Archive for July, 2009

The First Day of Remedial Class

Monday, July 13th, 2009

Today is the first day of summer remedial class.   As soon as the students entered the classroom, I handed them the book they’re going to read and a packet, with the syllabus, a handout of Chapter 1, and a seating chart in it. (more…)

Long Time No See

Sunday, July 12th, 2009

Last night I got a phone call from an old student I taught about 26 years ago at Chiehshow Junior High (介壽國中).   When he told me he was Peng, Guang-ren (彭光仁), I cried out his name in disbelief and joy.  (more…)

How Would You Live Today?

Saturday, July 11th, 2009

Until this moment, the sentence in a song sung at the NTU chorus concert the day before yesterday  has been lingering in my mind:

“如果明天就是下一生     你將如何度過今天” 

“If tomorrow were next life, how would you live today?”

Often we are asked how we would spend our last day.   However, I prefer the sentence in the song, because it seems more hopeful, leaving us more room so that even if we felt some regret for this life, we could still make up for it in our next life.   Then we would spend the last day of this life more leisurely. 

The song is entitled 如果明天就是下一生 (If Tomorrow Were Next Life).  The lyrics were written by Mei-huei Chang (張惠美), with the melody composed by Ching-ju Shih (石青如).

A Delicate Drawing by Diego

Friday, July 10th, 2009

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This drawing is drawn by Diego (邱元亨), my former student, who is a junior at NTU.  He gave me this on July 1, when he paid me a visit.  It would take me years to finish such a delicate drawing if I were asked to produce one.  However, he told me he hadn’t spent much time on it.  The scene in the picture is a harbor view in Hongkong. (more…)

Bravo! NTU Chorus Concert

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

Tonight, I went to NTU Chorus 2009 Summer Concert, entitled “Meandering (流轉).” Raymond was on stage. In fact, he bought the tickets for us.

The concert lasted three hours, starting at 7:30 and ending at 10:30. Their performance was fantastic! I especially loved the musical part. The handsomely performed “Facade” from Jekyll & Hyde drew so many “Encores” from the audience. The words of the song “For Good” from Wicked touched the chord of my heart.

(more…)

Michael Jackson

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

Thousands of people attended Michael Jackson’s funeral and billions watched it. His talent for and contribution to pop music are well recognized. Though he was a controversial figure, being accused of molesting boys and using drugs, people still remember him as King of Pop Music.

What We’ll Do in the Summer Remedial Class

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

For the summer remedial class, I finally decided to guide the students to read the book High School Musical: Wildcat Spirit. In fact, before the decision was made, I had several ideas running through my mind. I could have the students

1. review the textbooks–Book 5 and Book 6 (more…)

An Article on the UEE English Writing

Monday, July 6th, 2009

The following is an article about the feedback from the raters of the UEE English writing section.

http://mag.udn.com/mag/campus/storypage.jsp?f_ART_ID=202244

中譯英關鍵字「生態多樣」 彈性給分

【聯合晚報╱記者姜穎╱台北報導】2009/07/06

「不用擔心預算,隨心所欲的度過一天,你會怎麼過?」大學指考英文科非選擇題今天起進行閱卷。閱卷老師表示,考生想法五花八門,有人想和NBA球星打球、和總統下鄉、名人共進晚餐等。先前備受討論的中譯英考題關鍵字「生態多樣」則沒有固定單一用法,給分彈性。 (more…)

Annie’s Blog–An Award-winning Blog

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

My dear friend Annie (詹麗馨) won an award in the blog contest held by National Teachers’ Association. She started her blog in December, 2005 and has since shared on it numerous ideas and information with her readers. In her blog, you can find many inspiring passages. What’s most special is her reading notes, which can serve as a good guide to book selection. Just browse it, and you’ll be amazed at what you find. http://blog.roodo.com/anniechan/ Congratulations, Annie!

Endings Are Beginnings

Saturday, July 4th, 2009

“All endings are also beginnings. We just don’t know it at the time…”

A quote from the back cover of Mitch Albom’s book the five people you meet in heaven. (more…)