Author: Eric

The East and West Learning Club May 2018 Schedules

May 3  Improv Class

6:30 – 8:30 PM

Facilitated by professional actor and acting teacher, Nancy Morrison, the improv class will fill the night with brain teasers, fun stories, laughters, and good companies in an friendly, welcoming setting.  For more details, please visit Improv Classes minutes.

Continue reading “The East and West Learning Club May 2018 Schedules”

The East & West Dialogue with HR Veterans on April 26, 2018

Marcia Dunbar has served University of Toronto, Seneca College, Career Edge and other organizations, promot

ing respectful workplaces in HR planning, operations and independent consulting roles for over 15 years.  She is passionate about helping young people understand the new world of work, and has Over 8 years supporting and teaching recent grads to kick start their careers through paid internships and job search strategies.  Now a mother of 2, Marcia Grew up in Scarborough, and attended Henry Kelsey, Agincourt CI and  Albert Campbell CI.  She said she would be very happy to come back to the community, and share her experience and knowledge with us.

Minutes: April 12th, 2018

April 12th, 2018

Minutes by Eric

Participants: Eric, Michelle, Yang

Participants first did their presentations. Since there were less participants than usual, the time limit of presentations were raised to two minutes and there were no time limit for topic discussions. Participants talked about the education difference between China and Canada, the school life of students, and book events. Participants then discussed about the chapter of “Living With Neighbours”. You should be friendly to your neighbours and respect their living space. Participants also shared their experiences with their neighbours.

The East and West Learning Club April 2018 Schedules

April 5  Improv Class

6:30 – 8:30 PM

Facilitated by professional actor and acting teacher, Nancy Morrison, the  improv class will fill the night with brain teasers, fun stories, laughters, and good companies in an friendly, welcoming setting.  For more details, please visit Improv Classes minutes.

Continue reading “The East and West Learning Club April 2018 Schedules”

Reading notes: Emily Post’s Etiquette — Common Courtesies

We learned Emily Post’s Etiquette (18th edition) Chapter 3. Common courtesies at our book club meeting on March 22, 2018.  Below is my reading notes.

Quotes from the book:

“Being courteous means taking personal responsibility for the way our actions affect others, showing respect for the space we share and the well-being of those we share it with.”

“Common courtesy starts with acknowledging those around you pleasantly.”

“• Notice, notice, notice. Say “thanks” when someone does you a favor and give compliments when you can.”

For gentlemen:

“• On the street, a man traditionally walks on the curb side of a woman—shielding her from the hazards posed by passing horse and buggies, now cars, splashing through puddles.

  • A woman precedes a man through a door, on an escalator (unless she needs help getting on or off), or in a narrow outdoor passageway.
  • A man precedes a woman into a dark street or building, down a steep ramp or a slippery slope, on rough ground, and through crowds, taking her hand or arm as necessary.”

Things not to do that I was not too sure before reading this book:

“Holding space in a line for friends who are paying separately from you.”

Some examples given in the book (17th edition, Chapter 4: Dealing with rudeness).  I think they are very helpful to people who are learning spoken English:

(Note: 1. Most of the time people just let it go – it may not worth the emotional energy you’d need to fight back; safety concerns; 2. You can also laugh it off – just chuckle, and switch the topic; 3. Take it to the higher authority instead of dealing with the offender yourself.  If you decide to speak up, be calm and polite.)

“Please don’t shout.  I know the space is tight, and kids will be kids.  But your daughter has been kicking my seat since we boarded.  I’d really appreciate it if you could ask her to stop.  Thanks!”

Reply to a rude comment:

“How kind of you to say so.”

“Many of us are trying to read.  So would you mind lowering your voice?  Thanks!”

“Would you please sit down so I can see?”

“Excuse me, but I guess you didn’t realize this is the express lane.  I’m just letting you know for future reference.”

To someone who cuts you off when a new check-out line is opened:

“I’m sorry but I’ve been waiting longer than you.  Would you mind if I go first?”

To a co-worker who always bring lunch with strong smell:

“Steven, are you trying to drive us all away so you can have a quiet lunch?  The smell of that broccoli just may do the trick!”

To someone who keeps gossiping about a co-worker in shared public space:

“Terrisa, I don’t mean to butter in, but if you want to speak ill of Virginia,  don’t you think you should do it in some place more private?  You never know when she might walk in.”

To someone who gives sarcastic comments on your son’s choice of university major:

“Like me, Jimmy thinks the real reward comes from loving what you do, not how much you make.  And I couldn’t be more proud of him!”

“Excuse me, but I’m not sure that you noticed there are children on the bus.  Could you please watch your language?”

To someone who puts a bag on a seat on a crowded train:

“Excuse me, but would you mind if I sit down?”

“Robert, I assume you’ve smoked in the car so you wouldn’t need  to in the restaurant. Would you mind if we move to the non-smoking?”, instead of “First you smoked in my car, then this (picking seats in smoking area)?”

New behaviours I’ve developed after I came to North America:

Say “Excuse me” when I encounter somebody in a narrow space, have to pass by, or move closer to someone.

Smile at strangers on the street and say “hi”.

Hold the door for people right behind me.

When waiting in line to check out in a grocery store, I learned to put a bar behind my items to make it easier for the person behind me to put his or her items onto the conveyor  counter.  I’d  also let the person behind me to go first if he or she has just a handful of items while I have a lot.

If I can’t make it on time, I’d call to let people know, and give the reason, especially the ETA.

Greet the driver when getting aboard a bus, and say “thank you” when getting off.

Unstrap my backpack when it’s crowded on a bus or subway, and stow it down.

Finally, here are a couple of articles I wrote in both English and Chinese about the cultural differences that are related to some topics mentioned above:

Chinese Saying “Thank-you” /中国人说“Thank You”

甜言蜜语 vs 良药苦口/Sweetened Words V.S. Bitter-sweet Pills

Author: Yang

Minutes: March 22nd, 2018

March 22nd, 2018

Minutes by Eric

Participants: Aaron, Charlene, Eric, Jackie, Jefferey, Michelle, Shengnan, Yan, Yang, Yong

Participants first did their one minute presentations. Aaron talked about his trip to Forest Valley, he learned and watched how maple syrup is made. Yang talked about the blind book clubs she went to, and what they did. Eric talked about the race for technology supremacy between China and America, how China is surpassing America. Michelle talked about his son and some challenges in his school life. Jacky talked about the school shootings happening in the States and he supports having guns for citizens to protect themselves. Shengnan talked about her trip to Yellowknife to see the northern lights. Yong talked about his tools were stolen and he has to buy them. Yan talked about how she has no interesting things to share and she hopes she can do something interesting.

Then participants discussed chapter 3: Common Courtesies in the book Emily Post’s Etiquette. Everyone talked about some things they didn’t know before reading the chapter and some interesting things that they are not sure about. “Being courteous means taking personal responsibility for the way our actions affect others, showing respect for the space we share and the well-being of those we share it with” is what the book describes how to be courteous. You should always observe and try to make other’s lives easier.

For some more details, please see Yang’s reading notes:

Reading notes: Emily Post’s Etiquette — Common Courtesies

EAWLC Workshop announcement: Explore poetic experience and live in each moment!

Anna Yin is Mississauga’s Inaugural Poet Laureate (2015-2016) and Ontario representative for the League of Canadian Poets (2013-2016). She has authored six books of poetry and her poems have appeared at ARC Poetry, New York Times, China Daily, CBC Radio, World Journal etc.  Anna won awards including the 2005 Ted Plantos Memorial Award, two MARTYs, two scholarships from West Chester University Poetry Conference, two grants from OAC and 2013 Professional Achievement Award from CPAC. Her poem “Still Life” was part of Poetry in Transit featured on buses across Canada in 2013. She read her poetry on Parliament Hill and has been featured at 2015 Austin International Poetry Festival and 2016 Edmonton Poetry Festival.  Anna has been interviewed by CBC Radio, Rogers TV and Talent Vision TV, The Toronto Star and China Daily several times.  She teaches Poetry Alive at schools, colleges and libraries. For more information about Anna, you can visit her website: annapoetry.com

On Thursday March 29, 2018, Anna will come to the East and West Learning Club to facilitate a workshop —

“Beauty is everywhere. What you need is the eye to discover it. This workshop is designed not only to help one to discover the beauty of nature, but also to discover the inner self, and to live in each moment. At the workshop, I will invite everyone to participate in several enjoyable games. Each participant will have opportunities to reflect their daily life and to express themselves. There are also interesting riddles/short poems that will illustrate how much fun it can be with word playing.  We will discuss the various voices revealed in poetry reading and interpretation. We will also learn the beauty of the combination of different cultures. All in all, I hope to help participants explore the world of imagination, and find a way to express their emotions  through words.”

Workshop schedule:

6:30-7:00 PM  Pizzas, dumplings & social

7:00-8:30 PM  Workshop

Cost: Free (including a simple meal).  A donation of a loonie or a toonie would be appreciated, too.

Venue: Iroquois Junior Public School, 265 Chartland Blvd., Scarborough (near Finch & Brimley; free parking available at the west side of the school building.)

Space is limited to 15 seats.  First come, first served.  Please RSVP at: ericliujt@gmail.com.  Thanks.

Let’s learn, and enjoy writing poems through games.  Everybody can do it because we are all poets, writing our lives with actions, words, or both!