Saturday, December 31, 2005

Thank So Much To Teacher Richard Blum

Richard, thank so much for sending me many images. Wish you have a happy New Year.

Thursday, December 29, 2005

My Anniversary

Yesterday was my 14th anniversary. Usually, we don't do anything special on these days, but last night my family went out to dinner together.

Many people complement me about my life being happy. That is very true, because I have a good husband and two lovely kids. I am proud of them.

Our life is quiet. We don't have relatives and friends around here. Every summer we take a vacation. We enjoy it very much when we are together. My kids are especially happy when they are close to their parents. We talk and have fun.

Sometimes, I don't remember my anniversary day I even forget my birthday, also. Most of the time my husband or my daughter remind me. I don't know why? I do not pay attention to these particular days so much. Perhaps, it is because in my country people don't celebrate the annversary day.

I've been living in America for 16 years, but I still keep my traditions. I like the traditions of Chinese, Vietnamese and American culture. I like to pick and choose the good things that each culture has to offer me.

Sunday, December 25, 2005

Christmas Gift for My Son

Last two weeks, I bought a PSP to my son for Christmas present. I would like to encourage him to studying in Chinese. He was very happy and wanted to play it on that night. He asked me for a few times to opened it. He couldn't wait untill Christmast time, because he was on vacation. I let him opened and played it. Then I said "No more gift on Christmas". He said OK.

A few days ago before Christmas. Suddenlly, he wraped it back the PSP and put it under the Christmast tree. I looked at it, I felt funy and laugh. Then I talked to him. Hey! Randy, you already played the game. Now you put it under the tree. He felt embarrassed and smile.

My Wonderful Son

After Thanksgiving my son had a Chinese's test. He worked hard on this time. It might be he understood and put more time in studying. He looked like very confident for the test. During he took the test and he asked me about a gift for Christmas. He asked "what do you give me if I have a good result on the test?" I said "I will give you whatever you like." He said he liked the PSP, but he said "Might be you could buy me the DS, it just cost $100 dollars." I asked "which one do you like the best?" He said "I like the PSP, but it cost $250 dollars".Then I said "It's OK, I will buy you the PSP." He felt very happy with what I promised him. Then I said "You have to study good and listen to me when I tell you stop the game." He said "It was OK, I will, Mom.

Oh! My son was indeed a wonderful son! He didn't require on me too much.

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

The Gift of the Magi

Listen to this classic Christmas story by O'Henry.

Read the story.

Use these flashcards to improve your vocabulary.

Take a vocabulary quiz.

Friday, December 09, 2005

Winter

A few of these days the weather are big change. It's indeed the winter is coming. Today, the weather is remarkably cold. The sky is goomy. Look at it! It is sad and quet. None of the people walk on the street. It's cold and freezing. People's cars seem to be less. Where are the people? Are they hiding at home now?

Outside, it is raining. It fall down with a gentle rain. It's soaking wet for a few hours of the rain.

After the rain, it look dark now. Cars are full on the street. It made a lot of sound from the cars driving with the wet of the road. It is time people get out from work. The squall of rain doesn't want to stop. It still continue on and on . . . .

Thursday, December 08, 2005

good

i see

Not Easy

I don't have any thing to write yet.

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

Car Driving Dilemma

Learning how to drive in Oakland's roads is not easy for me. I am sometimes confused about the traffic laws, and the fact that there are two persons teaching me how to drive is making me more confused.

My brother in law is my first driving teacher. He is very careful in driving. When we need to stop at the intersection, I have to brake slowly and must not stop suddenly. This would be a bit difficult for me because I need to look for trafic lights or signs very far ahead. At the same time I must not slow down my car to speed lower than speed limits indicated in the signs. Especially, he asks me to accelerate very fast when there is green lights but while doing this I sometimes either swerve out of my lane when I make a turn or head to the car parking at the corner of roads where I turn a sharp right into.

My other driving teacher is my girlfriend. She, on the other hand, is a very fast and daring driver. She asks me not to foot on break so often, to slow down to much, and to change lane to maintain speed and get out of stuck points as fast as I can and sometimes by ways against what I read in the driver handbook.

Hmm, although I drive to school every day, I am still very nervous of the trafic and more of my "driving teacher's" supervision.

Sunday, December 04, 2005

The Job Fair

Last Friday, I visited the job fair at the Senior Center on 58th Street in Oakland.

Many people were waiting in line in front of the Senior Center building when I got there.

After waiting about fifty five minutes, I got into a big room which was prepared for the job fair.
So many visitors were there that I could not move easily among them. Fortunately I got some information from the exhibitors, but I found that most of the exhibitors did not provide application forms for the applicants. Applicants could only write down their name, address and phone number on the visitors' list.
I did not get any application forms from the job fair, but I felt that this kind of job fair is necessary because many people need a job!

I Escaped from My Country

In 1987, my brother and I left my country to look for freedom and happiness. We escaped to a Malaysian refugee camp. We had spent five days on the ocean.

The first night, we took a small boat to a transfer point and boarded a biger boat. There were 112 people on the boat. The captain took us out to sea that night. We continued the second day. That night our boat had trouble. Water came into our boat a lot. People were very exhausted.We had two days with no food and no drink. Everybody vomited and was uncomfortable with sea sickness. No one helped bail the water out. We were waiting to die. I was the one who was scared to die in the ocean. I said that we could pass the buckets of water from person to person and pour out. They followed what I said and finally the water had gone. The captain fixed the boat and we continued for the third day. On the third day, we were dissappointed because we were lost. The boat was floating on the ocean. We didn't know where we were. It was good luck for us. We saw a Thai ship presently. They were not the pirates. They gave us food and showed us the direction. We were very happy and thanked them for the food they had given us because we were starving for many days. We cooked fish porridge on the boat and went in the direction that they showed us. At dawn, we saw a Malaysian ship. They saved us and let us come a board their ship. They gave us a lot of food. We stayed on the ship overnight. The next day morning we transferred to another ship and went to a Malaysian refugee camp.

I have to thank my lucky stars that I survived.
I have to count my blessings for the great happiness I have today.

The Misery of the People of South Vietnam

April 30, 1975 was the day people in South Vietnam lost country. Some people had gone on a warship to America, because they knew what would happen under the Communists. They left behind a lot of people who suffered miserably under the rule of the Communists.

The Communists came to South of Vietnam with the poor and greedy. They robbed the weath of people. Some people couldn't stand it. They committed suicide. The Communists still weren't satisfied. They pillaged properties of people from the high class to the medium class. They never released people who were rich. They wanted tight control of people. They wanted to change South Vietnam quickly. They didn't let people breathe. They didn't care about the hatred of people. They wanted to do whatever they wanted.

Soon afterward, people couldn't suffer the regime of the Communists. They found the ways to escape. In fact, it was not easy. If they didn't succeed, the police discovered them and put them in jail. I was the lucky one. I escaped.

Sunday, November 27, 2005

My Brand New Car

Last week, my husband bought me a brand new car. It's a B M W car. It's silver color.

I love the B M W car's color very much, because it's a popular color. Now, I have to be very careful for using this car. I told my children to keep this car very clean, because they liked to eat junk food in my old car. Sometimes, they dropped chip crumbs. This caused a smell in the car.

My husband wanted to buy me a car few years ago, but I said: "Wait, don't buy it yet. It's not the right time to have it." A few weeks ago, his car broke down. We had people fix. It was expensive, so he decided to buy this B M W car.

He wanted to buy this car for me to drive, but I didn't think I needed it, because my work is close. I only drive to pick up and drop off my kids at school. I'd better let my husband drive the new car, because he works in Freemont. It's a long way.

He said, next week, he will return the car to me to drive. I am a little bit worried, because in Oakland it isn't very safe. If somebody scratches my car, I will feel bad, because I love it very much. I don't want to see any scratches on my brand new car.

This is the first time in my life I have a brand new car. I have to keep it very nice all the time.

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Friday after Thanksgiving Day

On Friday, I was the driver for my kids, because they wanted to go shopping. They felt bored to stay home on a holiday. They wanted to look the crownds of shoppers on the day after Thanksgiving.

In fact, we went shopping just to take a look more than to buy, because we already have enough of everything. We only buy if something is very inexpensive and looks nice, because we are frugal shoppers.

We went to the New Park mall to take a look. It was crowned! Every store was full of people to getting into long lines. It's lucky for us. We didn't find anything that we liked. We would have to spent a lot of time in line.

It is not long before, we left to go to the South Land mall. We stopped at an In & Out Burger. We had our lunch there. It was full of people. We couldn't find the seats. Finally, we found one seat. The food came. Two of us had to stand to eat. Although we were standing to eat, we enjoyed it very much.

Soon after, we get to the South Land mall. It was a little bit hard to find a space for parking. We went round and round for a few blocks and finally we got a parking space.

South Land was just like New Park mall. We went around and took a look. It was crownded also, but no one wanted to take a picture with the Santa at the picture place. It was, maybe, still too early.

Eventually, we bought a few things and then we went home.

We enjoyed shopping on the day after Thanksgiving, because it had a different atmosphere than other days.

Ceramic Chickens

I had a couple of ceramic chickens. On Wednesday, I gave to my teacher one of the chickens. So I still have one left at home.

A few days ago. When I was eating dinner, I saw the chickens in front of me. It was so cute. Suddently, I thought I had to give to my teacher one of these chickens on Thanksgiving day to made him smile. I picked a nice one to give to him. I didn't know if it was a boy or a girl chicken.

My daughter complained to me. She said: "Mom, you should not have separated the chickens. They were a pair. They needed to be together. They will miss each other." She made me laugh a lot. Then she said again: "You should give your teacher a pair of chickens".

Then, later, my son came out from his room. Joanna told him: "Mom gave her teacher one of your chickens". He said: "Never mind, she can give me $5 dollars."

Thursday, November 24, 2005

Thanksgiving Day

Today, my family and I went to San Jose to eat Vietnamese food. We are rarely have a chance to go out together, because most holidays my husband has to go to work, except for the big holidays like Christmast or Thanksgiving Day.

We like to enjoy food in San Jose, because it is very good. We enjoy driving in the car for a long distance from Oakland to San Jose. Especialy, I am lazy. I don't like to be the driver. Sometimes, it can't be helped. So I have to drive.

After we ate, we drove around to take a look and we bought some food that we like.

My children are happy when they go out with their parents. They like holiday atmosphere very much, so that, if there is a chance like today, I never miss it.

After we got home, my daughter said "Tonight we have no food for Thanksgiving." I had to cook a cury meal to symbolize our the Thanksgiving holiday.

Anyway, my family had a very nice Thanksgiving holiday. We enjoyed the food and being together very much.

Happy Thanksgiving to Classmates!

Happy Thanksgiving to classmates!
Enjoy your long weekend!

Restaurant Peony

Here is one of a good restaurant in Oakland's Chinatown also.
Authentic Hong Kong Cuisine
Seafood & Barbeques
Famous Dim Sum Lunch
Business Hours
LUNCH
Monday thru Friday
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Sat / Sun /Holiday
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
DINNER
Sunday thru Thursday
5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Friday & Saturday
5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Pacific Renaissance Plaza, Suite 288 * 388 9th Street, Oakland, California 94607
Tell: (510) 286-8866 * Fax: (510) 286-8868

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

The Greatest Gift to My Teacher

It was supposed to write this letter on Thanksgiving day, but we have no school.

If today is Thanksgiving day. I don't know what gift to give to my teacher to make him feel happy, because he is a "teacher." The only thing he needed just write something very nice to him.

I'd like to say "thanks" very. . .very much to my teacher. He is the one who gives me the resource in English. However, it's not a lot , but it enough for me to feel confident to socialize at my job. I really like it with what he has helped me, because this is only right thing for me.

I'd like to appreciate to my teacher again for the organization of the blogger; to let me have a opportunity to develop my writing and speaking skill.

I feel very lucky a student under his teaching, because he has given me many chances to improve in my studies.

I'll never foget my teacher for the enthusiasm he has given me as student.

Your student

Cam Hong

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Customer from Chicago

Today, I have a customer. She came back from Chicago. She is Vietnamese. She is my old client. She came to my shop to get a hair cut.

She told me, the reason she come back to me was because I'm sweet and she like the way I'm talking to her. She said she knew my husband. Her father bought a car from my husband. They both talked to each other and told her father I'm the one cut her hair. She complemented about me to her dad. Her dad said, my husband is a handsome and honest man. He like him

She said her dad rarely to complements people, but he complemented my husband. She said: It's very rare to see a couple like me and my husband.

My Customer

Jay is my customer for six years already. When I had grandopening my shop. He is the most of my new customers. So that, he and me the relationship almost close untill now.

Jay is Indian. He is a big and tall man. He likes talking. Sometimes, he comes to get a hair cut and dyes his hair. He takes advantage for color his hair and then he talks a lot. I'm just the one hear more than I talk, because I can't talk much, but he didn't feel bored with I'm very quiet.

Now, he moves to Freemont, but he still comes to my shop to get a hair cut and color. Sometimes, he passes by and horns to let me look out andwaves hand with him.

Jay has the same with my age. He likes to say: If he going out with me, people think he is my father, because he is too big and I'm so tiny.

My Hats

I have read the essays from Kaiyan. It have written about my umbrella. It has made me remember about my teenager's time.

When I was a teenager. Most of the time, I had forgotten a few hats in my class room. Everyday I come to class andput my hat in the drawer and then my backpack next. untill I get out from school. I had forgotten about my hat. It happened a few times a year.

Therefore, I had always have a new hat to wear. My mom had always said I spent too much of her money on hats.

Misunderstood

I have one Mexican's customer. Sometimes, he come for hair cut. So I can't remember his style how does it cut. I asked him: "How do you like to cut." He said: You don't remember me? I answered: I remember you, but I don't remember your hair cut.

Sometimes, on my job, it make me laugh and feel funny, because the customers and me misunderstood each other. It looks like duck and chicken talking together.

Monday, November 21, 2005

Good Dinner

I'm used to cooking good dinner for my family, because they are little bit picky on eating. So that, I have to pick and choose the food that they like it for every dinner.

Everyday, after dinner, I have to prepare food for tomorrow. If not, I don't enough time to have done for the dinners. My time is very tight. So that, I can't cook a very good meal for my family. Except my day off.

My daughter, after Chinese shool. She come home, she like to say: "We study hard, but come home, we have good food to eat. My children, when they are hungry. They like to come in the kitchen look what food do I cook. If they like it. They want to eat as quikly as possible.

Most my family are count on me. Therefore, I have to keep good in shape myself. I have to keep my physical heathy. If not, a lot of thing are waiting for me everyday.

In America, most wives' life are harder than husbands, because they are always the care giver of the family. They have so much chores to do. Beside of making money. After work, they have to take care of children, cook and clean up the house. Oh no! It's so hard life for the women in America.

I thought the women in America is on the top, because there is a phrase "Ladies first". In fact, it is not true. Ladies are at the bottom. They work so much and so hard.

Women are not an Eden in America!

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Oakland Chinatown Restaurants

Here is a restaurant in Oakland's Chinatown:

The Silver Dragon restaurant is on the corner of Webter & 9 st in Chinatown.

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Hong Kong EAST OCEAN Seafood Restaurant

I think this is the best restaurant for visitor visit America, because this is ideal sight.

While you're eating, you can enjoy the Golden Bridge, the Bay Bridge and the ocean. At daytime, after eating, you can walk around the coast behind the restaurant. It's very poetic place.

This restaurant is belong to Emeryville city. It's romantic place.

The food of this restaurant is good. The services here is number 1. It's elegant restaurant.

Monday, November 14, 2005

My First Post

My dear Teacher, Richard,

Recently, you advised me to write something in order to let you correct it. I really appreciate your kindness to the fullest.

I am proud to be your student. I realize that I have learned more than I expected and I have met many friendly classmates.

I admire how they continue to progress in their studies. On the other hand, it is not that easy for me to learn something new. Spelling is especially difficult for me. I have to look up many words in the dictionary because of my failing memory. It is a shame!

At the same time, I would like to take advantage of this opportunity to say "Hello" to everyone in our class.

Have a nice day!

Sincerely, your student,
King

My Teenager

I remember, when I was a teenager, I was always get high score for my essays. My teacher liked to call me up and read to the class. Sometimes, she tell me copy it nice and post my essays on the board. She was always give me good comments. I like to read it very much!

One day, I saw her bring a vase of paper flowers to put on her table. I really like it and then I asked: Who made it? She said: She did. I told her show me how to make it. She agreed. Then next week I came to her house with the flower paper that I bough. She showed me and we made it for a few flowers. Later on, she said: I just showed you only!

On summer time, some of my classmates and I liked to ride bicycle to visit our teacher. She lived in suburband. She moved from outside country. So that, she is lonely. She liked students visit her very much. One time, she kept us to having dinner.

I like to close to my teacher. Therefore, every summer time I like very much to let my teacher wrote me something on my book and then my classmates wrote me, next. I liked to keep this book like a souvenia.

Last three years, I've been back my country. Accidentally, I saw the book in a draw. I opened and read it. I saw a picture of classmates have taken with teacher together. I'd like to visit her very much, but I didn't know where is she now?

Sunday, November 13, 2005

Cam's Umbrella

The day before yerterday, it rained in the morning, Cam went to school on time with her black umbrella.
She like to study English very much in this class. Certainly, she paid attention to what the teacher's teaching.
Near noon time, the rain stopped and the sun was bright. After school, she went happily to her barba shop. When she was working, she felt she had lost someting, but she couldn't say what it was. She thought over and over. Eventually, she remembered that she lost her umbrella, but she couldn't find it in her shop. She thought it could be left in school. So that , next day, she went to school early. She got into classroom hurry. Several classmates were there. She looked over the tables and under tables. But she could not find it. She was disappointing. At that time, a classmate asked: " Who's umbrella is hanging on the wall? " She turned her head toward to the wall. A black umbrella was hanging on the wall near her seat. She shouted out : " Oh, that's right my umbrella! " Classmates laughed together.


( P.S. Cam, excuse me for using you as a main charactor in this story. You are the most dilligent student writing essaies. I hope your name could appear on this blog one more time. )

Welcome You Guys on The Blog!

Hi, classmates:
Welcome you guys on the blog!

I'm very glad to see you guys full on the blog. I'm waiting you guys to appear on it, because I feel lonely. I hope you guys keep writing on the blog more often!

Saturday, November 12, 2005

My Country

Vietnam is small country, but it has many valueble mines as: gold, silver, petroleum and coal. Beside that, Vietnam still has a lot of good lands. Many foreiners as: Japanese, Korean and Taiwanese like to go there for business even stay there for living. Some people go back and forth for investment.

The capital of my country is Hanoi, it's in North of Vietnam. Many travelers like to visit there for a famous place called; "Ha Long Bay" It's attractive sightseeing.

In the Central of Vietnam. There is a famous place called: "Hue". It's one of a wonderland sightseeing also.

Saigon city is in the South of Vietnam. (Now the name has changed to Ho Chi Minh city),but I like to keep the name "Saigon". Saigon is ideal city. There are many entertainments over there and even match with every ages. People like it very much to hang around there for enjoying good food and meet people each other every night.

In additional, Da Lat , Nha Trang, Vung Tau are the famous places.

Da Lat is a place has cold weather. It's very poetic sightseeing.
Nha Trang is wonderful beach. Everybody complement it for the first time visit Nha Trang.
Vung Tau is a place for people who like swimming. It's beautiful also.

Anyway, my country is small country, but it has many, many wonderland and attraction sightseeing .There are a lot of good lands. Beside that, there are many great mountains and nice rivers also.

I love my country very much! However I'm in America now, but sometimes, I miss and would go back to visit my country for every time in several years.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Apologizing to Our Teacher

Perhaps we misunderstood our teacher anyway, we made him angry. We felt regret and promised: "We'll never make our teacher get angry again!" We'd like to keep him smiling all the time. We don't want to see him get angry anymore, because when he gets angry, his face turns red and he looks like he may lose his hair.

Oh no! "We are sorry about that!" From now on, "Don't be angry! Be happy!" You'll look younger and heathier. We need your teaching very much! We're really afraid of you losing your hair and then we won't recognize our teacher!

How to Put a Picture In



I like to use Picasa to put in pictures.

With Picasa, putting in pictures is easy! Posted by Picasa

Monday, November 07, 2005

Questions Lin Might Ask Mr. Dill in an Interview

What are my duties in this job?
How soon can I get a raise? *
Is there a possibility for advancement?
What are the benefits?
What is the job schedule?
Who will be my supervisor?
Who can I talk to if I need help on the job?
Are workers encouraged to make suggestions?
When can I start?
Are you very busy?
Will I share tips? *
Are there opportunities to work other shifts?
How soon will you make your decision?

*May not be appropriate to ask in the interview. sometimes it is better to get this information prior to the interview.

Questions the Mr. Dill Might Ask Lin in an Interview

When can you start?
Do you have a car?
Are you reliable?
Are you punctual?
Which restaurants did you work in before?
Why do you want this position?
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
How long did you work at your last job?
Why did you leave?
Can we contact your previous employer for references?
How did you hear about this job?
What was your position in your last job?
Do you have any relatives working in our company?
Do you have any references we could contact?
Are you good with people?
Do you like working with the public?
Are you comfortable talking on the telephone?
Are you comfortable handling phone calls?
How many languages do you speak?
Are you good with numbers?
Can you count money accurately?
Are you organized?
Do you have any experience working in a restaurant?
What did you do?
Do you know how to operate a _________?
Are you interested?

Sunday, November 06, 2005

My Classmate

My classmate, Mei, is from China. She is a beautiful and smart girl.

I really like to sit close to Mei, because she lets me copy her grammar excercises. When the teacher is in a hurry, I can't finish on time. I'm a slow student. I am scared the teacher will call on me, so I copy from Mei first, and then I go home and do it again.

I like talking with Mei, because she is so cute and very sweet. She likes me to hold her hand to let me warm it up when she gets cold. She looks like my little sister.

She likes to help me when I don't understand the meaning of the words.

Sometimes, I don't understand her because Chinese is not my native languge.

Every Friday she says, "I will meet you on the weekend." Although, the words are not true, she makes me feel good.

We had known each other for a very short time when we sat together, but I felt Mei and I had a special relationship. I like her very much!

I need her picture to post under this essay. Can any classmate help me do that. Thank you very much!

Saturday, November 05, 2005

My Class

My class room is not very big, but it is full of students. My class is the advanced low level. Most students are very good. Just except me, I'm the slo. . . . . . .west student in the slass.

Sometimes, I feel sad about my slowness. I try my best to study every night. I read the story many times. I try to read it clearly, but I feel still have a Vietnamese accent. I don't like it. I want my reading to be perfect, because I practiced it many times already. I'd like to sound like a professional. Am I so greedy?

I read the grammar sheet for understanding. Then I practice reading each sentence. I want my reading to go moothly. Sometimes, I can't get the meaning right away, so, I have to take a long time for my reading. Sometimes, I don't have enought time to study.

I like my class, because the classmates are frendly. They are modest and help each other.

I like the atmosphere of this class, it makes me feel so comfortable. I hope this class can last longer and longer. . . . . . .

Thursday, November 03, 2005

My Favorite Thing to Do

My favorite thing to do is "talking", because I want to become a "good talker". I don't know why? "good talking" it attracts me a lot.

When I see somebody talks very good, I'm very much enjoy it. I'd like to hear and learn from them clearly. I want to get and keep it in my mind what I think it is good. I'd like to develop my talking skill.

I like to make people happy with my talking. I'd like to let people have a good impression of mine. I like to offer people nice words.

I think" good talking" is very helpfull. It brings many succeed for us like: business, socialize, Job, family ect. . . .


"Good talking" can persuade people.
"Good talking" can satisfy people.

Listening To Music

I like listening to music.
I like to listen some of classic music and soft music. Usually, I like listening music in a quiet situation. The classic and soft music make me feel calm and relaxation.
I enjoy listening to music which I like.

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

My Lovely Son

My son's name is Randy. He is twelve years old. He's kind of short and thin, but he looks cute.

Randy has been a well behaved son from the time he was a baby. He likes to play by himself and gives me time to do another things. He is a wonderful son.

Randy spends too much time on his games and T.V on the weekends. I don't like it, but I can't make him play less. I have to work on the weekends, so I leave my children at home. They both can do whatever they want.

Lately, Randy doesn't speaks Vietnamese with me. He has changed a lot. He doesn't care whether I understand English or not. He only talks English. Now he is making me learn English as quickly as possible.

Randy is twelve years old now, but he still crys when I yell at him. Sometimes I forece him to study Chinese for the test. He doesn't like it and then he cries.

I seldom bring my kids go shopping on the weekends. Sometimes, I feel I am not doing the best job as a parent because I don't spend enough time with my children.

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Jokes

Don't you think it is time for a few more jokes?

Click here http://www.voiceblog.jp/joke/

Keep smiling!

Happy Halloween!

Better posted late than never! Posted by Picasa

Monday, October 31, 2005

My teacher

Richard is my teacher. He has a nice last name. It is Blum. (It looks like plum fruit). I like to hear people call him Mr. Blum.

My teacher has a nice voice. His tone is communicative. However, he is aging now but he looks like a kid. He likes to have fun. He would rather make people laugh than cry. He is a happy person who always smiles at the world. He gives to the world a lot, a lot. . . .of happiness.

In America, most students call teacher by their first name. But I don't, I like to call him " teacher." I respect him very much. I like him, because he correct my homework. He always gives me nice words. I made him busy with my essays. Sometimes, I feel guity. But I have no choice. I really need him to help me improve my English. On my job, sometimes, I don't feel confident because my grammar is still poor. I can't make good in sentences. I'm not happy about my English. I confuse people with my talking.

Anyway, Richard is a good teacher and he has enthursiam for his students. He likes helping people. I like him because he is the one who always pushes me to study. He made me feel confident in speaking. I hope this class continues to let me have a opportunity to develope my talking.

He is a patient teacher. I have learned a lot of from him. I won't forget the happy face he has!

Sunday, October 30, 2005

My Daughter's Birthday

Today is the change of time day and it is Joanna's birthday, also. She looks like she enjoys sleeping too much on her birthday. It's eleven o'clock now, but she is just weaking up.

She has never asked me to buy anything for her birthday, but I want to buy her somethings surprise her. Finally, I buy a birthday cake for her. She is very happy and enjoy eating the birthday cake with her brother.

Last night, Joanna was set up her birthday in my electric dictionary. So, this mornig I went to check a new word and I saw her birthday is show up in my dictionary. She is a very careful girl. She doesn't want me forget her birthday.

Halloween

I used to bring my kids to Alameda to get Halloween candy for many years. It was crowded over there. Most kids and adults wore Halloween costumes when they went to get candy. They said," Trick or Treat " to people who gave out candy.

I feel like people like it over there very much because there are more people who gives out candy and the houses are close by. For that reason, the number of "trick or treaters" has been increasing year after year.

A few days ago, I asked my kids if they wanted to trick or treat in Alameda. They seemed to be not interested. They didn't answer me.

I want them to be happy and excited. Maybe I have to change where we go to get candy, but I don't know of a place that is close by where they can get a lot of candy and have fun.

Do any classmates know about places to go to get Halloween candy?

Please, let me know and show me how to get there. Thank you very much!

Happy Halloween!

Saturday, October 29, 2005

My Feeling

I have wished I have plenty of English to let me can handle by myself for every aspect.

I want my English to get rich to let me can protect myself.

I feel shy if my English is poor.

I feel like having a hindrance on my way if my English is lack.

English is my priority and it is a big challenge for me also.

Friday, October 28, 2005

Land by Leo Tolstoy Part 3

This is the final part of Land by Leo Tolstoy

Part 3

Aren't You Interested in Sharing, Are You?

Hi, classmates:
I thought, the blogger here is the place for all of us to share the ideas, to exchange the knowledge and conversation each other.

The list of members are increasing, but the writers seem to be reduce.

Why?

Aren't you interested to share with me, are you?

Do you regret with a chance have gone?

The opportunity comes only at once, try your best!

I'd love to hear more feedback from you guys.

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Land by Leo Tolstoy

Land is recorded in 3 parts: (Click each part to play)

Part 1

Part 2


Part 3 (I'll post it after we discuss the third part in class)

I Enjoy My Job

I love my job because I meet different people everyday. I have learned many things from my customers.

My job is in customer services. So, I have to take good care and make my clients happy with my work. I like to take time with them when I'm not very busy. I like talking with customers to build the relationships with them.

I have many picky customers.
My challenge is to honor every customer request.

I'm very happy when I see my customers walk out with happy faces. I feel rewarded. All my hard work is paid off.

Most my customers are loyal. They don't mind to come back if I'm very busy. They are my main source of income.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

My Birthday's Present

Last year, my husband gave me an electric dictionary for my birthday. I was very happy because it was the one which was I really need it. The dictionary helped me to save a lot of time in checking new words. It's very tidy to bring to school also.
However, it isn't a valueable gift but I like it very much. Because it is the right one that I'm necessary. It help me a lot in studying.

Saturday, October 22, 2005

Ben and Jerry Ice-Cream Makers

Ben and Jerry were friends in junior high school. They started and grew their business in 1960's & 70's.

It was during the generation called "hippies ". Hippies believed that people should think more about peace and love and less about making money. It wasn't cool to be a businessman at that time. Ben and Jerry's goal was to make people happy with their ice cream, not to get rich.

In the first year, the business wasn't making money. But Ben & Jerry had promised to celebrate their aniversary by giving away ice cream. Every year on May 5 is "Free Cone Day" for all the Ben & Jerry stores.

For the next three years, Ben and Jerry sales increased but they failed to make a profit for each year. It was clear that they had to make a choice: raise prices or go out of business. So, they raised their prices.

In 1980, Ben and Jerry began expanding their business. They started selling their ice-cream in local stores. The ice cream was a big hit with the public. Time magazine call it the" best ice cream in the world ". Today, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream is sold in nearly every state.

Ben and Jerry also feel there is a spiritual aspect to business which is usually overlooked. Love, kindness and caring need to be a part of every aspect of our lives.

Ben and Jerry have proven that a socially responsible business can indeed work!

Ben and Jerry make great ice cream! But they also use their business as a tool for social change. Their commitment to social values has paid off big in profits and loyalty of their customers and employees.

People love their ice cream. It looks like my children love it, also. After my kids read about Ben and Jerry's history they believe in Ben & Jerry's ice-cream even more.

Now, they only eat Ben & Jerry ice-cream. That's why?

Thursday, October 20, 2005

To Visit M.H.de Young Museum


Last Sunday, My family and I visited the M.H. de Young Museum.( see picture )
It is located at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. This museum is a sleek copper-clothed building. This 293,000-square-foot museum has 3 exhibition levels. At the northeast corner of the building stands a 144 foot-tall tower.

A lot of the display objects have been showed off. The heaviest objectt is the Olmec " Colossal head no.4 ". It weighs 5 tons. ( see picture )

We did not have enough time to see everywhere, so we just visited the first floor and left before it closed.

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

About Grammar

Today, I studied unit 47 exercises. In 47.1 no.2, the answer is: "How long have they been married."

Can I answer this exercise like this: "How long have they married?"?

Last week, in unit 43, 43.1 no.7, the answer was: " Three men are said to have been arrested after the explosion."
Can I answer this exsercise like this: " Three men are said to be arrested after the explosion."?

Teacher could please give me some corrections.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

My favorite Relative

Joanna is my daughter and she is my favorite family member. She is a beautiful, smart and alert girl. She is going to turn thirteen.

Joanna is good at communicating with me. We like going out shopping, eating and doing laundry together. She likes to talk and ask about funny things to make me laugh. She know how to make jokes and make me happy.

She loves making cake. She made a birthday cake with decorations for her brother. On Mother's Day, she made some paper roses by herself and gave them to me.

She is a busy girl. After English school, she comes home. She eats a snack, takes a shower, and then it is time to go to Chinese school. For several years, she has been an excellent student in both schools. She won many medals in English school and got reward checks from the Chinese school, also.

Joanna is nosy. She read my essays on the computer, then she said, "Your writing does not make sense. I don't understand it." Then I said, "It's O. K., my teacher understands my writing."

I feel pround of her and hope, that when she grows up, she will stay close to me, because she is the one, who brings me a lot of hapiness and laughter. I love her very very much . . . .

Sunday, October 16, 2005

The Trip to Hawaii



Last summer, my family and I went to Honolulu, Hawaii. Everybody dreams about going there because it is a lively city. Many travelers visit Honolulu.

It took about six hours to fly to Hawaii. On the airplane, I was excited. I wanted to get there as soon as possible. I waited for every hour to pass by. I read, watched TV and relaxed.

It didn't take too long before we got to Hawaii. We took a rental car and drove to the Waikiki Surf Hotel. We stayed there for one week. It was not very fun for the first day because we didn't know much about Hawaii. But it was okay. We walked to the beach and took a look and we went around Waikiki. We looked at a few restaurants where we were going to eat for the next few days.

On the second day, we took the Atlantic tour. That tour lasted a few hours. We went into a submarine, saw fish, seaweeds and turtles. We even saw some ships on the ocean's floor.

On the third day, we joined a snorkeling tour. We took the minibus and then transferred to a big ship. We stayed on the ship for about three to four hours while the captain took us to a place in the ocean. We swam and saw lot of fish. We put on lifejackets before we jumped into the ocean. The kids liked it very much.

On the fourth day, we attended the Polynesian Cultural Show at the Princess Hotel. This was the first time we saw Hawaiian singing and dancing. We ate dinner at the hotel before the show started.

On the fifth day, we joined the tour called The Island Tour. We sat on the bus though out most of the tour. The tour guide was also the driver. He drove us around the island. At every point he stopped, he let us out to take a look at the view. Some points weren't so special. He explained about the island and what we saw. I also remembered he us through a wildlife preserve. We saw a lot of flowers and special trees. We also stopped at the Dole Plantation and bought some pineapples.

On the sixth day, we went to a water park. We went by ourselves. We had a lot of fun because there was a “hurricane” ride. For the people who knew how to swim, they didn't care about the hurricane's waves coming. People who didn't know to swim were scared, but they had a lot of fun.

On the seventh day, we went home.

It was a happy and enjoyable trip. Hawaii had very nice weather. I will never forget the trip there. I regretted that I didn't have a chance to visit Pearl Harbor.

It was a worth while trip even though it was expensive.

Cam Hong

Friday, October 14, 2005

Please Don't Feed the Pigeons

Most people don't like pigeons very much because they deface vehicles, trees, benches and fountains in parks. They made cities dirty. Pigeons cause pollution with their feathers and odors from their nesting material.

Pedestrians may be slip by their excrement on walkways. Airplanes are endangered from large numbers of pigeons.

Still, some people like pigeons. They love to feed them left over food.

However, some people don't know diseases may be carried by these birds and transmitted to humans. Ornithosis is found in pigeons.

So, should we stop feeding pigeons?

To avoid an increase in the pigeonpopulation we must realize"food control" to keeping ourcities cleaner so people don't get diseases and pollution from pigeons.

Cam Hong

Thursday, October 13, 2005

Space Star (part 2 continued)

this is an audio post - click to play

This is the end of the story!!!

Read the previous post first!!!

Space Star (part 2 )

this is an audio post - click to play

Start Part 2 here!

Listen to Space Star (part 2 continued) after you listen to this post.

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Space Star (Part One)

this is an audio post - click to play



Please forgive my reading mistakes.

This is the first time I recorded a story for the Internet.

Like all of us, I need more practice speaking to an audience.

Leave comments if you would like me to record Space Star (part 2).

Sunday, October 09, 2005

This one is for Mung Kai

Do you want to learn an interesting new (and, often, difficult) word each day?

Go to the New York Times Word of the Day website.

American high school students take a test called the SAT (Scholastic Achievment Test) before they apply to colleges.

Many students memorize the Word of the Day in preparation for the SAT.

More Stories

I'm very interested in this class because it has grammar lesson every morning. Although it's complicated, but I like it. In addition, if this class have two or three stories to read every week, it'll great! It might attract me more.

What is the purpose of taking this class for? Is it grammar and reading?

I think having more stories to read is very helpful.

Cam Hong

Saturday, October 08, 2005

Writing is Difficult

Writing is difficult, but it can express all what we want to say; and it can stay what we want people to remember. I think it's very good in any aspect. Sometimes it look like a souvenir.

Mention to writing we have to know well about grammar. But grammar is so difficult for foreigner like us. If we are not good in grammar, it might be mixed up or misunderstand to the audience.

Anyhow we are students, we are on practicing. We don't care about any mistake, we still have a good editor beside us. We have to be brave to write it directly. The more we write, the easier it gets.

Cam Hong

Blue Angels flying show

Dear Classmates,

I am Kai Lok.

Yesterday there was a Blue Angels flying show in San Francisco.

It was very difficult to park in the north coast area of San Francisco, so my wife, my elder son and I drove to Treasure Island.

WE could see the planes from there. We got there about 1:30 pm.

It was a warm, bright sunny day. Breeze blew from S.F. bay. Many people sat on the benches or the rocks facing S.F. along the coast.

The show was taking place. A red biplane flew from high in the sky to near sea level then flew up over the Golden Gate Bridge with a white smoke curve line. After several minutes, three stunt planes appeared. They flew toward S.F. When they flew close to the Golden Gate Bridge, they suddenly flew up to the sky and released red, white and blue smoke. The three colorful curved tails followed them.

The curved tails looked like a big colorful cloth which was hung in the sky. After this flying team leaving, a black spot moved quickly from our left hand side. Very soon the blackspot became six jet planes – F-18 Hornet jets. People could easily identify them.t They were the world famous “Blue Angels" flying team. They flew together over S.F. and up high with colorful smoky tails, and then they seperated. The colorful smoke looked like a big flower. People applauded.

Suddenly a thunderous sound exploded. A Hornet jet flew over us from behind. It flashed closely to us toward S.F. People were very excited and applauded again. Six jets flew together. They did rolls, loops and reverses. They flew about half hour and then flew to the south east of San Francisco and ended the show.

If you have never seen the Blue Angels flying show, I suggest you have to visit this event sometime to feel that exciting moment.

During the show, I had taken some pictures although it was not easy to take pictures of flying jets. I will post several pictures on the blog. I hope you like them.

Friday, October 07, 2005

Hiring a New Administrative Assistant

Today we listened to a podcast about hiring a new administrative assistant.

Click on ESLpod.com for the complete transcript.

Here is a list of the key words, phrases and idioms in today's podcast:
  • Administrative assistant
  • Gave notice
  • Could not have happened at a worse time
  • Busy time of year
  • Nothing I could do
  • Right away
  • Want ad
  • Classified
  • Applications
  • Interviews
  • Narrowed it down
  • Resume
  • Experience
  • Working at
  • Telecommunications
  • Looked promising
  • Dressed professionally
  • Seemed personable
  • With confidence
  • Sounded like
  • Perseverance
  • Drawbacks
  • Chatty
  • Seemed disorganized
  • Capacities
  • Candidate
  • Rough around the edges
  • Earnest
  • Eager
  • Air of someone who had
  • Corporate environment
  • Seemed bright
  • Easy to get along with
  • Did strike me
  • As shy
  • Nervous
  • Two options
  • Give it some more thought
Look at your notes to review the meaning of each item on the list.

English In Use CD ROM

Each morning we do an exercise from English In Use (intermediate level) .

Many students find these grammar exercises useful.

Would you like additional practice exercises that you can access on your home computer.

Here is a link to the English In Use CD ROM.

Thursday, October 06, 2005

Internet Radio

If you want to listen to Internet Radio on you computer, download Scream-Radio from their website.

I just learned about it today and have been listening to it all night.

In case you are interested, I am posting this link.

Adverbs of Probability

That's right, I used the present continuos because I was typing the title "right then".

Now that the moment has passed I could change the title to:

In case you are interested, I posted this link.


In case you are still hungry for knowledge, click here.

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Friday, September 30, 2005

Listen to English on the Internet

In our morning class, we often listen to English on the Internet.

You can listen to English poems at The Writer's Almanac.

(To listen to the Writer's Almanac you must install RealAudio on your computer. RealAudio is a free program. Click here to read about how to do it.

ESLpod is a good place to build your vocabulary and improve your listening skills. Click here to read the scripts of the stories we heard in class.

Current Events Topic For Next Week

Please use the blog to suggest a current events topic for Thursday of next week.

If you haven't posted on the blog yet, have a fellow student post your suggestion.

We will select the topic, from your suggestions, with a vote on Tuesday.

More About Improving Our Classroom

Today we discussed ways to improve our class.

The teacher suggested that students who only attend for the first two hours sit at a table in the back of the classroom. He said that when students leave their study group in the middle of the class, they disrupt the study group.

Some students wanted to talk about this plan.

Khalil said that he wanted to stay in the front of the class because he has a problem with his vision.

Phung Chau said that she had the same problem.

Mei Fang said that she also had the same problem.

Wing also said that she has this problem.

Ha To also has difficulty seeing from the back of the room.

Richard tried to explain the problem, as he sees it.

He said, working in study groups is very important because study groups are the most effective way to improve your English.

Richard wants you to use this opportunity to learn. He knows that his students can not continue in the advanced class forever. They need to develop skills that will help them to succeed in college and in their jobs. Even students that have retired need to learn English communication skills to help their families.

The study groups are the most effective way to improve conversation, writing and editing skills.

What can we do in our class next week, he asked?

It was suggested that the two front tables be reserved for the students that leave at 10:30 and that after 10:30, the students in the back would move forward.

Hector said that he thought this was unfair. He comes to class every day and he usually comes early, he said. He said that he sits in the front because he thinks it is the best place to learn.

Wing, Khalil and Phung left the class because it was 10:30. Mei Fang also left.

Francisco asked, "Do all the people leave at the same time, or do they leave one by one." It would disturb the class if people were always moving.

Mung Kai said, "Some people sneak away."

Francisco said , "If people left from the back it wouldn't disturb the class so much."

Wai Ping said, why don't you write on the black board in the middle of the class so the students at the back table will be able to see better.

Xiao Yan asked that we quit "wasting our time talking about this and start listening to some music or reading literature or maybe a tv show."

Richard said, "We haven't spoken this much English in class all of this month. this is, perhaps, the best conversation practice we have had."

Wai Ping wants to talk about news. He wants to talk about current events.

The teacher asked that we try to make a plan for Monday. We change the plan later, but what should we try, on Monday, as an experiment.

We agreed to try to put the students that have to leave at the two tables in the front. The teacher said that he will try to use the front board less and emphasize working in study groups more. We will review how this works in the near future.

Xiao Yan suggested that we do more intersting topics like news and current events.

Francisco wants more dictation.

Vivian said, "Why don't that we use the two front tables by the windows because they are used to those tables."

Yan Hua doesn't want to move at all.

Vivian suggests that the teacher create study groups "by mnumbers" every day.

Dickson suggested that we have a day each week to just talk. "No paper, now writing."

Jiao said, give us a topic. that we can discuss.

Francisco suggests that we choose discussion groups by whether they leave early or not.

Yan Hua wants to form the groups each day after 10:30.

Richard said, "We still don't have a plan for Monday."

Han Xian said, " All morning, we have no time to relax. We feel very bored. There is no break."

The teacher explained that the school does not allow for official breaks anymore.

Richard asked, "Is there anything you do like about this class?"

Kai Yan said, " I like the class."

Wai Ping agreed, he likes it, too. But he wants to talk about the news.

Thursday, September 29, 2005

I Want To Know about China

Dear Chinese Classmates,

It's nice to know you. I'm interested in making friends with you because you are from China. It's a country which I want to know about. I plan to go there the next summer. So, could you tell me some famous places that you know? Please recommend to me which restaurants are the best?Are there any elegant holtels there?

Write me as soon as possible.

Your classmate
Cam Hong

My first post

Hi, classmates,

I'm very glad to know you guys on the computer because this is a good chance for me to practice both English and computer skills. I'm very happy to share with you guys many things from now on.

I wished to know more friends on computer to let me exchange ideas, knowledge. And now my dreams have come true.

Your classmate
Cam Hong

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

How to Improve our Class

We go to school because we want to improve our English.
I think we should set goals. We should come to school on time. When our teacher starts teaching , we should listen carefully. We sould speak English whenever in the school, especially we are learning in several groups. We should finish our homeworks and ask our teacher for making the corrections. It will better if we have more chances to practise oral and we often write some words about our thinking or opinions on blogger.
It helps us more communications among our classmates and improve our class.

Who is this student?


What is her name?

Where is she from?

What is her favorite color?

What is her favorite song?

What is her favorite pastime?

Should-

We should write everyday.

We should use this blog to practice our writing.

We should share interesting information with our classmates.

We should share our ideas.

Monday, September 26, 2005

Learn the Names of the States and Capitals

Click on this link:
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/web_games.htm

to play an internet game and learn US geogrraphy.

While you are at it, click here:
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/Mexico_Geography.htm

to learn about Mexican Geography

Saturday, September 24, 2005

Thursday, September 22, 2005

Finding the Words to a Song

Using the Internet, you can easily find the words to a song if you know the song's title.

The words to a song are called lyrics.

Suppose that you are looking for the words for the song, Right Here Waiting.

  1. Go to Google.com
  2. In the search window type: Lyrics Right Here Waiting.
  3. Click on one of the search result links
I usually copy the lyrics into a word processor.
  1. Highlight the lyrics and copy them (cntrl-c).
  2. Open a new Microsoft Word Document
  3. Paste the lyrics (cntrl-v)
  4. Type in the title and recording artist above the lyrics
  5. Format, save and print the lyrics

Money, Honey


We listened to an Elvis Presley song called "Money, Honey" today.

Do you think Elvis is a good singer?

Do you like this kind of music?

May Have and Might Have

Use may have and might have to indicate that something is possible.

Must have expresses certainty. That must be true. (It is certainly true.)

May have and might have express possibility. That may be true. (It is possibly true)

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Joining the Blog

Come to class a little early (around 8:00 am) if you want to learn how to get a Blogger account and begin to post to the Room101am Blog.

See you then, I hope!

Writer's Almanac

We listened to the Writer's Almanac.

There was a story about a literary critic who did not hear stories when he was a child.

There was a poem about a father and his baby son.

Must Have and Can't Have

Use must have when something is true.

Use can't have when something is impossible.

For the past use must have and the past participle (i.e. must have eaten) or couldn't have (couldn't have eaten).

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Could and Could Have

Today we studied could and could have.

We use could and can to talk about future possibilities. Could is more uncertain than can.

The past of could is could have.

Could have indicates that something was possible in the past, but it did not happen.

Organizing Your Binder

Please divide your binder into five sections:
  1. Grammar
  2. Reading and Literature
  3. Listening and Vocabulary Building
  4. Writing
  5. The American Experience
If you need dividers, please ask me and I will give them to you.

Monday, September 19, 2005


Today we reviewed "can", "could" and "be able to".

We listened to a podcast about a homecoming football game.

If you want to listen to this podcast go to eslpod.com.

We also looked at pictures from our teacher's younger brother's wedding in Beijing, China.


We also looked at Google Earth and talked about the geography of California.

Thursday, September 15, 2005

Can you find a classmate in this picture?


One of our classmates teaches Kung Fu.

Her students recently won medals in a competition.

Can you find your classmate in this photograph?

What is her name?

What is this student's name?



Can you name this student?

Where is this student from?

Have and Got

Today, in our grammar exercise, we studied how to use "have and have got".

We learned that "have" means to posses something. It can also mean that a special relationship exists. There are many idioms that use "have".

That is all for now.

Have a nice day!

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Some of the books we use in the Advanced Class

Grammar in Use
by Raymond Murphy
Cambridge University Press
A grammar book

Literature for English (Beginning, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2)
McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Press
A book of short stories

Welcome to the Room 101 Morning Class!

We welcome you to the Room 101 Morning Class Blog.

Look here to read what your fellow students have written.

Keep an eye out for new pictures and graphics.

See you soon!