Here's the latest list of story assignments. Stacey can add her idea in the comments section. Harjit promises us his piece soon (saw him after class). When I send out the mass email and link up the Buzz to the PALC web site, I'll let you know in a post. Should happen on the weekend.
Hiromi: Feature on teacher “Rick”
Helena: Travel journal while travelling in China and Tibet.
Ben: Romantic story
Brad: something for the “More on Writing” page
Rosaria: recipe for marinated roast beef
Ritsuko: how to communicate and behave in a Canadian setting at a party; hot springs; turquoise
James: updated Canucks article; +something else
Olivia: a rant (it has to be something that REALLY bothers you)
Larry: more on cats or maybe pigs?
Catherine: Sheryl article; something for romance; cultural differences
Natalia: More on music
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
15 comments:
Hi everyone,
I post 2 articles; please give me some suggestions and corrections.
Thanks! By the wasy, the following is my 5th daft...
A Favourite Pastime for Tokyoites
Healing at Hot Springs
As soon as I arrived at a hot springs resort, I change my clothes to a cotton KIMONO for going to bathing. Holding a bath towel, I seek the entrance of the outdoor hot springs.
The smell of sulfur and steam from the boiling mineral water invite me to the rock-bond bathtubs. I slip into the hot springs. Gazing at the beautiful Japanese landscapes, gradually, I feel relaxed and appreciate peace of mind.
Recently, the spas in Tokyo have become very popular as a trendy healing spot. ONSEN, hot springs, is our favourite custom, which gives us an ultimate relaxation.
The Traditional Hot Springs
Our traditional hot springs are mostly located in the rural areas, and the hotels or the accommodations operate the baths with spring water in their courtyards. Normally, all the baths are divided into two sections between men and women since we have to be naked and wash our bodies for bathing. Probably, the manners sound unique to foreign people; however, to keep clean spring water and to have a comfortable bath time with others, following these rules are essential.
The Current Spas in the City
Some spas in Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures have modernized. Maintaining the original hot springs, they have started providing Western-style spas as well; that means no separate section—the visitors need swimsuits. The luxurious facilities, various amenities and the reasonable service satisfy families and couples. They can amuse themselves by taking a bath together. Year by year, I find more foreign visitors relaxing at the city spas.
The Effects of Bathing
Hot springs has many effects on humans’ health. The hot mineral water refreshes our weary minds and bodies. Also it works for muscle pain, backache and blood circulation. Taking a bath at home gives similar benefits. If we feel tired or stressed, using aroma oil and bath salts for bathing would heal our mood and recover our strength. Home bathing is a simple way to retrieve positive energy.
( 328 words )
The Mystical Gemstone—Turquoise
Perhaps, I am superstitious—I wear a turquoise jewel as a talisman, hoping to have an easy day.
In 1991, I traveled around in Australia for a year. During the stay, I kept wearing a turquoise ring, a gift from my sister, because she had said, “This could save your life.” Although I had faced a lot of trouble, I survived with full of vigor.
I believe that the myths of turquoise would exist and would provoke a miracle, energy to survive.
The Precious Stone
Turquoise has been one of the most popular and the oldest gemstone in the world. Especially for the ancient people in Egypt and Persia, turquoise was valued as a spiritual stone that would heal or prevent disease and injuries. Generally, Native American as well as many cultures has considered it as a sign of good health, success or happiness.
Turquoise: http://www.indians.org/articles/turquoise.html
Not Stone of Turkey
Previously, I thought turquoise would be the gem discovered in Turkey because of its nuance. In reality, it originated in French word since it had been carried to Europe through Turkey. Also, it is said that the name derived from French words, “Pieerr
tuquin,” which means “dark blue stone.” The unique name charms me and emphasizes it as a mysterious stone.
The Attractive colour Variations
Turquoise gemstones have various colours: vivid blue, pale blue, greyish blue, greenish blue and lime green. The gemstone consists of hydrated copper, aluminum, phosphate
and minerals, so the colour depends on amount of each element and areas. I’ve noticed Persian turquoise tends to be pure blue whereas Mexican one has greener colour. Both of them are attractive, reminding me of the magnificent blue mosque and the Caribbean Sea.
Meet the Specialist—More Myths
Gemstone stores have been very popular in Tokyo. Last year, I talked with the Japanese specialist about the myths of gemstones. She also gave me additional tips for turquoise stone:
1. Combination of a turquoise gem with fake jewelry may lose the power of luck.
2. Luck may increase if a close person gives the gem for you.
(346 words)
A Teaser: Some women like romance while their husband doesn’t. What should they do?
Should I Change A Husband?
In the morning of Valentine’s Day this year, my husband and I happened to pass by a florist where many people were choosing and buying flowers.
My husband asked me, “Do you really want me to buy roses for you?”
“It is too affected to buy you flowers,” then he said, “I would rather go out for a good dinner with you. What do you think?”
What do I think? Of course I love flowers! Is it possible bees don’t love honey?
Unfortunately, my husband is an old fashioned Chinese man—he has never said “I love you” to me or bought flowers for me.
In China, the old-time generations never called their wives “darling,” “honey,” or “sweetheart.” In fact, there are no such affectionate words in Chinese language! My father just called my mother “Children’s mother” or “old partner”.
My father was not romantic at all, but he gave my mother she wanted the most. He not only supported our own family, but also his parents, my mother’s parents and my mother’s sister until she could able to support herself.
While my husband shoulders most of our cost of living and buys me everything I like it, he begrudges the money spent on him self.
I love romantic feel; but my husband doesn’t. What should I do? Should I change a husband?
Awwww Catherine.
It's late now so I won't edit at the moment but holy moly! All of us need a little romance now and then.
Hi, Stacey,
Yes, we need a little bit romance both men and women. Life is short and I want to make it easy and happy.
If you have time, please give me some advices. Thanks in advance!
A Correction:
A Teaser: Some women like romance while their husbands don’t. What should they do?
Ritsuko,
I like the changes you've made to the beginning of your piece on the hot springs. I'd like even more details, actually to match what you have already there. What "Japanese landscapes" do I see. Perhaps bonsai or Zen style gardens or?
We can spend some editing time in class on both your pieces Ritsuko.
We can discuss and edit Catherine's piece, along with Ritsuko's and any others that come along in the meantime. Maybe we should begin to invite commments on some of our stories. I can show you how the readership is building at class on Thursday (Google Analytics)
Hi, Ritsuko:
When I read your article The Mystical Gemstone—Turquoise, it seemed that I was surrounded with some mystical atmosphere. I believe that there are some kind of supernatural powers exist around us, and these supernatural powers need some material as a medium to connect themself and the human being. Maybe turquoise is the material that is mostly suited to be such medium. That's why the the people often link turquoise to the mystical powers.
By the way, do you mind to give me some ideas about the price of Turquoise?
Hi,everyone:
Please give your own opinions to Catherine, she is thinking about whether or not to change a husband. I'm afraid that if most people say Yes, her next article will be Husband For Sale.
If you need to feed both body and soul, go to Java Jazz Café in New Westminster and you will be nourished.
For Body and Soul
Java Jazz Café in New Westminster is the place where you can feed both body and soul.
You can easily find this small cozy restaurant close to the corner of 6th Street and 4th Avenue by the view of the grand piano, shining through the window. This place that is being run by a talented musical family is mostly famous for the high quality live night music. Food and service are pretty good too, considering reasonable prices.
It seems that the café interior with a majestic piano, cozy sofas and soft lights was specially designed for the enjoyment of soft classic jazz tunes. Every night (except Mondays) you can listen to different musicians and feed your soul with different, but always tasteful “food.” The best musical food on the menu is Ed, the owner of Java Jazz and talented jazz pianist. Yes, I am not mistaken about menu; you can ask for two of them in Java Jazz: for food and for music.
To vary music on the menu the owners attract musicians that can demonstrate their talents during Saturday’s afternoon (from 4 till 6 p.m.) jam sessions, which are impromptu gatherings of musicians who play together. You will definitely enjoy this creative atmosphere with a cup of good coffee.
If you are a classic jazz lover or simply good music lover, then you should check this unique place in New Westminster - Java Jazz Café, where you can feed your body and soul (paying only once for both). As for me, I consider it is the best place to spend a couple of happy hours with friends.
288 words
Hi everyone,
I am really enjoying to read the articles. you are great! See you guys tomorrow.
Woooo Catheline,
You are something. I agree with you that romance makes life more delicious, absolutely positive. There are still a plenty of options than changing husband.
Catherine:
Your article has attracted me since I had read the 1st draft.
Chinese culture is very similar to ours, indeed. The men are not so romantic but responsible.
Larry:
Thanks for your comment. It encourages me to write better.
About turquoise:
It's quite a reasonable stone. I'll talk to you later about it. The best place to buy? China! A lot of turquioise have mined out.
See you.
Teacher’s profile: Rick
It’s five p.m. and the lab at PALC is quiet. The daytime students are gone, only a couple of students studying at the big table. Rick has arrived a while ago and is preparing for the evening class.
“I like the environment. It’s nice to work here with ‘mature’ students,” says Rick, who previously worked at Queens Borrow Middle School and Royal City Alternate Program for teens. “And the time is perfect. I work in the evening so that I can spend the time with my daughter,” he smiles, referring his 22 months old baby, Gabrielle.
Rick was born in 1970 in Kelowna BC. The youngest of four siblings, he was adored by his family. After graduating high school, he enrolled in SFU with scholarship and studied biology.
But he flunked in the first year. “I was young and having a good time with friends, you know,” he says, “those were the days. And I still keep touch with them.” he says. One of them is his wife, Che-yin, who grew up in Prince George and was also studying at SFU. Her parents were from Hong Kong, and they also adore Rick, Scottish Canadian, he claims.
It took him six years to graduate—with economic credit also—and a young couple was married in 1995. Before he was hired by New Westminster School District, he experienced numerous jobs. A nature interpellator and a Canada Custom inspector at Surry border were two examples.
A comic book artist was his childhood aspiration, and here’s some his favourites:
Hobby: drawing, volley ball, running
Movie: X-Men, Spider-Man
Music: Creed, U2, Three Doors Down
Book: X-Men 140
Indulgence: hamburgers. Big Xtra at McDonald will do.
Pastime: going for coffee at Brenz (Starbucks’ is too strong) and watching people
He has been teaching at PALC for three years, and current courses are English 8, Social Study 8, and online English 12. “Preparation for the class and marking are tough parts, but it’s great to be here. I’ll stick around till retirement,” he says.
337 words
This definitely needs edit. It's too long. What's to cut?
One more. Maybe for "Just For Fun."
The Day You Cannot Win
One out of two bank machines was out of order. And a lady in front of the working machine wouldn’t budge. Her card wasn’t even in the machine; her hand was frantically searching its whereabouts inside the black leather purse. For the last five minute! Why the option—stepping aside while searching the card—didn’t come to her mind was a wonder.
Um, Ma’am, would you mind if I use the machine first? I wanted to say. But I couldn’t. I’m a wimp. I can’t handle the confrontation. All I could do was sighing extra-heavily, hoping it would reach her earshot. A couple behind me was whispering and I wished they would say it aloud to her. I hoped someone in the line would yell, Hey lady! People’s niceness was killing me.
But she’d found the card! She punched in the numbers and got a wad of bills. She put it in the purse and—no, this could not be happening—started searching another card! I closed my eyes. My heart was palpitating, and my hand was sweating, squeezing my bank card. My foot started to tap.
She was gone, giving us innocent look—oh my, what a long line up. Thank God! I rushed to the machine and slipped in my card. I wanted to show that I was super-efficient, not like someone, so I punched the numbers super-quick and left the machine in a flash. Boy, I was driven. So driven that I sped away (by bike) and passed London Drugs, completely forgetting my errand. Damn, I can’t win, can I?
278 words
Part 2: Learn from Cats
I was used to think that cats are the most stupid animals in the world because I had seen almost all kinds of animals could behave after training, even pigs and birds, but no cats, even though in the circus. However, I’ve changed this point of view since I owned a cat, Wasabi, as a pet. For those days living with the cat, I’ve learned that the cats are most smart creatures in the world. Let me tell you why.
I used to farm Wasabi out with my friend when I was away. Once when I brought Wasabi back home after no see him for eight months, since I would like to see if he still remembered where our place was so that I unleashed him in the elevator. You know what the subsequent event was?
As soon as the lift door opened at the floor of my place (it’s 14th and there are eight suits per floor,) Wasabi darted out of elevator at first time, turned right, stopped at our place, looked around for me, and gave me a meow that seemly meant: come on, buddy, here we are. Open the door please.
You can imagine how surprised and excited I felt at that time.
I have a hundreds of examples to prove that the cats have a phenomenal feat of memory and judgment; however, their personalities decide that they don’t like to be controlled by other creatures, even if their owners. You thought you’re the boss, but in cat’s eyes, you might just be a roommate. So, don’t expect to conquer the cats by force or foods. The carrot and stick can enslave any other creatures, including lions and human being, but it doesn’t works for cats.
Be a man of character, like the cats, don’t easily bow your head to some little lures or threats.
(308 words)
Post a Comment