Martial Arts Master, The Life of Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee... who has not heard about him?. He was born in 1940, during the time when his father had gone to San Francisco to perform a show. You see, his old man was a Chinese actor and opera singer who was part of a travelling troupe. His Name was Lee Hoi Chuen, and had arrived to America with his pregnant wife Grace and his children. Bruce was conceived in the Jackson Street Memorial Hospital. He was called Jun Fan, which means ¨return again¨. Notwithstanding, he was given the English name Bruce by the doctor attending delivery. He grew up in Hong Kong and was a rebellious child. He was constantly getting into trouble due to getting involved in street fights during his adolescence. Ergo, his parents decided to send him to San Francisco when he turned 18. It was going to be good for him to change his environment. Indeed it was. While in America, he decided to finish high school. After a few months in San Francisco (1959), he moved to Seattle and enroll at  Washington Universty. He majored in drama and not philosophy as many claimed. Besides, he continued to train Kung Fu too. He actually learned martial arts when he was 14 and discovered to have an innate talent for it. Since then, he never stopped practicing. His style of fighting at the beginning was Wing Chun. Not only was Burce good at Kung Fu, but also at dancing. I neglected to mention that he won a Hong Kong Cha-cha competition back in 1958. He met his future wife Linda Emery while in college. She was majoring in education and fell in love with Bruce shortly after they met. In 1964, the got married and had two children (Brandon and Shannon). Bruce had done various gigs right after he left Hong Kong. He went from giving private Cha-cha lessons to first class passengers in the ship which he took to go to the US, to working as a waiter in Seattle. Be that as it may, his passion for Martial Arts never faded. He opened up a small school in 1960 in Seattle´s China Town. He would take in any kind of student. Whether they were Chinese or not. Even though it was a tradition not to teach Kung Fu to not Asians during that time, Bruce showed no discrimination whatsoever. He even started a school at Washington University´s campus. In 1964 he decided to drop out of school and move to California to pursue an acting career. Soon after he got the part for Kato, who was Green Hornet´s sidekick in 1966. He took part in several other TV shows and movies. Such as Batman, Longstreet, Fists of Fury and Enter the Dragon. One of his signature moves was his one inch-punch. By the way, Bruce kept on teaching even during his stardom years. He started a third school in Seattle´s China town in 1966. It was called ¨Jun Fan Gung Fu institute¨ after his name. Lee passed on while his last film ¨Game of Death¨ was in progress. Apparently he died from an edema in his brain at the age of 32. Overall, he was a great man who confounded and inspired many generations of martial artists. He was so good as to dwarf the skilled fighter Chuck Norris in the film ¨Way of the Dragon¨(1972). We can all agree that Bruce may have started out being a mischievous boy who would get admonish in school all the time. Nonetheless, we can also concur with the fact the he found his balance and became the best martial artist of his time.

How to learn any language in six months: Chris Lonsdale at TEDxLingnanUn...

Is it really possible to learn a second language in 6 months. In my case it would be the third. Anyhow,

today I will be talking about how much faster you can learn the basics and perhaps more of your target language if you follow some simple steps. However, before I start I wanted to ask you something: Do you think immersion alone will help you learn a language? Stephen Krashen debunked that supposition by claiming that learners mostly need to belong to an academic setting before they immerse themselves into the target language. You see, there is something called comprehensible input. When students receive information a little more difficult than what they know, especially by qualified educators, they start improving.  Anyway, this time I ran into Chris Londsdale´s talk about second language acquisition. According to him,  there are four principles you must consider when learning a language.

- Relevance: Chris explain this by giving as an example the signs you receive before you have to do something important. Such as when you are in the forest and discover signs of danger before you are about to be attacked by a bear. Ergo you have to focus on language content that is relevant to you. For instance, Chris had a friend who had been studying Chinese for nine months and yet did not know how to type in this language. Nonetheless, one day she got an assignment to get a job. She had two translate a manual into Chinese in 48 hours. Due to the fact that this was relevant to her, not only did she learn to type in Chinese in 2 days, but also she got the job. Being goaded on by an specific task you must do raises your interest in learning the target language faster.

- Attention: If you want to speed up learning you must use your new language as a tool to communicate from day one. Your will is what has to actuate yourself into wanting to understand more and more. For instance, if you go to a foreign country and do not know a single word of the local language, you will be in trouble. Notwithstanding, if you try to understand as much as you can by looking at people´s body language, gestures, etc, you will improve you understanding of the target language little by little.

- Meaning: When you first understand the message, you will unconsciously acquire the language. Even if you do not have background of the target language, you can understand a little if you do an effort. Be that as it may, it would be a lot better to have some background from an academic setting as a previously mentioned. That way you can communicate properly in a second language when you visit the country in which tat language is spoken. There has to be a combination between taking classes and immersing yourself in the language. Either of them alone would not entirely help you. For example, a person who has been studying English for years and has just focused on their course´s content, will have a lot of trouble interacting with native speakers when visiting  the US.

- Memory: Language learning is not only about accumulating lots of knowledge. You must use it in order for it to be remembered. There is something called physiological training. The speaker makes an analogy of the following: He says that if your whole body hurts after you have done a new sport, then you have done it right. The same thin happens when you get used to speak, write, etc. in a second language. You have to make the 43 muscles you have in your face work, and coordinate them to produce the sounds of the target language. By mimicking how a native speaker talks you can improve faster.

 There is an extra one...

- Psycho-physiological state: Stephen Krashen talked about the ¨Affective filter¨. When it is low, you are relaxed and concentrated. Therefore, you can learn better. However, if the filter is high, the story changes. You mostly will feel frustrated,etc. What is more, trying to understand every single word you hear from a conversation in your new language will hold you back.  That is why you should only try to understand the gist at a basic level.

Lastly, I would say that you may want to consider this principles. The people who endorse them are experts with several years of experience and research. For further information, I will post the video too.

Your Brain on Language

It may seem hard to pin down how the brain works. However, it is not that difficult. Today, I will be talking a little about neurolinguistics. Mainly the are 17 parts  in the brain which need to be considered, plus two more named after experts whom I will mention later on in this writing. If you are a future educator, you should not abate your interest in learning more about the human mind. In order to be as best teachers as possible, we need to understand our students´ minds. If we are able to figure out how the brain works in language learning, then we can help students who have got stagnated in stasis on their learning process. Besides, we need to take into account that each learner has different skills and progress at their own pace. Let us start off talking about the main parts of the brain.First of all the brain is divided into four parts: The brainstem, the cerebellum, the thalamus, and the cerebrum.


Brainstem: Located at the fornt back of the brain. It is broken down into three parts: The medula oblangata, the pons, and the midbrain. Its function are to keep yourself breathing, keep circulation and digestion going, etc. It also has sensory information coming in and motor nerves coming out. Ergo, it basically filters and sends information where it needs to go.


Cerebellum: Located at the far back of the brain. Its main functions are motor control and motion memory. For insntace, if you learn to ride a bike, your cerebellum is waht gives you coordination. Further, when you remember how to do it in the future, the cerebellum is helping you out too.


Cerebrum: Located in the upper part of the brain. Its function is to integrate and make sense of all the date that comes in. Besides, it is divided into two hemispheres. The right hemisphere and the left hemisphere. What keeps them connected is a part called corpus collosum. They say that math reasoning and logic take place in the left hemisphere. Whereas in the right side we facial recognition and imagination take place. However, these concepts are part of lateralization and can vary for instance if the person is left-handed. Let us move on with the parts of the cerebrum. The cerebral cortex makes up about 80% of the brain and is broken up into four lobes:
- The frontal lobe: It has an executive function, it also controls your personality and emotions. Moreover, the Broca´s area is located here which enable speech production and writing ability.
- The parietal lobe: It controls your senses and how you react to your environment. Here we also have a part called the motor cortex, which is involve in planning, control and execution of voluntary movements.
- The occipital lobe: Its main function is to control vision, color and shape recognition.
- The temporal lobe: It controls hearing and memories. Further, the Wernicke´s area is located  here too. Thanks to that part, we can understand and recognize oral and written information.




Thalamus: Located on top of the brainstem. Its function is to sort data and sending it where it needs to go. It also has a small protuberance below called the hypothalamus, which maintians body temperature, among other functions. Below whe have the pituitary gland, which sends out hormones.






The Broca and the Wernicke´s areas were both discovered by French and German surgeons who studied patients with aphasia in 1861. Besides,  It was found out that in some cases the brain would not get blighted by some lesions or tumors if the wenicke´s area got affected. In other words the lucky ones would get back to their normal lifes after a gross accident or a disease. Anyhow, if you´ve been sorting through the internet for written info on how the brain works in language, you´d better read this carefully. Next time your students are harrying you with their annoying questions, you will be more than prapared. It will placate yourself to know that one of those annoying students who seats at the front will not get away with their question. Lastly I would say that having satisfied students denotes you are already a better teacher.

How To Cross A Soccer Ball - Soccer Tips To Cross A Soccer Ball

The Argentinian national soccer team may still be plagued by defeat. Although it is true these guys did a wonderful job throughout the whole world cup, they did  not quite finish the job. During the first half of the final against Germany, there was an offside goal scored by striker Gonzalo Higuain. However after that, Arngentinians ran out of ideas. Lionel Messsi (team´s captain) , did not quite shine like in other games. According to many, he screwed up the last chance his team had to score a goal. During that free kick in the minute 120, he could have cross the ball and give the chance to his teammates to score. Nonetheless, he decided to take the risk and shoot directly to the net. Not only did he not accomplish such a deed, but also he ended up with such a bitter expression on his face. Despite the fact that Messi was awarded with the Golden Ball after the final, it did not really buoyed up his spirits. According to Argentina´s soccer legend Diego Maradona, Messi did not deserve the Golden Ball. Now that is a matter of polemic. Even though Argentina could not make it, many stalwart supporters still believe Messi is the best player of his generation and that he indeed deserve to obtain FIFA´s Golden Ball. Now, the still young Barcelona´s star is trying to collect himself after the defeat and think about the future. Wether or not he deserved such an accolade is up to FIFA´s authorities. Nobody is trying to tout Messi as the best player on Earth. Notwithstanding, people cannot deny such a unbelievable talent he has. Anyhow, I would not want to truncate this post. Be that as it may, duty calls me. Moreover, let us hope that in Russia 2018, we can witness a more unbiased performance from FIFA´s chosen referees. We do not want to see more dishonest soccer officials under the guise of above board people. Lastly, I would suggest not to lose hope that the next world cup will be better overall.
P.S. Here is how to cross a ball properly...

Language Teaching Methods: Suggestopedia

Over the years, several teaching methods have been created to make the second language learning process more efficient. Too mention just a few of the linguist who revolutionized language learning, we have Noam Chomsky and Stephen Krashen. Anyhow, today I am going to talk about some of the methods we teachers use in our classrooms and sometimes (especially at the beginning of our careers) do not even realize we are using them. Let us see the following three:

- Total Physical Response: This method is mainly used with children and pubescent students.

Linguist James Asher began experiment with it since the 1960s. Asher noticed that children, in learning their first language, actually do a lot of listening before they can speak. Besides, he also realized that their listening was accompanied by physical responses (reaching, looking, etc.). This multisensory processing of language takes place through the simultaneous activation of the child´s visual, auditory and kinesthetic senses. This helps the children understand the target language gradually. Moreover, Asher said as follows: ´The teacher is the director on the stage play in which the students are the actors¨. In fact at the beginning, TPR was tipically used in the imperative mood. Commands were meant to get learners to loosen up and move around. However, it also gave rise to humor and questions: For instance we could hear jokes such as ¨Walk slowly to the window and jump¨, and questions such as ¨ Who is John¨ regarding a story that is. Nowadays, the aforesaid teachniques are still in use. However, it is also used to make shy students open up. Activities such as ¨action stories¨ and ¨role playing¨ play a crucial role in the learning process. Even though the idea of associating language teaching with psychomotor techniques was not new by the time Asher began using it, he was the one to capitalize on this idea and develop it .

- Direct Method: The direct method was created as a response to the grammar translation method. Its main goal is to immerse the learner in the same way as when the learn their mother tongue. Besides, no translation is allowed in this method. Meaning must be conveyed directly into the target language through the use of demonstrations and visual aid. Moreover, speaking is taught first before reading and writing, and it is expected for learners to speak at least 80% of the time during the lesson. Further, grammar is taught inductively. Students should figure out the rules through the examples given by the teacher. Not to mention that learners must use the language in  realistic everyday situations. Last but not least, students are encouraged to think in the target language. You see learners should get used to use the target language each time they want to say something in class. The use of mimicry and realia are crucial in this method. For instance, the teacher holds the door and he tells their students ¨I am holding the door¨. There is no further need to explain. By the way, one of Direct Method´s best known popularizers was Charles Berlitz. 

- Suggestopedia: This method was developed by the Bulgarian psychologist Georgi Lazanov in 1979.

 You see, the human brain can process great quantities of material when given the right conditions for learning. Lazanov created this learning method method that capitalized on relaxed states of mind for maximum retention of material. Through classical music and a welcoming environment for instance, an educator can get their students to learn a lot better. Another example would be what can be done at the start of the class. The teacher asks their students to relax and then plays some classical music. After that she begins telling them a story while using mimicry at the same time. Then, the teacher stops the music and tries to review what learners have understood from the story. The results are impressive. After some rehearsing some students themselves have to go in front of the class and perform the story. Not only is their imagination stirred, but they are also motivated. This method is also related to Krashen´s affective filter. You never know, students can be besetted by some of their everyday experiences. So that they need as much support to learn as they can from their teacher. We want effervescent students and a lively class. Ergo their affective filter must be low.

Lastly, there are many more methods used in second language teaching. We do not want our students to always flounder for what to say in the target language, or to blunder on with a silly explanation. That is why we must do our best to make them feel as comfortable as possible in the classroom. 

Luiz Felipe Scolari New Post Match Interview | Germany Vs Brazil 7-1 | S...

I had not talked about the FIFA world cup 2014 until this day. Nonetheless, what happened yesterday in the match between Brazil and Germany was outrageous. Whilst it is true this Brazilian national team showed up for the semi-final match with two considerable absences (Striker Neymar and defender Thiago Silva), there was no excuse for getting routed in such a way. They say that in years to come, people will remember July 8th, 2014 as one of the darkest days in Brazilian soccer. The aforesaid statement is true.  It is little wonder people say that though. I would even venture to say that not only was yesterday one of the worst days in Brazilian soccer, but also in its history. Since, its national team had not lost like that in a world cup since the 30s. Not even expert soccer commentators would have predicted such an outcome.

We all know that playmaker Neymar was a cornerstone in attack. Due to his ability to drible past and shake off defenders. On the other hand, we also Know that captain Thiago Silva was the one to marshal fellow defenders and manage a strong defense. Notwithstanding, it is really pathetic for a team such as Brazil to rely on just two players to win all their matches. It seems that coach Scolari paid scant attention to the powerful German attack. Besides, he did not line up a deffensive team. In fact noboday knows what kind of strategy coach Scolari had planned out before the match. This Brazilian team seemed more of a deadweight than anything else.
This is not time for moping though. Brazil still has got one more game to play. If this brazilian team wants to get back some of its dignity, it had better wins Saturday´s game.  This is no time for backtracking either. This team needs to have its strategy reorganized ASAP. Brazilian fans must still be completely shell-shoked. Be that as it may, they have to muster some strength so that they can root for their team this Saturday.

Even though I am disappointed in this team, I will not sever my fondness for it. Ever since I was a little child, I have always been a huge fan of brazilian soccer. Moreover, I know this team will get over this situation. It seems that this Brazil´s weakness was present as a pitfall. Let us hope the next Brazil´s head coach does not cleave to old ideas, and also has a wider view of what it means to move with the times.

Interlanguage and Langauge Teaching

What is interlanguage? When learning a second language there are lots of things to be considered by educators, such as seating arrangement, teaching strategies, among others. Anyhow, this time, I would like to explain what interlanaguage is and how it does work for students.
We  call intelanguage to the pidgin that is created in between L1 (Native language) and L2 (Second language). Besides what I just said, it would be important to consider that interlanguage has three characteristics:






- It is systematic: Second language learners tend to create their own rules. They may not be right, but they follow a patter. For instance, in the following case you see how a student overgeneralizes with a rule.





 I go home                                                  
   I goed home




- It is dynamic: Even though it is systematic, it does not mean it cannot change. Ergo,  students can
  change a previous mistake instead of shaming knowing all the actual forms of a rule. For example:


 I goed home
  I went home






- It is variable: Learning depends on the type of input (instruction, audio-visual aid, etc) students  
  recieve, on the environment (classroom, etc.) in which they learn, and last but not least, on the
  amount and quality of exposure they have to the second language being learned.






Moreover, we cannot go without knowing the relationship that exists between interlanguage and fossilization. Fossilization happens when a student is escalating from the bottom to the top of their learning process. However, before reaching the top the top the student fossilizes (becomes stuck with a mistake they have made). Therefore, they cannot progress.






Lastly, how can we get our students to overcome interlanguage and fossilization?. What is more, how can we get them to acquit themselves greatly in most of their tests?. Well, we should consider that every task takes time and dedication to be achieved. I would say that the better we prepare and encourage our students, the more results they are going to bring to the table.

Dan Gilbert: Why we make bad decisions

Is it really hard for us to make good decisions? People are usually lampooned for deciding to do something based on what seems more atractive to them. This time, I found this talk on how we can change our hasty behavior when we make decisions. The speaker is psychologist Dan Gilbert, who  claims our beliefs about what make us happy are often wrong. Among the things he mentions in his speech, he emphasizes the fact that we tend to be really impatient. For instance, if we had to decide between getting a $50 price today and a $60 price in a month, most people would go for the $50 bill.

Why? Well, waiting does not appeal to the common Joe.  On the other hand, Dan also mentioned this example: If we see that the we are going to get $100 off a new TV is we go to the distributor. The problem is that it would cost us $100 on gas to get there. However, we mostly do not see that. If we believe we are actually saving money, then our thoughts engender a sense of prudence. Nonetheless, if we do realize that it is not worth to schlep all the way to the distributor for a TV that will cost the same anyway, we have progressed. Whether or not we want to end up like ornery idiots, who complain all the time because they do not know where their money went is up to us. According to Dan, we are used to make comparisons. Therefore, we should use them to give us a hand rather than make us see things that are not there. Dan´s example can be applied in lots of situations. He even talked about the lottery. Even though people know it is unlikely the will win the lottery, they still get a ticket because they see winners on TV. To instance another situation: If I squish my belly and notice I am not that in shape, I would plan to go to the gym for at least 6 months to start seeing results. Notwithstanding, since I do not like waiting that much, I might as well end up wasting my money in one of those useless abs machines I see in infomercials. We can obviously see that the results we get at anything are correlated with patience and hard work ab initio. Now if you want your enthusiasm towards solving some of your seemingly insurmountable problems be kindled, stick around a while longer and watch the video I will post.