Students Of Success

Train to Newport (1962)

I was but fifteen-years old, when
Tom and I snuck into the freight yard,
To catch a train going to Chicago.
I was surprised at my stupidity—!

It stopped in Newport, Minnesota,
Seven-miles from home, and we
And we both (Tom and I) kicked stones,
Walking those dark miles back home.

Note: The author did many things when he was young, but he never hopped a train again, it was his first and last time. #1241 2/23/06

Homeless in ‘68

The homeless man has naught—
For I was, when I was in San Francisco

Back in ‘68—
Everything is pointed against him
You want to cry a little, but I held it in.

It gets dark quick when you’re homeless.
No matter what side of the street you’re

On, a homeless man is in hot water!

#1240 2/23/06

In 1968, Dennis traveled from Minnesota to San Francisco by train, he had a streak of bad luck and had to eat at the mission house, and ended up sleeping on a sofa in a dojo, for several weeks, and then on someone porch on a couch for $5-dollars a week (a Spanish family). Then finally he found a job, and got a real room to roost in, and was very happy.

In Spanish
Translated by Nancy Penaloza

El Tren hacia Newport (1962)

Yo solo tenia 15 años de edad, cuando
Tom y yo escapamos dentro del depósito de carga,
Para coger un tren de ida hacia Chicago.
Yo estuve sorprendido de mi estupidez!-

Este paró en Newport, Minesota,
Siete millas de la casa, y nosotros
Nosotros ambos (Tom y yo) pateamos piedras,
Caminando esas millas oscuras de regreso a casa.

Nota: El autor hizo muchas cosas cuando era joven, pero él jamás salto un tren nuevamente, esta fue su primera y ultima vez. #1241 2/23/06

Sin Hogar en el ´68

El hombre sin hogar no tiene nada-
Ya que yo estaba, cuando yo estuve en San Francisco

Atrás en el ´68
Todo estaba apuntando contra él.
Ud. Quiere gritar un poco, pero yo lo aguanté.

Anochece rápido cuanto tú estas sin hogar.
No importa de que lado de la calle tu estas

Sobre, un hombre sin hogar esta en el agua caliente!

#1240 2/23/06

En 1968, Dennis viajó desde Minnesota hacia San Francisco por tren, el tenia una racha de mala suerte y tuvo que comer en la misión, y termino durmiendo sobre un sofá en una academia de artes marciales, durante varias semanas, y luego en el pórtico de alguien sobre un sillón por $5 dólares a la semana (una familia española). Luego finalmente el encontró un trabajo, y consiguió un cuarto verdadero para posarse en el, y fue muy feliz.

See Dennis’ web site: http://dennissiluk.tripod.com

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The act of selling an eBook can be a profitable experience. When one considers the relatively inexpensive nature of eBooks with resell rights and the ways by which cheap eBay auctions can be constructed, the selling of eBooks at auction can be a wonderful means of creating revenue.

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John Thornhill trades on eBay under the username planetsms. For more advice on how to succeed on eBay with information products visit http://www.planetsms.co.uk

When I asked, “Has anyone ever tried Saino?”; having tasted this species of wild pig called Peccary in English and native to many of the jungles of South America, I did regain a little respect for my “adventuresome” eating. But what brought the house down was my tale of breakfasts in America’s south with fried pork brains scrambled with eggs along with fried slices of pig testicles, known as “mountain oysters” in states like South Carolina, Alabama and Georgia. Mouths dropped open and glazed-over eyes seemed to double in size. Then they started talking.

One of the language aspects of most interest to your English language students will be conversation practice. As a native speaker, you represent the best that English has to offer in pronunciation, grammar usage, idioms and expressions, vocabulary, fluency and communicative ability. You are the ultimate example of English in use. But how can you regularly stimulate your English language students to speak spontaneously without timidity or fear of making mistakes?

The use of controversial questions and topics can help. In class ask something like: “What’s the most unusual or strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?” You can then give the answer for yourself first as an example. When I said the strangest thing I’d ever eaten was toasted or fried ants (called Hormigas Culonas here in Colombia) the students weren’t impressed. In areas of Mexico, insects like Agave worms (used in tequila), shiny, iridescent Humiles beetles, and leaf cutter ants and their eggs, are eaten as a matter of course. “I ate flowers once”, I piped up trying to regain some ground. Still no good. Flor de Calabaza, the bright orange flowers of a pumpkin plant, is passé in the areas around Tepoztlan, south of Mexico City. As a matter of fact, they’re delicious sautéed and wrapped in a hot, blue corn tortilla. Did I mention that I frequently dine on the deadly, fear-inspiring, razor-toothed Piranha? But that’s no big deal here.

It was the students’ turn and each had stories to tell. And tell them they did. “My aunt likes iguana”, one student blurted out. “Have you tried iguana eggs? another asked. “Yes, I have”, I smirked. Stories began to flow. Slowly at first, then faster as memories and emotions mounted. Tales of iguana, turtles, caimans (a species of alligator), donkey meat, reptile eggs, armadillo, a Guinea Pig relative called “Cuy” and Dagger fish emerged enthusiastically - bursting with anecdotes, humor and sometimes a bit of disgust. It not only got them speaking fluently, but was quite informative too. “You can always tell a dagger fisherman”, one Mexican student explained, “because of the strange scars they get from the fish.” I wanted to know more and they obliged. They spoke not only of things they’d tried, but of meats and meals they’d heard of others eating. Opinions of what, where and why added richness, depth and flow to the conversation. In the end I had to halt the session which ran well overtime with no indication of ending anytime soon.

Other topic questions might address places visited or dreamed of, an imagined conversation or date with a famous person, or what students imagine it’s like to do or be any number of occupations, people or things. “If Latin pop singer Alejandro Sanz or actor Brad Pitt called you on the phone, what would you say?” I asked. Giggles erupted from girls around the room, then responses began to trickle out. For the boys’ question it was Mexican singer Thalia, American actresses Pamela Anderson or Julia Roberts. Role plays, interviews, chain stories, social issues, drugs, crime, even proverbs and superstitions all have their place in stimulating the students as speaking activities. Ideas for questions and topics abound. Conversation references can be helpful too. One I use, “Conversation Inspirations for ESL” by Nancy Ellen Zellerman (published by Pro Lingua Associates) has been around for years. Try a controversial conversation question or two in your classes, it’s almost guaranteed to get and keep your students talking.

Oh yeah, I still haven’t tried the “Cow’s Eye soup” in Colombia or the steamy, animal-blood-sprinkled “Yaguarlocro” of Ecuador. But the chicken feet often found in “Sancocho”, Colombia’s national dish, don’t get even the smaller rise out of me anymore. And earlier this year, I sampled a hearty stew of Three-toed Sloth. They’re cute. They’re cuddly. They’re delicious. By the way, what’s the strangest, most unique food that YOU have ever eaten?

Prof Larry M. Lynch is a bi-lingual copywriter, expert author and photographer specializing in business and education-related writing in South America. His work has appeared in Transitions Abroad, South American Explorer, Escape From America, Mexico News and Brazil magazines. He teaches at a university in Cali, Colombia. To get original, exclusive articles and content for your newsletter, blog or website contact him at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com. For a free copy of the full version of this article including eye-popping photos , e-mail your request to: pentagon_elsb@hotmail.com.