tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562328588382445845.post7943206221236151220..comments2009-07-10T01:14:27.585-04:00Ryan McCarlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626605478233269742noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562328588382445845.post-81023309545054326332009-07-10T01:14:27.585-04:002009-07-10T01:14:27.585-04:00Hi Bob,<br /><br />Thanks for the great compliments. My shelves are filled with purchased but unread books, too - but the great thing is that sometimes I&#39;ll pick up a book that has been sitting on my shelf for years and discover that it is one of the best I&#39;ve ever read.<br /><br />I&#39;m not sure what to expect about teaching yet, but I am optimistic. My central goal will be to get kids more informed and excited about history, politics, and ideas in general.<br /><br />I&#39;ve studied abroad in Japan and Italy and taken classes in a bunch of languages - advanced Japanese and Italian, high-intermediate French and Spanish, intermediate Norwegian, and beginner&#39;s Russian, Chinese, and German. I had no idea that you were into languages as well. I haven&#39;t studied much lately, but I am making an effort to get back into them. You might be interested in checking out http://www.unilang.org/, a site I used to read. You would also love the book &quot;How to Learn Any Language&quot; by Barry Farber - it&#39;s the book that inspired me to make language learning a priority in my life.Ryan McCarlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626605478233269742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562328588382445845.post-44010319407787670042009-07-09T22:30:58.953-04:002009-07-09T22:30:58.953-04:00Hey Ryan, I read not only this latest blog but all of your entries. Wow. I wish I had time to read all the books you recommend. They sound awesome, but alas my book shelf is full of those I have purchased and not yet gotten to. <br /><br />You write well and clearly and persuasively. I can see that you have developed the art of expression. I look forward to reading your book one day. Whether as a teacher or policy person, I have no doubt that you will always advocate self-education. I love that term. I have always said self-learner, but I like yours better. This attitude and idea is an excellent one to model before high school students. They will pick up on your passion for knowing and learning in your class. Some, many, maybe all, (well that is idealistic) will be drawn to you and your energy. You are going to be an exciting teacher.<br /><br />I loved reading about your collection of language textbooks. Have you had the chance to communicate with people in those languages, in those cultures? I too have a passion for languages. It is my hobby. I have had the privilege of living in Hungary and Austria for 8 years. Learning languages offers me a window into others&#39; lives and other cultures. Nothing beats the conversation about weather or farming with a farmer in a rural setting in Central Europe.<br /><br />I will keep an eye on your blog and pass the word on to friends. <br />Bob AuseBob Ausehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15203600261495178552noreply@blogger.com