The Parrot Your ARC newsletter by and for ESL, multicultural, international .. students, new Californians, and, well, anybody really.

Issue # 111 Spring 2017 Parroting with Prof. Keith Atwater Over 40? Parrot: Hi, 15th year. Work Less! my name is Parrot: Fif- pg.15 Mohamed teen years! Benrekia, and Wonderful! this is my wife Hiyam. We Parrot: are from the What do Parrot and we you teach “A woman is like a are pleased to here? bag - you can’t tell how meet here to Professor strong she is until you ask you a few Atwater: put her in hot water.” questions. I teach humani- Parrot: How Eleanor Roosevelt long have you ties and been at ARC? religious studies classes. More specifically, I Professor Atwater: I have been teach Asian humanities, European teaching here a while. This is my Continued on page 23 ------Traditional From Around the American River College World 4700 College Oak Drive sets the tone for the day of makes for a nutritious Sacramento, CA 95841 (916) 484-8001 ahead. Aside breakfast. from the feeling There is enor- of well-being, mous variety Inside this Issue there is plenty of in breakfasts Teacher / Friend . . . .2 scientific proof round the that shows the world, but what Mama ...... 3 benefits of a they have in Ring ...... 5 good breakfast. common is a For example, sense of ritual English Effect . . . . .7 start the day and habit. From with one 150ml Aclassic British fry-up of sausages, bacon, eggs Big Lie ...... 8 and tomatoes glass of orange juice and you’ll have already gotten Click, Click ...... 8 Continued on page 12 one of your five-a-day, while a bowl Old Students . . . . .10 2 The Parrot Student Chirpings Being a Friend and Being a Teacher When I look back on my university applica- we generally cannot keep close relationships with tion in China, there is one thing I remember clearly. teachers. It was a hard time for me to choose a major when I Another noticeable difference between a applied to university. I was expected to be a teach- friend and a teacher is their behavior in front of us. er because my father was a teacher and a leader of A good friend is a life partner who can share his a high school, but I was interested in oil painting or her everything and offer help when we need it. at that time and I had wanted to be a famous oil He or she might give us advice but not always the painter for a long time. best advice, whereas a good Therefore, I went to ask teacher usually can provide my friends and my teach- us good advice or sugges- ers to give me advice tions because of his or her so that I could make my rich experience and knowl- best decision. At last, my edge. A good friend can friends and my teach- share or show us his or her ers gave me their advice everything, good sides or that helped me make the bad sides, happiness or sad- decision. At that point, ness. Conversely, a teacher my friends and teachers cannot share things in the played very similar roles same way as our friends in my life. They were both do. Furthermore, a good helpful and friendly. From teacher always watches his my perspective, however, or her behavior in front of us there are many relatively so we always see a teacher is significant differences be- a teacher. We will probably tween being a friend and never know about their real being a teacher in terms of life or their personality. Conversely, friends don’t try relationships, behavior, and understanding. to hide themselves. We say anything, go anywhere Being a friend and being a teacher differ in together, and do things in our ways. It is evident their relationships with us. Most people may make that a friend and a teacher are very distinct on the friends easily, but they usually intend to maintain basis of their behavior. true friendships. In fact, when we find someone Besides the relationships and behavior, the who has something in common with us, we may most remarkable distinction between a friend and try to make friends with him or her at the begin- a teacher is their understanding of us. A friend in ning. When time goes by, the relationship become need is a friend indeed. Good understanding is a friendship. True friendships take time to develop like a bridge that connects a friendship. Because and mature, but they never change with time. In of understanding, friendships can last longer and contrast, a relationship with a teacher is rarely easy never die until the end. We don’t hurt each other’s and lasting. Many people have a lot of teachers feelings, always care about each other, and share throughout their lives, and they usually meet many our happiness and sadness. Our life even becomes teachers in different classes for all grades. For most more beautiful when we have a good understand- students, it is very difficult to have a close relation- ing of one another. In comparison to a friend, ship with a teacher. Even though we remember however, it is hard to receive understanding from them, they might have lost memory of us. It fol- a teacher. As a teacher, his or her job is to enrich lows that we can easily save our friendships but The Parrot 3 our knowledge and help us to reach our goals. In However, I didn’t give up oil painting as my hobby. I other words, a teacher doesn’t have a responsibility am lucky that I have good friends and good teach- to give students more understanding. All a teacher ers who are indispensable in my life. If we have can do is to give some advice or suggestions and to both of them, our life will help students out of problems or troubles in their probably be more complete study. Now we can see that a friend can understand and perfect. As far as I am us very well but a teacher may not. concerned, we cannot miss either of them. All the above discussion goes to show that being a friend and being a teacher have very dis- tinct differences in relationships with us, in behav- ior, and understanding. In our entire life, we may meet more and more friends and teachers. Un- doubtedly, either a friend or a teacher plays a very Amy Bizhu Lin important role in our life. After I had my friends’ and ESLW310 teachers’ advice, I became a high school teacher.

------Dear Mother...

I ask you to give me your permission to use similar Here is the letter which will change your rules, which you set for me, for my future children. mind about your mother. “My mommy, please forgive me. I was the stupidest little girl in the world! I did I remember our first rule to always be at the not love you as much as I should have. Please, for- evening family meetings. At those meetings, we give me! I can not find shared our secret stories peace in my heart. I (especially romantic need your forgiveness! stories) with all family How often I judged members. I will never you! How often I did forget our warm quiet not obey you! You evenings when we all have done so much gathered together with tea for me, while I never and around the even said thank you! table. I loved asking you However, I know that for different pieces of ad- your big heart forgave vice. I do not know why, me a long time ago. but you never scolded us Now that I am mar- for anything (maybe you ried, I understand my saw our repentance). I re- faults, my selfishness, member when the first boy and my folly. You know, I dream to be a mother like appeared in my life with an offer to marry him. I told you in the future, a mother who will love her chil- you about it on one of those evenings. (By the way, dren so much for nothing, a mother who will always thank you for the wise advice to tell him no. It made be glad to see her children’s victories and help in my life better). Moreover, because of those evenings, any troubles. Now I understand that you are the best I know some stories about my sisters and brothers. mother in the world! I like how you have raised us I really want such evenings again! So, that’s why I and I like your rules which I hated in my childhood. want to have the rule about meetings in my future. 4 The Parrot

The second rule which I want to set for my always read her own poems to us? Another sister future children too is for them to be able to give ac- always surprised us with her difficult and funny prob- count of themselves. It means that they should be lems. My brother and I always acted out stories or responsible for their decisions, acts, and words. I re- tried to do acrobatics. We even asked our guests for member one situation when my sister stole something money for our performances. Do you remember? It from her classmate. When you learned about that, you was so much fun! I learned a lot! That’s why I really called my sister and told her to go to the classmate, want to do it for my own future children too. return that stolen thing, and ask for forgiveness. Then, Now, I am my sister cried and asked you finishing my letter. I to do it for her, but you said no. hope that you will give So, my sister went to her class- me your permission to mate, returned that stolen thing use those rules for my to her, and asked for forgive- future children. I really ness. It was her first and her want it! And… one last theft because she had to be more time, I ask you responsible for her bad act. Oh! again to forgive me Do you remember my story? for everything. Now, The story when I decided to go if someone asks me home instead of going to my what I think about you, music lesson? It was the worst I will say, “You are one! I had the music lesson the best mother in the right after my school time. That world!” Thank you for lesson was right next door to everything! You are the exit, and the teacher could always in my heart! I see from the window anyone love you! Reader, you who left school. However, I read this letter. I ask decided to skip my class and you to look at your I did it. Moreover, it was five mother and ask your- times in a row. One month later, self, “Do I love my mother as much as I should?” after school, you met me. You said for me to follow you. You led me to the class where my music lessons Abby were. When we came in, my teacher was there. Then ESLW50 you told me to explain to her why I was not at my les- sons. I felt bad. I wanted to disappear so that nobody could see me, but it was impossible. I had to tell her my reason. Of I could not explain it, so I just asked her to forgive me. After that I really tried not to skip any lessons. It was a good life lesson! Thanks for that! The third rule (not the last) which I want to set for my children is that the children should show their parents their own development. We did it every week. Do you remember, mom, our own “theater” at home in which we sang, read our own poems, told different stories, and told our stories in skits? When someone did not want to act, he had to tell us anything he had learned from the previous week (story, lesson...). It was so interesting! Do you remember that my sister The Parrot 5

Important Thing

I will speak about one thing I lost in the past; open my socks drawer. Fortunately, I found the that was my marriage ring. That ring was especially ring in the back corner. I didn’t believe it. I thanked very important and for my dear wife as a gift of our God. I went quickly to my lovely wife, and I told marriage party. her the story. I noticed my wife felt happy and I tried my she told me, “I am very best to keep the thankful for you and for subject a secret, your faith and honesty. and I didn’t tell my Thank you. You are my wife or her family. I love, and the best hus- remembered how band in the world.” we tried our best to find that model ring, Then I became confi- and how we were so dent that this accident happy when we told can happen everywhere the seller to write our and at any time. But the names on it. loss of a marriage ring is a very sensitive thing. Indeed, I The ring is to remem- became sad and ber each other and to worried about what improve love in the relationship. had happened and very nervous. So many times I had tried to hide my hand in front of my wife and her family. At that time, I remembered how my wife spoke about some men, and how they were not honest to their wives. They didn’t wear their rings soon after they were married. So I thought about Sadeer Al Adhami buying an artificial ring with a golden color to use ESLW30 until I could tell my wife. Then one day I pulled

------An Unforgettable Action She was the only hope that any of the poor that people would have, so everyone gathered in villagers had. All the people were afraid. Children Tashbi’s house. Tashbi was the most intelligent and and women could not go out of their houses, kind woman in the village, and owned almost half and the whole village was full of sadness. People of Damshagh. People had asked her for help many knew that there was no place to hide or escape. times, and she had helped them in many cases. The Russians had entered Afghanistan,and the She will never forget that day. Her house war had almost reached every city. However, this was crowded with many people. They were all wasn’t the only problem that people had in Dam- scared and talking about robbers near the village. shagh. Damshagh was a beautiful village in the She looked at the faces of the villagers; she could city of Konduz, which is in north Afghanistan.That’s see that the problem was much bigger than what why there was another big problem. It was a cool they thought. She had to do something about it, morning that day; people could barely come out but was it really easy to solve this problem? This of their houses. However, this was the last chance 6 The Parrot wasn’t only about robbing. They would come to the set out on the way. They continued for hours and village to kill and kidnap the girls and the little boys hours. The next morning the other group of villag- as well. She was very calm and silent as always. ers left as well. This group was full of children and People said that leaving the village was impossible, women. They passed the village and continued for yet if they couldn’t go, then the entire village was hours until the evening. There was a small river on going to face death. Tashbi decided something, their way with some trees around it. They stopped something that was very scary. She looked at the next to the river to rest. Since the robbers stayed villagers and clearly explained what they were go- near that river, one of them saw the group resting ing to do. At first, people around the river. Then he were astonished and told the other robbers disagreed, but there was about the villagers, and no choice. She told them they all started making to bring as many horses plans to attack them. Af- and guns as they could, ter an hour of planning, and come back before all the robbers headed the evening. People hur- toward the river. Howev- ried and did what she er, the group of women said. Then that evening and children was already she asked some people moving, so the robbers to stay at her house, chased them. The rob- and served them many bers were waiting for the colorful dishes and the right time to attack them. best drinks because that After an hour of chasing, could be their last . After that perfect dinner, the robbers neared the group of women and chil- all the villagers had a good rest. dren. But this wasn’t the end! Before any robbers could touch the group, Tashbi and her first group After that, Tashbi went to her small dark attacked them from behind. That’s why they had room to pray for the people and to be alone on her left the village at midnight, so that they could pass last night. That night everything looked different. It the robbers while they were sleeping. The battle seem that everything was talking to her. Even the finished almost two hours later. That night was so sky was full of shining stars on that cloudy night. dangerous, but fortunately no one was killed, and After a few hours of being alone, she finally slept the robbers went to jail. with great hope in her heart. The sky was still dark, and the cold weather had frozen everything. The After several years, the Russians lost the war loud sound of a fast-blowing wind woke her up. and went back to their country, but my grandma She slowly opened her big round blue eyes, and still remembers that day. She was there. Her name took a look at the people in her house. It seemed is Tashbi. My grandmother fought the robbers with everyone was sleeping in an unbelievable peace her villagers, and she won. My mother always says just like children. She stood up and took a few that my grandma is a hero. I’m so proud that my steps forward, to her big silver-colored window and grandma took such an action. I think we all should looked outside. Something inside of her was saying help others even if it’s not easy. I always try to be it was the time, the time that she would either die like my grandma, Tashbi. She will remain in all the or save the villagers. After a few minutes, she woke hearts of all whom she saved and the hearts of fu- most of the people up and told them to get ready ture generations. I will never forget that goodness as fast as they could. never fails, and I will admire her always. Even though leaving the village was so Hajir Tashmohamad dangerous and scary, Tashbi and her first group ESLW310 The Parrot 7

The Effect of Learning English Have you ever been successful in English? in society. We begin to think in the American way. Have you ever communicated such that the listener By learning English, we can study the history of the could understand you? Nowadays, English plays a USA. As a result, we can take a test for citizenship grand role in our lives. For this reason, we need to and become citizens of this huge, independent be involved in learning English very thoroughly. In country. Since we inter-communicate, we can un- fact, learning English has three important effects derstand people of different cultures and customs. on our lives. Therefore, due to learning English, we deepen our understanding of American society, and we begin The first important effect of learning English to behave and think as American people do. is it improves our overall knowl- The third and edge. American the most important River College effect of learning is a wonderful English is we can get place where we a great job. If people can get knowl- want to have an in- edge in speak- dependent life, they ing, listening, need to work. It is reading, and difficult to find a good writing. For job without English. example, the For example, because I listening and study English and have speaking class become knowledge- gives us an able of it, I can go to opportunity an interview and speak to express our with interviewers. The thoughts and first impression and opinions. In addition, we learn to listen to each comprehension of questions reveal your ability to other. In the writing class, for instance, students understand English. Sadly, people cannot work at acquire writing and grammar skills. Thus, they learn different stores without English because they need to explain their ideas in a written form. Another to communicate with customers. Consequently, example is the reading class. It helps with reading English obviously affects the job, and we need to skills. Students learn to figure out the main ideas of know English to get a desirable job. books. They learn many new words. People begin to understand letters and documents. The more To summarize, improved knowledge, be- people read in English, the more they become coming a part of American society, and ability to literate. As a consequence of gaining knowledge get a wonderful job are three effects of learning of English, we can speak, read, communicate, and English that interact with each other. Communica- listen to other people. tion plays a crucial role in the US. For this reason, we need to have it in mind. If we want to be in a The second noticeable effect of learning better position in the U.S., we had better learn Eng- English is we become a part of American society. lish. It is a little bit different from the effect above, but Svetlana K. these two effects are closely interwoven. For ex- ESLW50 ample, when we learn English, we become involved 8 The Parrot The Big Lie I’ll never forget the time I told my mom a and asked the person at the desk in the main big lie. On July 20, 2005, my parents sent me to office to get me, but they told her that I wasn’t summer school. I needed to take some classes, in class. but I did not want to be in summer school. I My mom was furious and she drove wanted to have fun and home and waited for me. enjoy my vacation at home. When I got home, my mom But my friends planned to was sitting on the couch wait- meet at the park. They told ing for me to come home. me they were not going She acted normal and she to attend class. They said even asked how my presenta- they would wait for me at tion was. I told her that I did the park. So, I thought that really well in class. Then my would be fun to not attend mom screamed at me and class and meet my friends at called me a liar. She told me the park. that she took my homework My plan seemed easy to class and I wasn’t there. I to follow and skipping class looked at her and I told her seemed easy too. I told my that I lied to her. mom that I had to leave the I learned that telling lies is house early because I was not good. I learned a lesson going to have breakfast that I would never tell my with my friends at McDonalds. My mom told parents or anyone a lie or They will never trust me that it was OK. I was in a hurry, and I left you again. my homework at home. I met my friends at McDonalds and we drove to the park. Everyone was there. We had a good time, but my mom was desperate to reach me because I left my Rubicelia Acosta homework at home. But there was no way to ESLW30 reach me, so she thought she could take my homework to school. She went to my school ------Click, Click Clicking the shutter of camera is an unforget- photograph. Therefore, my childhood dream was table childhood memory. My father took pictures to be a photographer. Although I did not become of me many times when I was a young boy. I was a photographer, I am still with my camera and go just a photographic model for my daddy. My father everywhere. It is always on my shoulder. Click, click, ordered to me to make various poses: lying down click… on my stomach, walking, jumping, and running on I bought my camera in Japan while traveling the ground. When I made poses for him, I was happy in 2007. My camera is a Canon EOS 40d SLR Digital to see the effect on him. He looked as if he was a Camera from Japan. At the time, that camera was professional photographer. Above all things, I loved a lot more expensive than these days. However, I to hear the clicking sounds more than pose for a The Parrot 9 really wanted to have the new camera. I stared and my sister’s baby, my naughty nephews and nieces, stood there gawking as if the camera was saying to and beautiful scenes. My camera is able to capture me, “Please let me go with you.” I could not refuse our special images, like a newborn baby, a wedding its plea, so I adopted it as a traveling companion. It day, and a graduation day. After printing their pho- looks a little chubby and chunky, but it has agility tographs, people put their delightful memories in an like a boxer, deer, and dancer. It is rapidly able to album. Other people like to post their photographs take a picture and record plenty of scenes. My cam- on a website (Facebook, Instagram, and blogs) to era’s skin is black and smooth to the touch. When I share with their family and friends. I love traveling grasp its fat plastic handle, it fits snugly in my palm. around the world and I have been to nine countries In addition, my camera has a beautiful voice and so far. Boracay, the Philippines, was the most memo- makes an inviting tone when I click the shutter of rable place. Boracay is a small island that is beautiful, the body. The offer is too enticing to refuse. My cam- like a paradise. The white beach was incredibly soft era makes me feel delighted when I hear its lovely and smooth like white flour. The children ran around sounds. Click, click, click… on the beach with smil- People desire to ing eyes. The young cherish their memories men and women swam through the pictures or at the seashore, glow- many things. Actually, I ing with excited faces. had an old camera from Old people lay on beach my father. My old one was chairs drinking cocktails shabby and the color faded. contentedly. The ocean It changed colors to a red- color was turquoise, or dish brown. It smelled like the luminous green of rotten . It made squeak- emeralds. I took a lot of ing sounds and creaked. pictures of myself, of na- My father brought it home tive people, and street when he was a twenty-eight- landscapes. Traveling year old single man. He spent time with his camera teaches me to be more open to different ways of life. for over 20 years, and then handed it to me. In fact, I I love Rome, Italy. Unfortunately, I have never been did not want to take it, but I reluctantly received my there yet, but I can see a number of photographs father’s camera because it was one of his favorites. about Rome on a website. Even though I cannot As he handed it to me, he said, “I really wanted to smell and touch the great Colosseum in Rome, I can buy this camera, so I saved money for about seven see a magnificent and famous scene through others’ months. Most cameras are made in Japan, and it was pictures. very expensive at that time.” I could not say anything My camera definitely affects aspects of my when I heard it. I was deeply sorry for him. I realized life because it holds wonderful memories for me. that the old camera was his most valuable posses- My camera provides an incredible and fantastic sion. These days the prices have fallen a lot. It means reminiscence for me. It creates a variety of meaning anybody can purchase these cameras, take them on through photographs. My camera can make me feel a trip, and take a picture anywhere. I often opened gloomy, angry, amused, and delighted. Sometimes I my camera bag to check on Dad’s old camera, lifting forget what has happened to me. I then can find the it out and wiping the camera lens and body. When I missing memory through my photographs: drawing saw and touched the old camera, I reminisced about of tears, giving plenty of laughs, and frowning. That my good old days and my father. is why I can’t help loving my best friend. Click, click, Everyone wants to hold onto their special click… moments or unforgettable occasions through their Woochul Jang photos. My camera can capture the angelic face of ESLW50 10 The Parrot

Students after Thirty? Imagine the situation that community isn’t too late to correct his mistake. After college college has to be limited to students under thirty he plans to open his own construction business. I years old. Do you think it is fair toward people who am sure he will succeed because at the moment he really want to be students, but their ages let them clearly understands what he wants from life. Un- down? Personally I totally disagree with this idea! fortunately, in my country people over thirty don’t What should the people after thirty do in this case? have any opportunity to study and achieve more. Eventually, they are still full of energy and desire to I was pleasantly surprised when I learned that in study. It’s improper to deprive them of the pos- America a person can change his life just because sibility to he is disap- achieve great pointed in his results in life profession and by learning now he wants to in college try something today. Con- new. Moreover, sequently, one of my ESL I strongly teachers recently believe that told me a story students about how she of all ages became an should have instructor at col- the same lege. Today she rights and is about fifty, but capabilities to study in a college. it didn’t prevent her from changing her job several years ago. It turned out that a significant part of her The first reason why people over thirty life she spent working in the legal field. However, should have the opportunity to attend college is to after a little experience working with immigrants, have a chance to arrange their lives for the better. she realized that teaching is for her. At this point, While we’re young and inexperienced, we are in she decided to go to college again to learn a new search of our destiny. However, as times goes by, profession and she is happy now. Isn’t it wonderful? we gradually begin to understand who we want to be, and what we need to do to achieve our goals. The second reason why colleges shouldn’t People over the age of thirty are one of such ex- be limited to students over thirty years old is to give amples. Many of them, in order to achieve great to foreign students the opportunity to realize their results in life, make a decision to go to college. For goals in a new country. I’m certain that considering instance, my next door neighbor, a 33-year-old guy, the number of immigrants arriving in US, it’s not has also been a college student since last year. He only important for people, but also for the national spent so many years working hard as a construction economy. A large number of people, upon arrival in worker. However, he was unable to make significant a new country, face the problem that their profes- progress in his career. The problem is that after sions are unpopular in this country or even need high-school he foolishly didn’t go to college to earn upgrading. So they have to start all over again. They a degree. He really regrets that he missed so much go to college, earn a degree, and then find a suit- time. Nevertheless, he is full of confidence that it able job. My dad’s classmate from adult school had The Parrot 11 a very good job in Ukraine. I think he was a dean in dents. She said many times that the school gave her a university. A half year ago he came to in the US, a new sense of life and she regretted that she didn’t and of course he doesn’t have the opportunity to go to school earlier. In addition, at the beginning continue his career in the same field of activity right of this semester I read an amazing article about now. As far as I know, next year he is going to col- George Dawson. He was a man with a very complex lege in order to start his own small business related story. All his life he worked very hard to help his to growing organic . The next example is family. Only when he was 98 years old did he start my father. He is a very good electrician, and I con- attending school. Over the next few years Daw- sider him a professional in his field. Unfortunately, son was learning to read and write. He said,” Every because of the crisis in our country, even with his morning I get up and I wonder what I might learn great experience, it was difficult for him to find a that day.” Furthermore, with an elementary school job there. In teacher’s help, George turn, elec- wrote a book about trician his life called “Life is also is so Good.” I was so a good impressed by this profes- story! I’m convinced sion for that this should be California. a very important That is example for all of us. why my Probably it father happens to every wishes to person at a young have his age when silly com- diploma ments of acquain- evalu- tances and family ated and and one’s own com- approved in the future to continue doing the things plexes prevent his plans and wishes from coming he likes. In my opinion this is great. People arriving true. Contrived fears become a barrier to an impor- in a foreign country, don’t lose courage. Instead tant goal, and the person loses something really they take every advantage of opportunity to make important in his life. Fortunately, after a while, as a their lives better. mature person, he understands that not listening to The third important reason for colleges to the opinions of others is important, but finding his not limit enrollment to students under thirty could place in the world is. One must admit that school be explained by this statement: “It is never too late may help every person, no matter what age, to real- to learn.” Reaching pension age, many older people ize his life’s purpose. That is why there is absolutely despair. It seems to them that their lives are over. no reason at all for community college to be limited They don’t have a job, and there is nothing to do for to students under thirty years old. them. Thus, the most important thing in this situa- tion is not to give up. The community college might help these people to feel young again. It’s hard to believe, but one of my classmates was a about 75- year –old lady. It was so cute to watch her trying to learn something new every lesson, and it was evi- Arina Romanciuc dent how important it was for her. She didn’t miss a ESLW50 single lesson and was an example for the other stu- 12 The Parrot

Nestscape -- Articles from The Web

Continued from page 1 noodles and fresh herbs is served as a main meal – but in Vietnam, it is a traditional way to start the spiced chai and lentils to porridge with local honey, day. The country’s warm climate makes breakfast the benefit of a good morning routine is something a sociable occasion, meaning that bowls of pho are that is acknowledged worldwide. Add a small 150ml often slurped from street vendor stands. glass of Tropicana and you’ve already had one of your five-a-day before leaving home. English The institution of the full English is alive and well, though it is often a weekend affair. A classic fry-up is based on bacon, eggs and toast – but any self-re- specting Brit would find room on the plate to accom- modate a couple of sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes and baked beans as well as lashings of brown . Toast and are the most popular day-to-day breakfast choice, and regional delicacies range from kippers to kidneys and kedgeree.

Turkish delight: shots of strong and salty olives are a breakfast staple

Turkish Traditional Turkish breakfasts consist of several little plates. It is a meal defined by variety, but intense flavour is a common theme: blocks of sharp white cheese, salty olives and shots of strong coffee. Those with a sweet tooth might hunt down some of the A coffee and croissant is a French classic country’s famous honey, served with a local deli- cacy called kaymak, which is similar to thick clotted French cream. France’s is known for being rich and elabo- rate, but when it comes breakfast, often less is more. American Dry toast with jam (known as tartines) are a popu- lar option, as are butter croissants, which are often The grapefruit diet was invented in America, as was served plain, leaving diners to nonchalantly dip a the eat-all-you-can breakfast buffet. The pendulum corner in their breakfast espresso. Traditional patis- still swings between green juice and stacks of pan- series such as pain au chocolat or pain aux raisins are cakes garnished with bacon and maple . The usually eaten as a weekend treat. concept of brunch evolved in the US, and classics such as cream cheese bagels, blueberry muffins and Vietnamese eggs Benedict remain popular choices nationwide. Vietnamese pho is one of the country’s biggest cu- linary exports – in Britain the clear bone broth with The Parrot 13

gence on German breakfast tables. Japanese Traditional Japanese breakfasts are hot, savoury and varied. They are often served on trays that accom- modate the selection of small dishes: a bowl of white , one of steaming hot miso soup, perhaps a teapot containing green or black tea, and usually another little plate for nattō (fermented soya beans), pick- led vegetables, tofu or slices of tamagoyaki rolled omelette.

Moroccan medley: full of flavour, a Moroccan breakfast is either sweet or spiced Moroccan In Morocco, breakfast options are often sweet or spiced: typically, dried fruits and nuts, yoghurt with orange blossom water and rose petal jams; or a steaming pan of shakshuka, which roughly trans- lates as “a mixture”. It is a spiced tomato ragu with Brazilian breakfast: it’s all about coffee and fruit poached eggs nestled in the sauce – not the kind of dish that comes with knives and forks, but flatbread Australian to scoop up the sauce and wipe the frying pan clean. Australian breakfast has come a long way since German Vegemite on toast. is deeply engrained in most cities, and a flat white is a popular start to The cheeses are strong, the pumpernickel is the day, followed by fusion dishes that often com- dark and the sliced salamis are studded with pepper- bine native and non-native ingredients: lemon myrtle corns at a typical German breakfast. While a conti- blueberry muffins, macadamia nut granola, buck- nental spread is still the traditional option, German wheat or avocado with lime and coriander. exports such as Bircher müesli and have become popular worldwide, prompting their resur- Brazilian The word for breakfast – café da manhã – literally translates as “morning coffee”, and often Brazil- ian breakfasts are little more than that. are small, dark and strong, and are usually accompanied by little more than a selection of fresh native fruits: papaya, mango, guava, pineapple and passion fruit. Finnish In Finland, open are often served at breakfast, with substantial, savoury toppings such Delicious: Japanese breakfasts consist of as or hard cheeses. A sharp, cultured steamed rice, miso soup and various sides yoghurt called viili, or porridge with cloudberry or 14 The Parrot are also popular options, as are tra- Mexican ditional Finnish pastries like korvapuusti Mexican breakfasts are a sure-fire way to bulk up at rolls. the start of the day, with heavy dishes such as , corn chilaquiles or the Tex-Mex breakfast bur- rito: eggs, cheese and beans in a tortilla wrap. One of Mexico’s best breakfast exports is huevos ranche- ros (also known as huevos el Diablo, Devil’s eggs), which is a popular dish where eggs are poached in a spicy tomato sauce.

Aromatic and spicy: Indian breakfasts vary but they’re always full of colour and flavour Indian Masala chai – tea infused with herbs and – is sipped up and down the country, but otherwise Indian breakfasts vary from region to region. In the south, an idli steamed rice cake or dosa might be served alongside a sambar spiced lentil broth and chutney. In the north, more robust such as paratha or roti are typically offered alongside a drier, Ready to start the day: fish can always be found spicier with pickles. Lots of regions at the Swedish breakfast table have particular breakfast specialties, such as the akuri http://www.telegraph.co.uk/wellbeing/healthy-lifestyle-tips/ spiced scrambled eggs enjoyed in the Parsi cafés of breakfasts-from-around-the-world/?WT.mc_id=tmgspk_ ob_1311_Alt4YNNHrWny&utm_campaign=tmgspk_ob_1311_ Mumbai. Alt4YNNHrWny&utm_content=1311&utm_medium=ob&utm_ Chinese source=tmgspk Dim sum is such a popular mid-morning snack. People flock to China Towns worldwide to feast on Facts about Skipping Breakfast bamboo baskets stacked with steamed bazoi buns, •A worrying quarter (25%) of people are skipping and plates of glutinous rice wrapped in lotus leaves, breakfast once or more during the week, with more or egg tarts. Steaming bowls of congee rice than one in ten (13%) never eating it porridge are another traditional option, as are wonton •Of women who skip breakfast, 29 per cent miss it simmered in a savoury broth. because they are too busy getting ready Swedish •14 per cent of female breakfast skippers say they Cultured yoghurt or a sour called don’t eat in the morning because they are trying to filmjölk (often known as “fil”) is a typical start to the lose or watch their weight day. Swedish cuisine is known for being simple, and •Women are more likely to prioritise their hair and a bowl of yoghurt is often served with fresh berries choosing clothes for the day than eating breakfast. (eg, lingonberries, crowberries, cloudberries), honeys or jams. Smoked or cured fish also make up a typical Swedish breakfast, and are often served in Scandina- http://www.shakeupyourwakeup.com/why-is-breakfast-important/our- vian open sandwiches. breakfast-/fun-breakfast-facts The Parrot 15

Should People over 40 Work a Three-day Week?

Working full-time after the age of 40 is not But does it matter what sort of job you do? Is your good for the brain. Doing more than three days a ability to think preserved, as some research sug- week once you reach this age can damage your abil- gests, if you have an intellectually demanding job? ity to think. A paper from the Melbourne Institute of The Hilda survey doesn’t ask questions about the Applied Economic and Social Research says that, quality of work, and McKenzie says it’s hard to tell: while working up to 30 hours a week is good for the “It’s very difficult to identify the causal effects of the brains of the over-40s, do any more than that and it type of work on cognitive functions. People may be goes downhill. If you were to work 60 hours a week, selected into certain occupations according to your cognitive ability would be worse than that of their cognitive abilities.” someone who didn’t work It’s also not at all. Still, on clear why work- the plus side, ing more than 30 you would hours is not good have more for your brain, money than while fewer hours them. is beneficial. McKenzie says The that work can be researchers a double-edged used data sword. “While from more work can stimu- than 3,000 late brain activ- men and ity, long working 3,500 women hours can cause who com- fatigue and stress, pleted the national Household Income and Labour which potentially damage cognitive functions. Full- Dynamics in Australia (Hilda) survey. The survey time work (40 hours a week) is still better than no tested the ability to read words aloud, recite lists of work in terms of maintaining cognitive functioning, numbers and match letters and numbers in a speed but it is not maximising the positive effects of work,” trial. Testing reading is a measure of the “knowing” he says. part of ability, says lead author Prof Colin McKenzie, while the other two tests capture fluid intelligence – Results may also vary between countries, de- the “thinking” part of ability that includes memory, pending on how much holiday people can take each abstract reasoning and executive reasoning. year. It’s hard to control for all the factors that might bias a study such as this (including choices around This lowering of scores in those aged over the hours worked and the type of work), but it makes 40 who work full-time doesn’t fit with the idea that the idea of working full-time until the age of 67 – working for longer helps people stay mentally sharp, which the government aims to bring in between 2026 or with the notion of “use it or lose it”. So, should and 2028 – even less appealing. those who can afford to work less from the age of 40 reduce their hours? The solution https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/aug/08/should- Most of us have to keep working full-time. people-over-40-work-a-three-day-week 16 The Parrot

One is to endure…

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” The Parrot 17

One is to deplore...

Really? Is this the best we can do? Shine a light, bro’, like Lady Liberty. 18 The Parrot

Eat the World! The Parrot represents students of many hues and sounds --- no news there. Indeed, birds of a feather flock together, right? They also eat together. The Parrot is proud to present Parrot fodder from around the world in this and subsequent issues. Squawk! What is an Easy-to-Follow Recipe for Eggs Benedict?

Ingredients 1- 4 egg yolks.

2- 31/2 tablespoons lemon juice.

3- 1 pinch ground white pepper.

4- 1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.

5- 1 tablespoon water.

6- 1 cup butter, melted.

7- 1/4 teaspoon salt. - Add the melted butter to egg yolk mixture 1 or 2 ta- 8- 8 eggs. blespoons at a time while whisking yolks constantly. If hollandaise begins to get too thick, add a teaspoon 9- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar. or two of hot water. Continue whisking until all butter 10- 8 strips Canadian-style bacon. is incorporated. Whisk in salt, then remove from heat. Place a lid on pan to keep sauce warm. 11- 4 English muffins, split. - Preheat on broiler setting. To Poach Eggs: Fill 12- 2 tablespoons butter, softened. a large saucepan with 3 inches of water. Bring water to a gentle simmer, then add vinegar. Carefully break Directions eggs into simmering water, and allow to cook for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Yolks should still be soft in center. Prep: 25 m Remove eggs from water with a slotted spoon and set Cook: 5 m on a warm plate.

Ready In: 30 m - While eggs are poaching, brown the bacon in a me- dium skillet over medium-high heat and toast the Eng- lish muffins on a baking sheet under the broiler.

- To Make Hollandaise: Fill the bottom of a double - Spread toasted muffins with softened butter, and boiler part-way with water. Make sure that water does top each one with a slice of bacon, followed by one not touch the top pan. Bring water to a gentle sim- poached egg. Place 2 muffins on each plate and drizzle mer. In the top of the double boiler, whisk together with hollandaise sauce. Sprinkle with chopped egg yolks, lemon juice, white pepper, Worcestershire and serve immediately. sauce, and 1 tablespoon water. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/17205/eggs-benedict/ The Parrot 19 Parrot Warbling

Grappling with Idiom--Attic Grammar Devil’s Advocate

Grammar A person who takes an oppo- Parentheses site or controversial opinion in order to have a conversa- Rule 1. Use parentheses to enclose information that tion. clarifies or is used as an aside. Example: Someone at a meet- ing may play the role of devil’s advocate to try Example: He finally answered (after taking five min- and find out what your plan is if things go wrong. utes to think) that he did not understand the question. http://www.englishdaily626.com/idioms Example: He gave me a nice bonus ($500).

Rule 2a. Periods go inside parentheses only if an Beak Speak entire sentence is inside the parentheses. Consonant Replacement The Flap Example: Please read the analysis. (You’ll be amazed.) A flap occurs in three situations. 1. A flap occurs when a ‘t’ comes between two Rule 2b. Take care to punctuate correctly when vowels. The pronunciation of the ‘t’ punctuation is required both inside and outside paren- in these incidences sounds like a ‘d’ and is theses. said very quickly. Ex: water becomes wader Ex: You are late (aren’t you?). Do you need some water? Rule 3. Parentheses, despite appearances, are not part 2. Flaps also occur when a ‘d’ of the subject. comes between two vowels. The ‘d’ is still pronounced with a d Example: Joe (and his trusty mutt) was always wel- sound, but it is said very quickly. come. Ex: medical Rule 4. Commas are more likely to follow parenthe- She is a medical student. ses than precede them. 3. The third flap occurs when with linking of the Incorrect: When he got home, (it was already dark consonant final letter of one word outside) he fixed dinner. and the vowel letter of the next. (see section on Correct: When he got home (it was already dark out- linking). side), he fixed dinner. Ex: “right away” becomes righ(d) da way I’l get your bags right away, sir. http://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/parens.asp http://pronunciationtips.com/consonant-cluster1x/con-replace1/ 20 The Parrot Some More Parrot Fun Stuff

Across

2-A kind of fruit that begins with G. (6) 3-The opposite of first. (4) 5-A kind of fruit that begins with L. (5) 6-Another word for angry. (3) 7-A forest animal that rhymes with socks. (3) 8-Another word for glad. (5) 11-A season that rhymes with king. (6) 13-A kind of fruit that begins with A. (5) 14-A fruit that rhymes with hair. (4) 15-The opposite of up. (4) 17-The antonym of good. (3) 18-A drink that rhymes with sea. (3) 20-A farm animal that rhymes with boat. (4) 22-A type of fruit that begins with O. (6) 23-Another word for sick. (3) 24-A pet that rhymes with log. (3) 25- A kind of flower that begins with D. (5) Down 9- A synonym of sleepy. (5) 1- A place that rhymes with arm. (4) 10- Another word for smart. (6) 2- A kind of fish that begins with G. (8) 12- A synonym for trash. (7) 3- Another word for jump. (4) 16- The opposite of far. (4) 4- Another word for pull. (3) 18- Another way to say ‘very small’. (4) 8- A farm animal that rhymes with pen. (3) 19- The antonym of thick. (4) 21- Another word for throw. (4) 22- The opposite of young. (3)

Answers on page 22 http://bogglesworldesl.com/WordSkillsCrosswords.htm The Parrot 21

http://www.puzzles-to-print.com/printable-word-search/alien-word-search.shtml Answers on page 22 22 The Parrot

Rigoberto’s Riddles What is big and yellow and comes in the morning, to

Good Bones brighten mom’s day? School Bus School •

Life is short, though I keep this from my children. Life is short, and I’ve shortened mine Silly Vasilly’s Chuckle Chamber in a thousand delicious, ill-advised ways, a thousand deliciously ill-advised ways I’ll keep from my children. The world is at least Beautiful English fifty percent terrible, and that’s a conservative I called an old school friend on the estimate, though I keep this from my children. telephone and asked him what he For every bird there is a stone thrown at a bird. was doing. For every loved child, a child broken, bagged, He replied that he was working on sunk in a lake. Life is short and the world “Aqua-thermal treatment of ceram- is at least half terrible, and for every kind ics, aluminum, and steel under a con- stranger, there is one who would break you, strained environment. though I keep this from my children. I am trying I was impressed.... to sell them the world. Any decent realtor, walking you through a real shithole, chirps on On further inquiry, I learned that he was washing about good bones: This place could be beautiful, dishes and pots, and pans with hot water... under his right? You could make this place beautiful. wife’s supervision.

by MAGGIE SMITH The Parrot 23 Granny Noetal Dear Orecchi, Dear Granny Noetal, Yes, there is a long-standing program of guest presenta- My ESL listening/speaking tions on campus, by professors and by speakers from teacher I like but I get tired of listen- off-campus. Very often they are held in Raef Hall, ing to her. I want to listen but my mind a large auditorium, and often they run from wanders when I’m in class. I think about 12:20 to 1:30. There are a variety of topics. my dear girlfriend or I think about my broth- Other talks occur in other places and at ers and sisters back in my country. My other times around campus. Read The teacher understands this. She always Current and the last page of The Parrot to reminds us that we are dealing in a see a few publicized events. Take your second language, and it is natural to with you so you can make the lose focus for stretches of time. She sug- talk an enjoyable experience -- eating gests that we always take notes so that and listening might be more fun than we are really focused. A friend of mine listening and taking notes. Listening and told me I need more practice -- not just learning in another language while eating – twice a week in class. I hear that there what a great combination! Many years ago is something called College Hour twice Granny took a class in French – I a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at was actively doing (and eating) while listening. Now I lunchtime. Can you tell me more? can understand a lot of French and can make a mean Orecchi Piccoli soufflé. Voila! ------religions I teach. It is different for each religion. For Interview with Prof. Atwater example, when I teach Islam I really enjoy the Sufi, Continued from page 1 Ibn Rummi and I enjoy teaching the masjid, the humanities, American humanities, world religions, mosque and we visit Salam Center across the street and I have taught The Bible and Middle Eastern from ARC and take a tour. But about Buddhism, I re- humanities. But now Professor Lester teaches those ally enjoy teaching about the Dali Lama, who is the two courses. big guru of Tibetan Buddhism. There is something Parrot: Where else have you taught? in each and every religion that really attracts me and interests me and I hope to get students inter- Professor Atwater: I’ve taught at Sacramento State ested. University. I also taught at a couple of high schools. I taught at Union Mine High School. I taught his- Parrot: Why did you choose to teach this course? tory and literature, and I taught at a private college Professor Atwater: Well, I came here just over four- called Google for Spelling College in Washington teen years ago. Nine Eleven had just happened and State. I was teaching in high school. When they hired me Parrot: What is your favorite course? here, I immediately thought about what had hap- pened at the World Trade Center. Students should Professor Atwater: I like them all, but I really like probably know more accurate information about teaching world religions. It is an introduction to all religions and people in the world because after world religions. It is a survey course; it covers the Nine Eleven. For example, there was a Sikh man Hindu, Sikh, Jewish, Christian, Muslem, Buddhist, who wore the turban because some Americans did and tribal religions. not know they were not Osama Bin Laden’s follow- Parrot: Which religion attracts you more? ers; they were Sikh from India. So, I thought coming Professor Atwater: I find something attractive in all here right after that, you know national tragedy, I could help students understand the world better. 24 The Parrot

Parrot: What have you discovered from your travels was challenging but a lot of fun. to other countries? Parrot: How can the courses you teach help stu- Professor Atwater: I think the main thing is that dents? despite differences in culture or language, religion, Professor Atwater: I think we live in a global world. food, and all the things that are very different in For example, when I teach Asian humanities, we every culture, we share common humanity, and we study China, we study Japan, we study Tibet, we share a smile or a laugh which needs no translation study India, and many of our students here in anywhere in the world. I went to Japan, and I dis- California will be in business dealing with China, a covered the beauty of the country. When I went to major economy. They will meet people in California Israel, to Jerusalem, I discovered the beauty of the who are from those countries and those cultures. old city. When I was in India, I discovered the beauty So, whatever a student’s major might be, if it is go- of the temples and the countryside. So, I found ing to be in law, or law enforcement, or in business, wonderful and beautiful places and people every- or in nursing, or in help professions, they are going where and felt love everywhere I went. to have contact with people from all over the world. Parrot: What was the biggest challenge you met For our students who graduate, they have the un- during your visit to these countries? derstanding of these people, their values, and their Professor Atwater: Yes, when I was in South Africa cultures. I think it is very important. for a visit to my friend, I was driving, but the car in Parrot: What do you do in your spare time? South Africa is like in England and Australia. The Professor Atwater: Well, I am an active musician driving is on the left side of the road and the wheel as you can see. I play instruments, I direct chorus, on the right. That was very challenging. We were I write music, and sing, and that keeps me active. out on a like a safari, like a visit to the wilderness Plus I do enjoy in the mountains in Lake Tahoe and where there are hippopotamuses, lions, giraffes, wilderness just up to the mountains from us here. and rhinoceros and it was challenging. We had So, I like hiking and camping. some hiking to do. It was very cold at night and very hot in the middle of the day; it was like a dry Parrot: Thank you very much for joining us. plain. We were looking for wild animal tracks and it ------

The Largest World Religions in order Judaism - The Hebrew leader Abraham founded Ju- are: daism around 2000 B.C. Judaism is the oldest of the monotheistic faiths (religions with one god). 1.Christianity: 2.1 billion 2.Islam: 1.3 billion Christianity - Founded by Jesus Christ, who was 3.Hinduism: 900 million crucified around A.D. 30 in Jerusalem. It was after 4.Buddhism: 376 million his death when his followers came to believe in him 5.Sikhism: 23 million as the Christ, the Messiah. 6.Judaism: 14 million Buddhism - Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, called The Five Oldest the Buddha, in the 4th or 5th century B.C. in India. main World Religions in order are: Islam - Founded in Arabia by Muhammad between Hinduism - The oldest religion, it may date to pre- A.D. 610 and A.D. 632 historic times. http://www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/Religion.html The Parrot 25

Istanbul, Turkey

The Parrot - Read Simply Every- where!

ISTANBUL IS UNIQUE

There are a lot of cities and regions in the world today that you can refer to as ‘a culture that has been influ- enced both by the West and the East’ but Istanbul is THE location where the West and the East came together and gave birth to something UNIQUE. Above in the background is the famous Blue Mosque. 26 The Parrot

Quick Parrot Grammar Quiz 7.What is your busiest day 1.How often do you play tennis? of the week? a. On Tuesday. a. In the morning. b. For two hours. b. Every day. c. Almost every day. c. Tuesday. d. With John. d. Last week. 2.Where do you usually eat lunch? 8.My mother is a good cook. a. . a. I agree with you. b. With Jane. b. I agree you. c. At 12:00. c. I agree to you. d. In the cafeteria. d. I agree for you. 3.How long did you study last night? 9.What does “TV” mean? a. With Bob. a. For one hour. b. In my room. b. Yes c. English. c. Television. d. For three hours. d. For one hour. 4.What kind of novels do you like? e. On Friday. a. Yes, I do. 10.How do you spell “dog”? b. I like spy novels. a. No 5.What kind of work do you do? b. D-O-G a. I work every day. c. No b. I’m a piano teacher. d. I don’t c. I worked for two hours. e. Cat. 6.How many hours a day do you watch TV? 11.What did you do yesterday? a. About two hours.

a. I am swimming. 11.D

b. In my living room. 5.B 10. B 10.

b. I swim. 4.B 9. C 9.

c. I watch the news. 3.D 8.A

c. I will swim. 2.D 7. C 7.

d. On Tuesday. C 1. 6.A d. I swam. Answerss The Parrot 27

ESL Students Find Success in Business Rabeea Lasso and Raghad Eesso are the owners of a small mouth-watering establishment called Pizza and Kabobs in Folsom. Husband and wife Rabeea Lasoo and Raghad Eeso, originally from Iraq, were ESL students for a few years at ARC. How did they get the idea of starting their business? It was simple. “All of our friends liked our cooking, liked our food at picnics and gather- ings. They encouraged us.” The Parrot had a nibble. As they say in Parrotese, “squawk”! As they say in Arabic, “La- thith “! As they say in English, “yummy”! 28 The Parrot Out of the Cage

Interview Success Workshop Opportunities for STEM Research at Wednesday Febrary15, 2017 UCD 11am – 12pm Thursday February 23, 2017 12:15pm – 1:15pm This workshop includes information on researching the organization, reviewing Learn how transfer students in the anticipated questions and specific strate- STEM majors can get involved in paid under- gies, assessing your skills, making a profes- graduate research opportunities at UC Davis sional presentation, and body language and through the California Alliance for Minority presentation. Participation. This event is sponsored by the Please call the Career Center and register for Honors Program, the TRIO Program, and the this workshop. 916-484-8492 ARC Transfer Center.

Location: DSPS Conference Room Location: Raef Hall 160

Resume Development Workshop JUNG Personality Assessment Workshop Thursday February 16, 2017 Thursday February 23, 2017 2pm – 3pm 1pm – 2pm What is your natural temperament? What Your résumé reflects your uniqueness. careers are you most drawn to? What kinds of This workshop focuses on the physical ap- people do you get along best with? Come to this workshop to discover more about yourself using pearance of a résumé, including different an assessment tool based on Carl Jung’s theory types of formats and the kinds of informa- of Psychological Type. This is for students who tion that should be included. Tips on writing wish to take the Jung assessment or have al- an effective cover letter to send with your ready taken it and want a more in-depth under- résumé will be discussed. Please call the standing of the eight scales, or “ways of being” Career Center to register for this workshop. it is based on. You will learn some new things 916-484-8492 about yourself, about what careers suit you, and about the people in your life in this interactive, Location: DSPS Conference Room fun and informational workshop. Location: Connect Center, Student Services Bldg.

Questions/Comments? Student Editors: Elaf Khafaja Please let us know what we can do to improve “The Parrot.” We appreciate any and all feedback you are willing to give us. Send us an e-mail, call, or just drop by Professor Bracco’s office D337 (Davies Hall), call (916) 484-8988, or e-mail [email protected]. To see The Parrot in color go to http://www.arc.losrios.edu/Programs_of_Study/Humani- ties/ESL/The_Parrot.htm