TaiwanTeacher

What does this mean?

2005-08-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Recently I was reading an article in which the writer asked if a person had "lost his marbles." Does anyone know what this means? BTW, marbles are small round balls which are usually, I think, are made of glass. Children sometimes use them in games. However, this really has nothing to do with "losing one's marbles."
Hint: I have never lost my marbles but sometimes I feel I may do that. I am sure sometimes you have felt the same way.
Hint: Recently, some people felt Tom Cruise may be losing his marbles or he may have already lost them.
Good luck guessing. Bye,bye Mark

Hope you are having a great summer vacation!

2005-08-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

How are you all doing these days? I am having a great time with my vacation so far. I have managed to travel to several places, including LA-San Diego, Las Vegas and Mexico. Everything was great and now I am just resting from the exhausting/wonderful trip.
Well, soon we will meet again in Taiwan. I am looking forward to seeing you all again very soon. Bye,bye for now. Mark

What does this mean?

2005-07-06T16:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I just read the title of an article which asked the following question:
"Is your date into you?" Does anyone know or want to guess what it means? Go on, give it a try. I will post the answer later. Bye,bye Mark

I hope you all have a good summer vacation!

2005-06-30T15:36:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I am currently in America but I still don't have my own computer here. Soon I hope to buy one and then I will post some messages. Bye,bye Mark

Freshman: Please post assignment here for wk. 15

2005-06-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Please put your comments here for the question given in Freshman English class. Thanks a lot. Mark

Do you have a bellyache?

2005-04-26T03:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

An article I was recently reading had the following sentence:

"Go ahead and bellyache about blogs." Do you know what the sentence means? Right, it has something to do with blogs. Still, you are not sure what bellyache means in that sentence? Well, do you know what it means to "bellyache" about something? No. Would you like a hint? Yes? Ok.

Everyone has a belly, right? (Belly, in case you don't know, is simply another way to say stomach) . Now, you all know what the word "ache" means, right? (An ache is a pain). Got that? Ok, now forget it. Bellyache, in the sentence given above, has nothing to do with having a pain in your belly. (This is so confusing. Why, you all may be wondering, is something called "bellyache" when it has nothing to do with a pain in your belly. Honestly? I have no idea. Ok, back to the hint).

Everyone bellyaches about something from time to time. As a matter of fact, it would be incredible if a person never bellyached about anything in his or her lifetime. However, the truth is that some people bellyache about things more than others. (That's just the nature of people). Do you know what bellyache means yet? Still not certain? Please read on.

You would not bellyache if someone gave you some money.
You might bellyache if you were cheated out of some money.

You would not bellyache if you had a wonderful meal in a restaurant.
You might bellyache if you had a terrible meal in a restaurant.

You would not bellyache if your computer was working with no problems.
You might bellyache if you discovered that your computer was infected with a virus.

You would not bellyache if you went on a date and had a great time.
You might bellyache if you went on a date and had an awful time.

Well, I could go on and on but I think you have had enough hints. Ok, what does bellyache mean? Try to figure it out from the hints without looking up the answer in a book. Good luck everyone, and I will post the answer after I get some replies. (However, if nobody posts a reply, I will probably bellyache about it). Bye,bye. Mark

Also, please keep in mind that people do use bellyache to describe a pain in their belly. However, that is not how it is being used in this post.

Interesting article

2005-04-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,I recently read a very interesting article. Here is a part of what was written in the article:Colleges offer classes on relationshipsMUNCIE, Ind. - Over the last 30 years, academics have been developing the study of "close relationships," as they call it, forming the International Association for Relationship Research to share resources and data. In recent years, though, some professors have moved beyond theory, making the discussion more personal to students by teaching relationship skills they can use outside the classroom.
Some call it Relationships 101 — a concept that has proven wildly popular on campuses across the country.
Such research is "not just about what makes people happy but how relationships can affect other things — for instance, someone's health," says Lisa Baker, an assistant professor of psychology at Purchase College, part of the State University of New York.When Scott Hall wants to spark a discussion, he asks his students something bound to provoke a reaction: Do women want more out of marriage than men?
The students in Hall's course on marriage at Ball State University — many of them women — laugh and nod at his question. Most of them agree with research he cites stating that men are most interested in a partner who's attractive and good in bed.
But not Mike Toscano, a 21-year-old senior: "It's not 'Oh she looks cute and she cooked a pot pie,'" he says. "I want to be held once in a while, too, y'all."
The comment draws more laughter, as Toscano blushes and smiles.
"I'm glad he feels that way," Anitra Montgomery, a 22-year-old junior, responds to the class. "But he is rare!"
Toscano says he and his girlfriend, Bethany Ringrose, decided to take the class together this term to see if they want to take their relationship to the next level.
"It helps me understand my actions and his, too," says Ringrose, a 20-year-old junior at the school in central Indiana.
If you want to read more, go to http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6968834/

Ok, here is my question: Would you be interested in taking a class on relationships?
Why/Why not?I look forward to your answers.

Bye,bye Mark

What would you do?

2005-04-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I was just reading "Dear Abby" which had an interesting story about a little girl and laundry.

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I both have professional jobs and share housework. I do all the laundry, she does all the cooking, and we share the cleaning. That's not the problem. The problem is our 7-year-old daughter "Vanessa's" habit of changing clothes whenever she feels the urge.

My logic says that by the end of the week, Vanessa should have seven dirty outfits -- one or two outfits of deviation is acceptable to me. However, that's not the case. Every week, it seems like I wash Vanessa's entire wardrobe! My wife says, "That's what little girls do."
Abby, I was raised with three brothers and my wife was raised with three sisters, so she has more experience than I do. Experience aside, I feel Vanessa needs to be talked to about not changing so often -- or at least putting an outfit back in the drawer if it has only been worn an hour or two. Help! -- LORD OF THE LAUNDRY, ROCHESTER, N.Y.

What do you think the parents should do? C'mon, give an opinion. Bye,bye Mark

A good quote

2005-04-23T04:46:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I just read this interesting quote and I want to share it with you. Bye,bye Mark

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." Aristotle

Did you know?

2005-04-23T03:49:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, as I am sure you are all aware, the word "dive" is often used in swimming. For instance, "The girl will dive into the water." Ok, that is easy enough. However, did you also know that dive has other meanings as well? No? Well, let me give you some other ways to use "dive."

You can use "dive" to describe a place which is run-down or not very nice. Example: "Bill and Mary thought that their hotel was going to be nice but it turned out to be a dive." Do you understand? I hope so.

Also, dive can be used to explain the actions of a boxer who intentionally loses a fight, perhaps so that gamblers can win a lot of money by knowing in advanced who will win the fight. Example: John: "Hey, Bill, did you like the boxing match last night?"
Bill: "It was terrible! The other fighter didn't even try to fight. He just stood
there getting hit and then he fell down. I honestly think he took a
dive." Is it clear? I hope so.

Bye,bye. Mark

Police Dogs

2005-04-23T02:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Check out some amazing videos of some police dogs. Bye,bye Mark

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/videos/policedogs.html

Also, if you have seen the movie Rocky, here is a guy doing his own version of Rocky in training.
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/rockyisback2.html

Do you believe in Ghosts?

2005-04-22T23:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I just finished watching a film about a number of real ghost sightings. Actually, I don't know if the pictures are true or not but there are some strange looking things in the film. If you are interested, check it out. However, be warned that this may make you feel quite uncomfortable and the ending, where you are asked to look at the door closely, almost gave me a heart attack!
Bye,bye Mark

http://www.wimp.com/proof/

From Collins Cobuild English Dictionary for Advanced Learners

2005-04-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I was reading the dictionary and came across this term. Perhaps you can use it in your speaking or writing some day.

Beaten-up: "A beaten-up car or other object is old and in bad condition."
Example from Collins: "Her sandals were old and somewhat beaten-up, but very comfortable."

My example: "Even though the desk was old and quite beaten-up, the student liked using it because it was big and sturdy."

Please feel free to write a sentence of your own using "beaten-up and post it on this blog. C'mon, give it a try. It's kind of fun to do. Bye,bye Mark

What do these mean?

2005-04-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Here is the title of an article I was reading:

"Writer spills what she wishes she had known during her younger years."
Ok, what do you think it means? Hint: If you can figure out what "spills" means, you can figure out the rest of the sentence.

What does it mean to "dish the dirt?"
Hint: Some people like to "dish the dirt" about other people. As a matter of fact, "dishing the dirt" about movie stars and other famous people seems to be a very popular thing to do.

Bye,bye,everyone, and good luck. Mark

What does this mean?

2005-04-21T02:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Here is the title of a recent article I read.

"Why do some countries have healthier tickers?" (Healthier than in America).

Question: What is a "ticker?" Need a hint. Ok.
Everyone has a "ticker." However it is said that not all "tickers" are the same. For instance, some people are said to have a "big ticker," some are said to have a "cold ticker," but nobody wants to have their "ticker broken." Of course, sometimes you may break someone's "ticker" but that is just as bad as having someone break yours. (Actually, tickers don't really break. That is just an expression). You can keep your "ticker" to yourself or you can give your "ticker" to another. However, remember that when you give your "ticker" to another, he or she may not give you their "ticker" in return. (Sometimes life is unfair).

Well, what do you think? Did you figure it out? C'mon, take a guess. If you are right, you just might get a warm feeling in your "ticker." Bye,bye Mark

Why is this ambiguous?

2005-04-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Recently a linguistic teacher in our department came to see me. She was wondering why something she had a read in a book was considered to be ambiguous. At first, I was as confused as she was but after a few minutes thought, I figured out why the book said it was ambiguous. What I would like you to do, if you want to, is to figure out what makes the passage below ambiguous. After I get some posts, I will give the answer which I gave to your teacher. Good luck, Mark

"An old man's bike."

Listen to a beautiful song

2005-04-20T02:54:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

If you want to hear a beautiful song, "Vincent," please go to
http://www.espew.com/cgi-bin/play.cgi/419414

Also, the lyrics can be found at
http://www.bipolarbrain.com/starry.html

Bye,bye Mark

Do you care about the troubles between China and Japan?

2005-04-17T05:33:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

As you probably know, there are some big problems right now between China and Japan. Here is my question: Do you care about this situation at all? If yes, why? If no, why not? C'mon, give your opinion. Bye,bye Mark

What is the meaning of this?

2005-04-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, again I have come across some expressions which you may like to learn. Take a guess and when I get some replies, I will post the correct answers.

1) "Douglas (actor) denies nipping,tucking
Nipping, tucking means ?
2) "Kutcher (actor) disses Keanu" (Keanu is Keanu Reaves, actor)
Disses means ?
3) The walls have ears
Whole expression means ?

Ok, everyone, what do you think any or all of them mean? Give it a shot. If you get them all, you'll be batting 1,000 and you'll feel like a million bucks. As a matter of fact, you'll be walking on air! However, even if you get them all wrong, there's no need to be down in the dumps since you tried. Good luck. Bye,bye Mark

Some comments about the word "Stacked."

2005-04-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I was just reading on-line that actress Pamela Anderson has a new TV show called “Stacked.” The premise of the show is that Pamela gets a job in a bookstore. Now what makes the title of the show so interesting is that the word “Stacked” has two meanings.
First meaning: Stacked can refer to something being filled with something. For instance, a book store called “Stacked” would be thought to be filled with books.
Second meaning: Stacked can also be used to describe a woman who has large breasts. Thus, if you have ever seen Pamela Anderson, you will notice that she clearly is, ah, well, let’s just say she is clearly stacked. (Let’s have no jealousy, ladies, because Pamela Anderson’s breasts are not naturally large. She has breast implants).

Ok, those are my comments on bookstores and large-breasted women.
Bye,bye Mark

Some thoughts about the word "Screw."

2005-04-13T06:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Today I was having a chat with teacher Frank and he asked me about the word “screw.” Specifically, he said that when the evaluations take place this week and the evaluators visit his classroom, “I hope I don’t screw up.” Then he asked me if screw was a proper word to use, and he told me he often felt uncomfortable using the word “screw” because it has different meanings. After assuring him that he did not say anything improper, I started thinking that I should take the time to explain to all of you the different ways “screw” can be used in English.

Here are the many ways screw can be used and the meanings of each one.

Screw up= Make a mistake

Screw it= Forget it

We’re/I’m/You’re screwed= In big trouble

Screw you= Forget you (Actually this is said in anger and it basically means “F… you! Thus be careful saying this to someone).

Screwball= Crazy. (If a person is called a screwball, then it is meant that the person is nuts or psycho).

Screwball comedy= “… is silly…in an amusing and harmless way.” (Collins)

He/She has a screw loose= The person is crazy/nuts.

What a screwy idea= I think the idea is dumb or stupid. (Please note that I am not sure I am spelling “screwy” right but I am using it correctly)

I was screwed!= I was cheated!

Well, these are all the ways which I can think of right now to use the word. However, why was teacher Frank concerned about using the word “screw?” It is because he knows that the word also has a sexual meaning to it. Generally, some people use the word to describe sexual intercourse between a couple.
For instance, “ Many people in Taiwan saw a famous politician and her lover screwing.”

Also, “His wife left him after she found him screwing his friend’s wife.” (Uh,oh).

Also, “He divorced his wife when he learned that she had screwed every actor she had ever met. (Wow!)

Ok, well, I hope this information helps you all. Bye,bye Mark

Violet's Interesting Question

2005-04-07T05:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, Violet, who is a sophomore, recently posted a message about a new song by the singer Coco Lee.
Violet wrote "I want to introduce a new song. It is Coco Lee's new song named "Magic Words" in the "exposed" album. I saw the MTV of this song the other day. The reason why I want to introduce is that I like the words of this song very much. It says that a woman who sometimes feels depressed or anxious, but if her lover says the magic words "I love you", she will feel relax and comfortable. I think, people will feel discouraged some time, so if there is a friend who can say something really inspire you, you may be much better. Therefore, what words do you want to hear most when you feel bad? "
I really like Violet's question: "What words do you want to hear most when you feel bad? " Although I am not sure what words I want to hear, I would like to pose this question to all the readers of this blog. Thus, please post your answer to the question and please tell why those certain words you mention will make your feel better.
I look forward to reading all your comments. Bye,bye Mark

What does this mean?

2005-04-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I recently read an article with the following title:

"No one likes a gossip, suck-up, or know-it-all."

Ok, well I know you are all familar with the what gossip means. However, my question is what is a "suck-up" and a "know-it-all?" Please feel free to answer one or both of the questions. After I get some responses, I will post the correct answers. Good luck and please try not to look up the answer in a book. Just take a guess. Bye,bye Mark

Sophomore Open Forum

2005-04-06T00:54:00.000-07:00

Hi Sophomores,

Well, here is the area in which to put your comments. Remember, please that you must write at least 2 sentences. Any comments are welcome, even comments which have nothing to do with school or learning English. Also you can ask or answer questions directed toward your classmates. Please make certain to put your English name and # at the beginnning of your post so I can know who wrote the post. Thanks and bye,bye Mark

Hi I am Mark. I am very tired today. I need to start going to bed earlier because I am getting older. (Of course,I am glad that I still have my good-looks).Also, I feel frustrated by my old office computer. Thus, I am not happy.

What does this mean?

2005-04-05T02:28:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, here is another ariticle I recently read. What do you think the article is going to be about based on the title, or what do you think the title means?

"Wedding money: Who's footing the bill? "

Ok, everyone, take a guess. Good luck to all and I will let you all know the correct answer after I get some replies. Bye,bye Mark

What would you do?

2005-04-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Below is a letter which was sent to an advice columnist in America.
According to Collins Cobuild Dictionary for Advanced Learners, "A columnist is a journalist who regularly writes a particular kind of article in a newspaper or magazine. (Example) Clarence Page is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune."

Well, after reading the story if you have any thoughts about what the person should do, or if you want to say what you would do, I would welcome the chance to read your opinions. Bye,bye Mark

DEAR ABBY: My husband, "Jon," and I are newlyweds. We bought and restored a house. Jon did most of the work himself. My mother-in-law, "Marjorie," who is understandably proud of her son, has taken to showing off our house -- but here's the hitch. She gives no warning beforehand; she just shows up on the front steps with people I've never met. (The first time Marjorie did it was the day Jon and I were leaving for our honeymoon.)
Abby, Marjorie parades these people into our kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, even our closets! If I ask her to please skip our office because it's a mess, she says, "Oh, just give them a look," and barges right in.
I have telephoned and asked her politely to please give me a little warning before bringing people to tour the house. Still, she shows up expecting to be let in with yet another stranger in tow.
The last time it happened, after a cue from me, Marjorie acknowledged that she knows I don't like when she does it, yet she continues. Jon is so nonconfrontational, he's no help controlling her. What can I do? -- VIOLATED AND ANGRY

Some Jokes For You

2005-04-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hi Freshman,

Next week you will be telling 2 jokes each in class. Here is some advice to help you have a successful joke telling experience. Although some of the advice I have already given to you in class, I will repeat it here for you, and I will offer some new advice.

1) Try not to tell jokes that are too long.
2)If you think your audience will not understand some of the vocabulary in your jokes, you may want to explain what the word/s mean before telling the jokes.
3) Speak kind of slow. Remember that you are trying to get people to laugh, but you are not trying to win a race.
4) Tell only jokes which you think are funny. If you don't like a certain joke, the chances are that your classmates will also not like your jokes.
5) If the joke you're planning to tell makes you unable to tell it without laughing yourself, either pick another joke or practice saying it many times before telling it in class so that it is not as funny to you anymore. Please remember that laughing while telling your joke will make it difficult or impossible for the audience to understand you.
6) Practice, practice, practice, practice! (Remember you must give me a copy of the jokes you will tell and you can't read your jokes while you are telling them to the class.

Well, those are my tips for your joke telling in class. Below I have included some jokes I recently found. I hope you like them. If you want, please feel free to post a message telling which of the jokes, if any, you liked best. Of course, you are also encouraged to tell me if you disliked the jokes. Bye,bye Mark

The composition teacher asked the class to write about an unusual event that happened during the past week. Little Johnny got up and read his essay.It began, "Daddy fell into the well last week...""My goodness!" the teacher exclaimed. "Is he all right?""He must be," said the boy. "He stopped yelling for help yesterday".

Here are the top 10 things that most men understand about women:
10.
9.
8.
7.
6.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.

Another note from your employer, indicating it's time for a new job:
"We will no longer accept your doctors statements as proof that you were sick. We believe if you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to go to work."

"They've stolen the dashboard, the steering wheel, the brake pedal, and even the accelerator!" she cries.The 911 dispatcher says, "Stay calm. An officer is on the way. He will be there in two minutes."Before the police get to the crime scene, however, the 911 dispatcher's telephone rings a second time, and the same blonde is on the line again."Never mind," giggles the blonde, "I got in the back seat by mistake."

A blonde decided she needed something new and different for a winter hobby. She went to the bookstore and bought every book she could find on ice fishing.
For weeks she read and studied every book, hoping to become an expert in the field. Finally she decided she knew enough, and out she went for her first ice fishing trip.
She carefully gathered up and packed all the tools and equipment needed for the excursion. Each piece of equipment had its own special place in her kit.
When she got to the ice, she found a quiet little area, placed her padded stool, and carefully laid out her tools. Just as she was about to make her first cut into the ice, a booming voice from the sky bellowed, "There are no fish under the ice!"Startled, the blonde grabbed up all her belongings, moved further along the ice, poured some hot chocolate from her thermos, and started to cut a new hole.
Again the voice from above bellowed,"There are no fish under the ice!"Amazed, the blonde wasn't quite sure what to do, as this certainly wasn't covered in any of her books. She packed up her gear and moved to the far side of the ice.
Once there, she stopped for a few moments to regain her calm. Then she was extremely careful to set everything up perfectly-tools in the right place, chair positioned just so, everything.Just as she was about to cut this new hole, the voice came again,"There are no fish under the ice!" Petrified, the blonde looked skyward and asked "Is that you Lord?"The voice boomed back, "No, this is the manager of the skating rink!"

An Interesting Article and A Question

2005-04-01T05:35:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, I just finished reading a very interesting article. According to the article, over half the Chinese people in a recent survey want to marry a foreigner. WOW! I had no idea this was happening. (Usually, when I look in a mirror, I see just a regular guy. However, now I know that there are many,many people who "want" me. Ho,ho,ho!).

Here is the article if you want to read it:http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1548&ncid=1548&e=2&u=/afp/20050331/lf_afp/afplifestylefamily_050331155729

Also, I have a question for everyone. Would you ever consider marrying a foreigner? According to the article, foreigners and Chinese people also often get divorced. Still, would you ever think about marrying a foreigner? Why or why not? Bye,bye Mark

A good reason to laugh

2005-04-01T05:14:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Do you like to laugh? Do you consider yourself a person with a good sense of humor? If the answer to both questions is yes, then it appears that laughing may actually have a very good health benefit. If you want to read an article about how laughter is actually good for a person's health, please go to
http://cholesterolmatters.msn.com/article.aspx?aid=25

Although this article may intimidate some of you, it is very important for you all to keep trying to read "difficult" material. Also, please don't hesistate to ask me any questions if any part of the article is confusing to any of you. It is my pleasure to help you all improve your knowledge of English in any way that I can. Bye,bye Mark

Important questions which need your opinion

2005-03-31T10:01:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, as you all know, this blog was started to give us all, you and me, you and your classmates, a forum in which to discuss issues related to school, language and life. In keeping with this idea, I want to share some ideas that I have been thinking about and also to get your reaction to some changes which are going to be happening at NCUE. Please read the following information carefully and then I want you to give your own opinions about what I have written. Thanks, Mark

Issue one: A new class:

Recently, I have been doing a lot of research about supermodels. I don't know why but I find this profession to be quite interesting. Thus, I am thinking about starting a class next year dealing with the issue of supermodels.

The class title will perhaps be something like “Introduction to Supermodels.” (I see this class as a possible series of classes. Thus, if the first class is successful, I will have another class titled “Advanced Supermodels”).

Requirements: This class will have a lot of homework. Each student will be required to spend at least 5 hours a week going on-line to do in-depth research into the life of a different supermodel each week. Then, students will bring their research findings to class, including photos, and we will have extensive discussions each week about the supermodels.

Warning: Although I know that you all are English majors and probably not very good at math, I must tell you that we will be using math in this class. Specifically, you will be required to know the exact measurements of each supermodel’s body. (This will definitely be information which will be on the midterm and final).

Question: Are you interested in taking this class? Yes or no? Why/ Why not?

Issue two: Where is a good location on campus for the new bar?

Although it is not widely known yet, NCUE has decided that a good way to help students to relax after a busy and stressful week of classes is by building a bar on campus. The hope is that instead of feeling upset by such things as low grades, or too much homework, students will have an opportunity to go and take a break in a nice, peaceful bar. (Officials at NCUE were originally going to build a Starbucks, but coffee has caffeine, which can make students feel nervous. Alcohol, on the other hand, makes students feel really relaxed and so it was agreed that a bar was the better choice for students).

The only problem for school officials right now is where to build the new campus bar. Some possible locations that have been suggested are as follows:
1)Next to the library. Since students often have to go the library to attend classes or to get books, then having a bar right next to the library seems like a good place. Students can then have a beer right before attending their class, or right after the class, which should help them feel better. (This is especially true if the class is boring or too difficult). Also, many researchers have discovered that people can remember things they have read in books much better if they are drinking alcohol or if they have just finished drinking. (Researchers are still trying to figure out the reason why this happens).

2) Next to the dorms. As you know, students do spend a lot of time in the dorms. Thus, since the officials at NCUE worry that students will have too much to drink
and be unable to make it safely back to their dorm rooms, then having a bar right outside the dorms will ensure that students who are too drunk to walk won’t have far to go in order to get home. (Even students who are so drunk that they can only make it to the lobby of their dorms will at least not have to worry about paying a late entrance fine or being locked out of the dorms for the night. See, this should make the girls on campus feel very happy). Additionally, since there are different dorms on campus, some officials feel that it is better to have several little bars instead of one big bar. Thus, each dorm would have a bar next to it. (I really like this idea).

3) Next to the big fish pond near the front of the school. Many people seem to enjoy sitting down by the water and chatting while looking at or feeding the fish. It is a very well-known fact that looking at fish swimming is a great way to help students have better academic performance in their classes. Amazingly, research has shown that people who drink a lot of alcohol perform much better on tests than people who don’t drink at all. So, the hope is that by having a bar near the fish pond, NCUE will be helping to create “superior students.” Of course, there is the danger that a student who has too much to drink my drown if he or she is not careful. Therefore, NCUE will have people working near the fish pond 24 hours a day. As you know, people who work at the beach are called life-guards. Well, at NCUE, we will have drunk-guards. The job of the drunk-guards is to save any students who may fall into the pond while drunk. (BTW, if you want to apply for a job as a drunk-guard, please go to the front gate of our school and ask the security guards for the application you will need to fill out. However, do this as soon as possible as I am sure there are going to be many students applying to become drunk-guards and you want to have a good chance to get the job).

Well, which location sounds best to you for the new bar on campus? Please post your opinion and if you have a suggestion for a better location than any of the ones mentioned, please offer it.

Ok, everyone, have a nice weekend. I look forward to reading your posts. Bye,bye Mark

What does this mean?

2005-03-28T08:52:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Recently, I came across an article with this title: "Considering taking the plunge?"

Well, does anyone have any idea what the question means or what the article is going to be about? I hear you all screaming, "We need a hint, please." Ok, here is a hint.
Most of you are probably not thinking about "taking the plunge" right now but in the future you will probably "take the plunge." Of course, you won't "take the plunge" without giving a lot of thought about "taking the plunge," because you don't want to make a mistake and have to "take the plunge" more than once. However, if you do realize you have made a mistake, you can indeed "take the plunge" again, and again, and again, and again. Yet, "taking the plunge" many times will probably leave you feeling unhappy. Thus, you must be careful when you "take the plunge" so that the first time is the only time you will "take the plunge."

Well, I hope my hints helped you. Good luck and after I get some posts, I will post the correct answer. Also, try to guess the meaning without looking the expression up in a book. Bye,bye Mark

Find and define the idiom in the article

2005-03-24T07:16:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, I know you are all very busy with your schoolwork but if you have some free time, perhaps you would like to try to find the idiom in a paragraph from an article on stress. If you do find the idiom, please tell me what you think it means. I will post a message later identifying the idiom and a definition for it. The article is about stress. Here is the paragraph:

"Some people think you have to take a long retreat or do some strange esoteric thing to manage stress," says Dr. Pelletier, who set out to find a simpler solution when his stressed-out heart patients kept skipping their stress-management classes. According to his book, the trick is nipping stress in the bud with a simple act like breathing from the belly. This is effective because it fights the body's natural stress response. " http://women.msn.com/1043382.armx

Good luck. Bye,bye Mark.

Listen to your wonderful teacher on-line

2005-03-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

A while ago, I read 1000 words for the Taoyuan (Edward's city) Department of Education. I have forgotten to tell you all this. Anyway, if you are interested in hearing me, your wonderful teacher Mark, read the words, please go to the following website:
http://www.tyc.edu.tw/1000words/%B3%CC%B0%F2%A5%BB%A4@%A4d%A6r%B5%FC.htm

I hope it helps you in some way. Bye,bye Mark

A Christmas Song

2005-03-23T09:39:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Here is a website with a christmas song. However,I don't know what the word "genki" means.
Bye,bye Mark

http://www.genkienglish.net/genkix.swf

Baby teeth in America

2005-03-23T03:14:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

As you all know, children have baby teeth which usually fall out so that they can get new teeth. In America, when a child loses his/her teeth, the child will sometimes wrap the tooth in tissue paper and put it under the pillow right before going to sleep. Then as the child sleeps, the child's parent will take away the tooth and replace it will a small amount of money, perhaps 5 or 10 nt dollars.
When the child wakes up, he/she will look under the pillow to collect the money which the child believes was left by the "tooth fairy."

What is the reason for this custom? I really don't know but I suspect that perhaps losing a tooth is kind of tramatic for a young child and so this is a possibly a way to make the child feel better.

Well, I hope you all enjoyed this little bit of American culture.
BYe,bye Mark

Greg's Interesting Play on Words

2005-03-22T05:27:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Greg posted a very interesting message. I am putting it here just in case anyone happened to have missed it. Greg wrote:

"Well,I have a joke, but this one is quite short. I tried to memorize the word "sophomore", so I thought what special way could I use. I combined the sounds of the two words "suffer" and "more", so the sound of the combination is like the sound of the term "sophomore". Did you get it? Indeed, we will become sophomores very soon, and we will suffer more!"

Thanks Greg for the very interesting, but hopefully not true, post you shared with us. Bye,bye Mark

Please Post War Game Response Here

2005-03-22T05:22:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Please post your response to the war game/computer questions here. I look forward to reading your comments. Bye,bye Mark (Please remember, 100 words minimum not including your repeating the questions if you choose to do that).

What does this mean?

2005-03-20T02:56:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

"Ribbing." Can any of you guess the meaning of that word from the following sentence?
"I got quite a lot of ribbing from my team-mates."
Actually, you have definately been "ribbed" by people before and you may be a person who enjoys "ribbing" others. Still can't figure it out? Another hint.
If you are in one of my classes, and I discover that you have been lucky enough to find a "special friend," then I will most like "rib" you about it. Still can't figure it out? Well, take a guess and post it on this blog. Try to figure it out but try not to look it up in any book or anywhere else. Good luck. Mark

An Interesting Interview

2005-03-19T19:27:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I just finished listening to a very interesting interview on-line. The interviewer, Al Roker, is interviewing a woman who claims that she has the ability to speak with people who have died. Currently, there is a television show on in America based on this woman's life and her "gift."
The interview is approximately 5 minutes long. Please check it out if you are interested. Mark

http://video.msn.com/video/p.htm?m=Home%20and%20Living&mi=NBC%20Today&i=4fc704c9-b100-45ab-aef7-d0aa42ba7c28,8a122585-e123-4186-8570-505c850944f9&p=Living_NBC%20Today&rf=http://www.msn.com/

Funny Video

2005-03-18T20:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Here is a video a guy made of himself. He really is having a good time but I have heard that he didn't expect to get as much attention as he had gotten when he put the video on the Internet, and he is not happy with all the attention his video has gotten. Well, I like it and I hope you also enjoy it. Mark

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/numa.php

Is he a dedicated employee or just crazy?

2005-03-18T19:33:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I have just read a very unusual story and I can't decide if the guy is a great employee or insane. After reading the story, please feel free to vote and to post your own opinion.

Vote: I think he is crazy.
I think he is just a wonderful employee.

Vocabulary:
dumbfounded: "If you are dumbfounded, you are extremely surprised by something.
I stood there dumbfounded, scarcely able to believe the evidence of my senses.
ADJ-GRADED: usu v-link ADJ" (Source:Collins Cobuild Dictionary)

27 Million Lottery Winner Rushes Back to Work

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's biggest individual lottery winner had no time to celebrate after becoming 20.4 million euros ($27 million) richer, because he was too worried about being late for work.

When the salesman, who was not identified by WestLotto, arrived Thursday to buy his weekly lottery ticket at a shop in the industrial Ruhr area he was told last week's 12-euro ticket that he hadn't bothered to check had won the jackpot.
The man's reaction left the lottery operator dumbfounded.
"After he was told he had won the jackpot, he said he didn't have time to chat because he would get into trouble with his boss," a lottery spokesman in the western city of Muenster said. Instead, he rushed off to catch a bus to work.
There were few details about the lucky man, a pigeon-lover in his 30s, except that he planned to trade in his rented apartment for something a little bigger in the country. It was not known if he would stay on in his job as a salesman.

I hope you all enjoyed the story. Please vote and feel free to post an opinion. bye,bye. Mark

New Question: What does it Mean?

2005-03-18T19:21:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I was recently reading another article which had this title:

"Is your car a lemon?"

Do any of you know what the question means? After I get your responses, I will let you know the correct answer. Bye, bye Mark

Vivien's Very Funny Joke

2005-03-17T08:34:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Vivien sent me a joke which I think is very funny and I want you to all enjoy it as well. Mark

TRUE BLONDE
A young brunette goes into the doctor's office and says that her body hurts wherever she touches it. "Impossible," says the doctor. "Show me." She takes her finger and pushes her elbow and screams in agony. She pushes her knee and screams, pushes her ankle and screams and so it goes on, everywhere she touches makes her scream. The doctor says, "You're not really a brunette, are you?" She says, "No, I'm really a blonde." "I thought so," he says. "Your finger is broken."

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

2005-03-16T19:42:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all! In America, St. Patrick's Day is my favorite day of the entire year. On that day, it is quite common to see someone wearing something green. Sometimes people will wear a green shirt, pants, dress, sweater or hat. However, some more "crazy" people will actually dye their hair or beard green, and it is not all that uncommon for people to drink a glass of green beer!
Additionally, St. Patrick's Day parades are quite common in various cities in America. Although I am not sure how or if St.Patrick's Day is actually celebrated in Ireland, in America it is a special day to many people.
I like St. Patrick's Day because it is a day when everyone, black, white, Asian, is Irish. People walk around wearing something green, or they stand together to watch a parade, and for one day, one wonderful day, people have a common bond with each other. Everyone is Irish!
Actually, I wish the world had more days like St.Patrick's Day. Then, perhaps, there would be less war, less problems in the world.
I really hope that one day you all have an opportunity to visit America on St. Patrick's Day. However, please remember to wear something green!
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!! Mark

Guess the meaning of the idiom

2005-03-12T07:01:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Recently I was reading the following article which contained the idiom "on cloud nine." Based on the article only, what do you think the idiom means?

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A Columbus judge says he'll let an inmate stay in jail instead of moving him to prison right away so he can see the Ohio State-Michigan game on TV this Saturday.Jeff Renne told Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Richard Sheward yesterday that he would plead guilty as long as he could stay in the county jail through the weekend. Inmates at the jail can watch TV, but it's off-limits at the Orient reception center, where they are held before they're moved to one of the state's prisons.Renne was charged with forgery. He says if the Buckeyes win on Saturday, he'll still be "on cloud nine" despite being in prison.Judge Sheward says he granted Renne's request because it's Michigan week and he thought he should do his part for the Buckeyes.

bye,bye Mark

Take an interesting quiz

2005-03-12T03:38:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

How much do you know about what is happening in the world? Do you often try to keep up with current events? Well, there is a way for you to test yourself. Go to
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4250964/?GT1=6305 and you can take the weekly quiz about information in the news. Here is one of the questions:

3. Which Oscar-winning actor told a magazine that the al-Qaida terror network wanted to kidnap him as part of a “cultural destabilization plot”?
Jamie Foxx
Russell Crowe
Denzel Washington
Tom Cruise

Do you know the answer? Well, sometimes I do very well on this weekly quiz and other times, I, well, nevermind. Anyway, go and check it out. Bye,bye Mark

What does this mean?

2005-03-11T23:42:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I was recently reading some articles when I came across one with the following title:
"5 Relationship Red Flags for Her."
Do you have any idea what the aritcle is going to be about? Please post your answers and I will tell you later if you were right or wrong.
Bye,bye Mark

Play A Game

2005-03-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Although I know you are all very busy with your schoolwork, it is important to sometimes just take a break and have some fun. Below are some games I enjoy playing. So, when you get some free time, go and check them out.

http://games.yahoo.com/games/texttwist.html

http://www.wimp.com/gold/

Freshman Gave Generously To Tsunami Victims

2005-03-09T07:47:00.000-08:00

Freshman gave a very generous donation to the victims of the recent tsunami tragedy. I am positive that their kindness has brightened up the lives of many people during these most difficult times. Bravo, Freshman, Bravo!!!

Jokes

2005-03-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

Do you like jokes? Well, if you do, here are a few that I hope you enjoy. Please feel free to leave a comment explaining why you liked or didn't like the jokes, or if they confused you, please let me know and I will explain them to you.

Recently a frog was having a discussion with his psychic. The psychic told the frog, "You are going to meet a beautiful young girl who will want to know everything about you."The frog says, "This is great! Will I meet her at a party?"No," says the psychic. " You will meet her next semester in her biology class."

A young man wanted to get his beautiful blonde wife something nice for their first wedding anniversary. So he decided to buy her a cell phone. When her husband gave her the phone, she became very excited because she had never owned a cell phone.
The next day the blonde goes shopping and takes her cell phone with her. The phone rings and it's her husband, "Hi honey," he says. "How do you like your new phone?"She replies "I just love it! It's so small and your voice is as clear as a bell, but there's one thing I don't understand. "What's that, baby?" asks the husband."
The wife replied, "How'd you know I was at Carrefore?"

Watching Scary Movies

2005-03-06T01:49:00.000-08:00

I have not seen many scary movies in my life. Like many of you, I have watched many movies throughout my lifetime, but the truth is that horror films are not my favorite genre of movies. (I love documentaries the most but I will watch almost any kind of movie as long as I think it is interesting). As a result, my knowledge about scary movies is rather limited.
However, I recently had the chance to watch a very scary movie at NCUE with some students and I believe my feelings about scary movies have changed. I now LOVE SCARY MOVIES!! (Well, maybe not actually "love" them, but I do believe I like them much more than I did in the past).
It was Friday night and the English department was deserted except for 13 brave students, one somewhat afraid teacher, and our chairman. (I didn't actually see the chairman that night but his office light was on, and so I assumed that he, as always, was hard at work).
The atmosphere on campus was perfect for a horror film. It was a dark and cold night and the students somewhat timidly entered Lab 3, knowing that danger was waiting for them in that empty room. (I think I saw one student actually crying and being pushed into the room by her classmates because she knew that there was a good possibility that anyone who dared to step inside that room may be greeted by spirits from another world). Yes, my friends, this was no ordinary night at NCUE. Evil was in the air!
The name of the movie I was showing was “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” which is probably one of the scariest movies I have ever watched. Although it is not widely known, I spent a large part of my childhood in the state of Texas, and I actually graduated from high school in Houston. Thus, I am very familiar with Texas, but I have never experienced anything like , thank god, what happens to the characters in the movie. (However, now that I think about it, I did once know a woman who owed a chainsaw in Texas, but she seemed like such a nice person. OH MY GOD!! I never realized how close to death I actually came!! I promise that having been spared from being killed by this woman who I thought was my friend, I will do my best to be a better person. I will not be lazy. I will be kind to everyone I meet. Attendance will no longer be required in any of my classes, and each student is guaranteed 100 points even if they forget to take the exams or sleep in every class! I am just sooooo happy to have escaped death so many years ago! Ok, now it’s time to get back to my story).
“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” in case you have never watched it, is the story of 5 friends who are driving a van through a small Texas town on their way to attend a rock concert in Dallas. (Dallas is one of the larger cities in Texas). Along the way, they see a woman walking along the road who refuses to answer when they ask her if she needs a ride. Sensing that something is wrong, the friends stop their vehicle and two of the girls riding in the van force the girl into the van so that they can take her to get some help. However, the girl clearly has suffered some kind of terrible trauma and keeps repeating “He is a very bad man.” Then, as the 5 friends try to find some help for this girl, the girl pulls out a gun and kills herself in the van. The rest of the story deals with the friends trying to find the police to help take care of the girl’s body, and then the friends themselves becoming victims to many crazy people who live in that small-town. (I will not mention more about the movie because I don’t want to spoil the enjoyment for anyone who wants to see the movie, and I don’t want to scare any students who may be reading this while alone at night). Well, this is indeed a very, very scary movie so don’t watch it unless you want to experience terror.
Now you may be wondering why, after my explaining how frightening the movie was, I now really, really like scary movies. The reason is simply that I truly enjoyed the time I spent with students that night. It was great to gather together with an extremely nice group of people who wanted to watch a movie. As I sat in the front of the room, (I was closest to the door so I would be the first to escape if any spirits did make their presence known that night), I occasionally turned around to look at the expression on the faces of the students who were watching the movie. (Watching people’s facial expressions is one of my favorite things to do when I am showing a movie to a group of people). The faces of the audience members was wonderful to see. Some were smiling, others looked afraid but not one looked bored. Thus, the movie was a success, and I felt very happy.
Therefore, my views about scary movies has forever changed and I will now always be a fan of scary movies thanks to 13 brave students at NCUE who spent a dark and cold Friday night watching a movie with me.

11:52 PM

2005-03-06T00:09:00.000-08:00

Hello to everyone,

This blog was created specifically to give me a place to communicate with all students in my various classes at NCUE. I have been teaching at NCUE for 4 years. (Yes, time does indeed go by quickly). While there are many things that I really like about my job, the one thing that I enjoy the most is spending time with students each and everyday that I am on campus. Thus, I say to any student reading this blog: WELCOME!WELCOME!WELCOME!WELCOME!

Freshman question: Is Michael J guilty or innocent? Give reasons.

2005-03-05T22:17:00.000-08:00

Hi Freshman,

Since we are reading about the Michael Jackson case in class, I am wondering if you think M.J. is innocent or guilty of the charges against him? I know the case is not over and the evidence is still being presented in court, but what do you think? When you respond, please put your name and a short or long message explaining the reason/s for your opinion.
Thanks, Mark