My Unique Method of Learning Literacy

Learning literacy? But  I competently (At least semi-competently write a blog).  Oh no my friends I'm not talking about English.  I happen to speak Hebrew pretty fluently yet I struggle to read and write the language of the chosen people.  I've often thought that in my adult life I would make it a hobby to teach myself to read and write Hebrew, but I've not yet found the motivation or the proper means to do so.  A while back I received a couple of work books and guides from  my cousin but I never pushed myself hard enough to tap into them.  I didn't lose any passion for my goal; I just more or less put off my goal.  Don't worry I'm getting to the good part.  I've finally found a way that I can learn to read and write the language of my ancestors: Google translator. 

Google is so wonderful.  It's given me the space to share my thoughts with you all, and now it will help me to learn how to read and write a language that I already know how to speak.  Sure, google translator will not be my only tool.  In time I'll practice hand writing the letters and reading books, magazines, and newspapers, but for now it's a great way for me to practice while I'm on the computer screwing around.  I recently deactivated my facebook (again) and this time I want to see if I can be done with it for good.  I promise I'm not an elitist, and not even an overly private person, but I fear that social networking isn't all that social.  I prefer face to face interactions to discuss pressing issues such as politics, upcoming events, and the daily thing that just happened to piss me off beyond belief.  Anyway, I figure I can take the time that I often waste on facebook and other pointless online time and I can devote it to worthwhile hobbies like Hebrew practice, reading, writing, and I think I may buy an acoustic guitar in the near future to begin lessons.  We'll see about the latter, only due to financial constraints.  The guitar itself wouldn't set me back too far, just the weekly lessons that would be required for me to reach a respectable level of consistency.  Oh financial freedom how I long for you.

I subbed today and had another teacher reiterate the point of starting a business as a means of financial freedom over educating youngsters.  Sure I love the kids and the teaching; I just wish the salary matched the effort that good teachers put in.  Not to worry because I don't plan on giving up on my dreams of writing and life coaching, which are both in essence starting businesses. 

This post was kind of all over the place but I figured it's about time I started to write my words down again.  I've been feeling kind of down lately and writing may be a good way for me to pick myself up.  I have the hardest time being optimistic for myself, but in this weird gray area in my life that happens to be at one of the worst economic times for our great nation I must persevere.  You know what I find funny about the economy.  Today the DOW finished higher than it has since 2008 mostly because oil is nearing a historic new high.  Funny who really profits when the economy is at its highest...Don't you love capitalism?

The American

Last week I began watching The American starring George Clooney on a whim, and it turned out to be a pretty solid movie.  It's funny because I also tried to go see The Descendants which also stars Mr. Clooney, but it was nearly sold out so I didn't bother squeezing my way into the front row of a crowded theater, and possibly not even sitting with my female counterpart.  It's almost like I needed my George Clooney fix, and since I couldn't get it at the movie theater I went ahead and watched The American to make up for it.  I'm not obsessed, I promise; however, my recent Clooney conundrum has made me realize that he's one of my favorite actors.  He just doesn't make a bad movie, and on top of that he's just the man.  The guy can get whatever girl he wants, lives on Lake Como, Italy which is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the world, and he opposes social media which I personally happen to admire (Kind of contradictory being that I have a blog and a facebook, but I refuse to get a Twitter).  Anyway, back to my review.

The American chronicles an American man in Europe (Italy I believe.  What a stretch for George...) who happens to be a high end gun dealer.  The movie depicts the intricacies that go into one of his transactions and provides plenty of twists and interesting events along the way.  And of course George has an attractive female love interest which is always nice on the eyes.  The film is well written, acted, and suspenseful.  I think the characters and setting were well chosen, and the cinematography is also well done.  If you're a fan of George's previous works or if you enjoy somewhat suspenseful action movies, I highly recommend The American.  Hopefully I'll get to see The Descendants sometime soon to see if George continues his on screen dominance. 

Here's the trailer for The American:

And here's the trailer for The Descendants: