Hello Friends!
Monday, March 21 is the spring equinox (equal hours of daylight and dark). We are seeing a lot of snow for almost spring! I found out today that there is an adage that we have snow until basketball is over. Go March Maddness!
Classic English Humor
English is a fun, funny, and unpredictable language. The comedian Gallagher hits the nail on the head when he talks about our language spelling and pronunciation. Don't be fooled; everyone has trouble with this language.
Friends’ Book Recommendations
Everyone is always on the lookout for a good book. We often turn to our International Friends for advice. Here is our most recent reading list. There should be something for everyone. Do not discount a genre you don’t normally gravitate to…you may find a new interest and new ideas (and words). By the way, there are teen and children's books on this list. Try them. As one Friend said, "I am too curious not to see the end...even if it is frustrating."
- Colleen Hoover: It Ends With Us and other books in the series
- Marcus Luttrell, Lone Survivor
- Chris Kyle: American Sniper
- Kristin Hannah: The Nightingale and Winter Garden
- Alex Epstein: Fossil Future
- Jeff Kinney: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
- Any and all cookbooks!
Talking Topics
Buzzwords and hot buttons may push the conversation into the danger zone. Since we are more than halfway to a big election year, watch for an acceleration of issues around ideologies, terms, positions, and personalities. It can be hard to judge what words will become the next great discussion point, argument, or battle.
- reparation
- equity
- inclusion
- root cause
- fentanyl
- bias
- woke
- MAGA (Make America Great Again)
News Bite Sources
In a related story, being informed from reliable sources and from a variety of sources is important. There is so many places and people out there. How can you curate and source news and information. Get started with these.
- 1440: All the news. None of the bias.
- The Hustle: Five minute newsletter for innovators in business and tech.
Local issues and information come from the local news.
- Hamilton County Reporter provides a consolidation of local news for Hamilton County in Indiana. This type of "newspaper" is available all over the United State.
- Current is another source for local news at a city or town level.
The Constitution of the United States of America: Article 1, Section 4
The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.
The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.
American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM, Zoom
We presented vacations including who, what, when, where, why, and how. Everyone had to ask additional questions. Polishing our conversation skills is great. Five new words or needed words was easy to come up with because of our presentations.
March 21:
- Bring five new words or needed words.
- Talk topic: A book or movie you like.
American English: Thursday, 9:00-10:00 AM, Zoom
We had a reunion and new Friends join us. It was time to have a refresh for getting to know each other.
March 23:
- Bring five new words and one old word that you would like to talk about further.
- Talk topic: vacations.
American Accent Training: Thursday, 9:30-11:30 AM, Zoom
Chit chat covered some strong conversation topics.
March 23: Pop in for chit chat, polish, and Bill's Tip!
Kids' Conversation: Friday, 5:30-6:00 PM, Zoom
What a great meeting we had. Everyone had a wonderful weekend of firsts: a ski trip to a resort and a Cold Play concert! We are living the life! Chvches was the warm-up band. Wow! This is a good one, too. Look them up.
March 24: Join us to share five new words (or old interesting ones). Our conversation will be free-flowing about what your school is like.
acceleration: speeding up or increase
adage: short statement of general truth
buzz words: jargon words or phrases that are fashionable or used regularly
curate: select and bring together the best or most accurate people and ideas
danger zone: controversial area
hits the nail on the head: is spot on, accurate
hot buttons: emotionally or politically charged topics
in the know: well informed
keep you current: aware of what is happening
look them up: do research to find out more
on the look out: looking
out there: in the world, in the wild
positions: philosophical or political perspectives
terms: words
turn to: ask for advise or help
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