Sunday, August 30, 2009

Good Luck with Your New Class!

Hi Everyone, This week I won't be sending you a list of new spelling words, as you will be
getting spelling words from your new teacher, Deborah Gordon. She will be taking Richard's place until he returns to teaching. She is an experienced teacher with strong computer skills
that she will be using in class. I will be around Neighborhood Center either helping with
registration, or substituting in different classes. I'll miss all of you, and I'll probably see you from time to time. If you haven't registered yet, please come to Neighborhood Center at 8:30am,
on Monday, August 31. You need to take a CASAS test before you can be assigned to a class.
Good luck in your new class. Best wishes, Linda

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Spelling Words for the Week of August 24, 2009

Hi All, Hope you're enjoying your summer, and have been practicing English. This week on
Friday, August 28, there will be registration for returning students, and classes start again on
Monday, August 31. So, vacation is almost over. Some of you are starting Laney or other schools, and I want to wish you good luck. Come back and visit us when you can.
This week's spelling words are about Judge Sonia Sotomayor.
1. approve
2. appointment
3. Supreme Court
4. Democrats
5. Republicans
6. position
7. affirmed
8. intellect
9. temperament
10. integrity
11. independence
12. ably
13. thrilled
14. experienced
15. asset
16. aspects
17. Latino
18. opportunity
19. diabetic
20. disability
21. forbids
22. impairments
23. advocates
24. champion
25. current

Monday, August 17, 2009

Spelling Words for the Week of Aug. 17, 2009

Hi All, I'm still using my husband's old computer while I decide what to do. My computer isn't
worth fixing, so I need to make a decision soon. I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile I'm attending
all day workshops this week about Adult School. It's more tiring than teaching! I want to encourage you to write on the blog, and not just to me. This may get other students involved,
and it's good practice for your writing. This week's words are about health reform.
1. confused
2. current
3. private
4. public
5. insurance
6. derail
7. system
8. prevent
9. illness
10. access
11. financial
12. ruin
13. excessive
14. debate
15. essential
16. solution
17. industry
18. excuse
19. misled
20. multiple
21. restrict
22. physicians
23. administrative
24. diverse
25. similar

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Spelling Words for the week of August 10, 2009

Hi Everyone, Sorry that this week's spelling words are a little late. While I was in LA, my
computer died, and I'm now usung my husband's old computer until I decide what to do. Either
I will get my old computer repaired, or have to buy a new one. I'll make my decision after I
go to the computer store. I had a great time in LA, and I'm happy to be home. Hope you are
all enjoying this wonderful summer. This week's words are about the state budget.
Best regards, Linda P.S. Keep e-mailing me, and I will answer you when I can.
1. regain
2. economic
3. integrity
4. budgeting
5. accountability
6. turmoil
7. opportunity
8. permanent
9. downturn
10. acknowledge
11. unwilling
12. unpopular
13. balance
14. excessive
15. borrowing
16. worthy
17. recession
18. unemployment
19. revenue
20. forecast
21. vital
22. eliminated
23. conserve
24. convince
25. accurate

Sunday, August 02, 2009

Spelling words for week of Aug. 3, 2009

Hi Everyone,  August is already here so quickly.  I've heard from a few students
over vacation, and it's not too late to e-mail me and let me know what
you're doing this summer.  My e-mail address is Newbuc@aol.com.  I'll be going to L.A. (Los Angeles) this weekend, so I might be a little late with the spelling
words for next week.  Also, please let me know if there are particular spelling
words that you would like to learn.  These words are about adult education.  Enjoy our gorgeous weather.   Love, Linda
1.  critical
2.  persistence
3.  remove
4.  barriers
5.  orientation
6.  relationships
7.  self-efficacy
8.  significant
9.  specific
10.  motivation
11.  benefit
12.  goals
13.  participation
14.  focus
15.  colleagues
16.  mentors
17.  identify
18.  support
19.  determination
20.  advice
21.  increase
22. strategies
23.  techniques
24.  accessible
25.  overcome   

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Spelling words for week of July 27, 2009

Hi Everybody,
Hope you enjoyed another beautiful weekend in the Bay Area.  My husband and  I
went to the Kite Festival at the Berkeley Marina.  There were so many kites of all
sizes and shapes, some extremely large and colorful.  Luckily, there was enough wind to keep the kites going.  Also, this event attracts families from all different
backgrounds and countries.  It was a real multicultural event.
The spelling words this week are about the arrest of Professor Gates, by a police
officer, when breaking into his own house.  President Obama got involved because it was a racial profiling situation.

1.  accused
2.  arrested
3.  racial
4.  profiling
5.  uproar
6.  hastened
7.  controversy
8.  invited
9.  professor
10.  conceded
11.  ill-chosen
12.  apology
13.  rancorous
14.  back-and-forth
15.  transpired
16.  lighten
17.  situation
18.  commiserated
19.  multiracial
20.  fallout
21.  disorderly
22.  conduct
23.  remarks
24.  compelled
25.  mushroomed
 

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Just wondering why?

Hi Everyone, How’s your summer vacation. Did you check the blog everyday?
Linda Teacher posted the vocabulary every week, did you follow? I did.
I wondering Why Linda Teacher Just brought few students to visited Richard. If I don’t have to work I would go together next time. Thank you. Enjoy your vacation. See you soon

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Spelling words for week of July 20, 2009

Hi Everyone,  Hope you enjoyed another beautiful week in sunny Oakland, or
wherever you live.  I'm enjoying spending time in my backyard garden, and taking
care of the plants and flowers.  A few of us visited with Richard this week and he
was so happy to see us.  He suggested maybe a small BBQ in August.  I'll keep you posted.  Your teacher, Linda
This week's words are about skyscrapers going green.
1.  skyscraper
2.  facade
3.  insulate
4.  energy
5.  tenants
6.  desirable
7.  property
8.  environmental
9.  improvements
10.  gamble
11.  skyline
12.  upgrade
13.  structures
14.  efficient
15.  managers
16.  convince
17.  building
18.  financial
19.  retrofits
20.  technology
21.  occupancy
22.  renovation
23.  recycled
24.  preserve
25.  modifications  

Monday, July 13, 2009

Have good time with Richard


It's Linda, Richard, Kathleen, Kaiyan, Ella on the picture.

These pictures were took in Richard's home today. We went to visit him. He became thiner than before and looked tired, but we were happy to see him.
His daughter (the dog) was so enthusiastic for our coming, she wanted to kiss every guests, but only me have the pleasure got one of her kiss, even I told her I don't want to kiss with her...

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Spelling Words for week of July 13, 2009

Hi Everyone,   Hope you're enjoying the beautiful weather.  Today I went kayacking in Sausalito with my husband  and friends.  We had a kayack for two 
people and I sat in the back and helped to steer the boat.   It was fun being on the water.  I've been e-mailing about 6 students and I'd like to hear from you.  Please
e-mail me at Newbuc@aol.com and I will answer you.   Richard is feeling better after his last treatment.   
This week's words are in memory of Michael Jackson, a famous singer who died
a few weeks ago.  He was known as the "King of Pop".
1.  entertainer
2.  icon
3.  legend
4.  international
5.  creative
6.  talent
7.  phenomenon
8.  charitable
9.  special
10.  childlike
11.  spotlight
12.  fame
13.  addictive
14.  controversial
15.  dynamic
16.  memorial service
17.  funeral
18.  spectacle
19.  awards
20.  global
21.  superstar
22.  monoculture
23.  spirit
24.  performer
25.  entertainment

Monday, July 06, 2009

Spelling Words for week of July 6, 2009

Hi everyone,  Hope you enjoyed your July 4th weekend.  I was in Sausalito and
was able to see some local fireworks there. On Sunday, I went on a long hike, and
now I'm feeling very tired and sore.  I want to recommend the movie "Up" and it
is appropriate for kids and adults.  It is in local theaters and it is animated, 
funny, and has adult emotional content.  Even if you don't understand all the
spoken language, you will get the message.  
I spoke to Richard today, and he had a good trip back East for his father's 
memorial service and to visit his 95 year old Aunt.  He is feeling better and going in for a treatment on Tuesday.  We all hope he continues to do well. 
1.  assisting
2.  badge
3.  cap
4.  elderly
5.  fake
6.  fix up 
7.  flightless
8.  waterfall
9.  desperate
10.  successful
11.  permission
12.  solution
13.  owe
14.  productive
15.  dutiful
16.  support
17.  get ahead
18.  obstacle
19.  recognize
20.  aim
21.  collaborate
22.  hook
23.  nag
24.  push
25.  promotion



 
 

Monday, June 29, 2009

Spelling Words for week of June 29

Hi Everyone,  Hope your summer is going well and have a safe, happy July 4th weekend.   Don't get caught with any fireworks, and don't eat too much BBQ.
This week's words are 15 most commonly misspelled words and 10 words about Independence Day.  Please e-mail me and let me know what kind of spelling words you would like for another week.  Thank you to those students who have e-mailed me, and I will be getting back to you.  My e-mail address is Newbuc @aol.com.
Please keep in touch this summer.  I miss all of you.   Love,   Your teacher Linda
1.  succeed
2.  necessary
3.  connected
4.  their
5.  accelerate
6.  obstinate
7.  responsibility
8.  hindrance
9.  hospitality
10. leisurely
11.  shield
12.  innovative
13.  proceed
14.  tropical
15.  yield
16.  soldiers
17.  colonists
18.  independence
19.  declaration
20.  liberty
21.  pursuit
22.  happiness
23.  pledge
24.  honor
25.  dangerous

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Fathers Day

Thank you for contributing to my wonderful Father's Day.

My kids cooked me breakfast.

A friend invited me to dinner.

Of course, I shared the cards you created with everyone!

Thanks again. (Even the slightly delinquent ones)

I wish you a summer of fun and learning, but I can only wish for you. You have to go out and have fun and practice English.

Love


ps Special thanks to Linda and her husband, John, who hand delivered the Father's Day cards to my home on Friday afternoon.

Spelling Words for Week of June 22

Hi Everyone,  Enjoy the first week of summer.  If you need to reach me, you can
e-mail me at Newbuc@aol.com.  Please let me know if there are particular words you would like to learn.  Best wishes, Linda

1.  appreciate
2.  variety
3.  enthusiastic
4.  realize
5.  eventually
6.  control
7.  abstain
8.  conscience
9.  function
10. extreme
11. improve
12.  laughter
13. mischief
14.  complex
15.  partner
16.  constant
17.  employ
18. create
19. quiet
20. actual
21. complain
22. explain
23. simply
24. promotion
25. progress

Friday, June 19, 2009

Happy Summer and Happy Father's Day!

Hi Richard, How are you? We missed you at our party, so we're sending you a picture
that Kai Yan took. There was a combination of different foods from different students. For ex., Pedro brought homemade guacamole and chips, Ayako brought home-
made sushi, Kai Yan brought home baked cake, Nhu brought homemade colorful sweet
rice, Mei Fang brought homemade Chinese cucumber salad. Everything tasted real good.
We made a communal table by putting many tables together and filling the entire room. Then we sat opposite each other and passed around the food. Yun Ping put
on music that Pedro put together for us. It was a fun and successful party for
everybody!
Hope to see you next semester. Enjoy your summer vacation and Father's Day too!
A few of us will try to blog you this summer. O.K? Bye, bye from your loving
24/7 students from room 101am.
P.S. Teacher Linda brought many nice tablecloths for our table, and all the paper products.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Spelling words for Thurs. June 18

21.  possession
22.  misfortune
23.  height
24.  publicity
25.  attachment

Spelling words for Thurs. June 18

1.  commitment
2.  opportunity
3.  embarrassed
4.  occasionally
5.  receive
6.  patience
7.  achievement
8.  prejudice
9.  familiar
10.  controversial
11.  prescription
12.  accumulate
13.  judgment
14.  conscious
15.  foreign
16.  similar
17.  contemporary
18.  beneficial
19.  guarantee
20.  particular

Thursday, June 11, 2009

How Was Your Trip?

Hi students of the morning class,  I've been thinking about you, and how you enjoyed your trip.
I noticed that Richard would like to find out about the trip too.  So, how  about  writing by
yourself, or as a group.  I'll be back to class on Monday, June 15, and will probably be a little jet-
lagged.  I've been having a great time in NYC, and saw two Broadway plays, and went to one art
museum.  It's has been raining and drizzling almost everyday, and there was a terrible thunder and lightning storm one night, and I had a difficult time going back to  sleep.  I've been eating a lot of good food, and luckily I've been walking a lot, so I didn't gain any weight.  That's all for now,
and I look forward to seeing all of you very soon.  Love,  Your teacher Linda

Monday, June 08, 2009

Spelling Words for Week of June 8-12

1. transportation
2. botany
3. forbidden
4. virtual
5. moral
6. surrender
7. fragile
8. planet
9. irresistible
10. rainforest
11. alligator
12. Madagascar
13. Philippines
14. solar system
15. asteroid
16. gorilla
17. sustainable
18. crave
19. skeleton
20. inspire
21. individual
22. comet
23. fossil
24. preserve
25. geyser

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Have a Great Trip to the Museum!

Hi Everyone!

I'm enjoying my time in NY with my family.  My great nephew, 5 years old, is graduating from
preschool tomorrow, and there will be a small celebration.  I'll write to you again when I'm
in NYC (the big apple).  Wishing you a terrific trip to the Academy of Sciences, and don't forget
to get the pass to the planetarium immediately after arriving there.  I hope to see photos and stories when I get back.  
I miss you guys, and send you my love,  Linda

Day at the Museum

Classmates,

Howwarya?

I can't go with you on Wednesday. I'll be getting treatments at the hospital.

Yesterday I took the BART and the N-Judah streetcar to the museum and the trip went well.

One piece of advice:
As soon as you arrive at the Museum, ask where to get a pass for the Morrison Planetarium. The planetarium show is free but requires a pass. Get it first thing!

Have a great trip and post some photos and stories.

Richard

ps Look for my pal, the white alligator.

Friday, May 29, 2009

An Invitation to Our Party

Hi Mr. Little Birdie,   We want to invite you to our end-of -the-school year party on Thursday,
June 18 in room 101, from 10:ooam to 11:30pm.  We hope you can come, and you don't have to let us know, just come!  We're going to have a surprise D.J. and singer, and great music and dancing.
Of course, there will be excellent ethnic food from many countries, no alcohol, but coffee, tea,
and other drinks.  It should be a great way to end this school year. 
We're looking forward to our field trip on Wednesday, and heard that you're going on Monday
and may send us some pictures and recommend what to see.  Have a great time!
Don't worry, be happy ( remember that song by Bobby Mcferrin?)
Love from your 24/7 am class.

Spelling Words for Friday, June 5

1.  follow up
2.  concentrate
3.  grateful
4.  excuse
5.  report
6.  select
7.  nervous
8.  service
9.  nature
10.  relieved
11.  encourage
12.  benefit
13.  recruit
14.  collaborate
15.  recognize
16.  successful
17.  permission
18.  productive
19.  support
20.  obstacle
21.  solution
22.  potential
23.  favorable
24.  donate
25.  look sharp

Monday, May 25, 2009

Spelling Words for Fri. May 29

1.  unpredictable
2.  optimistic
3.  gratitude
4.  strengthen
5.  connections
6.  challenges
7.  failure
8.  isolate
9.  miracle
10.  insight
11.  thrive
12.  ritual
13.  pancreas
14.  lungs
15.  kidneys
16.  gall bladder
17.  liver
18.  intestines
19.  spleen
20.  thyroid
21.  heart
22.  stomach
23.  appendix
24.  kindness
25.  goodwill

Thursday, May 21, 2009

We Miss You Extremely!

Hi Mr. 911, We are having an emergency. Can you help us? We want to plan an end of the year party at school. Can you come to join us? We will write an emergency story for you to read.
We finished our CASAS tests yesterday, and some students need to go back to room 102, including Pedro. He is still sitting in the back of the room, by the door, waiting for you to visit
us, and it is so cool by the fan. Please give us a surprise soon!!!

Happy Memorial Day! Enjoy a BBQ, go to the beach with Ceda (your dog), and spend some
money to help the economy. We miss you and love you,
Room 101am, 24/7 class

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The Shadow Knows

A little birdie told me that certain students are slinking (have slunk) to the back table.


ENJOY THE LONG WEEKEND!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Spelling Words for Thurs. May 21

1. products
2.  warnings
3.  avoid
4. contact
5.  ingest
6.  precautions
7.  prolonged
8.  label
9.  absorbed
10.  external
11.  internal
12.  antidote
13.  adequate
14.  container
15.  extremely
16.  puncture
17.  ignite
18.  ventilation
19.  contaminate
20.  contents
21.  irritate
22.  disinfect
23.  hazardous
24.  insecticide
25.  directions


Friday, May 15, 2009

We Continue To Miss You!

Hi Richard, How are you today? Every Friday we like to check in with you. Are you enjoying the sunshine and very hot weather? We're trying to keep cool by turning the lights off ("sit down") and saving energy to the school. That way we can have summer school here. Today we got a new student, Javier Gonzalez, who worked at Piedmont Grocery and now at Baja Ta-
queria on Piedmont Ave. Come by for a complementary super burrito and maybe a margarita (not a new student). You missed the special Ferrero chocolate treat that we had today. Everyone liked it very much, and Pedro ate three, and one is white paper chocolate, made by Yun Ping.
Pedro tried to eat it, but opened it instead. Pedro said, " It's hard to swallow!" Swallow was one of our spelling words this week. So, Pedro started to choke and Ella gave him 5 abdomen thrusts,
and he started to feel better. And Yun Ping started to call 911. No emergency today, but we had lots of fun.

We miss you a lot!!! Love from your 24/7 am class

Monday, May 11, 2009

Greetings from Berkeley

You guys are funny!

Of course, I think of you all the time, but today the Room 101 Morning Students earned "extra credit" in my thoughts.

I had just ordered a super burrito when, as I watched the guy behind the counter splash guacamole onto my carne asada and beans, I thought of your guacamole party post on the blog. In the photo I could clearly see that Pedro was "cutting up" in class again.

A "special shout out" to Kai Yan! He knows how to make me feel better with not one but - count 'em - two posts on the blog - - with photos! Thanks, buddy!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Spelling Words for Friday, May 15

1.  first aid
2.  safety
3.  prevention
4.  breathing
5.  pressure
6.  medics
7.  thrusts
8.  choking
9.  explosion
10.  poisoning
11.  dangerous
12.  protection
13.  accident
14.  swallow
15.  pesticides
16.  illnesses
17.  child-resistant
18.  demonstrate
19.  exposed
20.  medicines
21.  chemicals
22.  original
23.  eliminate
24.  immediately
25.  injury

Friday, May 08, 2009

We still miss you!!!

Hi Richard, How do you feel? We hope you feel better. Prosperity showed up to class today
like a new moon. He's going back to the Big Apple to try life over again, a new beginning. Don't
forget to celebrate Mother's Day on Sunday. Try to go to church with your Mom, even though you said you'll never go. We had another fire drill today to practice, in case there's a real one. Now
we've had two fire drills while you've been gone.
Don't forget to take your dog for a walk! Is the dog your daughter or girlfriend? Please let us know. BTW, Kathleen says" I miss you everyday." We hope that we see you at the class trip.
It's happening! Much love from your 24/7 am class.

Thursday, May 07, 2009

Three Wheels Motorcycle



Generally, motorcycles are more save gas than the auto cars. But motorcycles are more dangerous. I thought that if there are manufacturers produce three or four wheels motorcycles, it would be the good things for saving energy.
Yesterday, a peculiar car attracted my sight. It was parked on International Boulevard near our school. When I approached it, I almost made sure that it was a three wheels motorcycle. I was afraid of losing this nice opportunity; I took some pictures of it immediately.
I hope that this motorcycle will be developed to be other kind of saving energy transportation.

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

We Enjoyed Guacamole, Mexican Food



Yesterday, teacher Linda introduced Mexican food, Guacamole, and its recipe to us. She brought all of materials and tools to the class.
Our chef Pedro and Chef Ella made Guacamole as teacher’s guide. Classmates stood around our chefs waiting for a taste. Several minutes later, our classmates had tasted delicious Guacamole.
Thanks for Linda, Pedro and Ella.

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Slope Mower

In spring, the Plants, flowers and grasses grow up fast. Especially the grasses grow up faster than the other plants. Usually people will cut the grasses short in their front yard or back yard with a mower every week. They cut the grasses for good looking.

I have had a question in my mind for a long time. I know that many residences are built on the top of slope and the grasses grow on the slope. My question is that how the residents or workers cut the grasses with an ordinary mower on the slope. Although people could let the grasses grow up freely, the grasses will dry out in summer. It is very dangerous to the residents because the dry grasses catch fire easily.

One day, I saw a scene. It solved my question. A flock of sheep were eating grasses on the slope. These slope mowers were not only needed not gas or electricity but also environmental protection.

Sunday, May 03, 2009

Spelling Words for Friday, May 8

1.  swine flu outbreak
2.  face masks
3.  virus
4.  disease
5.  hand sanitizer
6.  emergency
7.  affected
8.  frequently
9.  effective
10.  spreading
11.  symptoms
12.  fatigue
13.  headache
14.  sore throat
15.  cough
16.  respiratory
17.  vaccine
18.  epidemic
19.  preparation
20.  catastrophe
21.  protection
22.  restrictions 
23.  medications
24.  pandemic
25.  infection

Friday, May 01, 2009

We Miss You!

Hi Richard, How are you feeling? We miss you very much. " Don't forget to turn on the computer,"
Pedro said. "Do you eat more food now?" said Kai Yan. "We hope we can see you at the class
trip." said Ayako. "Don't be scared to come to the class. I don't have the swine flu." said Pedro
because he hasn't gone to Mexico yet. "If you want some exercise, come to my backyard" said
Ella. "We hope you feel better soon" said Ling. " I came to class early everyday to see you to
say good morning, and I don't want you to say good afternoon to me":) said Yun Ping. We love
you wonderful class. Don't teach too much English to your dog! We all love you and need you.
Your 24/7 class in the morning

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Spelling List for May 1

California Academy of Sciences
aquarium
museum
planetarium
exhibit
herpetologist
species
renovated
canopy
naturalist
natural history
evolution
diorama
tortoise
penguin
invertebrate
climate change
habitats
pendulum
Earth's rotation
coral reef
aquatic
terrestrial
anemone
amphibian

Monday, April 20, 2009

Academy of Science in Golden Gate Park

I hope you will join us on the field trip to the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park.

Click here to see photos of some of the Academy of Science exhibits.

Click here to explore the museum web site.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven



Hi, Richard, Linda and my classmates:


Several weeks ago I ran into a novel named The Five People You Meet in Heaven in the Asian Branch of Oakland Public Library. The book is written by Mitch Albom, the author of the number one New York Times bestseller Tuesday with Morrie, I was absorbed in it at the first glance. The edition of the book I got from the Oakland Library was published in Hong Kong in Traditional Chinese. As I read more and more, I was deeply moved and attracted to this wise and imaginative book. So I returned to the library and borrowed three other editions of this novel from two different branches of the Oakland Public Library - the English edition, the simplified Chinese edition, and the Audio Book edition. Maybe editions in Spanish or other languages that I don’t understand are also available. In 2004, The Five People You Meet in Heaven was adapted to a TV movie, but it is a pity that I haven’t found the DVD yet.

I am glad and honored to share this lovely story with every one of you. When I set out to write a summary of the novel to recommend the amazing book, I found a lot of information about the novel posted on web. I collected some of the brilliant introductions and posted them here. I hope you enjoy and love the story.



About the book

Eddie is a grizzled war veteran who feels trapped in a meaningless life of fixing rides at a seaside amusement park. As the park has changed over the years -- from the Loop-the-Loop to the Pipeline Plunge -- so, too, has Eddie changed, from optimistic youth to embittered old age, His days are a dull routine of work, loneliness, and regret.

Then, on his 83rd birthday, Eddie dies in a tragic accident, trying to save a little girl from a falling cart. With his final breath, he feels two small hands in his -- and then nothing. He awakens in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a lush Garden of Eden, but a place where your earthly life is explained to you by five people who were in it. These people may have been loved ones or distant strangers. Yet each of them changed your path forever.


One by one, Eddie's five people illuminate the unseen connections of his earthly life. As the story builds to its stunning conclusion, Eddie desperately seeks redemption in the still-unknown last act of his life: Was it a heroic success or a devastating failure? The answer, which comes from the most unlikely of sources, is as inspirational as a glimpse of heaven itself.


In The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Mitch Albom gives us an astoundingly original story that will change everything you've ever thought about the afterlife -- and the meaning of our lives here on earth. With a timeless tale, appealing to all, this is a book that readers of fine fiction, and those who loved Tuesdays with Morrie, will treasure.


Click here to read the beginning of The Five People You Meet in Heaven.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Spelling Words for Friday, April 24, 2009

1. protect
2. environment
3. sustainable
4. recycle
5. reusable
6. organic
7. conserve
8. compost
9. altered
10. dumps
11. emissions
12. landfill
13. potent
14. wastes
15. calamity
16. pollution
17. global warming
18. uninhabitable
19. drought
20. parched
21. reservoir
22. devastating
23. decompose
24. biodegradable
25. conservation

Monday, April 13, 2009

Spelling List for Friday April 17

regarding
misrepresentation
description
dynamic
conflict
proper
academic
vital
oral
assert
recommendation
handle
accept
access
asset
necessary
overall
friendly
formal
discuss
offer
aspect
conduct
ethical
mock

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Hi classmates!

How have you been guys? Do you still remember me? I apologize because I haven't gone to school for a while. The reason is because I have been busy doing many college projects. However, I'm happy to see your posts! I'd like to visit you, and I hope to do it soon. =)


How is Richard doing? I heard that he has absented a couple of times; therefore, Linda has been substituting him... I hope he recovers very soon and feel better every day! I miss you guys, and I hope you're doing excellent. ;)

Here is a picture with some of my classmates from the college. We were having a break after all the work we've done. I hope you like it! :) See you soon...!



Friday, April 03, 2009

HI, Classmates,

My name is Ya Ling. I will post a story soon!

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Spelling Words for Friday April 3

1. gardening: My mother is gardening. She is planting vegetables and flowers.
2. composting: I will put the composting soil to make a rose garden.
3. rotation: I rotated the soil and planted some seeds.
4. propagate: In the Springtime, everything will start to propagate.
5. pollinate: Bees can pollinate from one flower to another.
6. relationship: My Mom and I have a good relationship.
7. vegetation: My neighbor planted some vegetation in her garden.
8. sprouting: Leaves are sprouting from the trees.
9. blooming: Many flowers are blooming in Spring.
10. allergies: A lot of people have flower allergies in Spring.
11. pollen: Pollen is attractive to bees.
12. rebirth: Rebirth of flowers happens in Spring.
13. crop selection: In the Spring, the farmer is choosing vegetables for his crop selection.
14. renewal: The farmer needs to renew his field.
15. pesticide-free: People like to eat vegetables that are pesticide-free.
16. organic: Organic food is grown without pesticides.
17. horticulture: Last weekend there was a horticulture demonstration in S.F.
18. botany: Some students take botany classes at school.
19. flourish: Plants need sun and water to flourish.
20. nursery: If you want to buy plants you can go to the nursery.
21. diversity: A diversity of vegetables are good to plant in Spring.
22. varieties: Nurseries carry many varieties of seeds.
23. environment: The school environment is decorated with flowers.
24. recycling: We are recycling cans, paper, and plastic bottles.
25. hibernation: In Springtime some animals come out of hibernation in the morning.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Spelling words for March 27

1.predict
2.emerging
3.minimize
4.layoffs
5.influential
6.indicate
7.immunity
8.advantage
9.recession
10.accelerates
11.economy
12.scrutiny
13.contractors
14.freelancers
15.corporation
16.slayings
17.references
18.candidates
19.expansion
20.organization
21.process
22.optimism
23.administration
24.primary
25.expectation

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Practice Makes Perfect

"Practice makes perfect" is a famous saying. It means that when people are learning to do something new, they will be good at it only after having lots of practice. They have to do it over and over again. I have had such experiences for a year. To learn English well, we must speak more, listen more and read more. In the beginning, I couldn't speak English fluently, so I took every chance to practice, such as going to an English class, talking to people who speak English, reading English blogs, and when I saw words I didn’t understand on the street, I would look them up at home later. I kept practicing for a long time. My spoken English is much better than before. My English listening and reading have also improved. Another example is typing. When people first learn to type, they are not familiar with the keyboard and can't type very fast. But as long as they keep practicing, they're sure to have both their typing speed and accuracy improve. Practice makes perfect! This encourages me to practice more and more.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Spelling List for March 20

appropriate
willingness
focus
evaluation
capable
accomplishment
reward
transcript
portfolio
effective
termination
posture
facial expression
first impression
summons
illiterate
motivate
contribution
proficient
inflation
deflation
stagnation
demand
supply
participate

Monday, March 09, 2009

Spelling Words for March 13, 2009

1.  patient
2.  energetic
3.  organized
4.  efficient
5.  reliable
6.  flexible
7.  creative
8.  honest
9.  confident
10. helpful
11. following instructions
12. respectful
13. careful
14. enthusiasm
15. punctual
16. prepared
17. good listener
18. clarification
19. valuable
20. assured
21. follow up
22. demonstrated
23. anxious
24. problem solver
25. concerned   

Monday, March 02, 2009

Spelling List for March 6

administrative assistant

detail oriented

accountant

works well with numbers

fire fighter

flexible

reporter

well organized

landscape architect

creative

mail carrier

efficient

assembler/factory worker

hard working

receptionist

great with people

dental assistant

responsible

security guard

dependable

hair stylist

artistic

business owner

works well under pressure

characteristics

Monday, February 23, 2009

Spelling List for February 27

résumé
application
interview
experience
qualifications
education
position
professional
special skills
certificate
salary
benefits
schedule
attitude
flexible hours
dependability
vacation days
temporary
references
employer
employee
employment
responsibilities
advancement
opportunity

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Hello Richard, LindaMy Classmates




Hello, Richard, Linda and my classmates,


How are you? I saw your pictures on the Blog. It looks like everyone is healthy and happy. You know? I totally miss the class. Now, I have been working more days in San Francisco since I got back from Thailand. I went to Thailand because my brother got married. I took some pictures in Thailand to show you.

The first two photos are of one of my favorite places. It is named James Bond Island. This Island was in the James Bond movie "The Man With the Golden Gun".


The last photo is my family with our new sister-in-law.