lunes, abril 20, 2009

1.- FACTS AND FIGURES THAT MAKE US THINK

This presentation was shown to a group of workers and investigators of Sony, at their Executives Conference this year. It is about the world of computing, and information technologies nowadays. It is really amazing.
It makes you think about how much information we have at hand. If you wish to see it in YOutube, click here.

martes, abril 07, 2009

Here is the Mom's song

Dear Moms who are studying english,
this is your song. Specially dedicated to you.
See whether you can shout at your children
in English next time you have a little nasty
argument about the pocket money, or homework.
It must be true that a mom's work never ends.

MY HEART WILL GO ON (TO SING ALONG)

Dear B1-s:
How is everything? are you enjoying yourselves apart from reading texts?
I found this video of the film Titanic, with the lyrics of the song My heart will go on sung by Celine Dion. I thought you might want to listen to it as you are on holiday now.
Sorry I did not have anyone by AC/DC.....

lunes, abril 06, 2009

HOW TO COPE WITH CHILDREN AFTER SEPARATION

This interesting video about how to deal with your children after your separation or divorce was very interesting to discuss in class.
  • Should a couple tell a child about their problems, or should they just pretend that nothing strange is going on between them?
  • What is the best age to talk it over for a child?
  • How should we explain it to him or her?

If you find yourself in this situation, this video may be a hint for you. For the rest of us it can be something to think about. I am open to any comments you would like to make. Click here to see the video.

THEY CLAIM THAT AMERICANS ARE STUPID, WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Here are some of the questions that were asked to some North American people in a survey carried out in the street:
1.- Name a country that begins with U
2.- Who is in the coalition of the willing?
3.- What's the religion of Israel?
4.- What religion are Budhist monks?
5.- Who won the Vietnam war?
6.- Who is Fidel Castro?
7.- How many sides does a triangle have?
8.- What is the currency used in the UK?
9.- In terms of the war of terror, who do you think should be the next country to invade?
10.- Put a number in the following countries: sri lanka, North korea, France


11.- Looking at the map, where do you think the best place to invade Iran would be from?

12.- Kofie Anan is a drink, true or false?

13.- Who is Tony Blair?

14.- Which countries are in the axis of evil?

15.- Palestinians or Israelis, which ones are throwing "the rocks"?

16.- Who was the first man on the moon?

17.- What is a mosque?

18.- How many kidneys does a person have?

19.- What is collateral damage?

20.- How many world wars have there been?

21.- Which state in USA does KFC come from?

22.- Do you know what KFC stands for?

23.- The film STAR WARS was based on a true story, true or false?

24.- What are Hiroshima and Nagasaki famous for?

25.- How many Eiffel towers are there in Paris?

26.- What is Al-Qaeda?

27.- The language they speak in Latin-America is Latin, true or false?

Now you can compare YOUR ANSWERS with the anwers of american citizens to these questions. Click here to see the video.


jueves, marzo 19, 2009

13.- AUSSIES, A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW


ONLY AUSSIES
Being Australian is about driving in a German car to an Irish pub for a Belgian beer, then on the way home, grabbing an Indian curry or a Turkish kebab, to sit on Swedish furniture and watch American shows on a Japanese TV.
Oh and...... Only in Australia .... can a pizza get to your house faster than an ambulance.
Only in Australia .... do supermarkets make sick people walk all the way to the back of the shop to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.
Only in Australia .... do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries and a DIET coke.Only in Australia .... do banks leave both doors open but chain the pens to the counters.
Only in Australia .... do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and lock our junk and cheap lawn mower in the garage.
NOT TO MENTION....
3 Aussies die each year testing if a battery works on their tongue.
58 Aussies are injured each year by using sharp knives instead of screwdrivers.
31 Aussies have died since 1996 by watering their Christmas tree while the fairy lights were plugged in.
8 Aussies had serious burns in 2000 putting on a jumper with a lit cigarette in their mouth.
A massive 543 Aussies were admitted to Emergency in the last two years after opening bottles of beer with their teeth.
And finally.........In 2000 eight Aussies cracked their skull whilst throwing up into the toilet.

jueves, febrero 12, 2009

12.- HOW TO WRITE A VALENTINE CARD

IT’S VALENTINE’S DAY.

It is usual for people in English-speaking countries to celebrate Valentine’s day by sending Valentine Card’s to people they love. Here you have some hints on how to write a Valentine Card.
What could be more romantic than receiving a love letter? A good old fashioned, hand-written love letter is still one of the best Valentines around, but don’t just save it for February. A love letter is a powerful expression any day of the year.

You don’t have to be Shakespeare to write the perfect love letter. All you need to know is how you feel. What makes a love letter so romantic is that it is deeply personal. It shows your beloved how well you know them, and that knowledge is the very stuff of love.

HOW TO GET STARTED

All you need to get started is a pen and some decent stationery. Use thick card stock with some texture to it rather than stationary with roses and cupids around the edges. The recipient is probably going to keep this letter for a long time. Writing on heavy card stock will help it last.

As you are writing be specific. Tell him exactly how he makes you feel and what he does that makes you feel that way. Write in the second person ( use “you” ) so that your letter speaks directly to him. Before you start writing, take a few moments to think about your beloved.

The following questions can help to get your thoughts going:
What is his greatest strength?
What do you see in him that he doesn’t see in himself?
What is the most romantic thing he has ever done for you?
What does he do on a regular basis that shows you he cares about you?
When did you fall in love with him?
What about him pleasantly surprised you?
What is your favorite memory of the two of you?
How has your world changed since you got together?

You can start your letter anyway you like as long as you include his/her name. You don’t have to be super-mushy right from the start, a simple “Dear _____” works well. Begin your letter with a very specific quality that you appreciate about him. Make the sentence exclusive – for example “I’ve never met anyone as _______ as you” or “No one has ever made me feel as____ as you do when you ____” Starting out this way shows him that he ranks higher than anyone else in your books – a great way to start a love letter.

As you write, tell him/her exactly how you feel. Use specific examples that show that you’ve been paying attention. Remind him of the things he has done that really meant something to you. Share a favorite memory and a hope for the future. Don’t forget to say “I love you.” It doesn’t matter how long or short your letter is, as long as it’s sincere.

There’s no rule that says you have to use poetry in a love letter, but if you’re stumped finding just the right words, one or two carefully chosen lines can work really well. If you don’t have a poem in mind, there’s a lot to choose from online. If you want to use something other than the usual classics, I highly recommend “Dance Me to the End of Love” by Leonard Cohen.

Once your letter is complete, read it over carefully and check for errors. This letter will be read over and over. You don’t want a mistake spoiling the mood.

If you want to add an extra special touch, seal the envelope with wax. Sealing kits are available at most fine stationary stores, but a regular taper candle in a dark color works just as well. Simply light the candle and carefully drip a small puddle of wax about the size of a quarter over the flap.

Once the letter is complete, drop it in the mail and wait for a great response. If you’re lucky, you just might get a love letter yourself.

Good Luck!!