The Creative Classroom by Mitchell Lopate, M.A.T. = Academic humanities advising-mentoring, tutoring, writing support: Two decades of college & university and middle-elementary education in-class/online with a B.A. in psychology and a masters in education. Cross-curriculum humanities concepts, career counseling, MBA instruction, composition and research methods, and values, ethics, and writing. “Learn by example, succeed by effort." mitchLOP8@yahoo.com / 840-216*1014
A short video clip for sports fans. I know there's a lot of debate about the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in the NBA and who was better. I certainly think Bill Russell was a champion player, teammate, and legend. But for the record, just watch Wilt Chamberlain MOVE Bill Russell by just using his forearm--and strength. Watch Russell fight for balance and position. I have a lot of other reasons to be a Wilt fan--especially because so many (close to 90) records still are intact--50 years after Chamberlain retired. By the way, the record for rebounds in a game (55) is held by Wilt--against Russell's Celtics. And I grew up in Wilt's era. I saw him on TV. He was unstoppable--against top opponents like Abdul-Jabbar, Willis Reed, and Nate Thurmond. Rules were changed because of Wilt: goal-tending (he would go so high up for shots that the refs didn't believe it possible), widening the lane (6 to 12 feet), not entering the lane after shooting a free throw (Wilt used to take a running leap from the line and dunk). By the way: Wilt NEVER fouled out of a game. EVER. And he averaged 48 minutes.
I liked this video very much for social studies and social comments about teaching, education, foreign cultures, and how they differ from our lifestyles here in the U.S. I spent two-plus years in China and Japan, and although I only visited schools in China, I found it very interesting. I liked the opportunity here to see how young students learn in Japan. For my students, I asked them to consider the following ideas: * How are schools different in Japan from the U.S.? Be specific. * From those differences, why do you think they work? * Which differences do you think would be useful in our country? Be specific when you say "why" for your answers. * What are some of the main ideas being taught in Japanese elementary schools? How do the students like these ideas?
(This article is presented by me because (1) I lived in Japan and China, and I have eaten some strange things like sea worms--but not ever as dangerous as this, and (2) it's the kind of cool educational idea that can make for a great class report or presentation. But...there's a bonus feature: I admire this creature for ANOTHER reason: its skill at building an underwater art sculpture. See the video below at the bottom:
The Japanese delicacy fugu, or blowfish, is so poisonous that the smallest mistake in its preparation could be fatal. But Tokyo's city government is planning to ease restrictions that allow only highly trained and licensed chefs to serve the dish.
Kunio Miura always uses his special knives to prepare fugu - wooden-handled with blades tempered by a swordsmith to a keen edge. Before he starts work in his kitchen they are brought to him by an assistant, carefully stored in a special box.
Miura-san, as he is respectfully known, has been cutting up blowfish for 60 years but still approaches the task with caution. A single mistake could mean death for a customer.
Fugu is an expensive delicacy in Japan and the restaurants that serve it are among the finest in the country. In Miura-san's establishment a meal starts at $120 (£76) a head, but people are willing to pay for the assurance of the fugu chef licence mounted on his wall, yellowed now with age. He is one of a select guild authorised by Tokyo's city government to serve the dish.
When he begins work the process is swift, and mercifully out of sight of the surviving fugu swimming in their tank by the restaurant door.
First he lays the despatched fish, rather square of body with stubby fins, on its stomach and cuts open the head to removes its brain and eyes.
They are carefully placed in a metal tray marked "non-edible". Then he removes the skin, greenish and mottled on the top and sides, white underneath, and starts cutting at the guts.
"This is the most poisonous part," he says pulling out the ovaries. But the liver and intestines are potentially lethal too. "People say it is 200 times more deadly than cyanide."
Twenty-three people have died in Japan after eating fugu since 2000, according to government figures. Most of the victims are anglers who rashly try to prepare their catch at home. A spokesman for the Health and Welfare Ministry struggles to think of a single fatality in a restaurant, though last year a woman was hospitalised after eating a trace of fugu liver in one of Tokyo's top restaurants - not Miura-san's.
Tetrodotoxin poisoning has been described as "rapid and violent", first a numbness around the mouth, then paralysis, finally death. The unfortunate diner remains conscious to the end. There is no antidote.
"This would be enough to kill you," Miura-san says, slicing off a tiny sliver of fugu ovary and holding it up. Then he carefully checks the poisonous organs on the tray, making sure he has accounted for every one, and tips them into a metal drum locked with a padlock. They will be taken to Tokyo's main fish-market and burned, along with the offcuts from other fugu restaurants.
Miura-san's skill is therefore highly prized. Fugu chefs consider themselves the elite of Japan's highly competitive culinary world. He started as an apprentice in a kitchen at the age of 15. Training lasts at least two years but he was not allowed to take the practical test to get a licence until he was 20, the age people become a legal adult in Japan. A third of examinees fail.
So proposals by Tokyo's city government to relax the rules have been met with an outcry from qualified chefs. Coming into effect in October, they would allow restaurants to serve portions of fugu that they have bought ready-prepared off-site.
"We worked hard to get the licence and had to pass the most difficult exam in Tokyo," says Miura-san. "Under the new rules people will be able to sell fugu after just going to a class and listening for a day. We spent lots of time and money. To get this skill you have to practise by cutting more than a hundred fish and that costs hundreds of thousands of yen."
The authorities in Tokyo impose stricter regulations than any other Japanese city. In some, restaurants have already been able to sell pre-prepared fugu for a long time. And even in Tokyo these days, it is available over the internet and in some supermarkets - one reason why officials think the rules need updating.
In terms of cost, it is likely fugu would become available in cheaper restaurants and pubs (izakayas). But going to a proper fugu restaurant to eat good wild-caught fish, prepared on-site, is quite a luxury - because of the cost, if nothing else - and also quite an event. For many, playing the equivalent of Russian roulette at the dinner table is the attraction of the dish.
Some report a strange tingling of the lips from traces of the poison, although Miura-san thinks that is unlikely. He also scoffs at the myth that a chef would be honour-bound to commit ritual suicide with his fish knife if he killed a customer. Loss of his licence, a fine, litigation or perhaps prison would be the penalty.
Image captionThe translucent fugu is carefully arranged in the form of petals
Miura-san serves fugu stew, and grilled fugu with teriyaki sauce, but today it is fugu-sashimi on the menu. He carefully slices the fish so thinly that when it is arranged like the petals of a chrysanthemum flower on a large dish the pattern beneath shows through.
Raw fugu is rather chewy and tastes mostly of the accompanying soy sauce dip. It is briefly poached in a broth set on a table-top burner - a dish known as shabu-shabu in Japan. The old journalistic cliche when eating unusual foods really does hold true - it tastes rather like chicken.
Fugu lovers, though, would say it has a distinctive taste, and, even more importantly, texture. Japanese has many words to describe texture because it is a very important aspect of the cuisine.
Another part of the fish's appeal is that it is a seasonal dish, eaten in winter, and Japanese diners attach a particular value to this. In the same way unagi, eel, is an important summer dish. But whatever you think of eel, it's not quite fugu - it lacks that extra thrill that comes with the knowledge that by eating it you are dicing with death.
HUNG is the past tense and past
participle of the verb "to hang" most of the time. For instance, last
week you might have "hung upside down on the monkey bars" or
"hung your head in shame over a simple grammar error."
HANGED is the exception to these
forms when the verb "hang" means "to put to death by
hanging." The past tense and past participle of "hang" in this
meaning is "hanged." This is the *only* sense in which hanged is used.
For example,
"‘We will not be free from unfair competition till one of these fellows is
hanged for an example!" ~ Heart of Darkness
Random House Unabridged
Dictionary suggests that "hung" is becoming more common for all uses,
but the majority of books still agree that the standard English usages of
"hung" and "hanged" are those mentioned above.
New Fowler's Modern English
indicates that in Old English, there were two different words for hang (hon and
hangen). The use of these two words -- plus an Old Norse word hengjan -- is the
reason for the existence of two past-tense forms of the word "hang"
in today's English.
TIP: There's an old adage,
"curtains are hung and people are hanged" which may help you remember
which word to use. But in most cases, it will be HUNG.
Believing in your goals can be a challenge--and the sweetest accomplishment when it finally comes true. This is part of a speech I took from the internet which my Chinese Speaking & Listening freshman classes were encouraged to do as an assignment. They were so afraid of not pronouncing words correctly and embarrassing themselves--and I told them they could already speak one of the world's hardest languages. Many found true courage and accomplishment in standing before their peers and sharing these thoughts. I hope you find the same in turn. Again, in a prior post, I admit to anyone: I once had terrible stage fright. And now I thoroughly enjoy public speaking. I kept trying--and found it worked!
You have
to have passion, talent, take action, associate with others, and keep your faith
in your dreams. Chances are you have found something that works for you. I have
realized that when people find what is important to them, then that’s where
things move. If you are following someone else’s dream, chances are you will
fall short. If you follow someone else’s passion, chances are it’s not yours,
so you will give up. It’s the people that find their own success equation and
do it all out: those are the people that truly live a life of purpose.
Three Feet from Gold
The story
idea is about R. U. Darby, the gold miner who gave up three feet away from the
largest strike in history. (It may or may not be true—but it’s the idea that
counts here.) It reminded me that most people quit when things start getting tough.
So I went on this mission to meet amazing people, and the very first person was
a guy named Dave Liniger. People don’t know his name, but you might know his
business. I asked Dave if he wanted to quit when he was getting started in real
estate back in 1970, and he said every day.
He said
it was so bad for two years that every phone call that came in was from a bill
collector. The third year it got so bad he was sent to jail and called a fraud
and a liar. I asked him what he did. He said he took his attitude from trying
to prove everyone else wrong and do something more important just to prove he
was right. He called the bill collectors back and told them he didn’t have all
the money, but he had $50. He sent it to them with a promise that he wasn’t
going to quit and asked them to not give up on him. He called every bill
collector. In the fourth year someone believed in him and, bought the first
business. Now that’s called RE/MAX Real Estate Corporation. It is the largest
company in the U.S. now for the sale of homes and land.
The moral is how many times have we or someone
we know given up right before the miracle happens. I went and met with the
president of NASCAR (National Association of Race Car Drivers) and also Mrs.
Fields Cookies, and I asked them all how they avoided from keeping themselves
from talking themselves out of the dream. One of the greatest wisdoms came from
a guy name John Schwarz, who invented String Theory in physics. For 10 years,
everyone said he was crazy and out of his mind, but he figured it out. When I
asked him why he didn’t quit when everyone else thought he was crazy, he said
it’s because he knew he was right. He said the secret of success is to never
let another person talk you out of your dream.
He said that if you want to be successful,
successful people seek counsel and failures listen to opinions. Opinion is
based on ignorance, lack of knowledge, and inexperience. Counsel is based on
wisdom, knowledge, and mentorship. John Schwarz said if we would spend our
daily lives only seeking counsel and ignoring people’s opinion, that’s the day
your life would change.
The whole
idea of writing this book was to help everyday people put themselves in this
circumstance. When you’re flipping through the pages, you realize you are not
alone. Each and every person we talk to, you see yourself in their circumstance,
saying, if they did it, you can too.
I used motivational videos for my students because they were struggling to learn very
complex financial courses in another language (English)--AND also learn Speaking, Listening, and Business English concepts. It was extremely
difficult for them because the subjects (accounting, economics, linear algebra, finance) are not what they would have chosen for
their careers. Their parents and a very tough high school exam are the deciding
factors. So this is dedicated to the sophomores and freshmen at Jiangxi
University in Nanchang, China, whom I taught and others who will follow, many of whom have already seen this. Keep going--and believe in yourself. You can succeed in your coursework and your plans.
A hint for an idea about "weaknesses into success": what have you learned to do that took effort, time, and concentration? What was it that you learned to do that made you stay with the idea? For example, I used to have terrible stage fright--and I was afraid to speak in front of an audience. I learned to do this through a career in sales and later, in education. And I love to get up front or on a stage now! I even did a stand-up comedy routine at a school where I taught! In costume! (Yes, that picture of me as a 6th-grade student teacher: I did that at a parochial school talent show. My kids were stunned!) I've used this as a "I've learned to make a weakness into a strength and help empower others" speech.
Welcome to Maths Chase. We aim to make math learning more fun for everyone. We have found that our simple game really helps children learn their times tables. Our games help children learn by repetition and also increase their speed gradually as they become more skilled. Maths Chase allows you to increase the speed you need to answer questions as you become more confident in a fun and engaging way.
Now available on Kindle or paperback at Amazon.com: (From the back cover): It was a way of life: grifting, and the art of the con--to swindle someone out of a sum of money. For Johnny Hooker and his friends, it was all they had--until the game turned deadly. And then it was up to a pro to show Hooker how to play for BIG money--with a mark who was a crime boss who would kill a grifter for pride if he found out he was cheated. However, he was rich--and greedy. Doyle Lonnegan was a banker, a cheating card player, and a malevolent man who ran a tough numbers racket out of Chicago. His life was focused on winning at any cost--on his terms. When one of his men lost $11,000 in a bait-and-switch scheme, he took immediate revenge. He never expected to encounter the likes of Johnny Hooker--or Hooker's efforts to get his own revenge, even if it might cost him his life. But the temptation was too strong--and the money was too good. And the Sting was on (again) with the help of some clever con men, including the masterful Henry Gondorf and their "Office." Follow the dialogue and scenes from the 7-Oscar Award-winning-movie in detail, full, rich language that captures their emotions, thoughts, and...creative ways of taking a half-million dollars!
For anyone planning to study law OR medicine: know your Latin. And add to this list: Quid pro quo (loosely translated, "I will do you a favor in exchange for one done for me.")
(I want YOU to succeed with a job interview and hiring after you graduate. That's what this post is about. The interview process never was a favorite of mine; I'm more "Watch me show you WHY I'm the right person" rather than have to answer questions and get through the "mix-and-match" phase. However, the advice offered below can and will make YOU a better candidate--and give you the next level of success that follows. Good luck to you!)
Essential Questions for Every
Job Interview
By Pamela Eyring
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - First, let's start with what NOT to ask in a job interview. THE biggest error one can make is asking: "What does your company do?" If you've not done your homework and researched the company, you don't deserve a seat at the table. But let's assume you've done your homework. The best way to approach the interview is to think of it like a first date. While a job interview is in a professional setting and the outcomes are different, the intentions are the same. You've exchanged information because you think there might be a connection, and now you're ready to figure out if you want to pursue things further. Like a successful first date, there should be a good balance of give and take. Neither person should dominate the conversation and ask all the questions. While the employer will ask about your experience and goals, you should ask questions that help you understand why you should commit to working there. Plus, questions are a great way to demonstrate you understand the company's goals and challenges, highlight your qualifications and work ethic, and, most importantly, make an impression that moves you to the top of the list of potential candidates. Here are ten questions that will provide you with insight into the company while making a favorable impression. 1. I've been told that I work well as a team member. What are some of the ways your company encourages teamwork? 2. Long-term job satisfaction is important to me. Is the company committed to growing talent from within, whenever possible? 3. I enjoyed your published mission and values. How are these reflected in day-to-day life? Can you share some examples that would help me understand your corporate culture? 4. If your son, daughter or a friend was looking for a job, would you recommend working for your company? Why? 5. What do you think distinguishes your company from its competitors, both from a public and employee perspective? 6. (if speaking to a potential direct supervisor) How often do you speak with your C-level officers? When you do, what do they normally ask you? Do they ask for your opinion? 7. How does your company demonstrate a sense of pride in its employees? Can you help me understand what it looks for in return? 8. Are there paid, ongoing learning opportunities offered at my level of job responsibility? What obligations do I have if I take advantage of them? 9. What does your company expect in the way of personal and professional growth for a person hired into this position? 10. Does your company have a code of conduct covering work ethic and appropriate attire? Not every question will be appropriate for every job interview. Choose the ones that best address your career and personal goals and don't be shy about delving deeper into areas of particular interest. For example, if you're thinking of starting a family, you may want to explore the company's commitment to work/life balance. Preparing a list of thoughtful questions before the interview is a great way to boost your confidence and make a great impression. Plus, you'll gain greater insight into the company and the potential fit. Who knows? That first interview might just be the start of something beautiful. (Pamela Eyring is the president of The Protocol School of Washington (PSOW), which provides professional business etiquette and international protocol training. Founded in 1988, PSOW is the only school of its kind in the U.S. to become accredited. Any opinions expressed are her own. PSOW's website is: www.psow.edu.)
APA is for Psych or medical papers, or for certain business formats.
MLA has a Works Cited page.
APA has a Reference page.
If you USE the source in the paper, list it. If not...DON'T list it.
MLA works cited page sources are NOT numbered.
APA bibliography page sources ARE numbered.
In-text citations should back up an idea being explained or presented.
=========================
In-text formats (the easy way):
Try to use as much of an intro for the source to lead into the quote itself.
If an author's name is available, use it to emphasize the value of the source.
If the source itself is identifiable (book, magazine, web site), illustrate that too, along with the relevant info.
If ENOUGH "intro" is offered, that's fine. It should still match the Works Cited (or Bibliography) listing.
Example: In his online article "Inside the College Classroom," Mitchell Lopate, instructor at Brookdale Community College, illustrates several techniques for "the art of effective writing by any student who wants to improve his or her grade."
If NO intro is provided and the quote itself is made, put the author's name (IF AVAILABLE) AFTER the quote:
"College students need more work on research papers" (Lopate).
=========================
No author? but the article title is available?
Same as above, but put the article title in quotes AFTERWARD:
"College students need more work in research papers" ("Campus Writing").
----------------------------------------------
Is the source in a printed/hard copy format? If it's in print, the page number itself follows the author, but NO comma between name and page #:
"College students need more work on research papers" (Lopate 13).
**APA is a bit different; this is where you use the comma if it's a print source:
"College students need more work..." (Lopate, 13.)
This is a good example of spacing for margins, a header, title, and citations.
Needed ingredients: (1) Header set-up; title (2) Page numbers (3) Margin and double-spaced (4) Thesis: What is the idea of this paper? WHY is the thesis relevant? (What are you trying to endorse/points
to prove/discuss/explain/argue)? (How does it affect something in real
life/another relevant idea? Why does it involve the world-at-large and
how does it have an impact?) (5) Topic sentences which open each paragraph that offer a GENERAL idea that will be explained later by...(6). (6) Examples. Details. Quotes. Facts: they reinforce the thesis and are summarized in each topic sentence. (7) Conclusion that restates thesis/shows results.
