Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. December 25–Christmas Day–has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
THE LOST MEANING OF HALLOWEEN
Ancient Origins of Halloween
Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in).
The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred.
On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future.
For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter.
To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities.
During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other's fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.
By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of the four hundred years that they ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain.
The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of "bobbing" for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.
By the 800s, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. In the seventh century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 All Saints' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs. It is widely believed today that the pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but church-sanctioned holiday. The celebration was also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints' Day) and the night before it, the night of Samhain, began to be called All-hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween.
Even later, in A.D. 1000, the church would make November 2 All Souls' Day, a day to honor the dead. It was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels, and devils. Together, the three celebrations, the eve of All Saints', All Saints', and All Souls', were called Hallowmas.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
PHRASAL VERBS WITH "OVER"
get over something = become well again after an illness.
She got over the flu in one week.
get over something = successfully deal with a problem.
I don't know how we're going to get over this problem.
get something over = get over something = succeed in communicating something to other people.
We must get this warning over to our employees.
get something over (with) = finish something difficult.
I can't wait to get the interview over with.
give over = stop doing something that is annoying other people.
Come on, give over complaining!
give something over to somebody = give responsibility for something to somebody.
The organisation of the meeting was given over to the secretary.
hand something over = hand over something = give something to somebody with your hands.
The captured thief was ordered to hand over his gun.
hand something over to somebody = hand over something to somebody = give somebody power over something that you used to be in charge of.
When he retired, he handed the company over to his son.
pull over = drive to the side of the road and stop your car.
When she noticed the police car behind her, she pulled over.
run somebody/something over = run over somebody/something = hit somebody/something with a vehicle and drive over them.
She was run over by a bus outside the school.
run over something = explain or practise something quickly.
Let me run over the main ideas again.
sleep over = sleep at somebody's house for a night.
The children visited their grandmother and wanted to sleep over.
take something over = take over something = take control of something.
His real intention was to take over the company.
She got over the flu in one week.
get over something = successfully deal with a problem.
I don't know how we're going to get over this problem.
get something over = get over something = succeed in communicating something to other people.
We must get this warning over to our employees.
get something over (with) = finish something difficult.
I can't wait to get the interview over with.
give over = stop doing something that is annoying other people.
Come on, give over complaining!
give something over to somebody = give responsibility for something to somebody.
The organisation of the meeting was given over to the secretary.
hand something over = hand over something = give something to somebody with your hands.
The captured thief was ordered to hand over his gun.
hand something over to somebody = hand over something to somebody = give somebody power over something that you used to be in charge of.
When he retired, he handed the company over to his son.
pull over = drive to the side of the road and stop your car.
When she noticed the police car behind her, she pulled over.
run somebody/something over = run over somebody/something = hit somebody/something with a vehicle and drive over them.
She was run over by a bus outside the school.
run over something = explain or practise something quickly.
Let me run over the main ideas again.
sleep over = sleep at somebody's house for a night.
The children visited their grandmother and wanted to sleep over.
take something over = take over something = take control of something.
His real intention was to take over the company.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Mathematics Problem Solving 1
Ryan’s Class
There are exactly twelve children in Ryan’s class. Only four of the children are boys. The following questions refer to a time when all the children are present in the class. There are no visitors in the class. There might be more than one correct anwer to a question.
1. Which of the lettered statements must be true?
2. Which of the lettered statements cannot be true?
3. Which of the lettered statements could be true or not true?
a. There are twice as many girls as boys in Ryan’s class.
b. There are eight more girls than boys in Ryan’s class.
c. There are four more girls than boys in Ryan’s class.
d. If Ryan is sitting at a table with all the girls, there are exactly nine children at that table.
e. If only three of the boys are standing on their heads, one of the boys is not standing on his head.
http://www.rhlschool.com/math8n1.htm
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Choose a Topic for Your Essay (part 2)
Topic Has Been Assigned
You may have no choice as to your topic. If this is the case, you still may not be ready to jump to the next step.
Think about the type of paper you are expected to produce. Should it be a general overview, or a specific analysis of the topic? If it should be an overview, then you are probably ready to move to the next step. If it should be a specific analysis, make sure your topic is fairly specific. If it is too general, you must choose a narrower subtopic to discuss.
For example, the topic "KENYA" is a general one. If your objective is to write an overview, this topic is suitable. If your objective is to write a specific analysis, this topic is too general. You must narrow it to something like "Politics in Kenya" or "Kenya's Culture."
Once you have determined that your topic will be suitable, you can move on.
________________________________________
Topic Has Not Been Assigned
If you have not been assigned a topic, then the whole world lies before you. Sometimes that seems to make the task of starting even more intimidating. Actually, this means that you are free to choose a topic of interest to you, which will often make your essay a stronger one.
Define Your Purpose
The first thing you must do is think about the purpose of the essay you must write. Is your purpose to persuade people to believe as you do, to explain to people how to complete a particular task, to educate people about some person, place, thing or idea, or something else entirely? Whatever topic you choose must fit that purpose.
Brainstorm Subjects of Interest
Once you have determined the purpose of your essay, write down some subjects that interest you. No matter what the purpose of your essay is, an endless number of topics will be suitable.
If you have trouble thinking of subjects, start by looking around you. Is there anything in your surroundings that interests you? Think about your life. What occupies most of your time? That might make for a good topic. Don't evaluate the subjects yet; just write down anything that springs to mind.
Evaluate Each Potential Topic
If you can think of at least a few topics that would be appropriate, you must simply consider each one individually. Think about how you feel about that topic. If you must educate, be sure it is a subject about which you are particularly well-informed. If you must persuade, be sure it is a subject about which you are at least moderately passionate. Of course, the most important factor in choosing a topic is the number of ideas you have about that topic.
Even if none of the subjects you thought of seem particularly appealing, try just choosing one to work with. It may turn out to be a better topic than you at first thought.
Before you are ready to move on in the essay-writing process, look one more time at the topic you have selected. Think about the type of paper you are expected to produce. Should it be a general overview, or a specific analysis of the topic? If it should be an overview, then you are probably ready to move to the next step. If it should be a specific analysis, make sure your topic is fairly specific. If it is too general, you must choose a narrower subtopic to discuss.
For example, the topic "KENYA" is a general one. If your objective is to write an overview, this topic is suitable. If your objective is to write a specific analysis, this topic is too general. You must narrow it to something like "Politics in Kenya" or "Kenya's Culture."
Once you have determined that your topic will be suitable, you can move on.
(http://Iklivngston.tripod.com/essay/thesis.html)
Monday, August 30, 2010
How to write an Essay -part 1
HOW TO WRITE AN ESSAY
An essay can have many purposes, but the basic structure is the same no matter what. You may be writing an essay to argue for a particular point of view or to explain the steps necessary to complete a task.
Either way, your essay will have the same basic format.
If you follow a few simple steps, you will find that the essay almost writes itself. You will be responsible only for supplying ideas, which are the important part of the essay anyway.
Don't let the thought of putting pen to paper daunt you.
Get started!
________________________________________
These simple steps will guide you through the essay writing process:
• Decide on your topic.
• Prepare an outline or diagram of your ideas.
• Write your thesis statement.
• Write the body.
o Write the main points.
o Write the subpoints.
o Elaborate on the subpoints.
• Write the introduction.
• Write the conclusion.
• Add the finishing touches.
(I´ll include more details en next issues)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
WAYS OF LOOKING (FCE)
look: give attention to what one is seeing; turn the eyes and see in a certain direction.
Look at that cute baby!
see: use the power of sight.
See! Here she comes!
watch: look at some activity or event; keep one's eyes fixed on something.
The boys watched television all the afternoon.
gaze: look at something for a long time, in surprise or admiration.
She gazed at him in disbelief when he told her the news.
stare: look at something for a long time with the eyes wide open.
She was staring into space.
gawk = gawp: stare impolitely.
Many people gathered to gawp at the crashed car.
gape: look at something with one's mouth open.
She gaped at him in surprise.
glance: have a quick look at something.
She glanced at her watch.
scan: look quickly at something without careful reading.
He scanned the newspaper over breakfast.
glare: stare angrily or fiercely.
She didn't answered, but just glared silently at me.
peer: look very carefully, as if not able to see well.
He peered at me over his spectacles.
peep: look quickly and cautiously.
He was caught peeping through the keyhole.
observe: watch carefully.
The police observed the man entering the bank.
glimpse: have a passing view of something or someone. Usually used in the expression to catch a glimpse of.
He could catch a glimpse of the president among the crowd.
spot: recognize someone suddenly among many others.
He was spotted by the police boarding a plane for Berlin.
behold: old use of the verb to see.
Behold the king!
view: (technical) look thouroughly; regard, consider.
That film hasn't been viewed by the censor yet.
sight: see for the first time.
The men in the ship finally sighted land.
leer: look in an unpleasant way, suggesting ill will or lust.
The man leered at the young girl.
blink: shut and open the eyes quickly.
How long can you stare without blinking?
wink: close one eye briefly, as a signal to somebody.
He winked at me to show that he was just joking.
frown: look in a worried or angry way, moving down the eyebrows together.
He read the telegram, frowning at its contents.
scowl: frown angrily.
She was very angry and scowled at him while she talked.
squint: look with eyes half shut or turned sideways, or through a narrow opening.
She squinted through the letter-box and saw an envelope.
peek: look quickly and secretively.
She found her brother peeking at her diary.
ogle: look or stare (at a woman) suggesting sexual interest.
Most women hate being ogled at.
goggle: look with the eyes wide open in surprise or shock. (old-fashioned)
People were goggling at her as if she were from another planet.
eyeball: look directly or closely.
Francis eyeballed a beautiful woman at the party.
take a gander at something: (informal) look at something.
cast an eye on/over something: look at something, examine something.
browse: look through the pages of a book or magazine; look at the goods in a shop without really wanting to buy anything.
Sheila spent all the afternoon browsing the boutiques.
scrutinize: examine thoroughly and carefully.
John scrutinized the painting at the museum.
Look at that cute baby!
see: use the power of sight.
See! Here she comes!
watch: look at some activity or event; keep one's eyes fixed on something.
The boys watched television all the afternoon.
gaze: look at something for a long time, in surprise or admiration.
She gazed at him in disbelief when he told her the news.
stare: look at something for a long time with the eyes wide open.
She was staring into space.
gawk = gawp: stare impolitely.
Many people gathered to gawp at the crashed car.
gape: look at something with one's mouth open.
She gaped at him in surprise.
glance: have a quick look at something.
She glanced at her watch.
scan: look quickly at something without careful reading.
He scanned the newspaper over breakfast.
glare: stare angrily or fiercely.
She didn't answered, but just glared silently at me.
peer: look very carefully, as if not able to see well.
He peered at me over his spectacles.
peep: look quickly and cautiously.
He was caught peeping through the keyhole.
observe: watch carefully.
The police observed the man entering the bank.
glimpse: have a passing view of something or someone. Usually used in the expression to catch a glimpse of.
He could catch a glimpse of the president among the crowd.
spot: recognize someone suddenly among many others.
He was spotted by the police boarding a plane for Berlin.
behold: old use of the verb to see.
Behold the king!
view: (technical) look thouroughly; regard, consider.
That film hasn't been viewed by the censor yet.
sight: see for the first time.
The men in the ship finally sighted land.
leer: look in an unpleasant way, suggesting ill will or lust.
The man leered at the young girl.
blink: shut and open the eyes quickly.
How long can you stare without blinking?
wink: close one eye briefly, as a signal to somebody.
He winked at me to show that he was just joking.
frown: look in a worried or angry way, moving down the eyebrows together.
He read the telegram, frowning at its contents.
scowl: frown angrily.
She was very angry and scowled at him while she talked.
squint: look with eyes half shut or turned sideways, or through a narrow opening.
She squinted through the letter-box and saw an envelope.
peek: look quickly and secretively.
She found her brother peeking at her diary.
ogle: look or stare (at a woman) suggesting sexual interest.
Most women hate being ogled at.
goggle: look with the eyes wide open in surprise or shock. (old-fashioned)
People were goggling at her as if she were from another planet.
eyeball: look directly or closely.
Francis eyeballed a beautiful woman at the party.
take a gander at something: (informal) look at something.
cast an eye on/over something: look at something, examine something.
browse: look through the pages of a book or magazine; look at the goods in a shop without really wanting to buy anything.
Sheila spent all the afternoon browsing the boutiques.
scrutinize: examine thoroughly and carefully.
John scrutinized the painting at the museum.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland:
Down, down, down. There was nothing else to do, so Alice soon began talking again. 'Dinah'll miss me very much to-night, I should think!' (Dinah was the cat.) 'I hope they'll remember her saucer of milk at tea-time. Dinah my dear! I wish you were down here with me! There are no mice in the air, I'm afraid, but you might catch a bat, and that's very like a mouse, you know. But do cats eat bats, I wonder?'
And here Alice began to get rather sleepy, and went on saying to herself, in a dreamy sort of way, 'Do cats eat bats? Do cats eat bats?' and sometimes, 'Do bats eat cats?' for, you see, as she couldn't answer either question, it didn't much matter which way she put it. She felt that she was dozing off, and had just begun to dream that she was walking hand in hand with Dinah, and saying to her very earnestly, 'Now, Dinah, tell me the truth: did you ever eat a bat?' when suddenly, thump! thump! down she came upon a heap of sticks and dry leaves, and the fall was over.
Alice was not a bit hurt, and she jumped up on to her feet in a moment: she looked up, but it was all dark overhead; before her was another long passage, and the White Rabbit was still in sight, hurrying down it. There was not a moment to be lost: away went Alice like the wind, and was just in time to hear it say, as it turned a corner, 'Oh, my ears and whiskers, how late it's getting!' She was close behind it when she turned the corner, but the Rabbit was no longer to be seen: she found herself in a long, low hall, which was lit up by a row of lamps hanging from the roof.
There were doors all round the hall, but they were all locked; and when Alice had been all the way down one side and up the other, trying every door, she walked sadly down the middle, wondering how she was ever to get out again.
Suddenly she came upon a little three-legged table, all made of solid glass; there was nothing on it except a tiny golden key, and Alice's first thought was that it might belong to one of the doors of the hall; but, alas! either the locks were too large, or the key was too small, but at any rate it would not open any of them. However, on the second time round, she came upon a low curtain she had not noticed before, and behind it was a little door about fifteen inches high: she tried the little golden key in the lock, and to her great delight it fitted!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
English phrasal verbs with "off"
There are many phrasal verbs in English that use the word "off". Here are some of the more common.
Break off= end: "Talks have broken off between the union and management."
Bring off = succeed in something difficult: "The new management brought off an amazing recovery in the company's fortunes."
Call off = cancel: "The proposed merger has been called off."
Cut off = disconnect: "Their electricity was cut off when they didn't pay the bill."
Lay off = make workers redundant: "The car manufacturer laid off 5000 workers."
Live off = get money from another source: "He invested the money and lived off the interest."
Pay off = settle your debt: "She saved money every month and finally managed to pay off her student loan."
Put off = (1) postpone: "They put off the decision for another month."
= (2) dissuade: "Falling prices put me off investing in the English property market."
Take off = do well: "Business has really taken off!"
Write off = accept a loss: "We'll never get the money back – I think we should write it off."
Break off= end: "Talks have broken off between the union and management."
Bring off = succeed in something difficult: "The new management brought off an amazing recovery in the company's fortunes."
Call off = cancel: "The proposed merger has been called off."
Cut off = disconnect: "Their electricity was cut off when they didn't pay the bill."
Lay off = make workers redundant: "The car manufacturer laid off 5000 workers."
Live off = get money from another source: "He invested the money and lived off the interest."
Pay off = settle your debt: "She saved money every month and finally managed to pay off her student loan."
Put off = (1) postpone: "They put off the decision for another month."
= (2) dissuade: "Falling prices put me off investing in the English property market."
Take off = do well: "Business has really taken off!"
Write off = accept a loss: "We'll never get the money back – I think we should write it off."
English phrasal Verbs using "out"
There are many phrasal verbs in English that use 'out'. Here is a small selection of some of the more common ones.
back out = decide not to do something you first intended to do: "We can't back out of the holiday now – we've already paid for it!"
break out = escape: "The prisoners managed to break out."
bring out = make more noticeable: "The lemon brings out the taste of the strawberries."
check out (1) = look at: "You've got to check out this new website – it's really useful."
check out (2) = investigate: "The police are checking out his story."
cut out = eliminate: "He's cut out all the fat from his diet and he's a lot slimmer."
eat out = eat in a restaurant: "Do you fancy eating out tonight?"
hand out = distribute: "The teacher handed out the English books to the students."
fill out = complete a form: "You need to fill out all the sections on this form."
make out = see well: "I can't make out the name on this envelope. Is it Jones or James?"
pass out = faint: "It was so hot in the room that she passed out."
put out = inconvenience someone: "Thanks for your offer of letting us stay. Are you sure that we won't be putting you out?"
stand out = be easily distinguishable: "With the way he dresses, he always manages to stand out!"
take out = withdraw money: "I've taken out a lot of money from my account recently."
work out (1) = calculate: "We've worked out our profit margin."
work out (2) = get better: "Everything worked out well in the end."
work out (3) = understand: "I really can't work it out. Why did she leave such a well-paid job?"
back out = decide not to do something you first intended to do: "We can't back out of the holiday now – we've already paid for it!"
break out = escape: "The prisoners managed to break out."
bring out = make more noticeable: "The lemon brings out the taste of the strawberries."
check out (1) = look at: "You've got to check out this new website – it's really useful."
check out (2) = investigate: "The police are checking out his story."
cut out = eliminate: "He's cut out all the fat from his diet and he's a lot slimmer."
eat out = eat in a restaurant: "Do you fancy eating out tonight?"
hand out = distribute: "The teacher handed out the English books to the students."
fill out = complete a form: "You need to fill out all the sections on this form."
make out = see well: "I can't make out the name on this envelope. Is it Jones or James?"
pass out = faint: "It was so hot in the room that she passed out."
put out = inconvenience someone: "Thanks for your offer of letting us stay. Are you sure that we won't be putting you out?"
stand out = be easily distinguishable: "With the way he dresses, he always manages to stand out!"
take out = withdraw money: "I've taken out a lot of money from my account recently."
work out (1) = calculate: "We've worked out our profit margin."
work out (2) = get better: "Everything worked out well in the end."
work out (3) = understand: "I really can't work it out. Why did she leave such a well-paid job?"
Prefer, would rather, had better
Prefer and would rather can be used interchangeably. As you indicate, Omar, when we are talking about general preferences, prefer is followed by verb-ing, thus:
• I prefer listening to music to watching TV.
• I'd rather listen to music than watch TV.
'd rather
However, when we are talking about specifics, would rather is used as an alternative to would prefer to followed by an infinitive. Would rather is very common in spoken English and is often abbreviated to 'd rather. It is used in this form with all personal pronouns:
I'd / you'd / he'd / she'd / we'd / they'd rather…
Study these examples:
• Would you like to go out for dinner tonight? ~ No, I think I'd rather eat at home / I'd prefer to eat at home.
• Would you rather drink beer or wine with the curry ~ I'd rather drink beer. What about you?
• They'd rather have the strawberries by themselves, but I'd prefer to have them with cream.
Note that would rather is followed by a bare infinitive without to, whereas prefer requires to + infinitive. Would rather (but not would prefer to) is also followed by a past tense when we want to involve other people in the action, even though it has a present or future meaning. Study the following:
• Shall we go out for dinner tonight? ~ No, I'd rather we ate at home, if you don't mind.
• Shall I write to Harry and tell him that we've sold the car? ~ I'd rather you didn't.
• My mother would rather we caught the bus, rather than walk home after the party.
Rather than means instead of and can be used in combination with would prefer to and would rather. Study the following and note the intricacies of the verb forms:
• Rather than lose precious sleep discussing it now, I think we should go to bed and talk about it in the morning.
• My mother would prefer us to email each other once a week, rather than spend half an hour on the phone every night.
• My mother would rather we emailed each other once a week instead of spending half an hour on the phone every night. In fact, she insists on it. So we'd better do that, I suppose.
'd better
Note that 'd better, which is similar structurally to 'd rather, is used to suggest necessary action. In this case however, 'd is the abbreviated form of had, not would. Like 'd rather, 'd better is followed by the bare infinitive without to. Study the following:
• We'd better not be late for the Ambasador's party. It would be unforgivable to arrive late.
• You'd better phone him and tell him that you're not going.
• They'd better buy me a Christmas present or I shall never forgive them.
Note that it is sometimes slightly threatening in tone, as in the last example. Had better is always more urgent than should or ought to and has the same force as I would advise you strongly to…. or We must / we mustn't….
• I prefer listening to music to watching TV.
• I'd rather listen to music than watch TV.
'd rather
However, when we are talking about specifics, would rather is used as an alternative to would prefer to followed by an infinitive. Would rather is very common in spoken English and is often abbreviated to 'd rather. It is used in this form with all personal pronouns:
I'd / you'd / he'd / she'd / we'd / they'd rather…
Study these examples:
• Would you like to go out for dinner tonight? ~ No, I think I'd rather eat at home / I'd prefer to eat at home.
• Would you rather drink beer or wine with the curry ~ I'd rather drink beer. What about you?
• They'd rather have the strawberries by themselves, but I'd prefer to have them with cream.
Note that would rather is followed by a bare infinitive without to, whereas prefer requires to + infinitive. Would rather (but not would prefer to) is also followed by a past tense when we want to involve other people in the action, even though it has a present or future meaning. Study the following:
• Shall we go out for dinner tonight? ~ No, I'd rather we ate at home, if you don't mind.
• Shall I write to Harry and tell him that we've sold the car? ~ I'd rather you didn't.
• My mother would rather we caught the bus, rather than walk home after the party.
Rather than means instead of and can be used in combination with would prefer to and would rather. Study the following and note the intricacies of the verb forms:
• Rather than lose precious sleep discussing it now, I think we should go to bed and talk about it in the morning.
• My mother would prefer us to email each other once a week, rather than spend half an hour on the phone every night.
• My mother would rather we emailed each other once a week instead of spending half an hour on the phone every night. In fact, she insists on it. So we'd better do that, I suppose.
'd better
Note that 'd better, which is similar structurally to 'd rather, is used to suggest necessary action. In this case however, 'd is the abbreviated form of had, not would. Like 'd rather, 'd better is followed by the bare infinitive without to. Study the following:
• We'd better not be late for the Ambasador's party. It would be unforgivable to arrive late.
• You'd better phone him and tell him that you're not going.
• They'd better buy me a Christmas present or I shall never forgive them.
Note that it is sometimes slightly threatening in tone, as in the last example. Had better is always more urgent than should or ought to and has the same force as I would advise you strongly to…. or We must / we mustn't….
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Phrasal Verb Vocabulary - Increasing and Decreasing with "Up" and "Down"
Here is a list of some of the most common phrasal verbs concerning increasing and decreasing using the prepositions UP and DOWN. Each phrasal verb includes an explanation and example sentence.
Category Preposition Phrasal Verb Explanation Notes Example Sentence
to put up: to increase prices They put up the price on that model by five dollars.
to bring: up to raise children They brought their children up in the countryside.
to blow up: to make something more important than it really is They blew that issue up until it became noticed by the media.
to go up: used for increases in prices, profits and production Production went up at the plant by 15 percent.
to grow up: children getting older My daughter has grown up so quickly!
to speed up: used for machines increasing velocity The car sped up and passed the slow driver.
to hurry up: to increase the speed of doing something when someone
feels late We're going to have to hurry up if we want to finish this project on time.
to heat up:with temperatures It's really heated up these past few days.
to cheer up: to become happier He cheered up at the news of a raise.
to liven up: to make more exciting The party livened up when he arrived.
to turn up: used with volume Can you turn the sound up?
to speak up: to increase speaking volume You'll have to speak up if you want him to pay attention to you.
to build up: improve health He built his strength up over a number of months.
to pick up: used when a general situation improves The local economy has really picked up since the new factory was built.
to go down for prices, profits and production The quarterly profits went down from the second to the third quarter.
to come down for prices, profits and production Computer prices have really come down recently.
to slow down: used for machines and people He slowed down as he approached the city limits.
to calm down: used when calming other people She did her best to calm her child down.
to turn down: used with volume Turn down that horrible music!
to keep down: decrease volume Please keep the noise down in this room!
to quieten down: decrease volume He asked the students to quieten down.
to cool down: with temperatures It's really cooled down these past few days.
Category Preposition Phrasal Verb Explanation Notes Example Sentence
to put up: to increase prices They put up the price on that model by five dollars.
to bring: up to raise children They brought their children up in the countryside.
to blow up: to make something more important than it really is They blew that issue up until it became noticed by the media.
to go up: used for increases in prices, profits and production Production went up at the plant by 15 percent.
to grow up: children getting older My daughter has grown up so quickly!
to speed up: used for machines increasing velocity The car sped up and passed the slow driver.
to hurry up: to increase the speed of doing something when someone
feels late We're going to have to hurry up if we want to finish this project on time.
to heat up:with temperatures It's really heated up these past few days.
to cheer up: to become happier He cheered up at the news of a raise.
to liven up: to make more exciting The party livened up when he arrived.
to turn up: used with volume Can you turn the sound up?
to speak up: to increase speaking volume You'll have to speak up if you want him to pay attention to you.
to build up: improve health He built his strength up over a number of months.
to pick up: used when a general situation improves The local economy has really picked up since the new factory was built.
to go down for prices, profits and production The quarterly profits went down from the second to the third quarter.
to come down for prices, profits and production Computer prices have really come down recently.
to slow down: used for machines and people He slowed down as he approached the city limits.
to calm down: used when calming other people She did her best to calm her child down.
to turn down: used with volume Turn down that horrible music!
to keep down: decrease volume Please keep the noise down in this room!
to quieten down: decrease volume He asked the students to quieten down.
to cool down: with temperatures It's really cooled down these past few days.
English phrasal verbs with "up"
Here are some common English phrasal verbs that you can use in business situations. All these phrasal verbs use "up".
Build up = to make a business bigger, to develop contacts or a presence in the market: "We have built up the business over the years and it now employs over 20 people."
Come up = happen unexpectedly: "I'm afraid I can't make the meeting tomorrow. Something has come up."
Divide up = distribute : "We can divide up the commission among the sales staff."
Drive up = force up the prices or costs: "The uncertainty in the markets is driving up labour costs."
Meet up = make an arrangement to meet: "What time should we meet up on Wednesday?"
Open up = make a new market accessible: "The new laws have opened up trade in many markets."
Pass up = to not take an opportunity: "We can't pass up this chance of increasing productivity."
Set up = establish a company or arrange a meeting: "They set up the company in 1999."
"I've set up a meeting between you and the suppliers for 11 am tomorrow."
Start up = to start something new: "They've started up a new division in Southern Europe."
(A start up is a new company, often internet-based.)
Write up = write a report or minutes: "It'll take him at least a week to write up his findings."
Build up = to make a business bigger, to develop contacts or a presence in the market: "We have built up the business over the years and it now employs over 20 people."
Come up = happen unexpectedly: "I'm afraid I can't make the meeting tomorrow. Something has come up."
Divide up = distribute : "We can divide up the commission among the sales staff."
Drive up = force up the prices or costs: "The uncertainty in the markets is driving up labour costs."
Meet up = make an arrangement to meet: "What time should we meet up on Wednesday?"
Open up = make a new market accessible: "The new laws have opened up trade in many markets."
Pass up = to not take an opportunity: "We can't pass up this chance of increasing productivity."
Set up = establish a company or arrange a meeting: "They set up the company in 1999."
"I've set up a meeting between you and the suppliers for 11 am tomorrow."
Start up = to start something new: "They've started up a new division in Southern Europe."
(A start up is a new company, often internet-based.)
Write up = write a report or minutes: "It'll take him at least a week to write up his findings."
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Idiom Category: Transport & Travel
Idiom Category: Transport & Travel
As much use as a handbrake on a canoe
This idiom is used to describe someone or something as worthless or pointless.
Asleep at the wheel
If someone is asleep at the wheel, they are not doing their job or taking their responsibilities very carefully. 'Asleep at the switch' is an alternative.
Backseat driver
A backseat driver is an annoying person who is fond of giving advice to the person performing a task or doing something, especially when the advice is either wrong or unwelcome.
Beam me up, Scotty
Something someone says when they want to get out of a place or situation, meaning 'Get me out of here!'. (It comes from the TV series and movies Star Trek, though the exact words used were a little different.)
Circle the wagons
(USA) If you circle the wagons, you stop communicating with people who don't think the same way as you to avoid their ideas. It can also mean to bring everyone together to defend a group against an attack.
Climb on the bandwagon
When people climb on the bandwagon they do something because it is popular and everyone else is doing it.
Country mile
(USA) A country mile is used to describe a long distance.
Fall off the back of a lorry
(UK) If someone tries to sell you something that has fallen of the back of a lorry, they are trying to sell you stolen goods.
Fall off the wagon
If someone falls off the wagon, they start drinking after having given up completely for a time.
Fifth wheel
(USA) A fifth wheel is something unnecessary or useless.
Full throttle
If you do something full throttle, you do it with as much speed and energy as you can.
Go play in traffic
This is used as a way of telling someone to go away.
Hit the road
When people hit the road, they leave a place to go somewhere else.
I'll cross that road when I come to it
I'll think about something just when it happens, not in advance.
In high gear
(USA) If something is in high gear, it is in a quick-paced mode. If someone is in high gear, they are feverishly on the fast track.
In the driver's seat
If you are in the driver's seat, you are in charge of something or in control of a situation.
Jump on the bandwagon
If people jump on the bandwagon, they get involved in something that has recently become very popular.
Off the track
If something puts or throws you off your track, it distracts you or keeps you from achieving what you want.
On the wagon
If someone is on the wagon, they have stopped drinking alcohol.
Put the carriage before the horse
If you put the carriage before the horse, you try to do things in the wrong order.
Put the pedal to the metal
If you put the pedal to the metal, you go faster.
Rearrange the deckchairs on the Titanic
(UK) If people are rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic, they are making small changes that will have no effect as the project, company, etc, is in very serious trouble.
Reinvent the wheel
If someone reinvents the wheel, they waste their time doing something that has already been done by other people, when they could be doing something more worthwhile.
Right up my alley
If something is right up your alley, it suits you perfectly.
Right up your street
If something is ideal for you, it is right up your street.
Running on fumes
If someone has used all their energy on something, but must continue, they are running on fumes. It is an expression used when driving a car when the needle is on empty but still running. We say it is 'running on fumes'.
Ship came in
If your ship has come in, something very good has happened to you.
Smooth sailing
If something is smooth sailing, then you can progress without difficulty. ('Plain sailing' is also used.)
Squeaky wheel gets the grease
(USA) When people say that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, they mean that the person who complains or protests the loudest attracts attention and service.
Sunday driver
A Sunday driver drives very slowly and makes unexpected manoeuvres.
Take for a test drive
If you take something for a test driver, you try something to see if you like it.
That ship has sailed
A particular opportunity has passed you by when that ship has sailed.
There's never a road without a turning
No situation in life stays the same forever.
Throw someone under the bus
To throw someone under the bus is to get the person in trouble either by placing blame on that person or not standing up for him.
Traffucked
If you are traffucked, you are stuck in heavy traffic and get where you need to be.
Train of thought
A train of thought is a sequence of thoughts, especially when you are talking to someone and you forget what you were going to say.
Whatever floats your boat
When people say this, they mean that you should do whatever makes you happy.
Wheels fall off
When the wheels fall off something, it goes wrong or fails. ('Wheels come off' is an alternative.)
Where the rubber meets the road
(USA) Where the rubber meets the road is the most important point for something, the moment of truth. An athlete can train all day, but the race is where the rubber meets the road and they'll know how good they really are.
As much use as a handbrake on a canoe
This idiom is used to describe someone or something as worthless or pointless.
Asleep at the wheel
If someone is asleep at the wheel, they are not doing their job or taking their responsibilities very carefully. 'Asleep at the switch' is an alternative.
Backseat driver
A backseat driver is an annoying person who is fond of giving advice to the person performing a task or doing something, especially when the advice is either wrong or unwelcome.
Beam me up, Scotty
Something someone says when they want to get out of a place or situation, meaning 'Get me out of here!'. (It comes from the TV series and movies Star Trek, though the exact words used were a little different.)
Circle the wagons
(USA) If you circle the wagons, you stop communicating with people who don't think the same way as you to avoid their ideas. It can also mean to bring everyone together to defend a group against an attack.
Climb on the bandwagon
When people climb on the bandwagon they do something because it is popular and everyone else is doing it.
Country mile
(USA) A country mile is used to describe a long distance.
Fall off the back of a lorry
(UK) If someone tries to sell you something that has fallen of the back of a lorry, they are trying to sell you stolen goods.
Fall off the wagon
If someone falls off the wagon, they start drinking after having given up completely for a time.
Fifth wheel
(USA) A fifth wheel is something unnecessary or useless.
Full throttle
If you do something full throttle, you do it with as much speed and energy as you can.
Go play in traffic
This is used as a way of telling someone to go away.
Hit the road
When people hit the road, they leave a place to go somewhere else.
I'll cross that road when I come to it
I'll think about something just when it happens, not in advance.
In high gear
(USA) If something is in high gear, it is in a quick-paced mode. If someone is in high gear, they are feverishly on the fast track.
In the driver's seat
If you are in the driver's seat, you are in charge of something or in control of a situation.
Jump on the bandwagon
If people jump on the bandwagon, they get involved in something that has recently become very popular.
Off the track
If something puts or throws you off your track, it distracts you or keeps you from achieving what you want.
On the wagon
If someone is on the wagon, they have stopped drinking alcohol.
Put the carriage before the horse
If you put the carriage before the horse, you try to do things in the wrong order.
Put the pedal to the metal
If you put the pedal to the metal, you go faster.
Rearrange the deckchairs on the Titanic
(UK) If people are rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic, they are making small changes that will have no effect as the project, company, etc, is in very serious trouble.
Reinvent the wheel
If someone reinvents the wheel, they waste their time doing something that has already been done by other people, when they could be doing something more worthwhile.
Right up my alley
If something is right up your alley, it suits you perfectly.
Right up your street
If something is ideal for you, it is right up your street.
Running on fumes
If someone has used all their energy on something, but must continue, they are running on fumes. It is an expression used when driving a car when the needle is on empty but still running. We say it is 'running on fumes'.
Ship came in
If your ship has come in, something very good has happened to you.
Smooth sailing
If something is smooth sailing, then you can progress without difficulty. ('Plain sailing' is also used.)
Squeaky wheel gets the grease
(USA) When people say that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, they mean that the person who complains or protests the loudest attracts attention and service.
Sunday driver
A Sunday driver drives very slowly and makes unexpected manoeuvres.
Take for a test drive
If you take something for a test driver, you try something to see if you like it.
That ship has sailed
A particular opportunity has passed you by when that ship has sailed.
There's never a road without a turning
No situation in life stays the same forever.
Throw someone under the bus
To throw someone under the bus is to get the person in trouble either by placing blame on that person or not standing up for him.
Traffucked
If you are traffucked, you are stuck in heavy traffic and get where you need to be.
Train of thought
A train of thought is a sequence of thoughts, especially when you are talking to someone and you forget what you were going to say.
Whatever floats your boat
When people say this, they mean that you should do whatever makes you happy.
Wheels fall off
When the wheels fall off something, it goes wrong or fails. ('Wheels come off' is an alternative.)
Where the rubber meets the road
(USA) Where the rubber meets the road is the most important point for something, the moment of truth. An athlete can train all day, but the race is where the rubber meets the road and they'll know how good they really are.
English idioms relating to TRAVEL - TRANSPORT
In the same boat If two or more parties in the same boat, they are in the same unpleasant
or difficult situation.
"When the factory closed down, the workers all found themselves in the
same boat.
Miss the boat If you miss the boat, you fail to take advantage of an opportunity because
you don't act quickly enough.
"I managed to get my order through before the end of the special offer - but
I nearly missed the boat!
Rock the boat If you tell someone not to rock the boat, you are asking them to do
nothing that might cause trouble or upset a stable situation.
"After the recent riots, it was decided not to rock the boat by introducing
strict measures.
Paddle one's own canoe If you paddle your own canoe, you do what you want to do without help
or interference from anyone.
"He decided to paddle his own canoe and set up his own company."
Put the cart before the horse A person who puts the cart before the horse is doing things in the wrong order.
"Building a school before knowing the age of the population is putting the cart
before the horse.
Drive a hard bargain A person who drives a hard bargain always makes sure they gain advantage
in a business deal.
"Be prepared for tough negotiations with Stuart - he drives a bard bargain."
Drive someone up the wall If somebody or something drives you up the wall, they do something
that greatly annoys or irritates you.
"I can't concentrate with all the noise - it's driving me up the wall!
Backseat driver A backseat driver is a passenger in a car who gives unwanted advice
to the driver.
"I can't stand backseat drivers like my mother-in-law!"
Jump on the bandwagon If a person or organization jumps on the bandwagon, they decide
to do something when it is already successful or fashionable.
"When organic food became popular, certain stores were quick to jump on
the bandwagon and promote it.
As much use as a handbrake on a canoe This expression refers to something which is completely useless or
serves no purpose.
"With no electricity, a refrigerator would be as much use as a
handbrake on a canoe. "
Fender bender This expression refers to a minor car accident in which there is little
damage and no injuries.
"It's hard to believe that a small fender bender can cause a major
traffic jam!"
On the home stretch To say that you're on the home stretch means that you are approaching
the end of something such as a task, a race or a journey.
"Don't give up - we're on the the home stretch now."
Itchy feet A person who has itchy feet is someone who wants to move
somewhere new or do something different.
Fall off the back of a lorry If you buy goods that have fallen off the back of a lorry, they are
stolen goods.
"Judging by the price of that camera, it must have fallen off the back
of a lorry!"
Any port in a storm When you are in difficulty, any port in a storm refers to a solution
you accept, which in normal circumstances you would find unacceptable.
"The hotel was substandard, but it was a case of any port in a storm;
all the others were full.
Take someone for a ride To take someone for a ride means to cheat or deceive them.
"I discovered he had charged me double the normal fee. He really
took me for a ride!"
Hit the road When you hit the road, you begin a journey.
"It's getting late and we've got a long way to go. Let's hit the road."
Road rage Aggressive driving habits sometimes resulting in violence against other
drivers.
"A number of car accidents today are a result of road rage."
Get the show on the road If you manage to put a plan or idea into action, you get the show
on the road.
"OK! We've got all we need, so let's get the show on the road!"
Sail through something If you sail through something, for example a test or an exam,
you succeed in doing it without difficulty.
"The English test was no problem for Tom. He sailed through it!"
Shank's pony If you go somewhere on Shank's pony, you have to walk rather than
travel by bus, car, etc.
"It was impossible to find a taxi after the party so it was Shank's pony
for us!
Like ships that pass in the night This expression is used to refer to people who meet briefly and are
not likely to meet again.
"The two men met once, like ships that pass in the night, and never
met again."
Live out of a suitcase Someone who lives out of a suitcase travels a lot, moving from
place to place, and is therefore restricted to the contents of their
suitcase.
"Sarah's new job involves so much travelling that she lives out of a
suitcase most of the time."
Train of thought A sequence of connected ideas is called a train of thought.
"I was considering the different options when the noise outside broke
my train of thought."
Gravy train If someone is on the gravy train, they have found an easy way
to make money, one that requires little effort and is without risk.
"Since the village has become fashionable he charges for every
photograph taken of his house - he's on the gravy train!"
Travel light When you travel light, you travel with as little luggage as possible.
"If you intend to go trekking, you'd better travel light."
Hitch one's wagon to a star Someone who hitches their wagon to a star has great ambitions
and is very determined to reach their goal.
"At an early age she decided to hitch her wagon to a star and become
rich and famous.
On the wagon Someone who is on the wagon is no longer drinking alcohol.
"No wine for me please. I'm on the wagon.
or difficult situation.
"When the factory closed down, the workers all found themselves in the
same boat.
Miss the boat If you miss the boat, you fail to take advantage of an opportunity because
you don't act quickly enough.
"I managed to get my order through before the end of the special offer - but
I nearly missed the boat!
Rock the boat If you tell someone not to rock the boat, you are asking them to do
nothing that might cause trouble or upset a stable situation.
"After the recent riots, it was decided not to rock the boat by introducing
strict measures.
Paddle one's own canoe If you paddle your own canoe, you do what you want to do without help
or interference from anyone.
"He decided to paddle his own canoe and set up his own company."
Put the cart before the horse A person who puts the cart before the horse is doing things in the wrong order.
"Building a school before knowing the age of the population is putting the cart
before the horse.
Drive a hard bargain A person who drives a hard bargain always makes sure they gain advantage
in a business deal.
"Be prepared for tough negotiations with Stuart - he drives a bard bargain."
Drive someone up the wall If somebody or something drives you up the wall, they do something
that greatly annoys or irritates you.
"I can't concentrate with all the noise - it's driving me up the wall!
Backseat driver A backseat driver is a passenger in a car who gives unwanted advice
to the driver.
"I can't stand backseat drivers like my mother-in-law!"
Jump on the bandwagon If a person or organization jumps on the bandwagon, they decide
to do something when it is already successful or fashionable.
"When organic food became popular, certain stores were quick to jump on
the bandwagon and promote it.
As much use as a handbrake on a canoe This expression refers to something which is completely useless or
serves no purpose.
"With no electricity, a refrigerator would be as much use as a
handbrake on a canoe. "
Fender bender This expression refers to a minor car accident in which there is little
damage and no injuries.
"It's hard to believe that a small fender bender can cause a major
traffic jam!"
On the home stretch To say that you're on the home stretch means that you are approaching
the end of something such as a task, a race or a journey.
"Don't give up - we're on the the home stretch now."
Itchy feet A person who has itchy feet is someone who wants to move
somewhere new or do something different.
Fall off the back of a lorry If you buy goods that have fallen off the back of a lorry, they are
stolen goods.
"Judging by the price of that camera, it must have fallen off the back
of a lorry!"
Any port in a storm When you are in difficulty, any port in a storm refers to a solution
you accept, which in normal circumstances you would find unacceptable.
"The hotel was substandard, but it was a case of any port in a storm;
all the others were full.
Take someone for a ride To take someone for a ride means to cheat or deceive them.
"I discovered he had charged me double the normal fee. He really
took me for a ride!"
Hit the road When you hit the road, you begin a journey.
"It's getting late and we've got a long way to go. Let's hit the road."
Road rage Aggressive driving habits sometimes resulting in violence against other
drivers.
"A number of car accidents today are a result of road rage."
Get the show on the road If you manage to put a plan or idea into action, you get the show
on the road.
"OK! We've got all we need, so let's get the show on the road!"
Sail through something If you sail through something, for example a test or an exam,
you succeed in doing it without difficulty.
"The English test was no problem for Tom. He sailed through it!"
Shank's pony If you go somewhere on Shank's pony, you have to walk rather than
travel by bus, car, etc.
"It was impossible to find a taxi after the party so it was Shank's pony
for us!
Like ships that pass in the night This expression is used to refer to people who meet briefly and are
not likely to meet again.
"The two men met once, like ships that pass in the night, and never
met again."
Live out of a suitcase Someone who lives out of a suitcase travels a lot, moving from
place to place, and is therefore restricted to the contents of their
suitcase.
"Sarah's new job involves so much travelling that she lives out of a
suitcase most of the time."
Train of thought A sequence of connected ideas is called a train of thought.
"I was considering the different options when the noise outside broke
my train of thought."
Gravy train If someone is on the gravy train, they have found an easy way
to make money, one that requires little effort and is without risk.
"Since the village has become fashionable he charges for every
photograph taken of his house - he's on the gravy train!"
Travel light When you travel light, you travel with as little luggage as possible.
"If you intend to go trekking, you'd better travel light."
Hitch one's wagon to a star Someone who hitches their wagon to a star has great ambitions
and is very determined to reach their goal.
"At an early age she decided to hitch her wagon to a star and become
rich and famous.
On the wagon Someone who is on the wagon is no longer drinking alcohol.
"No wine for me please. I'm on the wagon.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Argentina bicentennial
Argentina bicentennial
Posted using ShareThis
ARGENTINA 25 May 2010 Argentina celebrates bicentenary of revolution
On 25 May 1810, revolutionaries deposed the Spanish viceroy and formed a junta. The royalists were defeated in the war that followed, and independence was declared on 9 Jul 1816. Argentina is one of several South American countries marking a bicentenary in 2009-2010. It is likely to celebrate the milestone by trying to rescue its own revolutionary heroes from relative obscurity on the continent, where Venezuelan independence leader Simón Bolívar has acquired cult status.
Street parties, tango-dancing, music and traditional food will mark the occasion, and Argentina will open a Bicentennial Cultural Center for the occasion. It plans to stage many exhibitions and festivities throughout the country on May 25, which is an annual holiday. The country is restoring historical monuments for the bicentenary, and special stamps and coins can be expected.
Ministers of culture of the Ibero-American group met in 2007 to form the Bicentennial Group. Made up by Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Venezuela and Chile--nations that began their emancipation process from the Spanish crown between 1809 and 1811--it aims to coordinate independence activities across the continent. Bolivia and Ecuador celebrate their bicentennials in 2009, followed by Argentina, Chile, and Mexico in 2010. Venezuela' celebrated in 2010, though the actual date is in 2011. Paraguay's is due in 2011. Colombia has decided to commemorate its anniversary in 2019. Guatemala and Peru follow in 2021.
On the continent, the Argentine José de San Martín, has lost ground as a hero of the fratricidal wars that broke Spain’s hegemony over the American continent to Bolivar. Many statues, plazas, streets, schools, monuments are dedicated to san Martín, and the bicentennial will be an opportunity to set him back in the spotlight with other Argentine leaders in the struggle.
Dr. Mariano Moreno, an Argentine writer, lawyer, politician and journalist, is considered among the founding fathers of the Republic of Argentina. He emerged as a leader in the first years of the 19th Century, first in the fighting against the British and then in the movement for independence from Spain. His promising political career ended prematurely when he died at sea under suspicious circumstances: he was only 32.
Manuel Belgrano is also regarded as one of the liberators, but is associated with a string of military failures. In modern times, he is best known as the namesake of a war ship sunk in the Atlantic by the British Navy during the war over the Falklands Islands.
Martin de Pueyrredón is also associated with failure. He assisted San Martín in the Chilean campaign of 1817-18. Congress promulgated a unitarian constitution in 1819 that was rejected by the people, so his success at averting anarchy was brief. The civil war of 1820 followed. UPDATED May/10
RELATED READING:
Grupo Bicentenario
http://www.grupobicentenario.org/
Bicentennial Group (QuePasa)
http://www.quepasa.cl/medio/articulo/0,0,38035857__374945308__1,00.html
Encyclopedia Britannica
http://www.britannica.com/
Building Latin American bicentennials in an age of globalization (OLA)
http://www.observatorylatinamerica.org/building_bicent.html
Posted using ShareThis
ARGENTINA 25 May 2010 Argentina celebrates bicentenary of revolution
On 25 May 1810, revolutionaries deposed the Spanish viceroy and formed a junta. The royalists were defeated in the war that followed, and independence was declared on 9 Jul 1816. Argentina is one of several South American countries marking a bicentenary in 2009-2010. It is likely to celebrate the milestone by trying to rescue its own revolutionary heroes from relative obscurity on the continent, where Venezuelan independence leader Simón Bolívar has acquired cult status.
Street parties, tango-dancing, music and traditional food will mark the occasion, and Argentina will open a Bicentennial Cultural Center for the occasion. It plans to stage many exhibitions and festivities throughout the country on May 25, which is an annual holiday. The country is restoring historical monuments for the bicentenary, and special stamps and coins can be expected.
Ministers of culture of the Ibero-American group met in 2007 to form the Bicentennial Group. Made up by Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Venezuela and Chile--nations that began their emancipation process from the Spanish crown between 1809 and 1811--it aims to coordinate independence activities across the continent. Bolivia and Ecuador celebrate their bicentennials in 2009, followed by Argentina, Chile, and Mexico in 2010. Venezuela' celebrated in 2010, though the actual date is in 2011. Paraguay's is due in 2011. Colombia has decided to commemorate its anniversary in 2019. Guatemala and Peru follow in 2021.
On the continent, the Argentine José de San Martín, has lost ground as a hero of the fratricidal wars that broke Spain’s hegemony over the American continent to Bolivar. Many statues, plazas, streets, schools, monuments are dedicated to san Martín, and the bicentennial will be an opportunity to set him back in the spotlight with other Argentine leaders in the struggle.
Dr. Mariano Moreno, an Argentine writer, lawyer, politician and journalist, is considered among the founding fathers of the Republic of Argentina. He emerged as a leader in the first years of the 19th Century, first in the fighting against the British and then in the movement for independence from Spain. His promising political career ended prematurely when he died at sea under suspicious circumstances: he was only 32.
Manuel Belgrano is also regarded as one of the liberators, but is associated with a string of military failures. In modern times, he is best known as the namesake of a war ship sunk in the Atlantic by the British Navy during the war over the Falklands Islands.
Martin de Pueyrredón is also associated with failure. He assisted San Martín in the Chilean campaign of 1817-18. Congress promulgated a unitarian constitution in 1819 that was rejected by the people, so his success at averting anarchy was brief. The civil war of 1820 followed. UPDATED May/10
RELATED READING:
Grupo Bicentenario
http://www.grupobicentenario.org/
Bicentennial Group (QuePasa)
http://www.quepasa.cl/medio/articulo/0,0,38035857__374945308__1,00.html
Encyclopedia Britannica
http://www.britannica.com/
Building Latin American bicentennials in an age of globalization (OLA)
http://www.observatorylatinamerica.org/building_bicent.html
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
FCE: Idioms: raining cats and dogs
Most learners of English will be familiar with the idiom It’s raining cats and dogs. Indeed, many people remember it because it’s such an odd expression and one which can conjure up quite entertaining images. There is, however, one small problem attached to this idiom: native speakers of English rarely use it and, if they do, it sounds rather old-fashioned. So, what do they say? Well, as with so many things, it depends on the context and who you are addressing your remarks to. In a polite, formal situation one might simply say It's pouring, with the optional addition of the slightly superfluous words with rain: It’s pouring with rain or It’s pouring down. Less formal alternatives are It’s chucking it down or It’s bucketing down, neither of which would be considered impolite in any way. If the rain is particularly heavy, the verb lash down can be used, as in 'It’s been lashing down for an hour now'. In British English one of the most common expressions is It's pissing down, although caution should be exercised when using this expression as some people may consider it impolite or even offensive. To be on the safe side it might be better to stick to It’s pouring down or the entertaining expression It’s pouring with rain out there, which suggests that it sometimes rains in here.
Author: Tim Bowen
Friday, April 9, 2010
FCE - How to Write an Article 2
Follow this step by step guide to a good article:
Decide what your article will be about.
Research the topic of your article.
Write your article using the template below.
First paragraph: In the first few sentences, answer these questions!
Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Why
Grab the reader's attention by using an opening sentence which is a question or something unexpected!
Now, give the details. It is always a good idea to include one or two quotes from people you interviewed. Write in the third person (he, she, it or they). Be objective. Use active verbs so the reader feels things are really happening!
Last paragraph: Round off your article. Try ending with a quote or a catchy phrase!
By-line: At the end, state who wrote the article; 'By ....'.
Decide where appropriate illustrations/pictures will be placed.
Proof-read your article and edit where needed.
Spell check your article!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
FCE - WRITING AN ARTICLE
Ten Steps to Writing an Article
1. Realize that writing is a process, not a short burst of frantic activity. The usual steps are planning, research, writing a rough draft, editing, then writing a final draft.
2. Planning an article involves discussing why it is important and what you want to include. If you decide about length, scope and focus in advance, it will save you time and effort later.
3. Good articles are descriptive. Draw on your own experience and talk to those who have more experience or different experience than you.
4. The best articles help readers solve problems, save time, avoid mishaps and do their jobs more effectively. You can’t assume that the reader shares your perception of a problem; you may have to sell them the problem before you sell them a solution.
5. Write your draft the way you would tell the story to one of your friends. It should be informal and clear. Short words and short sentences are fine.
6. Readers want articles about things they can actually control and problems they can solve. Writing an article about a huge problem that is too large or too expensive merely raises the reader’s anxiety.
7. Tell real stories. Use actual examples. Readers want to hear about things that happened. They aren’t interested in platitudes, cliches, lectures, or slogans. Readers want reality, not theory.
8. Magazines are a clutchplate between the way things are and the way they should be. Ideally, everyone follows all the rules all the time, and no mishaps ever happen. In reality, people cut corners, take chances, stop paying attention, fall asleep in class, drive drunk, ignore their supervisor, take the easy way out, get in a hurry, resist learning, and on and on.
9. A magazine article doesn’t regurgitate official procedures or rules. Readers have plenty of those things already; the problem is that they don’t follow them. Simply repeating the procedures avoids the real problem.
10. "Why" is more interesting than "what." Defining a problem or a hazard is only the starting point.
Telephone English
Telephone English
Learning how to communicate well on the telephone is one of the top priorities for many students who need to use English at work. Learning the common phrases that are used on the telephone helps students know what to expect. However, what students often need most is practice, practice, and more practice. While helpful, practicing a role-play in the classroom is not always the best way to improve telephoning skills. Telephoning requires special skills as there are a number of difficulties that arise when telephoning that are specific to telephoning. The first and foremost difficulty is not being able to see the person you are communicating with. This lack of visual communication often makes students, who can communicate quite successfully in other situations, nervous and thereby hinders their communicative abilities. Add to this the typical hectic pace of business communication, and you have a particularly difficult situation.
Telephone English - Important Phrases
There are a number of phrases and idioms that are only used when telephoning. Let's first take a look at an example dialogue: Here are the most common:
Operator: Hello, Frank and Brothers, How can I help you?
Peter: This is Peter Jackson. Can I have extension 3421?
Operator: Certainly, hold on a minute, I'll put you through...
Frank: Bob Peterson's office, Frank speaking.
Peter: This is Peter Jackson calling, is Bob in?
Frank: I'm afraid he's out at the moment. Can I take a message?
Peter: Yes, Could you ask him to call me at . I need to talk to him about the Nuovo line, it's urgent.
Frank: Could you repeat the number please?
Peter: Yes, that's , and this is Peter Jackson.
Frank: Thank you Mr Jackson, I'll make sure Bob gets this asap.
Peter: Thanks, bye.
Frank: Bye.
As you can see, the language is rather informal and there are some important differences to everyday English. Look at the chart below for key language and phrases used in telephone English:
Introducing yourself
This is Ken.
Ken speaking
Asking who is on the telephone
Excuse me, who is this?
Can I ask who is calling, please?
Asking for Someone
Can I have extension 321? (extensions are internal numbers at a company)
Could I speak to...? (Can I - more informal / May I - more formal)
Is Jack in? (informal idiom meaning: Is Jack in the office?
Connecting Someone
I'll put you through (put through - phrasal verb meaning 'connect')
Can you hold the line? Can you hold on a moment?
How to reply when someone is not available
I'm afraid ... is not available at the moment
The line is busy... (when the extension requested is being used)
Mr Jackson isn't in... Mr Jackson is out at the moment...
Taking a Message
Could (Can, May) I take a message?
Could (Can, May) I tell him who is calling?
Would you like to leave a message?
(more practice on video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGuug8vShQg)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
"BONNIE" PRINCE CHARLES
Famous Scots
- Prince Charles Edward Stuart (1720-1788)
Background
Bonnie Prince Charlie was a grandson of King James VII who was driven out of Britain in 1688 because of his support of the Catholic faith. Parliament had originally wanted James' daughter Mary and her husband, William of Orange from the Netherlands, to act as regents until James' newly born son, James Francis Stuart (Charles' father), reached his majority (and had been raised in the Protestant faith). But William was unhappy with this arrangement and insisted on having the crown along with his wife. Parliament agreed, thus sowing the seeds of the subsequent Jacobite Uprisings (Jacobite came from the Latin word for James - Jacobus).
Of course, King James VII tried to regain his throne. But on July 12, 1690, William defeated James in the Battle of the Boyne, Ireland. King James VII died in exile in 1701. There were further Jacobite insurrections in Scotland, particularly in 1715 when James Francis Stuart (nicknamed "The Old Pretender") landed in Scotland, some months after the Earl of Mar had conducted an ineffectual campaign. James had dithered in France about when to leave for Scotland and it was mid-winter by the time he arrived at Aberdeen on 22 December. And he did not bring the expected French military forces or any money. After two months he was advised to withdraw and left once more for France, never to return.
William and Mary died childless and her sister and successor Queen Anne also died without issue. Parliament then decided in 1714 (by a majority of one) to ask George, the Elector of Hanover in Germany to become king of Britain. George's mother was Sophia, a grand-daughter of King James VI. Even so, the rules of succession gave James Francis Stuart a stronger right to the throne, a point not lost on the Jacobite supporters, most of whom were in Scotland.
In 1718, James Francis Stuart married Princess Clementina Maria Sobieski of Poland who was one of the wealthiest females of royal birth in Europe. Their son, Prince Charles Edward Louis John Casimir Silvester Maria Stuart was born in Rome on 31 December 1720. The Pope gave his personal blessing to the infant.
Early Years
Although the Hanoverian rumour machine tried to spread stories that he was deformed and an imbecile, unbiased observers of the young Prince described him as headstrong and brave. He learned quickly and could converse in English, French, Latin and Italian (but there was nobody to teach him Gaelic). He was a good marksman with a cross-bow. It is possible that his father would have allowed Charles to be reared as a Protestant to improve his chances of inheriting the throne but this was not a viable proposition while living in Rome.
In addition to being called Prince Charles Edward, he also gained the nicknames of "Bonnie Prince Charlie" and "The Young Chevalier" (the French word for Prince). His portraits certainly show him to be a handsome young man.
Charles was treated as a Prince in Italy and later in France. The French and British were at loggerheads (as on so many occasions over the centuries) and in 1744 offered a fleet with 7,000 soldiers to help Charles restore the Stuarts to the British throne. But many of the ships were lost in a storm and wrecked on the Dunkirk coast.
The song "My Bonnie" refers to him.
(Also visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNdH44_WaqY) Enjoy it!!!
Friday, April 2, 2010
FCE - ENGLISH IDIOMS THAT USE THE WEATHER
English idioms that use the weather.
a face like thunder = to look very angry: "What's up with him today? He has a face like thunder!"
a fair-weather friend = a friend who doesn't support you in bad times: "I'm a bit disappointed in John and David. It turned out they were only fair-weather friends."
a snowball's chance = very little chance (as much chance as a snowball has in hell): "We don't have a snowball's chance of winning that contract!"
a storm in a teacup = a lot of fuss over something small: "Don't worry about those two arguing. it's just a storm in a teacup."
be a breeze = to be easy: "The exam was a breeze."
be snowed under = to be very busy: "We're snowed under at work."
blow hot and cold = to keep changing your attitude: "They're blowing hot and cold over this issue. It's impossible to know what they want!"
brass-monkey weather = very cold weather: "It's brass-monkey weather today. You'd better wrap up warm!"
come rain or shine = whatever happens: "He's always working in his garden – come rain or shine."
the lull before the storm = a quiet time before a busy or difficult time: "It's going to get very busy on Thursday. Today and tomorrow are just the lull before the storm."
save up for a rainy day = put money aside for when you might need it later: "I don't want to spend this extra money. I'll save it up for a rainy day."
see which way the wind blows = to analyse a situation before doing something: "I'm going to see which way the wind blows before asking her about a raise."
steal someone's thunder = do what someone else was going to do and get all the praise: "You'll steal her thunder if you wear that dress tonight!"
take a rain check = postpone something: "I don't really want to go the cinema tonight. Can we take a rain-check on it?"
under the weather = not feel very well: "I'm feeling a bit under the weather at the moment."
weather the storm = to survive a difficult situation: "This recession is quite serious and it's becoming difficult to weather the storm."
(watch a video on http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=rn1BxewN-kQ)
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: Chapter 1. Down the Rabbit-Hole - Part 2
Either the well was very deep, or she fell very slowly, for she had plenty of time as she went down to look about her and to wonder what was going to happen next. First, she tried to look down and make out what she was coming to, but it was too dark to see anything; then she looked at the sides of the well, and noticed that they were filled with cupboards and book-shelves; here and there she saw maps and pictures hung upon pegs. She took down a jar from one of the shelves as she passed; it was labelled 'ORANGE MARMALADE', but to her great disappointment it was empty: she did not like to drop the jar for fear of killing somebody, so managed to put it into one of the cupboards as she fell past it.
'Well!' thought Alice to herself, 'after such a fall as this, I shall think nothing of tumbling down stairs! How brave they'll all think me at home! Why, I wouldn't say anything about it, even if I fell off the top of the house!' (Which was very likely true.)
Down, down, down. Would the fall NEVER come to an end! 'I wonder how many miles I've fallen by this time?' she said aloud. 'I must be getting somewhere near the centre of the earth. Let me see: that would be four thousand miles down, I think--' (for, you see, Alice had learnt several things of this sort in her lessons in the schoolroom, and though this was not a VERY good opportunity for showing off her knowledge, as there was no one to listen to her, still it was good practice to say it over) '--yes, that's about the right distance--but then I wonder what Latitude or Longitude I've got to?' (Alice had no idea what Latitude was, or Longitude either, but thought they were nice grand words to say.)
Presently she began again. 'I wonder if I shall fall right THROUGH the earth! How funny it'll seem to come out among the people that walk with their heads downward! The Antipathies, I think--' (she was rather glad there WAS no one listening, this time, as it didn't sound at all the right word) '--but I shall have to ask them what the name of the country is, you know. Please, Ma'am, is this New Zealand or Australia?' (and she tried to curtsey as she spoke--fancy CURTSEYING as you're falling through the air! Do you think you could manage it?) 'And what an ignorant little girl she'll think me for asking! No, it'll never do to ask: perhaps I shall see it written up somewhere.'
Monday, February 8, 2010
Chinese New Year
2010 is the Year of the Tiger,
which is also known by its formal name of Geng Yin.
All about Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a holiday that celebrates the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar. It is considered to be one of the most important holidays for Chinese families.
The holiday is celebrated with big family gatherings, gift giving, the eating of symbolic foods and display of festive decorations--all focused on bringing good luck for the new year and celebrating the coming of Spring.
When Is Chinese New Year?
The start of Chinese New Year changes every year since it is dictated by the lunar calendar. The Gregorian or solar calendar--which is based on the Earth's movement around the sun and has a fixed number of 365 days a year (366 during a leap year)--is the most widely used calendar system in the world and has been the official calendar used in China since 1912.
But in China the lunar calendar is still used to determine traditional holidays like Chinese New Year. Since the lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon-- which has a shorter cycle than the sun--Chinese New Year is never on the same day each year, but typically falls somewhere between January 21st and February 20th. For 2008, Chinese New Year falls on February 7th. In 2009 it falls on January 26th.
How Long Do Chinese New Year Celebrations Last?
According to Daria Ng, Assistant Curator of Education at the Museum of Chinese in the Americas in New York City, celebrations can actually last up to a month, especially in China.
Originally the celebrations lasted for lengthy amounts of time because China was a very agriculture-based country so farmers took the whole month off to rest since crops couldn't be planted during the winter. Nowadays most families celebrate the New Year for about two week's time, says Ng, starting on the first day of the new year and end on the 15th.
Laura Young is editor of Crafts and Holidays & Fun on Kaboose.com.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Mendoza
Mendoza (pronounced /mɛnˈdohsəh/) is the capital city of Mendoza Province, in Argentina. It is located in the northern-central part of the province, in a region of foothills and high plains, on the eastern side of the Andes. As of the 2001 census [INDEC], Mendoza's population was 110,993. The metropolitan population was 848,660 in 2001, making Greater Mendoza the fourth largest census metropolitan area in the country.
Ruta Nacional 7, the major road running between Buenos Aires and Santiago, runs through Mendoza. The city is a frequent stopover for climbers on their way to Aconcagua (the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere) and for adventure travelers interested in mountaineering, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, and other sports. In the winter, skiers come to the city for its easy access to the Andes.
Two of the main industries of the Mendoza area are wine making and olive oil production.
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