Turn Back Your Clocks

On Sunday, we turn back the clocks one hour. This is called Daylight Savings Time. Most people turn the clock back on Saturday night before going to sleep. Enjoy your extra hour this weekend, but make sure to be on time to class on Monday!
Have a great weekend... the weather should be perfect...
HC

Friday Fun Day: Special Halloween Edition

On Friday, we are going to have a party. Both classes will join together in my classroom for the last two hours of class. We are going to have a very special activity--one that I know you will enjoy.

I'd like to invite all of you to bring something to eat or drink to class. What's a party without food? If you want to bring something that needs to be heated up, we can use the stove in the room next to ours.

Also, on Halloween people dress up in costume, so if any of you is adventurous, Friday is your day. Prizes will be awarded for the best costume (coming as a student is NOT considered a costume).

Looking forward to having a great time together,
HC


p.s.
Here is some information about Halloween that I found at about.com. If you're interested in learning more about this holiday, you can google "Halloween traditions."

Halloween is thought to have originated among the ancient Celtic Druids. The Druids believed that on that evening, October 31 - the day preceding the Christian feat of All Saints Day, Saman, the lord of the dead, called forth evil spirits.

In modern times, Halloween has become a fun-filled secular holiday which focuses on ghoulish things like skeletons, cemeteries, warlocks, goblins and more. It is celebrated on October 31 in some English speaking countries including the USA and Canada. Some favorite Halloween traditions include children who go trick-or-treating. Young children dress-up in costumes as ghosts, witches, monsters and other imaginative things and go door-to-door saying "Trick or Treat". In other words, either you give me a treat or I play a trick on you. Of course, this is just tradition, and adults all hand out a treat to the children. Treats are usually little pieces of candy or candy bars.

Adults also like having wild parties on Halloween. Many times these parties are costume parties with some people wearing pretty strange costumes! One of the favorite activities at these parties is "bobbing for apples" - a game during which participants try to fetch apples out of a container of water using only their mouths.

In the United States, most homes also have a carved pumpkin, called a Jack-o-lantern, in front of the house. These pumpkins are usually hollow with a funny or frightening face carved into the pumpkin and lighted from inside by candle.

Mid-Semester Break Modals

I hope you all have a wonderful midterm break. You MUST NOT STUDY GRAMMAR (although you can use it). You MUST GET OUTSIDE and ENJOY THIS AWESOME WEATHER!

When we meet again on Tuesday, I want to hear about all of the great things you have done!

Congratulations on reaching the half way point. 6 down, 6 to go! To me it feels like its going by fast...

Preparatory Materials for Tomorrow

The workbook packet on the passive is very large. Just do the sections that you have trouble with.

You MUST read the listening packet and be familiar with the vocabulary in order to be prepared for the listening test tomorrow.

Some websites for passive/modals

Quizzes on passive and passive modals
http://utminers.utep.edu/micontreras/passive.html
http://www.esl-classroom.com/grammar/passive6.html

More on modals
http://www3.telus.net/linguisticsissues/Modals.htm#may

Information on "get"
http://www.grammar-quizzes.com/passive2.html

Homework, October 19 (due October 22): Passive Modals

Think about a problem that exists in your country. In your opinion, what should be done to correct it? What shouldn't be done? What could or could not be done? What must or must not be done? Try to use a variety of passive modals when describing the solutions to your problem.

What level of English SHOULD THEY BE PLACED in?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCYaw5tGYAs

Other great places to go in Texas for outdoor adventure

Garner State Park
Lost Maples State Park
Enchanted Rock State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park
All of the above are located in the Texas Hill Country, which is west of Austin/San Antonio.

If you're willing to drive between 10-12 hours, Big Bend National Park is outstanding: Mountainous, desert scenery, and one of the best places in the country to see the stars because its empty for hundreds of miles around!

Holly's Texas Recommendations in Essay Form

Here is my simple essay entitled, "Great Places to Visit in Texas in the Summer"

Thesis:
There are several great places to visit in Texas if you want to have some summer fun.

The first place I recommend is South Padre Island, which is in the southernmost part of Texas. The beaches are pristine, the shells on the beach are enormous, and the water is a sparkling turquoise. If you love the beach, then this place is for you. People say that this is the best beach in Texas and I have to agree. Also, don't forget to take the dolphin cruise if you want to come nearly face-to-face with the dolphins. And of course, enjoy the day at Schlitterbahn, which is an amazingly fun water park (there is one in Galveston and another in New Braunfels as well).

The second place my family and I love is Austin. Austin has wonderful nightlife for those of you who love music. Original bands play nightly on Sixth Street, which is downtown. In fact, a lot of famous bands get their start there on Sixth Street. During the daytime there is also a lot to do and see. You can visit and tour the Texas State Capitol and wander around the campus of the University of Texas.

For water activity in Austin, you can go to Zilker Park, where you will find Barton Springs, a natural pool of really, really cold water (icy yet refreshing!) the size of 2 football fields. In addition to the pool, at Barton Springs you will also see lots of college students and other Austinites scantily dressed. If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, you can see many on display there! For children, there is a train ride and playground as well as an outdoor theater that presents free performances throughout the summer (similar to Houston's Miller Theater). Finally, when you are at Zilker Park, you can rent a canoe or kayak and paddle along Town Lake.

Another great place to swim in Austin is Lake Travis. The beach is a bit rocky but the temperature of the water is just delightful. You can rent jetskis and boats at various spots along the lake. There is also a water rides park in that area (I forget the name, but you can google "waterpark Austin Lake Travis" to find it, I'm sure).

Finally, when in Austin make sure to enjoy some chips and salsa, or an entire meal, at the Oasis restaurant, which overlooks all of Lake Travis. It's quite a sight. You will ask yourself if you are really in Texas. The view is so beautiful!

The last place I must recommend to you today is about 45 minutes west of Austin, called Hamilton Pools. From the parking lot, you have to hike a short path and then you arrive in a swimming hole which feels like paradise (if not paradise, then maybe Hawaii). The pool extends out from a grotto (like a cave) and you can swim or just float in the cool turquoise water. We visited Hamilton Pools for the first time last year--it was the week after Hurricane Ike paid a visit to Houston--and we all agreed that we must return there again soon.

(Concluding sentence) So these are my recommendations so far, and when I think of others, I will let you know.

Thursday and Friday this week

Thursday: Both classes together with me from 8:30-10 in EX. Then both classes will take tests with Greg from 10:15 until the end in the MPR (unless Greg or I tells you otherwise).

Friday: Both classes together with Greg from 8:30-10 (I'm not sure which room yet). Then both classes will take tests with me in EX.

The Nightly News with Chaemin, Lili, David, Joel, and Khalid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10S7KfpVGOQ

"Midnight Train to Georgia," by Gladys Knight (I'd rather...)

This is an American classic...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pHhItkhc7o


LA proved too much for the man
(Too much for a man, he couldn't take it)
He couldnt make it, so he's leaving a life he's come to know
(He said he's going)
He said he's going back to find
(Going back to find)
What's left of his world
The world he left behind not so long ago

He's leaving
(Leaving)
On that midnight train to Georgia
(Leaving on a midnight train)
Said he's going back
(Going back to find)
To find a simpler place and time
(Whenever he takes that ride, guess who's gonna be right by his side)
I'll be with him
(I know you will)
On that midnight train to Georgia
(Leaving on a midnight train to Georgia, woo woo)
I'd rather live in his world,
(Live in his world)
Than live without him in mine
(World, world, is his and hers alone)

He kept dreaming
(Dreaming)
That some day he'd be a star
(A superstar, but he didn't get far)
But he sure found out the hard way,
That dreams don't always come true
(Dreams don't always gome true, uh huh, no, uh huh)
So he pawned all his hopes
(Ooh, ooh, ooh ooh)
And even sold his old car
(Woo, woo, woo)
For a one way ticket back to the life he once knew
Oh yes he did, he said he would

He's leaving
(Leaving)
On that midnight train to Georgia
(Leaving on a midnight train)
Yeah, said he's going back to find
(Going back to find)
A simpler place and time
(Whenever he takes that ride, guess who's gonna be right by his side)
I'm gonna be with him
(I know you will)
On that midnight train to Georgia
(Leaving on a midnight train to Georgia, woo woo)
I'd rather live in his world,
(Live in his world)
Than live without him in mine
(World, world, it's his and hers alone)

He's leaving
(Leaving)
On the midnight train to Georgia
(Leaving on the midnight train to)
Said he's going back to find
(Going back to find)
A simpler place and time
(Whenever he takes that ride, guess who's gonna be right by his side)
I've got to be with him
(I know you will)
On that midnight train to Georgia
(Leaving on a midnight train to Georgia, woo woo)
I'd rather live in his world,
(Live in his world)
Than live without him in mine
(World, world it's his, his and hers alone)

My love, gonna board the midnight train to Georgia (x3)

My world, his world, our world, mine and his alone (x2)

I've got to go (x5)

My world, his world, my man, his girl

I'd rather...

Somebody asks you to do something that you ABSOLUTELY DO NOT WANT TO DO. What do you say?

"El Condor Pasa," by Simon and Garfunkel (I'd rather be...)

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x25ofw_simon-garfunkel-el-condor-pasa_music

I'd rather be a sparrow than a snail.
Yes I would.
If I could,
I surely would.
I'd rather be a hammer than a nail.
Yes I would.
If I only could,
I surely would.

CHORUS
Away, I'd rather sail away
Like a swan that's here and gone
A man gets tied up to the ground
He gives the world
Its saddest sound,
Its saddest sound.

I'd rather be a forest than a street.
Yes I would.
If I could,
I surely would.

I'd rather feel the earth beneath my feet,
Yes I would.
If I only could,
I surely would.

Corrections for your Response Letters

Guys,
You will see my corrections for you in red. The mistake is either subject verb agreement, modal form, or incorrect use of the modal...
HC

Alice said...

Dear Dalal:
I received your letter that you got some problems about your friend's wedding and your son's school. First, I think you should go to the wedding because your friend want you to be there. Here is a good way if you are absent, you had better give her a wedding present.
Second, you must argue with the teacher because wedding is important to you, or you can go to the wedding only one day, so it won't be absent for a long time.
October 10, 2009 8:46 AM

Joon said...

Dear Alicia
I think that if you can, you had better go back your country to care for your grandmother. Because it is not a long time and if you can't see your grandmother in lifetime, you will regret it.
And you should tell your parents that your grandmother is very important for you, and you will study hard after you come back to US again.
If I were you, I have gone to my country to care of grandmother.
Good luck.
October 10, 2009 10:55 AM

LINH said...

Dear Seva,
I received your letter. First, I want to say that " you are so lucky",you can make your dreams come true. In fact, at the first time when I read your letter, I do not understand much you feeling. In addition, I knew that you felt boring with luxury life, you want to do some things that will make you happy. I just think some advices :
- You could come to some poor countries to build school for poor children. I think you will be happy to know that some of student in your school are talents.
- you could support money to broad of charities that supply foods for poor people, who are hungry. At that moment, you will feel that your money is useful.
I hope You will feel happier.

October 10, 2009 4:56 PM
Dalia 4E said...

Dear Alicia ,

Thanks for your e-mail . I’m sorry to hear that news , I know how much the family mean to you as I know this situation really can affect on you .
But , Since you are here studying , it will be too difficult to go back your country . The regulation of the studying as foreigner students is tough . If you leave now may be you will have to spend 7-10 days over there while you are losing classes here , this not the only main point .
How will you feel if you see your grandmother very tired and sick ?
in the main time I suggest that you should call her regularly , she will feel comfortable to know you are taking care of her even if you are far away and busy .
You should focus on your study , you don’t want to lose your goal and spend extra time in the LCC program.
You have a chance to visit family at cultural festival and thanksgiving holiday , you will have about 6 free days connected with the weekend , I know that is not enough to spend vacation but I hope it is enough to see grandmother and comeback , as you know the final exams is in 3 Dec , you must be here in the final exam .
Thanks for you letter and I hope your grandmother get better .
October 10, 2009 5:15 PM
Joon said...

Dear Alicia
I think that if you can, you had better go back your country to take care of your grandmother. Because it is not a long time and if you can't see your grandmother in lifetime, you will very regret.
And you should tell your parents that your grandmother is very important for you, and you will study hard after you come back to US again.
If I were you, I would go to my country to take care of grandmother.
Good luck.
October 10, 2009 8:19 PM

LINH said...

dear LILI.
I am sorry about your feeling. In fact, I also realize that you are a serious student. In addition, I could give some advices about your studying problems because I think your studying plan has some thing wrong. Could I share with you the way I study?
- You could prepare the lesson before you come to class ( this is 1 time that you have learn the lesson)
- you may make some questions that you have to understand more about lesson. It will help you remember the lesson longer ( the second time, i learn about it)
- you could complete the exercises and find more exercises to practice ( the third time)
-You may speak and read the exercise by your self ( the fourth time)
after 4 times, you can understand and remember it in a long time.
I hope this method is useful with you.


October 10, 2009 9:59 PM
Fatimah said...

Dear LIHN,
I read your letter and I understand your situation .For that,if you want to built up your blood without gaining weight ,you could take iron from fruits and vegtables. you should eat so much green vegtables such as ,spinach and parsley.Also, some fruits have much iron as figs and apricot special if they are dehydrated . In other hand, you had better quit drinking tea and coffee which these reduce the body's absorption of iron.
I wish you will feel better.Take care
October 11, 2009 11:04 AM
Jung said...

Dear Dalia

Hi. How are you doing?
I am sorry that lately you have bad situations. You have reached a critical juncture of life. Therefore, you'd better think over discreetly. From first time on, your husband and you didn't have bad relationship. It has been getting worse since you lost your job. Besides, your husband and you know each other better than any other people and love your children very much. Henceforth, your husband and you should find out the cause of the problem, and discuss the problem each other seriously. Excessive thought couldn't help you. If your family overcomes these latest situations, the relationship of your family will get stronger and stronger.
Good luck to your family.

Sincerely,
Jungim Park

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Alicia

Hi. How are you doing?
I am sorry that lately you have problems. Your grandmother really wants to see you, but if you go back to your country, will she still be pleased? Maybe, she might regret it. I think your parents' opinion is right in a certain point of view. Therefore, you'd better listen to your parents' opinion. But if your grandmother's life is at risk, you'd better go back to your country. That will be the only way not to regret forever. Now, I suggest you to check your grandmother's condition.
Good luck to you.

Sincerely,
Jungim Park
October 11, 2009 2:21 PM
JC said...

Dear LILI:
I think you are really hard work student.The first reason is you come to class on time every day and you dont have any absent without emergency.That is what i cant do and its great!
What i want do is share some way to imporve scores and speak more good.
1.Homwork is the most important job to imporve your English that after we finish our class every day.You have to finish it carefully.
2.Make more firends who can speake English with u,speak a lot on the class and make more question for ask your teacher.If you want to improve your talking also you can watch lot of T.V. or moves,they are both really help.
3.Work hard on your class time,and do more and more exercise after class.
I hope that is work for u to improve your English and I hope i can do like what i just wrote.Let's improve our English together .

Good luck
J.C.
October 11, 2009 3:17 PM
Joana said...

Dear Alicia:

I think that it will be better if you call your parent an talk to them about that,and it would be better if you call your grandma day by day, to made her feel a little better, and after that, you can make a choice with your parents about returning to china or not.
October 11, 2009 3:26 PM
JC said...

Dear David:
Man i got say that you really can take care yourslef and sure you can live by yourself.Because you are already enough 21!My dad always talk with me that I have to do like an older adult.I almost did,but i just 17..If your mom really dont want u live by yourslef.Just tale with her a guy called J.C. live by hiself and he just 17 xD.
I hope you can do it.GO to talk with your mom show her you can and good luck.
J.C.
October 11, 2009 3:33 PM
Dalal said...

Dear Dalia..
I received your litter today. Thanks to right to me . And I am so sorry to hear this bad situation from you. I hope that I can help you. First of all, you should find someone to be between you and your husband, he or she may do something for you both. Also you have to try to talk to your husband again and you may find a solution. However, if you can’t talk to him and you think there is no solution, I think you should get divorced . Because if you have so many problem with him your life every day will get worst. So had better if you get divorced . Also you can try to make arrangements for your kids . if he don’t want to do it , so you have to go to the court . I am sure they will help you to find a solution.
Wish you and your family the best…

Sincerely,
Dalal.
October 11, 2009 4:18 PM
Seva said...

Dear Jung!

I understand your situation and feel sorry about it. I really appreciate your kindness, takt and friendliness, but sometimes you need to protect your own interests too. Therefore I think that it is very easy to solve your problem.
At first you can talk with your friend, to share with the problem that you have together and to try to solve it. Maybe she'll give you some advice. If you will see that her advice is not convenient for you and she doesn't want to make concessions, you have to talk with her more seriously. You can tell her: "My dear friend. I love you very much and value our friendship. But I can't do something bad for me. If you don't want to buy a new car or to get bus to the University you have to love parking and deal with it."
I will be glad if my advice helps you.
If you have any other problems, don't hesitate to contact me.
Kind regards,
Mrs Rich, Lucky and Happy

You have to love parking? I don't know what you mean...

October 11, 2009 5:08 PM
Trang said...

Dear Dalal,
I understand your feeling.
First, you should tell your husband or your relative to help you take care of your son while you are in the wedding, who you can trust and can take care of the boy well. Telling them about your son's school time, his habit and hobby so that they can do to make your son don't feel sad without you some days. Also you should make a schedule and book in the ticket soon, so you can spend and save the time effectively in your friend's wedding and come back to your son soon.
In addition, you need to call your son's teacher and a person who replace you take care of him to know exactly about him. and often call him, too. your son will feel that you are next to him.
Last, you need to keep your heath well to do all plans successful.
"Happy life" to your friend.
"Good Luck" to you!
Regards.



Dear David,
Everyone also need to be independent, and also need everybody else in their life, especially, their close people. In my opinion, First I think you and your mother need to talk to each other to solve a problem. And then, you should explain about your plan of independent life. You know, all parents often worry about their son although you are an adult person. And their have had experience life, they are afraid of your future if you are in wrong ways. Besides, they will give you some useful advices.
You should show yourself to them with good studying results and behavior, so they can be proud of you. By the way, they will agree and support your life.
Otherwise, you can try to live with your uncle before you live alone. You will learn some thing from people who you live with.
The life is more difficult than we thought, and also more interesting than we can imagine when we live and share with our close people.
Good luck! ^_^

Regard,
...
October 11, 2009 6:32 PM
Ammar said...

Dear Trang,

Over the years, I have long expertise in this field. I know exactly your feeling and it’s clearly your dilemma not because your abilities. Upon coming to the United States, many international students experience a number of unique challenges that are mainly caused by moving to a new country. Some of the challenges are transitory in nature, such as adjusting to new foods, climate, and types of housing. However, there are additional issues that are more challenging for international students to overcome and can also impact their academic performance. The passion, enthusiasm, and expectations they had with regard to studying abroad can quickly turn to fear, distress, and anxiety.

Language difficulties are another big challenge for international students. A lack of English skills is likely to affect international students' academic performance. You need to work on your self confidence. Try to adapting into this new society. However, don’t worry you will learn the English by your hard works. Believe me you will!!!

Best Regards,
Prof. Ammar

Professor Ammar, you give wonderful advice but you don't use modals!

October 11, 2009 7:00 PM
INGRID said...

Dear Fatimah

Fatimah I think that isn’t a big problem but it’s very uncomfortable for you when you look jealous between your children.In addition, You should talk to your eldest son and explain that sometimes you have to buy things for his brother that he isn’t using or needing.However, You Had better put character to his malcrideses.
October 11, 2009 7:40 PM

What are malcrideses? It sounds like a disease...

LEON said...

Dear Alicia:
I received your last letter. I’m sorry to hear that. And I know that it’s very difficult to make a choice when you are in this situation. I am also Chinese, I know family is very important for every Chinese person. However, every family member is very important in your life. But you know it’s also very difficult for Chinese students have a chance study in the U.S. And you are study in the U.S now, so you must cherish this chance. By the way, you said you parents don’t want to tell you anything about your grandmother, I think you parents don’t disturb you, they want you focus on you study. If I were you, I would study hard. It’s the best way for you to console them. And you can make call to your grandmother. At the end, I hope your grandmother will recover soon.

Cherish. Nice word choice!

October 11, 2009 7:51 PM
INGRID said...

Dear David

David, You have the solution in your hands.First, You have to get very good grades in your test. Second, You must come aunt's home early every day.Third, You had better know how to choose your friends.Finally, If you follow my advice your mother will know that you are big and you can live alone. In addition, You should have talked to your mom before you come to live with your aunt's family.

October 11, 2009 8:22 PM
LEON said...

Dear Seva:
I received your last letter. It is unbelievable, at the same time, it is really amazing and you are a lucky guy. I’d like give you some pieces of advice. You know that, there are still many kids, who can’t afford the school; it is the best way to spend your money and help children to have a rare chance to enjoy the school education. Furthermore, there are a lot of things that money couldn’t afford, therefore, just enjoy your life, and share your fortune with your family and friends. All in all, I am a person who hasn’t had such great money, so I can’t give you many advices. Just enjoy yourself, remember that life is always good.

October 11, 2009 8:27 PM
Lili said...

Dear Trang,

For most of students who come to study the English program in a new environment,they will have the same problem with you . All the students in Lcc have the same goal that is to improve their english skills and make friends with everyone here.You should attend more acctives and make more friends.I think that they will be very interested in the culture of your country .When you communicate with them in English ,not only you will know more knowledge ,but also you will practice your oral english and build your confidence .Donot worry about the mistake on grammar ,spelling and speaking,because everyone will make the mistake.What you should do is to speak and I believe you will correct each other.If others speak fast,you can not catch them ,you should tell them .In addition ,everyone will be a little nervous when they make a speech for many persons.if you can practise more ,the nervouse will gone.Believe in yourself and think that nothing is impossible .

October 11, 2009 8:51 PM
Chaemin said...

Dear Lili

Hello~
my good classmate Lili♡
Before few minutes ago, I read your mail.
I'm sorry about that you couldn't enter the upper class. I definitely know that you always study hard than other students. However, I think you seem to be choosing wrong way.
Lili you should change your study method if you want to get better result. If you will not corret, you result in same thing repeatedly. It is unproductive to you.
And also, you could to put more time in your study. You might be study hard, but you should consider that other students also study hard.

Lili you are supposed to get good result before finish this semester if you never give up.
I believe you

See you tomorrow^^

October 11, 2009 9:14 PM
rayesse said...

Dear Trang
I carefully tried to understand your problems and I want to give you a piece of advice. You don’t have to feel bad about your ability to speak English! It’s not your native language. The best way to improve quickly your speaking is to overcome to your fear of the people and go to them. You should better to not pay attention of what people think about the way you speak or your mistakes! Despite your mistakes you ought to try hard to speak more and more with those mistakes and ask people to feel free to correct you! That will improve your speech in the discussion! Roughly speaking, keep in mind that it is by making mistakes that we learn more.

Good advice, Rayesse!

October 11, 2009 9:41 PM
Fatimah said...

Dear Ingrid
I read your letter. You should cook in your home I know you are busy.However,you could prepare your food for two days and heat it when you want it.If you can't cook at all ,you had better to do exercise as you can because we know a fast food has too much fat.

Fatimah

October 11, 2009 9:46 PM
Chaemin said...

Dear Joon.

Hi~
I read your letter, and I understand your feeling. Sometimes Houston is boring. Even you live in dormitory, you feel much more boring more than me.
However,you should endure buy a car. If you stay a long time in Houston, you ought to buy a car, but you are going to go back to Korea on December. It is coming near. You had better save your money(of course, mee too ^^),because you are a international student.
You could find interest in UH campus, and you could make many friend in your dorm. These things make better life than now.
I really hope to my advice help to solve your problem.

See you tomorrow~

October 11, 2009 9:46 PM
karen said...

Dear Leon.

I will try to solve your problem the best way that i can.
First of all I think ,honestly , that you should be very glad and proud of earning the possibility to be here in U.S.A ,Houston, as an LCC student.
Getting a student visa and staying in the United States is a nice important point too:-)
You are right, the United States is a country with a lot of opportunities.
You could do things that you have always dreamed about. You could certainly develop yourself as well.
Moreover, you are going to succeed at every kind of job or business if you choose and want to!
China is the country that you were born in and I completely understand you, having family and close friends, but you know what?!
You have to meet different friends here, from all over the world and different cultures too.
You might start to understand different people, with unique thoughts!
So take this wonderfll chance to be here!
Wishing you good luck.
You can do it!
-yours karen.

October 11, 2009 11:10 PM
rayesse said...

What’s up with you, dear JC!
I just come to see your letter and it touched me so much! So, let me just tell you something! You must never say you can’t because if you want you can and I know you can! I suppose you must have so much fun most of the time, particularly during the nights, consequently, you can’t come at time in class!Although you should try hard to come right. On the other hand, you are young, fresh, hot and you need to enjoy your life, It’s right. I understand that. But I think the most important now, it is your studies because studies are the right way for you to make enough money in order to keep enjoying your life how you will want! So you should better focus on your studies by coming first in class at time, and then, by the time real moment of the fun comes, you will already make plenty money and do what you will want in your life and nobody won’t be able to tell you nothing because it will be your own money and you will be independent!
Friendly Rayesse,

JC is young, fresh, and hot? Like a chicken?

October 11, 2009 11:32 PM
A H M E D said...

Dear Dalal

I received your letter and read it.

firstly, you should ask yourself a question that what is more important your son's future or your friend's wedding?!!. In my view, if your friend is a real friend, she will understand your situation and excuse you. You mustn't go because that will cost your son a year of his life. I don't think the wedding deserve this.

Best wishes

Ahmed
October 11, 2009 11:34 PM
A H M E D said...

=================================

Dear Alice

I've received your letter and I read it.

I understand your situation because I had been in the same situation for many times.I think that the family is most important thing in the life. As well, there will be another parties. You should attend the wedding because it is only a day in the life. Also, the family deserves more than attend the family's events.

Best wishes

Ahmed

=================================
October 12, 2009 12:02 AM
joel said...

Dear dalia!
How are you? I understand your problem and I will try to solve your problem.I think that between your husband and you there is a problem of comprehension.Because you have a difficult time,so you are very upset against your husband.You had better stay peaceful.You should talk with your housband to find a good solution.You ought to do it for your children.And you have to pray for GOD to get his help.I wish that my advices will be good for you!
October 12, 2009 1:56 AM
joel said...

Dear lihn!
Don't worry for your problem! I think that you have to listen first your doctor because your healthy is more important.However you should see a nutritionist if you want to lose weight.You are supposed to eat vegetables and beef meat and drink much juice to have more blood.I think that these advices can help you to be less confused.Good health!

October 12, 2009 2:17 AM
David said...

Dear Ingrid,
I got your problem. My advice are: You should change to a diet. You should eat less than now. You should put your snacks away. You should give snack up. You should try to find sometime to do sports. You'd better do not eat anything after 8 p.m.




October 12, 2009 1:57 PM
Alice said...

Dear Lili:
I read your letter and I will try my best to give you some advices. I consider that you are a good student because you study very hard, maybe you can change your learning methods. For example, you should take notes, record the lesson when teacher was teaching, discuss with your classmates before the test. It's normal to feel depression when you got poor score, but you must encourage yourself and don't give up. Try your best and you will be succeed.

October 12, 2009 1:58 PM
Ricardo de Castro said...

Well dear Alice,
I noticed you are in a difficult situation.
You know what, in my opinion, I think you should consult your heart.
You need to ask these question to yourself.
What is more important for you, your friends or your family?
It could be easy for me to be hypocrite and say that the family is the basis of everything and therefore, you must stay among them during your cousin’s wedding but I’m not this kind of person.
So honey, just talk to yourself, think and …. I’m sure you will find the answer.
Good luck!!!
Cheers.
Mrs. Rolly

October 12, 2009 3:17 PM
abdul said...

Dear Mr.Garcia
You told that you talked to your neighbors and they didn't do anything about it right so i have a simple idea. You should take it to court and file a law suit on them for trespassing your home and for destroying your garden and you will successfully win the case. If people don't come by the easy way they will come by the hard way that is by law you know.


best wishes,

Abdul

Abdulrahman, I like your legal advice. How about going to law school?

4F Class Video: What could they be doing?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZU_Ry1BlUs

A Note from Greg

Dear Holly,
Please advise the students (both classes) that they will NOT have class in the MPR on Thursday. Instead, they will be in the OB Ballroom. Same building, one floor up. Go to the end of the hall on the second floor, and ........voila!

Another Website to Review Modals

http://unamsanantoniolab.com/eng/modals/review/index.htm

I need some help...

Can somebody in the class teach me how to use Powerpoint?

Homework, October 12 (due Wednesday, October 14)

Write a paragraph about ONE of the following topics:

1. Write about when, where, and why you should (or should not) have done something in your life.

2. Write about one embarrassing incident in your life. What could, should, might you have done to avoid it?

3. Choose one of the environmental problems we face today. What could, should, may, must, might be done to solve this problem?

4. Look at your future. What will, might, should it be like? Write about what you should, must, can do now in order to make your life what you want it to be.

Have a nice weekend!

"It Must Have Been Love," by Roxette (Logical Conclusion of the Past)

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1hi9b_roxette-it-must-have-been-love_music

Lay a whisper on my pillow
Leave the winter on the ground
I wake up lonely, is there a silence
In the bedroom and all around

Touch me now, I close my eyes
And dream away...

It must have been love, but it's over now
It must have been good, but I lost it somehow
It must have been love, but it's over now
From the moment we touched till the time had run out

Make believing we're together
That I'm sheltered by your heart
But in and outside I turn to water
Like a teardrop in your palm

And it's a hard winter's day
I dream away...

It must have been love, but it's over now
It was all that I wanted, now I'm living without
It must have been love, but it's over now
It's where the water flows, it's where the wind blows

It must have been love, but it's over now
It must have been good, but I lost it somehow
It must have been love, but it's over now
From the moment we touched till the time had run out

Homework: Response Letters (Necessity, Advisability, and Expectations) due by Monday, October 11)

Please post your letters giving advice here...

Dalal: Ahmed, Trang, Alice
Alicia: Dalia, Juana, Joon
Ricardo: Abdul, Ingrid, Alicia
Alice: Kim, Yousef, Ricardo
Seva: Keren, Leon, Linh
Lili: J.C., Ulan, Chaemin
Ingrid: Lee, Fatima, David
Dalia: Jung, Dalal, Joel
Trang: Rayesse, Lili, Ammar
Jung: Seva, Khalid

For those of you who must respond to two letters, you can choose from the above AND from the other advice letters that come in late...

A Website to Review Modals

http://www.grammar-quizzes.com/modal1.html

Let me know what you think. Is this website useful to review what we're learning?

Making Excuses, or 25 Easy Ways to JUST SAY NO

Do you remember how we said that Americans usually offer an excuse why they cannot do something with you?

So, someone asks you out on a date and you don't want to go. You say, "I'd love to, but...."

1. I have to floss my teeth.
2. I want to spend more time with my blender.
3. The President said he might drop in.
4. I have to check the freshness dates on my dairy products.
5. I'm planning to go downtown to try on gloves.
6. My crayons all melted together.
7. I'm trying to see how long I can go without saying yes.
8. I'm going down to the bakery to watch the dough rise.
9. I'm being deported back to my country.
10. I'm converting my calendar watch from Julian to Gregorian.
11. I have to fulfill my potential.
12. I have some real hard words to look up in the dictionary.
13. None of my socks match.
14. I have to be on the next train to Bermuda (do you know about the Bermuda Triangle?)
15. I changed the lock on my door and now I can't get out.
16. I'm making a home movie called "The Thing That Grew in My
Refrigerator."
17. My chocolate-appreciation class meets that night.
18. I never go out on days that end in "Y."
19. There are important world issues that need worrying about.
20. I'm trying to be less popular.
21. I have to study for a blood test.
22. My uncle escaped again.
23. I'm going to count the bristles in my toothbrush.
24. I'm going to the Missing Persons Bureau to see if anyone is looking
for me.
25. I have to stay home and see if I snore.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADD YOUR OWN CREATIVE EXCUSES AS COMMENTS TO THIS POST!

My youngest son at bat (Yoel)

He's only six years old.

CNN Student News

Here is a wonderful site for listening practice:

http://www.cnn.com/studentnews/

I recommend you listen to the news 3-4 times a week on this site and take notes while you are watching. There are quizzes to see whether you understood the news. This is really a great way to work on your listening outside of class.

Homework: Necessity, Advisability, and Expectations (UU, ch. 9, ex. 27--due by Friday, October 9)

Write a letter to an advice columnist in a newspaper. Make up a personal problem for the columnist to solve. You can look at page 173 for the example letter.

Do not write the response to the letter, just the letter asking for advice.

Thanks to our classes!

Thank you so much, everybody: Holly, 4E and 4F!

That is the first time I have had a amazing birthday with so many birthday songs from other languages. I have never thought that I have it in the U.S. since I was far from my home.
I had a happy day with you who are from around the world. Thank you!

I hope us be happy everyday and study well!
and I hope Greg will be back with us soon!

Do you like the way the blog looks now?

Post your comments!

Homework: Necessity, Advisability, and Expectations (UU, ch. 9, ex. 22--due by Thursday, October 8)

Choose TWO of the following topics and give written advice. Post your advice as comments.

Include several of the following words in your answers:

should, have to, be supposed to, shouldn't, be not supposed to, had better, must, ought to, must not, do not have to, have got to, had better not, don't have to


Topic 1: Pretend that you are teaching your younger sister or brother how to drive a car. This is his or her FIRST time behind the wheel, and she/he knows little about driving regulations and how to operate an automobile.

Topic 2: Pretend that you are a travel agent and you are helping two students who are traveling abroad (outside your country) for a vacation. You want them to understand the travel arrangements you have made, and you want to explain some of the local customs of the countries they will be visiting.

Topic 3: Pretend that you are the supervisor of salesclerks in a large department store (like Macy's or Neiman Marcus) and that you are talking to two new employees. You want to acquaint them (make them familiar) with their job and your expectations.

Topic 4: Pretend that you are instructing the babysitter who will watch your three young children while you are out for the evening. They haven't had dinner yet, and they don't like to go to bed when they're told to.

A Video on Should/Ought to/Had better

This video presents the lesson we had in class today. Is he a better teacher than I am?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00k85ENbak4

I Should Have Known Better, by the Beatles (past form of should)

I should have known better with a girl like you
That I would love everything that you do
And I do, hey, hey, hey, and I do.
Whoa, whoa, I never realized what a kiss could be
This could only happen to me;
Can't you see, can't you see?
That when I tell you that I love you, oh,
You're gonna say you love me too, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, oh,
And when I ask you to be mine,
You're gonna say you love me too.

So, I should have realized a lot of things before
If this is love you've gotta give me more
Give me more, hey hey hey, give me more
Whoa, whoa, I never realized what a kiss could be
This could only happen to me
Can't you see, can't you see?
That when I tell you that I love you, oh
You're gonna say you love me too, oh
And when I ask you to be mine,
You're gonna say you love me too,
You love me too
You love me too

Dream Vacations from 4E and 4F

Watch Ricardo and Chaemin tell us about their dream vacations

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFOz9wVdhnA


Watch JC, Seva, and Alicia tell us about their dream vacations.

http://www.youtube.com/user/hollycin69#play/all


Here's Jung and Joanna:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJES5RNCCFM

Something Funny for You to Read

A SPANISH teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.


'house' for instance is feminine: 'la Casa.'
'Pencil,' however is masculine: 'el lapiz.'

A student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?'

Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups,male and female,and asked them to decide for themselves whether 'computer' should be a masculine or a feminine noun.

Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.

The men's group decided that 'computer' should definitely be of the feminine gender ('la omputadora'), because:

1.No one but their creator understands their internal logic;

2.The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;

3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long-term memory for possible later retrieval; and

4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.

(WAIT,THIS GETS BETTER!)

The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine ('el computador'), because:


1.In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;

2.They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;

3. They are supposed to help you solve problems but, half the time, they ARE the problem; and

4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.

The women won.

Oral Reports This Week (Movie Reviews)

This week, beginning on Tuesday, we will have 3 or 4 oral reports each day in class. Before you prepare your report, please read pages 29 and 30 in Talk It Through for some information on how to organize and present your ideas.

Here is the schedule of presentations:
4E
Tues: JC, Joanna, Dalia
Wed: Lee, Jung, Leon
Thurs: Yousef, Seva, Keren, Kim
Fri: Abdulrahman, Ahmed, Trang, Rayesse

4F
Tues: Alice, Khalid, Joel
Wed: Joon, Chaemin, Ulan, Lili
Thurs: Ingrid, Dalal, Fatima
Fri: Ammar, Ricardo, David, Linh

Homework: Past form of SHOULD (due by Wed., October 7)

Write what you think the people in the following situations SHOULD HAVE DONE or SHOULD NOT HAVE DONE (ch. 9, ex. 17):

1. John and his wife, Julie, had good jobs as professionals in New York City. John was offered a high-paying job in Chicago, which he immediately accepted. Julie was shocked when he came home that evening and told her the news. She liked her job and the people she worked with, and did not want to move away and look for another job.

2. Ann agreed to meet her friend Carl at the library to help him with his chemistry homework. On the way, she stopped at a cafe where her boyfriend worked. Her boyfriend told her he could get off work early that night, so the two of them decided to go to a movie. Ann didn't cancel her plans with Carl. Carl waited for three hours at the library.

3. For three years, Donna had been saving her money for a trip to Europe. Her brother, Larry, had a good job, but spent all of his money on expensive cars, clothes, and entertainment. Suddenly, Larry was fired from his job and had no money to support himself while he looked for another one. Donna lent him nearly all of her savings, and within three weeks he spent it all on his car, more clothes, and expensive restaurants.

4. Sarah often exaggerated and once told a co-worker that she was fluent in French, even though she had studied only a little and could not really communicate in the language. A few days later, her boss asked her to come to his office to interpret a meeting with a French businessman who had just arrived from Paris to negotiate a major contract with the company. After an embarrassed silence, Sarah told her boss that she was feeling ill and had to go home immediately.