Favorite ESL Resouces: Books and Electronics

Teachers and students often ask me the books and other electronics that can be used for language learning and teaching. As a result, I've created a page to provides some of my recommendations. This list is by no means exclusive; there are hundreds and hundreds of great resources out there that might help you, depending on your needs:

• http://www.esl-lab.com/resources.htm

Best,

Randall

Moab's Red Hot 50K Trail Race

So, what did Randall do to celebrate Valentine's Day with his wife? Well, I'm somewhat crazy, but I ran an Ultramarathon (a trail race longer than a marathon at over 50 kilometers) in a southern part of the state of Utah near a famous national park called Arches.

It was a really hard endurance run, but my wife supports me in my crazy activities. She was waiting me at the finish line. It took me almost 8 hours to finish the race.

After you've been married more than 20 years like I have, couples do a lot of unusual things to support each other . . . love is great, isn't it.

I have discovered that getting away from computers and enjoying nature is just a more peaceful and relaxing way to spend my time. My wife and I enjoy running street races as well, but we're not fast. Just participating in a running event, whether your first or last, has its own reward.

You can read more about my adventure at:

-- http://www.hikinginutah.com/redhotmoab50k.htm

Randall

The Swine Flu: How concerned are you?

The spread of the swine flu is of recent concern, and many people are worried how this illness will eventually affect their lives. The potential effects could result in social, health, and economic changes. How concerned are you about how this flu or others like it could affect you now or in the future? Also, what other serious health concerns do people have in your area?

Share your ideas on the current and potential effects on your life.

Randall

Getting Advice: From Mom or Dad?

When you have problem in life, who do you turn to first: your mom or dad? Of course, friends are important in making decisions, but if you had to choose between your mom or dad for help, who would you ask? Does it depend on the situation and topic? If so, share your experiences and feelings about this topic.

For example, who would you talk to first in these cases:

• You need advice about breaking up with a girlfriend or boyfriend.
  
• You want to borrow money for a trip to Europe.
  
• You failed some classes at school, and you might be kicked out of the university, but you have to tell one of your parents your situation.
  
• You don't know how to find a summer job to earn money for school.
  
• You crashed your parents car while speeding, and you need to tell them.

If for whatever reason you can't ask a parent, who would you turn to for advice?

Randall

The Economy: Getting better or worse?

The economic situation around the world has being going through drastic changes in recent times, but how has any economic downturn in your country affected you personally? Have you had to cut back on certain expenses such as food (eating out), entertainment, and transportation? Do you think life for your kids and grand kids will be better, worse, or about the same in the future?

Share your ideas.

Randall

Positive Thinking: What if you could change the world?

We live in an imperfect world, and many people suffer from personal, social, environmental, medical, and even political problems, but if you had the power to change one thing in the world for the benefit of others, what would it be? Share your idea and explain why your choice would make a difference.

Randall

English Skills: Which is most important to you?

Students spend a lot of time trying to learn English, but which language skill area is most important to you:

• grammar
• listening
• pronunciation
• reading
• speaking
• writing

Please share your ideas and experiences on this topic.

Randall