Summer globe2012a

The ESL Globe

Summer 2012

A publication of The ESL Iinstitute University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Rainy Day Fun in Pigeon Forge!

Field Trip to Pigeon Forge: Dollywood

by Kwan | After we had a great time at Dixie Stampede on Wednesday night, in the morning rain showers we went to Dollywood, where there is the most fabulous amusement park in Tennessee. I have visited here once before, but I still felt very excited. I started at the new ride, Wild Eagle, which is America's first winged roller coaster. I rode an awesome "winged coaster" ride. After that, I rode one of my favorite rides, the Mystery Mine, where there is a 1,811-foot track traveling through an ‘abandoned coal mine.’ Next, Barnstormer, the highest swing that I have ever ridden, reaches a staggering 81 feet in the air! And then, I walked up to Mountain Sliderwinder and I slid down the mountainside along high-banked curves. In the afternoon, I had a chance to see one show there, and it was an amazing show. It was called the Gazillion Bubble Show. It's a bubble artist that does incredible things with soap bubbles. It was such an impressive show. After the show, it was still raining, so I tried to get wetter at Daredevil Falls and I finished riding at Smoky Mountain River Rampage. I totally got soaked after I rode the boat ride, but it was so much fun!! Even though it had been raining all day, I believe that everyone made impressive memories and had unforgettable experiences at Dollywood.

In this Newsletter Pigeon Forge Sailing Southern Belle Movies Student Writing

Thirty-three ESL field trippers spent 2 days in Pigeon Forge shopping, attending shows, and thrilling to roller coasters.

Page 2 ● Summer 2012 ● Volume 3, Issue 3 ● ESL Globe ● UTC ESL Institute ● http://www.utc.edu/Academic/ESL/

Activities

Dollywood Dixie Stampede

Guess who?

Inside the Dixie Stampede arena.

by Steve Zhiming Li | If you ask me where you can both learn American history and eat a delicious four-course dinner, the answer is Dixie Stampede. If you ask me where you can enjoy country music and see a fabulous show at the same time, the answer is also Dixie Stampede. If you ask me where you can find magnificent horses and have an amazing family or friends trip, the answer still is Dixie Stampede. Fortunately, we took a trip to Pigeon Forge, so we had an excellent experience in dinner theater- Dixie Stampede. For me, I had to say that was the best trip I had ever taken in ESL. It's a wonderful two-hour show. From start to finish, the show features nonstop entertainment, including singing, dancing, trick riding, comedy and a ‘rivalry’ of North and South. You would never feel bored in a second. How great the show is! How wonderful taking a trip with our teachers was! If possible, please bring your family there. You'll not be regretful.

A hungry pre-show crowd.

Carolina’s mustache is bigger.

The Wild Eagle, the new big roller coaster at Dollywood.

The Dixie Stampede menu.


Activities Pigeon Forge Photo Gallery

Arriving at Dollywood

Put a Ring On It

Ibrahim and Abdulhameed

Aziz on the Bus

End of the Day at Dollywood (the Wild Eagle Roller Coaster in the ackground.)

Preshow

Titanic!


Activities

Southern Belle Day Trip & Lunch The Young Man and the Lake

by Abdulhameed | Our ESL Director decided to take us on a sailing trip on June 21st. We all got ready and everyone headed to the spot in their own car. Before we entered the boat, we went shopping in the gift shops around the deck.

Day trippers on the Southern Belle After that, we entered the boat to see all the fun that was waiting for us. Around 10:00 o’clock the boat set off and we were so excited. There was an open buffet so we ate lunch enjoying the beautiful view of the river. After we ate our meal, we headed to the upper deck of the boat. There we got to meet the captain and he talked to us about safety. After that, everyone started to take pictures of the fantastic views and we also got to listen to David and Ann sing until the end of the trip. We left the boat and went to an ice-cream shop downtown. Everyone was satisfied with the trip. It was a good experience and I would like to thank Jane and everyone that helped to set up the trip.

The Southern Belle

by Will Choung | On June 7, 2012, class members from the Games & Fun class went to Teacher Dee’s house. We stayed in order to ride on a boat. We were waiting for shade and wind. Meanwhile, we played pool, basket ball, board games, etc. Dee had a lot of things for entertainment. We enjoyed everything like kids. Finally the sun was going down and the shade appeared and the wind was blowing. We left Dee’s house and arrived at the dock. There are so many boats having tall masts. It was awesome! I had never seen that before! We separated into three groups and rode a boat. Our sailors were made up of Eun, Steve, me and our captain. We spread the sail and then the boat was moving slowly. I felt that the water was lapping. The sail boat was not fast, but that has special benefits such as peaceful movement and relaxation. The captain taught the names of the parts of the boat and how to change directions. We practiced turning and we succeeded. Then I deluded myself. I thought I was Santiago who is the main character in the novel, ‘The Old man and the Sea’. I laid on the bow and enjoyed the experience. Everything was perfect for sailing.

Will as Santiago The sun shone into my eyes, the wind blew onto my body, the spray of water splashed my toes. Gradually, peace was coming to my mind. Then I thought about my future. What is my goal and what am I living for? I don’t know yet. but I realized the most important thing. This is my future and nobody can decide for me. So my first goal is to find my direction quickly. Because of sailing I experienced a lot of things. I appreciated the captain and teacher Dee. Thanks!


Movie Nights

We Bought a Zoo and Dolphin Tale Entertain the ESL Students at the ESL House

Movie Night, Wonderful Night

by Shawn Wu | Thursday night, June 25, I had a movie night with my classmates. Each of us spent a wonderful evening. I believe that it will be a special memory in my life because It was my first movie night. The start of movie night was at half past seven. Before watching the movie, we had dinner together. Teacher Jane had not only ordered many pizzas and cold drinks, but also teacher Anne prepared salad. Steve brought some sushi for us, and others brought cakes for our dinner. They were so delicious that I couldn’t help but taste them, even though I had eaten dinner. We got ready for the movie after we finished dinner. We had to wait for a period of time, but then the movie projector was set up by teacher Wade. Before the movie began, I turned round to see. suddenly I realized that these present persons were from America, China, Korea, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia Thailand, Turkey. How fantastic it is watching a movie with people who came from eight countries! The film’s name was We Bought a Zoo, which I had never seen. Although my English is not good enough to catch each dialogue, I was still able to understand the main meaning of the movie. It’s a lovely movie. I have to say that outdoor movie gave me a different experience after I was in the habit of seeing a movie in cinemas. I got a lot from this movie night, like delicious food, the encouragement from the film, the different experience and so on. But for me, my biggest gain is the increasing understanding of the American culture. The movie night is a part of Americans’ life. Even if it just is a part, it also showed me the life style of Americans. It gave me a better understanding of the United States.

On the evening of July 26

th, a few ESL students gathered at

the ESL house to watch Dolphin Tale. There were a few guests,including Carolyn’s grandchildren. And Mr. Womack was there. Everybody brought snacks and drinks. The movie was displayed on the side of the house and everyone made themselves a comfortable place in the adjacent parking lot.


Culture Ramadhan & Eid Al-Fitr

by Hussam Ramadan Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Islam uses a lunar calendar-that is, each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Because the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar used elsewhere, Islamic holidays "move" each year. In 2012, Ramadan began at sundown on July 19th. For more than a billion Muslims around the world-including some 8 million in North America-Ramadan is a "month of blessing" marked by prayer, fasting, and charity. Why this Month? Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. Around 610 A.D., a caravan trader named Muhammad took to wandering the desert near Mecca (in today's Saudi Arabia) while thinking about his faith. One night a voice called to him from the night sky. It was the angel Gabriel, who told Muhammad he had been chosen to receive the word of Allah. In the days that followed, Muhammad found himself speaking the verses that would be transcribed as the Qur'an. At many mosques during Ramadan, about one thirtieth of the Qur'an is recited each night in prayers known as Tarawih. In this way, by the end of the month the complete scripture will have been recited.

Henna

Fasting Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, for the entire month of Ramadan. This means that they may eat or drink nothing, including water, while the sun shines. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam. As with other Islamic duties, all able Muslims take part in sawm from about age twelve. During Ramadan in the Muslim world, most restaurants are closed during the daylight hours. Families get up early for suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as Iftar. Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost. Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers. Eid al-Fitr Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which in 2012 occurs on Aug. 19. Literally the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca). At Eid al-Fitr people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family. A sense of generosity and gratitude colors these festivities. Although charity and good deeds are always important in Islam, they have special significance at the end of Ramadan. As the month draws to a close, Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the poor and making contributions to mosques.

Eid greeting

http://www.factmonster.com/ipa/A0777381.html

http://www.factmonster.com/ipa/A0760942.html

http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/people/A0834339.html

http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/society/A0840851.html


People

The Importance of Being Erna

By Erna Fella | This summer I’ve had the opportunity to teach Level 3 Grammar while Linda Voychehovski took a much needed break. I was thrilled when she asked me to teach for her! As always, the students are so motivated to learn English. I’m so pleased with my students’ great attitudes and thirst for knowledge! This summer, though, has been even better than before because of the new International House! Wow! What a huge difference from teaching in the damp, dark and dingy Metro basement! I love our new “home” which is so bright and cheerful. it feels very cozy to be in this new environment. I think the students can learn better in this new building. Granted, in this new building we have narrow hallways, but that is part of its charm. It has been very easy to become close to all students (even the ones I don’t teach) because we see each other ‘up close and personal’ in the new building. I just love it! This has been a fabulous summer for me , and I’m so happy to have met such wonderful students who are now my new friends!

42: A Hollywood Film Which Includes Our Star, Wade

Rittenberry

Jackie Robinson

by Wade Rittenberry | As some of you may have

noticed, I was absent for a few weeks at the beginning of the summer session. This was because I had joined hundreds of other people to be part of a movie being filmed here in town. It was fun and exciting, and we all had to dress up in clothes from the 1940’s – I even got a haircut! It’s a baseball movie, and Engel Stadium here in Chattanooga is one of a few old baseball parks still standing. It was perfect for a film set in the 1940’s!

The movie is about a man named Jackie Robinson. Jackie was the first African-American athlete to play on a major league

baseball team in the United States. This finally happened in April, 1947, after a long struggle about whether an African-American should be allowed to play. Major League Baseball (MLB) was an “all-white” sport before Jackie took the field on that April day. Harrison Ford (Han Solo, Indiana Jones) plays Brooklyn Dodgers’ team executive Branch Rickey. It was Mr. Rickey’s persistence and influence which gave Jackie the opportunity to play. Mr. Rickey’s leadership and Jackie’s will to succeed are two key elements which made his entry into MLB such an important event in United States history. Jackie’s strong character allowed him to persevere, because many baseball fans didn’t want an African-American to play. Many people yelled terrible things at him while he was on the field, even other players and coaches. Jackie knew that this would happen, but he still played hard, because he knew that other African-Americans were counting on him to do well. The movie is called “42” – that was Jackie’s number when he played. It is scheduled for release in April, 2013. You can check out a list of other actors and actresses in the movie on the “42” IMDb webpage: http://www.imdb.com/ title/tt0453562/. I would encourage all of you to read about Jackie and his accomplishments both on and off the field. His courage has led many to brand him a hero after what he endured, and I am one of them. What do you think?

Take responsibility for the ENERGY you bring into this space.

http://www.imdb.com/


Student Writing

Who I Am Is Not a Mystery

by Haitham Aldughiem | I am a regular positive person like many people who enjoy their lives. I love people and life. My wisdom in life: "enjoying everything."

I have strong father with a strong personality. He loves people and they love him in return. He is a very generous and notable man. My mother is a strong woman who could keep seven children under control. She is a perfect house wife. She cooks, cleans . . .etc. With her you do not have to wish, you have to talk to her only. She knows what you want and will do it for you. We in Saudi Arabia have a special culture like other people and countries. "Honor" is a basic principle in my communities culture. Each member of the family is expected to add to that family's good, name by being honest working hard, and taking care of each other and people who want help. I have hobbies that are the best for me. I like hunting birds and several kinds of animal as I like hunting chances. If you do not have goals or targets in your life, you will not be a positive person. I love business and public relations. I am planning to be a Banker and a Businessman. One of the special things about me is "the best of everything." That means if I am going to do something, I love to do it in the best way. If I need to buy something, I like to buy the best kind of that thing. I like the best always. As I said before, I am a regular person with special qualities in life that make me unique.

Second-hand Smoke

by Shane Ha | Why is second hand smoke fatal? The reason is that it is too harmful not only to smokers but also to non-smokers. Second hand smoke is a big health hazard because it causes non-smokers, for instant young children, elderly persons, even strong young men, to have noxious conditions such as cancer. I have been suffering from asthma. It’s been almost 5 or 6 years since I recognized my bad symptoms. What I want to say is how I had gotten the diseases from second hand smoke. At my work back home in Korea, we usually used the annex room when we worked investigating something sensitive and complicated. These cases were almost all about personnel fraud, company future strategies, and disciplines. So, my co-workers and I were so depressed by those things. Whenever we worked or investigated some issues, one or two of my workers used to smoke cigarettes. Actually that room was designated for us, so we could smoke in that room even though our building was a non-smoking building. Sometimes I felt my bad breath, cough, and sore throat. But I couldn’t complain about my co-workers’ actions. That was just our working culture. Hard work and unclean air made my asthma get worse. When I was talking to my doctor about my asthma, he told me how dangerous second hand smoke was. It could make me die. So, I decided to tell my co-workers to stop smoking in public places. That was just for all of us. After that, I felt better. Probably now those workers are thankful for the decision that they made at that time. I’m pretty sure that they didn’t recognize the problem as much as I did, but it was sufficient to make them pay attention to the fact that someone else around the smokers was suffering from second hand smoke. It became obvious that second hand smoke is a real problem, all things considered, including my experience, not to mention how many people die from second hand smoke(each year almost 3,000 non-smoking American die of lung cancer). We should consider banning smoking in public places because people who are suffering from diseases caused by smoke are many more than the ones who die from smoke. Therefore, banning smoking in public places is the best way for us to live together happily forever.

My Thoughts About Smoking and Non-smokers

by Nasser Al Harbi In my opinion, smoking should be banned at indoor public places. As a smoker, I understand the fact that it is an unhealthy habit, and no one should have it forced upon them by others. Second hand smoke is a real issue and inside buildings and at close quarters, it should be banned. But in outdoor places and at the pblic parks, I think it's OK to smoke there. Or at least, there should be a special place for smokers. This would be healthier for non-smokers. Sometimes the person who doesn't smoke "smokes" even if he doesn't smoke. Sitting around people who smoke exposes people who are sitting by them to many diseases. It could cause lung cancer, and it is linked to respiratory infrections, such as asthma and chronic respiratory problems and persistent wheezing and coughing. You should avoid sitting next to smokers to stay healthy. Most importantly, smoking should be against the law in public places.


Student Writing

The Sorrow of the Chinese National

by Shawn Wu | Is the censorship of books, films and news necessary? I don't think so. In my opinion, everyone has the right to express his opinions in a lawful way. Freedom of speech includes books, films and news, and is a basic right for all of us. It should not be limited or censored. Also, nobody can ensure the public will be able to understand the real idea from the books, films and news, after the government agencies have censored them. We will be unable to get more knowledge and get information immediately. In the U.S, there are laws that prohibit censorship. The government says all the people can express themselves. But there is a completely different thing in China. In China, all the information must be censored before being published, whether it is books, films or news. It's possible that you published the information on the internet. But even so, the information will be deleted if it doesn't pass the censorship in several minutes. We can only get the books,films and news that the government wants us to get. And China is the country with the most rigorous internet censorship in the world. We don't have Facebook and Twitter. The worse thing is we even can't connect to most webpages of other countries. In addition to these, there isn't a "Google" in China. If we want to use the Google search in China, we need to connect to "google.hk", which webpage of Google is registered in Hongkong, instead of "google.com". As a result of the rigorous censorship, the reporter no longer is the uncrowned king. Reporters will not be able to publish real-time news on TV when accidents happen. All the reports about bad things will be allowed to be announced only after they have been censored because the government believes that their face is the most important. All I can say is that this is the sorrow of the Chinese National.

Etiquette

by Carolyn Vinson Randle | TABLE MANNERS In order to learn reading strategies, comprehension, and vocabulary, my Level 2 students, along with Candace’s Level 1 students, read articles about various topics. One they found particularly amusing was about proper table manners. They learned that what is acceptable in one culture might be rude, or even funny, in another culture.This lead to a lively discussion of proper mealtime behavior in their countries. Below are some tips that will help you if you visit their countries.

Brazil: Renan

Don’t put your elbows on the table.

When you leave the table, you say: Excuse me.

Don’t eat with a cap on.

Venezuela: Viviana

Don’t slurp your soup.

Don’t make noises, only quiet conversation.

Men must not take off their shirts at the table.

Mexico: Maricela

Don’t burp when you eat.

Don’t eat with your mouth open.

Don’t make noises.

China: Jessica

Don’t stand chop stick straight up in a bowl of rice. The people will think you are worshipping a dead person. You are cursing the people.

In some regions, people have master seats for the head of the family. If you sit there, the master will think you violate him.

Don’t mix foods together if you are eating with other people.

Also involved in the project were, left to right, Khalid, Nick, Abdulhameed, and Zaineb.

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Students

Student Writing

Conversation on the Spot: A Visit to the Hunter Art Museum

by Haitham Aldughiem | Haitham recorded some of the reactions:

Shawn: It was a wonderful trip! The museum taught me a lot about music!

Ibrahim: It was a great trip. We learned a lot of things about American musical culture. I especially liked the board that allows visitors to write about their feelings.

Wei: It was a fantastic opportunity to know and learn about some American modern art--and in English!

Cigdem: It was a different experience for me. Thank you very much!!

Khiah: I think seeing the rock and roll exhibit was a fun cultural experience for everyone. It was interesting.

Early in June, Khiah Smith took her

Advanced Conversation class to see

an exhibition about Rock & Roll at

the Hunter Art Museum. The ESL

attendees were Fathima, Cigdem,

Khiah, Wendy, Wei, Ibrahim,

Shawn, and Haithem. Haithem wrote

down comments from some of the

attendees.


Events & Notices Odds and Ends

Dates for ESL Programs for 2013

Spring 2013: January 14 through April 11

Summer 2013: May 13 through August 1

Fall 2013: September 3 through November 27

Places to See in Chattanooga:

Rock City Gardens 1400 Patten Road Lookout Mountain, GA 30750

Wonderful natural place. It is Located atop Lookout Mountain, just 6 miles from downtown. Also you can See 7 States from there. Tickets cost ($18.95 adults & $10.95 children (ages 3-12). It is opensfrom 8:30am to 8:00pm.

Ruby Falls 1720 S. Scenic Hwy Lookout Mountain, TN 37409

A waterfall, enjoy the many geological wonders located throughout the cave. Tickets costs ($17.95 adults & $9.95 children). It opens from 8.00am to 8.00pm.

Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View Chattanooga, TN 37403

The Hunter Museum focuses on American art from the Colonial period to the present day. The museum is located in an historical mansion and a sleek contemporary building on the bluffs overlooking the Tennessee River.

Railroad 4119 Cromwell Rd Chattanooga, TN 37421

Hiwassee River Rail Adventure service is in addition to Tennessee Valley

Railroad Museum’s many excursions and special events based in

Chattanooga, offered from Etowah, Tennessee. Tickets costs ($34 for

adults, $26 for children and $19 for meal).

Tennessee Aquarium One Broad Street, Chattanooga TN, 37402 Enjoy a remarkable journey with 10,000 animals. Then, let us take you to places you’ve only imagined.

To Get A Taxi in Chattanooga, You May Call: All American Taxi 2910 Rossville Boulevard Chattanooga (423) 867-6190 Millennium Taxi & Transportation 2145 South Holly Street Chattanooga (423) 267-2008

To Rent a Car in Chattanooga, You May Call: Hertz Rent A Car 1101 Airport Road Chattanooga (423) 855-8131 BUDGET CAR RENTAL 1001 Airport Road Chattanooga (423) 855-2232

Evelyn Sarah Rittenberry-Welcome to the World! July 2012

Here’s a white board doodle. Who is it? Who drew it? Thank you to the subject. Thank you to the artist!


Friends

Call Me! Text Me!

Abdulhmeed

Haitham Aldughiem

Renan

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

(615)-481-6186

(615) 556-3579

(423) 584-2977

Viviana

Hussam Alkushiban

Nasser Alharbi

vivifebres0108@hotmail .es

Stoon-900@ hotmail.com

Alharbi.nassser.a@ gmail.com

(423) 255-5704

(865) 253-8412

(423) 305-9077

Shane Yunseun Ha

Steve Zhiming Li

Zaineb

Yunseunha @yahoo.com

Izm271122839@ yahoo.cn

Umhamed1423@hotmail .com

(423) 290-3846

(423) 653-1381

Kwan

Jessica Zhuang

Wendy Klong

kkaawwaann@ hotmail.com

[email protected]

[email protected]

(423) 987-5898

(423) 653-8319

Maricela Zorate

Ciqdem Savas Sunal

OK Soon Park

Bonita.riaga@ gmail.com

ciqdemsavas @gmail.com

[email protected]

(423) 745-2525

(423) 715-3078

(423) 309-2526

Daniel Teahoon Ki

Carolina Cuellar

Will Choung

[email protected]

Carito.cuellar@ hotmail.com

Joungwooi2000@ nate.com

(423) 994-0410

(423) 305-8506

(423) 255-8973

Eun Chong Kim

Khaled

Fathima Shanthi James

Kimmedia3@ yahoo.co.kr

[email protected]

Fathima.shanthi81@ gmail.com

(646)734-8514

(202) 644-0115

(423) 800-1120

Charles Jeong

Shawn Wu

David Van Ingram

[email protected]

[email protected]

(423) 902-2460

(423) 227-9165

Jane Womack

Linda Voychehovski

Anne Rittenberry

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

(423) 364-5591

(423) 667-2062

Khiah Smith

Wade Rittenberry

Carolyn Randle

[email protected]

waderittenberry@ yahoo.com

[email protected]

(540)227-0557

Suzanne Carter

Candace Long

Nancy Neff

[email protected]

[email protected] [email protected]

(423) 622-7645

(423) 902-6556 (423) 432-7706

mailto:[email protected]



Travel

Summer globe2012a