I went to Cary town on Saturday. After I finished my errands I went to coffee shop. I met Ron who is an old man and lives in near the Cary town. He asked to me if I am Korean. I really surprised because most Americans do not know I am a Korean before I tell my name to them. We started to talk. At that time, he was having brunch. He said to me that he is a vegetarian and he explained why he is a vegetarian. First of all, he loves animals. He said that eating meat is like eating friends. I could understand him. I have a dog which is one of my family members. In South Korea, many people eat dogs in summer time. At that time, I could not understand them well. Another reason is that he doesn’t like smell of meat. When he talked about that, I couldn’t stop thinking about our classmate Jihye, because her favorite food is meat. I saw her to eat meat at least 5 plates. I thought that I will ask to Jihye what she thinks about vegetarians and eating meat.  Anyway, he recommended to me vegetarian sandwich. It was really delicious. I didn’t know that sandwich can be delicious without chicken. I was so glad to meet him.

Is Clinton’s India Visit Paying Off For The U.S.?

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106821061

Questions

- What do you think the role of the United States should be in world politics?

- Does the government of your country have any problems of diplomatic relations with certain foreign countries?

Vocabulary

- collaborate : to work together with a person or group in order to achieve something, especially in science or art

- leeway : freedom to do things in the way you want to

- bilateral : involving two groups or nations

Thank you so much Jihye. It is really helpful to me. Do you know there are some historical places in Korea?

lidarkomil:

This is about the Holocaust museum.  This museum is little bit scary and sad, but if you want to know and learn about the Holocaust, this museum is really helpful. And the Holocaust museum is in downtown. 

-Jihye-

Your speech is very clear.  Could you tell me where & when the event happens?

Can I go to the place next time?

greatsanfrancisco:

Concert in Belle Isle

My speech is about a concert I went in belle isle last month. I spent a great time with some friends and I new many american people. We had music, beer, and dance. It was awesome! I would recommend you to go there at least once.

Here you can see about this event. It’s really called Friday Cheers in Brown’s isle. It’s done every friday.

http://www.venturerichmond.com/events/vrevents.html#june26

      I visited the 17th street Farmers’ Market. This market is one of the oldest public market in the United State. This market could be the best place to enjoy your weekend.

       On July 16, I met my friend, Amanda at Student Commons Building.

       In my country, people often tell a lie which is called “white lie.” We believed that it is kind of propriety. So I wanted to know what American people think about “white lie.” My friend, Amanda said that telling white lies is not bad, but she does not do often. She told me her own experience. One day, she and her friends went to the restaurant for dinner after class, and she had eaten a lot of food. And then, she came back home. However, when she arrived at home, her mother prepared her favorite food for her. Moreover, her mother didn’t eat that food because she was waiting for her. So Amanda said to her mother that she was very hungry because she didn’t want to let her mother down. Even though she was very full, and she had an attack of indigestion next day, she was very happy at the moment because when she was eating food, her mother looked so happy. Her story moved me deeply.

Anti-Smoking Drugs May Have Psychological Effects

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106423112

Questions

- What do you think that using medications for quitting smoking is good way?

- How do the government in your country try to help people to quit smoking?

Vocabulary

- agitation : public argument or action for social or political change

- hostility : when someone is unfriendly and full of anger towards another person

- cessation : a pause or stop

        In South Korea, there are so many foreign workers from Southeast Asia, especially poor countries. By the way, it causes many problems:  illegal immigrants, sweated labor, a lack of understanding cultural differences and so on. Above all, some Korean people ignore foreign workers and some Korean companies treat with discrimination. For that reason, the relationship with foreign workers is getting worse nowadays. Also, many women from Southeast Asia, they try to get married with Korean because of being a citizen in Korea. But, the situation causes many crimes such as fraud, divorce, and domestic violence.  The worst problem is their children are treated with discrimination in their school and they have problems with their friends. Korean government has tried to fix the problems for a long time, but I think it is not getting better.  

ashort:

What is your answer to your first question re: racial tension in Korea?

    On July 9, I met my friend, Susan whose major is Fine Art at Student Commons Building.

    Last year, I heard that one woman who is single mom, gave birth to 8 babies. She has already 6 babies and she has no job. Giving birth is one of the most beautiful things, but some people said that when she was pregnant she should have decided to abort. I’m not sure that there are justifiable reasons for abortion. So I decided to ask my friend, Susan about abortion. She said that abortion should be banned and there is no reason in the world. First, both parents need to be more responsible for their action either they wanted the child or not. And the unborn child has a right to have his or her future. Therefore, killing or destroying a living things could be consider as murder. And more responsibilities and deep thought are required for many of people who are considering of abortion. I agree with her. But I’ve thought if a mother suffers in bad health, abortion could be justifiable, but only before 8 weeks.

Racial Tensions High After Riots In Western China

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106355730

Questions

1. Do you think that there is discrimination or segregation in your country or the world?

2. what do you think about this statement, ‘We’ve Picked Up Weapons To Defend Ourselves’?

New Vocabulary

riot - a situation in which a large crowd of people are behaving in a violent and uncontrolled way, especially when they are protesting about something:

roam - to walk or travel, usually for a long time, with no clear purpose or direction

poise - a calm, confident way of behaving, combined with an ability to control your feelings or reactions in difficult situations

authority - an official organization or a government department that has the power to make decisions, and has particular responsibilities