Lady Gaga is not just a pop culture sensation she is a recently minted pop culture institution. She is stomping out the competition one outrageous outfit at a time, not to mention her slew of singles permanently pinned to music’s hottest lists across the globe. It was only a matter of time before her influence spread to the always flattering but even more profitable art of imitation.
House of GAGA is a performance group from Australian that specializes in bringing you the “Gaga experience.” The group is led by Zoe, the bottle blonde who with astonishing clarity vocalizes all of the pop divas songs. She gets major clout for not only sporting the wacky wigs, costumes and accessories but actually singing the songs and not opting for the easier lip-sinking option popular with many imitation acts. She is spritely and engaging and a good option when the real thing isn’t available, she’s like Gaga’s Coke Zero same taste but a little less satisfying than the full flavored original.
The four banging backup dancers provide a nice distraction with energetic dance routines allowing for their leading lady to make all those necessary costume changes. True to form for any Gaga experience the costumes were somehow simultaneously over-the-top and barely there. A gasp from the audience accompanied the beginning of one provocative dance routine when the male dancers took the stage in nude tights and jock straps and nothing else. The choreography was fast, fluent and sexual charged much like the music itself.
Overall it was an extremely entertaining experience the set list was played out in a short sweaty hour, leaving those gathered on the floor wanted just a little more bang for their buck- or in this specific case more Gaga for the 100+ RMB they threw down for the occasion. The DJ that led the night played hits like he was mixing straight from the iTunes top singles list, but never-the-less there were bodies moving all around guided by Gaga’s famous first words JUST DANCE. In this day and age as OMG is being replaced in certain circles with Oh My Lady Gaga, these Aussie hot bodies are not the only group out there trying to fill those diamond studded platform stilettos of the global pop icon. Even though their tour is a success on a minor scale, there is still no one out there that can touch the one and only Fame Monster, Lady Gaga!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Library Project
Making a Difference, One Book at a Time
On a raining Xi’an afternoon a cool damp breeze blows through the open windows of the Library Project’s 16th floor office. Over looking the south side of the wall the view is arguably one of the best in the city. But it is what goes on inside the office walls, away from the windows, that is the true treasure.
The name, The Library Project, opens up a brief glimpse into this charity’s purpose, simply donating books and libraries to under funded schools and orphanages throughout the developing world. That is all that is needed to be said to understand what this company strives to do, but it is the wheres, the whys and the hows that really help step this organization out in front of others.
When asked what you would do with $500 most people wouldn’t think too big. Buy an iphone, take a mini-vacation, or treat yourself to a really nice dinner, but when Tom Stader looked at his $500 he saw an opportunity to give, an opportunity to change lives, he saw something beyond the color of money.
The original idea for The LP came from a philanthropic project that Tom and friends came up with when working in the marketing department of Aston English. Asking people to donate money for books had a very successful first time run, and it didn’t really stop. People kept hearing about the project and donating money to a paypal account that had been set up for the cause. It was then that Tom realized that there might indeed be something to this, he also realized that he needed to make sure these donated funds made their way to libraries in need.
It wasn’t always as cut and dry as give me your money and a child gets a book, there were some financial struggles along the way, as is the case with most charities. A non-profit company like The LP will have to find a way to stay afloat while making sure that the money donated is allocated efficiently and effectively. Overhead costs are kept low to make sure that the primary percentage of income is going directly out the door in the form of bookshelves and books.
But stay afloat they have, having grown from a tiny one project idea to the massive giving network that it is today. There is no end in sight, there are always places to go and children in need and that is what motivates this team to find more alleyways of opportunity, what motivates them to make a difference “One Book at a Time.”
The whole operation has been successfully growing in the last few years since its 2006 Xi’an inception. With an office donated from Aston English, The LP set up shop and hit the ground running. Since that day they have donated over 250 libraries in 19 provinces throughout China. One outstanding characteristic of this company that adds to its success is the preparation and follow through that goes into each and every library.
The contents donated to these rural schools, orphanages and communities are far more than book laden bookshelves. This company goes beyond the books, they go with the books into the classrooms and offer the teachers support. You can give a child a book but teaching that child to appreciate that book is just as valuable. Books are tools for education and giving a teacher a tool but not explaining how to use the tool to the best of its ability would be a waste of time and effort. That is why The LP goes a step further.
The Library Project conducts a comprehensive Librarian Training Course for the teachers and administration of every rural elementary school and orphanage. This course goes over how to check books in and out to students, how to use the children's books in a classroom setting and how to get the students involved in the maintenance of their library.
There are 50,000 children of China who benefit, on a daily basis, from the hundreds of libraries and the 150,000 plus donated Chinese language books and that is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the four member Xian team Jenny Wang, Country Director; Belinda Yu, Logistics & Purchasing Manager; Nichole He, Project Manager; Jocelyn Jia, Volunteer Coordinator.
However it is the donors and the volunteers that keep the company able to brighten the lives of these children. Whether it is a contributing company or an individual donor each effort of giving is greeted with graciousness and a vow, a promise that every donation no matter how small will go directly to this admirable cause.
As for volunteers it is best said by County Director Jenny Wang, "Our volunteers play an important role in introducing the students to their new library. Games are played, songs are sung, and of course books are read. It is a very positive experience for everyone involved.”
This is a charity that speaks to the heart of a society; it seeks to build a stronger future by inspiring the imaginations of children today. Mark Twain once said if you want your children to be intelligent read them fairytales, if you want them to be more intelligent read them more fairytales. His meaning is simple and it is one that is similarly grasped by Tom Stader and The Library Project team.
“Libraries put children in the driver’s seat of their education,” says Stader “Library books are different from textbooks. Kids may be inspired by the teachers in lessons and then explore their interests further in a library. With a library their imagination gets involved.”
Education is change, and The Library Project is creating change in the simplest way possible, by giving children the resources to learn and grow. To succeed, they need support. If you are interested in donating or finding out about other ways of becoming involved, please visit their Web site at www.library-project.org or contact Tom Stader at tom@library-project.org. The Web site contains a wealth of information about each of the libraries donated in China to date as well as prospects for future libraries.
On a raining Xi’an afternoon a cool damp breeze blows through the open windows of the Library Project’s 16th floor office. Over looking the south side of the wall the view is arguably one of the best in the city. But it is what goes on inside the office walls, away from the windows, that is the true treasure.
The name, The Library Project, opens up a brief glimpse into this charity’s purpose, simply donating books and libraries to under funded schools and orphanages throughout the developing world. That is all that is needed to be said to understand what this company strives to do, but it is the wheres, the whys and the hows that really help step this organization out in front of others.
When asked what you would do with $500 most people wouldn’t think too big. Buy an iphone, take a mini-vacation, or treat yourself to a really nice dinner, but when Tom Stader looked at his $500 he saw an opportunity to give, an opportunity to change lives, he saw something beyond the color of money.
The original idea for The LP came from a philanthropic project that Tom and friends came up with when working in the marketing department of Aston English. Asking people to donate money for books had a very successful first time run, and it didn’t really stop. People kept hearing about the project and donating money to a paypal account that had been set up for the cause. It was then that Tom realized that there might indeed be something to this, he also realized that he needed to make sure these donated funds made their way to libraries in need.
It wasn’t always as cut and dry as give me your money and a child gets a book, there were some financial struggles along the way, as is the case with most charities. A non-profit company like The LP will have to find a way to stay afloat while making sure that the money donated is allocated efficiently and effectively. Overhead costs are kept low to make sure that the primary percentage of income is going directly out the door in the form of bookshelves and books.
But stay afloat they have, having grown from a tiny one project idea to the massive giving network that it is today. There is no end in sight, there are always places to go and children in need and that is what motivates this team to find more alleyways of opportunity, what motivates them to make a difference “One Book at a Time.”
The whole operation has been successfully growing in the last few years since its 2006 Xi’an inception. With an office donated from Aston English, The LP set up shop and hit the ground running. Since that day they have donated over 250 libraries in 19 provinces throughout China. One outstanding characteristic of this company that adds to its success is the preparation and follow through that goes into each and every library.
The contents donated to these rural schools, orphanages and communities are far more than book laden bookshelves. This company goes beyond the books, they go with the books into the classrooms and offer the teachers support. You can give a child a book but teaching that child to appreciate that book is just as valuable. Books are tools for education and giving a teacher a tool but not explaining how to use the tool to the best of its ability would be a waste of time and effort. That is why The LP goes a step further.
The Library Project conducts a comprehensive Librarian Training Course for the teachers and administration of every rural elementary school and orphanage. This course goes over how to check books in and out to students, how to use the children's books in a classroom setting and how to get the students involved in the maintenance of their library.
There are 50,000 children of China who benefit, on a daily basis, from the hundreds of libraries and the 150,000 plus donated Chinese language books and that is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the four member Xian team Jenny Wang, Country Director; Belinda Yu, Logistics & Purchasing Manager; Nichole He, Project Manager; Jocelyn Jia, Volunteer Coordinator.
However it is the donors and the volunteers that keep the company able to brighten the lives of these children. Whether it is a contributing company or an individual donor each effort of giving is greeted with graciousness and a vow, a promise that every donation no matter how small will go directly to this admirable cause.
As for volunteers it is best said by County Director Jenny Wang, "Our volunteers play an important role in introducing the students to their new library. Games are played, songs are sung, and of course books are read. It is a very positive experience for everyone involved.”
This is a charity that speaks to the heart of a society; it seeks to build a stronger future by inspiring the imaginations of children today. Mark Twain once said if you want your children to be intelligent read them fairytales, if you want them to be more intelligent read them more fairytales. His meaning is simple and it is one that is similarly grasped by Tom Stader and The Library Project team.
“Libraries put children in the driver’s seat of their education,” says Stader “Library books are different from textbooks. Kids may be inspired by the teachers in lessons and then explore their interests further in a library. With a library their imagination gets involved.”
Education is change, and The Library Project is creating change in the simplest way possible, by giving children the resources to learn and grow. To succeed, they need support. If you are interested in donating or finding out about other ways of becoming involved, please visit their Web site at www.library-project.org or contact Tom Stader at tom@library-project.org. The Web site contains a wealth of information about each of the libraries donated in China to date as well as prospects for future libraries.
LeShan, Mount Emei and its Giant Buddha
The warm air in the Sichuan city of LeShan meets a cool breeze emanating from Mount Emei which aids to the historic mountain’s calming nature. Known throughout China and the world as the location of the largest carved stone Buddha, Mount Emei has become one of the leading tourism destinations in the province.
As you ascend the stairs leading to the Buddha’s head you are guided by character carvings of ancient script. The path is speckled with cut out cool caves adorned by other prominent Buddhist figures. The area is surrounded by plush greenery that gives the air a sweet rich fragrance. The pleasant temperature is owed to the fact that the mountain over looks the peaceful waters of the Min River.
The river’s water was not always peaceful and vessel friendly. In 713 AD a Buddhist monk named Haithong began carving the idyllic figure into the mountain’s face in hopes to calm the tides of the river below easing the burden on shipping boats that must pass. When funding was threatened the pious monk gouged out his eyes and with pure dedication to his cause continued work until his death. The project was not completed until a jiedushi, or regional military governor, decided to sponsor the project. The Buddha’s construction was completed in 803, and because so much of the mountain had been carved away into the water below that the tides were changed and the blind monk’s vision became a reality as the area was transformed into an ideal passage way for ships.
Today hordes of people from all around the world come to visit the World Heritage Site. It is one sight that really is more amazing when the whole scale can be taken in by the naked eye. Only by standing on the mountains ledge near the Buddha’s hundred plus carved head buns can the grandeur be fully realized. Then scale down the mountain side on a narrow pathway of stone steps where each turn offers a new view of the peaceful giant. Standing at the base by one of the gargantuan feet it is almost impossible to see the top area of the head that you have just climbed down from. Other popular options are tour boats that offer an offshore view of the Buddha and the mountain that hugs his shoulders like a protecting shawl.
With a renewed vow from the government this mountain and its precious treasures will be restored and protected. Pollution and area elements have started to degrade the natural beauty of the statue but ultimately do little to take away from the mystique. As you trail out of the area the scenic path of jungle like foliage will leave you feeling as if you walked into and out of a story book where gardens are secret and inviting, rivers whisper of a turbulent past and mountains have faces that tell stories of those that came before.
As you ascend the stairs leading to the Buddha’s head you are guided by character carvings of ancient script. The path is speckled with cut out cool caves adorned by other prominent Buddhist figures. The area is surrounded by plush greenery that gives the air a sweet rich fragrance. The pleasant temperature is owed to the fact that the mountain over looks the peaceful waters of the Min River.
The river’s water was not always peaceful and vessel friendly. In 713 AD a Buddhist monk named Haithong began carving the idyllic figure into the mountain’s face in hopes to calm the tides of the river below easing the burden on shipping boats that must pass. When funding was threatened the pious monk gouged out his eyes and with pure dedication to his cause continued work until his death. The project was not completed until a jiedushi, or regional military governor, decided to sponsor the project. The Buddha’s construction was completed in 803, and because so much of the mountain had been carved away into the water below that the tides were changed and the blind monk’s vision became a reality as the area was transformed into an ideal passage way for ships.
Today hordes of people from all around the world come to visit the World Heritage Site. It is one sight that really is more amazing when the whole scale can be taken in by the naked eye. Only by standing on the mountains ledge near the Buddha’s hundred plus carved head buns can the grandeur be fully realized. Then scale down the mountain side on a narrow pathway of stone steps where each turn offers a new view of the peaceful giant. Standing at the base by one of the gargantuan feet it is almost impossible to see the top area of the head that you have just climbed down from. Other popular options are tour boats that offer an offshore view of the Buddha and the mountain that hugs his shoulders like a protecting shawl.
With a renewed vow from the government this mountain and its precious treasures will be restored and protected. Pollution and area elements have started to degrade the natural beauty of the statue but ultimately do little to take away from the mystique. As you trail out of the area the scenic path of jungle like foliage will leave you feeling as if you walked into and out of a story book where gardens are secret and inviting, rivers whisper of a turbulent past and mountains have faces that tell stories of those that came before.
Panda Pride
We all know that China is a prideful country. They showed the world exactly how important national face is when they put on a spectacular show at the 2008 Olympics. There is one thing that China holds so dear to her heart that it has become the face of a nation, pandas.
Pandas are a slow and deliberate creatures and arguable one of the cutest animals to grace the planet. Pandas are seen as lazy bears that wake early in the morning to eat then snooze the rest of the day away under the cool shade of their bamboo leaves and trees. What you might not know, though, is that the reason pandas are lazy is the same reason why they have been skirting the extinction lists, they have no stomachs. Their lack of stomach is only one of the unique characteristics that make these animals so fascinating.
Chengdu is an incredible city that anyone would benefit from visiting, but the Panda Research Base is most likely the main attraction to the Sichuan city. To visit the pandas you must think like a panda. They wake up early in the morning to eat and that is the most, and only, time they are active during the day so to see them you will need to get there around 8am. However, it is worth the early wake up call.
Strolling down the path is like walking through a cut out version of natural China, giving the nature reserve an appropriate title. It is a tremendously funded research facility that specializes in breeding and caring for the country’s treasure. There are three different age ranges for the pandas, baby, teen and adult who can only live to the young age of about 26 years old. With the naturally lazy demeanor pandas are easy targets in the wild for predators, which is one main reason why it is important to create a great safe environment for them to thrive and flourish.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the tour is watching the young pandas wrestle and play after their morning meal of bamboo leaves and shoots. They tug on each others ears push and flounder over each other in a slow and deliberate manner. Watching their chubby fluffy figures pandering around with their brothers and sisters is a delight for all those that gather around to watch. Ooohs and awwws from the crowds can only begin to express the joy that can be gained from watching these precious animals enjoy their daily routines. Overall the Panda Reserve is a wonderful facility that has done an amazing job capturing and preserving the pleasure of the pandas, giving the world an opportunity to share in China’s pride.
Pandas are a slow and deliberate creatures and arguable one of the cutest animals to grace the planet. Pandas are seen as lazy bears that wake early in the morning to eat then snooze the rest of the day away under the cool shade of their bamboo leaves and trees. What you might not know, though, is that the reason pandas are lazy is the same reason why they have been skirting the extinction lists, they have no stomachs. Their lack of stomach is only one of the unique characteristics that make these animals so fascinating.
Chengdu is an incredible city that anyone would benefit from visiting, but the Panda Research Base is most likely the main attraction to the Sichuan city. To visit the pandas you must think like a panda. They wake up early in the morning to eat and that is the most, and only, time they are active during the day so to see them you will need to get there around 8am. However, it is worth the early wake up call.
Strolling down the path is like walking through a cut out version of natural China, giving the nature reserve an appropriate title. It is a tremendously funded research facility that specializes in breeding and caring for the country’s treasure. There are three different age ranges for the pandas, baby, teen and adult who can only live to the young age of about 26 years old. With the naturally lazy demeanor pandas are easy targets in the wild for predators, which is one main reason why it is important to create a great safe environment for them to thrive and flourish.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the tour is watching the young pandas wrestle and play after their morning meal of bamboo leaves and shoots. They tug on each others ears push and flounder over each other in a slow and deliberate manner. Watching their chubby fluffy figures pandering around with their brothers and sisters is a delight for all those that gather around to watch. Ooohs and awwws from the crowds can only begin to express the joy that can be gained from watching these precious animals enjoy their daily routines. Overall the Panda Reserve is a wonderful facility that has done an amazing job capturing and preserving the pleasure of the pandas, giving the world an opportunity to share in China’s pride.
Movie Date
Usually when the word movie is used in conjunction with Xiao Zhai the image of hole in the wall DVD stores pops into mind. At six yuan a pop it isn’t a surprise that my movie collection is now over flowing with old favorites, new releases and several series of TV shows. However when I headed out to Xiao Zhai this time it wasn’t to buy a movie, it was to go see one.
One of my favorite things to do, especially on a warm night, is go see a movie. I love the smell of popcorn and the oversized preview posters on the walls. Something that was a bimonthly habit for me in the states has almost become non-existent here in China. Of course there is the issue of most of the movies being in Chinese with no English subtitles, but every now and again a big release shows up and bingo we have ourselves and English speaking movie date-night.
And by big release I mean it needs to be big. I have seen three movies in the past nine months and they were all of the “Epic Blockbuster” variety, 2012, Avatar and Iron Man 2. Although I would normally mix it up with a romantic comedy or a good thriller my lack of Chinese keeps me limited to the Western imports. Being the only native English speaker in the theater at times is apparent when you alone laugh a subtle joke or snippy sarcasm. Overall it is just nice to relax in the cool theater and enjoy some adrenaline pumping action entertainment, and the excited exit talk after the movie when you pour onto the street armed with opinions and enthusiasm. You and your friends rapidly firing away rounds of likes and dislikes, plot analysis or special effect praise.
Now that summer is approaching and the heat index is on the fast track to hella-hot I will make more of a habit out of movie date-night. I plan to take in some of those Chinese movies even though it will be two hours of “ting bu dong.” I love the excitement of watching something you have never seen, something you might love or absolutely abhor, but no matter what it is a good way to get out of the street heat. It can be cheap and easy too. The tickets can range anywhere from 25 to 70 yuan depending on the time of day or day of the week, for IM2 my friend was able to pre-purchase the tickets from a news stand saving a good 50 yuan on the ticket price. I know many theaters do half-off nights and couples day as well as always giving student discounts with valid ID. If you are looking for something fun, a night out with some friends or a couple of hours of nice casual hand-holding with your boy friend or girl friend I would say head out to one of the many cinemas all around the city for a big hit, the always entertaining movie date-night.
SMB
One of my favorite things to do, especially on a warm night, is go see a movie. I love the smell of popcorn and the oversized preview posters on the walls. Something that was a bimonthly habit for me in the states has almost become non-existent here in China. Of course there is the issue of most of the movies being in Chinese with no English subtitles, but every now and again a big release shows up and bingo we have ourselves and English speaking movie date-night.
And by big release I mean it needs to be big. I have seen three movies in the past nine months and they were all of the “Epic Blockbuster” variety, 2012, Avatar and Iron Man 2. Although I would normally mix it up with a romantic comedy or a good thriller my lack of Chinese keeps me limited to the Western imports. Being the only native English speaker in the theater at times is apparent when you alone laugh a subtle joke or snippy sarcasm. Overall it is just nice to relax in the cool theater and enjoy some adrenaline pumping action entertainment, and the excited exit talk after the movie when you pour onto the street armed with opinions and enthusiasm. You and your friends rapidly firing away rounds of likes and dislikes, plot analysis or special effect praise.
Now that summer is approaching and the heat index is on the fast track to hella-hot I will make more of a habit out of movie date-night. I plan to take in some of those Chinese movies even though it will be two hours of “ting bu dong.” I love the excitement of watching something you have never seen, something you might love or absolutely abhor, but no matter what it is a good way to get out of the street heat. It can be cheap and easy too. The tickets can range anywhere from 25 to 70 yuan depending on the time of day or day of the week, for IM2 my friend was able to pre-purchase the tickets from a news stand saving a good 50 yuan on the ticket price. I know many theaters do half-off nights and couples day as well as always giving student discounts with valid ID. If you are looking for something fun, a night out with some friends or a couple of hours of nice casual hand-holding with your boy friend or girl friend I would say head out to one of the many cinemas all around the city for a big hit, the always entertaining movie date-night.
SMB
Korean Delight
Out of all the wonderful restaurants in this city it is a bit of a surprise to keep hearing about one place, again and again. “Have you been to that Korean restaurant…?” my friends would ask, each time I replied “No, not yet” I made another personal vow to go there, and I must say I am glad I did.
Han Yang Restaurant is near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the south side of the city. From first sight the place is charming; it has a simple patio space in the front with tables pleasantly placed under a canopy of umbrellas and brush. Greeted quickly by a young lady in colorful Korean dress we were seated near the wrought-iron gate that gives a bit of separation from the busy bar street. The menu has a wide range of the usual Asian dishes such as grilled cabbage and sliced potatoes which we happily ordered.
Standing in tradition with Korean barbeque they have an open flame grill on the patio that stayed busy as patrons all around us ordered up many of the different meat offerings available. Lamb, chicken, beef and pork in different spices and sizes are paired with a long list of fried and grilled vegetables and tofu. The spicy bulgogi beef dish is a popular choice as is the kimchi soup, a serving of which is regarded by my friend as the “best hangover dish out there.”
Before the food arrives each table is given 4 or 5 cold dishes to snack on, there were pickled cucumbers and soft potato squares as well as simple tofu. The tea is a steady flow from the moment you are seated and it is has a rich flavor that complements the food. There are several incense spirals around that give the outdoor seating an even more relaxed feel as we sipped our cold 10 kuai beers and enjoyed the view of the Pagoda. As I got up to use the restroom my friend told me to enjoy and I quickly grasped her meaning, the bathroom is lovely. This is a small part of this restaurant but shows the attention to detail that went into its making. To make the experience enjoyable from the moment you walk through the little white gate till you waddle away with a belly full of food is clearly this restaurants goal, and a successful one at that. Han Yang Restaurant is a delight and now I must ask you “Have you been to that Korean restaurant yet?
SMB
Han Yang Restaurant is near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the south side of the city. From first sight the place is charming; it has a simple patio space in the front with tables pleasantly placed under a canopy of umbrellas and brush. Greeted quickly by a young lady in colorful Korean dress we were seated near the wrought-iron gate that gives a bit of separation from the busy bar street. The menu has a wide range of the usual Asian dishes such as grilled cabbage and sliced potatoes which we happily ordered.
Standing in tradition with Korean barbeque they have an open flame grill on the patio that stayed busy as patrons all around us ordered up many of the different meat offerings available. Lamb, chicken, beef and pork in different spices and sizes are paired with a long list of fried and grilled vegetables and tofu. The spicy bulgogi beef dish is a popular choice as is the kimchi soup, a serving of which is regarded by my friend as the “best hangover dish out there.”
Before the food arrives each table is given 4 or 5 cold dishes to snack on, there were pickled cucumbers and soft potato squares as well as simple tofu. The tea is a steady flow from the moment you are seated and it is has a rich flavor that complements the food. There are several incense spirals around that give the outdoor seating an even more relaxed feel as we sipped our cold 10 kuai beers and enjoyed the view of the Pagoda. As I got up to use the restroom my friend told me to enjoy and I quickly grasped her meaning, the bathroom is lovely. This is a small part of this restaurant but shows the attention to detail that went into its making. To make the experience enjoyable from the moment you walk through the little white gate till you waddle away with a belly full of food is clearly this restaurants goal, and a successful one at that. Han Yang Restaurant is a delight and now I must ask you “Have you been to that Korean restaurant yet?
SMB
Shaanxi Spoken English Contest
On August 1 Gallop International English School will host the final round of the 2nd Annual Shaanxi Province Spoken English Network Contest. To take place at a hotel located in the eastern part of the city the whole day event will be packed with the finalists who have successfully advanced through the other several rounds of competition.
Round one began in May as kindergarten students across the province were video recorded giving speeches, singing songs or doing chats. These videos were judged and a hundred plus of the best were offered entry to the next round. As the kindergarten students were having their online competition primary and middle school students were busy preparing themselves for their first encounter with judges that took place that same month.
Huanghe Experiment Primary School was the location of the first round for these older kids. For two days Chinese teachers and judges viewed thousands of children’s prepared introductions and monologues, all varying in degrees of difficulty. Depending on the education level the students would then be asked to describe a picture or tell a story using four given words. Subsequently the best students where given certificates and either excused from the competition or offered advancement to the semi-final round.
Many of the students attend English training institutions such as Gallop International. These students work with foreign, native English speaking teachers and their abilities in the competition are noticeably higher and more proficient. Before the semi-finals on July 17 and 18 many of the students attended trainings offered by Gallop to prepare them for the competition. They not only gave the students a better understanding of what the competition would demand of them but the preperation gave them more confidence.
The semi-finals were held for 2 days in the Gallop office in the Tian Cia building on Jin Hua Bei Lu. Hundreds of nervous students and their proud parents lined the hallways of the school. Chinese judges were accompanied by foreign representatives of the school. The 12 foreigners are a mixture of American, British and Irish nationalities and were there to lend their native tongues to the competition. They asked questions of the kindergarteners, had primary students describe pictures and asked the middle school students to creatively construct four words into a story.
Overall they will be asked to help critic the videos of the contestants after the results are tallied when the semi-final winners begin to prepare for the grand finale on August 1. there will be a whole host of winners on the day in August, no one child with walk away with the prize, but the top of the top will have a chance to go to Beijing for the China National Spoken English Competition as representatives of Shaanxi Province. An honor many of the children dream of for themselves, their families and schools.
To view the contestants from this year and see footage from last years contest please visit http://www.ccgjyyds.com/
Round one began in May as kindergarten students across the province were video recorded giving speeches, singing songs or doing chats. These videos were judged and a hundred plus of the best were offered entry to the next round. As the kindergarten students were having their online competition primary and middle school students were busy preparing themselves for their first encounter with judges that took place that same month.
Huanghe Experiment Primary School was the location of the first round for these older kids. For two days Chinese teachers and judges viewed thousands of children’s prepared introductions and monologues, all varying in degrees of difficulty. Depending on the education level the students would then be asked to describe a picture or tell a story using four given words. Subsequently the best students where given certificates and either excused from the competition or offered advancement to the semi-final round.
Many of the students attend English training institutions such as Gallop International. These students work with foreign, native English speaking teachers and their abilities in the competition are noticeably higher and more proficient. Before the semi-finals on July 17 and 18 many of the students attended trainings offered by Gallop to prepare them for the competition. They not only gave the students a better understanding of what the competition would demand of them but the preperation gave them more confidence.
The semi-finals were held for 2 days in the Gallop office in the Tian Cia building on Jin Hua Bei Lu. Hundreds of nervous students and their proud parents lined the hallways of the school. Chinese judges were accompanied by foreign representatives of the school. The 12 foreigners are a mixture of American, British and Irish nationalities and were there to lend their native tongues to the competition. They asked questions of the kindergarteners, had primary students describe pictures and asked the middle school students to creatively construct four words into a story.
Overall they will be asked to help critic the videos of the contestants after the results are tallied when the semi-final winners begin to prepare for the grand finale on August 1. there will be a whole host of winners on the day in August, no one child with walk away with the prize, but the top of the top will have a chance to go to Beijing for the China National Spoken English Competition as representatives of Shaanxi Province. An honor many of the children dream of for themselves, their families and schools.
To view the contestants from this year and see footage from last years contest please visit http://www.ccgjyyds.com/
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