【Story Books】
I've started a new plan for children in our cram school since last week. Kids whose classes are over have to read a story book to me while waiting for their parents' arrival. I offer them three different kinds of level with 20, 30, and 40 points per book.
I think this is a positive way to encourage children have more outside reading opportunity. For those who are in more advanced level, it is affirmative. On the other hand, it is a good challenge and practice for those who may not be so advanced but are willing to gain more points. For the boss, she thinks it is good to have those kids' parents to see they are reading English story books when they are picking them up. As for me, it is a happy thing to see students try to learn more things out of classes. I hope my boss can understand the importance of outside reading.
2007年12月29日 星期六
Writing 42
【Scenery】
Recently, I noticed that the scenery these days are full of changes. The sunset the other day was the most beautiful one that I've ever seen, a huge orange-colored-ball hung above the horizon painted the whole sky with its color. Everything looked as if they were covered with golden dust, the kind of fairy's magic dust which appears in story books.
After a short rain in the afternoon on Monday, a rainbow appeared in the sky. It was not a complete rainbow as I mostly expect, but it was very colorful in the bluish sky. I could easily tell all its seven color from it. The same day, when night came, the moon looked extraordinary gigantic. Walking beneath the pale moon light was so romantic. I wonder if there really is a rabbit on the moon, peeking the outside world. As I walked toward the train station, fallen leaves raced ahead me, and they looked satisfied winning. How I love all the scenery, simple, but attractive.
Recently, I noticed that the scenery these days are full of changes. The sunset the other day was the most beautiful one that I've ever seen, a huge orange-colored-ball hung above the horizon painted the whole sky with its color. Everything looked as if they were covered with golden dust, the kind of fairy's magic dust which appears in story books.
After a short rain in the afternoon on Monday, a rainbow appeared in the sky. It was not a complete rainbow as I mostly expect, but it was very colorful in the bluish sky. I could easily tell all its seven color from it. The same day, when night came, the moon looked extraordinary gigantic. Walking beneath the pale moon light was so romantic. I wonder if there really is a rabbit on the moon, peeking the outside world. As I walked toward the train station, fallen leaves raced ahead me, and they looked satisfied winning. How I love all the scenery, simple, but attractive.
Writing 41
【Presents】
The presents I got this Christmas are a handmade card, a box of chocolate, some cookies and candies given by those children in the cram school. I didn't look forward to any present-receiving, so it became a surprise when I got all those things.
Although it may be a candy or cookie which I can afford easily, but for children, they can be extremely nice presents when having no idea of what to give. With a sweet smile and a simple blessing, it is warm enough to keep me energetic in this cold December and tiring work. The handmade card I received from my friend brings me lots of laughter when reading it, but what was written in is quite warming also. The box of chocolate was given by another friend, there are seven walnut flavor chocolates inside the fine-packed red box, tempting fragrance racing out from the small box as soon as it is uncovered. What a Merry Christmas I had this year!
The presents I got this Christmas are a handmade card, a box of chocolate, some cookies and candies given by those children in the cram school. I didn't look forward to any present-receiving, so it became a surprise when I got all those things.
Although it may be a candy or cookie which I can afford easily, but for children, they can be extremely nice presents when having no idea of what to give. With a sweet smile and a simple blessing, it is warm enough to keep me energetic in this cold December and tiring work. The handmade card I received from my friend brings me lots of laughter when reading it, but what was written in is quite warming also. The box of chocolate was given by another friend, there are seven walnut flavor chocolates inside the fine-packed red box, tempting fragrance racing out from the small box as soon as it is uncovered. What a Merry Christmas I had this year!
2007年12月21日 星期五
Writing 40
【Superstitions】
Our oral training class today was discussing superstitions. It is a interesting topic, and there are so many things to talk about when it come to superstitions.
We started from the western superstition: knock on wood, then the teacher had each of us talking about how superstitious we are and good luck charms. It is a novel thing for me, for I had never seen someones good luck charm before. One of my classmates has a piece of yellow paper, with something written on it. It is a written charm, and it can keep one away from bad luck. Another classmate has a small bag as her good luck charm, it has something that can keep bad things from happening inside of it. After seeing their security charms, I want to get one someday, for I am a person who is quite afraid of supernatural things.
Our oral training class today was discussing superstitions. It is a interesting topic, and there are so many things to talk about when it come to superstitions.
We started from the western superstition: knock on wood, then the teacher had each of us talking about how superstitious we are and good luck charms. It is a novel thing for me, for I had never seen someones good luck charm before. One of my classmates has a piece of yellow paper, with something written on it. It is a written charm, and it can keep one away from bad luck. Another classmate has a small bag as her good luck charm, it has something that can keep bad things from happening inside of it. After seeing their security charms, I want to get one someday, for I am a person who is quite afraid of supernatural things.
Writing 39
【Christmas and Lovers】
I am chatting with a friend on MSN right now, he is a boy who is one year younger than me. He has been complaining the stores wherever he goes have too many decorations just because of the coming of Christmas.
I asked him why he doesn't like those decorations, and this is what he thinks: holidays such as Christmas and Valentines day are for only lovers, it makes him feel sad whenever he sees them. I told him that it isn't true, people without lovers can also enjoy those special holidays very much. Now he is self-pitying, and I don't know what I should say to make him feel better. Keeping on thinking negatively isn't the usual way he does, perhaps it is because too many lovers appear in the store he works, so he becomes so sensitive. I guess once he had a girlfriend, he wouldn't think it is so wonderful at all, all he thought about will be the spending of presents for each special days.
I am chatting with a friend on MSN right now, he is a boy who is one year younger than me. He has been complaining the stores wherever he goes have too many decorations just because of the coming of Christmas.
I asked him why he doesn't like those decorations, and this is what he thinks: holidays such as Christmas and Valentines day are for only lovers, it makes him feel sad whenever he sees them. I told him that it isn't true, people without lovers can also enjoy those special holidays very much. Now he is self-pitying, and I don't know what I should say to make him feel better. Keeping on thinking negatively isn't the usual way he does, perhaps it is because too many lovers appear in the store he works, so he becomes so sensitive. I guess once he had a girlfriend, he wouldn't think it is so wonderful at all, all he thought about will be the spending of presents for each special days.
2007年12月20日 星期四
Writing 38
【Going Out】
Last Saturday, I went out with three girls in ma class. We were asked to go out with some other boys in different departments, the host is one of the students who takes the same elective course as I do. After a chaos of management of places, and the number of attending people , we finally decided where to go.
We met at noon in front of the third dormitory, then we went to a nice restaurant for lunch. We knew each other by introducing ourselves, and became more familiar later on by chatting during the meal. Bowling alley was the next place we went. Although our arms and fingers were hurt because of the heavy weight of the bowling balls, we still had a lot of fun, everyone got strike at least once! Before we went back to our dormitories, we spent several hours at a beverage store, playing games with poker. They know so many games using poker, and all of them are easy and interesting to play. I enjoy that day very much, and I hope next time we can spend more time having fun together.
Last Saturday, I went out with three girls in ma class. We were asked to go out with some other boys in different departments, the host is one of the students who takes the same elective course as I do. After a chaos of management of places, and the number of attending people , we finally decided where to go.
We met at noon in front of the third dormitory, then we went to a nice restaurant for lunch. We knew each other by introducing ourselves, and became more familiar later on by chatting during the meal. Bowling alley was the next place we went. Although our arms and fingers were hurt because of the heavy weight of the bowling balls, we still had a lot of fun, everyone got strike at least once! Before we went back to our dormitories, we spent several hours at a beverage store, playing games with poker. They know so many games using poker, and all of them are easy and interesting to play. I enjoy that day very much, and I hope next time we can spend more time having fun together.
2007年12月15日 星期六
Writing 37
【Meteor】
It was said that there will be meteors on Friday night, so one of my friends and I decided to go and take a look at it. We met at 10:30 p.m., and then went to Anping.
It was too early to see the Meteor, so we both ordered a bowl of Tofu pudding for dessert. We haven't seen each other for a long time, and it is always nice to have a long conversation with an old friend, asking each other's resent life, or how he is doing with his girlfriend. When it was about midnight, we hopped on his scooter and left for the beach nearby.
The sandy beach is never lighten by any streetlight, that makes this creepy place a perfect spot for watching the meteor. There were several groups of students nearby, also waiting. The cold wind blew from the sea has a heavy fishy smell, but we didn't go, for we were so eager to see the meteor. However, after hours of waiting, nothing happened at all, not even a cockroach shooting itself through the sky. The cloud was too thick, we went home with disappointment. I hope I can see it next time.
It was said that there will be meteors on Friday night, so one of my friends and I decided to go and take a look at it. We met at 10:30 p.m., and then went to Anping.
It was too early to see the Meteor, so we both ordered a bowl of Tofu pudding for dessert. We haven't seen each other for a long time, and it is always nice to have a long conversation with an old friend, asking each other's resent life, or how he is doing with his girlfriend. When it was about midnight, we hopped on his scooter and left for the beach nearby.
The sandy beach is never lighten by any streetlight, that makes this creepy place a perfect spot for watching the meteor. There were several groups of students nearby, also waiting. The cold wind blew from the sea has a heavy fishy smell, but we didn't go, for we were so eager to see the meteor. However, after hours of waiting, nothing happened at all, not even a cockroach shooting itself through the sky. The cloud was too thick, we went home with disappointment. I hope I can see it next time.
Writing 36
【Christmas and Taipei】
I was in Taipei with my friends last weekend, and they took me to a place where is decorated with whatever symbols Christmas. It was amazing! I nearly forgot I was still awake.
Beautiful Christmas trees with sparkling lights surrounding around, little castles built for people to take pictures with, a church which has various kinds or colorful light bulbs on its roof, and sidewalk lined up with shiny trees. The thing which attracts most people is the great Christmas tree in the center of the square. This year the Christmas tree is made of crystal, light with different color reflexes on the transparent tree, whoever sees it is deeply attracted.
As we walked through the crowded sidewalk after the two-hour touring, we could hear music is still playing, and see children playing and climbing up and down in the playground. What a heavenly decorated place it is!
I was in Taipei with my friends last weekend, and they took me to a place where is decorated with whatever symbols Christmas. It was amazing! I nearly forgot I was still awake.
Beautiful Christmas trees with sparkling lights surrounding around, little castles built for people to take pictures with, a church which has various kinds or colorful light bulbs on its roof, and sidewalk lined up with shiny trees. The thing which attracts most people is the great Christmas tree in the center of the square. This year the Christmas tree is made of crystal, light with different color reflexes on the transparent tree, whoever sees it is deeply attracted.
As we walked through the crowded sidewalk after the two-hour touring, we could hear music is still playing, and see children playing and climbing up and down in the playground. What a heavenly decorated place it is!
2007年12月14日 星期五
Writing 35
【Busy, Smile】
Last week, my boss told me that there would be one whole day with no teacher assistances helping around in the office, that means I had to do 3 times as much whatever T.A.s usually do a day. The problem I found was that too many things had to be done, but not enough time to finish everything!
It was a terrible day. While I was cleaning up the messy table, my boss kept on hurrying me to check the numbers of new materials for students. When I was doing telephone teaching with some other kids, a foreign teacher asked me to go to his class to explain the vocabulary's Chinese meaning. I didn't finish anything, for I spent a lot of time doing the cleaning. Before I rushed out the office, our boss asked me if I was in a bad mood that day. Of course not! I was just too busy that I forgot to "smile"!
Last week, my boss told me that there would be one whole day with no teacher assistances helping around in the office, that means I had to do 3 times as much whatever T.A.s usually do a day. The problem I found was that too many things had to be done, but not enough time to finish everything!
It was a terrible day. While I was cleaning up the messy table, my boss kept on hurrying me to check the numbers of new materials for students. When I was doing telephone teaching with some other kids, a foreign teacher asked me to go to his class to explain the vocabulary's Chinese meaning. I didn't finish anything, for I spent a lot of time doing the cleaning. Before I rushed out the office, our boss asked me if I was in a bad mood that day. Of course not! I was just too busy that I forgot to "smile"!
2007年12月6日 星期四
Writing 34
【Substituting】
The other teacher who teaches the same class with me was sick and took one day off this Tuesday, it was I who substituted him. I beguiled my time preparing for the class, for I had already taught the students the same lesson last Friday, this made me feel more relaxed. No more than 30 minutes that I was prepared for everything.
2007年12月3日 星期一
Writing 33
【Fatness】
I read an article on the web page this afternoon, it is about fatness is the cause of over 50 percent gravidas' death. This article is based on the statistic of a resent research from the United Kingdom. The high rate of death not only happens while giving birth to babies, but also hangs over the course during gestation. There is a great chance of having heart disease, abort, or diabetes.
How horrible it is! How come a joyful and celebratory thing has become so fearful because of fatness. I know lots of girls are losing weights nowadays, but instead of reaching the aim of being healthy, a large amount of them do it in order to have good figures. Take me as an example, I jog from my working place to the train station four times a week now for lessen my adipose legs and my lower abdomen. Maybe it is better to keep on exercising frequently no matter which reason it is for.
I read an article on the web page this afternoon, it is about fatness is the cause of over 50 percent gravidas' death. This article is based on the statistic of a resent research from the United Kingdom. The high rate of death not only happens while giving birth to babies, but also hangs over the course during gestation. There is a great chance of having heart disease, abort, or diabetes.
How horrible it is! How come a joyful and celebratory thing has become so fearful because of fatness. I know lots of girls are losing weights nowadays, but instead of reaching the aim of being healthy, a large amount of them do it in order to have good figures. Take me as an example, I jog from my working place to the train station four times a week now for lessen my adipose legs and my lower abdomen. Maybe it is better to keep on exercising frequently no matter which reason it is for.
Writing 32
【Car Accident】
Last Thursday I noticed that one of my friends' diary is not as happy as she used to be. It is about an unlucky thing which strikes her recently. She had a car accident! I can tell that it was extremely serious from her diary. Aside from the wound on her chin, her finger's cord is broken, and her tooth is fractured, too.
I was so worry about her that I called her immediately. I felt relieved when I heard her voice, she sound like nothing bad had ever happen to her. She told me the person who caused the accident pays for her medical bill, and has to drive her to school or to wherever she wants after she returns to school from her home in Taipei. Although she is lucky to have the author pay the expensive bill and take the responsibilities, it is still not lucky enough for her to avoid the accident. I hope she'll come through soon.
Last Thursday I noticed that one of my friends' diary is not as happy as she used to be. It is about an unlucky thing which strikes her recently. She had a car accident! I can tell that it was extremely serious from her diary. Aside from the wound on her chin, her finger's cord is broken, and her tooth is fractured, too.
I was so worry about her that I called her immediately. I felt relieved when I heard her voice, she sound like nothing bad had ever happen to her. She told me the person who caused the accident pays for her medical bill, and has to drive her to school or to wherever she wants after she returns to school from her home in Taipei. Although she is lucky to have the author pay the expensive bill and take the responsibilities, it is still not lucky enough for her to avoid the accident. I hope she'll come through soon.
2007年11月29日 星期四
Writing 31
【Jogging】
Yesterday, one of our teachers said that students nowadays exercise too less. For some of my classmates, this probably isn't true; however, it is true enough for my. I decided to jog to the train station where I take the train back to school after work. It takes me more than 13 minutes to walk under my normal speed, but it took 5 minutes less jogging.
I reduced my speed several times to get enough rest, for I hadn't been doing any kind of exercise for a long time. After I reached the platform, I panted and panted, it was not so far as I thought, but much tiring. Maybe I'll try to jog continuously every time I'm back from the office, otherwise, I will be shocked by my weight after this winter.
Yesterday, one of our teachers said that students nowadays exercise too less. For some of my classmates, this probably isn't true; however, it is true enough for my. I decided to jog to the train station where I take the train back to school after work. It takes me more than 13 minutes to walk under my normal speed, but it took 5 minutes less jogging.
I reduced my speed several times to get enough rest, for I hadn't been doing any kind of exercise for a long time. After I reached the platform, I panted and panted, it was not so far as I thought, but much tiring. Maybe I'll try to jog continuously every time I'm back from the office, otherwise, I will be shocked by my weight after this winter.
2007年11月28日 星期三
Writing 30
【Unfamiliar】
I was at the club today, and we had a meeting for only the cadre. We have two new cadres, both of them are girls, they are good-looking, but clammily behaved. I tried to be friendly to them, but it seems my bid for trying so hard turns out to be in vain.
Even though I think they behave this way is because of not knowing how to deal with their bashfulness, I don't think this is the proper way to get along with someone who is older than them. Perhaps I spend too much time working, and too less time in the club this semester, so nearly none of the new members know me. I don't like to be so unfamiliar with people, but what can I do?
I was at the club today, and we had a meeting for only the cadre. We have two new cadres, both of them are girls, they are good-looking, but clammily behaved. I tried to be friendly to them, but it seems my bid for trying so hard turns out to be in vain.
Even though I think they behave this way is because of not knowing how to deal with their bashfulness, I don't think this is the proper way to get along with someone who is older than them. Perhaps I spend too much time working, and too less time in the club this semester, so nearly none of the new members know me. I don't like to be so unfamiliar with people, but what can I do?
Writing 29
【Umbrella】
I was asked by a friend what would I think of when it comes to the word "umbrella". "Rain, children, yellow raincoat, roof, and raindrops." I replied, then it's my turn to ask him the same question. He said he would think of sky. I thought about his answer while in bed, is it the sky that rains on the umbrella, or the sky under the umbrella.
I always imagine there is a piece of sky which never rains above my head. When it rains, "my" sky becomes closer to me, it is just between my umbrella and me. I create much more imagination when not being bothered, and the sound of Raindrops helps a lot. I dote on the feeling walking with an umbrella on rainy days.
2007年11月23日 星期五
Writing 28
【Game In The Class】
My cram school students are now learning different countries and nationalities. Most kids find it difficult to memorize so many names, so I decided to let them learn in a more fun way.
We had Fishing Game today. First, I listed at least twelve sentences on the board, such as "I come from ____, I am Canadian."and "_____ are you from?" Second, I had the cards which have words for the undone sentences written in different colors. Third, I sticked some pieces of tapes onto candies which has the same color- as the cards do- hidden in the other side. Then divided students into two teams, each team got a pole with tapes replaced hook. The caddy's color told them which color's card they should pick up, then match it with the sentences.
It seems like they enjoy fishing candies more than matching, but since they got all the answers correct, I think at least they can understand so far.
My cram school students are now learning different countries and nationalities. Most kids find it difficult to memorize so many names, so I decided to let them learn in a more fun way.
We had Fishing Game today. First, I listed at least twelve sentences on the board, such as "I come from ____, I am Canadian."and "_____ are you from?" Second, I had the cards which have words for the undone sentences written in different colors. Third, I sticked some pieces of tapes onto candies which has the same color- as the cards do- hidden in the other side. Then divided students into two teams, each team got a pole with tapes replaced hook. The caddy's color told them which color's card they should pick up, then match it with the sentences.
It seems like they enjoy fishing candies more than matching, but since they got all the answers correct, I think at least they can understand so far.
2007年11月20日 星期二
Writing 27
【What Are Friends For?】
She used to take advantages from others, for example, instead of spending 1 dollar to print her assignment at the printing store, she asks another classmate who owns a printer for help every time. Also, she never uses her own thing when other people have it, it is always nice to save ones thing and squander others. Are friends simply people to take advantages from only when needed? Aren't they for filling and lightening up our lives and supporting us when we are under depression situation? Whatever the answer is, surly enough, I don't think I will be that kind of person's friend.
Writing 26
【Conversation】
I am taking the emotion management course this semester, for I hadn't taken this kind of classes before. In this class, we learn that any kind of emotion is closely related to our family background; therefore, our teacher asks us to have a conversation with our family members and try discussing whatever topic we chose, then write it down as the midterm. My hometown is in Hualien, it is impossible for me to take the five-and-a-half-hour train back home only for the assignment.
I decided to contact my sister using the MSN messenger. I was surprised at how similar our thought is when mentioned the relationship between my parents. Both of us know they need to talk, but we never knew we have almost the same idea. Thanks to the assignment, it allows me to know my sister better than before.
2007年11月8日 星期四
Writing 25
【Happy Friday】
Except the failure of not doing well on the listening midterm, I have a pretty nice week, especially on Friday. I had a fever last week, so I did not go to work during those days, and this Friday was the first time I use new materials in my class. Two hours for teaching them vocabularies, explaining grammar, playing games, phonics teaching and having a quiz is not enough is not enough, but I finished all these works in time and had a good ending.
After work, I went to the night market with my co-workers. We had some stinky to-fu and a big bowl of good stew chicken for each of us. I felt the wind become not so frigid after having the chicken soup. I am now looking forward to next time when we are going to the same night market for some more hot soup.
Except the failure of not doing well on the listening midterm, I have a pretty nice week, especially on Friday. I had a fever last week, so I did not go to work during those days, and this Friday was the first time I use new materials in my class. Two hours for teaching them vocabularies, explaining grammar, playing games, phonics teaching and having a quiz is not enough is not enough, but I finished all these works in time and had a good ending.
After work, I went to the night market with my co-workers. We had some stinky to-fu and a big bowl of good stew chicken for each of us. I felt the wind become not so frigid after having the chicken soup. I am now looking forward to next time when we are going to the same night market for some more hot soup.
2007年11月7日 星期三
Writing 24
【Cleaning Up My Room】
My friend is coming to Tainan this weekend for a performance, and she will stay in my little room during the night. She didn't tell me that she'll be here on Friday until I called her tonight. I can not leave the office until 9:30 that day, and when I reach my room, it will already be 10:30. She decided to come that afternoon before I leave, so she will not need to wait me until so late in the train station.
I started to clean up my room after I return from the club. There are a lot to do, including sweep the floor, wipe the furniture, and do the laundry. It took me more time than I imagined, I hope my friend will have a good time staying here.
My friend is coming to Tainan this weekend for a performance, and she will stay in my little room during the night. She didn't tell me that she'll be here on Friday until I called her tonight. I can not leave the office until 9:30 that day, and when I reach my room, it will already be 10:30. She decided to come that afternoon before I leave, so she will not need to wait me until so late in the train station.
I started to clean up my room after I return from the club. There are a lot to do, including sweep the floor, wipe the furniture, and do the laundry. It took me more time than I imagined, I hope my friend will have a good time staying here.
2007年11月6日 星期二
Writing 23
【T & S】
Today while I was at the office where I work, one of the foreign teachers came take the seat in front of me and started complaining about his class. He said students in that class have really bad attitude, for example, they murmur when he asked them to read out loud, and they refused to take out their textbooks when he told them to do so. All teachers there know that he had already endured them for a month, and tried to talk to them in order to solve this problem. However, the result turns out to be disappointing, and he is not going to teach that class anymore. I think if I were him, I probably might had given up for the third time I'd try it. It is true that teachers lose enthusiasm if students' attitude is bad.
Today while I was at the office where I work, one of the foreign teachers came take the seat in front of me and started complaining about his class. He said students in that class have really bad attitude, for example, they murmur when he asked them to read out loud, and they refused to take out their textbooks when he told them to do so. All teachers there know that he had already endured them for a month, and tried to talk to them in order to solve this problem. However, the result turns out to be disappointing, and he is not going to teach that class anymore. I think if I were him, I probably might had given up for the third time I'd try it. It is true that teachers lose enthusiasm if students' attitude is bad.
2007年11月2日 星期五
Writing 22
【Her Boyfriend】
After twenty years of maintaining single, my best friend--Jan finally has her first boyfriend. Last night, I had a short conversation with him while my friend was busy taking her stomach medicine. I was surprised that he persuaded Jan to quit the two clubs she attended, and the reason why he had done that is simply because he felt unfair if not doing so. He gave up his job in Taipei, which earns really good pay, so he cannot bear Jan to have her social life with all the friends she has. "How selfish can a person be, and how stupid a person can make himself by weighing two different kind of sacrifices," I thought. After telling him how I felt, I gave up typing on the MSN Messenger. Perhaps I was being too snoopy or maybe I was just being jealous of him, who knows?
After twenty years of maintaining single, my best friend--Jan finally has her first boyfriend. Last night, I had a short conversation with him while my friend was busy taking her stomach medicine. I was surprised that he persuaded Jan to quit the two clubs she attended, and the reason why he had done that is simply because he felt unfair if not doing so. He gave up his job in Taipei, which earns really good pay, so he cannot bear Jan to have her social life with all the friends she has. "How selfish can a person be, and how stupid a person can make himself by weighing two different kind of sacrifices," I thought. After telling him how I felt, I gave up typing on the MSN Messenger. Perhaps I was being too snoopy or maybe I was just being jealous of him, who knows?
2007年10月31日 星期三
Writing 21
【Troubles and Fever】
As the title reads, I had a fever. I didn't take off classes for the whole day, even I felt dizzy. I had two full bottles of water and went strait to bed. My temperature raised to 37.8 Celsius, so I got up from bed and went to the nearest pharmacy. After taking a pill, my head began to daze terribly, and that isn't the end of my bad luck. I broke my thermograph! Being afraid of the mercury might evaporate and spread into the air, I cleaned most of them up. I spent that night in my classmate's room, but I couldn't fall asleep for I was completely terrified.
When I got up the next morning, I asked several friends for help to see if they know how to deal with this situation. They gave useful advices, and one of them would come over to clean up the rest of the mercury. I wonder how many troubles can happen when I was suffering from fever.
As the title reads, I had a fever. I didn't take off classes for the whole day, even I felt dizzy. I had two full bottles of water and went strait to bed. My temperature raised to 37.8 Celsius, so I got up from bed and went to the nearest pharmacy. After taking a pill, my head began to daze terribly, and that isn't the end of my bad luck. I broke my thermograph! Being afraid of the mercury might evaporate and spread into the air, I cleaned most of them up. I spent that night in my classmate's room, but I couldn't fall asleep for I was completely terrified.
When I got up the next morning, I asked several friends for help to see if they know how to deal with this situation. They gave useful advices, and one of them would come over to clean up the rest of the mercury. I wonder how many troubles can happen when I was suffering from fever.
2007年10月29日 星期一
Writing 20
【Rival of love】
I have a friend whose appearance is quite attractive for most female, we have been close friends for more than one year. Although he is now joining in the army, we still keep in contact, and sometimes have long talks on weekends. He is a nice guy, and has a virtuous beauty as a girlfriend, being with them is always pleasant.
However, friendship can sometimes be frail. Last Saturday I asked him to ride me to somewhere I had been wanting to go for a long time, but still had no chance to do so. We went to a lot of places that day and didn't leave another friend's house until three o'clock in the morning. His girlfriend kept on calling his cell phone during those hours. I felt so uncomfortable, it seems like she is taking me as her rival of love.
Jealousy can happen, and it's nature; but I don't think his girlfriend should take it so seriously. Maybe pretending not noticing her jealousy is the best way by now.
I have a friend whose appearance is quite attractive for most female, we have been close friends for more than one year. Although he is now joining in the army, we still keep in contact, and sometimes have long talks on weekends. He is a nice guy, and has a virtuous beauty as a girlfriend, being with them is always pleasant.
However, friendship can sometimes be frail. Last Saturday I asked him to ride me to somewhere I had been wanting to go for a long time, but still had no chance to do so. We went to a lot of places that day and didn't leave another friend's house until three o'clock in the morning. His girlfriend kept on calling his cell phone during those hours. I felt so uncomfortable, it seems like she is taking me as her rival of love.
Jealousy can happen, and it's nature; but I don't think his girlfriend should take it so seriously. Maybe pretending not noticing her jealousy is the best way by now.
2007年10月28日 星期日
Writing 19
【Snobbish】
I find people are sometimes snobbish even we don't think we are behaving like that. Take me as an example, when I am taking pictures, I would rather ask those who look better than other plain ones. A photographer told me that he has the same thought as I do, and most of his friends agree with him, too. Amazed, I mentioned it while I had dinner with a girl, who had once been our model. She was not surprised hearing what I said, instead, she said it is not only I have this kind of thought. If it is true, maybe being snobbish is not a bad thing, but showing our human nature.
I find people are sometimes snobbish even we don't think we are behaving like that. Take me as an example, when I am taking pictures, I would rather ask those who look better than other plain ones. A photographer told me that he has the same thought as I do, and most of his friends agree with him, too. Amazed, I mentioned it while I had dinner with a girl, who had once been our model. She was not surprised hearing what I said, instead, she said it is not only I have this kind of thought. If it is true, maybe being snobbish is not a bad thing, but showing our human nature.
2007年10月24日 星期三
Writing 18
【Annoying】
My friends and I drove a model to Tainan last Saturday. We took dozens of pictures around a classical European building. There were some other photographers and models as if there was a competition, for those who had a camera all looked professional. While we were taking pictures of our model, there were two men holding expensive cameras came across. They walked around and starred at the girl we were taking photos until one of my friends invited them to join us. To be friendly, we exchanged our MSN after we ended up in that evening, however; I found both of them actually are trying to find opportunities to date our model. She complained with me about their boring conversation. How come a person can be so annoying!
My friends and I drove a model to Tainan last Saturday. We took dozens of pictures around a classical European building. There were some other photographers and models as if there was a competition, for those who had a camera all looked professional. While we were taking pictures of our model, there were two men holding expensive cameras came across. They walked around and starred at the girl we were taking photos until one of my friends invited them to join us. To be friendly, we exchanged our MSN after we ended up in that evening, however; I found both of them actually are trying to find opportunities to date our model. She complained with me about their boring conversation. How come a person can be so annoying!
2007年10月22日 星期一
Writing 17
【Birthday Card】
Yesterday was my mother's birthday. I made a birthday card as usual, and sent it home. It has become a habit in our family to send cards in special days, including birthday, Chinese New Year, Christmas, and both Father's Day and Mother's Day. I enjoy spending hours making stuffs like that, it is much fun than studying, and I know how cheerful my family members will be receiving them. Handmade presents are always more valuable than ready made ones, though they might not look as nice as expensive ones. Anyway, I have put all my best wishes into the card, and wish my mom a happy birthday.
Yesterday was my mother's birthday. I made a birthday card as usual, and sent it home. It has become a habit in our family to send cards in special days, including birthday, Chinese New Year, Christmas, and both Father's Day and Mother's Day. I enjoy spending hours making stuffs like that, it is much fun than studying, and I know how cheerful my family members will be receiving them. Handmade presents are always more valuable than ready made ones, though they might not look as nice as expensive ones. Anyway, I have put all my best wishes into the card, and wish my mom a happy birthday.
2007年10月20日 星期六
Writing 16
【Vampire】
I read a novel about vampire yesterday, the story is well written. It says vampires do exist in our society, we don't know because they pretend to be human in order to raise chances of getting closer to those victims. They have good looking, sharp-witted, and the ability to live long. When I mentioned these to my friend, she told me she could not trust anyone if it's true. However, when I mentioned vampires have attractive appearance, she said she would love to be the first victim to be caught by one of them. How enormous does appearance effect one's mind.
I read a novel about vampire yesterday, the story is well written. It says vampires do exist in our society, we don't know because they pretend to be human in order to raise chances of getting closer to those victims. They have good looking, sharp-witted, and the ability to live long. When I mentioned these to my friend, she told me she could not trust anyone if it's true. However, when I mentioned vampires have attractive appearance, she said she would love to be the first victim to be caught by one of them. How enormous does appearance effect one's mind.
2007年10月17日 星期三
Writing 15
【Club】
I've been joining in a club for two years. It is called The A.C.G. Club, abbreviation of animation, comic, and video games. We had our first meeting in the E building this afternoon, it was about discussing the new publication we plan to publish this semester. In order to make a high-level picture album, I asked several freshmen to join this project. I'm deeply impressed by their astonishing fine drawings, they will surely become our main force in this project. The only thing worries me is how long their enthusiasm will maintain.
I've been joining in a club for two years. It is called The A.C.G. Club, abbreviation of animation, comic, and video games. We had our first meeting in the E building this afternoon, it was about discussing the new publication we plan to publish this semester. In order to make a high-level picture album, I asked several freshmen to join this project. I'm deeply impressed by their astonishing fine drawings, they will surely become our main force in this project. The only thing worries me is how long their enthusiasm will maintain.
2007年10月15日 星期一
Writing 14
【Getting along with children】
I met one of my foreign colleagues on my way back to school. He told me he has trouble controlling naughty kids. He substituted a teacher in another cram school several weeks ago, and the students there are evil. Some of them threw things at him, others said rude words, he was totally annoyed.
I had the same experience this summer. The children at the summer camp were ofter out of control, I had to be mean sometimes, but after those two irritating months, now I am one of the teachers they like the most.
There are lots of ways getting along with children, it is always frustrating at the beginning, after that, I can see their angel-like nature under the little devil masks.
I met one of my foreign colleagues on my way back to school. He told me he has trouble controlling naughty kids. He substituted a teacher in another cram school several weeks ago, and the students there are evil. Some of them threw things at him, others said rude words, he was totally annoyed.
I had the same experience this summer. The children at the summer camp were ofter out of control, I had to be mean sometimes, but after those two irritating months, now I am one of the teachers they like the most.
There are lots of ways getting along with children, it is always frustrating at the beginning, after that, I can see their angel-like nature under the little devil masks.
2007年10月12日 星期五
Writing 13
【Appointment】
I have an appointment with some friends this Sunday. We had already affirmed the time two weeks ago; however, I received a message from one of them the other day, saying that most of them decided to go to Taichung. He asked me if I am going, too? "Of course not." I send him back the message.
How serious do people take appointment? I still don't have any idea about it, but I do know even close friends can sometimes ignore the importance of it. Is it silly to take it serious, or maybe it is that I have to take it easy?
I have an appointment with some friends this Sunday. We had already affirmed the time two weeks ago; however, I received a message from one of them the other day, saying that most of them decided to go to Taichung. He asked me if I am going, too? "Of course not." I send him back the message.
How serious do people take appointment? I still don't have any idea about it, but I do know even close friends can sometimes ignore the importance of it. Is it silly to take it serious, or maybe it is that I have to take it easy?
2007年10月8日 星期一
Writing 12
【Girl's talk】
I had a chat with my students during the break time today, we were reviewing phonics. The only two boys in the classroom went home before 8:00, that relaxes us when having some girl's talk.
Like most of the little girls, they had problems arranging seats at school: Boys and girls sit next to each other. Those young ladies complained about how irritating it is sitting next to trouble makers. I can completely understand how vexed they are, after all, I was once a little girl, too.
Why do all elementary schools have the same arrangement of seats? I still don't understand.
I had a chat with my students during the break time today, we were reviewing phonics. The only two boys in the classroom went home before 8:00, that relaxes us when having some girl's talk.
Like most of the little girls, they had problems arranging seats at school: Boys and girls sit next to each other. Those young ladies complained about how irritating it is sitting next to trouble makers. I can completely understand how vexed they are, after all, I was once a little girl, too.
Why do all elementary schools have the same arrangement of seats? I still don't understand.
2007年10月5日 星期五
Writing 11
【Tough】
Again! I didn't let my students go until the phone rang and told me to let them leave. There were too many things to do, and too less time allowing me to finish all of them. I know that it is my duty to make sure my students can go home right after 8:30, and I understand how important it is to follow the schedule so that I won't wast my time. The boss had told me to make good use of time for several times, and I'm quite sure this drives her crazy, but accidents do happen, and they happen all the time! Students just go crazy all of a sudden, what can I do then? Everyone in the company knows those kids are talkative.
I try to make it simple and clear so the kids can understand what I'm trying to explain in a short period of time, but guess what? The harder I explain, the more I find their difficulty based on grammar problem, which makes me force myself to explain more. Obviously, that's what causes me to delay the time of class dismiss.
Sometimes I just get confused about why my boss encourages me to give new materials to those kids all the time, while a lot more things keep me from not taking her advise. Of course I want my kids to use new materials, I've tried listening before, and they do not hate it. They are not so young as "children"; instead, I would rather call them young ladies and young men. I know very well that they are ready to take challenging classes, and are all willing to follow my rules, just if only I have enough time!
2007年10月3日 星期三
Writing 10
【Anger】
The staffs in our company have been in low spirits these two weeks. Our boss, a person who runs an English language school, but knows nearly nothing about English nor teaching, puts more and more pressure on teachers and T.A.s.
I know she has good reason to do so, the number of new student isn't too many than those who left, but I just can't stop wondering doesn't she know except of the two new teachers, all of the staffs are mad at her? What she says are usually the opposite of what she says the next time, it confuses us for most of the time. Moreover, she says mean things to us often, it really hurts one's feeling.
Oh! How I hate listing to her!
The staffs in our company have been in low spirits these two weeks. Our boss, a person who runs an English language school, but knows nearly nothing about English nor teaching, puts more and more pressure on teachers and T.A.s.
I know she has good reason to do so, the number of new student isn't too many than those who left, but I just can't stop wondering doesn't she know except of the two new teachers, all of the staffs are mad at her? What she says are usually the opposite of what she says the next time, it confuses us for most of the time. Moreover, she says mean things to us often, it really hurts one's feeling.
Oh! How I hate listing to her!
2007年10月1日 星期一
Writing 9
【Politeness】
While I was having a chat with one of my elder friends who I mentioned in the former article, I told him about my confusion. He said he does not really care about age problem, for he can totally understand how a twenty-year-old "kid" feels, after all, he was once at that age. I suddenly felt relieved hearing that. It is for sure being friends but feel ill at ease because of not being understood. One thing important he mentioned is politeness, as soon as one is polite, he is willing to make friend with that person, and it means I am polite,too. That's great!
While I was having a chat with one of my elder friends who I mentioned in the former article, I told him about my confusion. He said he does not really care about age problem, for he can totally understand how a twenty-year-old "kid" feels, after all, he was once at that age. I suddenly felt relieved hearing that. It is for sure being friends but feel ill at ease because of not being understood. One thing important he mentioned is politeness, as soon as one is polite, he is willing to make friend with that person, and it means I am polite,too. That's great!
2007年9月28日 星期五
Writing 8
【Age】
How many years older than me should I take people as the elder generation? Last night I had a conversation with one of my classmates about my confusion, is twelve years older than me old enough to be considered taken as how I treat my elder relatives? Why it bothers me so much is that I know them as friends based on hobby, so I find it slightly difficult to behave properly. Is using the way how I treat my friends suitable or not?
How many years older than me should I take people as the elder generation? Last night I had a conversation with one of my classmates about my confusion, is twelve years older than me old enough to be considered taken as how I treat my elder relatives? Why it bothers me so much is that I know them as friends based on hobby, so I find it slightly difficult to behave properly. Is using the way how I treat my friends suitable or not?
2007年9月27日 星期四
Writing 7
【Mom's coming】
I haven't went home since spring break, not even summer vacation or Moon Festival. Therefore, my mom decides to come and visit me since I do not go home often. The time my mom is coming will be this weekend, now comes a big problem: where should I put all my stuffs which cannot be seen by her, including my new comic book, and what a mass my room is to my mom! I guess I had better start figuring out what I can do before mom finds out.
I haven't went home since spring break, not even summer vacation or Moon Festival. Therefore, my mom decides to come and visit me since I do not go home often. The time my mom is coming will be this weekend, now comes a big problem: where should I put all my stuffs which cannot be seen by her, including my new comic book, and what a mass my room is to my mom! I guess I had better start figuring out what I can do before mom finds out.
2007年9月26日 星期三
Writing 6
【New Friends】
I spent my four-day-weekend on taking pictures of models with my new camera. It was fun and a bit of challenging, for the other three photographers are as good as those professional ones, they taught me a lot about how to balance the data so that my pictures look better. As a result, I am doing better than before, next weekend we are likely to go take pictures in Tainan, I'm ready to learn more from them.
I spent my four-day-weekend on taking pictures of models with my new camera. It was fun and a bit of challenging, for the other three photographers are as good as those professional ones, they taught me a lot about how to balance the data so that my pictures look better. As a result, I am doing better than before, next weekend we are likely to go take pictures in Tainan, I'm ready to learn more from them.
2007年9月20日 星期四
Writing 5
【Moon Festival】
It is the end of summer, that means the Moon Festival is coming. I have been looking forward to it, since last year was really fun. My friend and I went to one of our friends' house to hold a barbecue party. Though there were not more than seven people, including his family members, we had more fun than it could be. This year, I plan to spend my vacation with some other friends in Kaohsiung, I just couldn't wait what interesting things are going to happen.
It is the end of summer, that means the Moon Festival is coming. I have been looking forward to it, since last year was really fun. My friend and I went to one of our friends' house to hold a barbecue party. Though there were not more than seven people, including his family members, we had more fun than it could be. This year, I plan to spend my vacation with some other friends in Kaohsiung, I just couldn't wait what interesting things are going to happen.
2007年9月19日 星期三
Writing 4
【Dinner Time】
I find it fun to have dinner with different people. I have friends in smaller or older ages, and whenever we go to a restaurant together, the chat begins. We talk about anything, working, studying, hobbies, pets, families, foreign countries, there are nearly nothing we do not talk about. The more I know these friends, the more I know this world.
I find it fun to have dinner with different people. I have friends in smaller or older ages, and whenever we go to a restaurant together, the chat begins. We talk about anything, working, studying, hobbies, pets, families, foreign countries, there are nearly nothing we do not talk about. The more I know these friends, the more I know this world.
Writing 3
【Southern Taiwan】
Yesterday, a girl went to my another blog to leave a message saying that she is now studying in the southern Taiwan, too. What a good news it is! I graduated from a high school which is located in the eastern part of Taiwan two years ago, most of my best friends do not study near Tainan, instead, lots of them are now in the northern part of Taiwan. That disappointed my for a while, but since one more good friend is joining our life here, I'm sure my school life will become more interesting!
Yesterday, a girl went to my another blog to leave a message saying that she is now studying in the southern Taiwan, too. What a good news it is! I graduated from a high school which is located in the eastern part of Taiwan two years ago, most of my best friends do not study near Tainan, instead, lots of them are now in the northern part of Taiwan. That disappointed my for a while, but since one more good friend is joining our life here, I'm sure my school life will become more interesting!
2007年9月18日 星期二
Writing 2
【What a Small World 】
The other day while I was chatting with some of my new friends, they mentioned about some other two people they know as photographers who take amazing pictures. Being curious about what they said, I went to their blog on the Internet. The first album I clicked in astonished me, the model is the one who I know, and the place is where we met a month ago. It means that we've met before. What a small world!
The other day while I was chatting with some of my new friends, they mentioned about some other two people they know as photographers who take amazing pictures. Being curious about what they said, I went to their blog on the Internet. The first album I clicked in astonished me, the model is the one who I know, and the place is where we met a month ago. It means that we've met before. What a small world!
2007年9月16日 星期日
Writing 1
【Back To Work】
After my two-week break since the end of August, I went back to work today. I have to admit that it was kind of difficult for me to make up my mind to go or not, for I could know how my students have done in the test two weeks ago. As soon as I arrived the cram school I work for, I was amazed at what I saw. The students in my class all passed the exam, and most of them did extremely well! Now I feel so relax, but what should I buy for their presents?
After my two-week break since the end of August, I went back to work today. I have to admit that it was kind of difficult for me to make up my mind to go or not, for I could know how my students have done in the test two weeks ago. As soon as I arrived the cram school I work for, I was amazed at what I saw. The students in my class all passed the exam, and most of them did extremely well! Now I feel so relax, but what should I buy for their presents?
2007年6月22日 星期五
【UNIT 6.】Pirates
※Article :
The seas around Indonesia and Singapore are some of the busiest in the world and some of the most dangerous. Last year more than a hundred ships were hijacked by pirates in Indonesian waters, a reflection of the growing lawlessness in the rest of the country. Using small fast-moving boats, the pirates creep up on large cargo ships, often at night, and can usually overpower the crew quickly. The crew is then either set adrift or killed. The ships are re-named and re-painted. Many have later been discovered operating along the southern coast of China.
The offer by Japan to send its own patrol boats down to south east Asia is the first sign of a co-ordinated international campaign against the pirates. The conference in Singapore is likely to be the first in a series of meetings this year, aimed at reducing the number of attacks in these vital shipping lanes. A British company has even proposed putting retired Gurkha officers on board ships in East Asian waters to protect them, although so far no-one has taken them up on their offer.
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※Summary:
The seas around Indonesia and Singapore are not very tranquil, since the lanes are busy with cargo ships passing. The pirates use small fast-moving boats to get closer to large cargo ships, they usually overpower the crew in a very short of time. Those crews are either cast out to sea in a boat without any controls or killed. The ships will be given a new name and changed its appearance. Japan sends its own patrol boats down to south east Asia, while a British company considers to put retired Gurkha officers on board ships in East Asian seas to protect them.
※Reaction:
This report amazed me when I read it for the first time, and even the second time could I hardly believe there are still pirates existing nowadays! Aren't they only existed in the middle centuries or story books for kids? Pirates, who hijack and kill, has became a problem taken as a top priority for many countries who's ships pass through seas around Indonesia and Singapore.
The seas around Indonesia and Singapore are some of the busiest in the world and some of the most dangerous. Last year more than a hundred ships were hijacked by pirates in Indonesian waters, a reflection of the growing lawlessness in the rest of the country. Using small fast-moving boats, the pirates creep up on large cargo ships, often at night, and can usually overpower the crew quickly. The crew is then either set adrift or killed. The ships are re-named and re-painted. Many have later been discovered operating along the southern coast of China.
The offer by Japan to send its own patrol boats down to south east Asia is the first sign of a co-ordinated international campaign against the pirates. The conference in Singapore is likely to be the first in a series of meetings this year, aimed at reducing the number of attacks in these vital shipping lanes. A British company has even proposed putting retired Gurkha officers on board ships in East Asian waters to protect them, although so far no-one has taken them up on their offer.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
※Summary:
The seas around Indonesia and Singapore are not very tranquil, since the lanes are busy with cargo ships passing. The pirates use small fast-moving boats to get closer to large cargo ships, they usually overpower the crew in a very short of time. Those crews are either cast out to sea in a boat without any controls or killed. The ships will be given a new name and changed its appearance. Japan sends its own patrol boats down to south east Asia, while a British company considers to put retired Gurkha officers on board ships in East Asian seas to protect them.
※Reaction:
This report amazed me when I read it for the first time, and even the second time could I hardly believe there are still pirates existing nowadays! Aren't they only existed in the middle centuries or story books for kids? Pirates, who hijack and kill, has became a problem taken as a top priority for many countries who's ships pass through seas around Indonesia and Singapore.
【UNIT 5.】Secret Codes
※Article :
Microsoft code leaked on web
Microsoft tries to keep the code for its Windows operating system a closely guarded secret. It's the equivalent of computer DNA and the firm fears if it falls into the wrong hands it could be used to infiltrate millions of computers worldwide. More than ninety percent of the world's PCs run Windows.
The code which has appeared on the web appears to be the basis of Windows 2000 and Windows NT. But massive programs such as Windows are complicated and difficult for all but the most sophisticated hackers to understand.
The other threat to Microsoft is that rival software firms could copy parts of the code and use it in similar programmes. Microsoft says it has contacted the law enforcement authorities to investigate how the data leaked out.
Earlier this week the company said that a critical flaw in the latest version of Windows could leave PCs vulnerable to hackers. It has urged home users and firms to download a free software repair patch from its website to fix the problem.
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※Summary:
Microsoft keeps its secret of computer DNA--the statements written in a programming language that the computer later uses. The firm fears that millions of computers around the world would be infiltrated if it is fallen into wrong hands. The code seems to be the most important element of Windows 2000 and Windows NT. Although the large and complex programs with thousand of lines of code are difficult for hackers, Microsoft still has great pressure from other competing companies. Microsoft says it has contacted the law enforcement authorities to make investigation how the data became know to people outside Microsoft.
※Reaction:
I enjoy watching the movie The Matrix, it is one of my favorite scientific fiction movies. It is about hacker-like people going through the Internet, and the war between different groups of peoples. I have to say the daydreaming times are fantastic, but what would happen if one day it really came true? Simply virus travel through Internet causes annoying troubles, I couldn't imagine how terrible things would be if someone infiltrates my computer!
Microsoft code leaked on web
Microsoft tries to keep the code for its Windows operating system a closely guarded secret. It's the equivalent of computer DNA and the firm fears if it falls into the wrong hands it could be used to infiltrate millions of computers worldwide. More than ninety percent of the world's PCs run Windows.
The code which has appeared on the web appears to be the basis of Windows 2000 and Windows NT. But massive programs such as Windows are complicated and difficult for all but the most sophisticated hackers to understand.
The other threat to Microsoft is that rival software firms could copy parts of the code and use it in similar programmes. Microsoft says it has contacted the law enforcement authorities to investigate how the data leaked out.
Earlier this week the company said that a critical flaw in the latest version of Windows could leave PCs vulnerable to hackers. It has urged home users and firms to download a free software repair patch from its website to fix the problem.
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※Summary:
Microsoft keeps its secret of computer DNA--the statements written in a programming language that the computer later uses. The firm fears that millions of computers around the world would be infiltrated if it is fallen into wrong hands. The code seems to be the most important element of Windows 2000 and Windows NT. Although the large and complex programs with thousand of lines of code are difficult for hackers, Microsoft still has great pressure from other competing companies. Microsoft says it has contacted the law enforcement authorities to make investigation how the data became know to people outside Microsoft.
※Reaction:
I enjoy watching the movie The Matrix, it is one of my favorite scientific fiction movies. It is about hacker-like people going through the Internet, and the war between different groups of peoples. I have to say the daydreaming times are fantastic, but what would happen if one day it really came true? Simply virus travel through Internet causes annoying troubles, I couldn't imagine how terrible things would be if someone infiltrates my computer!
【UNIT 4.】What is art?
※Article :
Fears over German art
※Summary:
The city authorities in Germany returned a painting which was drawn by an expressionist artist to the original owner's grand-daughter. There is a heated debate in this topic, for the painting had been hanging in a museum in Berlin. The critic accuse the authorities are only acting because of the large number of complaints received from auction houses and art collectors. The federal government wants to introduce a large collection of information held on computer about a particular topic which is easy for people to find and use to keep track of the sudden increase of restitution claims. Ministers are pushing for quicker action on museums to carry out their own research into the ownership of artworks.
※Reaction:
After reading this article, I think it is not so necessary to return those artworks to their original owners for two reasons. First, since the original owner had forgotten the ownership, there is no need to mention. The other reason is citizens are accustomed to the artwork, instead of returning it, why not let every passengers admire it whenever they pass it? If it is extremely important for the authorities to consider moral problems, then notifying would be enough.
Fears over German art
There's been a heated debate in Germany about restitution claims after a painting by the expressionist artist, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, was recently sold at auction in New York. The painting had been hanging in a museum in Berlin, but in August, the city authorities returned it to the grand-daughter of its original owners.
The restitution was justified on the grounds that the sale of the work in the 1930s was prompted by their persecution as Jews under the Nazi regime. But critics said the painting was neither looted by the Nazis nor sold under duress and many accuse the authorities of caving into pressure from auction houses and art collectors.
Such was the public outcry that the Culture Minister, Bernd Naumann, decided to invite museum directors and legal experts to attend a meeting in Berlin today. It's understood the federal government wants to introduce a central database to keep track of the recent wave of restitution claims. Ministers are also likely to step up pressure on museums to carry out their own research into the ownership of works of art, according to government guidelines.
※Summary:
The city authorities in Germany returned a painting which was drawn by an expressionist artist to the original owner's grand-daughter. There is a heated debate in this topic, for the painting had been hanging in a museum in Berlin. The critic accuse the authorities are only acting because of the large number of complaints received from auction houses and art collectors. The federal government wants to introduce a large collection of information held on computer about a particular topic which is easy for people to find and use to keep track of the sudden increase of restitution claims. Ministers are pushing for quicker action on museums to carry out their own research into the ownership of artworks.
※Reaction:
After reading this article, I think it is not so necessary to return those artworks to their original owners for two reasons. First, since the original owner had forgotten the ownership, there is no need to mention. The other reason is citizens are accustomed to the artwork, instead of returning it, why not let every passengers admire it whenever they pass it? If it is extremely important for the authorities to consider moral problems, then notifying would be enough.
【UNIT 3.】Child Prodigies
※Article :
CHILD PRODIGIES: TOO MUCH TOO YOUNG?
Friday 9 September 2005 1.25am-2.05am (Thurs night)
Does labelling a child as "gifted" do more harm than good? Time Shift looks at how brilliant and talented kids challenge our thinking about education and the place of children in society.
Tom Ware
(Time Shift Series Editor)
※Summary:
"Is labelling a child as gifted more harmful than profitable?" This has become a subject discussed through years. According to the Time Shift Series Editor--Tom Ware, gifted children have already held a fascination for western society since early years. However, in Japan, people do not take gifted children so seriously; instead, they think it is more important to be diligent. That is, no matter how gifted the children are, they should not be given privileged status.
※Reaction:
In my opinion, I agree with the Japanese way of taking gifted children. They may have extraordinary talent, but how many of them, in the end, become great scholars or contribute the society? I believe most if them turn out to become normal as we are when they grow older. Those who are diligent set a better foundation and are more willing to learn, which attitude insures a substantial life. As the saying does"No pain, no gain."
CHILD PRODIGIES: TOO MUCH TOO YOUNG?
Friday 9 September 2005 1.25am-2.05am (Thurs night)
Does labelling a child as "gifted" do more harm than good? Time Shift looks at how brilliant and talented kids challenge our thinking about education and the place of children in society.
Tom Ware
(Time Shift Series Editor)
You could say that gifted children have held a fascination for Western society since Jesus spoke out in the temple. From Mozart to Ruth Lawrence, their achievements - and their rather odd relationships with adults - have been well-documented. John Das' fascinating Time Shift goes beyond the usual catalogue of wunderkinds(神童) and hothousing(過於保護) to try to understand why some children get labelled with the "G-word" and how this tag can be a double-edged one.
For me, one of the documentary's most impressive facts is how culture-specific(特色) the whole idea of giftedness is. Through the insight(洞察力) of Joan Freeman, who has spent over 30 years studying gifted children, we learn that in countries like Japan it's willingness(樂意) to work hard rather than the suggestion of potential that gives children privileged(享有特權的) status. And it comes as no surprise that it's in America, where education standards generally are lower than in most developed countries, that giftedness is given its greatest credence.(接受、信任)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------※Summary:
"Is labelling a child as gifted more harmful than profitable?" This has become a subject discussed through years. According to the Time Shift Series Editor--Tom Ware, gifted children have already held a fascination for western society since early years. However, in Japan, people do not take gifted children so seriously; instead, they think it is more important to be diligent. That is, no matter how gifted the children are, they should not be given privileged status.
※Reaction:
In my opinion, I agree with the Japanese way of taking gifted children. They may have extraordinary talent, but how many of them, in the end, become great scholars or contribute the society? I believe most if them turn out to become normal as we are when they grow older. Those who are diligent set a better foundation and are more willing to learn, which attitude insures a substantial life. As the saying does"No pain, no gain."
【UNIT 2.】The Rise of the WWW
※Article :
The record company EMI is planning a new service which will allow people to copy music from the Internet without breaking the law. BBC Business correspondent Mark Gregory reports:EMI's artists include the Spice Girls, the Beatles and pop stars Robbie Williams and Janet Jackson. Like the rest of the industry, it's struggling to cope with technological change that makes it much easier for people to copy music without paying for it. Music can be stored in a personal computer, it can be passed anywhere in the world via the Internet, millions of people own the equipment needed to record or burn their own unauthorized compact discs. Unofficial online music services like that provided by the American group Napaster have proved wildly popular.
To tackle the issue, EMI has teamed up with a computer software company to develop the first ever service that allows music lovers to legitimately make their own CDs on their own CD recording equipment of songs on which EMI holds the copyright. The music will be downloaded from the Internet in encrypted form. The difficult bit comes in designing software that gives the copyright holder power over what use is made of the music once its in the customer's computer. It may, for example, be possible to require additional payments every time a new CD is burned. EMI says it'll talk about pricing when the service is ready to launch. In theory it could do away with the need for dedicated music shops, but industry analysts say many people like to go to places where they can listen to music they haven't heard before. But, of course, that too can be done over the internet.
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※Summary:
The record company EMI is planning a new service which music lovers are able to free download musics they like. This is how EMI copes with technological change nowadays, for too many people own the equipment needed to record their own unauthorized compact discs. EMI has cooperated with a software company to allow people make their own CDs legitimately on their own CD recording equipment while EMI still holds the copyright.
※Reaction:
I think it is quite a smart way to avoid unauthorized CDs being made. It is too common for people to download every kinds of data from the Internet that we take it naturally, yet it is absolutely the wrong thing to do, for it infringes on other's rights. If we put ourselves in the author's shoes, how would we feel? Feeling not being respected? Offended, or anger? This is a simple situation to imagine. Although this new service might not be too popular at first, I believe it will gain more and more acceptance in the long run.
The record company EMI is planning a new service which will allow people to copy music from the Internet without breaking the law. BBC Business correspondent Mark Gregory reports:EMI's artists include the Spice Girls, the Beatles and pop stars Robbie Williams and Janet Jackson. Like the rest of the industry, it's struggling to cope with technological change that makes it much easier for people to copy music without paying for it. Music can be stored in a personal computer, it can be passed anywhere in the world via the Internet, millions of people own the equipment needed to record or burn their own unauthorized compact discs. Unofficial online music services like that provided by the American group Napaster have proved wildly popular.
To tackle the issue, EMI has teamed up with a computer software company to develop the first ever service that allows music lovers to legitimately make their own CDs on their own CD recording equipment of songs on which EMI holds the copyright. The music will be downloaded from the Internet in encrypted form. The difficult bit comes in designing software that gives the copyright holder power over what use is made of the music once its in the customer's computer. It may, for example, be possible to require additional payments every time a new CD is burned. EMI says it'll talk about pricing when the service is ready to launch. In theory it could do away with the need for dedicated music shops, but industry analysts say many people like to go to places where they can listen to music they haven't heard before. But, of course, that too can be done over the internet.
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※Summary:
The record company EMI is planning a new service which music lovers are able to free download musics they like. This is how EMI copes with technological change nowadays, for too many people own the equipment needed to record their own unauthorized compact discs. EMI has cooperated with a software company to allow people make their own CDs legitimately on their own CD recording equipment while EMI still holds the copyright.
※Reaction:
I think it is quite a smart way to avoid unauthorized CDs being made. It is too common for people to download every kinds of data from the Internet that we take it naturally, yet it is absolutely the wrong thing to do, for it infringes on other's rights. If we put ourselves in the author's shoes, how would we feel? Feeling not being respected? Offended, or anger? This is a simple situation to imagine. Although this new service might not be too popular at first, I believe it will gain more and more acceptance in the long run.
【UNIT 1.】Body language
Also, if you behave in ways that people don't understand or don't like, they may judge you negatively, not take you seriously, or even think that you there is something wrong with you.
For example, in some cultures it is wrong to make eye contact but in others it is expected. If you get it wrong people can think that you are insulting them.
Richard Cook mentioned a number of areas where confusion can happen between cultures, eye contact, or touching for example. But there is one very important area and that is proximity.
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※SUMMARY:
We communicate with people through non-verbal way most of the time; therefore, it becomes more important to know how to act properly, so that others may not think we are being rude or even ignore us. Eye contact and touching are the most commonly being confused.
※Reaction:
People often suffers from being afraid of doing the wrong thing in foreign countries, they are so worried about if they act strangely, people might be offended; however, according to most of the natives, they don't really expect a foreigner to do exactly the right thing.
For example, we have the myth that Japanese bow to each other to show their politeness, but they have already use hand-shaking for decades, so it is all right to shake their hands as we do in most of the other countries.
Still, it's best for us to know the common rules before going to those countries which are not familiar to us. As the saying goes,"When in Rome, act as the Romans do" it isn't so difficult to act in the right ways as long as you understand other cultures.
2007年3月28日 星期三
Don't believe in Everything You Read
【Summary】
It is common to see people come to grief because of their believing in fraudsters. For example, fraudsters would provide a product with a perfect price, they ask buyers to send money after the product is inquired; however, buyers never receive it. Others might be involved in transnational problems which are more complicated and both money-wasting and energy-wasting.
Every good price has its story unknown. How to ensure ourselves not being tricked is important. Do not believe in everything you read especially when money is concerned, otherwise, you are likely to become the next victim.
2007年3月14日 星期三
Personality
We took a class which was about "Getting Along" with others.
There are several different types of personalities mentioned in the lecture , for example：bossy, competitive, enthusiastic, helpful, innovative, romantic, skeptical.
It was an interesting class, I was curious whether I have these natures above or others, so I went to a personality testing website to see what kind of person am I.
The outcome shows that I am ambitious in my career, a little bossy and like to be the one who is leading. Forgiving is another personality I have, I choose to stand aloof if I don't like some one and forgive their mistakes after a while. I am a little conservative, also. I take morality seriously, thus makes me look like stubborn sometimes. My human relationship shows that I have faith in friends, and I treat them sincerely, and even give away things that are important to me.
The test is quite fun, I had never knew I have those human dignities, most of them are just the exact person I am! I can't wait to share this test with my friends!
There are several different types of personalities mentioned in the lecture , for example：bossy, competitive, enthusiastic, helpful, innovative, romantic, skeptical.
It was an interesting class, I was curious whether I have these natures above or others, so I went to a personality testing website to see what kind of person am I.
The outcome shows that I am ambitious in my career, a little bossy and like to be the one who is leading. Forgiving is another personality I have, I choose to stand aloof if I don't like some one and forgive their mistakes after a while. I am a little conservative, also. I take morality seriously, thus makes me look like stubborn sometimes. My human relationship shows that I have faith in friends, and I treat them sincerely, and even give away things that are important to me.
The test is quite fun, I had never knew I have those human dignities, most of them are just the exact person I am! I can't wait to share this test with my friends!
2007年3月7日 星期三
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