Houston, we have a connection...Welcome to our Global English Communication blog...Please feel free to post when you wish to interact on any topics or current issues that would perpetuate effective communication skills and, ultimately, global understanding. In deed, I do hope this blog is as fun for you as it is for me. Afterall, you are The NEW ENGLISH--And, alas-- Don't Worry About Falling! (Bennis & Nannus, 1985)
32 comments:
I saw "the notebook" this afternoon. it really touched my heart. i cried and also thought about my own experience..sometimes you have to decide something, but have no idea that it's right or wrong. from this movie, i saw their strong love, they just can't seperate from each other, even death.
Recently, my boyfriend's brother just died from cancer.i'm so worried about my boyfriend because he can't find a way to express his feeling about this huge issue--that happened to him&his family directly. i had no idea how i could help him to face this problem, but this afternoon when i got his message i felt relieved, i knew he just felt life is cruel and also noticed that when that day comes, we still have to face it!
I think all of us have to face different kind of reality, therefore, as what i believe --enjoy your life,and don't worry about everything,just follow your heart,you will find a way!!
What do you think teammates? Ariel has taken a risk and posted a thought provoking advertisement. She would like your thoughts and opinions. As an educator, I am really touched by the underlying message for viewers to consider...what do you think? Here is the link again...
http://cmbsd.cm.nctu.edu.tw/~cm89085/new_adver.wmv
Wow--Joey's blog comment came in about the same time I commented on Ariel's post...now on to Joey's comment--she already viewed the movie--"The Notebook," the one that Ariel said linked to our reading--"The Wallet,"--Joey has connected her own experience to the movie, and has found it helpful to deal with her emotions and thoughts--which, by the way, is a sign of a good book and/or movie, in this case. This is reality--and perhaps some of our stories and movies are not--but sometimes the dialogue and content can help us face and solve real life problems and events--Joey ends with a positive life lesson for all of us to consider--what do you think, teammates?
dear Sue, r you feeling all right now? whole team members miss you so much, hope you get better ^.^ i think we can see you on Monday,right? Take care!!
I am doing fine today, team! I appreciate your thoughts and I will be back in class on Monday.
Thank you!
Sue Ellen
Good Morning, Team! How do you think the communication is going in class? Can you believe that we only have 3 more weeks together? Well, I have been thinking about the time factor this weekend, and I thought a better use of our limited time would be to start each class with 15 minutes of talking that involves active engagement of each teammember at the same time, which means--the one minute lineups!!(albeit, we will do them sitting down)...So tomorrow's topic will be your journal responses to The Letter...so let the communication begin!!
Great book, Lenka! Believe it or not, I used The Education of Hyman Kaplan to make the same point when I was a professor at University of Houston. Interestingly, also, I discovered this book when I was a graduate student in a language education research class--my professor used this book on the fist day of class to capture the interest of the students--which it did—especially mine! I find it incredible that Lenka is now recommending the same book to our team and, naturally, I commend her immensely. It is so apropos with the conflicts we face in terms of acquiring a new language and culture--yet it is done in good faith and with wonderful humor! I, too, hope you enjoy the link.
Dear team:
I'm Ariel.I found some stories about the origin of "OK"! it'svery interesting.
1) It's a derivative of the Choctaw Indian affirmative "okeh." Andrew Jackson, who figures in many stories about OK, is said to have introduced the word to the white man.
(2) Another Jackson story has it that he used to mark OK for "oll korrect" on court documents. In the one example of this that was actually unearthed, however, the OK was found actually to be OR, for "order recorded," a common courthouse abbreviation.
(3) It was a telegraphic signal meaning "open key," that is, ready to receive. Others say OK was used for "all right" because A and R had already been appropriated for other purposes. Big problem with this theory: the first telegraph message was transmitted in 1844, five years after OK appeared.
(4) It stands for O. Kendall & Sons, a supplier of army biscuits that stamped its initials on its product.
(5) It comes from Aux Cayes, already discussed. A variant is that it comes from the French au quai, "to the dock," said of cotton that had been approved for loading on a ship.
(6) It stands for Obediah Kelly, a railroad freight agent, who used to mark his initials on documents to indicate all was in order.
(7) It comes from the Greek Olla Kalla, "all good."
(8) A German general who fought on the side of the Americans in the Revolutionary War used to sign documents OK for Ober-Kommando.
So, which origin do you like most?
Dear Lenka:
i found the book "The Education of Hyman Kaplan" i believe it'll help me a lot,thanx!!
Applauds to Lenka and Ariel for their research on the etymology of "OK"--it's really Okay! Seriously, thank you for the self initiative--which ultimately benefits the whole team. That's just what this blog is for and I am thrilled it is being used for the purpose of communication--keep up the enthusiasm for learning! See you tomorrow--oh, and, btw--don't you think it is great that Joey found "The Education of Hyman Kaplan"?--Great inspiration, Lenka!
I really enjoyed the post that Ariel submitted about the bikini--tantalizingly interesting--what do you think teammembers?
What an amazing communication class today! It is the best we have ever had--I applaud Joey and Jason for their hard work and exceptional facilitation today. They both were fantastic facilitators. As I had hoped, we definitely had a "total interaction" day! In addition, I would also like to applaud our entire team for excellent participation today--you are all amazing people! We had a great day, so I would like to join Ariel in applauding our leaders today--and I look forward to seeing you soon!
it's our pleasure to lead the discussion. Jason and i spent time together and tried to find an interesting way to perform it. i'm glad that each of you enjoy that! Acturally, everybody did a great job. i mean it! without your help,we would not do such well!Thanks for everyone. ^.^
Well, then, we have had some interesting discussions led by various team members over the last three days, and I would like to commend each one of them for preparation and effort. The extra research and various media sources used clearly enhanced understanding and sparked interest in a way that was informative and relevant. Each individual collaborated in a way that benefited the entire team. This class demonstrates effective communication at its best, and I have come to believe the key is simply respect--for the self and for others. Thus, "Thank you and good night!" Sue Ellen
Good Evening, Team,
I just read the article regarding the beautiful Afghan woman with the "haunting green eyes" and I was profoundly moved. I really recommend the site provided by Lenka--there are many photos depicting the woman's current seemingly happy life, yet I found the contrast of her life world to mine to be simply incredible. Thank you so much, Lenka!
Good Evening, Communication Team!
I just wanted to be sure to commend the team for a job well done on the global debates. They were truly the best I have ever observed. We had a lively two days with great interaction, critical thought, and stellar questions that kept the class as a whole actively engaged in learning and good discourse. Our team could serve as a model for others and I am genuinely proud and honored to be your facilitator this session. I regret only that our time is coming to an end in just seven days! So…Seas the Day!
Sue Ellen
Also, did anyone see a movie this weekend? If so, please tell us about it tomorrow after the "Tell the Truth" exercise. I saw "The Lost City which was about Havana prior to the revolution and the take over by Castro and his army. It was historically fascinating and thought provoking. I thought about the White Rose and Lenka's movie as well. We'll have some good interaction tomorrow! "Good night and good luck."
only 5 days left... we have to cherish these 5 days, my lovely team-members~
Well, alas, our class came to an end today, yet not without the most memorable days of my career in education. I am still in a magical “trance,” filled with good feelings and lovely thoughts about each one of you. I really was speechless today and so happy that I spent seven weeks of my life with such caring, thoughtful people. The global food, the lesson in chopsticks, Joey’s lovely Chinese “story” from Taiwan, and the Origami workshop that Kayoko and Aikiko provided, helped make the our last class together end in such a meaningful way. This is truly the best class I have ever had!
Now, I do sincerely hope we will keep in touch through the World English blog, and please feel free to add pictures, video clips, or whatever you think would perpetuate life long learning. This blog is only one way to communicate, and I am so proud that it started with you.
Thank you for choosing the communication class--You are a marvel!
I have nothing to say..
just~thank you and nice to meet you guys...
This is the best class or experience that i've never had before.
I believe today is not the end, it's another beginning.
GOOD LUCK,everyone!
i went to Austin to see UT today. it is a...umm...special campus. i went to ask for some information and also took a look their campus. i will not say it's beautiful or not, for me, it would be my another choice.
i'm so happy to go back home but also feel a little bit stressed because i have to prepare TOEFL and GRE after i go home. At the same time, i also have to work... i think i will find a balence between these two important things! wish me luck!! ^^
Austin is so cool--and it is my favorite city in Texas. Amusingly, UT Austin was just nominated to be the number one party school in the nation. With all due respect, however, UT also has an excellent academic reputation with tough, yet admirable standards. The GRE and the TOEFL will definitely offer Joey a challenge--but she certainly has the capability and determination to achieve her target score and beyond. (BTW, Joey, would you please send me either your email address or your "snail" mail i.e., regular address? My email is: sea@houston.rr.com
I hope the communication team is enjoying life—somewhere on this great planet. Speaking of planets, did you hear about Pluto? The International Astronomical Association met Thursday in Lenka’s world—Prague, Czech Republic--and voted it out of the solar system…ha-ha, just kidding…but the poor little darling is no longer one of the "great nine"... Amazing developments are happening everywhere…
Enjoy!
How about everybody?
I miss you guys a lot,and also miss my Houston life.
Hi, Joey!
We miss you, too. No one has posted from my new communication team yet--maybe next week...Haena comes by often to say hello, and did you know that Aikiko is now in the communication class? Obviously, I am thrilled to have her on the new team! Stop by again from Taiwan!
Hi Sue~~
Long time no see...how's everything? I really miss u & my team members so much!!
I'd like to send u some pictures which we took on the last day.But I left my computer in Houton. so...maybe later!
keep in touch~~~
Hi, Jason! It is great to hear from you! I have heard from Joey and she misses the team as well--and I do, too! How is life in Taiwan? Well, let's keep in touch and maybe we can have a reunion some day somewhere on the globe!
Take Care~~~Sue Ellen
Jason, how could you leave your computer in Houston? Such a big mistake!!! But...never mind!!Your school must be started, right? Good luck~
And dear Sue, I finally find a balance between me and my work..Thanks for your advise and also I own you another mail.ha ha...the reason that I didn't write to you is because I have nothing to say recently...maybe it's a good news, right? if I have any problem,I would tell you first.OK? ^^
"All's well that ends well." Do you know where that quote came from, Joey? Glad you are re-acculturating to the Lebenswelt (Life-world) in Taiwan. You seem like the type of person who welcomes change and adjusts well anywhere—a real global thinker...Have fun--and if anyone wants to post some pictures--that would be über-cool!
haha~~I'll be back to Houston in Jan.30~~
Glad to know Jason is returning to Houston! Any other news around the world?
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