yeah yeahyeahyeah..yeah, yeahyeahyeahyeah! yeahyeahyeahyeahyeahyeah?yeah.
Feeling somewhat bored today. It's not what I should be feeling but I am. I guess it is start-of-the-semester blues. A bad sign.
Actually, this mornings class was o.k. It's an intermediate level class which means you can do alittle more with them also they have been at University for (at least) 3 years, so they know what is expected of them. Although, I did get a girl playing on her mobile phone towards the end of class. I kept her behind because of it then asked her to re-read the list of class rules and regulations. Strangely, she understand point #4 ... 'Hand Phones should be switched off during class time'. Now she knows it off by heart.
_________________Anyway, the class seem pretty receptive. I wonder how long will last. They were certainly in favour of breaking the 90 minute class into 2 portions with a 5 minute break inbetween. I'm not sure how that will go but it makes sense since it is difficult to sit for any length of time without switching off mentally and it must be especially difficult to listen to me for that length of time. I definitely feel that I should be more student orientated. I think that has come with experience. This time last year the priority was simply to be able to control 50+ students for the duration of the class. Now I can do that. It seems like now is the time to try to expand things and perhaps loosen the control by being more student centred. Certainly, that is achievable with the older students however I may be limited in my options with the new 1st years.
Anyway, it was really nice to see some familiar faces around campus today ... I may not know all my students names but I do remember their faces. Thankfully, no-one tried to lunge at me for giving them a bad grade. Perhaps that will happen later this week!
overandout.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Underglass
Word of the week: 'Class'
Not in a glass but the beginning of. 17 weeks until the next holiday then.
Phrase of the week: 'Eh, that corner is coming alittle fast'
So, there we were. Night time. A country road winding it's way down a hill. 5 people in the car. Suddenly we clip the edge of the kerb and the car skids over onto the other side of the road. It looks like we are heading for the bushes beyond the road or even a double flip with pike. Alas, a nifty flick of the wrist sees the steering wheel jerk the car back into the road and the danger is over. Cue slightly relieved laughter and the smell of someones pants needing changed.
Sight of the week: 'Natalie Portman'
Didn't think she was that hot but after seeing Closer, I've changed my mind. Well done on a great performance. Oh yeah, and for wearing that outfit.
Song of the week: 'Tribulations' by LCD Soundsystem
Quite possibly the album of the year even though it didn't come out this year. It just won't get off my stereo. It's stuck. Stomping.
Not in a glass but the beginning of. 17 weeks until the next holiday then.
Phrase of the week: 'Eh, that corner is coming alittle fast'
So, there we were. Night time. A country road winding it's way down a hill. 5 people in the car. Suddenly we clip the edge of the kerb and the car skids over onto the other side of the road. It looks like we are heading for the bushes beyond the road or even a double flip with pike. Alas, a nifty flick of the wrist sees the steering wheel jerk the car back into the road and the danger is over. Cue slightly relieved laughter and the smell of someones pants needing changed.
Sight of the week: 'Natalie Portman'
Didn't think she was that hot but after seeing Closer, I've changed my mind. Well done on a great performance. Oh yeah, and for wearing that outfit.
Song of the week: 'Tribulations' by LCD Soundsystem
Quite possibly the album of the year even though it didn't come out this year. It just won't get off my stereo. It's stuck. Stomping.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Coupling
+vepositive+ve. We got a win. Scotland won. We beat Italy. Brillant news. It certainly wasn't pretty and it certainly won't have the other teams in the 6 Nations shaking in their boots but in the present climate a win is a win regardless of how it is achieved. Some quarters suggest that it was fear which saw such an uninspiring performance. Of course. 13 defeats in 15 is not a record which indicates that confidence is in abundance but perhaps this is proverbial monkey which has been cast off our backs. We have played much better and lost but finally a win by playing badly. 2 games remain. Wales at home will not be easy. They have just defeated France and came from behind to do so. I suspect that they will have one eye on a Grand Slam and quite rightly so as they are looking a very capable side. I would be surprised if we beat them but this seems to be the thing with Scotland at the moment - which Scotland will turn up on the day? Will it be the one which gave the Australians a mighty scare, the Scotland which was so lacklustre against the South Africians or the poor but winning Scotland of today. And then there is the England game ... it's not easy being Scottish.
Security guards. We have one in our apartment. I do make a point of waving to him when I go past and he always reciporicates. Well, that's not strictly true. It seems that the security guard (I say 'security guard' but in reality there might be many but they all look the same) is prone to bouts of rest time infront of the tv. In other words, he is a lazy b__________d who sleeps on the job. But, in his defence, it's not really a very exciting job. I mean, what does he really need to do. I guess he needs to make sure that we put the rubbish in the correct recylcing bag or make announcements over the intercom at god awful times of the day but other than that, I'm not sure. Of course, we need him because what would happen if someone tried to steal the building? There is only one man trained to deal with such an event and he wears a great cap and an equally impressive nylon suit. From a distance, he looks like a police man but he's more than that. He is a deterrent, he makes everything run smoothly and he knows ... he knows everything. He knows who are visiting who. The unfaithful husband being visited by the 'coffee girl'. The one night stands. He even knows that he is cool enough to sleep in his chair with the tv on without drooling and without even waking up when someone walks into the building.
Mr. Security guard.You are the cornerstone of the community and when I come stumbling home at night, I think, shit I better sober up. You are the man. Keep up the good work. I salute you.
Security guards. We have one in our apartment. I do make a point of waving to him when I go past and he always reciporicates. Well, that's not strictly true. It seems that the security guard (I say 'security guard' but in reality there might be many but they all look the same) is prone to bouts of rest time infront of the tv. In other words, he is a lazy b__________d who sleeps on the job. But, in his defence, it's not really a very exciting job. I mean, what does he really need to do. I guess he needs to make sure that we put the rubbish in the correct recylcing bag or make announcements over the intercom at god awful times of the day but other than that, I'm not sure. Of course, we need him because what would happen if someone tried to steal the building? There is only one man trained to deal with such an event and he wears a great cap and an equally impressive nylon suit. From a distance, he looks like a police man but he's more than that. He is a deterrent, he makes everything run smoothly and he knows ... he knows everything. He knows who are visiting who. The unfaithful husband being visited by the 'coffee girl'. The one night stands. He even knows that he is cool enough to sleep in his chair with the tv on without drooling and without even waking up when someone walks into the building.
Mr. Security guard.You are the cornerstone of the community and when I come stumbling home at night, I think, shit I better sober up. You are the man. Keep up the good work. I salute you.
Friday, February 25, 2005
brio(lackof)
my peace is shattered..........
...............................seems like I have new neighbours. the only evidence I have that I do have new neighbours was a curious, late night sound from the next apt. it was a women's 'sound' and lets just say, she wasn't talking and she certainly wasn't getting strangled. i'm hoping that this sound isn't a regular occurrence.
speaking of 'exercise', I joined this new gym near my home. I briefly checked it out last week and it seemed ok. but when I actually went to get down to business, i really started to notice that this gym isn't that great at all. i mean, i can't increase (or decrease) the slope of the treadmill or it's really difficult trying to alter the seating of the machines. and, the shower room. well, remember the 'worst toilet in scotland' courtesy of 'trainspotting' ... not as bad as that but could certainly do with a clean. plus, it is the small things that really count against it. the 'trainer' just sits behind the desk playing some unknown game. it's like he is completely disinterested in his customers. the towels are not a nice shade of pink. the dumb-bells are strewn in a completely random order and the layout could be better. all in all, i'm still trying to come to terms with the fact I willingly joined. so anyway, after 2 days, it was time to quit. the whole place just didn't 'feel' right - is that an acceptable reason? where is the next gym I can use and abuse?
.........................sorry, just feel like having a moan, so bare with me
whatelse. yes, tv. have tv. have video. have tv channels. have no english tv channels. 2 weeks and no tv. think i'm having withdrawal symptom. i don't really watch that much tv but not having the option of watching is the problem. after all there is only so much reading and internet usage a man can take. give me give me give me tv.
and on a positive note, holiday time is finished and university starts on monday.hahaha:)
...............................seems like I have new neighbours. the only evidence I have that I do have new neighbours was a curious, late night sound from the next apt. it was a women's 'sound' and lets just say, she wasn't talking and she certainly wasn't getting strangled. i'm hoping that this sound isn't a regular occurrence.
speaking of 'exercise', I joined this new gym near my home. I briefly checked it out last week and it seemed ok. but when I actually went to get down to business, i really started to notice that this gym isn't that great at all. i mean, i can't increase (or decrease) the slope of the treadmill or it's really difficult trying to alter the seating of the machines. and, the shower room. well, remember the 'worst toilet in scotland' courtesy of 'trainspotting' ... not as bad as that but could certainly do with a clean. plus, it is the small things that really count against it. the 'trainer' just sits behind the desk playing some unknown game. it's like he is completely disinterested in his customers. the towels are not a nice shade of pink. the dumb-bells are strewn in a completely random order and the layout could be better. all in all, i'm still trying to come to terms with the fact I willingly joined. so anyway, after 2 days, it was time to quit. the whole place just didn't 'feel' right - is that an acceptable reason? where is the next gym I can use and abuse?
.........................sorry, just feel like having a moan, so bare with me
whatelse. yes, tv. have tv. have video. have tv channels. have no english tv channels. 2 weeks and no tv. think i'm having withdrawal symptom. i don't really watch that much tv but not having the option of watching is the problem. after all there is only so much reading and internet usage a man can take. give me give me give me tv.
and on a positive note, holiday time is finished and university starts on monday.hahaha:)
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Underground
The slow trickle of returning students continues ... I had almost a full class on Monday morning which I was surprised by given that most students generally return in week 2 since that is when we get down to business. It was nice to see them although it is a strange experience being back infront of the class after having such a long time away. When you are slap bang in the middle of the semester, you have no qualms about dictating everything that is done in the class however, on monday, I felt I needed to remind myself that I was the teacher and that I was there to 'run things'. I dare say I will be back in the swing of things come next week when there will be 40 or 50 sets of eyes on me in the 1st year classes. I suspect, given those conditions, I'll have no option - I will have to be ready or at least, be able to successfully fake that I am.
I see that my fellow Edinburgers' voted down the proposed transport overhaul of the city. Currently, the traffic flow in Edinburgh is not great. Better than some cities but worse than others. The Council wanted to improve Public Transport whilst reducing car usage in the city centre by charging each driver to enter into the city centre. A similiar plan had been introduced in London and the available evidence suggested that it was a success ... I'm not going to be overly critical of the Edinburgh plan because I feel that at a fundamental level something has to be done in order to reduce car usage and the polluation it causes within Edinburgh. However, I'm not entirely convinced by the plan on offer despite voting for it. Certain aspects were fine like the rail links to the Airport, increased frequency of buses and the re-introduction of the Trams. Anyway, it's all academic since it was comprehensively voted down by the car using public such is the nature of a democracy. Seems like short termism won the day instead taking the long term goal of clear air and less congested streets ... so, in response, please don't come complaining to me in a year or 5 about how bad the traffic is or how cases of ashma have risen 10 fold. The chance was there and now it's lost.
It might be that the Council turns around and says 'well, we'll ban cars from the city centre altogether'. Then you'll be f________________d.
I see that my fellow Edinburgers' voted down the proposed transport overhaul of the city. Currently, the traffic flow in Edinburgh is not great. Better than some cities but worse than others. The Council wanted to improve Public Transport whilst reducing car usage in the city centre by charging each driver to enter into the city centre. A similiar plan had been introduced in London and the available evidence suggested that it was a success ... I'm not going to be overly critical of the Edinburgh plan because I feel that at a fundamental level something has to be done in order to reduce car usage and the polluation it causes within Edinburgh. However, I'm not entirely convinced by the plan on offer despite voting for it. Certain aspects were fine like the rail links to the Airport, increased frequency of buses and the re-introduction of the Trams. Anyway, it's all academic since it was comprehensively voted down by the car using public such is the nature of a democracy. Seems like short termism won the day instead taking the long term goal of clear air and less congested streets ... so, in response, please don't come complaining to me in a year or 5 about how bad the traffic is or how cases of ashma have risen 10 fold. The chance was there and now it's lost.
It might be that the Council turns around and says 'well, we'll ban cars from the city centre altogether'. Then you'll be f________________d.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
onrepeat
First things 1st ... the Dark Side a.k.a the Huns or to give them their official name Glasgow Rangers F.C. finally won at Celtic Park. It is their 1st win at Celtic Park for 5 years. I think we need a moment of quiet reflection on this as it is indeed, a sad day ... (
) ... i'm sure they were due a win.
Again it seems that certain parts of the Korean Media are intent on highlighting a tiny minority of us English teachers here in Korea. The programme broadcast on saturday involved a story in which both Middle and High School student's were obtaining dope from their 'English Teachers' in return for sexual favours. This programme also painted a fairly negative picture of English Teachers claiming that many are here illegally and that many didn't even have real Degrees or suitable qualifications which are necessary in order to obtain a Visa. Furthermore, the 'probelm' of foreigners' dating local men and women was also highlighted.
Hmmm. I don't want to get on the moral high ground and start preaching about 'rights and wrongs' because in alot of situations, one cannot make such definite, clear cut conclusions. Certainly, if the claims of 'drugs for sexual favours' is found to be true, then that is grossly unacceptable. It's not acceptable at home and certainly shouldn't be condoned here. I suspect that the T.V. programme has laid the blame squarely at the 'English Teachers' feet. Of course it will, the case is 'open and closed' in the eyes of many and it is hard to argue otherwise. However, one suspects that the students in question may not be completely innocent. That though shouldn't deflect from what these 'English Teachers' have, allegedly, done.
As for the other claims of faked Degrees and qualifications and illegal teachers. It seems like an age old phenomenon. I'm sure it will continue to occur. I'm not sure if this phenomenon will ever be resolved ...
With regard to the larger picture of anti-English Teacher feeling - I can't make excuses or justifications for other, unnamed and unknown peoples' actions who happen to have a simliar occupation as I do in much the same way as a doctor could make excuses or justifications for the actions of Dr. Shipman who killed, possibly more than 250 of his patients.
Does that mean all doctors are bad? And by the same token, does that mean all English Teachers are bad?
It tires me just thinking about it ...
) ... i'm sure they were due a win.
Again it seems that certain parts of the Korean Media are intent on highlighting a tiny minority of us English teachers here in Korea. The programme broadcast on saturday involved a story in which both Middle and High School student's were obtaining dope from their 'English Teachers' in return for sexual favours. This programme also painted a fairly negative picture of English Teachers claiming that many are here illegally and that many didn't even have real Degrees or suitable qualifications which are necessary in order to obtain a Visa. Furthermore, the 'probelm' of foreigners' dating local men and women was also highlighted.
Hmmm. I don't want to get on the moral high ground and start preaching about 'rights and wrongs' because in alot of situations, one cannot make such definite, clear cut conclusions. Certainly, if the claims of 'drugs for sexual favours' is found to be true, then that is grossly unacceptable. It's not acceptable at home and certainly shouldn't be condoned here. I suspect that the T.V. programme has laid the blame squarely at the 'English Teachers' feet. Of course it will, the case is 'open and closed' in the eyes of many and it is hard to argue otherwise. However, one suspects that the students in question may not be completely innocent. That though shouldn't deflect from what these 'English Teachers' have, allegedly, done.
As for the other claims of faked Degrees and qualifications and illegal teachers. It seems like an age old phenomenon. I'm sure it will continue to occur. I'm not sure if this phenomenon will ever be resolved ...
With regard to the larger picture of anti-English Teacher feeling - I can't make excuses or justifications for other, unnamed and unknown peoples' actions who happen to have a simliar occupation as I do in much the same way as a doctor could make excuses or justifications for the actions of Dr. Shipman who killed, possibly more than 250 of his patients.
Does that mean all doctors are bad? And by the same token, does that mean all English Teachers are bad?
It tires me just thinking about it ...
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