Leinster

Composition 701A (Spring 09)

2009-05-08T10:39:00.001-07:00

Journal #16 - Last Journal

2009-05-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is your last one so make it good.

Do you think you have improved your writing this spring? If you think so, in what ways do you think you have improved. If you don't think so, why do you think your writing hasn't improved and what can you do to improve your skills next time.

Journal #15

2009-04-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

As a class, we've always enjoyed learning about each other's cultures. This week, I want us to share a little bit about food.

1. Choose a famous dish from your country, your region or your city.

2. Spend some time researching about this particular food - it's history, special ingredients, etc.

3. Write what you learned about the particular dish in a paragraph first. Then,

4. Write the steps for preparation.

Post your recipe as is below. Make sure you give a short description of the dish, a detailed recipe and specific steps for preparation.

Example:

Ratatouille

from http://www.beyond.fr/food/ratatouille.html

This Niçoise dish is much more than a vegetable soup. It can be prepared fairly quickly by cooking everything together at the same time, but that needs to be done in the correct sequence to not miss out the art and the flavour of the dish.

It's also true that the recipe can legitimately vary (somewhat) according to tastes, but the variations should be based on experience. The volume is also very variable.

"Too much" doesn't apply to ratatouille. Cook it the first time, and eat it hot as the main course; then have it again later as a cold hors-d'oeuvre. In the summer time, it's great as a cold main-course dish. It keeps for several days in the refridgerator. Ratatouille is good served with couscous grain (semoule) or rice.

Cooking Pot - we use a large pressure cooker, without the pressure.

Recipe (12 servings makes about 4.5 litres)

1.6 kg tomato [tomate]
700 g eggplant (2) [aubergine]
500 g zucchini (2) [courgette]
700 g bell pepper (2-3) [poivron]
1 kg onion [oignon]

6 cloves garlic [ail]
Herbes de Provence (basilic,thyme, parsley)
olive oil [huile d'olive]
salt, pepper [sel, poivre]
140 g tomato paste

Common Method

This method, or a variation, takes fewer pots, is somewhat faster, yet keeps the flavors well and is commonly used. About 65 minutes cooking.

1. Peel and drain the tomatoes (don't mind the seeds): cut out the stem cores; drop the whole tomatoes into boiling water for 2 minutes. Remove into a colander. The skin should split for easy removal; otherwise, make an X cut in the top, then peel off the skin.

2. Chop the onion and garlic. Clean the bell pepper, cut into small strips.

3. In a large cooking pot with thick bottom, put in olive oil, onions and chopped garlic. Add in the bell pepper. Cover to keep in the moisture. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, and add olive oil as necessary to prevent singing.

4. Add the peeled tomatoes and herbs de Provence. If you don't have good garden tomatoes with flavor, add a small can of tomato paste. Stir well and cook for another 15 minutes. [35']

5. Cut the eggplant into rondelles. Cut the un-peeled zucchini into rondelles.

6. Add the eggplant and zucchini to the pot. Cook for about 30 minutes. [65']

Classical Method

This is the "old fashioned" method. We did it this way the first couple of times, just for the experience. It fills the kitchen surfaces with pots and pans, takes a bit longer, but doesn't really add to the flavor.

1. Cut the eggplant into rondelles; keep separate. Peel the zucchini, cut into rondelles, keep separate. Clean the bell pepper, cut into small strips, keep separate. Chop the onion, keep separate.

2. Peel, de-seed and drain the tomatoes (*)

3. Using four separate cooking pots put some olive oil in the bottom; put in the eggplant, zucchini, pepper, and onion into their own pots; sprinkle some flour onto the eggplant and onto the zucchini. Put the four pots on to cook slowly. Each cooks for about 30 minutes, but test and cook each until correctly soft.

4. In a large cooking pot with a thick bottom, put in olive oil, chopped garlic, herbs de Provence. Squeeze the tomatoes in by hand. Cook slowly until you have a thick tomato sauce.

5. Add the four separately cooked vegetables to the tomato sauce mix thoroughly and heat. Pour off the excess oil from the top. It's ready to serve.

Our Method

The first couple of times we made our ratatouille we used the pure "Classical" method, juggling our separate pots and being astounded when our chaos resulted in success. Having done it the "true" way, we then used the "Common Method" a few times: a single pot but everything still very time-sensitive. Our current method is much simpler, and produces the same great results. When we serve it to our neighbors and local friends it gets good reviews. When we admitted to some of the old-timers about our short-cut ways, they've told us that that's the way "it's always been done".

1. Prepare a large cooking pot with thick bottom, put in plenty olive oil.

2. Chop the onion, put it into the pot and start it cooking slowly. Chop and add the garlic.

3. Wash the bell pepper, cut into small strips, and stir it in.

4. Wash the tomatoes, chop them up in big chunks, and throw them in (no peeling) and stir in well.

5. Add the herbs de Provence and pepper. If the tomatoes are flavorless (all too common these days), we add a small can of condensed tomato sauce at this time.

6. Cut the eggplant and the zucchini into big chunks, then throw them into the pot. Then need to be stirred down frequently until they've merged with the rest of the ingredients.

This takes about an hour, from when we first start chopping until everything is in the pot together. We then cook slowly for one to two hours, depending on how chunky you want in and how eager you are to try it.

Cosmetic Surgery (Journal #14)

2009-04-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

What kinds of changes you'd make to have an ideal body? Can some of these be done by diet and exercise or do you require plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery is not without health risks. What kinds of changes or surgeries are important enough to justify the health risks?

Remember to give reasons and/or examples to support your opinion.

Due date: April 24, 2009 by 9:pm

Journal #13

2009-04-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

First of all, I just want to let you know that you are all doing very well in your journals. I've enjoyed reading them immensely. I'm sorry if I have not fully commented in some of the entries, but be sure to know that I do read them. I also commend you for reading some of your classmates' journals and commenting on them. Please do continue reading what your classmates are writing.

For those who have been with me since the beginning of the semester: I hope you are seeing the vast improvement in your writing, not only in your journal entries, but also in your in-class timed essays, and your draft essays. I am very proud of the work you are producing and I hope you are too.

For those who have just joined us: I look forward to getting to know you a little bit more in class and through your journals. I hope to see more of your work and to see an evident improvement in your writing.

As a reward:

Today, you have Free Journal!

This means you may write about anything you want.

If you are stuck for ideas, write an argument on whether ALP can better improve as a language program. Make sure that you provide solutions if you think that ALP can indeed make improvements.

Due date: April 17, by 9pm

Journal #12

2009-04-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

These next few weeks, you are going to be writing an argument essay. To get you in an argumentative mode, write about your argument towards this question:

Should girls ask boys out?

Remember that an argument is not just a contradiction, it is presenting your own cause regarding a subject and supporting it with facts and opinions. Remember also to anticipate and consider the counter argument on your premise.

Due date: Friday, April 10 by 9pm

Journal # 11

2009-03-22T21:25:00.002-07:00

Spring Break!

Yes, I'm sure you have planned all kindof activities. Please share some of the things you did on your spring break here.

Due date: April 5 by 9 pm

Journal #10

2009-03-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, I experienced the most exciting sporting event ever. I watched my rugby team, Ireland, win the Grand Slam, which is a title for the unbeaten team throughout the tournament. Ireland has not won a Grand Slam for the last 61 years. They have come close to it in 2003, but Wales beat them in their last game. This year, Ireland played Wales once again on their last game. This time, they were unbeaten all the way. It was a wonderful feeling. My husband and I were elated for the rest of the weekend.

In this journal, I want you to describe an event that was unforgettable. What was special about it? What makes it stand out from other events? Make sure to give details on the event as well as background information.

Due date: March 27 by 9:00 pm

Journal #9

2009-03-16T10:32:00.001-07:00

Free Journal!

If you are new, welcome to American Language Program. Please write about yourself. Tell us more about where you came from. What do you like to do? Where did you come from? What are you studying? The goal of this journal is for us to get to know each other a little bit more. You are more than welcome to read your classmates' blogs and leave comments.

I am looking forward to working with you.

Due date: March 20, 2009 by 9pm

Journal # 8

2009-03-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

Now that you have come halfway into the semester, I want you to evaluate your progress in writing.

How do you think you can improve your writing? What do you wish we could do more of in class? What else do you plan to do to improve your writing?
The purpose of this final journal is to be self-reflective to help yourself evaluate your progress thus far and help you make some goals for yourself.

Due date: Friday March 13 by 10pm

Journal 7

2009-03-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

What types of television programs do you watch?

Write about a television program you watch.

1. What kind of program is it?
2. What is the purpose of this kind of program?
3. When is it showing?
4. Who is the intended audience?

Journal #6

2009-02-22T09:19:00.000-08:00

FREE JOURNAL!

Enjoy!

Due date: Feb. 27, 2009 by 9pm

P.S. I was really disappointed not to be able to join you at Magic Mountain last Saturday. I was really sick and could not even get out of bed. I trust that you all had a great time. Please post some pictures for me if you have any. Thank you.

Journal #5

2009-02-15T13:18:00.000-08:00

Living in a different country alone surely has its own challenges. What is the most difficult thing you've had to coupe with living in the United States? Give some examples and explain why it's the most difficult thing.

Due date: Friday, February 20, 2009 by 9pm

Journal # 4 - Free Journal

2009-02-09T11:50:00.000-08:00

Free journal means that you can write about whatever you like. If you have no idea about what to write, write about your favorite season and why.

This journal is due Monday, February 16, 2009 by 9pm

Take note, there are two journal due this week, so don't wait until the last minute.

Journal #3

2009-02-06T13:32:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was one of the better birthdays I've had.

I want you do describe one of the best birthday you've had. How did you celebrate it? Who did you celebrate with?

Please include some picture if you can.

Due date: February 13, 2009 by 9pm

Journal #2

2009-01-29T16:35:00.000-08:00

This Sunday, February 1, 2009 is the 43rd Superbowl game - the biggest and most popular sporting event in the country.

Although many foreigners might not necessarily show interest in watching the game, they often can't escape from it.

Write about your experience with the Superbowl by choosing one of the questions below.

1. Did you watch the game? If you did, explain your experience.

2. If not, where did you go? How did Superbowl affect the place you were in?

3. Do you have a favorite commercial? Which one is it? Why is this your favorite?

Journal # 2 is due February 6, 2009 by 9pm

Welcome Composition 701 (Section 2)

2009-01-16T20:56:00.000-08:00

On behalf of google, welcome to blogspot.

Each of you is required to open a blog account (if you already have an account, you may use the same thing for the class). You will write journal entries every week. It is your responsibility to check this site (www.mrsvanessarussell.blogspot.com) on a weekly basis for journal prompts.

Journals are due every Friday by 9pm. Please refer to the syllabus for the amount of journals due for the week.

Since this task is designed to help you put as much of your ideas on a given topic, I will not be looking for grammatical errors. You must write at least 3 paragraphs, 5 or more sentences per paragraph.

Here's your first journal entry.

Journal #1 - Tell me a little bit more about yourself. Where did you come from? What are your pursuits? What do you enjoy doing? Etc. The goal of this journal is for your to get to know each other more on a personal level, so the more you write about yourself, the better.

Journal #13

2008-11-14T11:42:00.000-08:00

Free journal - sorth of.

During this week-long holiday, post a picture (if you have some) and talk about what you did.

If you did not do anything worth taking pictures, talk about something that happened this week which is worthy of telling. Did you go shopping? If you did, what did you buy? How was that experience? Did you have dinner with family and friends? How was the meal? Did you study and worked on your research paper? What are some of the brilliant findings you've had.

Be creative!

Due date: November 30, 2008 by 12 am.
Don't forget your reaction journal.

Journal #12

2008-11-14T11:11:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day is a day in America when family and friends get together in front of a meal. Usually, during the meal or right after the meal, we share about the things we are thankful for from the last year.

In light of the upcomming holiday, Thanksgiving Day, I would like you to think about 3 things you are thankful for this year. Why are you thankful for these things? Use specific examples.

Due date: Friday, November 21, 2008 by 9pm

Don't forget your reaction journal.

Journal # 11

2008-11-09T19:35:00.000-08:00

Free blog!

Make it good.

If you have no idea on what to write, what do you think the following quotation means?

"Familiarity breeds contempt." --Aesop

Due date: Nov. 14, 2008 by 9pm

Also remember your reaction journals.

Journal #10

2008-11-02T21:31:00.000-08:00

One of the main characteristics of an intelligent person is being aware of the current events, especially of the place of one's residence.

Pick one of the two topics below.

1. This week marks one of the more important weeks of the last 4 years. On Tuesday, most Americans will be at the polls casting their votes for a new leadership for the next 4 years. For many, the ability to vote is a privilege. If you could vote this Tuesday, which political party would you go for? Why? Give reasons and be specific with the party's policies.

2. By now, you should have come across - no, bombarded by conflicting adds on the different propositions Americans are also expected to vote on this Tuesday. Write about one of the propositions you're most familiar with and give your reaction.

Due date: Nov. 7, 2008 by 9pm

Don't forget your reaction journal

journal #9

2008-10-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

Free Journal.

If you need ideas, you can write about some of the things you are learning in your research.

Also, please remember to turn in your reaction journals this Friday. You may read a journal from Mr. Cochran's class, OR you may write a reaction to some of the reading materials you have for your research paper.

Journal due date: Oct. 31, 2008 by 9pm

Reaction journal due date: Oct. 31, 2008 by 11am

Journal #8

2008-10-19T19:05:00.003-07:00

CONGRATULATIONs...

... for lasting a whole 8 weeks. You are now halfway into the semester. For some who have been doing great, please keep it up. For those who have not had such a great start, it is not too late to make up for what you were lacking on the first part of the semester.

In this journal, I want you to reflect on the last 8 weeks of this semester. Do you think your writing has improved? If so, how has it improved? What could you have done better? In the next 8 weeks, what would you like to accomplish? What would you do differently?

There is no reaction journal this week, but I want you to spend more time reflecting on your own progress.

Due date: Friday, 10/24/08 by 9:00 pm.

Journal #7

2008-10-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

I apologize again for the movie, Iron Man. I will make it up to you sometime this semester. I promise.

This week's journal entry is:

1. What is your favorite movie?

2. What is this movie about? What genre?

3. What do you like the most about this movie?

Make sure to give a background information on the movie. Who played the characters? What is the main idea behind the story?

Due date: Friday, Oct. 17, 2008 by 9:00pm

Journal #6

2008-09-26T21:20:00.001-07:00

Free Journal!

Enjoy!

This is due Friday, Oct. 3, 2008 by 9pm

Journal #5

2008-09-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

Tourism is becoming increasingly important as a source of revenue to many countries but its disadvantages should not be overlooked. What are some of the problems of tourism?

Due date: 9/26. 9:00 pm

Journal #4

2008-09-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

In "The Coast With The Most," Richard Zinsser wrote about his partiality towards Southern California versus the North East. In this journal, I want you to pick two places you've visited while in California and compare and/or contrast the two.

This journal is due September 19, 2008 by 9:00pm.

Journal #3

2008-09-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

First of all, I've really enjoyed reading your journals so far. You guys are doing great and I encourage you to keep it up.

This journal is a free journal. Free journal means you may write about anything you like. Remember to keep focus on a topic.

Due date: Friday, 9/12/08 by 9pm

Journal # 2

2008-08-29T20:51:00.001-07:00

First of all, remember that this is not due until next Friday, September 5th.

Describe your first impression with ALP. How does it differ to how you feel, or what you think about ALP now.

Welcome Advanced Composition 701 (Sec. 4)

2008-08-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

On behalf of google, welcome to blogspot.

Journals are due every Friday by 9pm. Please refer to the syllabus for the amount of journals due for the week.

Since this task is designed to help you put as much of your ideas on a given topic, I will not be looking for grammatical errors. This being said, the content of your journals should follow the proper rhetoric for academic writing. Each journal entry should have coherence and unity. You must write at least 3 paragraphs, 5 or more sentences per paragraph.

Here's your first journal entry.

Journal #13

2008-07-27T11:01:00.002-07:00

Your generation is the first to grow up in the age of computers and technology. Many of your peers don't know how to write letters, or even know what letters look like. Some of you are highly dependent on your cell phones to remember important information like family and friends' telephone numbers and addresses.

What do you think are the consequences for your generation, the age of technology? What do you think are the possible affects on high dependence on computers and other such technology which did not exist 20 years ago?

Journal #12

2008-07-27T11:01:00.001-07:00

Free journal...

Journal #11

2008-07-19T13:38:00.001-07:00

Pick two of you most favorite American restaurants or fast food chains. Find their similarities and differences expressing your preference clearly.

Journal #10

2008-07-19T13:36:00.001-07:00

Free journal!

Although this is a free journal, I encourage you to write about the beach party last Friday, if you were there, and post photographs you may have.

Please keep in mind that photographs don't replace words. In other words, don't just post pictures but actually say something about it.

Here, Siavash takes pictures with those responsible for the food.

Journal #9

2008-07-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

How did you decide to attend the school you are now attending, the ALP? Describe the compare and/or contrast process you used in deciding to attend your current school.

Journal #8

2008-07-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

This next couple of weeks, we will move-on to writing a comparison-contrast essay.

In what ways are your country similar or different to the United States? Support your argument with examples.

Journal #7

2008-07-03T20:10:00.001-07:00

Free journal!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Journal #6

2008-07-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

4th of July, Independence Day is a big celebration in the United States. In 1776, the United States was declared independent from the British colonial power. Next to Christmas and Thanksgiving, 4th of July is one of the biggest American holiday.

Is there a similar type of holiday you celebrate in your country.

Write about a national holiday your country celebrates. What is it about? What do people usually do? Be as specific as you can.

To my dear class.

2008-06-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

I know you miss me and I miss you too. I apologize for not being there yesterday and today. As you probably already heard, I've had a bit of trouble with my car. I am hoping that everything is sorted out by the end of today. I hope you enjoyed having 3 different teachers in 2 days. Keep in mind that it is a privilege having the 3 excellent teachers you had, even for a short time. So please thank them if you get the chance.

Posted are journals #4&5. Please don't wait until the end of the week to work on them. Some of you posted your journals last week later than the deadline. I'm sorry, I could not give you credit for them. Take this time to work on this week's journals when you finish your work early.

Start typing your resumes. Mr. Cochran is an excellent teacher and a resource to have in the class. Please don't hesitate to ask him questions. If you want to look at which format suits you best, here are some websites to look at:

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/sampleresumes/a/sampleresume2.htm
http://www.career.vt.edu/jobsearc/resumes/formats.htm
http://www.sampleresumetemplates.com/
http://www.collegegrad.com/resumes/Quickstart/

At 11:30 am today, July 1, before you leave the computer lab, make sure you e-mail me what you have. Even if you are not finished, send them to me. I will look at them and give you feedback.

On Wednesday, I will give you a short quiz on this week's reading. If you read the article and paid attention to Mr. Cochran, you have nothing to worry about.

See you on Wednesday!

Journal # 5

2008-06-30T18:59:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to go to Knott's Berry Farm with ALP last Friday but I had other plans. Because I missed out on the fun, share about your experiences with me. What was your favorite ride? Did you learn anything new about California or anyone in ALP? I also encourage you to post some pictures if you have any.

If you did not go to to Knott's Berry Farm, write about what you did last Friday instead. Who were you with, where did you go and what did you do? Post pictures if you have any.

Journal #3 Free Journal

2008-06-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

Free journal means you may write about anything, with a minimum of 3 paragraphs.

If you are having difficulty thinking about a subject, write about a famous person from your country.

Journal #2

2008-06-22T21:42:00.000-07:00

Journal #1 looks great. I only make occasional comments, so don't worry if you don't get one from me.

Journal #2 is, "What was the best gift that you gave OR received? What made this gift special.

Remember, don't wait until the last day to write your blogs. Don't let the work pile up.

Journal # 1

2008-06-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome Advanced Composition/Reading Summer 08

I am looking forward to getting to know you a little bit more through your journals.

Your first assignment is to write about yourself. Introduce yourself - what you like to do, or what is your favorite movie. Anything you would like us to know about you.

Words That Camouflage - outline

2008-05-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

Thesis statement: It is important to choose words carefully, for words can suggest meanings not intended at all; words can also be used to deceive.

I. Take, for example, the language of advertisers.
A. Advertisers obviously want to emphasize the virtues of their products and detract from their faults.
1. "virtually trouble free"
B. Another misleading expression is "up to."
1. "up to 25%" reduction at a car dealership
2. "up to 40% off" on athletic shoes

II. A second example of words that camouflage meaning is euphemisms.
A. People use all kinds of euphemisms for death.
1. "She passed away."
2. "H had gone to meet his maker."
3. "She is no longer with us."
B. To make certain jobs sound less unappealing, people use euphemisms.
1. janitor = custodial worker
2. trash man = sanitation engineer
C. Sometimes euphemisms can be used to camouflage potentially controversial or objectionable actions.
1. politician calls taxes "revenue enhancement"
2. psychologist calls killing animals "sacrificing" them
3. doctors say "terminate a pregnancy" instead of abort the fetus.

III. A final example of language that conveys unintended impressions is sexist language.
A. When someone refers to a grown woman as a "girl," the implication is that she is still a child.
1. "I'l have my girl type that."
B. Other offensive expressions include "young thing."
1. "She's cute young thing."
C. The names of many jobs suggest women should not fill these positions.
1. use "chair," not "chairman"
2. use "supervisor," not "chairman"

IV. We must always be careful to choose the words that convey what we really mean.
A. If we do not want to give an offense, then we should always e on guard against sexist (as well as racist) language.
B. If we do not want to be misled by advertisements, we must keep our ears open to weasel words.
C. When we used euphemism, we should be aware that we are trying to make an idea more acceptable.

This essay used a funnel approach to introduce the topic,

and order of familiarity or importance for its paragraph arrangement.

Good luck, my love students, in the finals!

Journal # 20

2008-04-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

Choose one of the following two questions, and write about it.

1. What are some examples of unacceptable behavior in you culture? In American culture? Have you ever experienced an uncomfortable situation because someone from your culture or from mainstream American culture behaved in an unacceptable way?

2. What aspects of your culture have been misunderstood by another culture? What do people from this other culture need to know so that they can understand your culture better?

Remember, we have moved on to essays. The more practice to have writing essays, the better your performance will be in your finals.

Journal #19

2008-04-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite past time activity?

Develop a topic sentence about your favorite leisure activity. Then write a paragraph using appropriate support.

Remember to use a particular order for a more coherent paragraph: order of importance, order of familiarity, or order of time.

For homework, read and comment on two of your peers' blogs. Indicate at the bottom of your blog (Journal #19) whose journals you read.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Journal # 18

2008-04-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

Now that Spring Break is nearly over, is there anything you wanted to do but did not have the chance? Was there anything else you would've wanted to do?

I have wanted to plant sweet pea in the planter on my balcony. Sweet pea are very beautiful flowers. Since I don't have much free time on the weekends, I thought this break will give me a chance to go the nursery and maybe find sprouts. Seeds will take too long to grow, but since my balcony faces the sun, it will grow faster than normal. Anyway, before I know it, it's already Saturday...

Journal # 17--Free Journal

2008-03-31T09:26:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, my husband and I and a couple of neighbors went hiking. We hiked one of the highest summits in Orange County called Saddleback. Modjeska summit is the highest, however, it is closed due to the fires last year. So, we climbed the second highest, Santiago summit. The hike was 15 miles long, 4,000 feet high. It took us a total of 9-hours, not including breaks and the hour rest we took at the summit.

What was amazing about the hike was the accomplishment. It is very rewarding to think that we've set our minds to do something (it was our New Year's goal), and we have accomplished our goal. For the last 3 months, we have been training hiking the surrounding smaller mountains for 2-4 hours. In the process, not only did our bodies get in shape, but our minds have also been focused into something healthy. We enjoyed getting to know our wonderful neighbors in the process as well.

I am glad we have this week off to give me a chance to recover.

Journal # 16

2008-03-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

As language students go away for a holiday, more often than not, their language proficiency takes a little dip. My challenge for you is to think of ways (sitting down for at least two hours during the week to write your journals, hence, making you think in English, will hopefully help a little) to avoid this from happening.

Make a list of strategies you can do to keep-up your language practice during the spring break. Explain why you think your strategies will work.

Journal #15

2008-03-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Next week, we have a week-long recess. We call this time spring break. Many American college students travel to one of the Mexican resorts with many of their friends. They just party all week long and get drunk.

What are your plans for the Spring Break?

(I expect to see the usage of the different future tenses in this journal)

Enjoy and stay safe!

Journal # 14 - Cultural Identity (part 1)

2008-03-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Lee Server wrote a very elaborate article about Jackie Chan (the article we read in class). In the article, Server discussed Chan as a unique artist in the display of his cultural identity. Also last Wednesday, we discovered 8 nationalities represented in our classroom. Although there are features that make us unique as an individual, more often than not, our culture plays a big part in our identity.

What makes you unique? How do you display your cultural identity.

List (in a paragraph form) the features which make you unique as an individual. Connect your individuality with our cultural identity.

Journal #13, Free Journal

2008-03-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

This is a free journal. You may write about anything you like, as long as it's clean.

Journal # 12

2008-03-17T19:04:00.000-07:00

What kinds of movies or books do you like? Choose one movie or book that is your favorite and write about why you like it.

Journal #11 - Self Evaluation

2008-03-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

We are almost halfway into the semester. By now, all of you have had the chance to talk with me individually about your performance in the class. Now, I want you to evaluate your own progress. Think about how much you're writing has improved since the beginning of this semester. How can you improve your learning habits for the latter half of the semester. Name some areas in your writing and language ability you want to focus in and write some strategies to improve this area. The more specific you are, the better it is for you.

Journal #10 Free Journal

2008-02-29T08:05:00.001-08:00

Free journal.

Although this is a free journal, try to stick to the current writing strategies, descriptive. That being said, I will accept any journal format.

Journal #9

2008-02-28T11:47:00.001-08:00

Describe your favorite Disneyland ride. Please indicate why this is your favorite over the other ones. I am looking for attitudes and general feelings towards the specific ride in your topic sentence.

If you did not join us in Disneyland last weekend, please use another place similar to Disney park.

Journal #8

2008-02-27T15:14:00.000-08:00

In class, we watched a video on Yosemite National Park. In the video, we learned a little bit about the place and the people. Write a paragraph about a place close to your place, either here in the US or in your country. This place does not have to be as famous as Yosemite National Park. In fact, this place does not have to be well known at all. Make sure you use spacial order and as much adjectives and adverbs in it. Be as descriptive as you could.

Blog #7

2008-02-22T08:47:00.000-08:00

Please post a finished and polished-up version of your timed writing on here.

For those who missed the class this morning, the writing prompt was:

Describe (in a narrative form) the most memorable event in your school years (time frame: 10-16years old). Do your best to remember something from long ago, for some, not so long ago.

Journal #6

2008-02-20T15:00:00.000-08:00

After sending me a second draft of your writing assignment, copy and paste your paragraph unto your journal #6.

I hope to see you all in Disneyland. Please make sure you say hello. Have a great weekend.

A Narrative (Journal #5)

2008-02-15T09:20:00.000-08:00

In class, we examined the story of Little Red Riding Hood. We looked at the different past tenses used in a narrative. We also looked at how to write an effective narrative.

Write your own version of a fairytale story you remember from your childhood. Pay special attention to the use of different past tenses, and the components of a narrative.

Journal # 4 (A Story)

2008-02-12T13:02:00.000-08:00

Write a narrative account of your first arrival to the United States.

Journal #3 - Free journal

2008-02-07T12:34:00.001-08:00

Free journal means you can write about anything you like. You can write about your week so far in your classes for example. Or you may write about a problem you might have encountered trying to get your classes. It is open to anything at all. Just remember to keep it clean...and interesting.

Journal # 2

2008-02-04T10:31:00.000-08:00

Write this journal using the skills you learned this week (writing a proper topic sentence with good supporting sentences).

1. Choose a topic sentence you wrote for homework about your major.

2. Write sentences that support the controlling idea.

(hint: Turn your topic sentence into a question. Develop your answers into proper sentences and they should serve as good support to the topic sentence.)

Journal #1

2008-02-01T08:52:00.000-08:00

Congratulations! You've navigated yourself in the world of cyberspace journalism.

Click into the comment of the last two blog posts and write your name on the comment box.
After posting a comment, respond to the prompt below as your first Journal.

Describe yourself as a writer. How do you go about writing? What kinds of things do you like to write about? What do you dislike? What is hard for you? Easy?

Advanced Composition (Section 2)

2008-01-29T09:58:00.000-08:00

Hello my advanced composition students. I am looking forward to working with you this semester. You are more than welcome to peruse my previous writings (samples for the prompts to which previous students have had to respond). I will also keep the blogsites of my previous students for you to read and refer to if need be. Other ALP composition teachers are now also using blogsites for their students. I will post their blogsites on my links.

I am excited to start reading your journals!

Final Essay

2007-12-03T12:56:00.000-08:00

Hello my lovely Composition 5B students. At approximately 1pm today, I started to feel sick and decided to go home from the office. Ms. Amanda Dago is coming in to substitute for me. I expect an excellent report from her, so please behave your usual self, as though I am there.

1. Go back to your Timed Essay, Journal #28
2. Copy the journal unto a Word Document, and write its final draft.
3. Ask another fellow student to look over the paper before you send it in to me. Make sure the person correcting your essay signs her/his name at the bottom of the paper.
4. This is your final essay...make sure you turn in a good quality essay worthy to carry your name.

Make sure your paper is in my mailbox today, by 4pm.

I will see you all tomorrow.

Remember: Your research papers are due this Wednesday.

Timed Essay (Journal # 28)

2007-11-26T10:33:00.000-08:00

Choose one of the following prompts.

1. Many groups of people have been victims of prejudice. Write an essay about the people you are familiar with who have been victims of prejudice.

OR

2. Clothes can tell a lot about a person. What are some things that you can tell about someone judging from the clothes he or she wears?

-Write your journal in a WORD document and send it to my e-mail by 4pm today, November 26, 2007.
-Post the same essay with your journals (edited) by Sunday, December 2, 2007.

Happy Thanksgiving (Journal #27)

2007-11-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

In light of the long Thanksgiving holiday, think about three things that you are most thankful for this year. Give reasons.

Ratatouille (Journal #26)

2007-11-14T19:15:00.001-08:00

Post your recipe as is below. Make sure you give a short description of the dish, a detailed recipe and specific steps for preparation.

Ratatouille

http://www.beyond.fr/food/ratatouille.html

It's also true that the recipe can legitimately vary (somewhat) according to tastes, but the variations should be based on experience. The volume is also very variable.

"Too much" doesn't apply to ratatouille. Cook it the first time, and eat it hot as the main course; then have it again later as a cold hors-d'oeuvre. In the summer time, it's great as a cold main-course dish. It keeps for several days in the refridgerator. Ratatouille is good served with couscous grain (semoule) or rice.

Cooking Pot - we use a large pressure cooker, without the pressure.

Recipe (12 servings makes about 4.5 litres)

1.6 kg tomato [tomate]
700 g eggplant (2) [aubergine]
500 g zucchini (2) [courgette]
700 g bell pepper (2-3) [poivron]
1 kg onion [oignon]

6 cloves garlic [ail]
Herbes de Provence (basilic,thyme, parsley)
olive oil [huile d'olive]
salt, pepper [sel, poivre]
140 g tomato paste

Common Method

This method, or a variation, takes fewer pots, is somewhat faster, yet keeps the flavors well and is commonly used. About 65 minutes cooking.

1. Peel and drain the tomatoes (don't mind the seeds): cut out the stem cores; drop the whole tomatoes into boiling water for 2 minutes. Remove into a colander. The skin should split for easy removal; otherwise, make an X cut in the top, then peel off the skin.

2. Chop the onion and garlic. Clean the bell pepper, cut into small strips.

3. In a large cooking pot with thick bottom, put in olive oil, onions and chopped garlic. Add in the bell pepper. Cover to keep in the moisture. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, and add olive oil as necessary to prevent singing.

4. Add the peeled tomatoes and herbs de Provence. If you don't have good garden tomatoes with flavor, add a small can of tomato paste. Stir well and cook for another 15 minutes. [35']

5. Cut the eggplant into rondelles. Cut the un-peeled zucchini into rondelles.

6. Add the eggplant and zucchini to the pot. Cook for about 30 minutes. [65']

Classical Method

This is the "old fashioned" method. We did it this way the first couple of times, just for the experience. It fills the kitchen surfaces with pots and pans, takes a bit longer, but doesn't really add to the flavor.

1. Cut the eggplant into rondelles; keep separate. Peel the zucchini, cut into rondelles, keep separate. Clean the bell pepper, cut into small strips, keep separate. Chop the onion, keep separate.

2. Peel, de-seed and drain the tomatoes (*)

3. Using four separate cooking pots put some olive oil in the bottom; put in the eggplant, zucchini, pepper, and onion into their own pots; sprinkle some flour onto the eggplant and onto the zucchini. Put the four pots on to cook slowly. Each cooks for about 30 minutes, but test and cook each until correctly soft.

4. In a large cooking pot with a thick bottom, put in olive oil, chopped garlic, herbs de Provence. Squeeze the tomatoes in by hand. Cook slowly until you have a thick tomato sauce.

5. Add the four separately cooked vegetables to the tomato sauce mix thoroughly and heat. Pour off the excess oil from the top. It's ready to serve.

Our Method

The first couple of times we made our ratatouille we used the pure "Classical" method, juggling our separate pots and being astounded when our chaos resulted in success. Having done it the "true" way, we then used the "Common Method" a few times: a single pot but everything still very time-sensitive. Our current method is much simpler, and produces the same great results. When we serve it to our neighbors and local friends it gets good reviews. When we admitted to some of the old-timers about our short-cut ways, they've told us that that's the way "it's always been done".

1. Prepare a large cooking pot with thick bottom, put in plenty olive oil.

2. Chop the onion, put it into the pot and start it cooking slowly. Chop and add the garlic.

3. Wash the bell pepper, cut into small strips, and stir it in.

4. Wash the tomatoes, chop them up in big chunks, and throw them in (no peeling) and stir in well.

5. Add the herbs de Provence and pepper. If the tomatoes are flavorless (all too common these days), we add a small can of condensed tomato sauce at this time.

6. Cut the eggplant and the zucchini into big chunks, then throw them into the pot. Then need to be stirred down frequently until they've merged with the rest of the ingredients.

This takes about an hour, from when we first start chopping until everything is in the pot together. We then cook slowly for one to two hours, depending on how chunky you want in and how eager you are to try it.

Journal #25

2007-11-08T09:10:00.000-08:00

Share about what you have learned so far about the extinct language you are researching. What do you know of the people group who spoke the language. Be specific.

Boo (Journal # 24)

2007-10-30T11:18:00.001-07:00

Post your scary story!

Lost in Translation (Journal #23)

2007-10-29T09:20:00.000-07:00

What aspects of your culture have been misunderstood by another culture? What do people from this other culture need to know so that they can understand your culture better?

While I was in Japan, there were plenty of occasions when I was misunderstood and got in so much trouble as a result. As I began learning more about the language and the culture, I realized that there is such a big dichotomy in my upbringing and the Japanese culture.

I grew up in a very large and close-knit family. We always ate our meals together. During our meals, we talked about our days. What were the most exciting/distressing things happened?

Whenever we fought as siblings, we addressed the situation, then we immediately forgot about the fight and moved on as though it was all in the past. In Japan, when someone did something wrong, no one talked about the situation. The offender understood his wrong and felt forever guilty. The guilt never goes away, but rather it haunts him for the rest of his life.

As the youngest of four, I received even more affection from my older siblings and extended family. Affection was revealed physically. We hugged and kissed (on the cheeks, forehead and hands). These were the types of affection the Japanese are not used to. Whenever I met someone, my natural inclination was to shake hands and give a kiss on the cheek or hands for elders. I found out very quickly that these are the very things I should have learnt never to do upon meeting for the first time. The Japanese are not very physically affectionate, which is the antithesis to the type of affection I'm familiar with.

They can also never receive a compliment. As an American, I learned that it's rude not to thank someone who just gave you a compliment. So when I said "thank you" to a compliment in Japan it was returned with a confused (or was it disgusted) look.

Cultural differences can cause many misunderstandings. We need to understand these differences so that we may deal with them properly.

California fires (Journal #22)

2007-10-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

The California fires have been ubiquitous. If there isn't one burning right now in your neighborhood, you see at least one on the news. You can also see a remnant of it and smell it. Write about your experience or your feelings towards the fires.

Time Management (Journal #21)

2007-10-22T15:29:00.000-07:00

Time management is an important skill for college students to master. Write about three or more techniques students can use to effectively manage their time.

Journal # 20

2007-10-18T10:26:00.001-07:00

Pick one of your writing assignments (one of the introductory paragraphs you wrote for homework) and develop it into an essay.

Halloween (Journal # 19)

2007-10-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

Halloween is coming up. You are all invited to a party with ALP on the 27th (which is, by the way, a requirement for this class, so Asiaa, hook up with Andy for a lift). Oh come on, it'll be fun.

What are you going to dress-up as and why?

I will either be a sexy goddess or a fat ugly witch.

If you can't go. Talk about, "what does halloween mean to you?" If it means nothing to your culture, then talk about something of similar sort.

Journal # 18 Free

2007-10-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

Free Topic but try to "expose" your topic.

I should say I was angry at a woman who triffled with my time. I no longer feel anger but I like the picture, so I thought I'd post a little bit about it.

The Expository Paragraph

2007-10-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

Copy the site below and paste it on a fresh window. Read and the assignment is at the bottom of the article.

http://home.insightbb.com/~dbuccola/expositoryparagr.htm

This is due on your blog sites tomorrow, Oct. 9, 2007 by 5 pm, no exceptions.

That's Entertainment (Journal #16)

2007-10-07T20:24:00.000-07:00

What kinds of movies or books do you like? Choose one movie or book that is your favourite and write about WHY you like it.

Due on your blog sites on Sunday, Oct. 14, by 9pm.

Out of randomness

2007-10-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

Okay there students, you may now check out my random thoughts at www.scramblingmind.blogspot.com, or simply click on the link under "The soul needs..." I write out very honest, unedited thoughts about things I come across. If you get ofended easily, don't go to this website.

Universal Studios

2007-10-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

The ALP gang.

Enjoying the Blues Brothers show

Where are the boys?

Free thoughts: Journal # 15

2007-09-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

*NOTE*
Try to use Participial adjectives.

The American Family (Journal #14)

2007-09-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

Taken from: Writing as Thinking: A Guided Process Approach by Marcella Frank (Chapter 4: The Family)

Write about your impression of children in the United States. Discuss their behavior, and their attitudes toward their elders and toward others in authority. Discuss your feelings about whether there is a lack of parental supervision in the home perhaps because so many mothers are working out of the home. Compare the training American children seem to get in their homes with the training you received at home. Since you are writing only for yourself, state your feelings freely.

I came across an article by Andree Brooks called Repeated Marriage: A Growing Trend, and was perplexed by the accuracy of his discussion on the troubling social problem- the breakdown of the American family through divorce and remarriage- 20 years ago. The article notes the difficulties that multiple marriages cause for both children and parents. I would like to focus on the complexity it creates for our youth today.

"The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce,'' by Marin County psychologist Judith Wallerstein, San Francisco State University psychology professor Julia M. Lewis and New York Times science correspondent Sandra Blakeslee, is based on a 25-year examination of the lives of 93 Marin County adults.

"They found that post-divorce difficulties become most severe when the children of divorced parents reach adulthood, as their search for lasting commitment moves to center stage."

The children Brooks referred to in his article 20 years ago would have been around my age now, on their late 20s to early 30s. In some of my discussions with my peers and acquaintances, most from divorced family, brought on a confounding legitimacy. There are two noticeable ways into which my unfortunate friends cluster: the cynical and the callous.

The Cynical:
Before getting married, some acquaintances endeavored to convince me out of such BIG commitment. "It's a trap that will just end in divorce," they say. This comment is not surprising to me given the backgrounds of those who said it. I know I tend to look at things through a colored window, but looking at life through a cracked and beaten one can also be debilitating. If one thinks that to get married is to end in divorce, then it will. However, not doing something at all because of this fear is not living ones life at all. It's self rejection. We have no control over our future, but not taking a leap of faith at all so as to avoid hurt is not all that great either. It is a pity and often saddens me to see individuals settle for mediocrity because of fear. In my friends' case fear to repeat their parents' mistakes.

The Callous:
One evening, I was sitting for dinner with a group of acquaintances. My neighbor's brother casually commented that I'd get a divorce simply because statistics say so. There was no explanation for this comment, it was just something to say in passing, not taking into consideration the magnitude of the implications of his comment. His father, of course, is married three times, therefore, it is "normal" that one's marriage would end, at lease once, in divorce. Many children of divorced family, if not swinging the other direction of cynicism, follow in the footsteps of their parents just as easily as one orders a meal in a restaurant. They develop a callous attitude towards divorce. It is predestined to happen, it is self prophecy. Children of divorced background see things as they know it. Their parents have set before them an example. They develop a penchant for what their parents have set before them. What they don't realize is that they have all the power to change the story of their lives, not following the footsteps that preceded them.

Children by nature are resilient. When their parents go through divorce, they will appear as though everything is normal. The overall effect of divorce hardly manifests until they reach the age when big life decisions begin to challenge them. The value of trust and long term commitment have never been modeled for them, making it difficult later in life to see their significance. A child raised in a vegetarian household will never know what its like to enjoy a perfectly cooked steak.

(to be cont.)

My Favourite Holiday Spot (Journal #13)

2007-09-24T10:51:00.000-07:00

Write a paragraph describing your favorite place, either indoors or outdoors. Since you are writing just one paragraph, be sure to narrow down the area you are going to write about.

Evian Les Bains is nestled in between Lac Lemon (Lake Geneva) and the Alps on the French side of the lake. It is nicely situated at the foothills, right below Mont Blanc. The village faces the south end of Switzerland overlooking the beautiful landscape of the Jura mountains and the vineyards that cover its valleys across the lake. As the ferry approaches the village, one comes in the state of awe, a sublime. The steeple serves as a landmark, inviting its visitors.

The crisp wind caresses my face, whispering a warm welcome. As I step out of the ferry, I am welcomed by the beautiful flowers carefully laid on the streets, framing the roads perfectly symmetrical. The people are laid back, very relaxed and friendly. My limited French doesn't stop me from trying to converse with the locals. Luckily some of their English is better than my French. The village ascends, forcing one's eyes towards the beautiful sight of Mont Blonc. The steps are aligned with the brick walled buildings, each of their own character.

I love old towns. Each crack on the buildings can tell you stories of the old days.

Journal #12 - Free descriptive journal

2007-09-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

A Teacher's Perfect Day

The seats are arranged in a circle. The boys are squeezed in between every 2 girls. It's 3 pm. Each of the students are engrossed on a picture, deciphering every detail, every color, and every implication each detail has. The room is silent. I can hear every ticking second of the clock on the wall. "Tick, tick, tick." The sounds of each one's pens scrolling words on paper makes my heart leap with joy. I can nearly hear each one's heartbeat. I can certainly hear my own, each beat like a horse's hoof, racing gracefully to meet it's mare. Each letters punched on electronic dictionaries (even though I distinctly recall forbidding them in class) spells words in my heart that states "fun". I can hear occasional cracking of the chairs as the students readjust themselves into their seats. As each one dithers on the right word to use, they erase the words as a cat scratching on its litter. After 10 minutes, the teacher announces to finish their sentence. "Pass your paragraphs and pictures to your right." She announces. The students obey the command unquestioningly. Their papers shuffle as they pass them to the person on their right. They take time to read the sentences written by their classmates. Some giggle, enjoying what they are reading, like little boys and girls when doing something naughty. I hear whispering some in confusion, some in amusement. They get back into continuing the paragraph their peers started. The exchange happens a few times every ten minutes. Each exchange is a heightened excitement, and louder giggles. Until the hour passes by unnoticed.

Today was a perfect day. Each one of you wrote and enjoyed writing for a whole hour. There is nothing more satisfying than watching one's students enjoying class while working hard. What's even better is that each one of you, with each other's help, produced creative and interesting stories. What a wonderful class I have.

FALL Back in Love (Journal # 11)

2007-09-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

Seasons allow us to look forward to something different in various times of the year. In winter, we look forward to Christmas. In the northern hemisphere, Christmas is synonymous to winter. We sing Winter Wonderland or Let It Snow for Christmas not realizing that various other parts of this world don't really relate to the idea. In my case, I get to look forward to my birthday immediately following Christmas. Winter has been a season of presents (mind, less and less so as I get older). Spring is a season of colors. We get to look forward to buds turning into beautiful flowers. Caterpillars turn into vibrant butterflies. For some places, we look forward to the clearing of the roads from snow, or debauchery in spring break. Summer then immediately follows rather unnoticed. For some of us, it means holiday, deeper tan, endless daylight, outdoor activities, rambunctious personality, sometimes even carelessness. For me, it means longer days, more time for play, and the ability to eat my choice of freshly picked fruits. It also precedes my favorite of all, autumn.

Fall is the season I look forward to most. It's my favorite of all seasons for many reasons. For one thing, as much as I love the sun I don't tolerate the heat well. I sweat more than a woman should which puts me in a rather unsociable mood. Heat automatically creates a distance with anyone. This eliminates any partiality for the summer. Secondly, I am not a very romantic woman. I really don't care for flowers or smelly candles (though admittedly, I own quite a few for its aesthetics more than anything else), or expensive dinners. Nor am I really big in presents (though I welcome them). To feel loved, I don't need flattering affirmations, nor do I care for sacrificial services. Winter very much represents all these things for which I don't really care. Spring would have been a perfect season only I usually get terrible allergies. So I am left with autumn.

I am very much a physical touch type of person. I give hugs. I love hugs. My hands hold. They need to hold a part of someone. My feet cuddle. Fall is a season of everything physical, of snuggle. As the winds blow cooler air, the leaves slowly change color and one by one they fall on the ground. The heat of the summer sun begins to fade away. The days get shorter and shorter. Both the darkness and cooling air bring me back to romance. I don't remember being ever alone at fall. I love the rain. It hasn't rained since I've moved to Irvine, but fall, in my vocabulary, means that the rain is coming soon. I love coats and jackets. To me, they add more character to a woman, more than nudity. Coats and jackets make me snug. Everything about the autumn season represents all that is romantic to me. The smell of the rain, the rattle of the wind, the dark sky, and the clouds which adds color and character to the sky, the colder air, the colorful trees, the crunch of dry leaves on the ground, the fresh harvest, the spooky nights, and the use of fresh clean fireplace: all these bring me back to romance. Fall brings me back to love. I'm bringing love back. Aren't you?

Tell me what is your favorite season. Describe the season as you prefer it and explain why you favor it over the others.

A Discription (Journal #10)

2007-09-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

Think of a person who has influenced you. How has he/she influenced you? What characteristics does this person have that you admire?

In my short life, I've been blessed to commune with people of great stature and importance. I’ve worked alongside famous people who love God such as missionaries, pastors, deacons, and bible scholars. I’ve also worked with intellectuals, university chancellors, department deans, and school directors. These people may be well known, or highly paid, but I believe they pale alongside my husband, Alan.

Though austere, he displays a great deal of character and an incredible amount of loyalty to those he loves including me. There is something said that sometimes, simpler is better. It certainly is true for my husband. As an accomplished auditor, Alan neither boasts, nor takes pride amongst his peers. As the senior auditor in his previous work, he trained the younger trainees in his company. In his interaction with them, his trainees have never felt inferior. That being said, Alan was also incredibly respected and looked up to by his young accomplices. He sets himself as an example by choosing to do what is right. When at work, he sets a high standard of professionalism. He does not play around, nor charge his employer for times spent on personal gains. One will never hear gossip or words debasing his employers, clients, or colleagues.

On a more personal note, Alan is very content with whatever he’s blessed with. Ambition is not in his agenda. It is important for him to be challenged professionally, but will never think to compromise his time with his family and friends simply for professional advancement.

On the intellect side of things, he certainly is not short of genius. No, he will not be able to give you a lecture on Kant’s philosophy, nor will he give you an in-depth teaching on physics, but he can tell you what exactly is going on in the world. He can tell you the capital of every country, show you where they are on the map, and tell you what goes on politically and socially in each one of them. He has a high understanding of human nature, based on experience and history. Alan can take you in a whole different world with his wickedly brilliant humor, taking into account the social background you come from. There is something about his unadorned lifestyle that makes people around him see the contentment they envy. Certainly, there is something about my husband that puts me in a right place of humility, and challenges me for a higher standard of moral character.

Journal # 9 FREE

2007-09-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

Many of you liked the idea of having a free journal once in a while. So here you go...

While driving to work the other day, the radio station I was tuned-in to was talking about Britney Spears and the mess in which she now finds herself. Each of the DJs gave their own opinion why she has become who she is now, divorced, alcoholic, and drug addict, impairing her ability to create music and perform like she used to. The usual blame on the media and fame were the main targets. However, as I thought about it more (there was traffic on I5North Bound giving me plenty of time for such trivial thoughts), I wondered where her family and friends are in this time of need.

I don't know about you, but when I see a friend in trouble, I'd like to know that I care enough to intervene. My friend may not recieve well what I say at the time, but I know that it is better to intrude than not at all. Now for me, when I'm in trouble I'd rather see my friends barge in and tell me, "what the hell are you doing?" Okay, so I may not respond well at the time, but I know that they only do so because they care about me.

Coming from an Asian family, it is difficult to distance oneself from them. Each member of the household seem to think that they have an input into my decisions. I used to hate it when they're always on my face about things in my life, but now as I grow older and have a larger appreciation for reality, I am rather grateful to an obtrusive family.

America and for the most western world, individuality is emphasized over community. This is aparent in most cases. Take the establised laws, for instance. The first ammendment is the right to be an idividual. "

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for individual empowerment. Each person should be allowed and encouraged to be who they are to their full potential. However, each one of us needs guidance every now and then. Admit it, we do not always choose to do the right things. What's worse, we do not always know what is best for us. We need a community! We are created for each other, and not to be on our own. A man should never be his own island.

Britney Spears' mother is her own manager. It has been said that she is a shrewed manager. She was able to manage her daughter's career very well. The same has been said for Jessica Simpson. Her father is a very successful manager indeed. However, as parents and managers, they failed to be parents first before managers. Yes, they were able to handle their children's careers successfully, but I would question their parenting skills. I'd like to be a mother in the future and I believe that my biggest challenge would be allowing them to make their own mistakes. I understand that as individuals, we must grow in our own ways. This means that we have to fail at some instances which would in turn cause us to grow in character. However, if I could spare my child the unnecessary pain, I will do my best to protect them.

So, where are Britney Spears' family and friends? Perhaps they have done their hardest to support her, or to disuade her from doing stupid things. Perhaps Britney is to blame for her own choice of actions. Is she that prideful to accept that even she needs help? We ALL NEED help! I would be the first one to admit that I need my family and friends around me. I cannot emphasize their importance in my life. When I fail in something, I need them to tell me it's okay. When I continue to do stupid things, I need them to say, "stop!" When I have exciting news, I want them to rejoice with me. Nothing in this world is worth anything without anyone to share them with?

Britney Spears is a mess? What about those who know her and claim to be her friends the mess? What about her family the mess?

9/11 A Tragedy (Journal # 8)

2007-09-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

It was 9pm in Hokkaido, Japan. Some of my students were over. They cooked dinner for me, and we played a game afterwards. It was a rather festive evening. I had just escorted my friends out of the apartment.

My boyfriend at the time phoned from Tokyo. "Turn-on your TV and put on the news." He commanded. I turned-on my small television. As the screen went on, a plane crashed into the second tower. "Woo, what movie is this?" I inquired on the phone. "It's not a movie Van, it's the news." he responded. "WHAT!" He was explaining to me what had happened when all of a sudden one of the buildings collapsed. "Oh my God! Did you see that?" He missed the first building collapse, and was rather stunned. We were both in disbelief. We had many questions unanswered. My Japanese at the time was functional but insufficient to understand a news report.

We got off the phone to call our families. I woke my mother up. "Hello. Are you watching the news?" I asked. "It's only 7 in the morning Vanessa." "Oh, I forgot. Put on the news." She sounded confused, still waking up.

The whole evening was rather surreal. The news was bombarded with repeated images of the incident the next few days. Japan was overwhelmed with disbelief and grief. I can't imagine how it might have been like for people back home, where the event was more real that it was for us10,000 miles away.

In memory of the rather devastating event, let's share about where we were at the time it happened. If you were not aware of the incident until it had already occurred, talk about how you felt when you heard about it.

Princess Diana - a Passing (Journal #7)

2007-09-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

In the short video you've seen in class of Princess Diana's death, many people wrote poems, notes, and letters to leave at her memorial sites. People have different ways of of dealing with grief. Do you remember the passing of any other person who was important to you? What were your feelings then? How did you grieve your loss?

(Vickie: since you've already written a similar journal last week, this one is optional for you.)

Journal # 6

2007-09-06T21:38:00.001-07:00

My mother got married at the age of 23. At the time, she was considered rather old getting married at such a late age. I met my husband when I was 23, yet I think I was rather too young. Nowadays, the marrying age is getting later and later. Many of my single friends are at the age of or nearing 30, yet there are no plans, not even a rumor of one, of a wedding.

In your opinion, what do you think is the right age to get married? Explain.

Journal #5

2007-09-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

How has your life changed since you came to the United States?

A Narrative (Journal # 4)

2007-09-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

On an August morning, my boyfriend at the time and I woke up to a delicious breakfast anticipating a long hike up the mountains. At 10am, we started our 1500-feet climb from our chalet to Alpes des Chaux, mountain peak in Villars, Switzerland. Prior to leaving the chalet, we packed a bottle of water each, a chocolate bar and a pair of binoculars. We hiked for more than two and a half hours.

The long hike was well worth every effort. The view from the top was breathtaking. I could see the valleys on all sides, Taveyanne, Bex, Les Diableretts, both on the French and Swiss side.

Alan took the binoculars from me and laid it down on the rock where our stuff were. “Hey, if you’re not going to use that, then let me.” I shrieked. He had no choice but to give me the binoculars back. I was too busy looking at the different places we’ve been to in our previous hikes, including the village where we had wine tasting. Alan, on the other hand, was kneeling in front of me, unknowingly to me at the time (I was too busy to notice). He grabbed by left hand but not my attention. "Hey, is that the chalet over there?" I asked. All the while, Alan was nervous, much to his consternation that I'd decline his request, kneeling on the ground rather uncomfortably, desperately trying to get my attention. "Hey, I'm trying to ask you to marry me," he exclaimed. I was still in a sublime with the view, insouciant to whatever Alan was communicating.

Then he took out a box from his pocket, opened it up, and raised it to his eye level, where he was holding my hand. "Oh my god, you're asking me to marry you?" I exclaimed to my astonishment. "So, are you going to marry me or not?" he asked rather exasperatedly. I must have just taken the ring and put it on my finger. I swear I thought I said, "of course, with all my heart," but up to this time he claims that I'd just taken the ring and he took that as a yes. The whole thing was so surreal that I don't remember much of its details.

Okay, so there wasn't any romantic words that came with the proposal. Albeit, he swears he had a whole speech prepared, I was just not paying attention. It is probably one of the most memorable events in my life. Not only did it change the course of my life, but it also speaks to who we are as a couple, we are very international who love adventure.

Think about an important, exciting, or humorous thing that happen to you or a friend. Write the story in a narrative form.

Long Weekend (Journal #3)

2007-08-30T12:02:00.001-07:00

This weekend, my husband and I are going up to the San Bernardino mountains, just east of Orange County. We are leaving tomorrow morning, coming back on Sunday night. Many of you have heard of my fall last Sunday, but this has not deterred me from wanting to get back on my bicycle. We will take the ski lift up to the top, and we will cycle down through the ridges. I like single trails better, so hopefully there are some. My knees concern me, however, I still do have one full day of recovery. I'll just have to really be careful. Like I said, "no pain, no gain,"

We are staying in a 2-bedroom cabin. Now you might be asking why we are staying in a 2-bedroom instead of one since there are only the two of us. Well, most of the single bedroom cabins has no hot-tub and there is nothing better than to get on a hot tub after a long and hard ride.

What about you? What are your plans this holiday weekend?

If you feel you have nothing interesting to do this holiday weekend, tell me what's been in your mind? What has been your concern these last few days? This is an open journal.

Joan Didion (Journal #2)

2007-08-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

Joan Didion is a California native writer, often known as a novelist, essayist and journalist. She has 5 fiction and 9 nonfiction publications, one of which was adapted in Broadway featuring her best friend, Vanessa Redgrave. The Year of Magical Thinking is an account of the year following the death of her husband and was later expanded to a play upon the memoir by dealing with the death of her daughter. Didion also writes regularly for The New York Review of Books. Her very first published nonfiction, Slouching Toward Bethlehem in 1968 is a collection of essays, one of which is the essay, On Keeping a Notebook.

Didion says that "we are brought up in the ethic that others...are by definition more interesting than ourselves." Explain whether she believes this can be harmful to one's development as a writer.

In the video interview with Edward Robb Ellis on "The 37,000- Page Diary," Ellis stated that "we don't like writing diaries because we don't think our life is important enough." How might this predisposition affect us as writers and as a person in general?

Welcome to blogspot (Journal # 1)

2007-08-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

First of all, I'd like to welcome everyone to ALP and to blogspot. I am looking forward to reading your journals and getting to know you a little bit more as the semester comes along.

I like to write. I write my own journals. In my journals, I write my thoughts, confessions, things that only belongs to my eyes. I also write my opinions and ideas on myspace. My friends read my blogs on myspace because they like to know more about what concerns me and to argue with me when they don't agree. Writing has been a vital part of my growth as a person. I believe that it is important to write our concerns and thoughts because they become a reality once tangible. When I am angry, I vent in my journal, allowing me to release all that I was upset about, making me feel better in return.

Writing also allows me to be creative. Sometimes, I write poems and articles. These types of writing allow me to sit down and think about how I should put all the words together. To me, creative writing is like painting, putting colors together that creates a picture. When I write an article, I think of an issue and collectively group words together in order to effectively articulate my arguments. When I write poems, I make a list of words that comes to mind whilst meditating on the topic, and put all the words together to create a larger picture to convey my feelings.

I also like to write letters. I think that writing letters is underrated. There is nothing else that makes me feel more special than reading a letter. Unfortunately, we hardly ever write letters anymore. I believe that our affections double in meaning when it is written down because the recipient can refer back to the affection even long after it has been recieved. My husband writes me love letters every now and then because he knows that it makes me feel more special. When I feel sad, I read my letters back to make me feel better.

Though I like to write, there's aspects of writing I hate. I hate writing reports. I won't say anymore about this as I have to pretend to myself that I like to write reports (even just a little bit) because I have to teach you how to write one.

How about you?

Describe yourself as a writer. How do you write? What do you like to write about? Take at least 20 minutes to respond (or 500 words).

Strange Food (Journal #11)

2007-07-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

We all have preferences in what we eat. Our culture have different dishes that might be strange for others. Pork, for example, is a type of meat widely eaten in America and various other countries, yet can be disgusting for others. What is the worst food you've ever had? Describe it and tell me why it was disgusting?

Sports (Journal #10)

2007-07-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

Suppose that an American friend has asked about a sport that is common in your country but not elsewhere. Write a letter to give a very general "beginner's guide" to the sport. Tell how many people play on a team, what equipment is used, where the game is played, and the basic rules. Give enough information so your friend could go to a game and understand what is happening.

There are many sports played in Ireland that are not played or are simply not as popular in other countries. Gaelic football is only in Ireland and Australia. However, both countries use different rules. Other games such as hurling and rugby are more widely known sports in the world but not as popular in America.

Rugby is a game played with a ball shaped like an egg, kind of like the American football but rounder.

Each team has 15 players. The goal is to ground the ball on the opposing team's "home ground." It is played very much like the American football, but much without the support like helmet or paddings, faster and more physical. There are no time-outs, or stoppage, unless someone is hurt. The team who grounds the ball on the opposing team's home ground gets 5 points, and gets another chance to kick the ball on the goal post, which could be another 2 points. One can also get 3 points by a drop goal, when the ball is dropped on the ground (the ball has to touch the ground), and the player kicks the ball unto the goal post. This strategy is usually used when the defense on the opposing team is difficult to break or when time is running out.

Yes, American Football originated from rugby.
In this picture, the Irish captain, Brian O'Driscoll, tackling a French player to prevent him from grounding a ball on their home ground.

Stranger Than Fiction (Journal #9)

2007-07-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

In the movie, Stranger Than Fiction, Harold Crick finds out that his death is eminent. He tries everything to avert his death. He stayed home the whole day avoiding doing anything at all including answering the phone, changing the channel on the TV, going to the bathroom to pee, etc. However, after reading the story of his death, he decided to face it willingly. He said, "It's a great story. Perfect ending, you should finish it." Then he lived his life, really, for the first time.

If you only had a month to live, what would you do?

For me, if I only had a month to live I would:

1. Eat all of my favourite food at every meals I have left including, but not limited to:

2. Eat each meal with my favourite people (my family and friends). Not all at the same time. I like spending time with individual friends rather than having a big party.

3. I'd go sky diving.

4. I'd make amends with all those who hurt me and those I hurt. AND

5. I'd live in Switzerland for a week so I can snowboard, skinny dip in Evian Les Bains, eat as much cheese and wine as I can (and stock-up for when I get home to share with my friends).

6. Well, I'd rather not share the last one.

Writing a Letter (Journal #8)

2007-07-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

I am really excited about the experiment we worked on today in class. Non of you have ever written a letter (through snail mail) nor have you recieved one. Make predictions as to how do you think the person recieving your letter would react. What type of response do you want from them?