Trouble Writing

Have you ever been in trouble with using the right words in writing compositions? There are many similar words which have different meanings in English and Chinese.  For example, “see” and “watch” both mean “look something with your eyes", but they are used in different ways.  “See” means to be able to use your eyes to look at things and know what they are.  We could say “I can’t see the blackboard without my glasses.”  On the other hand, “Watch” is to look at and pay attention to something that is happening.  For instance, “Do you want to join in or just sit and watch?”.

  “Discover” and “invent” is the other example we may be confused with.  “Discover” is to find something that was hidden or that people did not know about before.  “Invent” means to make, design, or produce something new for the first time.  To invent something didn't exist before like a machine or a method.  We can make the sentence like “Who invented the computer?”  On the other side, it means to discover something that existed before but was not known, such as a place, thing, or fact. For example, “In the sixties, oil was discovered under the North Sea.”  Therefore, we have to make good use of dictionary whenever necessary.  We could consult dictionary the words which we don’t know and the dictionary could tells us the correct usage of words.  The dictionary would make us great progress. 

No Gossip

     Many people think and believe that most women like to gossip about somebody or something all the time. I am a woman, but in my opinion, I really hate gossip. Some gossips that is just talking and it won’t hurt any one, but I believe the troubles always follow the gossips, whether at home, school or work.

     I live in a small lane. I am not interested in any scandal about the neighbors, but my neighbors are interested in my private life. When I was a high school student, one night, I went to my classmate’s home and a little bit late for home; therefore, her older brother took me home by motorcycle. One of my neighbors saw that and called my mother with a cell phone immediately “Does Jenny have a boyfriend?” after the call, I spent a lot of time persuading my mother that I did not have any boyfriend. This is one terrible experience of harmless gossip by my neighbor. I told my mother afterwards, “Please don’t believe the gossip any more!”, but I know this kind of things would happen very often.

        Most gossips we meet at home are harmless, but at school some gossip are malicious. For example, girls are always participle in “Who is your best friend,” and hope “you are my best friend.” and talk some little secret to improve “You are my best friend.” Nevertheless, if one day we have some dispute, the little secret would become the retaliation. As time passes, some girls would be too fond to idle gossips and forget the evil of wicked gossips.

     When we are growing up, having a part time job or working in a small company, there are some people retail gossips without reasons. When the first time I have a part time job, one of my co-workers gossip all the time during our work. He talked about the boss, comment on the company, and even some one whom he is not really acquaintanceship. I felt annoyed and tired about his behavior; therefore, I quit the job. Fortunately, it’s just a part time job.

     Every time people say “Don’t believe all the gossip you hear,” but people will always believe it without consciousness and this is the reason why gossip is not available in people’s relationship. No matter what kind’s of gossip, idle gossip, harmless gossip or malicious gossip, we have to self-control. I don’t want to injure any one’s feeling, and also hope no one would make trouble for me. The gossip is really annoyed-behaved.

A farm in France

        I traveled to an interesting place in France and stayed on a farm. There were a lot of horses on this farm. Every year they have summer camp for students. They will teach you how to ride and clean a horse. When I was in junior high school, I joined the summer camp. Every afternoon, we rode our horse in the forest that was near by the farm. We would bring our food and drinks with us to have a picnic. The best part was the fresh air that made me feel great. The food over there was also great. Every meal we had French Bread which I love. They also had a special dessert that I had never eaten before. I will never forget this delicious dessert. This farm is the most interesting place and I always think about the horses, the forest, and the food over there. I wish I could travel there one more time.

Reflections of viewing The Intouchables

Intouchables is a French movie that played in November 2011. It’s based on a true story, but it is not all faithful. Last year, I’ve seen in Peace’s class. This year, I saw that in Jenny’s class.

Philippe, a businessman, who was injured in an accident and became quadriplegic. When his assistant interviews a new caregiver, he rejects all the professionals and chose Driss, a young ex-con with a Senegalese background, to be his new caregiver. Needless to say, an unexpected friendship grows between these two opposites. For Philip, his most promising thing is not to win others’ sympathy. Driss makes Philippe feel respected and Philippe helps Driss to find his value. This is a charming, heartwarming comedy, humor everywhere. I really loved this movie and I recommend everyone to watch it.

http://weinsteinco.com/sites/the-intouchables/

The fireflies

In recent years, the amount of the has been risen, because of the work of private organizations. It is warm this year, so the firefly season become earlier, from March to May. People can see the fireflies in many places like Yangmingshan, Miaoli, Nantou, Kenting, and Hualien and so on.

I lived in New Taipei city from I was born, so I didn’t seen the firefly before. At the end of April, I asked my boy friend to take me to somewhere to see the fireflies. We went to Dashi(大溪) and wait the sunset. At the roadside, I saw many little shiny spot. Those are the fireflies! A firefly even stoped on my hand. It’s so amazing! 

{ Topics in Textbook/ Class } Who cared for you as a young child?

        My parents divorced when I was a four-year girl. I was brought up by my grandparents, my father and my aunt. The main person who cared about me is my grandmother. My experience wasn’t similar to other children of my age, because I was from the single-parent family and most of my classmates had their parents. Even though I was from the single-parent family, I still felt happiness. My grand mother taught me how to treat others nice and be a good girl. She loved me so much and I did, too. 

{ NEWS } Charitable Giving (2013/04/12)

Charitable Giving (2013/04/12)

In New Taipei’s Banciao, the boss of a local noodle shop has borrowed the novel “suspended coffee” concept, where customers pay in advance for those who are less fortunate. He is applying this charitable concept to his restaurant.

In the past two months, he has raised enough money for the equivalent of 30 bowls of noodles which can be claimed by anyone who requests it and demonstrates need. This popular practice of helping others is starting to be implemented at local restaurants and breakfast shops.

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When I saw the “suspended coffee” on Facebook, I felt warm and thought if some shops in Taiwan can do that, that will be a very good thing! After few days, I saw this news. Many people afford to give a little extra money to pay the special suspended meal. Although it’s not a Feast, but for disadvantaged people this meal will be very helpful.More and more restaurants and businesses throughout Taiwan have adopted the idea. It boosts popular morale very much. Taiwan is a place of warmth everywhere. I am sure that we can own better life because of the warmth.

Friendship

A dictionary contains a definition of friendship somewhere in the F’s between the words “fear” and “Friday.” An encyclopedia supplies interesting facts on friendship. But all the definitions and facts do not convey what friendship is really all about. It cannot be understood through words or exaggerations. The only way to understand friendship is through experience. It is an experience that involves all the senses.

Friendship can be seen. Friendship is seen in a child freely sharing the last cookie. It is the small arm over the shoulder of another as they walk on the playground. Seeing friendship is not casual. It is watching for subtlety, but friendship is there for eyes that can see.

Friendship can be heard. It is heard in the words of two friends who squeezed in lunch together on an extremely busy day. It is the way they talk to each other, not the words. Their tone is unique. Friendship can be heard by those willing to listen.

Friendship is felt in a touch. It is a pat on the back from a teammate, a high five between classes, and the slimy, wet kiss from the family dog. It’s a touch that reassures that someone is there, someone who cares. The touch communicates more than words or gestures. It is instantly understood and speaks volumes beyond the point of contact, to the heart.

Friendship has a taste. It tastes like homemade bread; the ingredients all measured and planned, then carefully mixed and kneaded, then the quiet waiting as the dough rises. Hot from the oven, the bread tastes more than the sum of its ingredients. There is something else there, perhaps the thoughts of the baker as her hands knead the dough, or her patience as she waits for the dough to rise. Unseen and unmeasured, this is the ingredient that makes the difference. Warm, fresh from the oven with a little butter, the difference you taste is friendship.

Friendship has a smell. It smells like the slightly burnt cookies your brother made especially for you. It smells like your home when stepping into it after being away for a long time. It smells like a sandbox or a sweaty gym. Friendship has a variety of smells. Taken for granted at the moment, they define the memory of friendship.

Do you feel your own friendship with someone? More than the other senses, friendship is an experience of the heart. It is the language of the heart—a language without words, vowels, or consonants; a language that, whether seen, felt, heard, or tasted, is understood by the heart. Like air fills the lungs, friendship fills the heart, allowing us to experience the best life has to offer: a friend.

{Movie} Click

Click is a comedy, drama and also fantasy movie. I really enjoy this movie. “Click” may be one of the best “re-heated leftovers” I have seen in quite awhile. It starts off really simple then really gets high concept and complicated. But, it is still clean enough for everyone, including kids and teenager. It is something a lot people can relate to, and all of the characters in the movie contribute to the storyline very well. In the end, I would recommend this movie to those who take delight in working and career or guys and girls turn out to be a surprisingly good date movie. “Click” is really a good movie. 

{ NEWS } Cat-friendly overpass to be unveiled in ‘Cat Town’

Cat-friendly overpass to be unveiled in ‘Cat Town’      Sun, Mar 24, 2013

A 60m long overpass furnished with cat stands and cat furniture is to be unveiled on March 30 in the Houtong (猴硐) area of New Taipei City’s (新北市) Ruifang District (瑞芳), where the presence of a large cat population has been a big tourist draw in recent years.

The town used to be one of the country’s largest coalmining sites, but it is now focused on its other natural resource: stray cats.

Over the years, the town has become home to an estimated 100 cats.

As Houtong is currently being renovated, city officials said it was a good opportunity to install cat-friendly facilities.

“We must take the cats’ needs into consideration because they have become an important part of the town,” city official Chen Ching-fang said.

She added that she hoped the bridge will reflect the harmonious coexistence of the town’s residents and the cats, as well as promote animal protection.

The overpass cost NT$18 million (US$602,600) and took eight months to build. It is expected to not only benefit cats, but also attract cat-lovers, Chen said.

The cats will be able to walk, relax and interact with pedestrians on the overpass.

Since 2009, Houtong has been nicknamed “Cat Town” after news was published about its large cat population.

The town attracts many tourists, especially on weekends, Chen said.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2013/03/24/2003557870

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        Two years age, I have been to Houtong. In my memory, there was a beautiful small town with many cute cats. Now, it is full of tourists to see and play the stray cats. Because of more and more tourists, the government also began planning and construction. This overpass is one of the construction. On the other hand, the volunteers feed the cats in regular time. They also take the cats to see the doctor. I think the government should notice the problems of tourists numbers. That will be better to the cats and people in Houtong.

A memorable teacher

Everyone will have a chance to learn something from someone or something and it will change us a lot. One person who influenced me a lot was my teacher “Anna Chang” who taught me the meaning of compromising with others.

    I recall when I was a junior college student, I quarreled with my classmate over trivial details. Because of our stubborn and opinionated personalities, we both refused to compromise with each other. Afterwards, we hadn't talked to each other for whole summer semester. With the passing of time, I felt very depressed and painful. Therefore, I decided to ask Anna what I should do.

    Anna told me, “In one sense, compromise doesn't necessary mean that you give up your principle. In other words, it can produce more harmony and reduce the hostility in your relationship between people.”

    After listening to her words, I decided to compromise with my friend and apologize for my impulsive action. To my surprise, she also said sorry to me. Even now, we are still best friends. Anna changed my thinking of compromise, though I haven’t seen her for a long time, I still remember her very much. 

Long Time No See

        A month ago, my elementary classmate, Cherrie, invited me to join a facebook group. That is surprise to me to see many elementary classmates also join that, including some I didn’t meet them for a long time. We dated for dinner or KTV someday this month.

Family New Year Trip -2

        The second day, we went to Anping Tree House in Anping District of Tainan City. For many years, a huge banyan tree has taken over the warehouse. Its aerial roots and trunks have became part of the building. Then, we went to the one of Taiwan’s oldest streets in Anping District. That is Anping Old Street. I bought dark glasses from there. It is very useful for makeunder.

        Another one of the well-known tourist spots in Taiwan is Tsou-Ma-Lai Farm. After shopping in the Anping Old Street, we went to the Tsou-Ma-Lai Farm. It was held the balloon festival. We were not lucky, we didn’t see the balloon flying. At there, I tried to play the archery in my first time. So funny!

Family New Year Trip -1

In the 2 weeks before the Chinese New Year, my aunt invited our families to go on a trip in south Taiwan. We expected to leave Taipei on February 10^th and came back on February 13^th. There were total 3 cars and 12 people. It was long time no go on a trip together for our big family.

I guessed the weather in south Taiwan was warm or hot, so I took some short-sleeved T-shirt. When we arrived Taichung, I felt little cold. The first scenic spot we went was 中社觀光花市. There were so many beautiful flowers. Also, some buskers took a drum show and some made many dolls to sell there. I bought a blue smile cat.

Stray Cats Café

I love cats, but I can’t have one. On February 16^th, I decided to have a date with cats in Stray Cats Café. There was a separate space for cats and the people who want to sit and eat with cats. I ordered an afternoon tea. Before I went there, I bought some cats’ snack. When I took out the snack, two cats walked to me and jumped to my thigh. They wanted to eat my snack! Because of the cats’ snacks, many cats came to my seat and begged my snacks. They lay on my thigh and let me stroked their hair. They were so cute! I really hope I can have a cat in the future.

 

 

Week 18 (1/13-1/19) – Photographer

Xinzhuang Early Childhood Education Association ( 新莊幼兒教育協會 ) held the fourth and the fifth of president handover ceremony (第四屆&第五屆會長交接典禮) in the Chateau de Chine Hotel in Xinzhuang District. My boss took my co-workers, Amy and Kevin, and I to join the ceremony. Kevin and I had to take the photoes for the ceremony. We were the Photographers (no pay).

That was a special experience for me. I totally took more than 1000 photoes yesterday. My fingers jerked from fatigue. It was totally about 4 to 5 hours, but I was very tired and ate a little food. Even though that, I was happy. I thought that was my good opportunity to broaden my horizons. I learned something that can’t be bought by money.  

Tell the story of a time that you did something successfully. Was it clear to you at the beginning that you would be successful? What do you do that helped you to be successful?

In the past, I copied the notes from textbooks or computer. This semester, I changed my teaching mode. I asked my students to prepare their own note book. I prepared the notes about Science, Chinese, Math, and Social Studies. I asked them to transcribe my notes on their note book and memorize them. I hoped that can help them to learn some keypoints from themselves and strengthen the impressions. Also, I hoped that can make them to get better grades.

      At the midterm test, all of my students almost made progress. Their grades were more better than last semester. The final test, they also more better than the midterm! It was a very successful thing to me. Their efforts and grades proved my new teaching mode was better and more suitable than before. I will do that in the new semester again.

Write a goal that you have. What steps will you need to reach your goal?

I always have a goal that is to lose weight. That needs much patience and perseverance to reach. I think I should need to have some steps to reach my goal. For example, I want to lose 5 kilograms; I can do that with four steps below.

Step No. 1:  Decide how many kilograms I want to lose.

Like me, I want to lose 5 kilograms. I can even make detailed goals for the plan, just like 1 kilogram a month or two kilograms a month. That will help me to check my weight loss results.

  Step No. 2:  Write down or make a schedule for my goal.

I can write down the goal on paper and paste on the wall to remind myself. Or, I can make a schedule by using APPs in my cell-phone. By using APPs, it usually reminds me to do something for my goal.

Step No. 3:  Start a regular exercise program and choose my food. 

Doing exercise is a very useful way to lose weight. 20-30 minutes a day and 3 times a week at least are good. Food is also very important. Eating some small healthy meals a day is better. I want to eat smaller meals a day. More vegetables and less asylums are better, too.

Step No. 4:  Check it usually.

Every morning and every evening, I should measure my weight and write down on the paper or key in the cell-phone. That can help me know how much weight changes in my body.

Lastly, I have to believe I’ll reach my goal. I will image myself fitting into a smaller size. Then, I will do it!  

Why should marketers and advertisers study consumer motivation? How does this knowledge help them to do their job?

    I think the the purpose of marketing is to sell more goods to more people and make more profits". This is the basic principle. If the marketers and advertisers want to do this, I think they should study consumer motivation. This knowledge can help them to understand and predict consumers’ buying behaviour. For example, consumers maybe want to buy discounted goods during the department stores’ anniversary. Or, consumers usually love to buy some goods whose price is end of 9, such as NT$49, NT$99, NT$199 and NT$ 299 and so on. After having this knowledge, marketers and advertisers can help themselves to make better marketing decisions for profits. They can analyze the various factors, and change the total buying behaviors.

Week 16 (12/30-1/5) – New Year's Eve

People mostly look forward to Christmas and New Year's Eve every the end of a year. I am no exception. I have to work on Christmas, but have 4 holidays at the end of this year. Deducted two days for the school (LHU) day, I can also have two days to celebrate New Year. Many people would like to go to Taipei 101 to watch the fireworks show. This year, Taipei 101 imported low-smoke fireworks from Europe. The French pyrotechnic bonanza included 22,000 rockets over 188 seconds, at an estimated cost of NT$30 million.

      My boy friend and I didn’t want to go to the crowded Taipei city, so we decided to go Tansui(淡水) & Bali(八里) on New Year's Eve. We expect there will be a lot of people letting off fireworks. But, there were not so many people in Bali. We strolled around the streets and lit sparklers. Right after the countdown, fireworks were set off into the night sky. Everyone said “Happy New Year!” to each other. I felt very shocked about fireworks upon the head. Although the fireworks were not more beautiful than Taipei 101, but I still felt happy.