English language
-
Those of us who move back and forth in between two worlds can relate to this. Every time we pick a language to speak or write (E or V in my case), we subscribe to a whole new context e.g. away from tutoyer to address someone as big bro, younger sis as practiced in the…
-
Once in a while, we stumble upon an author, just to follow his trail of thoughts. Haruki Murakami is one of those He too likes writing and running. Not to mention his out-of-this-worldliness (Moon vs Sun). Murakami’s world often consists of characters who feel detached, more like an observer than participant. They struggle and strive, often times never…
-
As a child I feared rising flood water (drowning). I feared thief by night, bully by day. I feared having to stand out in the crowd (wearing bright colors). For a nail that sticks up will be hammered down. Fear of being drafted, of being called out in class to recite something in English. Fear…
-
Here at UVT, students wear chef uniforms to school. Dressed up for the part. They are to finish their last leg in Hospitality and Tourism at one of the Australian Universities. Humble dreams, yet tangible outcomes. I respect young people who knew what they want to be when they grow up/old. At their age, my family…
-
After the trilogy: Start seeing, start hearing and start thinking, I am on the roll. Behaviorists have debated whether action precedes attitude, or vice versa. Nike commands: JUST DO IT. Start acting. Some guy somewhere mustered his courage to ask for a girl’s hand. That girl after much deliberation, accepted. Boom! Action. We are conceived out of…
-
Consumer confidence is up. Spending is up. Cards, chocolate and crocodile (over beer). I thought it must be Christmas or Tet all over again. Hunting down a ticket for A House in the Alley took me to two theaters, with the only available seats at 11:20PM. Way pass my bedtime. Oh well, I tried. Supporting Vietnamese…
Thang Nguyen 555 