Dear Cafetalk Community,

How are you? I hope you are doing well in your foreign language studies. I'm having a lovely time enjoying the change of the colors of the Autumn foliage. At the same time, we recently had our first snow and it's piling up rapidly. I guess winter is seriously setting in all over the world.

[Re: The above TV Clip from the show: "The New WKRP" (I'm too old for the original one! Lol!)]
The appearance on this TV show called “The New WKRP” was shot at the MTM (Mary Tyler Moor Studios) in Studio City, Los Angeles. I lived in Studio City, CA for a long time because it was close to all the auditions at the production companies and studios.

Anyway, in this episode called, "And Then Comes Nessman," I played a nurse in the opening scene. The opening scene that is shown before the first commercial is called a "teaser." It’s meant to capture your attention so you will continue watching the show, and also, it sets up the storyline for the rest of the show.

So in this episode, I'm the nurse in the first scene that makes the character of Nessman think he has a grave illness and is dying when I am in fact, I'm talking about a rabid dog. The challenge to this scene was that there was actually no one at the other end of the phone call, right? So, it was one long monologue for me. Plus, I had to time my lines so that the Nessman’s character could respond to them and then wait for him to get a laugh before I started my next line. There's an art to everything. I just wanted to share some of my behind the scenes adventures and trade secrets in the entertainment business with you.

Also, another amazing thing that happened the day when I was shooting "The New WKRP" was the fact that I ran into Jerry Seinfeld on the set at the MTM Studios. I had worked with him on his show, “Seinfeld.” I was on my way to lunch at the studio cafeteria. Jerry was just hanging outside his office and he remembered me! He said hello and we chatted briefly. "The New WKRP" studio happened to be right next to Jerry's. I'm not just dropping names ... I really worked with all of these stars. On the most part, they were really nice. . .

However, I wouldn't wish the struggle and hardship in between acting jobs on anyone. The endless auditions, the rollercoaster emotions that go along with the business, and countless rejection is no fun at all. In fact, it’s very painful.  Of course, I am grateful for all the acting work that I booked! By the way, thank you for watching the video.
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Well, the holiday season is rapidly approaching if it isn't here already. We celebrated Thanksgiving last week. I'm spoiled because I get to enjoy two Thanksgiving feasts each year! The reason is that, in Canada, we celebrate Thanksgiving at the beginning of October. On the other hand, in America, we celebrate Thanksgiving on the 4th Thursday of every November. Anyway, I wanted you to know that I created a special lesson about the American Thanksgiving Holiday. It briefly goes into the history of how Thanksgiving originated. Also, I will teach you about the Thanksgiving feast, including various side dishes that go along with the main entree which is turkey (and sometimes ham).

For example, the Native Americans introduced and taught the Pilgrims how to plant crops, raise animals, and survive the harsh winter in a new land. The crops the Native-American taught the settlers how to raise are known as the "Three Sisters," which includes "corn," "beans," and "squash" (which is a type of pumpkin.) Plus, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie which are favorites in America for over 400 years.
[*Note] ~ Although I don't have a specific lesson for the "Thanksgiving" worksheet, please contact me if you are interested in attending or you need more information on my Profile “Lessons” page. I will be happy to provide the lesson at any time.
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Also, Cafetalk is having a Special Holiday Lessons about Christmas and New Years from all over the world! Nowadays, the true meaning of Christmas is often misunderstood or lost, especially in Asian countries. The Christmas message in many countries is materialism. It has become about exchanging gifts and a reason to have a party. As a result, aren’t you curious about the true history, traditions, and customs of Christmas?

[Study Focus:]
As English-learners, I believe it is important to learn about holiday traditions and customs in America and Canada. There are certain vocabulary words that are Christmas-specific. For example, you can learn about ageless customs, songs, and other significant elements of the American/Canadian Christmas traditions.

[For example, do you know the following English words associated with Christmas?]

• mistletoe
• Christmas caroling
• Yuletide
• Kris Kringle
• wassail
• wishbone
• tinsel
• North Pole
• Santa's elves
• reindeers (Rudolph)
• gingerbread House
• nativity
• wise men

Thank you for reading my post. Have a wonderful day! Hope to see you soon!

Warmest regards,

Lady Ayame

(Patricia Ayame Thomson)