16 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

ESL Book Review – Vancouver Stories

This simple, 50 -page book will give adult students a real grounding in Vancouver's past. It tells the stories behind four places whose names become known to anyone who spends time in Vancouver: Granville Island, Kitsilano, the Lions Gate Bridge, and Deadman's Island.

Although it's meant for literacy students, it can also help adult ESL students feel more at home in the city, whether they've settled there or are just there to study.

Most of the stories begin in the late nineteenth century, when Granville Street was a loggers' skid road, the width of a wagon. Of course, the city has changed greatly in some ways since then – in others, not so much. Political squabbles, Native land claims, and the homeless have been issues right from the beginning.

The book is written at a level suitable for upper intermediate to advanced students. The text is broken into sections with subheadings, which should probably be assigned one at time so students aren't overloaded with facts. It's illustrated with vintage photos. A separate workbook is available, but the text can stand on its own as the basis for a reading activity.

The subject matter, in places, is really only suitable for adults or mature adolescents. For example, one story tells how the city squabbled with the federal government over Deadman's Island, which meanwhile was being used as a quarantine station:

While the arguments went on, the island became a kind of "red light district" where the quarantined prostitutes, sailors and others were having quite a party.

The party's since been let out of quarantine, and maybe it's never really stopped. See what your students think.

Vancouver Stories: Places in its History, by Rene Merkel and Don Richardson, was published by the Province of BC in 1998. It is available from the Vancouver Community College bookstore (King Edward campus).

Source by Jane Wangersky

10 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

ESL Book Review – Vancouver Stories

This simple, 50 -page book will give adult students a real grounding in Vancouver's past. It tells the stories behind four places whose names become known to anyone who spends time in Vancouver: Granville Island, Kitsilano, the Lions Gate Bridge, and Deadman's Island.

Although it's meant for literacy students, it can also help adult ESL students feel more at home in the city, whether they've settled there or are just there to study.

Most of the stories begin in the late nineteenth century, when Granville Street was a loggers' skid road, the width of a wagon. Of course, the city has changed greatly in some ways since then – in others, not so much. Political squabbles, Native land claims, and the homeless have been issues right from the beginning.

The book is written at a level suitable for upper intermediate to advanced students. The text is broken into sections with subheadings, which should probably be assigned one at time so students aren't overloaded with facts. It's illustrated with vintage photos. A separate workbook is available, but the text can stand on its own as the basis for a reading activity.

The subject matter, in places, is really only suitable for adults or mature adolescents. For example, one story tells how the city squabbled with the federal government over Deadman's Island, which meanwhile was being used as a quarantine station:

While the arguments went on, the island became a kind of "red light district" where the quarantined prostitutes, sailors and others were having quite a party.

The party's since been let out of quarantine, and maybe it's never really stopped. See what your students think.

Vancouver Stories: Places in its History, by Rene Merkel and Don Richardson, was published by the Province of BC in 1998. It is available from the Vancouver Community College bookstore (King Edward campus).

Source by Jane Wangersky

13 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

Coleman Instant Tent 8 – Product Review

Camping is one of the best ways to spend quality time with your family in the outdoors. A tent is one of the most important camping equipment every family should have. If you have quite a large family, you can consider getting a Coleman 8-Person Instant Tent. Just as its name suggests, this tent can accommodate up to 8 people. It is also very easy to set up; the poles are pre-attached to the tent, so there is no need for assembly. You just need to unfold and spread out the fabric, extend the poles, click and lock into place. The tent can be set up or taken down in just one minute. The cabin structure is stronger and heavier than most tents, so it is perfect for long stays.

The fabric of the Coleman Instant Tent 8 is heavy duty and is twice the thickness of the standard Coleman tent fabric. It is made of high quality 150D polyester taffeta which is tear resistant. Thanks to Coleman's WeatherTec system, the tent is virtually waterproof. Every seam is fully taped, so there is no need for a separate rain fly. However, you are advised to waterproof the tent if you want extra protection from heavy rain. There are seven large windows that provide excellent air circulation and 360 degrees of view. The roof vents help keep the inside of the tent cool at all times. The 16mm, 20mm and 22mm poles are made of steel and are durable and rigid.

The Coleman Instant Tent 8 has plenty of space and is tall enough to stand; it is 14 x 10 feet and the center height is 6'5 ". The removable partition can be used to divide the cabin into two rooms, and the tent has two doors: one in front and one in the back. The tent comes complete with a durable carry bag and a limited 1 year manufacturer's warranty.

The only major drawback of this tent is that it is fairly heavy and difficult to put in the carry bag. However, this is a common problem for most tents. Other than that, this tent is the ideal choice for large families. It has garnered a lot of positive reviews from users, and it has even won a VIP (Very Innovative Products) Award from the Good Housekeeping magazine. You can purchase this awesome tent from Coleman's official website of Amazon, and prices start from $ 203. Not bad for a tent that fits 8 people!

Source by Achmad Aldi

10 Mar
Vancouver Tours Blog

A Book Review: Tell the Truth – The Whole Gospel to the Whole Person by Whole People Will Metzger

Will Metzger of Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, begins his treat remembering us of the Apostle Paul's declaration that he had "not shunned to declare out to you all the counsel of God." (Acts 20:27). As a new believer he began to question the salesmanship approach to evangelism. Why would we borrow a format when God's Word gives us all we need to evangelize our friends, families and others?

In his section on "The Whole Gospel," Metzger discussed the terms "evangelism,"

"witness," and "soul-winning." He concludes by reminding his readers that "The chief end of man" is not to be a soul-winner, but "To glorify God and enjoy Him forever." (Westminster Catechism). This is not said to speak lightly of "soul-winning" but rather to distinguish the two terms (soul-winning; glorifying God). They are not synonymous. Luke 24: 44-48 relates a time when Christ tapped his disciples from the Scriptures and His Work on the cross leading to repentance and remission of sins. We are to be witnesses of these things. In a court of law, a witness gives an eyewitness account of the truth regarding the event in question.

Dr. Lloyd-Jones studied the Word of God, especially the Book of Acts, the Epistles, and the Life of Christ. Also, we can learn from Church history, especially during those times of revival. From his study, Lloyd-Jones came to the following concluding:

  1. The main goal in evangelism is to glorify God, not to save souls.
  2. The work of the Holy Spirit, not our own strength produces results.
  3. Only through the Scriptures does the Spirit work.
  4. These truths give us the true motivation for evangelism – a zeal for God and a love of others.
  5. Beware, heresy is a constant danger.

Metzger contrasts man-centered and God-centered efforts in evangelism in the areas of the view of God, view of humanity, view of Christ and view of response to Christ. For example, the point of contact in the man-centered view of God is that God loves the individual. On the other hand, the God-centered view presents God as the individual's creator with authority in his life. Will Metzger presents the dangers of truncating the Gospel in some simple package and preferred method-centered evangelism over message-centered.

In the chapter, The Gospel Recovered, Metzger fleshes out his previous outline with more details and Scriptures. God is presented as Creator and Redeemer; Man is presented as the Sinful Creature; Christ is presented as the merciful redeemer; and finally, Our necessary response to be united to Christ.

In section two, "To the Whole Person: Conversion of the Total Person," Metzger quotes I Thessalonians 1: 4-10, pointing out that believers in Thessalonica had turned from idols to Christ and those around could see the difference in their lives. Our author reminds us that when the whole gospel is not declared there results many professors, not possessors. To the mind, the whole Gospel informs and humbles the mind rather than produce intellectualism. To the emotions, the whole gospel shows love and touches the heart, not producing mere emotionalism. To the will, the whole Gospel invites, persuades and claims allegiance to a new master, not appeal natural desires

Finally, in the third section, "Offered by Whole People: Character and Communication in Witnessing," the author discusses the normal Christian evangelist and how to communicate privately with others. Throughout the book, Metzger uses Scriptures to drive his conclusions. He provides worksheets or study guides for different topics present in the book. Whatever you agree with everything Metzger writes, his book provides a good study guide for any Christian wanting to obey Christ in this very important area of ​​life.

Source by Maggie Dail

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