ESLTalk - MovieTalk - Enchanted

Many people have been asking about movie recommendations and I have one in particular that works from Intermediate 2 (with subtitles) to Advanced levels.

I love this movie, I think I saw this movie about 9 times in the movie theater (seriously).

The story is basically about a fairy tale that takes place in modern world (New York).

A definite must watch.  It's a comedy and suitable for children. 

\Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

StockTalk - NOK, FMCC, FNMA

Lucky me.  My bet on two American Finance Companies paid off.  FNMA and FMCC.  Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  For those of you who follow American housing market, both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are government sponsored companies which sell mortgage backed securities.

I've been following this for quite some time and considering that the stock price I bought them at was less then $1.00, I knew that these companies would eventually recover (because they are government backed) as opposed to other private lending institutions which no longer exist.

I plan to hold on to both FNMA and FMCC until they are over $4.00 a share, which should come in the next quarter.

My other choices were both HA (Hawaiian Airlines) and NOK (Nokia), both doing well, but the latter quite a bit off from the 52 week high.  Following sales in overseas market will be key in ensuring the success of this company as I do not see the Nokia 925 making a big splash (due to its exclusivity with Verizon).  Further competition from the new release of BBM, Samsung IV and new iPhone devices this summer will make this a sell in the near future, I am waiting until $3.80/share before selling.

Now, I just wished I bought more FMCC and FNMA stocks.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Ferrol English Dinner Club Poster

Some of you have been asking for a picture of the actual poster!

So... here it is!  

It's a lower quality JPEG (the real picture is a 50MB file).

Enjoy!

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Ferrol English Dinner Club - May Meeting!

 This photo is a good indication of the last Ferrol English Dinner Club for this academic year!

Special thanks to everyone who has attended any of the Ferrol English Dinner Club meetings.

Shoutout to Pulperia O Toldo (Rúa Sol, 62) for having us.

Balloons - who would have thought?!

Click here to view all the photos from this event!

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

ESLTalk - WEEK27 - NA1 - Eating

 For this week, we go back to an easier topic to focus on speaking.

There are so many aspects to food that we can discuss, everything from world hunger, obesity to simpler topics, such as eating in and eating out.  

For me, I love to eat out, but it has to be for a special occasion or to try something new.  I love to cook and throw dinner parties at home.

All of the pictures below are from my own dinner parties, so if I´m going out to eat out, its mostly for the company, occassion, because I like to think I´m an awesome cook 

(not to toot my own horn, but TOOT TOOT).

Ha, the last picture is my dessert take on spaghetti and meatballs!

Click here for this week´s lesson.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

ESLTalk - NA2 - WEEK27 - Communication

Good afternoon everyone,

For this week, our dicussion is about communication.

Communication is a really interesting topic as it is always consistanly evolving.  The methods in which we communicate, but even with all the 100s ways too communicate, one thing isn't lost, the desire to communicate with others.

Since I travel a lot, I have to use more non-traditional methods of communication, especially when talking to my friends and family in Hawaii, California or anywhere in the world.

 

CLICK HERE for this week's lesson.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

VideoTalk - Candy Cab!

Cute video!

Funny how small things can make a big difference.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Going out...

While most people have the ability to sleep in after going out until 6am in the morning - I do not have this luxury.  I got home past 6 am and after eating and my pre-sleep routine, it was probably closer to 0630.

Of course, right now its about 10:54 and I've been awake for probably almost half an hour.

Funny thing, I'm not too tired, but I'm definitely not as alert as I normally am - #coffeetime!

Goodnight Ferrol, 6am is a perfect time to get home. #partyhard

— hawaiiinsomniac (@hawaiiinsomniac) May 18, 2013

Mind,Please let me go back to sleep it's 10:30 am. Thanks,Body

— hawaiiinsomniac (@hawaiiinsomniac) May 18, 2013

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

FunnyTalk - Mariah Carey

"If someone cut off Mariah's hands I think she wouldn't know how to sing." -@mshannon23

— hawaiiinsomniac (@hawaiiinsomniac) May 17, 2013

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

ESLTalk - NA2 - WEEK26 - Tourism

This week we talked about the implications of tourism.  

Coming from a place where annual tourists outnumber the local population by 450 percent, it is nearly impossible to say that tourism has little to no impact on Hawaii.

Well, there are many published authors that research exactly this, from the environmental, cultural and economic impact of tourism... so I'll just leave that to the pros.

CLICK HERE for this week's lesson

 Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

ESLTalk - NA1 - WEEK26 - Inventions

This week we talked about inventions.

What is the best invention ever?

The questions appears to be easy, because most students describe the immediate effects of the invention.  The harder part of the activity is to be able to describe the impact on society.

For example, printing press allowed for "sharing of ideas", but its more than just sharing of ideas, it was a catalyst for widespread literacy.

I still stand by my decision in class.  The best invention ever is the condom - saving humanity from 18 years of ____,____ and ______.

CLICK HERE for this week's lesson.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

TechTalk - Google+ Hangout! (BEST CHAT/VIDEOCHAT/IM EVER!)

For those of you with Google+ accounts, you know that you can log into Gmail and there is Google+ on the upper left!

Well, Google has recently updated Google+ hangout and it is perfect!  It takes the best of skype and even makes it better!  Check this out!

You can...

chat (typing)

video chat

share screenshots

share documents from google drive

take photos while in chat and share with the group

play games

you can watch youtube videos together (at the same time)

there's various apps as well, such as symphonical (great for dividing tasks and creating a plan)

save chats for a later time!

Try it out!

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

SpainTalk - My mild obsession...

I've always loved coffee and tea. 

One thing I really love about Spain is the coffee.

Yes, give me some café con leche (2-4 times a day).

I decided to make a mini collage with a few picture that I have taken.

Speaking of which, its 22:49, I should have some coffee.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

MusicTalk - Country Music

I decided to write a blog with my favorite country songs, thanks in large part to +Maura Shannon who got me addicted to the television show +Nashville.  

Country music is all about emotion and telling a story.
Country music can capture emotions that other genres of music simply cannot.

Here are my favorite country songs in random order:

Kellie Pickler - Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You

This song is pretty much summarized in the title.  I've been told that I can be somewhat emotionally distant, but I prefer to let my actions to the talking.  

Favorite lyrics:  

Didn't you know how much I loved you? I gave you everything, every part of me.  

Didn't you feel it when I touched you?

Dixie Chicks - Not Ready to Make Nice

For me this song goes hand in hand with another Kellie Pickler song below.
This song is very emotionally charged.  Not too many people know this about me, but it is really hard for me to let some things go.  Once I decide I do not like something (or someone) changing my opinion on the matter is very close to impossible.

Favorite lyric:
I'm not ready to make nice

It's too late to make it right

I probably wouldn't if I could

‘Cause I'm mad as hell, can't bring myself

To do what it is you think I should

Jason Aldean - Why

This song talks about the complicated aspects of a relationship.

Favorite lyrics:

Why do I always use the words

That cut the deepest?

When I know how much it hurts you

Oh baby why, do I do that to you?

Carrie Underwood - So Small

This song is very inspirational and when I am in a dark place, I listen to this song and most of the time, it really helps.  This song just helps me put life back into perspective.

Favorite lyric:
While you're sitting around thinking 'bout what you can't change

And worrying about all the wrong things

Time's flying by, moving so fast

You better make it count 'cause you can't get it back

Lonestar - Amazed

While some might consider this another love song, I almost feel that this is the country love song.
I may not have experience this type of love yet, but its still a great song.

Favorite lyrics:

I wanna spend the rest of my life

With you by my side

Forever and ever

Shania Twain - From This Moment

A classic love song.

Favorite lyric (a tad bit dramatic):

I give my hand to you with all my heart

I can't wait to live my life with you I can't wait to start

You and I will never be apart

My dreams came true because of you

Kellie Pickler - I Wonder

This song has struck an emotional cord with me.  I have an estranged relationship with my mother.  In fact, I haven't spoken to her in about 8 years and I have no plans to talk to her in the future.

Favorite lyrics:
Forgiveness is such a simple word

But it's so hard to do when you've been hurt

Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance

This song isn't just about dancing, its about being open to opportunities when they present themselves.

Favorite lyrics:
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

SpainTalk - Sports

Someone asked me the other day why I didn't join any sports.  I am very active (not so much this past winter), but I've never participated in any type of sports (which involved other people).

If there is one thing I really miss, its cycling.  Yes, I've had the opportunity to ride mountain bikes here and it was a great experience, but in the U.S. with my road bike, I can ride my bike on the streets along with the cars, in most cases even go faster than them.

During training mode, which was about 9 months out of the year (Hawaii weather allows for training all year round), I could ride my bike for 100km at a time (reserved for Sundays - longer ride days).

Training was also complimented by the fact that I have a cause near and dear to my heart, and in order to raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, I would participate in endurance sports and fund raise.

Well, maybe this upcoming year in Galicia, I'll focus on swimming, now to find an indoor swimming pool in A Coruña.  Speaking of staying in shape, I should go for a run while this weather is cooperating!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

ESLTalk - NA2 - WEEK25 - Gun Control

This week we had a fierce debate about gun control.

While we can agree to disagree, I still firmly believe in the right to bear arms.

I think one of the major drawback of guns is the fact when someone dies, it is a considered to be a very gruesome death. As I have included in my lesson, 11,101 people died from firearms in the United States in 2011. Yes, this is unfortunate, but it is the deaths that are NOT gruesome that we should be more focused on. For example, an article published last month in the New Scientist, reported that,"Sugary drinks may kill 184,000 people each year. Overconsumption of sweetened beverages is associated with deaths from metabolic diseases". 

Global issues (CLICK HERE) published than 21,000 children die DAILY due to "poverty, hunger, easily preventable diseases and illnesses, and other related causes." which equates to 7,665,000 children annually.

The point of this week's lesson is to be able to debate and argue your point of view. I am not asking you to agree with me, I am merely asking for you to understand my point of view. Once people no longer listen and debate is when catastrophe's happen.

People can debate all day long about what is right and wrong, but it is your actions that determines your impact in the world. I've participated in many races and raised over $40,000 for various non profit organizations and lent over $13,000 to various small business around the world.

CLICK HERE to make a difference.

CLICK HERE for this week's lesson

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

MusicTalk - When I'm Gone...

You're going to miss me when I'm gone.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

MovieTalk - BookTalk - Ender's Game

What?! An Ender's Game MOVIE?!

This better be EPIC!

I am going to reread the book, just for this movie!  Orson Scott Card first published this book in 1994 or 1995 or 1996.  Well, I don't want to give too much away, just watch the trailer and go read the book!

Ha ha, since I don't have a copy, you can find it on Amazon, by clicking here (Kindle Edition is only $4.98).

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

RandomTalk - Lazy weekend...

While most people think I am outgoing, I have a very private side as well.  In fact, I really enjoy my alone time - maybe too much.  I just realized I haven't left the house since Thursday.  Yes, I have not step foot outside of this apartment for over 3 days.  Partly because I am sick, but I just wasn't in the mood to.

It was really nice to be with my thoughts, write some plans, think about what was important in my life, write in my diary, create another website, catch up on my TV shows (Once Upon a Time, Parks and Recreation, New Girl), watch reruns (Golden Girls, RuPaul's Drag Race, Top Chef) and discover new tv shows (Nashville).  I also watched a couple of movies, Ruby Sparks (which I really enjoyed and I might write a review in another blog), Oblivion (meh), Jack Reacher (not too bad) and 13 Going on 30 (great 80s nostalgia movie).  I also played some video games on Steam - I downloaded one my favorite games of all time Left 4 Dead 2, played Magic the Gathering 2013.  It was great to not do anything productive.  Since school starts tomorrow, I don't have any classes to study for, I didn't study any Spanish, I didn't prepare any lessons, I didn't do much (in the way of productivity).

What I should start doing is packing since I have less than a month in this apartment.  I need to start sorting and planning, but I work better under pressure.  Sometimes, it seems like I need 1000 things to do to accomplish anything, then I get all 1000 things done in a day.

Having a lazy weekend allowed me to catch up some of my best friends and family.  I realize that my closest friends and I have very similar traits.  One of those traits is the need to be around people, but not be around people.  I feel perfectly comfortable sitting in silence next to people, I enjoy being an observer.  One of those friends is Sarai, who I met in Hawaii about 8 years ago, I was hosting her and the next time we meet was last  year in Florida and we've managed to keep in touch all that time.  Perhaps its because we have the same birthday.  I'm sort of babbling at this point, so hopefully this is making sense.  We started talking about relationships and how dating is so hard.  She called men, "peacocks" how they have to advertise and say everything that is great about them on the first date, then the rest of the time you're dating its a bit of a disappointment - a lack of allure, if you will.  Who knows, its probably the Facebook generation and having 1,000 friends, or the advent of internet dating where you have to quantify yourself based on society's expectations.  At this point, I'll probably remain single for the rest of my life, and I'm ok with that.

Well, its my last night of lollygagging, so I think its time for another episode of Golden Girls.  Special shotout to A and E (BFFs who bought me all the seasons of Golden Girls on DVD).  <3 nbsp="" p="" you.="">

Sarai and I.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

RandomTalk - Weird Coincidence.

Wow.  Things always happen for a reason.

For those of you reading my random rants, I posted a #FML blog spot about not being able to go to my first tennis tournament and in particular Ms. Venus Williams, my favorite tennis player.

She was scheduled to play today.

She has pulled out the tournament because of her back injury.

CLICK HERE for the announcement..

Rest Venus and see you soon!

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

ESLTalk - Frequency Dictionary

Now that I'm bedridden, I'm studying full speed ahead with my books.

One little tip I wanted to share with my blog readers is don't study everything in your book!

As someone who has taken a lot of tests (from GRE [Graduate Records Examination], GMAT [Graduate Management Admission Test) its about studying smartly.  I was really debating between a Masters in Medical Anthropology, Public Health and a Masters in Business Administration.  Funny thing is I gained admission for my MBA, but decided Public Health was more for me.  At one point, I was even studying for MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) to become a doctor, but after looking at the curriculum, I didn't really want to go to school for another 6 years or more. 

What are we talking about? haha, frequency dictionary.

I have one in Spanish which lists the 5,000 most used words in Spanish, which I am studying... 

For you, CLICK HERE to access the English Frequency Dictionary.  =]

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

EslTalk - NA1 - WEEK24 - News

For this week we talked about news and practiced reciting some "Breaking News".

A lot of people have asked me about world current events and to be honest, I really don't follow any of it.  Occasionally, I'll visit (Al Jazeera) if I want to figure out what is going on in the world, I think they have the best and most unbiased reporting.  Most of the time I read tech blogs, such as Engadget.  If I do want to read some news, I like the following sites: Happy News and Star Advertiser.  Happy News is a site which just provides happy news, which is great considering most of what is out there is no negative. 

CLICK HERE for Happy News

CLICK HERE for Hawaii News.

CLICK HERE for this week's lesson

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

EslTalk - NA2 - WEEK24 - Internet

This week we continue our discussion of technology, focusing on the internet and debate topics about bullying in the digital age.

It is unfortunate that many teenagers and kids feel like they have no where to turn.

One interesting question for debate this week was 

"Who should be held accountable for cyberbullying?"

All of the students (for obvious reasons) blamed the bully themselves; however, I tend to believe that bullies are also a product of our society.  We allow bullies to be bullies.  There is not enough repercussions for this type of behavior; in fact, most negative behaviors online probably get some sort of positive reinforcement (whether it is from an increased amount of likes, or forwards).

CLICK HERE for this week's lesson.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

#FML - Too sick to travel.

Besides having a pimple - which I have not had in years

(seriously - come on, I'm almost 33 - double #FML)

I am sick and will not be able to travel this weekend to see the Madrid Open.

I am really bummed as this was suppose to be my first tennis tournament EVER.

I was looking forward to watching Ms. Venus Williams (my favorite tennis player - ever).

Oh well, I guess I'll be studying Spanish, updating my blog and working on my tutoring website.

#fml

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Ferrol English Dinner Club - May meeting

You have voted - the last Ferrol English Dinner Club will be held on Thursday, May 23rd.

Invitations will be sent out next week.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.