ATC - Academy of Languages and Training Canada

WHO I AM

2011-02-09T15:22:00.000-08:00

WHO KNOWS WHO I AM , WHERE I CAME FROM.

NEITHER I CHOSE MY BIRTH, NOR I CHOSE MY NAME .

NEITHER I CHOSE MY LIFE , NOR I CHOSE MY DEATH.

NEITHER IM "PREIST" IN TEMPLE , NOR IM "IMAM" IN MOSQUE.

NEITHER I KNOW RELIGION, NOR IM DISBELEIVER.

MY HEART IS DEEPEST THEN SEA ,WHO KNOWS THE DEPTH.
NEITHER YOU KNOW NOR I KNOW

I TRIED TO FIND MYSELF ON SKIES , I COULDN'T.

I TRIED TO FIND MYSELF ON EARTH, I COULDN'T.

I TRIED TO FIND MYSELF IN HEAVENS, I COULDN'T.
BUT
I FOUND MY SELF IN "A BROKEN HEART "
"IN CHAIN OF TEARS ."

THATS WAT I AM BUT WHO KNOWS
"WHO I AM"

New Year's Resolutions

2010-12-21T16:13:00.000-08:00

Hi this is Kurt.

Since New Year is coming up soon, I thought it would be great to talk about New Year's resolutions.

Making resolutions on New Year's Eve seems like a very popular practice all over the world. Everywhere in the world, people set goals for the next year on this special night, and I am sure you have done it, too.

Here are some interesting facts about New Year's resolutions:

About 3 out of 4 people have made a New Year's resolution at some point of their lifetime, and about 4 out of 10 people make one every year.

Some of the most common types of New Year's resolutions are:

1. Spend more time with family.
2. Lose weight/keep in shape.
3. Quit smoking/drinking.
4. Have more fun/learn something new.
5. Save money.

Unfortunately, by the end of the first week of January, 25% of the people who have made the promises give up. :(

But, that does not mean making New Year's resolution is a waste of time.

If you can take your time and set your goals carefully and specifically, you will probably succeed.

For 2011, I decided to learn a new language (probably Japanese). I always envied people who could speak so many different languages, and I love learning languages.

So, what are your goals for 2011?

by Kurt Ahn.

Music

2010-05-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hi there.
It`s been cloudy and rainy for a few days here in Vancouver. According to the weather forecast, it`ll continue almost 2 weeks. What`s going on! I miss those beautiful days in last week.

By the way, what kind of music do you listen to? There are hundreds of millions of kinds of music such as Rock, Jazz, Classic and so on. I`m interested in Rock, club and pop music personally especiaaly Japanese, USA, Canada and Korean.
So today, let me introduce some of my favorite musicians.

Off the first, I`d like to begin from a Canadian band.
"MOTHER MOTHER"

Mother Mother is a five-piece Canadian indie rock band originally from Quadra Island, now based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Mother Mother consists of Ryan Guldemond on guitar and vocals, Molly Guldemond on vocals and keyboard, Jasmin Parkin on keyboard and vocals, Ali Siadat on drums, and Jeremy Page on bass.
I like not only their music but also lyrics. There lyrics sounds like one story sometimes which attract people by itself. You should listen to them even if you are not Canadian!

Secomd, since I`m from Japan, I`m gonna introduce one Japanese band.
9mm parabellum bullet

9mm Parabellum Bullet is a Japanese rock band formed in March 2004 from Yokohama, Japan, consisting of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Takuro Sugawara, guitartist and backing vocalist Yoshimitsu Taki, bassist Kazuhiko Nakamura, and drummer Chihiro Kamijō, who came up with the band's name. Piano pieces included in some songs are performed by Taki, while screaming is provided by Nakamura.
When it comes to technique, this band is ranked at least top 10 between Japanese bands I guess. Every song is so cool. Check it out!!!

Last one is not band. They are DJs.
Daft Punk!

Daft Punk is an electronic music duo consisting of French musicians Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo (born February 8, 1974) and Thomas Bangalter (born January 3, 1975).[1] Daft Punk reached significant popularity in the late 1990s house movement in France and were met with continued success in the years following.
If you like electronic music, you`ll like their music for sure. Actuaaly I started to listen to this kind of music after I camne here. But when I listened first time, I was attracted to them immediately. Try once! You will be just like me!

By Takuma

2010-05-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

Hi.

Everybody, what do you know Japan? Probably your answers are "Oh, I know Sushi! That's one of my favorite food!" or "I know Tokyo. Capital city of Japan!" something like that. But wait! There are many more good and interesting things in Japan.
Now, have you ever heard about "Hokkaido"? That's a big island located at the north part of japan. My university is in Hokkaido and traveled around a lot of places and experienced many things with my friends before I came Canada.

The picture above is the one of a event called "Sapporo Snow Festibal" take place in February every year. In this event, you can enjoy hundreds of beautiful snow statues and ice sculptures which line Odori Park,the grounds at Community Dome Tsudome, and the main street in Susukino. About two million people come to Sapporo to see them.

Speaking of Sapporo, do you know it? That's a one of the largest cities in Japan located center of Hokkaido.

You can see nightview like the picture above from top of a tower called "JR Tower".

Hokkaido is also famous for food especially seefood, butadon(pork and rice) and beer.

I can't forget the moment when I ate sushi for the first time in Sapporo. That was totally different from sushi I knew! Amazing!! I highly recommend that you go to Sapporo and taste it. You will know what the authentic Sushi is.

If you like beer, you are very welcome to go to Hokkaido cuz everybody likes beer there too! haha There is a event named "Beer Garden". People drink beer outside, get drunk and hang out with strangers in that event. That is so much fun!

I'll be in Hokkaido from this September. So if you come to Hokkaido, let me know and I can show around! I'm looking forward to seeing you there!!!

by takuma

2010-05-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

Hello.

What are you doing in your free time everybody? There are many way to kill time and have fun.
Today, I`ll talk about one of the most major ways of that. That is....movie!!

First of all, everybody knows this series I guess.

Right! "Sex And the City".
Sex and the City is an American cable television series. The original run of the show was broadcast on HBO from 1998 until 2004, for a total of ninety-four episodes. Because this show is very popular still now, movie version show ups this May. Needless to say, you should check it out if you are fun of it and even if you are not, still you should! You will be a new fun of it after ward.

Second! This movie can be enjoyed by children to adults. Super popular series.
"Shrec 3D"

Shrek is a 2001 American animated comedy film directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson and starring the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and John Lithgow. Based on William Steig's 1990 fairy tale picture book Shrek!, the film was produced by DreamWorks Animation. Shrek was the first film to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, a category introduced in 2001.
No wonder, this movie is being talk of the town because you can enjoy 3D as well as sophisticated story. Go theater now!

For the last, I would like to introduce this one.
"Iron man 2"

Iron Man is a fictional superhero who appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character debuted in Tales of Suspense #39 (March 1963), and was created by writer-editor Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby.
My friend who already watched this recommended this and told me that was really nice! Honestly, I didn't know this movie before heard from that friend. But now, I will go to watch definitely!

Which one did you get interest? Whichever you watch, you will not regret. I hope you enjoy all of them!!!!

by Takuma

WORLD CUP!

2010-05-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody.
It's a beautiful day today in Vancouver. If you don't have anything to do, you should go outside and take a walk along some beach.
By the way,do you know what's gonna happen just one month after?
That is.................Right!!! WORLD CUP!!!

This is a group league card of "2010 World Cup".
It's too bad that "Canada" is not on that sheat. But still World Cup is one of the biggest events for number of people around the world! Amazing number of people are excited about this event right now! Actualy I'm one of the people who can't wait. My home country Japan is in trouble now and it seems difficult to pass group league though haha

Anyway, let's take a look what the "World Cup" is a little bit.
The championship has been awarded every four years since the first tournament in 1930, except in 1942 and 1946 when it was not contested because of World War II.During the 18 tournaments that have been held, seven nations have won the title. Brazil have won the World Cup a record five times, and they are the only team to have played in every tournament. Italy, the current champions, have won four titles, and Germany are next with three titles. The other former champions are Uruguay, winners of the inaugural tournament, and Argentina, with two titles each, and England and France, with one title each.

I know what you guys felt. BRAZIL IS STRONG!! That's right. They won as many as 5 titles and there are many star player in their nationl team. But I think this world cup is gonna tough for them because they are in same group as portugal! You will associate one player when you hear name of this country. Right. Cristiano Ronaldo who was a FIFPro World Player of the Year and the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2008. Definitely Portugal is strong too!! So their much will be exciting for sure.

Let's enjoy world cup together!

2010 Vancouver winter olympic games!

2010-02-16T10:40:00.001-08:00

Everybody, welcome to Vancouver!

Now vancouver is so busy because of 2010 Vancouver winter olympic games.

Many tourists visit to vancouver and enjoy the important and impressive moment together. Yes! You and Me, we are also in Vancouver.

How lucky we are!!

There have so many interesting places, special events and olympics games in Vancouver. So I'd like to introduce some good and free events to you! Hope it's a good information and you enjoy that during the olympic game periods.

From January 22 to March 21, the best artists from Canada and around the world will play in Genre-bendling theatre, Vancouver.

The international showcase is hosting nearly 200 artistics events throughout the city, featuring visual art, music, dance, theatre, performance art and more.

Some of the events are ticketed performances, while others, I will introduce to you, invite the public to simply stop by and just enjoy together that.

1. The magical theatrical vending machine : Feb. 12-27 / Various sites

2. Vectorial elevation : Feb. 4-28/ English bay

3. Raven Stole the sun : Feb. 20-25/ Multiple venues

4. Art Under Foot : Feb. 1-28/ Sleep country canada vancouver's public art

Regarding some events ticketed, please check the below website. It's useful website for olympic event and others.

http://www.tourismvancouver.com/

- Richmond O zone -

I recommend two programs. Music on the main stage and Holland Heineken House.

The O Zone Main stage offers,

- En Karma : Feb. 24 / 10:15pm

- Brave Waves : Feb. 26 / 3:30pm

- The Dudes : Feb. 27 / 9pm

- Five Alarm Funk : Feb. 28 / 9:30pm

It's easy to get the detailed information from the below website for you.

Don't hesitate, Just join here together!! >.<

http://www.richmondozon.com/

The holland heineken house,

The highlight of the Holland Heineken House experience is the main hall, featuring celebratory medal ceremonies for the successful dutch athletes and nightly performances by renowned Durch artists and DJs.

Open daily from 9 am till 2am, the Holland Heineken house will be an ideal palce to catch up on the latest of the olympics or simply relax with something to eat or drink!!

Wed, Feb 24 - Roel van Velzen

Thu, Feb 25 - Gerard Joling

Fri, Feb 26 - Roel van Velzen

Along with the artists listed above, house bands De Corona's and Evers Slaat Door, and the house DJ/VJ will hit the stage every night starting at 8pm. All these artists are very popular and are renowned in the Netherlands.

- LiveCity Yaletown -

On the water's edge at David Lam Park, LiveCity Yaletown, Giant screens will show highlights of olympic winter games sport coverage and visitors can enjoy the interactive olympic sponsor pavilions, vancouver house, and much more. All for free!

Valentine's Day

2010-02-15T10:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I saw so many people carrying beautiful flowers and when I passed by the streets, most of the restaurants were full with people happily celebrating Valentine's Day. ( or it may have been the celebration of Olympics or Chinese New Year!!!)

Now I am not surprised to see kind and happy looking men buying flowers for their partners. But when I first experienced North American Style Valentine's Day I was very surprised because in Japan we celebrate Valentine's Day quite differently.

FROM WOMEN TO MEN

From my perspective, in North America, people celebrate Valentine's Day as a couple. Men and Women both as a couple try to make that day romantic. Flowers, Chocolates, Candle Dinners...etc... both partners contribute to enjoy the Valentine's Day atmosphere.

Compared to gender neutral N. American style, Japanese Valentine's Day is very gender specific. In Japan, it is girls who give chocolate to boys. It is a day for girls to confess their feelings to boys by giving chocolates to them.
I used to think this was unfair. Why should girls work extra hard and boys get delicious treats?
But now, I think that Valentine's Day is a big opportunity and chance for shy and reserved Japanese women to be courageous and show their feelings. And men enjoy a heartfelt gift of chocolate.　

COURTESY CHOCOLATE

In Japan, women not only give chocolates to someone they like. They have social pressure to give chocolates to male co-workers or male class mates. Indeed I remember every year, on 14th of February, my father used to bring two or three bags full of chocolates that his female colleagues gave him. In this case, the chocolate is not for showing love, but to show friendship, respect, or kindness. It is interesting how simple act of giving a chocolate can create cheerful atmosphere and better communication within work place or class room.
My father was not big fun of sweet stuff and My mom and I finished most of the chocolates he got. But he still seemed happy for the his female co-worker's effort and consideration.

WHITE DAY

So until now, it sounds like girls are the hard workers and boys are the lucky ones, right?

No. Japanese gentlemen also put effort. In Japan, it is a custom to give the present back to women on March 14th. It is called White Day. The present can be cookies, candies, flowers... anything.

RECENT TREND

Although everything I mentioned above is still relevant in Japan, there is a new trend.

Nowadays, boys and men starting to learn Western Culture and beginning to give chocolates to girls.

It is called Reverse Chocolate.

All in all, no matter which part of the world you are or what cultural background you come from, we all have one thing in common. We all enjoy the most romantic day of the year. V-Day!!!!

Chinese New Year

2010-02-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

What does people normally do on February 14th in North America? Probably most of you would say "Of Course people will have nice romantic dinner! Its a Valentines Day!" But for the year 2010, February the 14th is not only the Valentines Day, but also its the Chinese New Year Day.

Chinese New Year, also referred to as Lunar New Year, is determined by the lunisolar Chinese calendar and it usually falls between end of January and middle of February. On Chinese New Year day, people visit their families and relatives to celebrate together. People would decorate their houses with red couplets and red lanterns.

Children and juniors are provided with red envelops with some money inside by the elders. The symbolism for red envelops is to suppress or put down the evil spirit and be lucky. Traditionally the amount of money inside the red envelop should be even number (Chinese people believe that odd number is unlucky as its sometimes associated with funerals.)

Probably, the most important tradition of Chinese New Year would be the family dinner. The way Chinese people put their heart in the New Year Dinner is the same as how important the Christmas dinner is in the Western culture. People will eat or display fish. Fish is one of the important cuisine for the new years day as the pronunciation of the word fish in Chinese is the same as the pronunciation of the word surpluses. Also, in Northern China, people would eat dumplings(jiao zi in Chinese) whereas in Southern China, they make a new year cake (Niangao in Chinese). In Vancouver, you will be able to experience some traditions of Chinese New Year as there are many events happening in the city. Here are some information.

*The annual Chinese New Year Parade:
Time: Sunday, February 14, 9:30am - 11am
Place: starting from the Millennium Gate at Pender St.

*Cultural Fair:
Time: February 14, 11am - 3pm
Place: the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden Courtyard

Lunar New Year's Day (Seol lal) in Korea

2010-02-04T10:33:00.000-08:00

"Happy new year"
New year is comming soon!! Oh?! You think New year already come? =)
I am talking about the lunar new year's day in Korea!

Korean New Year, commonly known as Seollal (Hangul: 설날) is the first day of the lunar Korean calendar. It is the most important of the traditional Korean holidays. It consists of a period of celebrations, starting on New Year's Day. The Korean also celebrate solar New Year's Day on January 1 each year, following the Gregorian Calendar. The Korean New Year holidays last three days, and is considered a more important holiday than the solar New Year's Day.
Korean New Year is generally the same day as Chinese, Mongolian, Tibetan, and Vietnamese New Year.

Customs -

Korean New Year is typically a family-oriented holiday. The three-day holiday is used by many to return to their home towns to visit their parents and other relatives where they perform the ancestral ritual known as charye (차례). Many Koreans dress up in colorful hanbok. Tteokguk (떡국) (soup with rice cakes) is commonly served.
Many Koreans greet the New Year (both Western and lunar) by visiting East coast locations such as Gangneung and Donghae in Gangwon province, where they are most likely to see the first rays of the New Year's sun.

Traditional Food, Tteokguk(떡국)-

Korean dish eaten during the celebration of the Korean New Year. The dish consists of the broth/soup (guk) within which is placed several thinly sliced rice cakes (tteok).It is a tradition to eat tteokguk on New Years because it is believed to grant the consumer luck for the forthcoming year and for him or her to supposedly gain an additional year of life. Additional ingredients are usually added to the dish; these include thinly sliced cooked eggs, marinated meat, mandu, and/or dried seaweed for seasoning is a traditional food in Korea.

Sebae(세배)-

Sebae is a traditionally observed activity on Seollal, and is filial-piety-orientated. Children wish their parents a happy new year by performing one deep traditional bow (rites with more than one bow involved are usually for the dead) and the words "saehae bok manhi badeuseyo (Hangul: 새해 복 많이 받으세요)" which translates to please receive many blessings in the new year.
Parents typically reward this gesture by giving their children new year's money (usually in the form of crisp paper money) and offering words of wisdom, or deokdam.

Sound interesting? ^^*

Korean restaurant 'JANG MO JIP"

2010-01-28T10:57:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday I went to JANG MO JIP Korean restaurant located in Robson street, Vancouver with my chinese canadian and japanese friends. Because I've just got my first paycheck since I started to work. ^^*
So, that day was my treat for them!

I really wanted to let my friends try to eat a delicious korean food. I searched some korean restaurants by google website and then found out some good restaurants like MA DANG COUL, JANG MO JIB, DAE BAK BON GA, SHABUSEN YAKINIKU HOUSE(Japanese sushi dish and Korean BBQ) etc.
I decided to go to JANG MO JIB KOREAN RESTARUATN and went to there with them.
(Jang Mo Jib means my wife's parent house. In Korea, most of Wife's mothers cook some delicious and healthy foods for their son-in-law. Because they regards their son-in-law as a real son.)

The restaurant was packed with people and there were some people waiting in a line for entering. I think the location is very convenient and already known as a famous restaurant in downtown. That's the reason!
Fortunately the waiting time was not that long.
The most popular dish here is GAM JA TANG, the spicy pork spin hot pot. And I'm not exaggerating, literally, every single table has this. It was extraordinary! Huge pieces of pork spins with meat falling off, very tasty! We also ordered seafood pancake and the glass noodle. Very nice too.

A couple of things I noticed here, waitresses take your order with iPhone.... It's creative! That just amused me. Another thing is this place is very generous about their side dishes, which doesn't happen in most Korean restaurant, waitresses would bring a bucket of the item and fill it up at your table.

All in all, if you want to taste a korean famous food, here is definitely a place to stop by!!

By HeeJung

10 Romantic Movies for Valentine's Day

2010-01-27T14:07:00.001-08:00

Watching a romantic comedy is a fun way to celebrate Valentine's Day, whether you're spending the holiday with your special someone or a whole slew of friends and family. And there are lots of lovely movies to choose from. TheHolidaySpot suggests you the following movies that are all-time hits with cinegoers and celebrate the wonderful feeling called love in a beautiful way.
An Affair to Remember (1957)
Director: Leo McCarey Starring: Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr, Richard Denning, Neva Patterson, Cathleen Nesbitt.

Plot: Handsome playboy Nicky Ferrante and beautiful night club singer Terry McKay have a romance while on a cruise from Europe to New York. Despite being engaged to other people, both agree to reunite at the top of the Empire State Building in six months. However, an unfortunate accident keeps Terry from the reunion, and Nicky fears that she has married or does not love him anymore. Will he discover the truth behind her absence and reunite with his one true love, or has fate and destiny passed them by?

Click here to watch trailer
An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)
Director: Taylor Hackford Starring: Richard Gere, Debra Winger, Louis Gossett, Jr., David Keith, Lisa Blount.

Plot: Zack Mayo is a young man who has signed up for Navy Flight School. He is a Navy brat who has a bad attitude problem. Sgt. Foley is there to train and evaluate him and will clearly find Zack wanting. Zack meets Paula, a girl who has little beyond family and must decide what it is he wants to do with his life.

Click here to watch trailer
Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
Director: Mike Newell Starring: Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, Kristin Scott Thomas, Simon Callow, James Fleet.

Plot: The film follows the fortunes of Charles and his friends as they wonder if they will ever find true love and marry. Charles thinks he's found "Miss Right" in Carrie, an American. This British subtle comedy revolves around Charlie, his friends and the four weddings and one funeral which they attend.

Click here to watch trailer
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Director: Nora Ephron Starring: Dana Ivey, Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Bill Pullman, Ross Malinger, Rosie O'Donnell.

Plot: Tom Hanks stars in this film as widower and single father Sam. When Sam's son, Jonah (Ross Malinger), calls into a talk radio program looking for a new mother, Sam ends up getting on the phone
and laments about his lost love. Thousands of miles away, Annie (Meg Ryan) hears the program and immediately falls in love with Sam, despite the fact that she has never met him and that she is engaged to humdrum Walter (Bill Pullman). Believing they are meant to be together, Annie sets out for Seattle to meet Sam, who, meanwhile, contends with an onslaught of letters from available women equally touched by his phone call. Will Annie and Sam ever unite?

Click here to watch trailer
Titanic (1997)
Director: James Cameron Starring: Dana Ivey, Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Bill Pullman, Ross Malinger, Rosie O'Donnell.

Plot: This fictional romance features Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack Dawson, and Kate Winslet as Rose DeWitt Bukater, two members of different social classes who fall in love aboard the 'unsinkable' ship RMS Titanic. But on 15 April 1912, Titanic meets with an accident on her maiden voyage. What happens to the lovers? Will their love survive?

Click here to watch trailer
The Way We Were (1973)
Director: Sydney Pollack Starring: Barbra Streisand, Robert Redford, Bradford Dillman and Lois Chiles.

Plot: The film tells the story of an intense Jewish woman who marries a carefree WASP following World War II. Fundamental differences in the way they engage the world – as revealed in their responses to the rise of McCarthyism – eventually pull them apart. The film is both a romance of star-crossed lovers and a morality tale about the importance of commitment to both individuals and relationships.

Click here to watch trailer
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Director: Rob Reiner Starring: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, Bruno Kirby, Steve Ford.

Plot: This romantic comedy centres around Harry and Sally both of whom search for love, but fail, bumping into each other time and time again. Finally a close friendship blooms between them, and they both like having a friend of the opposite sex. But then they are confronted with the problem: "Can a man and a woman be friends, without sex getting in the way?"

Click here to watch trailer
While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Director: Jon Turteltaub Starring: Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle, Jack Warden.

Plot: This fairytale romance stars Sandra Bullock as a love-starved subway toll booth operator, Lucy. who pines for regular customer Peter (Peter Gallagher), and rescues him from almost being run over by a train. While he is in a coma in the hospital, his family mistakenly believes Lucu to be Peter's fiancee. In this cofusion, Lucy finds true love in Jack (Bill Pullman), Peter's brother.

Click here to watch trailer
You've Got Mail (1998)
Director: Hallee Hirsh, Michael Palin, Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Parker Posey, Greg Kinnear, Jean Stapleton

Plot: Kathleen Kelly, owner of a little and famous bookstore for children's books falls in love with a man over the internet without knowing him in person. Suddenly, her business gets endangered by the opening of Fox Books discount store just "around the corner". Although getting advice by her anonymous mail-pal, she has to close down her store and is full of hatred for Fox Books. Will she ever know that her anonymous mail-pal is actually Joe Fox, the son of the owner of Fox Books?

Click here to watch trailer
Two Weeks Notice (2002)
Director: Marc Lawrence Starring: Sandra Bullock, Hugh Grant, Alicia Witt, Dana Ivey, Robert Klein.

Plot: Lucy Kelton (Sandra Bullock) is the Chief Legal Counsel for one of New York's leading commercial real estate firms, the Wade Corporation. George Wade (Hugh Grant), is the eccentric and remarkably self-centered head of the firm who seems entirely incapable of making a decision without Lucy's advice. When things start to get too much for Lucy, she gives him two weeks notice, and George reluctantly accepts, under one condition -- Lucy has to hire her own replacement. After extensive research, Lucy picks June Carter (Alicia Witt), a Harvard Law graduate determined to make a career for herself. Lucy soon begins to suspect, however, that June plans to hasten her rise up the corporate ladder by winning George's hand, leaving Lucy to wonder if she should warn George about his beautiful but calculating new attorney -- and whether she should tell George that she has finally realized she's in love with him.

I see you, "Avatar"

2010-01-19T10:19:00.000-08:00

I don't usually go to a theater twice for watching the same movie.
But I did actually only for Avatar! That means this movie have something special.
I don't enjoy watching 3D, science fiction and action moive too much.
But my friends asked me to go to a theater together so that I checked it out from some blogs of other reviwers before watching. After then, I was so exciting and couldn't wait to watch it!

It's an amazing and exciting 3D movie and you can't image how many people watch this movie.
The film board said that It's about 6,081,183 people watched since released the movie on the 17th of Dec. Now the movie professionals are expected to exceed 10million moviegoers!!

As you see, the director of avatar is James Cameron who already led "Titanic" and "Terminator" to hit the box office 10 years ago.
This movie was completed after going through nearly 18years of production. It's such a long terms to make.

The story is including in a love and conflicts between the main character who became a new living thing", Avatar and pandora indigenous woman and also in an exhaustion of natural resources in the mess and unavoidable war.

The war begin after that the earth people wanted to take a substituted resources from a peaceful planet pandora for solving the problem of the energy depletion. That's the point and the main story of this movie.
Expecially, you should watch carefully the confrontation scene of between the indigenous people,Na’vi and the earth people and the beautiful the world of Na’vi!

I think the natural world of Na'vi and the first mankind life look simillar.
Jake learn how to commune with all of nature and living thing and experience an restlessness of mind from their life and mind, showing their respect to the nature while living together with them.

In the real world, Na'vi is disappeared now. But they defended their world, pandora, against the earth people who have a high tech weaponry in this movie.
Finally they could keep their beautiful world because they won!

This movie give us a living lesson and a chance to re-think about our earth and life. If you're looking for a movie which touch your feeling or you like 3D movie, you should watch this movie! You won't regret i guarantee!

Enjoy watching it! =)

By HeeJung

Australia

2009-12-30T15:35:00.000-08:00

Various foods!

Have you ever been to Australia?
If you don't, just go there! You will never, ever be disappointed! I can guarantee it. You can meet the most beautiful scenery you've ever seen.
Today, I want to guide you to two biggest cities in Australia: Sydney and Melbourne.
First of all, Sydney is the biggest city in Australia which is surrounded by great nature. Maybe, some of you will misunderstand Sydney as the capital city. But it is not like that. Even though Canberra is the capital, Sydney is reall huge city. Since it is surrounded by beautiful nature, you can visit a lot of bays and parks.

I want to recommend you to visit bays rather than beaches just like manly beach and bondai beach. Because those beaches are so popular to everybody that you can not fully enjoy your time being there. In stead of visiting those big beaches, you can visit small bays and spend your holidays with your family and friends. When the weather helps you, you can see the most beautiful spot in the whole country ,Which is, Watsons bay and Gap park. Those places are famous for the background of various movies. Some people say that they can die because of the beautiful scenery. I know, it might seems too strange and weird to do that. People want to die? Because of the beauty? It doesn't make sense. But if you visit there and see the place, you will totally understand their feeling.
The first picture is Sydney tower. You can see every building and whole city at the highest place in Sydney.

A sightseeing bus! You can visit any place in Sydney.

This is the most famous building in Sydney, Opera house. It was conceived and largely built by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, who, in 2003, received the Pritzker Prize, architecture's highest honour. The citation stated:

"There is no doubt that the Sydney Opera House is his masterpiece. It is one of the great iconic buildings of the 20th century, an image of great beauty that has become known throughout the world – a symbol for not only a city, but a whole country and continent." The Opera House was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 28 June 2007.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a steel arch bridge across Sydney Harbour that carries rail, vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The dramatic view of the bridge, the harbour, and the nearby Sydney Opera House is an iconic image of both Sydney and Australia. The bridge is locally nicknamed "The Coathanger" because of its design. Look at the picture then, you can find the coathanger there! It is not only the widest long-span bridge but also the fifth longest spanning -arch bridge in the world.

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney open to the public in Sydney. We can see various plants and flowers in the Royal Botanic Gardens that is why it became the oldest scientific institution in Australia and ha been playing a major role in botanics.

You can also visit Sydney Aquarium. There are over 11,000 various kinds of fish. Giant turtles, sharks, seaholses and so on. The reason why it is unique is that it is surrounded by real sea!

Now, it is time to move on to Melbourne. Melbourne is the second populous city in Australia. This train is an old steam train. It is really famous in Puffing billy, Melbourne. It runs so slow that you can run beside the train. You can enjoy the moment of running through thick forest.

When we rented car and drived through the Great Ocean Road(The road which we can drive beside beach for 4 hours sometimes, come across wild animals), it was getting dark. So we saw the 12 apostles in dark. 12 Apostles are disciples of Jesus. Actually, waves made the great statue. Because it is not artificial thing, it is precious and worth.

New Moon

2009-12-14T15:08:00.000-08:00

I was excited to watch the second movie of Twilight saga, New Moon.
It was released 20th of Novemver. I booked a ticket for the movie the day before release date with my German friend. Actually we were looking foward to watching it a few month before. Twilight saga is about the love story between human(Bella) and vampire(Edward).
In New Moon, there was an irresistable accident beween Bella and Jasper(Edward's brother). Jasper tried to attack her when she was bleeding at her birthday party in Edward's house. From that moment, Edward recognizes that he can not protect Bella every single moment. So Bella asks him to make her as a vampire, but Edward leaves her rather than making her as a vampire. After his leave, she becomes desperated and frustrated. Meaningless time passes by and 6 monthes later, she visits her old friend Jacob to get over her sadness.

While meeting him, she finds out an unexpected truth. It is that Jacob changes as a werewolf. Whenever she has some problems, he appears right next to her. One vampire wants to attack her in the meadow. So he and his friends from gang manage to kill him.

Twilight is totally based on the love story between Edward and Bella. On the other hand, New moon is based on a love triagle(Edward-Bella-Jacob). So it makes us expect and be suspicious about how next story will be going on. Eventhough Edward leaves Bella, she tries to meet him again. At the end of the movie, she finally meets him. He asks her to get married to him.

Whole story of this movie is based on the book [Twilight saga0. However, some scenes are quite diffrent from the book. So I really want to recommend you to watch the movie first. And then, read the book. In that case, you will not be disappointed about the movie as well as book. While you read the book, you can remember and imagine every single scene from the movie. Then, it can help you to improve your reading and listening ability.

Ireland

2009-11-17T13:51:00.000-08:00

Hi, my name is Timea Farkas. During my collage years I spent a semester in Ireland. I attended to Trinity Collage in Dublin. I had a very good time therefore I made a short introduction about Dublin for you. The island of Ireland is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, west of Britain, and to the extreme northwest of Europe. It lies between latitude 51.5 and 55.5 degrees North, and longitude 5.5 and 10.5 degrees West. The population was 5,458,352 in 2004.

Geography
The island of Ireland is located in northwest Europe in the north Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain. It is approximately 53° north of the equator and 8° west of the Greenwich meridian. It has a total area of 84,116 km² (32,477 mi²). Ireland is separated from Britain by the Irish Sea and from mainland Europe by the Celtic Sea. It has a coastline of 1,970 miles. A ring of coastal mountains surrounds low central plains. The highest peak is Carrauntuohill (Irish: Corrán Tuathail), which is 1041 m (3414 feet). The island is bisected by the River Shannon, at 113 km (70 mi) the longest river in either Britain or Ireland, which flows south from northwest County Cavan to meet the Atlantic just south of Limerick. There are a large number of lakes, of which Lough Neagh is the largest. The island's lush vegetation earns it the sobriquet "Emerald Isle". Ireland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and in accordance with daylight saving, clocks are put forward one hour mid-March and back one hour at the end of October. During summer it stays light until as late as 11.00pm but by mid-December it can be dark by 4.00pm.

Climate
The climate of Ireland is influenced by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream and on the whole, it tends to be quite temperate. Its relatively small size and the prevailing southwest winds also give a fairly uniform temperature over the whole country. Winters tend to be generally mild, and summers generally cool. Coldest months of the year are usually January and February with average temperatures of 4oc-7oc. The warmest months of the year are July and August with average temperatures of 14oc-16oc. The sunniest months of the year are May and June with an average sunshine of 5-7 hours per day. The average rainfall for Ireland as a whole is between 800 and 1200 mm (or 31" to 41") per year. So it`s a little bit rainy :)

Currency
Ireland uses the Euro, whilst Northern Ireland uses the Pound. It`s very funny when you visit to the Northen area becasue you have to take another currency wiht you.

Language (Irish)
Irish has been the spoken language of Ireland for over two thousand years, and has an extensive literature stretching back to the seventh century. While Irish speakers are very much a minority in the Ireland of today, they have an importance to the cultural life of the nation far out of proportion to their numbers. Irish is by constitutional law the first official language of the Irish Republic, and was recently awarded official status in the Six Counties of Northern Ireland as a central part of the Good Friday Agreement. In the most recent censuses (1991), over a million people in the Republic and over 140,000 in the Six Counties of Northern Ireland reported themselves as having a reasonable proficiency in the language. Around 260,000 people still use Irish as their first language, although many more use it as a second language and it is taught in all schools in Ireland. There are pockets of Ireland where Irish is spoken as a traditional, native language. These regions are known as Gaeltachtaí. The most important ones are in Connemara including the Aran Islands in County Galway and the west coast of County Donegal and the Dingle peninsula in County Kerry. Others exist in Mayo, Meath and Waterford. The numerically strongest Gaeltachtaí are those of Connemara and Aran. The highest percentages of Irish speakers are found in Ros Muc, Connemara, and around Bloody Foreland in Tír Chonaill.

Shelta
A language spoken by parts of the Irish Traveller people. Shelta's vocabulary is based largely on Irish Gaelic while its structure contains many similarities with English. It also contains elements of Romany languages, though the Travellers are not actual Roma. There are anywhere from 6,000-25,000 in Ireland itself according to various sources. The language is spoken almost exclusively by Travellers.

History
The island itself has been inhabited for about 9,000 years. These peoples left huge stone monuments, many of them astronomically aligned. The Bronze Age, which began around 2500 BC, saw the production of elaborate gold and bronze ornaments and weapons. The Iron Age in Ireland started with the arrival of the Celts, who colonised Ireland in a series of waves between the 8th and 1st centuries BC. The Gael, the last wave of Celts, conquered the island and divided it into five or more kingdoms. The Romans referred to Ireland as Hibernia. In 432 AD, St. Patrick arrived on the island and converted the Irish to Christianity. Irish scholars excelled in the study of Latin learning and Christian theology in the monasteries that flourished, preserving Latin learning during the Dark Ages. They produced such treasures as the Book of Kells, ornate jewellery, and the many carved stone crosses that dot the island.

Beginning in the 9th century, 200 years of intermittent warfare began with waves of Viking raiders who plundered monasteries and towns. The Vikings eventually founded many seacoast towns in Ireland. In 1172, King Henry II of England gained Irish lands. English rule was largely limited to the area around Dublin known as the Pale but this began to expand in the 16th century with the final collapse of the Gaelic social and political superstructure at the end of the 17th century. In the middle of the 1800's the country suffered a huge potato famine. The English approach to this catastrophe meant that millions were starving, and millions emigrated to Britain, North America and Australia. The population dropped from over 8 million before the Famine to 4.4 million in 1911. From that time, English influence and expansion grew, and with it spread the English language. Over time there grew a movement to shake off English rule, and for Ireland to become independent. A war of independence raged from 1919 to 1921, resulting in the creation of the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland (which remained in the Union)

Dublin

In County Dublin, part of the province of Leinster, Dublin lies nestled around the mouth of the river Liffey and Dublin Bay on Ireland's east coast.
The first documented settlement here was a "permanent raiding camp" of the Vikings established in 841. Only in the 10th century a trading colony was founded by the Vikings near today's Christ Church Cathedral and called after the nearby "dark pool", in Irish dubh linn. After the Anglo-Norman invasion and during the middle ages Dublin was the center of (Anglo-Norman) power and an important merchant city.
Major growth started during the 17th century and part of the city was rebuilt in formal Georgian style. Around the time of the French Revolution (1789) Dublin was considered to be one of the fairest and richest cities in Europe. At the same time abysmal slums developed and the inner city declined after the Act of Union (1800) with many wealthy citizens leaving for London.
Dublin was the center of the Easter Rising in 1916 and became capital of the Free State and Republic - while the fabric of the city decayed dramatically. Only in the 1960s moves were made to to rebuild Dublin, mainly by tearing down old houses and building new office blocks. Social housing was built on a grand and uninspiring scale, leading to new problem areas.

Only in the 1980s a sensible policy of re-construction, combining preservation and renewal, was started. The booming "Celtic Tiger" economy of the 1990s led to further growth, with the now affluent Dubliners moving out into suburban areas. Here poorly planned "estates" destroyed the green belt with their cancerous growth.
The capital is a strange mixture of the busy city center, outlying village-like communities and huge suburban estates all melting together into one big metropolitan sprawl. The tourist will more than likely stick to the walkable center (roughly defined by Parnell Square to the North, St Stephen's Green to the South, Custom House to the East and the cathedrals to the West), with only excursions to the Phoenix Park or St James' Gate (Guinness) taking him out of this area. But even in this small part nearly all aspects of Dublin life can be seen - from the hustle and bustle of the ultra-modern IFSC to the drug-riddled areas of social housing nearby, from the Georgian splendor of Merrion Square to the utilitarian office blocks placed between here and the Liffey, and including cobbled sidestreets, magnificent parks, stately (and mostly state-owned) buildings and seemingly millions of young people.

Sights of Dublin

Trinity Collage and library

Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I on the grounds of an Augustinian priory that was a victim of the dissolution. Trinity College even today dominates the city landscape and the oldest buildings (the brick-built "Rubrics") date from 1700. Most of the impressive buildings were built during the renovation phase of 1759. Trinity College Library is home to more than a million books and priceless manuscripts, the most famous being the "Book of Kellts" - long queues may form in summer.

O`Connel street and the General Post Office

O'Connell Street is Dublin's main traffic artery and the widest urban street in Europe - which you will not believe at busy times. The center is dominated by statues and monuments, the houses on the left and right are mainly large and impressive. Pride of place goes to the General Post Office (GPO), scene of the 1916 rebellion and faithfully rebuilt after being shelled by artillery and a warship. A bronze statue of Cuchullain remembers the fallen heroes.

National Museum

Two museums should be high on the list of priorities for any visitor. The National Museum of Archaeology and History in Kildare Street (Dublin 2) is dedicated to prehistoric and medieval Ireland. Do not miss the excellent new exhibition "Kingship & Sacrifice". The National Museum of Decorative Arts and History in Collins Barracks (Benburb Street, Dublin 7) houses an eclectic collection including the uniform Michael Collins was shot in and an exhibition on the Easter Rising.

St Patrick`s Chatedral

Ireland's largest church and the National Cathedral - this special status was conferred on a church were no bishop actually has his throne! Founded in 1191 by Archbishop Comyn the building was substantially renovated between 1844 and 1869 with moneys granted and raised by Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness. Visitors will thus find a neo-gothic cathedral with some older parts. Here you will also see the graves of Dean Swift (of "Gulliver" fame) and his beloved Stella.

Temple Bar

Originally earmarked for the wrecker's ball and redevelopment as a bus and rail terminal the area south of the Liffey was saved and reinvented as a "bohemian quarter". On good days you will meet street artists and enjoy international cuisine and bustling pubs. On bad days the area will be overrun by parties on "stag" or "hen nights". Temple Bar can be very much of a mixed bag and has been commercially developed to the max - the "bohemian" aspect being facade to a large degree.

Phoenix Park

The world's largest enclosed municipal park can keep you busy for days - from the magnificent residences of the Irish President and the Ambassador of the United States to the quaint cricket and polo fields, from Ashtown Castle to the Garda Headquarters and from the herds of deer roaming free to the animals in Dublin Zoo. Do not miss the Phoenix Statue and the Papal Cross nearby. Martial history is emphasized by the massive Wellington Monument and the much-raided Magazine Fort on Thomas Hill.

In my opinnion Dublin is worth to see. :)

Chicken Paprikas

2009-11-03T14:18:00.000-08:00

This is one of the traditional Hungaian meals. Not only everybody knows how to prepare but also everybody loves it.

Ingredients:

Chicken
Pam cooking spray
1 chopped onion
2 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt
3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups light sour cream

Dumplings:
2 1/8 cups flour
1 cup water
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt

Directions:
1, Spray large saute pan with PAM and brown the chicken thighs in batches. Add onion, salt and paprika and cook until onion is softened. Add chicken back to pan and add the 2 cups water. Cover and cook 1 hour until chicken is tender.

2, Add Dumplings (instructions below) and sour cream and cook uncovered until thick.

3, Dumpling Instructions:.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Mix flour, water, egg and salt and stir until smooth.

Drop spoonfulls of dough (I use a small cookie scoop -- maybe 2 tsp) into the boiling water. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Drain and add to chicken mixture.

A hint so dough will not stick to the spoon is to dip it into the boiling water first. As you continue to dip the spoon as you let the dough go, it will just fall off the spoon.

I hope you enjoy this as much as we have over the years.

Our Amazing Waterfalls!

2009-01-12T15:45:00.000-08:00

I’m Patricia and I come from Foz do Iguacu, Brazil. I’m almost leaving Vancouver but I had a lot of fun here and intend to come back here one day!

But today I’m here to talk a little bit about my city, and what I miss the most, besides people, of course: Iguacu Falls!!!

The waterfalls are the biggest reason for our thousands of visitors, coming from everywhere in the whole world. And they are really amazing!!!
It’s a real spectacle of nature with their 275 falls (it can be less in dry season, less but not less beautiful!).

Iguacu Falls are shared between Brazil and Argentina and are located in Iguacu River. Iguacu is a Tupi-guarani etymology word that means “Big Water”. The great falls are only 19 and, actually, only 3 of them are located in Brazilian side. From Brazilian side we have the best view while from Argentinean side we have more contact and interaction with nature.

Visiting Argentinean side, you can get closer to the falls and to the deep cleft of erosion called The Devil’s Throat. Both sides offer a variety of nature sports like rafting, rappel, rock climbing, canopy tour and boat trips for Iguacu River and among the falls.

We had a dry season in July and August, 2006, and you can really think that was awful to visit because it changed the view. To tell you the truth, it really changed the view, I’ve been visiting in August with a friend, but it was just a different beauty!! I don’t have the pictures here with me but, as soon as I arrive my city, in the end of January, I’ll try to post them so you can compare with those that are posted with this description.

The ideal is to visit both sides so you can complete appreciate the beauty and the spectacle that our binational Iguacu Falls offer: amazing view, great contact and interaction with nature!!!

Besides that, the National Park (where the waterfalls are located) has some interpretative trails where we can really have a deep contact with nature!

Foz do Iguacu is a touristic city, so you’ll find a lot of attractions but, with no doubt, Iguacu Falls are the most amazing that we have!!!

Hope you enjoy it!!!

Paty

the movie "Yes man"

2008-12-30T11:35:00.000-08:00

last sunday, I went to the theater to watch "Yes man"

when I watched movie's advertisement, I wanted to watch it.
I was interested in Jim carrey who tries to learn korean.
Carl Allen(Jim Carrey) is being negative everything.
he want to avoid his friends, neighbors, etc...
It seems like hopeless in his life.

One day, he meet his friend in front of his company. the friend suggest to join a self - help program based on one simple covenant say yes to everthing and anything.
he starts to say "yes"and his life changes quickly.
while he continues to say "Yes", his word begins to open up new opprtunities and unexpected. he tries to do new things . such as bungee jump, to be an aviator, blind dating and learning korean.

also he finds his new lover. but an article is not always good just because when he always says "yes' without any thoughts.

the more he says "yes" the more positive he change

but also he lose his opinion , he just says " yes" automatically.

he believes that it will be good for his life, but suddenly somthing block to him.

during he figures out it somthing happens around him

it seems like unusaul things, although it gave me laughting a lot, it was't reality.

but I became to think about my life more seriously and how do I able to change my life successfully.

the movie overstrates the facts and it has sarcastic in human's life.

because of those things, the movie can express dramatic scenes

Organization and Discipline

2008-10-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

What are some of the factors that differentiate those who are successful and those who are not? I believe that the key differences are their level of discipline, organization and determination. Sure, you can still achieve success with a very low level of these things but people who can do this are few and far between, not to mention quite exceptional. If you are not a person who is capable of becoming organized, disciplined and organized there is one other option, leverage.

Organization is a big time saving skill for those who have it. I know many college and university students who have very messy rooms and that’s the way they like it since it doesn’t take too much effort. However, they often lose their work because they misplaced it in their room under the pile of boxes of Kraft Dinner, dirty laundry and beer bottles. I also know many university students who receive exceptional marks from their professors and these students are extremely organized and responsible. They keep all their notes in order and in a specific place where they can find them. All of these acquantances and friends also happened to go to elementary school with me and are both capable of great work. Elementary school teachers hound the students for their homework and really grind them to write the name and date and place their work in their binders. Post secondary institutions however are a totally different story, the responsibility lies solely on the student’s shoulders and this is where the disorganized students crumble.

Determination and discipline are intrinsic values that are very crucial to success in any field. Every year, on December 31st, people across the world have New Year’s parties where they make resolutions. Everyone is guilty of making one of those “work out every day this year” or “quit smoking forever” type of resolutions. Not surprisingly, most of these resolutions end up unfulfilled because of lack of discipline. Beginning the task is easy. You could do fine for a few days, a week, or maybe, if you’re really good, a month or two, but most people do not consistently take action. They stop just a meter short of the finish line. Those who possess great intrinsic determination and motivation are able to push through at that last second and finish the race. And in the end their efforts are rewarded, they accomplish their goals and they’re on to the next one. Discipline allows them to get past the hard times so they can see get the long term results.

If you are an extremely lazy person, there is an alternative. Have you ever played that game “Would you rather?” If you haven’t it goes something like this… One person asks “Would you rather eat a whole jar of peanut butter or kiss a fat guy?” and the other person says “Ewww kiss a fat guy? I’ll eat the peanut butter.” Tell a close friend or someone you trust that you are going to fulfill your resolution and that if you don’t you will have to do something of their choice… like clean all the toilets in your house, do something embarrassing or as simple as giving them a hundred dollars. In most cases the person would rather work out everyday than pay a large ammount of money or do something embarrassing.

The Importance of Communication

2008-09-30T15:05:00.000-07:00

It is important to put our ideas into action, and learn by putting things we learn into practice. The problem is that we lack opportunities to practice what we learn; but if we don’t get or seize these opportunities we may never get to reach our fullest potential. As the teacher you can prompt them to use their newly acquired English skills.

A great method that is a classic among teachers is the good old topic and cues. The teacher would bring up a topic of discussion in which the students would have to draw information from a resource such as a book, or an article. The students would then use the information and have discussions and debates in order to understand the topic more in depth, but the important thing is that they are able to practice their conversational English and the fluency in real time.

Another great way that you can aid the students in their learning is by providing structure. Although we need to let them practice communicating they can sometimes get off track or the conversation could die down. It is then the teacher’s job to get the train back on the tracks and moving on by adding an important point that they may have missed or getting them back on topic as to maintain the flow of the conversation.

It is important to ask open questions that are very general rather than non-leading questions that can be answered in one word. It allows the students to express their inner most thoughts and feelings which is a great way to start a conversation as there are often opposing views. Asking a question such as “Do you like swimming?” has one of two results: yes or no. An open question usually begins with Who, What, Why, Where, When and How and has infinite possible responses.

You can also get the students riled up by playing devil’s advocate. Start off by stating something that they will almost certainly object to in order to get them to object using everything they’ve got. An example of this is when stated in class that I thought that we should all have arranged marriages and that we should marry not for love but rather wealth, and status. Several people caved to my statement but a mini discussion began when someone stated their differing views.

Advice: What Should I Do?

2008-09-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

After careful observation I have realized something incredible, a great phenomenon. Advice that we receive is no longer given based on experience and wisdom instead we are giving default answers because we don’t know what else to say. I think that we need to realize that we are not always qualified to give advice, but rather to direct them to another resource that is more reliable. If we try to play counselor without very much prior knowledge we can cause many further complications which may snowball.

I first came to this realization while I witnessed two people in the class role-play a distressed individual and a counselor. The initial intent was obviously not to practice counseling but rather to use our English vocabulary in real time and practice at it. The distressed individual’s problem was that someone from one of his former relationship had become a burden and a time vampire and that it was affecting the quality of his current relationship. His great dilemma was whether it was time to say ‘enough is enough’ or if he should continue to be her shoulder to cry on and just find time for her.

The problem is very common and is just a background to the real meat and potatoes which is the advice given by the counselor. The person playing the role of the counselor found difficulty in answering because she probably hadn’t experienced something like that before. She gave a very common answer which is to continue being there for them as a friend and making them a top priority.

I do not know where exactly where we get these ideas from but we have an auto-response mechanism inside us when it comes to advice – default solutions to difficult questions. If I like a girl how do I get her to like me? Auto-response: be yourself. I feel really hurt from a break up. Don’t worry about it, there are plenty of fish in the sea, we’ll go to the bar. First of all I think that we are looking for advice in the wrong place, our peers are not always a great resource. Not only that, but when they do give advice its very hit or miss because it is just a stock response and the results are dependent on how you perceived the advice.

It is not uncommon for us to think that we give great advice. It can be addicting and as much as it strokes our ego we much find an alternative, something that is more effective. I think that the most effective way to solve a problem is to act as a prompter and inquire more deeply into the problem, as a resource that guides them to the a more qualified source, and also as a sounding mirror to build rapport and really give develop a greater understanding for both the counselor and the distressed individual and work towards resolution.

I think that when giving advice we should really speak from our own experiences and wisdom and if you don’t know the answer then just tell them that honestly. I know it sounds very simple to do, but it is a difficult task to put into practice. We can really empathize and get to understand the individual through prompting, mirroring and acting as a resource. Although this is a good solution we must remember that we need to experience things for ourselves and learn from our mistakes. If we change our approach, we may not be doomed to repeat history after all.

Hahyun Park’s last day!(Overdue...Sept 25th)

2008-09-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

Today was her final day here at ATC as a student. Although the will no longer be attending regularly as a student she will continue to attend classes occasionally so she can see her friends here and enjoy spending time with them. I think that she put a lot of effort into planning her final lesson for us. She understood the material in depth and was able to communicate it to us very elegantly and with a wonderful passionate smile. Her methods of teaching us grammar were very effective but that’s not the most important part. What made the lesson really memorable is that she really took us into consideration and made the lesson very fun, interactive and a great way to help us get to know each other before she had to say her last farewell. Afterwards, we exchanged contact information and agreed to have a goodbye party in Hahyun’s honor tomorrow night. If you ask me I would say that today was truly a Kodak moment.

The Secret About Great Teachers

2008-09-18T13:21:00.000-07:00

At this day and age I noticed that we have fewer exceptional teachers, and more mediocre teachers. I believe that the mediocre teachers lack something very crucial that hinders them from ever achieving greatness. Extraordinary teachers have a passion for what they do, they have a positive attitude and they can motivate students by relating to them and working within their incentive systems.

Spectacular teachers becoming scarcer we have begun to accept mediocrity as long as they have the practical knowledge and a piece of paper that says they do – a degree or certificate. These “teachers” have all the practical knowledge you could want; they might be able to parrot back to you the entire encyclopedia Britannica, but they still lack something, that “so close yet so far” – passion. A superstar teacher who is passionate is naturally talented because they love what they do, they are doing it because they want to see students learn and grow, and as a result they have radiate charisma and a contagious enthusiasm. I am not dreaming, teachers like this are few and far between, but they do exist. A teacher who is passionate about teaching can inspire you to be passionate about teaching and look at life in a totally different light.

Another quality a great teacher possesses is the ability to see things in a positive light and the ability to take responsibility. They don’t blame people for their mistakes, they don’t have a victim’s mentality, and they don’t want to cut themselves when someone gives them constructive criticism. Every mistake and critique they receive is something they can learn from so that they can really refine and improve on their teaching ability. They don’t play the blame game or make excuses; they take responsibility and think about what they can change, they believe that they are the masters of their destiny. A teacher who makes excuses and has a victim mentality doesn’t have control of his life, is controlled externally, never changes, never improves, and never becomes great. On the other hand, the great teacher takes responsibility, takes control of his life, takes action, adapts, improves, and achieves his goals.

Although a great teacher can generally spark a student’s dormant enthusiasm and passion, there are some who need to be motivated differently. Any great teacher is able to ‘walk in their shoes’ and take some time to think about what makes the students motivated. They know that young kids and adolescents have a different paradigm and mindset and that the same things that make adults tick aren’t necessarily the same things that make young students tick. I have seen some truly excellent teachers use this to their advantage by offering incentives such as snacks, fieldtrips, and recognition and witnessed how effective it is.

In brief, these are some of the main traits of the truly successful, wonderful, and inspirational teachers. The things that truly separate the magnificent and the mediocre are passion for teaching, the ability to take responsibility and maintain a positive attitude, and see the world through the eyes of their students. I see a bright future for the aspiring teachers who possess these traits, as they will become legends, who will continue to inspire for years to come.

Challenges of Teaching Multi-Level Classes

2008-09-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

There are many challenges in teaching a multi-level class. When teaching a multi-level class the teacher must be adaptable and able to cater to the needs of a variety of different skill levels. Students who have a higher level of understanding for the subject could easily get bored because it is not challenging enough for them. On the other hand there are the lower level students who could feel anxiety, nervousness and inadequacy when confronted with difficult questions. Consequently, this could be very frustrating for the student and the teacher.

I have taught some small multi-level classes just recently and found it challenging. However, I feel like I have learned many new things that I could try when teaching them in the future. I would begin the activity with the entire group united and have them discuss the theme that the lesson would be focusing on. I would then divide them into equal ability groups and each group would be responsible for completing a specific task according to their skill level. Each specific task would contribute something towards completing the big picture. I would then divide them into mixed ability groups where they would do something interactive such as a role-play to enhance their communication skills. I would set up stations for different levels in the classroom so that those who finish early can continue to learn and practice their skills.

It is especially difficult to evaluate students in a multi-level class. Our goal is to evaluate the students in comparison with their personal goals and personal best, not compare them against each other. Some ways we can monitor their progress without this kind of awkward dynamic is to find alternatives such as journals, participation, and observation of the students and for the students to monitor their own progress with a checklist.

by Ken Lam

ESL Teaching at ATC

2008-09-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finally got the opportunity to teach after about 2 weeks! I had been long anticipating a chance to teach ever since I had taught Social Studies to a class of high school juniors last year. I had craved the feeling of standing up in a class of students and teaching. I loved the rush you got when you know all eyes are on you and that you were in a way leading them towards the right path. I had an amazing feeling of satisfaction when I felt that I came across in just the right way and so that both me and my students were enjoying the class.

Although it was a really fun experience I also found it a bit challenging. I had a hard time adapting because I was used to teaching a class of 30 native English speakers. I had to be very conscious of my voice fluctuation and volume as well as the speed so that I did not intimidate or confuse my students. When I had first planned this lesson a week ago I did not take the time, and how long everything would take, into consideration. I could have improved the overall experience for the students by paying close attention to the specifics, preparing more examples and being more clear about the task and expectations.

During the runtime of the class I felt that it could have benefited me to read the students' physical cues instead of interrupting their train of thought by constantly asking if they needed more time. Variety is the spice of life; when I got them to read aloud I had given them large chunks to summarize and I feel that I should have allowed them to alternate more to provide more variety.

Despite having run into many obstacles in terms of adapting, I realized that this was 'falling off your bike' part of teaching. We sometimes forget that we all have to start somewhere. Making initial mistakes is what makes it all the more rewarding when we do reach our highest potential because we know that we made something from nothing. When we look back we can truly appreciate where we are at and how much hard work and determination it took to get there.

by Ken Lam

Poland

2008-07-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

Do you know Poland? Have you ever been to Poland? Have you ever been to Europe?

I would like to invite you to that beautiful country. It is not very big but this is a very special place. I was born there and that is the country where I want to live in the future.

Poland is a country in central part of European continent. Poland's total surface area is 322,500 km². Poland is the 9th largest country in Europe, after:

1. Russia
2. Ukraine
3. France
4. Spain
5. Sweden
6. Germany
7. Finland
8. Norway

and the 63 rd largest in the world. Poland is 120 times bigger than Liechtenstein and 520 times bigger than Singapore.

The capital city is Warsaw.
Population of Poland is 38 mln.
This figure makes it the 29th most populated country in the world and the 8th in Europe. In 2006 females made up 51.4% of Poland's total population while males accounted for 48.6%, so for every 100 men there were 106 women. Polish society is relatively young considering the European average. 56% of Poles are below their 40s.

Poland is a member of:
· the European Union EU (since May 1st, 2004)
· the World Trade Organization WTO (since 1995)
· Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development OECD (since 1996)
· North Atlantic Treaty Organization NATO (since 1999) etc.

Ju.

Denver, Colorado (USA)

2008-07-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

Did you enjoy the Canada Day? What did you do during the long weekend? I really liked that holiday. On Friday I went to Denver, Colorado (USA) and spent there 5 days. I saw so many beautiful views and visited so many beautiful places. Nature there is amazing. And the weather… there is extremely hot.

I started my journey at the International Airport in Vancouver. Unfortunately my plane was late but I wasn’t in hurry. I landed at 4.30 p.m. and I knew that I would have great time there. On Saturday I went to Boulder where University of Colorado is. Boulder is a famous because of the university which look like typical English school. The campus is very big and there are many nice places where students can spend their free time between classes. I had a walk there and I found ‘red rocks’.

On Sunday I visited the historic downtown and the most famous street in the city ’16th Street’. There are many restaurants, cafes and shops and of course many tourists. On Monday I visited Colorado Springs and Canon City. In the first mentioned city there are: beautiful cave “Cave of the winds”, very nice falls “Seven Falls” and “Gardens of the God”. In Canon City there is the highest suspension bridge in the world and 13 prisons (9 state and 4 federal prisons) but I didn’t visit them :) . If you do not know where to go during your holidays, I recommend Colorado. It was a great weekend!

Ju.

2008-07-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

My one and only girl
Smart, sweet and sexy
Oh, what a feeling
It is a miracle to have you
Unforgettable moments with you
Don’t lose this love
And friendship

By Lawrence & Justyna

*

Good morning sweetheart
Every day, every moment
You make me smile
I’m proud of my sunshine!
You’re beautiful, marvellous
We are growing up together
Keep on your flavour
Daughter

By Joshua, Grace & Winney
*
Ju.

Poems...

2008-07-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

Have you read our poems?
I would like to show you next part of that art.
We had another poem exercise last week. We cut out some magazine titles and tried to create our own poem from these words. We had real fun and our poems were very colourful.
Have a look!

The real story behind happiness…
Make your own relationship as much as
You feel good, great,
It doesn’t matter how long
The strength to get your friend
Makes yourself have a lot of things,
Luck and fantasy

By Jessica & Michelle

You love wild life?
I cry for delicious naked bars
My time’s been over

By Kim Jong Soo & Christine

*

Your best life and age
Live your year!
We found cook of the iron
What the pretty look!

By Yukiko & Haemin

*

Ju.

Long weekend in Canada!

2008-06-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

Do you remember that July 1st is a holy day?
Do you have any plans for the coming long weekend? If you have, it’s great! If you do not have any plans yet, it is never too late to organize something.

There are so many beautiful places in British Columbia.

Have you already been to Stanley Park?
Have you eaten fish in Steveston?
Have you been to Victoria on Vancouver Island?
Have you seen beluga whale in Vancouver Aquarium?
Have you visited North Van?

I wish you a very nice weekend!
Ju.

How to write a poem?

2008-06-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

Topic for this week in TESOL class is “Teaching reading”. It may seem to be difficult but I think that all students really enjoy it.
Yesterday we were using poetry in the class and we became poets. Real poets!!! You may believe or not but it is not so complicated. You should use your imagination and try to write even a very easy poem, even a poem about everyday life.
Just try!
We tried. We worked in pairs and each group wrote a poem. You can read it below.

Picture

The picture is blurred
It is dark and scary
I’ve never seen him smiling…
His eyes are sad, waiting for happiness
His small hands need love
I wish I could help him

Ju&Yu

***

The bizarre girl

The smiling and not so shy girl seems happy
She is thinking about the weekend but actually
She is dreaming of another life
She then looks at her clean hands and says:
“Oh, my hands can do so many things!”
So she grabs the plant and felt like throwing it out
But the window was like a cage
And in the whitish artificial neon light
She suddenly became sleepy
But the humming of the ventilation awoke her
Then she saw through the windows a beautiful
View despite the many towers.
She realized that her future wasn’t bright but soft and dark.

Lawrence
Christine

***

no title

World wide map is stretched on the wall and wind makes plants dance.
The light through the window since I was here but I didn’t even notice.
On the other hand it makes me happy though.
The hands were weird like hers.
Outside is shining and beautiful but who knows tomorrow could be raining.
I wonder he has new haircut but I don’t think he would notice that I’m staring him.
It may be ridiculous

no names

***

Do you like it?
Now it is your turn! If you want, you can write a poem or a fairy tale and share with us by publishing it here. It may be real fun.

ju.

Enjoy your life in Vancouver!!

2008-06-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

How is your life going inVancouver?
The weather is getting better and many people is going out after school or work.
I like summer in Vancouver, because we can get much sunshine and don't have so many rainy days.
I remember that last summer was warmer or hotter than this year for this time.
I hope we will have more sunny days this summer!!

I have been to Vancouver for more than 1 year.
I have been having a great time with my friends, co-workers and host family in Canada.
It was not only good time but also bad time. It's life.
Many people helped me when I had some problems.
For example, when I was in trouble at my work, my co-workers gave me advice and helped me.
I usually ask someone to give me advice when I have some problems for myself.
And their advices helped me many times.
So if you have any problems, please try to get any advice from your friends, family or anyone you know.
It might help you!! Good luck (^-^)/

My Love. Stanley Park

2008-06-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

I came to Vancouver to study English but also to enjoy nature fully.
I love being in the nature. Stanley Park is an ideal park for me.
I heard this park is the most biggest public park in Canada.

We can find a lot of things to see such as Lion's Gate Bridge which leads us to North Vancouver, Prospect point which shows us fantastic sunset, Totem poles, and Vancouver Aquarium.

We can also borrow a bicycle around Stanley Park. The pavement for people and driveway for bicycles are divided according to outline of the park. Riding bicycle will provides you to have more fun!

Vancouver Aquarium is also in Stanley park. We can see some fishes we've never seen in our country, so It would be interesting! Dolphin show is the main flower of aquarium. You can enjoy the main show as well!

We can find a sculpture which looks like a mermaid if we go to near the ocean. It is called "Girl in a Wetsuit statue". It sinks under water at night as the water rises. Isn's it interesting?! However, I feel sad whenever I see this sculpture. Because, she seems like she's been waiting for someone for a long time.

I will go to Stanley park today to be her friend and enjoy the nature ^^;;

Are you a shopaholic?

2008-06-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

"O.K. DON'T PANIC. Don't panic. It's only a VISA bill.
It's a piece of paper; a few numbers. I mean, just how scary can a few numbers be?"

This is the first paragraph of the book "The Confession of Shopaholic".
The story starts by the heroine Rebecca coming to a crisis by receiving a demand note.
This book is pretty fun to read because I could easily get into her.
I have never thought about myself as a shopaholic, but sometimes I'm out of control spending money for goods I don't need.

Here's a test for you to check if you are a shopaholic or not.

1. Do you usually go shopping when you are feeling depressed?

2. Do you spend a lot of money that you do not have on things that I do not need?

3. Do you get a rush when you make a purchase?

4. Do you have closets full of clothes that you have never worn?

5. Have you lied to your friends and family about how much money you spend?

If you answered “yes” to any one of these questions, you may just be a “shopaholic”.
You are in the lack of the self-control to resist the urge of buying a desired item
– even at the expense of their finances or relationships.

How to keep our spending under control?

1. Get rid of your credit card before you go shopping. Use only cash

2. If you would like to purchase, never allow yourself to purchase it on the spot.
Instead, walk away and give yourself a “mandatory waiting period”
If you still want the item in a few days, then you can go back and make your thought-out purchase.

3. Make a budget and put it on paper.

4. Write down everything you purchase for two weeks
;groceries, clothes, the electric bill, and even that chocolate bar from the vending machine!
Being more aware of your spending will also make you more in control.

Let's get our lives back in control! ^^

Office Yoga

2008-06-02T14:34:00.001-07:00

Many of us spend most of our working hours sitting at a desk, typing on a keyboard. Work place might be not an ideal spot for excercise but you don't need yoga mat, block, blanket to perform yoga at work. All you need is what is in front of you (your desk) and what is underneath you (your chair).

Work can be a stressful situation - people yelling, people running around, people refusing to put more paper in the copier. Stress generates more stress. However, practicing yoga at work helps keep you calm, helping you to rise above the stress rather than be piled under it.

Yoga helps to center you, and to focus on positive emotions - bringing you into balance. This, ultimately makes you a calmer, more productive employee. It also facilitates focus and concentration, allowing you to get things done one task at a time.

Also, practicing yoga at work gives you a well deserved break. Sometimes we get caught up in what we are doing that we forget to take a conscious breath, to open the body through a stretch, to get fresh air, or to take a moment for ourselves. Purposefully performing yoga, however, allows us to be more in tune with when our body needs a break. This rest is not only important to your muscular structure and physical functions, but it is also vital to your eyes, your mind, and your work morale. Some companies, in fact, have found that practicing yoga at the office helps employees get along easier, and generates a team building atmosphere.

What makes homestay life successful?

2008-05-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

I have stayed in homestay for 2months
and, I decided to move out to live on my own.

I thought Homestay allows me to get a room from a local family
and to better learn the Canadian lifestyle as well as improve my language ability.
I asked my agency to find a homestay for me, and the only request was the family should be native Canadians.
I didn't consider about food, environment, commuting...etc.
My homestay mom and dad were both working, so they were pretty busy all the time.
I actually didn't have enough chances to talk to them.
Also, they didn't care about my taste, so I couldn't have Korean food at all for 2months. T.T
The family often ate out and went out without students. It made me feel isolated.

However, I realized that the biggest problem was me.. myself!
I was too shy to talk to them first. I was trying to hide myself in my room.
I could have talked to them what I wanted.
I should have said I want to have some Kimchi MOM!
I could have made our relationship more friendly.
I was not expressing but just hiding my real mind.
Therefore, my homestay life wasn't that successful.
Don't expect the family to do things for me first. Let's be active and optimistic!

I failed at successful homestay life...><
Hopefully, this article is helpful for students who have difficulties with living in homstay.

Enjoy the Vancouver's Summer with Frisbee -!!

2008-05-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

Can you feel that a summer is comming?

According to a forecaster, from next week the temperature will be high maybe over than 20 degrees. Wow.. SUMMUR IS COMMING SOON.. Don't you think about diet? I got weight more than 5kg after comming in Canada..T-T

Let's work out!! How about a "Frisbee"? Doesn't it sound exciting?

The below chart calculate calories burned during play frisbee (Actually, frisbee is a kind of flying disc), based on your exact body weight. (Calories burned per hour are listed below for the example body weights of 130, 155 and 190 pounds.)

Um.. We already chose the item so let serch a place to play.
How about the English Bay? If you go to the English Bay, you will see people who play a frisbee.

Nice weather, beautiful beach and diet. Ah.. it doesn't need lots of money, either.
Isnt' it really "killing two birds with one stone" ?? No no.. "killing four birds with one stone"

It's time for you to study how to play frisbee.
See below the pictures. The pictures explain how you can grip a frisbee. It doesn't need a lot of skills and efforts. Just try~

On this Friday, the weather will shine therefore how about play frisbee on the English Bay?

HEALTH IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN STUDY. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.

( lf you would you like more information about "Frisbee", visit the website. This website could be help you. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disc_throws )

Just say "Thank you" and "I love you"..^-^

2008-05-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

How often do you say "Thank you" to your parents?

Every one always appreciates to their parents in mind, nevertheless they don't express that often, so I think the "Mother's day" and the "Father's day" can bolster their courage.

As you know in Canada, the "Mother's day" is always the second Sunday in beautiful month of May and the "Father's day" is a celebration in honor of all fathers and takes place on the third Sunday of June.

Korea also has the "Mother's day" and the "Father's day".. No, it's correctly the "Parents' day" on 8th May.

Usually on "Parents' day", people present carnations to their parents for appreciation.

The red carnation's flower language is "passionate(ardent) love" so I think carnations are very suitable for the "Parents' day". Because I think nobody can more love anybody than parents.

The first person who gave carnations to mother was Miss Jarvis. She who lived in Philadelphia wanted to cherish her died mother so she presented white carnations to her mother every year. Because white carnations represented a sweetness, purity and endurance of mother's love, meanwhile red carnations became the symbol of a living mother. That's why carnations became the symbol of the"Mother's day". (In Korea, we present carnations to both of parents on "Parents' day".)

The name of "Mother's day" is a little bit different among many countries, date too, however maybe the love for their parents is almost same.

Would you like express how much you love your parents?

Your parents don't want expensive gifts.

Just call your parents and say "Thank you and I love you.."

'Cheesecake Etcetera'.. Could be good choice.

2008-05-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

Your English is getting better? I know, when you hear this question you will be totally stressd out.

If you feel frustrated, how about eating a sweet food?
A sweet food is able to make you feel relax.

This restaurant could be good choice for you, even though you don't like a cheesecake much.
'Cheesecake Etcetera'
The location is very convenient to find, so you can find this restaurant easily.
2141 Granville St. Vancouver, BC V6H. If you want to see a map, you can use the gogle website.
The interior is a little bit antique so if you like that kind of atmosphere, it should be perfect for you.

The cheesecake price is not expensive to compare with other restaurants.
From $4.25 to $6 include tax, the highest price is for 'Gourmet special'.
You can taste very, very soft cheesecake with strawberries.
When I ate the 'Gourmet special', it melted by itself in my mouth. I can't forget the taste and the soft feeling.

Something oppress you? You feel tired?
Just melt that with soft and sweet cheesecake.

Caution : 'Cheesecake Etcetera' opens only 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. so when you go there, you should check time.

2008-04-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

Privet! (this is how you say Hi! in Russian)

My name is Yanna and I come from St.Petersburg, the city in the North-West of Russia. When I moved to Vancouver last summer I couldn't help comparing the two cities. It struck me how different they were, but at the same time both could be easily described as 'amazingly beautiful'..though again in different ways.

Just as in Vancouver, water is a significant part of St.Petersburg's look. The whole city is weaved into the web of rivers, canals and streams. It is even known as 'Venice of the North' due to the amount of water. However, only in Vancouver you can get this feeling of untouched natural beauty that has nothing to do with humans inventions.

When I lived in St.Pete I had to take a bus every morning to get to my University. I had to do exactly the same when I moved to Vancouver and started attending ESL school. My favourite part of the both trips was crossing the bridge (first, Palace bridge in Petersburg and Granville in Van). Suddenly a shadowy busy morning street ends with an open space filled with light and air as you step on the bridge and you can do nothing but turn your head from side to side thinking: "What a beauty!" or "What a lucky person I am!" or "Wonder if other people notice all this?". The only difference is that in St.Pete I was amazed by the great architects who created all those grandiose cathedrals and palaces that produced such colourful reflections in the water, whereas in Vancouver the main architect is nature itself, the ocean and the mountains that make you hold your breath.

What is more precious? I can't say...

Learning English by Movies

2008-04-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

I've heard that watching movies is one of efficient ways to learn English.

So, I started watching movie with captions.

Actually, it wasn't movie, it was "Friends" american drama.

First time I watched it, I had no idia why people laughed, and what was going on.

Only things I was alble to laugh and understand were funny actions.

I kept watching it eventhough I couldn't understand, and started listening to MP3 of it.

I was always listening to it when I was traveling.

Surprisingly, I started laughing while I was listening.

I started understanding it little by little.

After that, I started watching other dramas with captions.

I think I was able to understand 7/10 about the stories.

Recently, I felt an other improvement of my English.

I was watching "Heroes". It was so addictive drama,

so I couldn't stop watching it. I watched 4~5 episodes a day.

At the last seen of the last episode, I noticed I was watching it without captions!.

I had fogotten opening the caption file. I was so surprised that I was able to watch it without captions.

It doesn't mean I'm able to understand all of it, but I think I'm able to understand 60~70%.

I've still got a long way to go.

By Rio.

What are the main qualities of a good teacher?

2008-04-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

People all over the world are educated by teachers while they are attending schools. Teachers should have important qualities to be good at their job. I believe that the three most important qualities of a good teacher are to have effective teaching skills, to have flexible lesson skills, and to consider the character of students.

First of all, teaching skills are the primary tools of a teacher's work, and these are very important to students. Good teachers should explain a lecture to students clearly and must know it deeply. Hence, students can understand the lesson as thoroughly as possible. This would motivate students to work harder and harder. To be illustrative, students who do not understand a lesson such as mathematics or science may avoid studying because it is difficult and frustrating for them. When I was a high school student, many classmates gave up trying to understand mathematics due to the fact that it was difficult to understand. In fact, as the teacher did not know how to explain the lecture to students easily, she was not able to make students understand correctly. The teacher should have had teaching skills.

In addition, good teachers should be able to have flexible lesson skills. They should organize their lesson and prepare their material and lecture well, but they should be flexible when students are bored during the class. They should try to attract students to the lesson using a variety of activities and humor. This would encourage students to concentrate on the class. In my middle school, one teacher was very creative. When students were bored during the class, he made an interesting exercise using a children’s song for students to help them memorize their studies. It was incredibly boring matters to memorize and took a long time to remember; however, every student could remember the studies exactly at the end.

Finally, good teachers should try to get to know the character of their students. They should try to know their students’ feeling and thoughts. To give to the students the same opportunities to study the lecture would be easier if the teachers understood their students' condition than if they do not. Some students are very active, positive, and easy going. However, some of the students are passive, shy, and picky. When teachers recognize these conditions well, the teachers would be confident enough to treat everyone fairly. Although students, who may be very shy, know the answer to questions, they may not raise their hands to answer. In this case, if teachers do not have an understanding of their students' characters, it would be difficult to involve these students in the class.

In conclusion, I believe that good teachers should have good teaching skills, flexible lesson skills, and a good understanding of the characters of their students. Also, I believe that teachers who have these qualities can motivate students to study hard and create a positive learning atmosphere. All teachers would benefit from these qualities.

by Shin Jin

April Fool's trick (an italian tradition)

2008-04-04T12:04:00.000-07:00

April first...in Italy we call this day pesce d'Aprile (April Fool's trick) Frankly i don't know exatectly why... but in this day people do jokes and pranks. The reason is ancient and probably ambiguous.

The traditional pesce d'Aprile in Italy consists of attaching a piece of paper with a drawning of a small fish to the rear shoulders of a school companion. Then everyone jokingly questions: L'hai visto?—Chi?—Il pesce d'Aprile! (Have you seen?—Who?—the April Fool!) and makes derisive remarks about the victim.

There are also more sophisticated adult pranks like a false communique about Martians attacking or rumors that money is being given out in the main square of the city. Every year there are new pranks. The day after, the media reports the bests jokes!

I've always tought this day was stupid and infantil but from here (far away from home) I understand that traditions are so important to remember, also the stupid traditions!

.....so that the generation yet to come will be able to say: "oh...such a stupid tradition!"

(I'm very proud when i'm able to be sarcastic using my new language!)

ciao
Fabrizio

A bloomimg sing of spring

2008-03-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

l read a newspaper abut Cherry Blossom Festival. Actually, Cherry blossms came from Japan.

lt's one of my favorite flower.

They're so beautiful and they live such a short time, maybe a week or 10 days.

so, it kind of reminds us of this ephemeral nature of lives.

If you want to see cherrly blossom, you can see it.

Burrard Skytrain station will be treated to a free concert to launch the third annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival making the change of seasons across the city.

If you have a free time, Let's go~

Spring is coming~!!

by sue~

No pain No gain

2008-03-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

I have been to in vancouver for several times. actually when l came to here, l had good and new expierance in my life. so l love in here. maybe most of people who live in here love vancouver.

Most of people who meet somewhere always make a smile and are friendly
in my country, we can hardly see that situation.
We just looks scared and pretend to ignore as we meet at first time.

The other thing l love vancouver is l can improve my English ability.
when l can't speak English well, l didn't have confidence. and it was diffcult to me.
l study over and over again.. l'm getting better.^^
The most important thing is English is international language.
whenever we go abroad if you can speak English, lt's doesn't matter for us.

Frankly since l was middle school, lots of student were under stress due to English.
as you know, everything is difficult to us at first time.

anyway... 'NO PAIN NO GAIN' so you just try to study it.

by sue

good news to your health

2008-03-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

Whenever we hang out with friends or co-worker or someone...

We usually go to somewhere such as reasturant, or a coffee shop....

If you have no idea where you should go ..How about drinking a cup of coffee~?

Actually, most of people usually drink a cup of coffee after a meal or whenever .

It's really good for our body. Becuase the coffee protect a heart disease like hypertension and upper cholesterol.

In my case, l had sever constipation since l was in high school.
My stomach was getting worse and worse and i felt terrible.

fortunately, l heard from TV program about goodness of coffee.
l tried to drink a cup of coffee once a day...
After a while ,I'm getting better... l can't live without coffee.
so, l love coffee now and forever~

but you need to be careful that you don't drink too much coffee.

The coffee has some side-effect. Don't foreget it

let's enjoy drinking a cup of coffee during break time and after meal.

by sue~

Sudoku

2008-03-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

Have you tried Sudoku before?

It is really fun, but sometimes it is difficult to find out. So, if you do difficut Sudoku, you should fight your brain. When you figure out it , you will feel exellent and accomlishment.

Let's try it!

You can find Sudoku by newspaper, 24hours and Metro. Rules of Sudoku is place a number from 1-9 in each empty cell. Each row, column and 3*3 block bound - ed by bold line (9 blocks) contains all the numbers from 1-9.

Here is the puzzle. Good luck!

by hye lim

"The Pursuit of Happiness"

2008-03-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday i saw a nice movie which the title is "the Pursuit of Huppiness".

I was pleasantly overwhelmed by the story and for two hours I lost track of time.

The main character, Chris Gardener (who is intepreted with pathos by Will Smith), is the father of a vivaciuos five years old kid . Despite his efford, Chris has not a real job. In a blink of a eye the situation get drammatic when his unsutisfied wife left the family for a job in
New York city.

The hard times don't forbid Chris to face his wife and keeping his boy with him anyway. Here a struggling adventure start roaming around the streets of San Francisco.

In this film Will Smith is very inspired and his part struck me. I think his struggle, his obstination, his self-confidence are a positive inspiration for all of us. For someone who doesn't know about his own path but also for someone who knows his own path but doesn't believe and manage it.

I suggest this movie expecially to the students because they will be able to grasp the dialogues and the story also without subtittles. The message of this film is helpfull for all the people like me that are studieng english with a purpose or a dream for the future. For all those moments that we have concerns and weak self-confidence.......

good watch

Fabrizio

AKI - Japanese Restaurant

2008-03-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been to Japan?
- 일본에 가 본 적 있나요??

If you have not been to Japan but you want to feel like in Japan~ I recommend to go to 'AKI'.
- 일본에 가본적은 없지만, 일본에 있다고 느끼고 싶다면~ 'AKI'를 추천합니다.
In Vancouver there is a small Japan which is the Japanese Restaurant 'AKI'.

- 벤쿠버에 'AKI'라는 작은 일본, 일본 레스토랑이 있답니다.

'AKI' is one of the oldest Japanese restaurants in the city.
-'AKI'는 벤쿠버의 가장 오래된 일본 레스토랑 중 하나입니다.

It's located in 745 ThurlowVancouver, BC V6E 3L2. If you know about downtown in Vancouver, it's really easy to find it!!
- 이 곳의 위치는 745 ThurlowVancouver이며, 만약 벤쿠버의 시내를 아시는 분이라면 쉽게 찾을 수 있습니다.

When I went to 'AKI', it remained me that I was in Japan!!
- 제가 'AKI'를 갔을 때 그 곳은 내가 일본에 있었을 때를 생각나게 하였습니다.

The atmosphere was so cozy and the waitress was freindly, besides the cheif was so handsome!!
(Actually it's just my own opinion but it's an important point! )
- 분위기는 편안하고 따뜻하며, 종업원 역시 매우 친절하며, 뿐만아니라 요리사 역시 너무 맘에 들었습니다.

Of course, you can eat really awesome foods!!
-물론 아주 맛있는 음식을 먹을 수 있답니다.

At that time, I ordered salmon and tuna sushi. The sushi was so fresh that I felt in to the sea!! I couldn't forget the taste!
- 레스토랑에 갔을 때, 난 연어와 참치 초밥을 시켰는데 초밥이 너무나 신선하여 마치 바닷가에 와있는듯 했습니다 . 그 초밥의 맛을 잊을 수 없습니다.

And there is lots of Japanese food, you can eat many kinds of Japanese food!

- 그리고 그 곳엔 많은 일본 음식이 있어서 많은 종류의 일본 음식을 맛볼 수 있습니다.

If you want to feel like in Japan or you want to try Japanese food, why don't you go to 'AKI' !!

- 만약 일본에 와 있다고 느끼고 싶거나, 일본 음식을 맛보고 싶다면 'AKI'로.~

by bora~

mt seymour trail

2008-03-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

Vancouver is surrounded by marvelous mountains. Thera are three mountains easy to access from the middle of the city by bus. Usually the people, the radio, and the newspapper speak only about skiing or snowbording there. But not everyone likes skiing or snowbording and, most importantly, the lift tickets and the equipment are expensive, right?

So, if you like hiking, and you know about the satisfaction of getting to the peak (it doesn't matter if it is Hymalaya or lower!), or if you like the view of the city and the ocean, or simply if you want to spend a different kind of day with your friends, there are some awesome trails in those mountains.

Two hiking trails start gently at the base and west side of the chairlift of Mt. Seymour ski area . It is 7 km (return) to reach the first peak or 3 km (return) for the lake trip. For the longest trip, if you are in good shape it takes around 1 hour, but nobody's trying to catch you, so you can take it easy and enjoy the beatifull view that will be laid out for you after you pass the trees.

I suggest bringing some food and drinks with you and enjoying picnics with your friends and perhaps having a drammatic dinner on the peak.

After a big snowfall or generally during the winter season (seeing that on Seymour it snows frequently!) you need a pair of snowshoes. You can rent it the day before in some sports shop in the city. At MEC (mountain-equipment-coop) on Brodway avenue it will cost you around 10 dollars. You can also rent the snowshoes directly at the rental shop of Mt. Seymour but it's not cheeper.

In winter conditions you have to check the avalanche board at the beginning of the trail. By convention there are 4 different levels of avalanche risk: Low, moderate, considerable and high.

You must always be carefull but if you follow the trail in "low" or "moderate" conditions there is hardly any risk and you may even see some schools bringing children there!

I'm sure you will be awestruck by the unreal and magical atmosphere and by the "bubble snow trees"!!! So enjoy .........

ciao
Fabrizio

공존하는 문화. 벤쿠버...

2008-03-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

내가 처음 벤쿠버로 여학연수를 정하고 벤쿠버에 도착하기까지, 물론 영어에 대한 두려움도 컸지만, 무엇보다도 '내가 잘 적응 할 수 있을까......' 하는 생각이 먼저 들었다. 무엇보다도 우리나라가 아닌 외국에 가서 가족도, 친구도 없는 곳에서 혼자서 모든 것을 해내야 했기에.... 아마 누구든 처음은 그렇게 느낄 것이다.

하지만 막상 벤쿠버에 도착하고 지내다보니, 정말 많은 국적의 사람들이 공존하고 있는 것을 느꼈다. 물론 한국 학생들도 쉽게 볼 수 있다. 여러 국가의 사람들이 보여있다보니, 세계의 문화를 한 곳에서 접할 수 있었다. 그만큼 여러 국가 사람들은 서로의 문화를 이해해주고, 존중해 주며, 어울리기 쉽고, 편한 곳이 벤쿠버라고 생각한다.

한민족, 한국가인 우리나라에만 지내다가 벤쿠버에서 여러 문화를 접하다 보니, 자연스레 여러 문화에 대한 지식도 쌓을 수 있고, 이해심도 넓어지는 나의 모습을 볼 수 있었다. 가끔 그들의 문화를 함께 체험함으로써 그들의 생활과 생각을 느낄 수 있었다.

처음 문화의 다양성을 느꼈을 때는 록키 산맥을 관광했을 때인데, 17개국의 54명의 여행객과 함께 여행을 하게 되었다. 그 때 아랍국가의 여행객들이 항상 그들의 신에 대해 경의를 표하는 모습을 쉽게 볼 수 있었는데 비록 매번 그 행위로 인해 항상 제 시간을 맞추진 못했지만, 그 것이 얼마나 중요한 일임을 느낄 수 있었다.

그리고 두번째는 브라질 축제 '카니발'에 갔을 때였다. 어느 클럽에 일본친구와 함께 가게 되었는데, 그 곳은 브라질 사람들로 이미 가득 차 있었다. 그들은 그들의 노래를 부르고, 춤도 함께 추며 축제를 즐겼다. 물론 나도 그들릐 춤인 '삼바'를 배우고 함께 춤도 추며 그들과 함께 축제를 즐겼다. 축제를 하는 동안, 난 그들이 정말 음악과 춤을 사랑하는 국가임을 몸소 느꼈다. 그 곳에 있으니 마치 내가 브라질에 간 듯한 느낌이 들었을 뿐만 아니라 그들의 열정과 삶을 느낄 수 있었다.

그 외에도 벤쿠버에는 여러 국가의 다양한 축제들이 열리는 곳이다. 이 모든 것이 나에게는 새로운 것이기에 항상 배우고 느끼려고 노력하고 있다. 이 모든 기회가 나에게는 행복이다. 벤쿠버에 있으면서 캐나다의 생활은 물론이고, 전 세계의 생활도 함께 접할 수 있어, 아주 흥미롭고, 배울 곳이 많은 곳이라 생각한다.

만약 어학연수를 생각하고 있는 학생이라면 벤쿠버를 추천한다. 아마 생각하는것 이상의 다양성을 느낄 수 있을 것이다.

영어 뿐만 아니라 여러나라의 문화를 함께 체험하고 싶다면... 벤쿠버로 오라.~ ^^

Vancouver is amazing city.

2008-03-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

When I was in korea, I had eicided to go to Vancouver because I heard Vancouver is the best country to live in the world. As much as I heard about Vancouver, I thought vancouver is safe, exciting, beautiful and so on.

But it was more than what I'd thought. When I came to vancouver, I was surprised. It was pretty beautiful and clean in vancouver. Everything was different from Korea. culture...people, atmosphere of city......

I was curious about everything whatever I see & hear. But there were many korean in Vancouver, so I was disappointed in it a little. By the way, I had changed my mind. Because meeting korean was good to me as meeting foreigners.

It made me curious, afraid and scared that everything was not familiar to me although Vancouver was an exciting city to me who just arrived in Vancouver.

At that time, I wasn't brave and I needed help. Then, I was helped by friends from korea. So, I was able to enjoy many things with my friends in Canada.

hese help made me think Vancouver is amazing city. Many things which made me scared and
afraid looked and felt like fun, amazing and exciting. I could feel something different from I felt in korea and had experiences and made new friends who's from Japan, Mexico, canada, Turky and Korea . When I was with my friends, I was really happy and everything looked good.

I learned how to talk and make my life funny with english. If I didn't meet my friends , I would still be afraid to live in Canada.

I realized that a friend is important in my life again. And friends made me think vancouver is amazing city.

Enjoy your life with your friends!

fabrizio in canada!

2008-03-06T13:12:00.000-08:00

“Enjoi Canada!” mi e’ stato detto appena atterrato. “ I will” ho risposto, ostentando un innaturale sicurazza inusuale per uno straniero appena approdato in una nuova nazione.

Il mio nome e’ Fabrizio e sono un bolognese momentaneamente trasferitosi a Vancouver.
Sono arrivato ai primi di dicembre con la “scusa” di imparare finalmente l’inglese.

Oggi sono esattamente tre mesi che sono “canadese” e sto cercando di cambiare il mio volo di ritorno perche’ il 21 aprile e’ decisamente troppo presto!

Perche’ Vancouver?
Perche’ la gente qui e’ davvero squisita, cordiale, interessante e, come dicono loro, “easy going”. Mi sono sentito canadese appena sceso dall’aereo quando ancora balbettavo solo qualche parola d’inglese appresa viaggiando qua e la.
L’ospitalita’ e la gentilezza dei canadesi credo non abbia eguali. Questo e’ di notevole importanza, soprattutto se si e’ lontani da casa (e qui si e’ decisamente lontani).
Oramai ho perso il conto delle persone spettacolari, bizarre, gentili, che ho conosciuto.

Qua un sacco di gente va in giro in bici anche d’invero, compreso me! C’e' un grande senso civico, tante piste ciclabili, raccolta dei rifiuti obbligatoria, i pedoni hanno sempre la precedenza ed in generale e’ forte il senso del vivere insieme... in un bel posto!

Oltre alle spiagge e all’OCEANO, Vancouver e’ sormontata da alcune splendide montagne.

Ci sono tre comprensori sciistici raggiungibili con bus o navette direttamente dal centro della citta’ con piste illuminate fino alle 10 di sera. Oltre alla incredibile quantita’ di neve che questi comprensori ricevono (momentaneamente hanno circa 450 cm!) la vista e’ davvero memorabile. Sciare praticamente sull’oceano e’ una cosa che toglie decisamente il fiato.

Ma ci sono tante altre cose che si possono fare. Per esempio qua il livello musicale e’ altissimo. Ho visto giovani band di ventenni impegnate in performance notevolissime. Tanti piccolo club in cui ogni sera si esibiscono gruppi davvero bravi.
Poi Seattle, la “Mecca” della musica (per noi cresciuti musicalmente negli anni ’90) e’ a sole 3 ore di pullman!

Anche i divertimenti notturni non mancano, si va da locali alla moda dove i giovani arrivano addirittura in Limousine a centri sociali davvero curiosi e stimolanti o ancora a graziosi pub in cui una volta a settimana i giovani del quartiere si sfidano allo “slam poetry”...gara di poesie, o altre sere “open mic” dove ognuno porta il proprio strumento e ha tutto il palco a disposizione per dieci minuti.

Insomma le possibilita’ che offre questa citta’ sono infinite. Il clima e’ mite anche in inverno e raramente nevica in citta’ (cosa insolita per il resto del Canada). Quest’inverno per ora ha nevicato solo tre volte. In compenso in dicembre e gennaio piove spesso ma cio’ significa neve, neve e neve nelle montagne che vedo dalla finestra di casa mia!

Yeah, ..... I’m enjoing Canada!

Stepho's

2008-03-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tried Greek food? There is a famous Greek restaurant named STEPHO'S. It is located in Davie Street.(between Thurlow St. and Bute St.). It is very popular so, if you go there during the busy time, you should line up out side of the restaurant.

Why is it so popular? I think the foods are really good and the atmosphere is good as well. Also, they serve us plenty of food but the prices are reasonable(very cheap). I really like that. That's why many people love that restaurant including me.

If you don't know what to order I recommend "Souvlaki". It is served with beef (lamb or chicken),rice and salad. Also, "Moussaka" is good too. It is like Greek Lasagna. While you are waiting for the food, they give you some bread to eat (for free).

The waiter and the waitress are very nice. If you go there once you'll go there again later. Are you looking for a nice Greek restaurant? Go to Stepho's !

by Erin

Whistler

2008-03-05T09:42:00.000-08:00

If you like to go skiing or snowboarding, I strongly recommend you to go to Whistler.

If you have never tried skiing or snowboarding before,

you should try here in Canada. (especially in Whistler)

You can take a lesson and try easiest route.

I heard there are about 300 slop in Whistler mountain.

Literally, it is huge ! Also, It is beautiful.

It snows a lot in the winter season. That's why the snow is very soft

There is a mountain called Blackcomb there. Blackcomb is as beautiful as Whistler.

If you go there you can choose which mountains to go OR you can go both!

However it closes before 3:30PM or 4:00PM

So, you should go there early as possible and enjoy as much as you can!

Also, there are lots of hotels you can stay over!

It is quite expensive during the high season but it's worth it!

The room is pretty good and you can go sightseeing during the night!

The night view of the Whistler village is very pretty!

Above of all, staying there for few days is absolutely amazing! isn't it?

I had wonderful time in Whistler. I wish I can go there again !!

And YOU! should go there !

by Erin.

How to improve English(It might be your the last chance to learn english in canada.)

2008-03-05T09:15:00.000-08:00

Why are we here? For travel? For experience? or..To raise self-help up? Everything can be the why we are here, evrything would help us for a career. But above all things most of them here are for Enlgish. Most of them have a goal for improving English.I think English...Englisg...English..because of English we are here. Fortunately we have a good family can support us or we've earned enough money to come here. So we can manage our life in canada so far. Even if we can manage our life in canada so far, we don't have money enough money living here forever working nothing. And most of them in canada to learn english(especailly students) might be the last chance to learn English in canada and to live foreign countries. Of cousre, it can depend on person. In my personal, it might be the last chace to learn english living foreign countries. we must find the best way to improve Enlsigh.

Now.. I want to tell that 'How can we improve English more than others.'
A large part of my explantion which is going to be written you've also already known.
The why I want to talk about this. We can remind ourself that these important facts for English and we can take a leap agian.

Ok. Let me start details.

First, Don't use your first language anymore.

Of course, you can feel lonely because here is not your country. Sometimes you want to meet a korean friends as well(I am a korean so I give an example with korean) . Of course you can meet a korean freinds. But donlt forget those things that your korean friends just want to speak korean when you are together. Just do ignore them. If here is your country of course you have to care about your freinds but here is canada. The only reason Here exist for you is just for English.

If it's not going to ruin relationship with them very much, that's not a issue. Anything and everything here around you are to improve English. Don't forget what you've made a goal for your life. And why are you came here spending money. You've alread had a lot of freinds in your own country. In this place, you have to have a friends whom want to use only English with you before you just do want to make a canadian friends.

Second, Do solidify the groundwork.

Many of international students think the why they are here to have a conversation with canadian. Of course, having conversation with canadian is one of the biggest part of learning english. By the way, everytihng shoud go through due formalities.(especaily when we learn about something.) English also has this kind of characteristic. Before you do care about speaking and conversaton. Pleas do solidify the groundwork. It means that you have to lay down grammer and vocabulary. After you make sure your grammer and vocabulary, listening is come by grammer and vocabulary and then finally you'll get the skill of the conversation.

Third, DO have self- confidence in your english.

I didn't mean that you musy have confidence in English but you should have confidence in your English. Do you understand what I intend? I intend that if you have a confidence in your english then you can try to use english more then do not have a confidence in your english. You can afraid of english(To do afraid of English is neccesart part). but you can't afraid of using english what you've learned. Do try more~! :)

I've talked how can we build our english and how can we improve our English.

These are very simlplicity and base.

But we've known about that we've not really do as much as we can.

JUST DO IT!

WE JUST DO IT FROM NOW NOT TODAY.

I WISH I CAN MEET YOU SOMEDAY(no matter what we don't kown yet) and SAY 'HELLO'

IN ENGLISH LIKE CANADIAN~~:)

CHEERS~~!!

I recommend to enjoy Vancouver life!!!

2008-03-04T21:27:00.000-08:00

How is your Vancouver life?

If you feel bored and sick to study English in the Library, I'll recommend you a place where you can feel comfortable and concentrate on!!!

The place is a coffee shop!!

Actually, I felt my life was so boring these days. Of course, in Vancouver there is a lot of something to do for sightseeing. When I stayed in Vancouver first month, everything was always new and interesting, but after 7 months my life was getting boring.

Expecially the winter season in Vancouver is always rainy and my feeling is more gloomy.

But one day... I went to a coffee shop and I spent lots of time with my friends. At that time, I lost track of time!!! I felt really happy and comfortable, even though outside was rainy!!

After that experience, I realized that there was no point in feeling gloomy.!!! I enjoyed going to the coffee shop(I went there almost everyday!!!) and I noticed that I've gotten positive mind. Besides, I enjoyed a rain day. Whenever I saw rain fall drinking coffee, I felt romantic.!!!

Another day, I was home and I should have to go to the library for studying English. However, a library is far from my home. It takes 30 minutes by foot. So, I was considering going to a library. Actually, I can't study in my house. I can't concentrate on studying because of TV and computer.!!! I might as well had to decided to go! On my way to the library, I saw a lot of people who studied in a coffee shop. I changed my mind and entered the coffee shop.! I'd never studied in coffee shop before, so I wondered how they could study such as a noisy place. After few minutes I realized and I got used to studying.!!! When I couldn't concentrate on, I just listened into a native's conversation. It's good for my listening skill even though it's a little bit rude behavior.!! Having finished the study, I felt fulfilment.!!

I prefer going to a coffee shop to going to a library. Although coffee costs some money.

Now, I love spending time in a coffee shop and enjoy Vancouver's weather.!!

If you want to enjoy Vancouver's life, you should try to spend time in a coffee shop.!!

I recommend it.!!!!

step up 2 the streets

2008-03-04T15:22:00.000-08:00

Are you afraid to see a movie in english?

Today I would like to recommend you, who study english and think that listening in english is difficult, this movie which tittle is "Step up 2 the streets".

This movie is so good that it's easy to understand what players say and help your listening with dance. It is exciting and funny.

The contents of a story is about passion and dream of the young people who like dance.

If you see the movie, first, you could see their passion for dancing with their effort.

And I ensure it'll make you to stimulate for your dream.

Second, this movie show us a competition with street dancers.

However, their style of dance is different from the street dance, they study and practice dancing.

At this time they learn how to associate with other people and dance together.

The competition make love, freindship and fight. But this movie handle that their passion and effort come out on top.

If you see the movie, you will feel better and be got an advice by them.

Also, this movie will help your listening.

If you have a time , try it and enjoy it with dance!

It'll make you happy and you will be able to get some advice.

by hye lim

simply different

2008-03-04T14:46:00.000-08:00

I come from Bologna (Italy) and my name is Fabrizio ( i know it's difficult to pronunce for you!)

Bologna is a small medieval town between Florence and Venice. It is not so small, but.... for the North American standard...yes it is small (everything is relative no?).

Anyway, we have the oldest University in the world (since 1088) and we are very proud of that. We have a lot of students from every part of the world, also Canadian for example, so it is an interesting city.

In this way, Bologna is very similar to the multicultural and open minded city, Vancouver, where I'm living this nice winter. But in Vancouver everything has grown to enourmous proportions!

I'm not only talking about the huge streets, or the high buildings, or the big cars but also of the multicultural integration, of the cultural ferment or of the young and original possibilities for the young people (like me for example).

Everything here is huge...even the milk packaging!

The distances here are are so different. But the differences whip me up. The world would be (and maybe will be) dull if anyone looks, does, wears, eat, thinks the same things.

So, why we are doing that?

I don't like to confront myself with a mirror. If we were all the same, it would be so dull, whereas the good message of the globalization should be in the direction to appreciate our diversity, not viceversa.

So I'm enjoing Vancouver because there are many different etnic groups, because the streets are so different from the narrow streets of my mediaval town, because I can't say which one is better...because they are... simply different!

ciao
Fabrizio

Who do you want to share your lovely dinner with?

2008-03-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

Do you usually cook by yourself?

Since I came to Vancouver, I've started cooking by myself.
As you know, we can find diverse food stuff here in a multicultural city as Vancouver.
So, I can enjoy cooking so far, even though it's tiring for me to keep preparing every meal, every day.

But, sometimes, it tends to be the most boring thing in the world.
Cooking something only for myself.... I don't know how to put this in words, but "boring."

When I was in Japan, sometimes I cooked for my family.
Mostly, they complained about its strange taste, however, I could enjoy cooking to hear that.

I love to share joyful time with my family, close friends, boyfriend or someone special to me by talking over my strange meals.

Who do you want to share your lovely dinner with?

by Ai

Between Victoria & Vancouver

2008-03-04T09:23:00.000-08:00

Do you know Victoria? As many international students live in vancouver also know, of course this isn't just girls name. it's a one of the most beautiful city in canada. Victoria is set in the midst of some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the world.As many peeple know, Canada environment is very beautiful and clean. But if you visit Victoria you can breathe more fresh air then Vancouver. I think many international students live in vancouver know about the victoria but many international students haven't been there yet.

NOW I WANT TO SAY ABOUT VICTORIA FOR YOU!

Probably you may have a question where do i have to visit in victoria as a tourist?I am about to interduce somewhere gorgeous in Victoria. Here are answers.

First, 'Inner harbour'
When you walk around the beach near Inner harbour. You can find that A building in victoria harmonize with nature of Victoria very well. FRESH AIR, BRIGHT SMILES come from the natives, THE BUATIFUL SUNSHINE. you can also see the Empress hotel which is the most famous hotel in victoria. you can feel somethings speacil from the Empress hotel(It's a little bit hard to explain but The Empress hotel is pretty diffrent from many hotel in vancouver).

Second, 'Buchard Garden'
These gardens are really a place that you have to visit when you come to Victoria. It's one of the most popular gardens and the biggest attraction here. There are many different gardens like the sunken gardens, the Japanese gardens, the rose gardens, and the Italian Gardens. Especailly, In the summer the gardens are fill with lights at night. And in the winter for Christmas. I've been there 3times with my girl freind before. It was amazing every momonets when i've been there wtih my girl freind. Beautiful gardens, Beautiful light, Beautiful mood~
It might be good chance to make a good mood with a your sweety heart as well. :)
Obviously It is not lack to make a good atmosphere not only with a your sweety heart but also with your freinds , family~~.

Third, ' Crystal Gardens'
This indoor tropical rainforest in the heart of British Columbia’s capital features the world's smallest monkeys; over 65 species of endangered birds and mammals; hundreds of tropical plants and vibrant blossoms; and dozens of species of exotic butterflies. Along your journey, you will also find fascinating information about everything you see! It's a very interesting place to visit. The why you visit here that you want to retrive your childish innocence. It must be excellent choise~!:)

Even though I've just mentioned about three place to visit but there are many amazing things in victoria. YOU WOULD BE FELT AT EASE VISISING VINCTORIA.
Have you been feeling heavy because of excessively a high building in vancouver?
Have you been feeling heavy because of too much a car?
If you feel like that and you feel that you need freedom~
you've already readied to go~~!
IF YOU ARE AGRRE WITH THESE
OK! JUST DO IT~!:)

Travelling Around Alberta

2008-03-04T09:12:00.000-08:00

Two years ago, I stayed in Vancouver and I traveled to Alberta. My friend and I booked a flight to Calgary and finally we left Vancouver on Aug.14. We were so excited. When we arrived in Calgary, we met someone who was going to guide us around Alberta.

On the first day, we got up at 8:00AM and we headed to Edmonton. I expected to go to Rocky mountain that day, but we went to the dinosaur museum.I was dissapointed but there were a lot of intersting things there. Also, I saw real dinosaur bones. I heard the place was the habitat of dinosaurs.It was pretty interesting. After seeing the museum, we went to Edmonton mall which is the biggist mall in the world. Everything was there like a shopping mall, swimming pool, a musement park and so on.

The next day, finally we went to the Rocky mountains. The weather was great but the view of the Rocky mountains was absolutely beautiful. After all we arrived in Banff where I liked the most in Rocky mountains. Especially Lake Louise was fantastic. I've never seen that emerald color lake. I didn't want to leave that place. It was getting dark when we left Benff. We went to a pub to drink beer because it was our last day in Alberta.

Next morning, we got on the plane to go back to Vancouver. I already missed everywhere in Alberta even though I didn't leave Alberta. I want to go back here with my family.I want my family to see that wonderful nature.

by Erin

Working as a barista in Vancouver

2008-03-03T18:11:00.000-08:00

Working as a barista has always been an ideal job of mine. I've kept applying for a barista since I could start working here in Vancouver. When I was in Korea, one of the soap operas, the title of which is was very popular among young people. It was the story about the barista and the popularity let us know how much our young people were interested in “coffee” or “barista”.

As you know, barista is a person who makes coffee specially and satisfies their customer with the greatest happiness. Barista has not only a lot of knowledge and a highly-developed sense of taste about coffee but also communication skills with their customers and co-workers.

I really like to have and make coffee and basically I like to meet people and work with a lot of people. I’m actually excited about a fresh start to work at Starbucks soon! I think I can get a lot of satisfaction by working and meeting people there. I hope to find myself enjoying my job as a barista soon! ^^

by Sohee

How to enjoy living in Vancouver

2008-03-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

Lots of people who live in Vancouver say living in Vancouver is kind of boring. I totally agreed with this when I first arrived here because I didn't know what to do. I don't even have my family and my friends here so, I often felt lonely. And it seemed there was nothing to do.

However, I'm getting used to being here and also I like living in Vancouver more and more. I found out there are a lot to do here in Vancouver even in the winter season.

First, I can go snowboarding. If you like going snowboarding you can go whenever you want because the ski resort is very close from downtown Vancouver. You can take a sea bus and then take a bus. It only takes about 30minutes. What great nature! Also, you can go to Whistler which is one of the greatest mountains in the world. It isn't far from here. It only takes two and a half hours from here.

Second, I can ride a bicycle, rollerblade or skateboard in Stanley Park. If you live downtown, you can go jogging in English Bay( Which is my favorite place in Vancouver^^). You can see clear water, cute animals and beautiful scenary.

Finally, There are lots of beautiful parks I can go to. If you don't know what to do and where to go, you can just go to a park anytime. It's hard to find such a nice park near downtown in Korea actually. That's why I love the nature in Vancouver.

There are lots of more interesting things here which I have not even found out yet. I like to try new things and I'm going to find out more fun things to do. I'm enjoying living here and I want you to enjoy living here like me.

by Erin

Chinese New Year in Vancouver.

2008-02-11T10:14:00.000-08:00

Do you know how chinese people celebrate their new year?

Chinese new year's day depends on the moon.So every year the new year is different day.

This year was the first time to celebrate new year for me that was awesome!

I went to the biggest temple on Eve and I saw many big images of Buddha which were shiny gold.

They use gold and red colors for stuff,like clothes,dragons,ornament and red pockets because they believe that thoes colors bring good luck for them.Speak of red pockets,married man or woman usually give it to singles.

February 7 was new year and we had a party.But actually they have a party every day around new year like Japan.

Have you ever seen Dragons and lions of chinese?They help scare away any bad spirits during the new year's parade.But for me lion's face was much scare...

Durning the new year they dont talk about number 4 because 4 means death and dont drop chopsticks on the floor because of bad luck!

There are few superstitions like above. So be careful!when you celebrate chinese new year with them(just kidding).

I was lucky to expose to chinese new year.Most of Asian contries except Japan celebrate new year this Feburary but I celebrated new year on Jan 1 as well in Vancouver so Im blessed!

I heard that some areas in the State also celebrate Chinese new year that means a lot of Chinese people lives all over the world as you know.

Good luck!

by Hitomi

Room to relax

2008-01-31T15:31:00.000-08:00

The light of the candle makes me relax. I like to watch it in a dark room. Everytime the light of the candle shakes, the shadow in the room also shakes. Then I feel like I am in different place from my room.

I like simple candles the best. I usually put them on my desk or on the table in the living room. Then I can make myself relax more.

Your room is the place you feel relaxed! I recommend you to use candles to make you relax more.

It is also good to display flower shaped candles in the entrance of the house instead of displaying flowers.
Welcome your guests to your house with the fragrance of the flowe shaped candles and shaking light of the fire of the candles.

You can display some food or drink shaped candles as like sweets, fruits and coffee in the kitchen. They will make your kitchen pretty.
When you have a chance to have a dinner party or something in your kitchen, you can prepare food shaped candles as many as guests you invited. I'm sure you will have much more fun at the dinner party!

By Kurumi

Dream of Future

2008-01-30T15:08:00.000-08:00

Do you have the dream of your future? If you do, what is that? Are you ashamed to talk about the dream of your future to somebody? If you are, do not be ashamed any more.

It is great to have your own dream of your future even if it is big or small. Dream teaches us the meaning of our life and at the same time, dream gives us vitality to live forward.

There are 5 principles to make the dream come true.
1. Have your own dream.
2. Have friends whom you can share your dream with.
3. Have somebody who can support your dream.
4. Have friends who continue making their dreams come true.
5. Believe your dream will come true.

The most important thing to make your dream come true is to believe yourself. Do not doubt your talent. Your efforts for your wills are your talent.

I want to work at the front desk of a hotel, and I want to meet a lot of people from all over the world. This is my dream of the future. To make my dream come true, I need to study English more and more. I believe I will make it come true someday.
Have a dream, chase a dream, make a dream come true, and give a dream to somebody. I want to live like that.

By Kurumi

Dogs' Body Language

2008-01-22T14:26:00.000-08:00

Dogs are popular as pets. They are adorable because they always let us know their feelings and minds with their body language. To understand their feelings, we need to know what their body language means.

HAPPPINESS
When they waggle their tails, wriggle their bodies and bark with cheerful voice, that means they are happy. And some dogs show us their teeth. It is said that they have learned how to smile from people.

RESPECT
When they drop their body on the ground, that means they don't think of us as their enemies. When they lie down on the ground and show us their tummy, that means they obey us. This is the strongest expression for them to express that they respect us.

CAUTION
When they turn their ears forward, close their mouths and raise their tails, that means they caution about something. They stand in an upright position like that so that they can see wide view then pay attention.

CALMING SIGNAL
Calming Signal is their body language to avoid fighting when they are upset, scared and stressed out. For example, they yawn suddenly, withdraw their eyes from our eyes, blink more than usual, screw up their eyes, move their tongue in and out of their mouths many times, shake their bodies, scratch their bodies, smell their paws suddenly, etc. That means they don't want to fight, they try to calm themselves down, and they are anxious.
If your dog did something bad, you would be upset with him. In this situation, have you ever seen your dog start yawning, shaking his body or scratching his body? Then you might have thought that he didn't understand what he had done was bad thing. Then you might have started yelling at him. But actually, he did understand that he had done was something bad and you were upset with him. So he was trying to calm you down because he didn't want you to upset with him.

By Kurumi

History of Chess

2008-01-22T14:03:00.000-08:00

Have you ever played chess? Did you know that chess is the oldest skill game in the world?
Our chool has one chess board and sometimes we play a chess.
chess is more than just a game of skill. It can tell you much about the way people lived in medieval times. If you look at the way a chess board is set up, then study the pieces and how they are used, you will realize that chess is a history of medieval times in miniature. The six different chess pieces on the board represent a cross section of medieval life with its many ceremonies, grandeur, and wars.

Chess was played many centuries ago in China, India, and Persia. Korea and Japan also have similar one, which came from China, called Jang-gi(korean) or shogi(Japan).
No one really knows for sure in which country it originated. Then, in the eighth century, armies of Arabs known as Moors invaded Persia. The Moors learned chess from the Persians. When the Moors later invaded Spain, the soldiers brought the game of chess with them. Soon the Spanish were playing chess, too. From Spain, chess quickly spread throughout all of Europe.

Europeans gave chess pieces the names we know today; they probably had trouble pronouncing and spelling the Persian names, so they modernized them to reflect the way they lived. Today, the names certainly aren’t modern but a thousand years ago they represented the very way in which both ordinary people and persons of rank lived their lives.

The pawns on the chess board represent serfs, or laborers. There are more of them than any other piece on the board, and often they are sacrificed to save the more valuable pieces. In medieval times, serfs were considered no more than property of landowners, or chattel. Life was brutally hard for serfs during this era of history. They worked hard and died young. They were often left unprotected while wars raged around them. They could be traded, used as a diversion, or even sacrificed to allow the landowners to escape harm.

The castle piece on a chess board is the home, or the refuge, just as it was a home in medieval times. In chess, each side has two castles, or rooks, as they are sometimes called.
The knight on a chess board represents the professional soldier of medieval times whose job it was to protect persons of rank, and there are two of them per each side in a game of chess.

Knights in a game of chess are more important than pawns, but less important than bishops, kings, or queens. Their purpose in the game of chess is to protect the more important pieces, and they can be sacrificed to save those pieces just as pawns can.

There is a bishop in the game of chess, who represents the church. The church was a rich and mighty force in medieval times, and religion played a large part in every person’s life. It is no wonder that a figure that represented the concept of religion found its way into the game. A bishop was the name for a priest in the Catholic church who had risen through the ranks to a more powerful position. In the game of chess, there are two bishops for each side.

The queen is the only piece on the board during a chess game that represents a woman, and she is the most powerful piece of the game. In the game of chess, there is only one queen for each side. Many people do not realize that queens in medieval times often held a powerful, yet precarious, position. The king was often guided by her advice, and in many cases the queen played games of intrigue at court. But kings could set wives aside or even imprison them in nunneries with the approval of the church (and without the queen’s approval), and many women schemed merely to hold her place at court. The machinations of queens working either for or against their kings are well noted in history throughout medieval times, and often she held more power than the king did.

The king is the tallest piece on the board, and is as well defended on the chessboard as in medieval life. In medieval times, the surrender of the king would mean the loss of the kingdom to invading armies and that could mean change for the worse. It was to everyone’s advantage, from the lowest serf to the highest-ranking official, to keep the king safe from harm. The king is the most important, but not the most powerful piece in chess. If you do not protect your king, you lose the game.

Does it look too hard? No,just start and enjoy it. You will fall in love with chess.

By Dennis

The things which we didn't know

2008-01-18T14:02:00.000-08:00

There are many thing that we didn't know , so I'll introduce some facts.^^

1. crocodiles can't push out their tongue.

2. shrimps' heart is in their head.

3. pigs can see the sky. I heard that they can't raise their head. ^^

4. over 50 % people of world have never used a phone.

5. rats and horse can't vomit

6. "sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick" that is the hardest sentence in English.

7. If you sneeze too strong, you would be died. In addition, if you try to bear sneezing, you would be died because blood vessels in neck or head will burst.

8. If you wear headphone for a hour , number of bacterium will increase about 700 times in the ear.

9. A lighter invented faster than a match.

10. 35% of people who look for a dating person are married people.

11. most lipsticks include a fish's scale.

are that amazing?? ^0^

By Dennis

Beautiful Rainy Day in Vancouver

2008-01-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

We are having the rainy season here, in Vancouver. We do not feel very good when it is rainy. I have only negative image about rainy day. For example, my shoes and clothes will get wet, I can not make my hairstyle well, and I feel depressed.
I think there are not so many people who like the rainy season. Most of people usually feel depressed during the rainy season. But we can not escape from rainy season as long as we live in Vancouver so I would like to give you some ideas to enjoy rainy day.

I like coffee. I sometimes buy little bit expensive but unique flavored coffee (for example, maple flavored coffee) and I enjoy having it at home on rainy day. I can feel relaxed by having my favorite coffee at home.

If you like cooking, it is a good chance to cook something gorgeous dish on rainy day. Don't spend your day off just staying at home all day. You can try to cook something gorgeous dish that you can not cook in a short time.

You can also enjoy listening to music, reading books, watching movies at home. It is also good to try doing kraft, drawing pictures, growing small plants in home, etc. It is always good to have some hobbies that you can enjoy at home.

If you do not want to stay at home, there are many places to visit even on rainy day in Vancouver. For example, Movie theater, Art gallery, Science world, Aquarium, Sports center, Shopping mall,etc.

Or you can enjoy walking in the rain actively if you buy your new umbrella or new rain shoes. Let's buy a colorful umbrella and fancy rain shoes, and let's enjoy rainy day!

By Kurumi

Plants Have Souls

2008-01-16T13:55:00.000-08:00

when I saw kurumi's blog, suddenly I curious about reaction of plants. So I found article about plants' thing. Plants are intelligent forms of life who are capable of intention, preference, and a will to survive, thrive and interact. Scientific research indicates that plants communicate with insects, animals, human beings and other plants in order to keep themselves alive and safe. Evidence also reveals that plants are telling us how to achieve health and wholeness for humanity and the earth herself.

Plants Are Just Like People

In research which spands more than 100 years, scientists have been documenting botanical adaptability and the amazing similarities that plants have with animals and people. Studies indicate that what metaphysicians, psychics, shaman, tribal people and sensitives worldwide have been saying about the plant kingdom for millennium is true: plants are intelligent beings who can communicate with us, and, we can communicate with them.

You Can Hurt a Plant’s Feelings

Plants respond not only to insects and animals but to human emotion and intention. Plants can distinguish between people who are feel kindly towards them and people who don't, and our green friends cooperate with people they like. In one experiment a new scientist came to study some test plants. Surprisingly, these test plants which previously had been very responsive, were completely non-responsive during the new scientist's tests. Investigating the change in the plants' response, it was discovered that the new scientist incinerated his plants in his own personal research once his tests were completed. Shortly after the new scientist left, the plants again began registering activity and cooperating. In another study, scientists found that vegetation reacted negatively to people who found the plants unattractive, even to the extent that the plants would "faint." When over stimulated by emotions, plants will "go unconscious" or numb and can stay " moody" for weeks. Scientific studies show that once plants attune themselves to a particular person, they are able to maintain a link with that person, no matter how far away. These plants register "knowing" not only when a person is returning to the plants, but when the person makes the decision to return. Other reports show that plants respond to people talking to them in a caring, loving manner, such as asking a tree to radically change its growth direction so that it won't have to be cut, or asking weeds not to grow excessively in a vegetable garden.

Is it amazing? Also I heard that plants can listen music. One flower garden uses classic music to improve their quality. After listening music to flowers, owner can earn more money.
Yes, even though they can't speak, they can understand at all.
Be careful in front of flowers and love them ^^\

voca:

botanical : the scientific study of plants and their structure.
incinerate : to burn stn until it is completely destroyed.
attune : make receptive or aware.

By Dennis

Elephants never forget

2008-01-15T15:39:00.001-08:00

They have a long nose, big ears and cute small eyes on their big face,, yes they are elephants.
People say that "elephants never forget". Let me talk about these wise animals, elephants.

Elephants are mammals. They are the largest land animals that alive today. The number of elephants has been decreasing because people hunt them to get their ivory and skin. They are endangered today.

They have great memory so people say that "elephants never forget". They can listen to our language. If I speak in Japanese and you speak English, it is said that elephants can notice that you and I use different languages. For example, people from Masai used to kill elephants so elephants are afraid of people who speak Masai's language. Especially elephants are afraid of men from Masai because men used to kill them. They remember that women didn't hurt them. They have high mentality.

In the Hindu religion, they believe the god named Ganeza. Ganeza has a Human's body with a big tummy and 4 arms but its face is elephant with a broken ivory. In the religion, people believe that Ganeza removes difficulties from their life then brings happiness in their life. People also believe the god as a god of wisdom and knowledge.

When I went to a zoo last year, I saw two elephants which were performing in front of many audiences. Then a trainer of the elephants told us that elephants are very wise so they never forget what they have experienced. After I heard that story, I looked over about elephants on Internet because I wondered if it was true story what the trainer of the elephants said at the zoo. The Internet says the exactly same thing "elephants never forget". And when I found the story about the god of Hindu religion, I thought it was very interesting because the god has elephant's face and it is believed as a god of wisdom and knowledge. I'm not sure if it is said so because elephants are wise animals but I was very impressed by these facts.

By Kurumi

C/F feet/m lb/kg

2008-01-15T14:27:00.000-08:00

It was below 22 degrees fahrenheit.It means it was below 30 degrees celsius.

MEANS>>>>>>>>>>>>COLD!!!!

Which do you use Celsius or Fahrenheit to describe temperature?

In North America, some people use Fahrenheit.

When you hear this conversation on the street, what do you think???

"It's going to be 32 degrees tomorrow."

"Really???oh,,,It's gonna be cold,,,I need a heavy jacket, gloves and a scarf!!!"

32 degrees?????It is hot!!!!!!you might think like this.

Actually they are using Fahrenheit instead of Celsius to describe temperature.

32 degrees fahrenheit means 0 degree celsius.

Now you understand,don't you?

It is very interesting to know different measurement.

When I was asked my hight by my friend, I answered 1.6 meters.

My friend was puzzled and asked me to describe with feet.

I DON'T KNOW! was my answer.

It was 5.2 feet.

1.5 meters is 5 feet.

2 meters is 7 feet.

1 foot is 0.3 meters ; means 30 centimeters.

So, it is about meter times 3.3 is foot(feet).

I can't tell you my weight,,,but here is a tip for lb(pound) and kg(kilogram).

100 lb is about 45 kg. 110 lb is about 50kg. 154 lb is about 70 kg.

Can you calculate your weight now?!

I remember just kg is about half of lb.This is not true but,,,,easy.

I like below 22 degrees fahrenheit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!love cold weather!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by yo-yo

Power of Tones

2008-01-14T14:59:00.000-08:00

Do you know that tones have power to make you feel relaxed?

Don't you feel relaxed when you listen to your favorite music?
Don't you feel relaxed when you hear the sound of the wave and the murmur of the brook?
It is because those sounds have an effect to heal your heart psychologically.
The effect of the sounds have been attracting people recently.

Relaxation music has both regular sound like a metronome and irregular sound like a noise of the radio. These two sounds harmonize well with each other. We have the same kind of rhythms in our bodies. That is why we can feel the slight comfortable tones of the sounds and our brain and tension of the muscle can be relaxed.

I take TOEIC class at ATC. TOEIC class is difficult for me so when I finish it, I am always tired. But music is always played during our break time in ATC so I can feel relaxed even after the difficult TOEIC class.

My favorite relaxation music is Beatles' music.
What's your favorite relaxation music??

By Kurumi

Gift Wrapping Ideas

2008-01-14T14:52:00.000-08:00

Whenever I prepared a present for friends or family, I thought about wrapping.

Giftwrapping is first impress, so it's as importtant as real presents.

I also have a few experience for packing, but I want to let you know some tips. ^^

I think when you wrap gift, I recommend to use a dollar shop. In dollar shops, there are many chip and useful material that you can decorate. small dolls, gift bags, ribbons, wrapping paper, etc.

Elegant Gift Wrapping Idea

Materials

- Parcel paper

- wrapping paper of your choice

- Ribbon

- Cedar branches or any stuff what you want

- Clear tape

Directions

1. Wrap present with brown parcel packing paper.

2. Cut a single strip of wrapping paper. The strip should be long enough to wrap completely around the present and wide enough to be approximately 3-5 centimeters from the edges of the present.

3. Wrap a coordinating colour ribbon around the centre of the present.

4. attached a cedar branch with a bow to the top of the present.

Gift Wrapping with Cookie Cutter Topper

Material

- wrapping paper of your choice

- Ribbon

- Cookie Cutter

- Clear tape

Directions

1. Wrap the present using the gift wrapping paper of you choice.

2. Attach a festive cookie cutter to the top of the present with brightly coloured ribbon.

It's not hard, but it makes apearance better.doesn't it?^^

There is another method. Just look at it!

Yes, you can try. Makes it greater.^^

#voca #

a bow(N) :a knot with two loops and two loose ends which is used for decoration on clothes, in hair,etc.

By Dennis

SHABUSEN

2008-01-11T15:38:00.001-08:00

We went to All You Can Eat Japanese restaurant named "Shabusen" on Burrard street for lunch today.

After morning classes, we ran to Shabusen to eat a lot of food. There were so many people inside and outside of the restaurant. Fortunately, we have reserved table so we could have seats as soon as we arrived.

The food was very delicious but the waitresses and waiters were little bit rude. When they put plates on the table, they put just like throwing out. Sometimes, They spillt some liquid on the table but they didn't care about it at all.

But the food was very delicious so we ordered too much food. Suddenly one waitress came and warned us that if we left food, we had to pay extra charge for penalty. Then we canceled deep fried food that we were going to order at that time.

The price was $12 per person. (Including tax and tip around $14 per person.) We got soooo full after lunch!

We all recommend SHABUSEN for lunch! But be careful not to order too much!

By all ATC students

City of Surrey

2008-01-09T14:34:00.000-08:00

I have lived in Burnaby, downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver but now I live in Surrey.
I enjoy living in Surrey even though it is far away from downtown Vancouver.
Burnaby and North Vancouver are quiet and peaceful cities but I sometimes got bored when I lived there because there was nothing to do when I got used to living there.
Downtown is always busy. I was excited to live downtown for about a week, then eventually I got tired of living in a busy city.
And now, I live in Surrey which is a quieter city. Surrey is known as the city of parks and I enjoy taking walks at all the different parks on the weekends. There are also several shopping malls which I enjoy shopping at. Surrey is such a nice city with a equal mix of quiet and busy areas that makes it perfect place for me to live.

Let me elaborate about the City of Surrey which is my favorite in British Columbia.
Surrey is the second largest city in British Columbia which is located near the Canada and USA border.
The population is over 410,000. Most of the visible population is South Asian. There are many Asian people in Vancouver from China, Korea and Japan. Comparing Surrey with Vancouver, there are not so many Asian people in Surrey.
There are about 600 parks and a lot of green spaces in Surrey. They are good for nature walking, bird-watching, bike-riding, fishing and much more. If you like outdoor, it's good to live in Surrey.
There are not only parks and green spaces but also several shopping malls. They are not as big as Metrotown in Burnaby but they're big enough to enjoy shopping. If you don't like busy shopping malls, there are big box stores such as Wal-Mart and Homedepot. There are lots of small independent stores for all individual needs from hardware, laundry, movie rental, grocery store so you can get everything you want.

I just moved into Surry a month ago and I have already discovered so much. I heard that there are much more good places to visit like the art gallery and sports centers in Surrey. I will explore Surrey more and more so that I will be able to enjoy my life in much more.

By Kurumi

Let's Drink Green Tea!

2008-01-08T15:32:00.000-08:00

Do you like green tea?
I think most of Asian people like green tea. Of course I love it. I will talk about green tea today.

Do you have high cholesterol readings?
Are you scared of having cancer?
Do you have high blood pressure?
Do you have bad teeth easily?
Do you want beautiful skin?
Do you want to lose your weight?

If you do, you should start drinking green tea from now on!

Green tea has a lot of nutrition. Catechin is one of them and it has great effects for our health.

If you have high cholesterol, Catechin will clean your vein.

If you have a chance to have cancer because of inheritance, Catechin will protect you from cancer.

If you have high blood pressure, Catechin will decrease blood sugar in your blood.

If you have bad teeth easily, Catechin will protect your teeth from bad teeth. It also good for you if you have bad breath.

If you want beautiful skin, Catechin will make your skin smooth and beautiful.

If you want to lose your weight, Catechin will help your body to burn fat.

Let's drink green tea!

By Kurumi

The Old Spaghetti factory

2008-01-08T14:27:00.000-08:00

In March of 1970, the first Old Spaghetti Factory Restaurant in Canada was opened in the Gastown district of Vancouver, British Columbia. The concept was a very simple one; take an old warehouse in a historic part of town and fill it with antiques and artifacts, provide the finest pasta and superb service, to make an extremely unique dining experience. They're all decorated in a nostalgic theme using genuine antiques, stained glass, tiffany type lights, and usually an authentic trolley car forming a dining room within a dining room.The concept proved to be wonderfully successful and was soon taken to other cities across the country. We are now proud to serve over two million guests every year.

There is a trolley car which was made 100 years ago and really used. Before the trolley car become to disused, it was exhibited in gastown and moved into the restaurant. You can also have meal here.^^

If you order main dishes, you can also recieve appetizer (salad or soup), and as a disert you can receive coffee or icecream.

Most price is around 8~13 . It's very reasonabel price. Enjoy your Spaghetti !!!

By Dennis

Japanese Tradition 2

2007-12-20T13:35:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen these gorgeous rice cakes?
This is one of Japanese traditional costoms to celebrate New Year.
This is round rice cakes offered to the god at New Year's time.
We call it Kagami-mochi.

We display Kagami-mochi during New Year holidays to appreciate that we had a safety year last year, and we are having a brand-new year. We offer Kagami-mochi to the god during New Year, and we eat it after New Year. We call it Kagami-Biraki. We usually have Kagami-Biraki on January 11th.
People say that when we eat Kagami-mochi on Kagami-Biraki day, we recieve power from the god.
Because eating Kagami-mochi after offering to the god means the god gives us the thankful Kagami-mochi.

We decorate Kagami-mochi as like the picture. And each decoration has meaning:

Sanpou is a table to put Kagami-mochi.
When we give something to precious person, we should put it on a table. We put Kagami-mochi on Sanpou because the god is precious for us. This is the polite way to offer Kagami-mochi to the god.

Urajiro is a plant called fern. We believe that fern is an auspicious plant because the leaves of fern grow one after another. It reminds us prosperity of our business.

Shihoubeni is a sheet of square shaped paper to put Kagami-mochi. The paper is white colour, and the edge is red colour. White paper stands for our land. And We believe red colour avoids evils. So, Shihoubeni means saving our land from disasters.

Gohei is strings of square shaped white paper and red paper. By connecting them and making them longer, it reminds us of prospering business or something. And the red parts of the Gohei also mean avoiding evils.

Daidai is a sour orange. Daidai grow on trees and they hardly fall from the trees. So, Daidai stands for prosperity of our families.

Kagami-mochi is a holy rice cakes that mediate between the god and us. If you go to Japan during New Year holidays, you will find Kagami-mochi everywhere! We display them with our appreciations and wishes.

Isn't it interesting? They are not just rice cakes. The rice cakes are saving us!

By Kurumi

Japanese Tradition

2007-12-19T14:00:00.000-08:00

About 2 more weeks to 2008!!

Do you have traditional customs to celebrate New Year in your country?
We have a lot of traditional customs to celebrate New Year in Japan.

I will talk about Kadomatsu which is displayed in front of house, shrine, and other buildings during the New Year holidays.
Kadomatsu is New Year's decorative pine branches.

Generally, Kadomatsu is made with 3 bamboos surrounded with pine tree needles, and tie them with straw ropes. But people add some flowers or ornaments nowadays.
Kadomatsu is a sign to invite the god of the year.
And when the god is invited, the god will live in it.

We start displaying Kadomatsu around December 10th.
But we have to be carefull NOT to display it on December 29th or 31st. Do you know why? The reasons are interesting:

We pronounce 29 as "nijuku" in Japanese. We have a word "二重苦" and we also pronounce it "nijuku". "二重苦" means "suffer twice". So, people say that 29 is inauspicious number. That's why we shouldn't display Kadomatsu which invites the god on December 29th. If we display it on December 29th, we may suffer from something.

If we display Kadomatsu on December 31st, it is very rude to the god. Because December 31st is the day before New Year. Displaying Kadomatsu on December 31st means we didn't have enough time to prepare to invite the god. We should treat the god very well. That's why we shouldn't display Kadomatsu on December 31st.

So, we have to display Kadomatsu until December 28th at the latest.
In case we can't display it until December 28th, we should display it on December 30th. We have to make sure not to display it on December 29th or 31st.

However, we can hardly find Kadomatsu nowadays. People don't want to take time or spend money for it. Some people still display it, but others don't display it any more. We have been losing our tradition in present day life in Japan. But I'm sure you will find real Kadomatsu at shrines during New Year holiday in Japan.

If you have a chance to visit Japan during New Year holiday, please look for this Japanese tradition!

By Kurumi

2007-12-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

What is your favorite movie about Christmas?

My favorite movie about Christmas is "Jingle All the Way".

It is a comedy movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

It is not a popular movie, but I really like this movie.

Arnold Schwarzenegger acts a man who is very busy for his business.

He has a son. He always breaks his promises with his son because he is too busy for his job.

One day, he missed his son's Karate match, so his son was very depressed.

Then he promised to buy Turbo Man doll as a Christmas gift for his son.

Turbo Man is a toy that every child wants. It's the hottest action figure among children.

When he promissed to buy it, his son was so happy and excited.

But he noticed that he forgot to buy Turbo Man doll on Christmas Parade day.

He broke his promise to go to Christmas parade with his family, and ran around the city to buy Turbo Man doll.

However, he couldn't find it in any toy store. Because it's so popular, so it's sold out.

In the climax, He took a chance to be a real Turbo Man in the Christmas Parade.

The real Turbo Man can choose one child and can give a Turbo Man doll in front of the crowd.

He used this opportunity, then he presented a Turbo Man doll to his son in the crowd.

His son was very proud of his father because his father was a real Turbo Man!

And that night, He noticed that he forgot to buy a Christmas gift for his wife.

I think it is very interesting movie.

I like Arnold Schwarzenegger in this movie very much.

By Kurumi

Christmas Party

2007-12-18T14:45:00.000-08:00

We had a christmas party at our school -ATC- last Friday.

I hadn't expected that it would be a fun time.

Fortunately we had a great time with my expection.

We had pizza , toppogi , salada , western style red been mochiko, chips , cheets , Japanese rice crackers , and pop....haha

It's strange combination.

We played a game called 3-6-9.This game is popular in Korea(?)

You say a number starting with 1 and go around.

Your number to say is 3 , 6 or 9 , you crap your hands instead of saying the number.

If you make a mistake, there is a punishment.

We decided our punishment that was to bring a handsome man or a cute woman from the school next door.

Sadly I made a mistake at first. I had hasitated to visit next door but I went.

I found a nice looking and kind man over there. He willingly came to our school with me.

We made many mistakes and people working in next door were really cooperative.

We apprreciate them alot.

We changed our punishment , and it was to choose partner and dance. If the person who was chosen refuse, he or she should dance by himself or herself.

It was supposed to be a embarrassed punishment.......

LOOK AT THIS PICTURE!!!!!

He looks really happy!!!even he made a mistake!!!!!!!!!

He was in heaven!

This Friday,we had to say good bye to our friends.....

We had a great memory with them. Have a safe trip, friends.

by Yoshi

What is your way to improve speaking and listening skills?

2007-12-18T14:31:00.000-08:00

Most of you might have decided to study abroad to increase of speaking and listening skills rather than the rest two parts-writing and reading in English. By exposure yourself in English immersion environment you will acquire practical experience with association of local people. However, what I have gone though is that just stay in English speaking country not helpful for international student. At the first time just stay in foreign country seems interest and fun but by time goes on you will lose the passion to mingle with native speaker and more hang out and come close with same ethnic friends. Some of my friends grumble for getting worse of their speaking and listening.

I suggest one tip to improve speaking and listening. You have mp3 or portable tape player that are usually using for enjoying music rather for your English study. First choose interesting topics that will never become dull in internet website and down load sound file to your portable devise and shadow the spoken work and dictate all sentences as long as you can understand. It is not easy job but by repeating the process you will fell your progression within a week. If you keep this work around on month you would aware yourself highly have improved in speaking and listening. After that go to movie and test your ability. Do not be surprised with your capacity. Good luck!

Hocky Hocky Hocky

2007-12-17T13:36:00.000-08:00

Have you ever watched a Hocky game???

Actually I was not interested in Hocky at all. I love baseball though.

My friend invited me for a Hocky game.

It was really really good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was exciting and pleasing.

This is a scene of fighting.

When I saw this first time, I wondered

'why they fight often?they don't have to!'

I'm a typical Japanese who wants to keep quiet

and avoid difficult situations.
( not all Japanese though)

However,fighting is traditional incident in Hocky.

I watched the game and also learned Canadian culture.It was really good experience.

You are in Vancouver?Canada?

Why don't you go the Hocky game!!!!!

by Yoshi

The Shawshank Redemption

2007-12-13T14:49:00.000-08:00

Today I would like to say about a movie that was so impressive to me as it was long ago since release the first film. The movie title is ‘The Shawshank Redemption’.

The movie show the story that happen in a prison but The Shawshank Redemption create such a warm hold on our feelings because it makes us a member of a family. The perception of prison is usually cold, gloomy, melancholy.

I have watched the movies where Morgan Freeman appearing. The acting of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) was not bad but I like the action of Freeman showing humanism. The Morgan Freeman character is carrier of the film’s spiritual arc.

I have watched the film several times but I admire it even more than the first time I saw it.
While watching movie I always think of what is the real freedom between physical free and soul free. Although they are in prison but they had free in thinking they could dream and made a plan to escape from the prison.

In my opinion learning English is not a just acquiring knowledge by learning another language we could extend our view point and the level of understanding other culture that enable us feel free toward new environment and information as we equip another tool to proceed to the world.

I just want to let you know....

2007-12-12T14:17:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard (PRODUCT) RED ?
or

Do you know about (PRODUCT) RED?

4,400 peaple die every day of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Treatment exists. And we can get pills at pharmacy easily because it is cheap for us. However, they can not buy it. Even though it costs only 30 pence......

Product Red, styled as (PRODUCT)RED, is a for-profit brand which is licensed to partner companies such as American Express, Apple Inc., Converse, Motorola, Gap, Emporio Armani and Hallmark. It is an initiative begun by U2's frontman, Bono, and Bobby Shriver of Debt AIDS Trade in Africa (DATA) to raise money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Bobby Shriver has been announced as the CEO of Product Red, whilst Bono is currently an active public spokesperson for the brand.
Each partner company creates a product with the Product Red logo. In return for the opportunity to increase their own revenue through the Product Red products they sell, a percentage of the profit is given to the Global Fund.

In short.....

If you like (PRODUCT) RED's goods, and if you buy it, 10% of the price goes to the Global Fund.

So you have a new goods and you helped save person's life.

It's wonderful, isn't it?

"...... people, men, women, children, Africans will die from preventable, treatable disease. They don't have to. 30 pence a day, they can stay alive. These two little pills. Two little pills that you and I can get at a local chemist's. This is mad. You are not mad to think that you can do something about this.

Go to joinred.com

Thanks"

By Bono

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-G2PpO7DwsM

(original)

You might be able to help save person's life easier than you though.

By Yukiko

How do you manage your trip plan?

2007-12-12T14:02:00.001-08:00

From this website you can get bus, sky-train schedule and plan for trip.

http://www.translink.bc.ca/

http://www.mapquest.com/

If you drive to new place you can consult to this website that show direction and map, how to get the destination from your place.

Chungwon Jung

How do you manage your trip plan?

2007-12-12T14:02:00.000-08:00

What was your first concern when you went foreign country. According to my experience, to go around famed tour spot you need some information of public transportation like time schedule and the feature of each vehicle. You can rent car but it is usually higher than using public transportation especially when you are student not having enough budget. I post some useful website for traffic.

http://www.translink.bc.ca/
From this website you can get bus schedule and plan for trip.

http://www.mapquest.com/
If you drive to new place you can consult to this website that show direction and map, how to get the destination from your place.

Chungwon Jung

Which features do good teachers have?

2007-12-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

Many international students are interested in to be an English teacher in their countries recently, that's why they dicided to study overseas.
Students need to bear the loneliness and hunger for it if they want to reach their dream.

To be an English teacher, TESOL diploma or certificate is strongly required. It is a license to teach English.
The difference of TESOL from other English courses is, you can get more opportunities to speak English in the class.

For instance, for ESL course, teacher teaches and speaks more than students in gerneral and students usually complain that they don't have a chance to speak and their English never improved.

On the other hand, for TESOL course, teacher elicits students to say and prepare for a class. In short, a class is like students' reponsibility. It is very helpful for them.
TESOL course is a good rehearsal when you teach English infront of your students as Teacher.

Can students improve English? The answer is "ABSOLUTELY YES". You took the words right out of my mouth.
Before starting TESOL programme, students need to know what a good teacher is.

Let me tell you my story.

Peter Schmitter was my professor when I was at Berlin-Freie Universitaet.
He influenced me a lot, even my life.
Mr. Peter's teaching showed me what a good teacher is.

The good teacher motivates students to have their vision.
He used to ask students with this question, "Do you have a dream?" If they answered "No" or "I don't know yet, he was upset and said "It's your today homework, Go home!" The 70 year-old tried to make students pursue their dream and hope. He had an inspiration to all students.

The good teacher should be energetic, enthusiastic.
Teachers usually teach same thing repeatedly, they could be exhausted easily. If the teacher seems tired, definitely students could be tired of a class. Even though he was 70 years old, he was so powerful like young teachers.
Students absolutely respected his powerful passion.

The good teacher teaches without distinction.
It is a little bit difficult to give students same opportunities during a class, but the good teacher tries to do that.
Personally, I am German, but look Asian. Unfortunately, Germany is very famous for the discrimination in the world.
However, Mr. Peter gave me a lot of opportunities to take scholarships fairly unlike other professors. He also was willing to recommended me to a good korean university as an exchange student. When I asked to him a favor or needed his consultation, he did it like his work.
Nobody expects a discrimination from him.

The good teacher has a keen sense of humor.
Listener generally could be felt boring easily. Teachers are no exception to this. If teacher sits down on the chair and just listens somebody' speech, even teacher is going to be sleepy honestly. That's why some proper humor is necessary in the class. Humor has a mysterious power for concentration in the class.

The good teacher praises students for what they do.
Students usually could make a lot of mistakes and next time they’re going to be afraid of their mistakes. On this occasion, teacher’s praise can help them escape from a fear of mistake and then students will try to their best.

OK!
Are you ready for TESOL?
ATC's "SPECIALIZED TESOL-PROGRAM" is waiting for YOU!

By Deutschmann

2007-12-11T15:06:00.000-08:00

Recipe - Ichigo Daifuku (Strawberry rice cake stuffed with bean jam)

I love Ichigo Daifuku. This is one of Japanese popular sweets.
The way of making is very eazy and the taste is very good.

ingredients	Strawberries	7 pieces
(For 7 pieces of	Shiratamako(Rice flour)	100g
Ichigo Daifuku)	Sugar	100g
	Water	150cc
	Anko(Bean jam)	100g
	Katakuriko(Potato starch)	Suitable quantity

1. Divide 100g of Anko(Bean Jam) into 7 pieces, then wrap 7 pieces of strawberries with them. (Make Anko balls which have strawberries inside)

2. Put 100g of Shiratamako(Rice flour) and 100g of Sugar into a heat-resistant container, then add 150cc of water little by little and stir it until it becomes smooth.

3. Put it into a microwave and heat it for 3 minutes then stir it. And put it into a microwave again and heat it for 1 minutes then stir it. (This is the dough of Ichigo Daifuku)

4. Divide the dough into 7 pieces, then wrap 7 pieces of Anko balls with them.

5. Dust them with Katakuriko(Potato starch)

Enjoy! By Kurumi

What is your idea on teaching?

2007-12-11T14:25:00.000-08:00

Those of you who are reading this category will have interest in teaching and some are already in service or have plan to teach in the future. If then, what is your idea on teaching. Before taking the TESOL(Teaching English to Speakers of other languages) you need to conceptualize with your own view to succeed in your study and do not be disappointed after took the program.

With my idea I think teaching is the process of knowing myself rather than conveying knowledge to the students in my class. If we do not know ourselves we could not teach anybody. Even though we can teach but there are critical absent like a empty bowl. To be a sincere teacher you try to contemplate and find yourself thereafter you can reborn as a real teacher. And, if you want to be serious in your life I strongly recommend to take TESOL program even you are not interest in being a English teacher. The program will bring you a lot of resource in your life.

We have spent almost 2007, now it is the time to warp up and to plan coming year. Whatever you do I hope you will succeed in your field. See you in the next story.

recipe-ODEN (Japanese hot pot)

2007-12-10T14:43:00.001-08:00

It is getting cold recently.Do you know how to cook

ODEN-Japanese one pot dish?It is popular specially in winter.

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 daikon radish
2 potatoes
2 carrots
4 boiled eggs
1 blocks of konnyaku (transparent yam starch cake)
2 blocks of fried tofu (ganmodoki or atsuage)
2-4 fish cakes
4-5 tbsps of soy sauce
1 tsp of sugar
2 tbsps of sake (Japanese rice wine)
*You may use oden seasoning sold at Asian stores instead of using sake, soysauce, and sugar.

PREPARATION:
Cut daikon into thick rounds. Cut potatoes in half. Peel boiled eggs. Cut other ingredients into large pieces. Boil 4 cups of dashi soup stock in a large pot or donabe pot.

(Konbu (kelp) dashi is known as vegetarian soup stock. Removed konbu is good to cook with vegetables. )

donabe pot

Add ingredients into the pot. Add sake, soy sauce, and sugar in the pot. Turn down the heat to low and simmer for 40-60 minutes. *The longer you cook oden, the better the taste. Add dashi soup stock and soy sauce as needed.

Let't try it with Soju.

by Yoshi

27th Birthday

2007-12-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

"ICH GRATULIERE MIR ZUM GEBURTSTAG"

Today is my 27th birthday. I am not only happy but also a little sad.

My life is running to in my thirties so fast.

People say

"For a 5 year-old child, his life goes at 5km/h and he thinks that one day is enough long to do something.

On the other hand, for a 70 year-old guy, his life flies at 70km/h and he thanks to God day-by -day.

Same time is given them and me.

My life goes at 27km/h from today.

"Thirty year-old" is a very important period for men.

Men have to decide something seriously.

For instance, for marriage, a stable job, money, house and so on.

Personally, I know that I should decide something for my life but I don't know what I start at first.

Deutschmann~! Don't be serious~"I say myself"

Thanks God~

Thanks Muti~

Thanks Vati~

Thanks my friends~

I am happy because of you^-^.

Gracias~ Danke~ ありがとうございます~ 고마워요~

By Deutschmann

Travel around Canada and the US

2007-12-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

I have traveled around Canada and the US for 40 days by bus.

It took for more than 70 hours to get to Toronto from Vancouver by bus. When I got to Toronto, I was exhausted.

There were a lot of places to visit in Toronto. I liked CN Tower the best. It has "The Glass Floor". You can look down at the ground from 340 meters high. When I stood on the floor, I was chilled but it was fun.

Quebec was a beautiful and quiet city. There were tiny stores and restaurants along narrow streets. I found some artists were displaying their works on a narrow and short street. It was interesting.

I visited many churches in Montreal. And I was very impressed when I visited Notre-Dame Basilica. When I was a little girl, I saw a beautiful picture of the Basilica in my text book. When I entered into the Basilica, I remembered about the picture, then I felt like I was daydreaming.

I had so much fun in New York city. There are some big museums in New York city. I visited American History of Natural Museum, Moma, and Metropolitan Museum. I think all of these museums are worth visiting. Then I enjoyed seeing the famous musical "The Lion King" at Broadway. It was awesome.

Boston was a quiet city. I liked the buildings in Boston. They looked old and traditional. It was during Christmas holidays when I visited there, so most of the stores were closed unfortunately.

Miami was hot! It was a strange and interesting experience. When I got on the bus at Boston, it was freezing. And the bus went down to the South. Then I noticed that every time I got off the bus to transfer, it was getting warm and warm. When I got off the bus at Miami, it was just like summer. Many people were swimming in the beach.

I was scared all the time when I visited New Orleans. Because of the big hurricane which happened few years ago, the buildings were still broken and there were many homeless people everywhere.
I was surprised when I saw the Mississipi River. It looked like sea because it was very wide.

I passed through a long highway in Texas when I went to San Diego from New Orleans. I liked the highway. I did not see any people or animals on the highway. There were only huge ground and blue sky.

San Diego was a beautiful and peaceful city beside the sea. Old town was a very good place. I saw many old traditional buildings, stores and restaurants there.

When I visited Hollywood in Los Angeles, I found a foot print of Arnold Schwarzenegger! He is my favorite actor so I was very excited when I found it. It is my best memory in my life so far.

I enjoyed walking around inside the Pike Place Market in Seattle. There were a lot of interesting stores. And I enjoyed having a cup of coffee at the first Starbucks.

That's all. I recommend everyone to travel around Canada (and the US) by bus if you have enough time. It does not cost so much money if you use bus. I am sure you will enjoy it! I am sure it will be a great experience for you!

		Toronto
		Quebec
		Montreal
		New York
		Boston
		Miami
		New Orleans
		Texas
		San Diego
		Los Angeles
		San Francisco

By Kurumi

Quebec city-The pictureque city in Canada

2007-12-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

How long have you been to Canada?

Have you ever been to
Quebec city???

If not,you must visit at least once.

The atmosphere of Quebec city is totaly different from the rest of Canada.
When you enter the walls around
Quebec city downtown,there are
houses pulling carriges, antique
attractive buildings,blick roads,wall
paintings,churches,funcy
cafe,antique shops,restaurants open
until midnight..............lots!
You feel
like you are in Europe.

Don't worry! You don't have to be able to speak French.
People in Quebec city can speak English also.

Not everyone ,but many of them.

There is at least one person can speak English everywhere.

If not,,,,,still don't worry!They are very very NICE!!!!!!!!!!

They try to understand you patiently.

And you will hear.....

Bonjour=Hello

Comment ca va?=How are you?

Tres bien =Fine

Merci= Thank you

Bienvenue=Welcome or

You are welcome

I recommend you to visit QUEBEC CITY !

Such a nice city there is!!!

Why not?!!!!!

by yoshi

Fussball in Deutschland

2007-12-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

Today I want to talk about Football. Exept North-America, All of countries say 'Football' not 'Soccer'. '

Football' in German is Fuss(Foot)ball(ball).

It is a boring topic for women though, most of guys crazy about it. Especially european.!

My parents brought me to the football stadium every weekends when I was young.

My mom didn't seem to like 'Football' pretty much but was needed to go there with her husband unwillingly.

For a young child, that stadium was like heaven and it was kind of tonic of the life to have a frog in my throat because of supporting.

Our family used to support FC Nürnberg but our team was trying to avoid a degradation to the minor league. That was everything what FC Nürnberg could do. We loved our team but we were unhappy with that.

When I was 15 year-old, My father decided to move to Frankfurt am Main finally. FC Frankfurt was ranked very high, that's why I was super happy. Our new team was known for Bum-Keun Cha who was a famous korean attacker and led his team to UEFA Champion.

Mr. Cha created a sensation in Germany because FC Frankfurt was in low rank of Bundesliga like FC Nürnberg before contracting the korean hero. My father really loved to see and watch Mr.Cha's play. After Mr. Bomb's comeback to Southkorea, the popularity of Bundesliga was going to go donwhill.

Many millionaires invested an enormous sum of money into the british league. Our heros left to the british league for chasing money.

I dreamed to be an agent of FIFA(Federation Internationale de Football Association) but I met opposition of my parents. They wanted to me to be a normal business man and said to me, 'Deutschmann! Football is only your hobby, it shouldn't be your job' I understood what they meant because I needed to go to overseas very often if I work at FIFA and I am going to neglect my responsibility for my future wife and children inadvertently, that's why I gave my temporary dream up.

Anyway some of german football players are famous in the world. Michael Ballack and Oliver Kahn. Those palyers are really famous for Japanese. I attach 3 pictures of them(Cha,Ballack,Kahn).

by Deutschmann

ATC - Academy of Languages and Training Canada

WHO I AM

New Year's Resolutions

Music

WORLD CUP!

2010 Vancouver winter olympic games!

Valentine's Day

Chinese New Year

Lunar New Year's Day (Seol lal) in Korea

Korean restaurant 'JANG MO JIP"

10 Romantic Movies for Valentine's Day

I see you, "Avatar"

Australia

New Moon

Ireland

Chicken Paprikas

Our Amazing Waterfalls!

the movie "Yes man"

Organization and Discipline

The Importance of Communication

Advice: What Should I Do?

Hahyun Park’s last day!(Overdue...Sept 25th)

The Secret About Great Teachers

Challenges of Teaching Multi-Level Classes

ESL Teaching at ATC

Poland

Denver, Colorado (USA)

Poems...

Long weekend in Canada!

How to write a poem?

おすすめレストランin Vancouver

Enjoy your life in Vancouver!!

My Love. Stanley Park

Are you a shopaholic?

Office Yoga

What makes homestay life successful?

Enjoy the Vancouver's Summer with Frisbee -!!

Just say "Thank you" and "I love you"..^-^

'Cheesecake Etcetera'.. Could be good choice.

Learning English by Movies

What are the main qualities of a good teacher?

April Fool's trick (an italian tradition)

A bloomimg sing of spring

No pain No gain

good news to your health

Sudoku

"The Pursuit of Happiness"

AKI - Japanese Restaurant

mt seymour trail

공존하는 문화. 벤쿠버...

Vancouver is amazing city.

fabrizio in canada!

Stepho's

Whistler

How to improve English(It might be your the last chance to learn english in canada.)

I recommend to enjoy Vancouver life!!!

step up 2 the streets

simply different

Who do you want to share your lovely dinner with?

Between Victoria & Vancouver

Travelling Around Alberta

Working as a barista in Vancouver

How to enjoy living in Vancouver

Chinese New Year in Vancouver.

Room to relax

Dream of Future

Dogs' Body Language

History of Chess

The things which we didn't know

Beautiful Rainy Day in Vancouver

Plants Have Souls

Elephants never forget

C/F feet/m lb/kg

Power of Tones

Gift Wrapping Ideas

SHABUSEN

City of Surrey

Let's Drink Green Tea!

The Old Spaghetti factory

Japanese Tradition 2