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Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Hike in Rancho Palos Verdes


On Sunday, January 18, Language Systems - South Bay Los Angeles enjoyed a rugged outdoor hike in Rancho Palos Verdes. It was a two and a half hour hike with an incline of 1,300 feet and covered five miles of trails. 


Students had the opportunity to meet local residents of the South Bay and practice their English, and saw a breathtaking sunset on the way back.  It was a great way to keep our New Year's resolutions to get more exercise! 


Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Ugly Sweater Contest


Colorful Christmas sweaters have been part of the holiday tradition in the United States for almost a century, but they weren't always considered "ugly." Sweaters that were brightly colored in mostly reds and greens and decorated with winter scenes, snowmen, Santa Claus, reindeer, Christmas trees, and everything related to the holiday were a common sight at holiday parties. It was often "grandmas" and  "aunties" who would give these sweaters as gifts that were often unappreciated. One might say that the sweaters have always been ugly, but only until recently have the ugliest sweaters become most popular. Younger generations are enjoying overly decorated holiday sweaters as more of a novelty than in the past by hosting "Ugly SweaterParties," where guests wear the ugliest holiday sweater they can find. 


At the end of last term, Language Systems hosted Ugly Sweater Contests at each of its campuses. Students, staff, and teachers were encouraged to wear ugly holiday sweaters for a chance to win a prize. There were lots of shiny bows, snowmen, snowflakes, and even some 3-D elements! It was very difficult to choose the best, but the winners definitely deserved it!