Author Archives: Dr. Lucy Tse

The Stephen King Book You Will (Probably) Never Read

Posted on Tuesday - September 12, 2017 by Dr. Lucy Tse

If you went to the movies this past weekend, you may have seen a movie called It. It is a remake (newer version of a film) based on a 1986 novel (book-length story) by Stephen King.  The film is already a big … Continue reading →

Posted in Books and Reading | 9 Comments

Thick as Thieves

Posted on Tuesday - August 8, 2017 by Dr. Lucy Tse

When I was growing up, my best friend was Marlene. We became friends in the third grade when we were about 10 years old. We hung around (spent free time) with each other all the time. In fact, we were practically … Continue reading →

Posted in Language & Terms | 13 Comments

Anasazi Cliff Dwellings

Posted on Tuesday - July 11, 2017 by Dr. Lucy Tse

A few weeks ago (in late May), I got a chance to visit a place I’ve wanted to go to for a long time: the Anasazi cliff dwellings. The Anasazi were a Native American tribe (group; people) that lived in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Life in the United States | 12 Comments

Mail by Mule

Posted on Tuesday - January 10, 2017 by Dr. Lucy Tse

Americans love to complain about the United States Postal Service (USPS), which we more commonly call the “post office.” They are blamed for lost or late mail, even for the amount of junk mail (unwanted mail, including advertisements) we receive. But … Continue reading →

Posted in Life in the United States | 2 Comments

What am I, Chopped Liver?

Posted on Tuesday - December 13, 2016 by Dr. Lucy Tse

Hello, everybody! Today, I’m going to talk about a phrase you might hear in conversation, one that sounds just a little bit strange. Jeff:  “I heard that you need a singer for the show.” Lucy:  “Yes, I’m thinking of asking … Continue reading →

Posted in Language & Terms | 7 Comments

A Very L.A. Thanksgiving

Posted on Thursday - November 24, 2016 by Dr. Lucy Tse

Welcome! We’re so glad you could join us for Thanksgiving. Come in out of the cold. It’s dipped below (fallen under) 70° F (20° C) outside. Brrrrrrrrr! Jeff has been slaving away (working very hard) in the kitchen all day baking … Continue reading →

Posted in Life in the United States | 14 Comments

If You Like Short Skirts, Thank World War II

Posted on Tuesday - November 15, 2016 by Dr. Lucy Tse

War has many unintended consequences (things that happen that no one intended). World War II shrunk (made smaller) the skirt. During World War II, the United States experienced a major change in gender roles (views and responsibilities of men and women). According to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Life in the United States | 7 Comments

Canadians: We’re Coming For You

Posted on Tuesday - November 1, 2016 by Dr. Lucy Tse

The United States and Canada are usually friendly neighbors. We share the longest demilitarized border (without an army or military protection) in the world, and our citizens can travel back and forth without any special visas. But things haven’t always … Continue reading →

Posted in Life in the United States | 10 Comments

Frank Sinatra: Trapped in Australia

Posted on Tuesday - October 18, 2016 by Dr. Lucy Tse

The well-known singer Frank Sinatra had a long and successful career, but things didn’t always go smoothly (not always without problems) for him, according to the National Archives. The 58-year-old singer arrived in Melbourne, Australia on July 9, 1974 to give … Continue reading →

Posted in News and Current Events | 7 Comments

Tips on Printing Your Own Money

Posted on Tuesday - October 4, 2016 by Dr. Lucy Tse

What do you do if you’re the U.S. government and you’re short on (don’t have enough) money? You just print it, of course. During the U.S. Civil War (1861 to 1865), the federal (national) government was nearly broke (without any money). … Continue reading →

Posted in Life in the United States | 15 Comments