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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
