Saturday, October 22, 2011

American / British Slang

Talented Hugh Laurie playing an exciting game of American slang versus English slang -- Hilarious!

Australian Accent

This video about Australian accent is divided into three parts. It is long but it's very informative. It's mainly for Marina, who's leaving for Australia soon, but you might all enjoy it.

PART 1


PART 2


PART 3

What Americans think about the British Áccents

Watch this video. Experts may say it reflects stereotypes, but humour is based on sterotypes many times, and I think it's not offensive.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

CONTROVERSIAL SONG - DR. MR. PRESIDENT - PINK

Dear Mr. President, come take a walk with me.

Let's pretend we're just two people, and you're not better than me.

I'd like to ask you some questions if we can speak honestly.

What do you feel when you see all the homeless on the street?

Who do you pray for at night before you go to sleep?

What do you feel when you look in the mirror?

Are you proud?



How do sleep while the rest of us cry?

How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye?

How do you walk with your head held high?

Can you even look me in the eye and tell me why?



Dear Mr. President, were you a lonely boy?

How can you say "No child is left behind"?

We're not dumb and we're not blind

They're all sitting in your cells

While you pave the road to hell.

What kind of father would take his own daughter's rights away?

And what kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gay?

I can only imagine what the first lady has to say.

You've come a long way from whiskey and cocaine.

[Chorus]

Let me tell you about hard work

Minimum wage with a baby on the way

Let me tell you about hard work

Rebuilding your house after the bombs took it away

Let me tell you about hard work

Building your bed out of a cardboard box

Let me tell you about hard work

You don't know anything about hard work.



How do you sleep at night?

How do you walk with your head held high?

Dear Mr. President, you'd never take a walk with me, would you?



Pink is not often considered an artist with extreme intellectual lyrics. Her songs are often simply written and catchy. She takes on a new leaf with her moving song "Dear Mr. President". Although the words are hard-hitting, the song is a quiet acoustic one with vivid imagery, directing its questions to George Bush. The song is more than a catchy pop rock hit; it is a powerful piece of work.


The song's controversial imagery comes with its questions directed to President Bush. Pink asks in the chorus, "How do you sleep while the rest of us cry? How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye?". The questions are obviously unanswerable but depict sorrow and pain, while the President is calm and at peace. Not only by placing these two images together create a juxtaposition, but it also effectively creates emotions through its words. Listeners quickly learn the song is directed toward Bush with the line "How can you say "No child is left behind"/We're not dumb and we're not blind", referring to Bush's No Child Left Behind Act.

With an excellent example of a protest song, Pink has definitely established herself as a more talented artist. She has taken her music higher and more controversial with "Dear Mr. President". With her imagery and juxtaposition, the song is emotionally powerful and a relate able image for Americans who suffer from this war.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Different Martial Arts

Again, there are loads of websites, and I browsed through them very quickly and I couldn't find something really simple and to the point as to what the differences between the different martial arts are.
Anyway, here's a link to one which I think gives some information in a concise way. Hope you find it useful if you are interested in the topic.

FENG SHUI

As you can imagine, there are tonnes of videos on this topic. I've just selected three that give some general information. There are many websites as well, but I think watching a video helps you improve your listening skills while learning a bit more about this ancient Chinese philosophy.




Thursday, August 25, 2011

Body language

Watch this...
http://youtu.be/x9YTxff3pHU
That one is very interesting... I don't know that...
http://youtu.be/7cg192cQYUA

Sunday, August 7, 2011

MORE IDIOMS

Just a very simple exercise to learn/revise some idioms. Click here.

THE DEBATE OVER TABLOIDS

It seems the role of journalists and the media is the subject of much debate not only in Argentina but in some other parts of the world as well, such as England at the moment.
First, watch this interview with Hugh Grant.



I know, it's a bit long but very good listening practice, authentic!

Now listen to this song called Dear Mr Mudoch, written by  queen  drummer  Roger Taylor in 1994.
Remember Mr Rupert Murdoch is the owner of the tabloid News of the World, which had to be closed recently due to the scandal over phone hacking.


If you want to read the lyrics, click here.

Now it's your turn to express your views. Is it acceptable for newspapers and magazines to publish photos of celebrities/politicians/ordinary people and write stories  about their private lives? Is it acceptable that to get this information which is not of public interest they stalk people, spy on them,  tap  their phones ....
Should there be laws controlling  their actions?
And who's ultimately responsible for the present state of affairs? Celebreties? Politicians? The press? Or is it us, the public, who buy and read these newspapers/magazines every week?
Remember to post your comment by clicking on Post a comment.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Pyramids of Teotihuacan


Hi everybody. This is a picture of the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, Mexico df. See you on Monday!
Lau

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Symphony in Slang



Saint Peter: You may enter. Next Please.
John Brown: Howdy, Dan. What's new? How's tricks? What's cookin'?
Saint Peter: What's cooking? How's tricks? Hmm. What a strange language you bring from the earth. I don't seem to follow you. I shall refer you to the master of the dictionary, Noah Webster. Perhaps he can understand you.
Mr. Webster, this newcomer's vocabulary is so unusual that I am unable to record his life on earth. Would you mind seeing if you can comprehend his odd manner of speech?
Now, young man, go ahead with the story of your life.
John Brown: Sure thing, Dad! Well, I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth...(He was born into a rich family).
Noah Webster: Silver spoon in your mouth?
John Brown: Yes, silver spoon in my mouth
Then I seemed to grow up overnight (His childhood seemed to go quickly) . One day at the crack of dawn (Very early in the morning), I got up with the chickens to hunt a job and got a job slinging hash (serve food in a restaurant a cheap establishment, an small one. A hash browns are potatoes side dish served in a lot of greasy spoon cafes in America) because the proprietor was shorthanded (He didn´t have a lot of employees to do the work). But I couldn't cut the mustard (He was not slilled at the job), so the guy gave me the gate (He was fired).
So I went back to my little hole in the wall (His very small apartment). I was beside myself with anger (He was upset). Then I decided to get a train ticket to Texas and there made some dough punching cattle (He made somo money taking care of cows). From there I flew to Chicago. There a beautiful girl stepped into the picture (He met an attractive woman).

Our eyes met (They noticed one another). My breath came in short pants (He had difficulties in breathing because he was exited), and I got goose pimples (He was nervous). I was all thumbs (He was clumsy). Mary's clothes fit her like a glove (The dress fit her perfectly). She looked mighty pretty with her hair done up in a bun (Her hair was attached with a pin). She had good-looking pins, too (She had attractive legs). Finally, she gives me a date. I put on my white tie and tails (He dressed up in formal clothes), and, brother, did she put on the dog! (She dressed up in a formal dress).
We went around together for some time (They dated for some time)... painting the town red (They were enjoying parties over the town), going to the Stork Club...(The name of a club - The Stork Club was a nightclub in New York City from 1929 to 1965. From 1934 onwards, it was located at 3 East 53rd Street, just east of Fifth Avenue. The building was demolished in 1966) and a box at the opera (The balcony seats). After the opera, I had a cocktail, and Mary had a Moscow Mule. At dinner, Mary let her hair down (She was relaxed) and ate like a horse (She had a great appetite). By then, my money was running out on me (He got less and less money over the time), so I write a check. It bounced (He had no money left at the bank anymore). Brother, I was really in a pickle (He was in an uncomfortable situation). The proprietor drew a gun on me (He took a pistol and pointed it at him), but I gave him the slip (He successfully escaped) and hid in the foothills. In no time, the law was on my heels (The police was purchasing him and close to catching him).
On the witness stand, the judge tried to pump me (The judge tried to get him to admit his bad behavior), but it seemed that every time I opened my mouth, I put my foot in it (He kept saying the wrong thing). So he sent me up the river to do a stretch in the jug (He sent him to jail). I was up against it and felt myself going to pot (He was getting weak and unhealthy). But I raised a big stink (He protested), and they finally let me talk to an undercover man. After going through a lot of red tape (Red tape is the bureaucratic nonsense that we have to put up with this life), he sprung me (He was set free). It sure felt good to stretch my legs again, and I went straight to the bus station and caught a Greyhound for New York.
On arriving, I dropped in on Mary and threw myself at her feet (He requested for mercy). I asked her to marry me, but she turned her back on me (She ignored him) and got on her high horse. I couldn't touch her with a ten-foot pole (She didn’t listen to him because she was better than him). She wouldn't say a word. Guess the cat had her tongue. So I walked out on her (He left).
After that I went to pieces (He became upset). Feeling lonely, I went down to Joe's Malt Shop where a bunch of the boys were hanging around. Ah, the music was nice. The guy at the piano played by ear (He didn’t need music papers to play the piano). I felt a tug at my elbow (someone was pulling on his arm). It was the soda clerk. We sat down and chewed the rag a while (We had a small talk).
I heard from the grapevine(I heard a rumor) that Mary was going around with an old flame (Someone she used to date). That burned me up (That made him very angry) because I knew he was just feeding her a line (Telling her what she wanted to hear to take advantage of the situation). But the guy really spent his money like water (He was very generous). I think he was connected with the railroad. As they danced, I tried to chisel in (Stop them having a good time), but the guy got in my hair, so I left.
Outside it was raining cats and dogs (It was raining a lot). I was feeling mighty blue (He was sad), and everything looked black (The situation looked hopeless). But I carried on. I went to the Thousand Islands. There I became a beachcomber (I became a vagabond). But I still thought of Mary, and a tear ran down my cheek (He cried softly).
So I send her a cable. Next day, she sends me back a wire (They sent each other a telegram) I rushed back to the US on a cattle boat (A cargo ship which transport live stock) and hotfooted it over to Mary's apartment (Ran quickly to Mary’s apartment). But when I opened the door, I noticed quite a few changes.
Why, Mary, Mary had a bunch of little ones. The groom had his hands full, too. So, all this struck me so funny that I died laughing (He couldn’t help laughing). And here I am.
Well, what do you think? Did you follow me?
Noah Webster: Well, I ... uh...
John Brown: What's the matter? Can't you talk? Has the cat got your tongue?


Monday, August 1, 2011

Horrible Bosses

Here is the trailer of a new movie called "Horrible Bosses". I bet that after seeing this, you will think your boss is great. Here is the link to it and a short description of the movie.




Three friends conspire to murder their awful bosses when they realize they are standing in the way of their happiness.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Grammar Practice

The sites that follow will help you revise the verbs which are followed by the ing or the infinitive. First I'll send you to the tutorial (very useful if you don't remember the theory) and then  the exercises.

Verbs followed by gerunds (tutorial)
Verbs followed by infinitives (tutorial)


Verbs followed by gerunds or infinitives (different meaning) (tutorial)
Verbs followed by a gerund or infinitive (no or very little difference in meaning) (tutorial)
Verbs followed by a gerund or a noun plus the infinitive (tutorial)

I know this looks like too much but you don't have to do everything in one go. Take your time and above all do them if you think they help you improve your English.

SYMPHONY IN SLANG

Watch this funny cartoon which will help you learn and understand some popular idioms in English.




Now click on this and do the quiz on the right. There are several more idioms than the ones highlighted in the quiz. If you can't make out what they mean, look them up in the dictionary. You could also post in comments the meaning of the idioms you spot. That would help all of us learn more.
I'm sure you'll enjoy watching this.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Monday, June 6, 2011

The Guaraní project

I found something interesting that I want to share with you


Why should people care about the Guarani Aquifer? from TheGuaraniProject on Vimeo.



Silvina

Felipe



Do you remember this?

F

Its not easy becoming a friend or making one because a friend is not a state of mind. Its real and its in your face. A friend is someone who makes your life worth its while a little more than yesterday. While everybody has their own definitions of a "friend", the long and short of it is we all need friends to make our lives better. We at TheHolidaySpot value our friendship as much as you do and would like to share our ideas of how to become an ideal friend with you, for if wasn't for you we wouldn't be where we are today.


HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY...
In friendship "honesty" is the key word. One should always be honest to his or her friends. Don't overlook their faults, even if you have none for you are his friend!
Praise them honestly and openly.
Say you're sorry, when you hurt your friend. Don't let them assume it.

GIVE MORE THAN YOU TAKE...
Be there when they need you or you may wind up alone.
Love them unconditionally, that is the only condition. Make them feel special, because aren't we all special?
Never forget them, who wants to feel forgotten.

BE SUPPORTIVE...
Cheer them on, we all need encouragement now and then.
Encourage their dreams and aspiration, Life seems almost meaningless without them.
Your words count, use them wisely.
Use good judgement.
Wish them luck, hopefully good
Examine your motives before you "help" out
Just be there when they need you
Really listen, a friendly ear is a soothing balm

FORGIVENESS...
Forgive them for, "To Err is Human", and you just may end up making the same mistakes in course of time..

KEEP THE FAITH...
Have faith in them. For, there is no love without trust.
Zip your lips when they confide in you

EXPRESS YOURSELF CLEARLY
Know when they need a hug, and couldn't you use one?
Offer to help, and know when " No thanks" is just politeness
Quietly disagree, noisy No's make enemies
Verbalsise your feelings

HAVE FUN...
Get together often, misery loves company, so does glee.
Talk frequently, communication is important.

Enjoying your friendship is the order of the day. So its not what we call a friendship if you don't feel right.
Always remember a friendship is worth it when you are able to enjoy the amazing relationship with no holds barred. Its a mutual bond for life that you cant give up.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

WHITE LIES

Here's a song about white lies. I saw it once on one of my favourite shows called "Lie to me". This is the lyric and the link to hear it. It's a bit childhood but funny. ENJOY!


LYRIC

I say I'm 10 when I'm 9 and half.
My Uncle tells a joke and I try to laugh
In gym I fake a headache, when I want to quit
I say I love the sweater that my Grandma knit.

But that’s a white lie
(white lie)
That's the kind you wanna tell
A white lie
(white lie)
So your mom won't have to yell
A white lie
(white lie)
Everybody does it cause it feels alright
and it's more polite
But a lies still a lie,
even when it's white

I pretend I'm asleep when my dad walk's in
I said I ate my chicken, but I just ate the skin
Your face can say your lyin’ and when your mouth says your not
Your pants are on fire, but their not too hot

When it's a white lie
(white lie)
It's the kind you want to tell
A white lie
(white lie)
So your dad won't have to yell
A white lie
(white lie)
Everybody does it, cause it feels alright
and it's more polite
but a lie's still a lie,
even when it's white

While it might be hard, to say what's true,
would you want a white lie told to you?

But that’s a white lie
(white lie)
It's the kind you wanna tell
A white lie
(white lie)
So your mom won't have to yell
A white lie
(white lie)
Everybody does it cause it feels alright
and it's more polite
But a lie’s still a lie,
even when it's white

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Irish Jokes

Two men were sitting next to each other at a bar. After a while, one guy looks at the other and says, "I can't help but think, from listening to you, that you're from Ireland." The other guy responds proudly, 'Yes, that I am!"
The first guy says, "So am I! And where about from Ireland might you be?"
"I'm from Dublin, I am."
"Sure and begora, and so am I! And what street did you live on in Dublin?"
"A lovely little area it was, I lived on McCleary Street in the old central part of town," the second guy says.
"Faith & it's a small world, so did I! And to what school would you have been going?"
"Well now, I went to St. Mary's of course."
The first guy gets really excited, and says, "And so did I. Tell me, what year did you graduate?"
The other guy answers, "Well, now, I graduated in 1964."
"The Good Lord must be smiling down upon us! I can hardly believe our good luck at winding up in the same bar on this very night. Can you believe it, I graduated from St. Mary's in 1964 my own self."
About this time, another guy walks into the bar, sits down, and orders a beer. The bartender walks over shaking his head and mutters, "It's going to be a long night tonight, the Murphy twins are drunk again."

GLOBAL WARMING

This is an advert that encourages awareness about Global Warming and it's effects. I think it was really well thought. Hope it'll get you as it did with me.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

SOLAR POWER: A real alternative for ordinary people

One of the most important disadvantage of the alternative energy sources is that it can not solve the problem of producing energy in big scale with low costs.
May be is time to change our point of view. Why not thinking about alternative energy sources with a different approach, putting the stress in the day to day of the individual human being.
In this podcast from BBC is explained how a plain solar-powered lamp has change the life of a lot of people around the world without pollution. I hope you enjoy it.
Click here to listen or download it:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/lvsof-uPTpeh-VRmmywHIw

Note: a "podcast" is a radio program you can download from internet and listen in your computer or mp3.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

What's your Carbon Footprint?

Nissan has created a special site to help people become more environmentally aware.
Choose Zero™  helps empower kids to reduce carbon emissions in their home, school and community. 
Although the site is meant for American students, I guess we can profit from it as well. 
Click on Choose Zero, browse through the site, and calculate your carbon footprint.

Eco-friendly Commercial?

Seeing its Artic home melting away, a lone polar bear sets out on a long  journey to thank someone who is trying to help.





What do you think of this commercial? Do you believe Nissan is trying to help the environment? How?

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

MEDIEVAL HELPDESK

This is a video for digital immigrants like me trying to get to grips with new technologies.
It shows 'helpdesk support' back in Medieval Times. I very much wonder if I sound like Brother Ansgar when I ask questions about how to use these new tools.
It's hilarious. Just enjoy it!

FIRST CONTACT ONLINE

Newbie at blogging? What's all this  about?
Watch this video and find out.

 
Now let's get to know each other a little better. Post a comment saying something about yourself. I know we have introduced ourselves in class, but not everybody was present when we did so.
Well, who will set the ball rolling? Hope to hear from you soon.
Just click on  'comments' below, write your entry, post it and start blogging.