Newsletter February 2018

Editorial - New Year’s Resolutions By Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SBLA

New Year's Eve is always a time for new beginnings. Many people make promises to themselves to improve certain aspects of their lives. Here are the ten most common New Year’s Resolutions in the United States.
1. Get Fit! – The end of the year is full of holidays with lots of yummy foods to eat. Most of us enjoy as much of it as we can (because it’s only once a year, right?!) However, once January rolls around, we’re feeling a little soft around the middle. The new year is a great time to resolve to get into shape. In January, fitness clubs offer deals and promotions to those who want to keep their promises.
2. Take a class, learn something new – Learn a new language? Improve your cooking skills? Find a new hobby? The world is full of exciting facts and activities!
3. Adopt Healthier Eating Habits – As mentioned in #1, we tend to indulge in lots of fatty, yummy, delicious foods over the holidays. Do you want to eat healthier, fresher foods? Now’s a good time to try and change.
4. Volunteer – Lots of people and organizations need a little help. Find local organizations to help kids, the homeless, animals, anything that sparks something in your heart.
5.Fix Your Finances – Do you have a retirement plan? How does your savings account look? Read a book, take a seminar, but do something to try and improve your money situation.
6. More Quality Time with Family – If you’re not too close with your family, resolve to spend more time with those friends who make you happy.  Make time in your busy schedule to see the ones you love.
7. Stop Smoking – This one of the most challenging resolutions, but also one of the more beneficial ones. Do your best! Only an estimated 15% of people who try to quit manage to stay cigarette-free six months later.
8. More Vacations and Trips -  The world is yours to discover! Take that trip you’ve always wanted to. Don’t wait till it’s too late!
9. Stress Less – Stress has been linked to some dangerous health problems. Less stress can make you healthier and happier.
10. Reduce Alcohol Consumption – Have you ever had a hangover? Not so nice! The best way to avoid those is to drink less alcohol. If you enjoy a cocktail now and then, practice moderation. Your health will thank you.

Language Systems Life Style - Valentine’s Day in America By Josh Block, DTLA Assistant Program Coordinator

The origins of Valentine’s Day are mysterious. Scholars and historians have argued for years about when the holiday was created; we are not even sure who St. Valentine is! In the United States today, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love. Couples give gifts, flowers, chocolates, and cards to their partners, and often spend the night out at a romantic restaurant.  Lovers young and old plan dates at many of the beautiful locations around Los Angeles, like Huntington Gardens and Barnsdall Art Park. In school, children decorate heart-shaped cards with Valentine’s Day messages and leave them in boxes for each other. No matter who you are or who you love, Valentine’s Day is a celebration for all!. 

Discover LA By Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SBLA

Olvera Street is known as the first official street in Los Angeles. It is now a Mexican Marketplace that recreates a romantic “Old Los Angeles.” There you’ll find a narrow, tree-lined, market with old brick structures, painted stalls, street vendors, cafes, restaurants and gift shops.  Olvera Street was created in 1930 “to preserve and present the customs and trades of early California."  Many of the merchants on Olvera Street today are descended from the original vendors.

 Visitors from around the world stroll around the marketplace smelling the ever-present taquitos and tacos at the outdoor cafes, listening to the strolling mariachi music, and watching Aztecs and Mexican folkloric dancers. The many vendors offer handcrafted items such as pottery, belts, wallets, purses, leather and Mexican folk art.

Olvera Street celebrates holidays such as Los Tres Reyes,  Blessing of the Animals, Los Angeles City Birthday, Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Independence Day, Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe and Las Posadas with lots of music and special offerings.  Olvera Street continues to be a major tourist stop attracting as many as two million visitors per year. It’s a must-see in Los Angeles!
http://www.olvera-street.com/index.html

Free in LA By Josh Block, DTLA Assistant Program Coordinator

• Broken Hearts Circus – February 11th, 1pm
  Feeling down about Valentine’s Day? You’re not alone! Join the festival for the broken-hearted in the Arts District and forget your troubles. The circus will include live music, face painting, magic, and a photobooth. The event is free at Angel City Brewery, but you must be 21+ to join the fun.
• Valentine’s Day Tango Party – February 14th, 7:30pm
  Looking to spend a romantic evening with your special someone this Valentine’s Day? Come to downtown LA and dance the night away! The evening will begin with a free tango lesson, followed by social dancing (called milonga) and finally, a professional tango performance! Love is in the air, and the beautiful Union Station is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday. The doors open at 7pm, bring your dancing shoes! More information is available on the Union Station Los Angeles Facebook page.
• Lunar New Year Festival – February 17th, 1pm
  Join over 100,000 Angelenos for a cultural celebration! Head to the Chinatown Central Plaza in downtown LA for food, ping pong, traditional music, and even kung fu! The highlight of the festival will be the in the 119th annual Golden Dragon Parade.  Parking will be difficult, so take Metro to the Chinatown station on the Gold Line to beat traffic.

Language Systems Faces Interview with Assistant Program Coordinator Henry (SBLA) Interview conducted by Sylvia Sunada, Program Coordinator at SBLA

Meet Henry, the Assistant Program Coordinator in Torrance
Q: How long have you worked at Language Systems?

A: I started at the Alhambra LSI in October 2012 and moved to Torrance LSI in April 2013 I became an Assistant PC in July 2014

Q: How long have you been teaching English in general?
A: I taught English in Japan for the JET (Japanese Exchange Teaching Program) from 1992 to 1995 and then with AEON from 1996 to 2010

Q: What is your favorite thing about being evening PC?
A: My co-workers are very positive and we all support each other well. The teachers work hard with not only teaching English to the students but also American culture. The students here in Torrance are very friendly and outgoing. What’s not to enjoy working here?

Q: What is something about you that would be surprising to people who don’t know you well?
A: My wife is Japanese, and my two sons were born there. One is in high school and the other is in college. Their English has really improved since coming here but they are still enrolled in an ESL class to improve their English. 
 On a personal level I have recently gotten interested in bicycling. I have an old mountain bike that I ride all over L.A. I have ridden about 3,500 miles this year so far and I’m hoping to get passed the 10,000-mile mark. If you ever want to go for a ride please let me know.

Student Article 1 Three Things People Need to Know About Christmas

By Triana Level 6

 The most important thing is family. During the Christmas season, it is inevitable that you are going to be with your family, so try to have fun and don't get stressed. The second thing is the food. Everyone likes to eat but in Christmas, people are used to cooking and eating a lot so be ready to gain weight but appreciate that you have that food. The last thing is the kindness. For some people, this is the most lonely and sad time so do something considerate for others that you receive no credit or benefit from. In conclusion, Christmas is a season everyone should enjoy.

Student Article 2 Christmas Time

By Chris Level 6

      It is the most special time of the year for everybody. Young people, teenagers and even elder people usually enjoy this holiday. Why? The reasons are clear; because of the magic that we feel, the colors of the environment, and also the happiness that people share with each other. All these things are noticeable during the holiday season.
      Firstly, you can see children and young people living Christmas time as a unique moment in their lives. They look surprised receiving and opening gifts they asked for with sincere enthusiasm, playing with them for hours or even days without taking care of the time. For teenagers it is also a good time because they can proudly show off new clothes and gifts to their friends in the New Year. Elder people see this time differently because they don’t really care as much about the gifts as the young do, but joining with family and having a good time together is something that they appreciate and will never forget.
      Secondly, families meet to happily decorate their houses inside and out by placing colorful and fun stuff all around. They enjoy these activities together. It is also gratifying to visit different cities or to go out and walk around looking at all the decorations in the streets. You realize that there are countless kinds of ambiance you can find.
      Finally, you can feel the happiness of this magical environment in which everybody is more active than usual and has a fever to buy things that they don’t even need. They may find nice stuff for the house and will buy it even if it is pricy. It has become kind of necessary to spend money on cool things at Christmas. It might be a waste of money, but the reason is that everybody has family, friends, and     people to give gifts to, and this is a particular time when people see each other more often, meet for lunch or dinner, and just have big celebrations for fun.
      I would like to encourage everybody to enjoy this time because it only happens once a year. You have the chance to spend more time with your family and friends or at least talk with them, and you could make somebody happy with your gift.                 

http://languagesystems.edu/

Newsletter December 2017

Editorial - Christmas and Holiday Season By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

I don’t know about you, but the Holiday Season is one of my favorite times of the year.  Many people think it’s just a commercial holiday to make people shop.  But whatever your perspective, religion, or personal beliefs are, it’s important to remember it always involves family and kindness.  Shopping is a personal choice.  Family is the core group of your personal happiness.  The beautiful thing about family is that it can be anyone.  Being family automatically involves kindness.  Kindness to your closest family members, your friends, your colleagues, and the 7-Eleven guy; you get to choose who, where, and when you spread that love.  That’s what I love about the holidays.  You have a chance to put all your differences aside once a year to just enjoy each others’ company and love.

This last year has been difficult for many people.  Life can take unexpected turns sometimes.  No matter how tough things get, you have a choice on how you want to react.  The holidays are a difficult time for many people, but they don’t have to be.  If you have no family here, invite that cool friend from class over, be kind to your neighbors, or ask that cute person out to a coffee or lunch; you never know if they’re feeling the same way as you.  And if you’re already happy and feeling lucky, organize a small potluck party for people who may not be as lucky as you and watch how much they’ll enjoy themselves.  Sometimes people just need someone to talk to and to not feel so alone in this world.  The best way to spread kindness is through friendship, consideration, and a little heart.  My way of spreading kindness is just trying to make someone smile sometimes.  You wouldn’t believe how far that can go.  Happy Holidays to everyone.  Much love to all of you from a simple office worker.

Language Systems Life Style (NELA) - Thanksgiving Celebration By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

Pasadena had lovely weather during this year’s Thanksgiving potluck celebration.  We were very fortunate and decided to have our potluck outdoors.  Our morning students brought an entire assortment of lovely food.  For some students, it was the first time trying turkey, so it was a bit exciting and scary at the same time.   Some of them were impressed with the size and portions of food and sent photographs for their families to see.

Our afternoon classes brought a completely different style of food.   It was great to try different styles of food throughout the day.  One of our students brought a guitar and had a group of people singing.  There was a group of girls counting calories, and then there was the mother thinking of her own parents back in her home country.   Evening students decided to talk about what they were grateful for this year and brought lots of desserts; maybe evening students need more sugar to stay awake.  Anyway, it was lovely listening to everyone share their feelings of gratitude for something in life.
That’s what thanksgiving is about.  It was great to share a meal with students of different ages, countries, and religions all together in one place.  It helped us realize that we are all human and we can learn to understand each other, no matter how different we are.  I guess that’s a good reason to be thankful for this year. 

Discover LA (NELA) By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

One of the coolest things I got to do due to the four day schedule was organize Friday activities for students. Because I live in the west side of Los Angeles, I never really took the time to visit North East Los Angeles. I must say that there’s much more to do than people think. There are people from many backgrounds, many cultural events, a lot of history, and unexpected places that would blow your mind. If you like nature, you can go to Eaton Canyon, Monrovia Canyon, or even the many gardens available to the public. The beautiful part is that most of this stuff is free.

If you like art and music, you will enjoy the Pasadena play house, all the galleries and museums, and the free concerts at Levitt Pavilion. They have tons of outdoor movies, community events, and family activities. My mind has really been opened to a variety of great things.

The Arboretum is so close that the peacocks will walk onto our campus sometimes. The Rose Bowl is minutes away if you want to watch a sporting event, a concert, try a 5k, or go to the flea market. There’s richness in culture and history. You can get some of the best Chinese food in one of the oldest parts of Los Angeles. It’s a great deal and one that students from abroad should take advantage of and discover.

Free in LA (NELA) By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

• Rose Parade - January 1, 2018
  https://www.visitpasadena.com/events/pasadena-tree-lighting-ceremonies/
• Pasadena Tree Lighting Ceremonies - November 17 to December 03, 2017
  Deck the Halls with Holiday Cheer
  Pasadena Tree Lighting Ceremonies are free events that deck the halls of Pasadena with holiday cheer. Enjoy festive holiday music and holiday-themed family fun starting with The Paseo Colorado as they kick off the holiday season November 17, 2017. Then join Mayor Terry Tornek at Pasadena City Hall as the Mayor lights the City’s Official Holiday Tree on December 1, 2017. Continue the holiday cheer at The Langham Huntington Pasadena as they light their own beautiful tree on December 2, 2017.Centennial Square

Language Systems Faces Interview with Teacher MR. JEFF ZEDOUTI (NELA) Interview conducted by Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

Q: WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

A: I’m originally from North Africa, precisely from Morocco, and “Amazigh” by heritage.

Q: HAVE YOU LIVED IN ANY OTHER COUNTRIES?
A: I have visited several countries and spent almost sixteen years in Asia.  First, I lived in Thailand, and then moved to China.

Q: HOW MANY LANGUAGES DO YOU SPEAK?
A: Besides my native tongue, I can speak French fluently and moderately Spanish.

Q: WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE U.S., CALIFORNIA, AND LOS ANGELES?
A: I had a chance to visit and explore other states before settling in California. And indeed, each state has its own charm, pros and cons. However, California remains a welcoming state to many new immigrants, offering various opportunities in terms of good living standards as well as affordable costs of living. The climate is its own prestige, which attracts many people from all colors of life. Los Angeles was, and always will remain a legend city that has a stunning history, and there is a lot to learn about this very busy city which still keeps growing and prospering.

Q: WHAT ‘S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT BEING A TEACHER?
A: For all these years that I have been operating in the education field as an ESL instructor, I have learned that in order to become a successful educator one should deeply believe in the profession’s ethical values as the main foundation and building blocks of a genuine teacher. I am indeed very grateful to be part of the world’s education mission, pouring and sharing the best off my knowledge, energy, and capacity with students from different backgrounds and parts of the globe. I am very thankful to be given the opportunity to work at Language Systems International School which allows me to further my ESL knowledge and learn new teaching methodologies, as well as broaden my educational horizons. I strongly believe that knowledge is power. And being a teacher, one should constantly keep learning because curiosity has no cure.

Student Article 

By Bond (Level 5)

Hello Guys!  My name is Bond.  I’ve been studying English at LSI for several months and I’ve been in L.A. for four months.  This Christmas holiday is going to be a special one for me because it’s going to be my first Christmas celebration in the US.  My plan is to go around sightseeing by bus and watch the light decorations on the street.  Then, I’m going to spend a day in Hollywood and enjoy the decorated Christmas trees and simply walk around the streets looking at the decorations on buildings and other trees around Hollywood.  I hope to enjoy the unique atmosphere and the feelings of joy and happiness that arise in every living thing there.

http://languagesystems.edu/

Newsletter December 2016

Editorial - Christmas and Holiday Season

By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

          Halloween is over. That means the holiday season is upon us. It’s the time of the year when you start to prepare your calendar for social and family events. It’s the time when people act a little nicer and are more thoughtful toward everyone. Not all people celebrate this time of the year, but there are plenty of festivities for different cultures that happen during this time. If you have the opportunity, take the time to experience the different events going on in Los Angeles that can help you enjoy and learn about different cultures’ celebrations.
          I remember living in Japan and discovering that Christmas was about couples and Kentucky Fried Chicken. It was interesting to see how people in a different country interpret their own version of the holiday. You never know what you can discover when you take the time to learn and adapt to a new culture. So rather than stay home and wait for the season to fly by, make a friend from a different culture and see what new adventures or customs you can discover. You won’t regret it. At worst, you’ll have an interesting story to tell your friends and family when you see them again. Make the best out of this time because you may not have the opportunity to live it again. Take a chance and enjoy every second of your life. That’s what the real holiday season is about; being grateful for life and those around you.

Language Systems Lifestyle - Thanksgiving Celebration

By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

          What are you grateful for? What makes you happy to be alive? Who do you love to be with? These are the questions that I think about just before Thanksgiving. The reason it’s a special holiday is because it doesn’t matter where you come from or what spiritual belief you may have. I think it’s easy for us to lose track of the things that matter most when we have so many things to consider on a daily basis. 

          I like to live my life like it’s my last day always. I always live in Thanksgiving. But for those that haven’t taken the time to reflect, it’s important that you take some time to think about what matters and what doesn’t. Focus on what you do have. Because most of the time, we have everything we need; we just forget to appreciate having it. And you won’t know how much it really means or matters until it’s gone. So would you rather wait until then? Or would you rather tell that person that you love them, or feel grateful to be healthy? Priorities matter and days like Thanksgiving give us a sense of direction.

Discover L.A. (Northeast L.A.)

Dodger Stadium

By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

          

          One of my favorite places in the world is the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers. I can’t talk enough about this place, but I’ll tell you some of the coolest things you can take advantage of for next season. Dodger stadium was built in 1962 when the team moved from Brooklyn, New York, to what is now the coolest city in the West coast of the U.S. Okay, okay. Clearly, I’m an Angeleno and I’m biased, but if you’re living in, or visiting, Los Angeles, you should try to watch a game. 

          The stadium can boast about one of the coolest views in the city. It’s not too far from Downtown, so you can take advantage of your time and visit several places before a game. One of the coolest things you can do is bring food into the stadium without any problems. However, drinks are strictly monitored and visitors are only allowed to bring sealed water bottles. If you want to watch a game, I say you try the pavilions, as they offer the best chance at catching a ball, and the proximity to the players for the price is unbeatable. 

          Dodger stadium is one of the three oldest baseball stadiums in all of Major League Baseball. It has a long history and an even better team. It’s always best to go in groups and the best way to buy tickets is online. There are many apps available to get great deals. You can get tickets anywhere from five to twenty dollars in the All You Can Eat Area depending on the time and day of the game. So take advantage of the situation next season and enjoy a good day at the ballpark.

Free in L.A. (Northeast L.A.)

By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

School Night
Stay out late on a school night with this series of free Monday night concerts in Bardot's sumptuous courtyard lounge. Though the sets are short, the price is certainly right, as is the lineup curated by resident DJ and KCRW tastemaker Chris Douridas; expect a mix of local bands and touring acts like Miguel, Eleanor Friedberger, Odesza and Father John Misty. 

Bardot, Hollywood
Monday November 7 - Monday December 26 2016
FREE

Comedy Palace
This weekly comedy showcase in Los Feliz hosts one of the most stacked lineups of stand-ups this side of the 101. Located above a Chinese restaurant, the free Comedy Palace attracts a steady stable of late night show regulars every Thursday as well as surprise guests—you never know when Patton Oswalt will drop in or Maria Bamford will mount a month-long residency. It's worth every penny... if it actually cost you any to begin with. 

The Palace, Los Feliz
Thursday November 3 - Thursday December 29 2016
FREE

Language Systems Faces 

Interview with teacher Andrew Pak (NELA) 

By Carlos Takashima, Program Coordinator at NELA

1. How long have you been working at Language Systems? 
I’ve been working in Language Systems for a year.

2. What part of your job do you enjoy?
I like the interaction with students, faculty, and front desk staff.

3. What is the most difficult part of your job? 
Explaining things in a way that everyone understands.

4. Where are you from originally? 
I’m originally from Ogden, Utah.

5. What do you miss about your home country? 
I miss the four seasons.

6. Do you speak any other languages?
I speak Korean

7. What is your favorite holiday?
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.

Student Article 1 

Christmas is coming

By Yu Fu (Lesley)

Christmas is coming soon. For me, I get really excited about the many NBA Basketball games on TV. You can watch games all day long as the first game starts at 9:00 AM and the last one begins at 7:30 PM. 

The first game involves two of the biggest East Coast cities in the USA: The Boston Celtics versus the New York Knicks. There is a lot of pride between these two cities. This brings out even the most casual observers. The final game involves the two Los Angeles teams: The Los Angeles Lakers against the Los Angeles Clippers. If you have the time and money, you may want to consider going to this game on Christmas Day. 

Still, the most exciting game will be the NBA Finals rematch between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. These two teams are considered to be the top two teams in the NBA. They are also both favored to be in the Finals once again. 

No matter where you go, you should watch these games with your family and friends. It will be a wonderful time and a good way to spend your Christmas Day.

Student Article 2 

December: My Favorite Month 

By Eaint Thiri (Angela)

December, to me, is the most beautiful and joyous month of the year. Although I love the holiday season and winter fashion, they are not my favorite things. My two favorite things are the lights and setting new goals for the New Year. 

December is the month of Christmas celebration. Families come together and decorate their homes with lights and songs. I love how the season brings out generous and forgiving feelings out of people. 

December is also the month of planning. Since it is the last month, many people plan their goals for the new year. Everyone is excited and ready to start fresh and new. I feel that the month of December brings the best out of people. Thus, it is my favorite month of the year.

http://languagesystems.edu/