To Do Around Los Angeles

I want to mention two things you may like to do this month around Los Angeles.

Starting next week from the 19th to the 28th, the Los Angeles Auto Show will be going on at the downtown convention center. If you're interested in the latest models and new automobile technology and design, you should get your tickets and visit. I know every year it is a very busy event. I have never been, but if you are into cars, I'm sure you'll like the show. Find more information here: http://www.laautoshow.com/

Also, available any time is the Annenberg Space for Photoagraphy. It is a small photography museum that features the work of current photographers. Once they featured pictures of award winning photojournalists. That was an interesting exhibit. Presently, they are featuring pictures of extreme wildlife photographers. I am actually going today, on Veterans Day, to see this exhibit with some friends. I like this musuem because even though it is small, they have interesting technology to display many pictures.

They first have a large movie room with two large screens and couches. Here, they show short videos of artists and their pictures and the artists or photographers talk about their work. Then you can walk around to see photos on the wall in a small circular hallway. But then they have a little sitting area with two tables. Each table is actually an interactive computer touch screen. They are like large iPads almost. You can browse through more photos on these interactive computer tables and enlarge photos and zoom and move them around. It is very interesting technology and they always have interesting photos, too. Here is the musuem's website: http://www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org/

Let me know if either of these interest you. And if you go, please also share your experience with the class afterwards!

Who is a learner?

Hi, Everyone –

If you’re in my current Level 2 class, you may remember when we mentioned “blues” music in class. The blues is generally music with lyrics talking about bad luck, facing hard times, having difficulties in life. To feel blue is to feel down or sad. Our college President mentions a famous blues musician below, B.B. King is the musician’s name. I liked what our college president mentions about him and wanted to copy it here:

The great American blues guitarist and singer, B.B. King, now 85 years of age, was interviewed recently and asked why he still tours and plays concerts.  He replied in all humble sincerity: “I’m still learning how to play the guitar.”


Now if the great B.B. King can say he’s still learning how to play the guitar, then I think that the rest of us should keep to our own knitting to try to keep learning how to be better at what we do!

I recently saw B.B. King in concert at the Hollywood Bowl (click that phrase to see a clip on youtube) and respect his skill so much, especially if he is such a humble man that as an expert, he says “I’m still learning.”

I feel I am learning everyday as a teacher. Don’t think that in class, I’m only teaching. You are each teaching me a lot about HOW to teach, what works, what doesn’t, how different people learn and how to manage a class of different learners. You are each individuals and I also learn a lot from you about life in general. That is why I wanted to get into teaching and that is why I love coming to work every day: not because of what I give to you, but because of what I get from you! Ha ha! I am the winner in this situation! Jusk kidding.

Recognizing One of Our Own

Recently, one of our own ESL teachers was profiled in the local paper. Students from her class responded to an add in the paper to identify important people in the community. I hope you all read the linked article (click that phrase) and aspire to move on to Level 5 and perhaps join in Barbara Fairfield's popular class. Each of you are well on your way; keep working hard!

Remember Lucky Charms?

No, I don't mean the cereal that features different colored marshmallows found at the end of a rainbow, guarded by a little green leprechaun. Remember reading about different lucky charms: the rabbits foot, knocking on wood, or crossing your fingers? Well, on my favorite radio station's website, they have an article about people in Mexico seeking lucky charms. Read and listen to the story here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=131001122