lundi 28 janvier 2008
The Parliamentary Channel
I have recently bought a new television set. It's very classy, has a very big flat screen and contains a TNT (Digital Terrestrial Television) decoder. At first all these technical details didn't mean much to me. But now that I can choose among more than fifteen channels every day, I must admit I'm very pleased with my purchase. Contrary to any of my expectations my favourite channel is the "Chaîne Parlementaire". This channel is intelligent, varied, open-minded and teaches me a lot. I wonder whether there is such a channel in Britain. I suppose so, of course, but I'd be very happy if someone could tell me the name of this channel.
Two days ago I watched and was traumatized by a documentary film about the Karens, a discriminated and oppressed minority in Burma. The members of this community who are still in Burma are the current victims of a genocide, while those who have managed to flee are kept like prisoners in refugee camps in Thaïland. If you can watch this channel, don't miss that film. It's an absolute necessity to inform a majority of people on such an issue.
vendredi 18 janvier 2008
My childhood is crumbling
Yesterday morning I was attending the funeral of one of my parents' friends. This man, like all the other friends my parents had managed to keep throughout their life, had contributed in making me who I am today. Yesterday, with a smile in the middle of my tears, I thought of all the games we had played together, his jokes, the interesting comments he always had to pass. I thought of my parents too. They would have been so sad to see their friend go. And when I came back from work at six P.M. I heard Carlos had died too. He too was part of my childhood, even though I was never a real fan. 
samedi 12 janvier 2008
DISAPPOINTMENT
I've just had a slight disappointment. I received a letter telling me I would not be a member of the jury for the cinema festival that is taking place in Anonnay (Ardèche) next month. I had applied without really thinking I would be selected, but as time passed I started to hope. They tell me that they received loads of application letters, all from cinema fans, and that they had to make a difficult choice in order to have a balanced jury as far as ages, jobs, genders are concerned. I suppose I'm far from being the only teacher to apply, and this may be the reason for my non-selection. I'll try again next year ! I'm not the kind of person that you can put off a challenge easily.
If you are keen on cinema and live not far from Annonay, it sounds great ! Go and visit their site by clicking on the picture and you'll find about the programme.
mercredi 2 janvier 2008
New Year's resolutions
Another five days before school starts again. With my pupils' good resolutions to make this new year a success. But with mine too ! From now on I will not procrastinate my marking. I will always smile at my pupils even when they've left their text-book at home. I will be patient with M. who keeps asking stupid questions, even though he understands. But that's a getting-attention-device... and it works ! I will never forget to take my canteen card to show the students I'm sensible and organised. I will not go to bed to late in order to be able to get up and be ready early for school. I will never be grumpy with my beloved companion. And I'm sure she'll appreciate. And I will try and post regularly so that you don't feel I do not care about my blog.
That's why today I'm wishing you a very enjoyable year, hoping you're all healthy and in a good mood !
But as a new year's present, maybe you could visit this blog regularly too, and leave a comment ?