealousy

Today's topic is jealousy. Is it animal instinct or human invention? In a very interesting interview, psychologist David Buss stated that in many ways jealousy is "a survival mechanism for long term relationships." What Buss suggests is that jealousy is a reaction by men and women to a looming threat to their relationship. For men, jealousy is often triggered to fend off rivals. For women, jealousy is often used as a test of the strength of the relationship. What's your take on jealousy?

The One... continued

Aristophanes, in his speech on love, makes reference to human beings as once being intertwined. We had eight limbs and one head with two faces looking out in opposite directions. Each creature had two sets of genitalia. Alas, these creatures were too powerful, too able and so Zeus decided to sever them in two - man and woman. Aristophanes said we are always looking for our missing half to complete ourselves. This according to many is the origin of our current theory of soul-mates, at least in the Western world.

What you may or may not know is that Aristophanes was most famous for his comedies..... I wonder what he would make of us.

Performance Class Note

For the students in my Tuesday morning performance class:

I asked you to choose a monologue for next week using the site: www.filmsite.org

I should have been more specific. Please use: www.filmsite.org/bestspeeches.html

Sorry about the mix up!

Is there such a thing as The One?

Ok, all you die-hard romantics - here's something to sink your teeth into.

Throughout many countries and cultures, there is an idea that each person has a "soul mate", otherwise called "The One." Where this idea sprung from is anybody's guess, but what is certain is that it continues to be the basis of every romantic comedy ever made for film or TV. So let us see if romance still has it's mythic power over us, or if romance is truly dead and sadly buried.

Do you believe in "The One"?

Classic Comedy Clips

I thought it would be nice to share some classic comedy pieces with everyone. You may be familiar with Rowan Atkinson. These are short 3-5 min audio clips. Give them a listen and tell me what you think. Laughter is good for the soul, after all.
- Paul

http://www.mediafire.com/?gjyyz3xvumk

http://www.mediafire.com/?tnmtj1ugmjn

If you prefer to watch the video you can click on the following links:

http://tw.youtube.com/watch?v=YBeguUvuDzs

http://tw.youtube.com/watch?v=AaYXWAZmPfI

Red Cliff (John Woo Film)

Last weekend, I saw the movie "Red Cliff" from writer/director John Woo. As the film is based on the legend of the three kingdoms I was very interested to see it. I have to say, having only a limited knowledge of Chinese history, I thought the movie was great. I felt the acting was superb and the storytelling well paced. I didn't know until after the film was over that it was Taiwanese model Lin Chi-Ling's first acting role. Highly impressive! She has a real air of feminine mystery. I'd strongly recommend the film.

To Facebook, or not to Facebook

Amanda has suggested that we organize a Chung-Deh facebook. I would like to know how many of you use facebook and if you think having a Chung-Deh facebook would be worthwhile.
On another note, I've recently learned that quite a few students have their own blogs. If you would like to send me your blog address, I'd like to add them to a list of links on the Chung-Deh blog so other students can find them. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Public Speaking Class Videos

I've already started video taping speeches from Public Speaking class and I wanted to let everyone know that I can email you your videos. I would like to post some of the speeches on the blog but don't worry, I won't do that unless I have your express permission. If you want to see your video, just send me an email.