ESL - Every Single Letter: October 2010

Sunday, October 31, 2010

North/South Viewpoints: 3 Little Questions - Alternative Priorities!

A family friend who is an experienced ESL Teacher has recently returned from Taiwan.

We met for tea today, at my office, and the wide-ranging conversation turned to the topic of Graft in construction permits, worldwide, vis-a-vis Safety Concerns, which to me, are paramount.

"I wonder", I mused, "Why it is that it appears as thought graft in inspections of building sites is rampant in the southern hemisphere?"

"Friendship!" my friend replied right away! "Pure and simple! Friendship comes first."

He went on to say there are 3 questions that are asked in such places. The first is:

How do people feel about this (meaning whatever the topic/situation may be)?
Is it a reasonable plan?
Is it legal?

But then, in the northern hemisphere, the 3 questions are reversed in order of concern:

Is it legal?
Is it a reasonable plan?
How do people feel about this issue?

An interesting point of perceptions, I venture to say, and Question No. 2 could probably use some of Marshall Rosenberg's NVC tips (see ESL Post of Saturday, August 21, 2010) for conflict resolution!

Meanwhile, Have a Happy & Safe Hallowe'en! S.B.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

October's Occasional Outbursts! (From The Skies)

Rain, Rain, Go Away, Come Again, Another Day!

Or, "How Green Was My Valley"

The choice is yours. Well, of course, not your choice as to weather it rains, or not, (unless you are truly spiritually evolved!) but, definitely your choice as to how your attitude towards the rain is!

Do you love lush, green lawns and parks? Gardens with variety of not just colour, but also fragrance? Then, be thankful for this rain of the day.

If you prefer desert climes, then see your travel agent. (I know, I know, ...online bookings can be best - but beware the here-now-gone-in-3-more-clicks enticements!) Try getting to know the difference between Price & Value. Book your trip to a dry destination with a voice and, even better, a qualified person with whom you are having eye contact!

Happy Vacation!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Open Your Diary/Calendar, and Plan Your Attendance: English-Ease!

2010 Festival Tickets Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online, by phone or in person. Find out how! Read More >>	Special Events This fall, we present events withStevie Cameron, Stuart McLean,Sara Gruen and Gary Shteyngart as well as our annual Literati Gala. Read More >>
Teachers School group tickets are now available online. Clickhere for school event details. To see events with best ticket availability, go here.Read More >>	Poetry & Short Story Contest We invite you to submit your finest prose and poetry to the twelfth annual Writers Festival Poetry & Short Story Contest.Read More >>
Audio Archives No one reads quite like Andrea Levy. Sit back and enjoy her on stage interview with Bill Richardson. Read More >>	Literati Gala Join a host of 2010 Festival authors for an unforgettable evening of festivity, food and literary laughs. Read More >>