I am blessed with a mother, holding the turner like a magic stick, who can fill the table with gourmet foods in an amazingly short time. There is little chance to visit Mom without smelling a mouth-watering aroma from the kitchen. However, cooking is not in my blood. Even though I used the same ingredients as my mom did, her dishes were gourmet foods while mine tasted like leftovers. While in the States, I used to cook almost every day since dining out cost much more. Practice did make perfect; at least, cooking was not that annoying. Now, back to Taiwan, the fast pace of life and easy access to food makes a good excuse for my laziness-I hardly cook. With a three-month summer vacation this year, I have made a resolution to cook more. As my mom says, the delicious smell from the kitchen characterizes a sweet home.
The Beijing Summer Olympics is around the corner！The Olympic Stadium-known as the Bird’s Nest- is sure to catch everyone’s eye. Designed by award-winning Swiss country Herzong & de Meuron, this awe-inspiring National Stadium is the centerpiece of Beijing’s 31 venues. The BBCcorrespondent is taking us to tour this great masterpiece and see what the inside looks like. After reading the report, please answer the following questions.
1.Which section in the stadium will catch all attention at the opening ceremony on the 8th of August? Why ?
2. Which is your favorite item in the Beijing Summer Olympics?
3.Do you think there is a need to boycott the Olympics to protest against China’s oppression on Tibet ?
Are you aware of the news on Lhasa, Tibet? The protest in the capital began on March 10 and developed into violent rioting. Furthermore, it spread to neighboring regions. China says 19 people were killed during the riot; however, the Tibetan government-in-exile says about 140 people have been killed in the crackdown by the Chinese security force (BBC). At the height of the unrest, foreigners were forced to leave Tibet. At that time, Lhasa was believed to be sealed off. On March27, to show the world that order has been restored, China invited a group of reporters for a three-day escorted visit. Please refer to the BBCnews for the details. After the reading, please answer the following two questions based on the report. Last but not lease, write down your thoughts on that.
1.Whom does China accuse of masterminding the protest? What did the monks respond to that accusation?
2. Why do the reporters describe the city, Lhasa, as a divided city?
Finally, the election came to an end whether you cheered for the winner or were at a loss for words. At least, our life can go back to normal, no longer bombarded with provocative remarks between two candidates. However, it is worthwhile to take a moment to read the international reports on our election and see the event from a different standpoint. Here are a few related links from BBCand CNN.
In your next writing, you are to write an article entitled “Things I like about Taipei, (Kaohsiung, Seattle, Sun Moon Lake).” Please describe a place that has been important or attractive to you. It can be a place you used to live, a place you are living, a place you have been to or you long to go. Tell your readers what makes this city so significant to you and states the reasons that make this place so unique
This 2003 issue of National Geographic celebrated the 50th anniversary of Edmund Hillary’s conquest of Everest. (National Geographic)
Dear all:
Any thoughts on Lesson 2 “Because It’s There: Climbing Mount Everest”? Thanks to the lesson, we then have the chance to get a closer look at mountaineering and to know a few tough guys willing to take the challenge testing their limits against a great obstacle. Among them are George Mallory, Andrew Irvin, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Eventually, Mallory’s body was found on May 2, 1999, seventy-five years after his missing near the summit of Mount Everest.(click for the photo) His son, however, requested his remains be left there as a fitting memorial to his father. Another hero, Edmund Hillary, died on Jan.11, 2008. People around the globe mourned his death not merely because he was the first to scale Mount Everest but because how hard he had tried to promote the welfare of the Nepalese people. There are a couple links here introducing the life of Sir Edmund Hillary. Pick one or two and find out more about this great man yourself, Academy of Achievement, Wikipedia or Sir Edmund Hillary Photo Gallery.
While sorting through the old files, I came across this picture which was taken on Christmas day at Judy’s parents’ house in America. Suddenly, the memories of my life in the States came flooding back. Judy was also a graduate student at University of North Carolina. The first time we met was at the class, Educational Research. As a newcomer to the States, I couldn’t keep pace with the teacher in class. Luckily, Judy was sitting next to me. She was a great note taker, who could always scribble down what the teacher was saying. I was hesitant to borrow her notes since we didn’t know each other then. Aware of my hesitation, she asked me if I wanted to take her notes home, much to my surprise. I did and then struck up a friendship with her. Although we only took one class together, we met quite often in the library as Judy was working part time there. In the first few months when I was struggling to adjust myself to a brand new life, Judy’s company helped work off my homesickness and frustration.
The following years, Judy and I became roommates. We were living in an apartment off campus. That small, cozy place was my home away from home. After school or work, it was a ritual for both of us to sit on the couch, talking about our days. Then, miraculously, all our sorrows would be shaken off; only laughter and care were left in mind.
I last saw Judy in the year of 2005 when I went back to visit. She was married, with a little girl. We had so many sweet memories to reminisce about that we could sit on the couch and talk for hours. I was blessed to have known her, who has taught me what friends are for.
Do you have any thoughts after learning the life of Anne Frank? I tossed and turned the night after watching the film from You Tube, feeling distressed to see Anne’s sufferings. A young and vibrant life was shattered and then withered in the notorious concentration camp. However, what cheers me up is in the time of hardship when most people were showing their worst side, some people emerged lending a timely helping hand. Do you remember the four employees helping the Frank family hide in the attic? They never wavered in their loyalty. It was also touching to see Hannah, Anne’s friend, spared some bread for Anne every day to save her from starvation. What have you learned from Anne’s story? I learn to count my blessings, cherishing what I have. Besides, I will always keep in mind that hatred or discrimination may bring about death and destruction, in which no one would be the winner. Now it is your turn.to express your thoughts on Anne’s story.Learn more about Anne’s story; check Anne Frank Museum.
Have you ever heard of the name, Edmund Hillary? If not, the assignment today is to get to know this great explorer, who just passed away, at the age of 88. After reading the report on him, please write to me and tell me what Sir Edmund Hillary’s greatest achievement was and what else good deeds of his made him so extraordinary.
By the way, have you ever been to Harbin to watch the fascinating ice sculptures? You must have felt enchanted by the breathtaking man-made wonders if you have been there in person. Sadly, the show has become one of the victims of global warming. Please read the latest report on Harbin Festival and tell me what has happened to those sculptures.
