The English Spot

2011: Year In Review

2011-12-31T14:49:00.000Z

The year 2011 is quickly coming to its end... Are you ready to welcome 2012?

New Years - Comments and Graphics!

But before the calendar pages turn into 2012, can you recall the major events that marked this year?
Watch the video below!

New Years - Comments and Graphics!

The Queen's 2011 Christmas Broadcast

2011-12-26T22:41:00.000Z

Every Christmas, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II addresses the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with a special Christmas message.

You can watch Her Majesty speaking of families, friends and communities in this year's broadcast to the Commonwealth.

What is the Commonwealth? Do you know what it is?

The Commonwealth is a name for some countries which were part of the British Empire before they became independent. This group of states works together on many important matters, like business, health and the fight against poverty.
The Commonwealth of Nations is a group of countries. Originally, it was called the British Commonwealth of Nations which was founded in 1926 when the British Empire began to break-up. Now, there are 53 member countries of the Commonwealth of Nations. All except Mozambique were part of the British Empire. There are some other associations having similar sounding names. For example, the Commonwealth of Australia or the Commonwealth of Independent states. But, the Commonwealth of Nations is different and a separate organization.
in http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_of_Nations

CHRISTMAS IS COMING... Let's shake it up a bit!

2011-12-10T22:59:00.001Z

Can you feel that Christmas is coming? Our school is certainly into the Christmas spirit already with all the decorations.

Do you know Train's Xmas song - "Shake Up Christmas"? You can find the lyrics below!

Shake up the happiness

Wake up the happiness

Shake up the happiness

It's Christmas time

There's a story that I was told

And I wanna tell the world

Before I get to old

And don't remember it

So let's December it

And reassemble it

Once upon a time in a town like this

A little girl made a great big wish

To fill the world full of happiness

And be on Santa's magic list

Chorus:

Shake it up

Shake up the happiness

Wake it up

Wake up the happiness

Come on y'all

It's Christmas time

At the same time miles away

A little boy made a wish that day

That the world would be okay

And Santa Claus would hear him say

I got dreams and I got love

I got my feet on the ground

And family above

Can you send some happiness?

With my best to the rest

Of the people of the East and the West And

Maybe every once in a while you

Get my grandma a reason to smile

It’s the season of smile

It's cold but we'll be freezing in style

Let me meet a girl one day that

Wants to spread some love this way

We can let our souls run free and

She can open some happiness with me

Chorus

I know you're out there

I hear your reindeer

I see the snowing

Your boots have been

I'm gonna show them

So they will know then

Then love will grow in

Then to live again

Chorus

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!

2011-11-24T21:01:00.001Z

happy thanksgiving+day+animated pics on Sodahead

Today, the Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day.

Besides eating turkey and pumpkin pie and watching the Superbowl on TV, Thanksgiving Day is a day on which people give thanks for all the good things that has happened to them this year.

Watch the video below in order to learn more about this great American holiday!

Have some Thanksgiving fun!

Gloria Gobbler, You Can't Gobble Me

Gloria Gobbler, I Will Survive

M.C. Turkey Hammer, U Can't Stuff This

It's official! We are now 7,000,000,000!

2011-11-02T19:03:00.000Z

The Cagle Post has a great collection of cartoons about the world's population having reached the impressive number of 7 billion people.

Check out these numbers about the World population and its growth:

1 billion- 1804
2 billion- 1927
3 billion- 1959
4 billion- 1974
5 billion- 1987
6 billion- 1999
7 billion- 2011

Source: UN

Luojie, China Dailyhttp://cagle.com/news/7billion/2.asp

Share this Cartoon

Today is the European Day of Languages!

2011-09-26T21:34:00.000+01:00

EDL logo

Do you know what day is today?

European Union countries celebrate, on the 26th September, the European Day of Languages. But why?

Throughout Europe, 800 million Europeans represented in the Council of Europe's 47 member states are encouraged to learn more languages, at any age, in and out of school. Being convinced that linguistic diversity is a tool for achieving greater intercultural understanding and a key element in the rich cultural heritage of our continent, the Council of Europe promotes plurilingualism in the whole of Europe.

Are you an eager language learner? How many foreign languages can you speak?

Go online and check out the Council of Europe's website dedicated to the European Day of Languages: http://edl.ecml.at/

You will find there a lot of information about this day and some games and quizzes about languages.

Test your knowledge of English and see if you can recognise the following accents:

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!

2011-09-13T00:55:00.000+01:00

Summer holidays are definitely over! Are you ready for school? We certainly hope so!

Participate by posting on our blog and you can send blog posting material (music, videos, photos, texts, etc) to this email: alunos.barcelinhos@gmail.com

Welcome back to school! Welcome to our English Spot Blog!

WE ARE NOT IN THE MOODY'S - The Economic Crisis, Portugal and "Junk"

2011-08-03T18:34:00.001+01:00

A lot has been said and written about Moody's rating our country as being "junk".
This video below has depicted our "mood" following the disgraceful rating. It is quite an interesting portrayal of Portugal.
Enjoy it and RATE it!

HAPPY SUMMER DAYS!!!!

Summer Holidays are here!

2011-07-30T01:26:00.000+01:00

Are you enjoying your summer holidays?
If you are travelling somewhere, have a safe trip!
This is a short animation film about a couple on their vacation travelling to California. It is based on a true story. Enjoy it!

Something Left, Something Taken- Full Version from Tiny Inventions on Vimeo.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! (a bit delayed... )

2011-07-05T00:57:00.000+01:00

The LingQ Project - Learning languages online

2011-07-02T12:16:00.000+01:00

What is LingQ?
LingQ.com is a website where you can learn English and 10 other languages online.
On this site you will find hundreds of lessons to read and listen to free of charge. The podcasts cover beginner, intermediate, and advanced level lessons and topics include basic greetings, social issues, language learning and more all in natural English or other langauges. You can sign up for a FREE account and start learning a new language today!

In order to stress the importance of language learning, I asked my students from class 10D, from Escola Secundária/3 de Barcelinhos, to participate in the LingQ Project.
Each student had to create some content to upload on the website as native speakers of the Portuguese language in order to help foreign students to learn our mother tongue.

If you want to learn European Portuguese, then join Class 10D from Escola Secundária/3 de Barcelinhos, Barcelos, Portugal as they talk about their lives and their country.

These are the links to the lessons/podcasts:

LESSON "Barcelos, a nossa cidade" - This is a simple text, a description of Barcelos, the hometown of my students. Text and audio were created by Eliana, Márcia, Sara and Sofia from Class 10D from Escola Secundária/3 de Barcelinhos.
LESSON "Como chegar ao teatro? - Direcções" - This is a simple dialogue in which two teenagers ask for and give directions. Text and audio created by Débora, Carolina and Francisca from Class 10D.
LESSON "Diálogo entre a Maria e a Íris" - This is a simple dialogue based on personal information between two teenagers. Text and audio created by Ana Sofia and Marisa from Class 10D.
LESSON "Mourinho em Publicidade do BCP Millenium" - This is an extract of a recording of a commercial. The commercial is about the bank Millennium and the speaker is José Mourinho, the famous football coach. The translation of the transcript was created by Pedro and Mateus from Class 10D.
LESSON "Luís Vaz de Camões & o poema "Mudam-se os tempos, mudam-se as vontades" - This is a recording of the poem "Mudam-se os tempos, mudam-se as vontades" by Camões, followed by a short description about the poet. The glossary and audio were created by Ana Catarina Miranda, Ana Catarina Vilas Boas and Carina from Class 10D.
LESSON "Poema "Frutos" de Eugénio de Andrade" - This is a recording of the poem "Frutos" by Eugénio de Andrade, followed by a short description about the poet. The glossary and audio were created by Joel and Miguel from Class 10D.
LESSON "Mar Português" de Fernando Pessoa" - This is a recording of the poem "Mar Português" by Fernando Pessoa, followed by a short description about the poet. The glossary and audio were created by Regina and Cristiana from Class 10D.

Sign up a for a free account and check out Class D's Portuguese lessons.

SUMMER HOLIDAYS: Perfect time to practise your English!

2011-06-29T13:58:00.000+01:00

Are you worried about forgetting your English during the summer holidays?
Don't worry! Here are some tips to practise your English!

HAVE YOU HEARD? CELL PHONES MAY CAUSE CANCER!

2011-06-06T22:29:00.000+01:00

Are you permanently attached to your cell phone? If you are addicted to your cell phone, it seems you may be at risk!

Comment on these great cartoons!

www.cagle.com

"BROADCAST YOURSELF": Cover songs & YouTube

2011-05-31T18:22:00.000+01:00

If there’s one thing YouTube has always been good for, it is as a platform for any ordinary person to express himself or herself. That is the very basis of its “broadcast yourself” roots.

If you have the time - and patience! - to browse thousands of music videos on YouTube, you will quickly find out that most of them are actually cover songs! Do you know what a cover song is?
A cover version (or simply "cover") is a song which is re-recorded by a singer or band, after another artist has released a recording of it. Sometimes the versions are similar, but sometimes they are very different. Many songs become more popular as cover versions than in their original recordings. (wikipedia.org)

Of course, there are also issues regarding copyright violations. If you are planning on taping a cover of your favourite song and uploading it on YouTube, perhaps you should read some information on this issue before... Otherwsie you could get into trouble! Here are the links to two articles that discuss this problem and give you some advice:
"Recording, Releasing, and Performing Cover Songs" by Cameron Mizell
"Music, Copyright, and YouTube" by Suzanne Lainson
A great deal of musicians make videos of themselves performing cover songs at home and upload them to sites like YouTube. This has become a great way to capture people’s attention with the covered songs as a gateway to their original music. Usually, videos of cover songs get more views than videos of original music.
A good example of this is the band Karmin, a duo of singers from Boston, USA. Have you ever listened to their songs? Give them a try, I'm sure you'll love them!

What the Finns need to know about Portugal [video]

2011-05-07T21:45:00.001+01:00

The following video is a compilation of great accomplishments of the Portuguese people. It also reveals how Portugal has been generous towards other countries in the world.
Portugal has been greatly affected by the economic crisis and international financial markets are "punishing" our national economy.
Finland's support is necessary for the EU's bailout but a large number of Finns are against it.
This video was presented yesterday, in Estoril, at the end of the ESTORIL CONFERENCES - Global Challenges, Local Answers. Its aim is to make the Finnish people aware of the Portuguese history and generosity.

What do you think of this?

Imagine waking up with a British Accent...

2011-05-06T17:45:00.000+01:00

An American woman woke up with a British accent. Is this really possible?

Apparently, yes, it is possible. Have you ever heard of the Foreign Language Syndrome?

Watch the report about Karen Butler, who blames a sedative used during dental surgery, for changing her voice into a British accent. You can read the transcript below.

If only my students could wake up with a British accent! :-)

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

TRANSCRIPT:

You're watching multisource health news analysis from News

Would you ever believe that an American woman from Portland, Oregon who talks like this:

“Hi this is Karen, sorry I can’t come to the phone at the moment.” (Video: KATU)

Could leave a dentist appointment sounding like this?

“Oh where are you from, where did you get that accent? Well I got it from my dentist in Toledo!” (Video: WEWS)

Karen Butler suffers from an extremely rare disorder, Foreign Accent Syndrome. Most sufferers contract the syndrome after a stroke or brain trauma.

But Butler blames the anesthetic, Halcion, for her new voice after receiving oral surgery. Doctors are puzzled about her case because the syndrome has never been linked to a sedative. (Video: MSNBC)

KATU speaks with a stroke doctor about the logistics:

Reporter: “Why accent instead of just saying it’s a speech impediment or change? It seems interesting that it becomes an accent.”

Doctor: “As you’ve already pointed out it’s exceedingly rare. Now stroke very commonly affects language and most typically someone who has a stroke has trouble speaking... This is a very small part of the brain that affects language, that affects the articulation and intonation of speech.”

The condition is so rare only 100 cases have been reported worldwide since the 1900s. While American media celebrates Butler’s oddity, NBC reveals the cultural backlash in other countries with similar cases:

“Hello, my name is Kate...”

“When her voice changed, life changed. She lost her job and became depressed.”

“You lose your identity, because you don’t know who you are anymore. You don’t fit in anywhere.”

“Sarah Callwell knows just how she feels. Her accent changed earlier this year. Now some people think she sounds Chinese.”

“At first I felt very alone, I felt like I did not belong in this country anymore.”

The original accent can return to sufferers of the syndrome, but Butler tells the Oregonian she feels more outgoing thanks to the change:

“It wasn’t until this happened to me and everywhere you go people are so curious to know about who you are and what you are, where you’ve been, what you’ve done... It has just really changed a great deal of my willingness.”

Transcript by Newsy.com (http://www.newsy.com/videos/american-woman-wakes-up-with-british-accent/)

THE ROYAL WEDDING

2011-04-30T22:43:00.000+01:00

Yes, Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot yesterday. Billions of people watched the wedding ceremony all over the globe.
Here are some photos of what happened yesterday.

Have you also been affected by the Royal Wedding Mania?

HAPPY EASTER!

2011-04-24T23:24:00.035+01:00

glitter-graphics.com

How sweet has been your Easter so far?

Have you eaten loads of chocolate eggs or chocolate bunnies?

What about almonds?

Are you a fan of chocolate covered almonds or the colourful sugar-coated ones?

Easter by the Numbers [infographic]
According to this infographic, in the United States, Americans eat a lot of candy at Easter. Delicious chocolate eggs, chocolate bunnies, jelly beans and more. It doesn’t take a healthcare degree to figure out what all that candy means for our bodies. If you want to keep the extra pounds off, stay away from the basket!

http://degreesearch.org/blog/2011/04/easter-by-the-numbers-infographic/

"VIVA A ESCOLA" - Snacks'R'Us and Spelling Bee Contest - 7 APRIL 2011

2011-04-05T02:15:00.013+01:00

Next Thursday, 7th April, our school will be holding the 2011 edition of the "VIVA A ESCOLA" event.

The English Department is organising two events: Snacks'R'Us and the 2nd edition of the Spelling Bee Contest.

All students are invited to visit room 17.

Come and visit the exhibit and have a snack for 50 cents (beverage included). There will be food from different English-speaking countries: the UK and the USA, India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and even Jamaica!

Support your classmates in the finals of the Spelling Bee Contest! There are prizes!

Are you ready for the Spelling Bee Contest?

Do you want to practise your spelling skills?

Then check out this great website: Spelling Bee The Game

Or click on the video below and follow this YouTube Interactive Spelling Bee. It's fun!

It's April Fools' Day!

2011-04-01T19:35:00.000+01:00

Have you been fooled today? Ooops! Today is April Fools' Day!

Every year, April Fools' Day is celebrated in different countries around the world on the April 1. Sometimes referred to as All Fools' Day, April 1 is not a national holiday, but is widely recognized and celebrated as a day where many people play all kinds of jokes and foolishness.
The day is marked by the commission of good humoured or funny jokes, hoaxes, and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, family members, teachers, neighbors, work associates, etc.

The earliest recorded association between April 1 and foolishness can be found in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, written in 1392. Many writers suggest that the restoration of January 1 as New Year's Day in the 16th century was responsible for the creation of the holiday, but this theory does not explain earlier references. (adapted from Wikipedia.org)

Interested in playing a joke on someone? Watch this video in order to learn how to prank a friend's food!

For more jokes and pranks, you can always check out the The Top 100 April Fool's Day Hoaxes of All Time!

FIXED - An intriguing story set in a hospital

2011-03-27T12:37:00.001+01:00

While browsing Vimeo website the other day, I came across a very intriguing story about a patient who goes to the hospital and undergoes a lot of exams in order to find a cure to his aching leg. I believe you will all enjoy it!

"Fixed" is a short animation film by the young director Jeffrey Thompson.

"Fixed" 2010 from Jeffrey Thompson on Vimeo.

What do you think of the doctors' solution to this patient's problem?

You can find more interesting videos and music videos at Vimeo website.

"Sometimes The Stars" by The Audreys, an Aussie band

2011-03-20T22:04:00.004Z

"Sometimes the Stars" is a beautiful song from the Australian band The Audreys, taken from their 2010 album of the same name.
The accompanying short animated film, produced by Luke Jurevicius and directed by Ari Gibson & Jason Pamment, is about a lost girl's journey through a surreal landscape, and her yearning to make a connection in this distant yet strangely familiar world.

Sometimes the Stars from The Audreys on Vimeo.

SOMETIMES THE STARS by THE AUDREYS

Here I am confessing, you're lost to me now
I'm on a train telling strangers, about you
How you're still looking fine
How you ease my lonely mind
Flong, summers and wine
Yeah, you saved me

But sometimes the stars seem closer than they should
Like the more I knew, the less I understood
And the further that you got from me, the more I felt like I could see
The more I wondered if I should trust the stars
'Cus sometimes the stars..

Here I am obsessing, that I lost you somehow
On a train full of strangers, and you
Every star look the same
All of those faces without names
They all drifted away
Is that when you left me?

'Cus sometimes the stars seem closer than they should
Like the more I knew, the less I understood
And the further that you got from me, the more I felt like I could see
The more I wondered if I should trust the stars
'Cus sometimes the stars

'Cus sometimes the stars
'Cus sometimes the stars
'Cus sometimes the stars
'Cus sometimes the stars...

You can find more interesting videos and music videos at Vimeo website.

St. Patrick's Day: May the luck of the Irish be yours today!

2011-03-17T00:34:00.000Z

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
Saint Patrick's Day is the feast day of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland and a day of celebration for Irish people and all things that are Irish.
It is celebrated on March 17 all over Ireland and everywhere in the world where Irish people or their descendants live.
New York City has one of the biggest parades. It is a very Irish festival and it involves a lot of feasting and celebrations, which includes traditional Irish music, drinking Guinness and eating bacon and cabbage. Another tradition is one has to wear green clothing or they will be pinched.
Green is the color for Saint Patrick's day as it is the national color of Ireland and people will wear green on that day or have some type of shamrock on their clothing.
Find out more about Saint Patrick's Day by watching the video below:

Would you like to celebrate St. Patrick's Day like a true Irishman?

Then watch the following video and test your knowledge by answering the quiz.

What do you really know about Ireland? From Ireland's national symbol to its average beer consumption, get the facts on the Emerald Isle.

Try this fantastic online quiz about Saint Patrick's Day:

St Patrick´s Day, by frenchfrog
Find this and other holidays exercises in English Exercises .org

7 Billion: Are You Typical?

2011-03-11T15:08:00.001Z

Do you remember our post about the fact that the worldwide population is expected to exceed seven billion in 2011? If you haven't read about it yet, check it here: 7billion.

National Geographic Magazine is continuing a yearlong series examining the specific challenges and solutions we face as the worldwide population reaches 7 billion people in 2011. In the March issue, the magazine published a report on humans' massive impact on the planet. The report "Enter the Anthropocene - Age of Man" can be read here and you can check out the photo gallery here.

National Geographic photo

Oil transformed Dubai in the 1970s. The city now boasts the world's tallest building, giant malls, and some two million residents, who depend on desalinated seawater and air-conditioning—and thus on cheap energy—to live in the Arabian desert.

Also in the March issue is "The Surprising Face of Seven Billion," a poster showing a composite face of the world's most typical person. Other stories will follow throughout 2011.

Are you typical? What do you think of this?

Today is the 100th International Women's Day!

2011-03-08T15:28:00.000Z

Today the world celebrates the International Women's Day. Did you know that March is Women's History Month?

Each year around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.

Organisations, governments and women's groups around the world choose different themes each year that reflect global and local gender issues. In 2011, the theme is "Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women".

In 2011 we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of IWD. The day was commemorated for the first time on 19 March 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. More than one million women and men attended rallies on that first commemoration.

In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating 8 March as International Women's Day. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.

Here's a special playlist to pay tribute to all women around the world!

Create a playlist at MixPod.com

Oscars According to Kids

2011-02-28T22:11:00.000Z

Parodies of five of the Best Picture nominations, acted out by children, have gone viral in the final countdown to the Academy Awards. Watch the news spot below!

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

You're watching multisource entertainment video news analysis from Newsy.

For all you movie buffs out there -- what is the only thing better than watching the Oscars? How about watching adorable kids re-enact the nominees?

THE KING'S SPEECH: (AOL)

“Repeat after me. She sells...”

“Shshshshshe sells”

“She sells”

“Shhhhshhhsh”

“You’ll never be a good king in time for World War II!”

AOL's series “The Kids Act Out” created a parody for five of the Best Picture nominations. These pint-sized actors playing out Oscar roles have gone viral.

BLACK SWAN: (AOL)

“I think I’m going crazy!”

A writer for TIME really liked the Social Network parody, saying these characters best fit their role:

“Unlike the original movie, where adults act like children, AOL's version... features children acting like adults acting like children... This video is serious proof that kids just make everything better.”

SOCIAL NETWORK: (AOL)

“Mark, we were best friends!”

“Were!”

“Admit it!”

“You stole it!"

“I disagree!”

“Pay us!”

“Facebook changed the world!”

“We were best friends!”

“Great snappy dialogue.”

The best part of that video? Mashable says its all in the delivery:

“...[Social Network’s] Aaron Sorkin’s dialogue is given a whole new dimension when uttered by a cast of folks who haven’t quite nailed the intricacies of enunciation yet.”

And about that enunciation -- see how well the Fighter kids nail the Boston accent:

THE FIGHTER (AOL)

“One day you will be like your big brother.”

“Dickey, get away from him!"

“Stay outta this Charlene!”

“You-ah noo-aat family!”

[Unintelligible Boston Accents]

“Stop, I just want to fight!”

The Washington Post reaches out to the Academy -- urging it to consider the clips before making the big decision:

“Academy voters: Do not -- I repeat, do not -- decide which film deserves the Oscar for Best Picture until you watch the videos... Because you haven't fully processed the meaning behind the nominated films until you've seen them summarized in clips... that star little kids.”

… Like in this parody of 127 hours, where a mini James Franco sums up the whole movie in just one line:

127 HOURS: (AOL)

"This is gonna be gross.”

Creative Loafing said:

“Smilestimes for at least a week.”

And MovieFone is just happy to have a viral video that doesn’t drive us all crazy.

“This adorable Internet trend is one we hope never fades out.... If you ask us, these super-cute little ones give tremendous, maybe even Oscar-worthy, performances.”

Finally, the Weekend Today hosts just couldn’t get enough of the cuties:

MELISSA FRANCIS: "I can’t wait to see those two do the Black Swan, right? Jenna, I like that move, right?”

JENNA WOLF: “‘Oh no!’ -- That was great acting, right? Not overacting at all! That is so cute, sooo cute. ‘You are my best friend.' So adorable!”

We want to hear your Oscar predictions -- kiddie version or real -- weigh in, in the comments section.

Transcript by Newsy.

http://www.newsy.com/videos/best-picture-oscars-according-to-kids/

INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY - It's Today!

2011-02-21T18:55:00.000Z

Did you know that today is the International Mother Language Day?
Every 21st February the mother tongues of our world have been celebrated by United Nations member states since 2000.
International Mother Language Day provides an occasion to recognize the vital importance of languages in education and to mobilize efforts in favour of multilingualism and linguistic diversity.

"If languages do not exist, the cultures will disappear."

"Part of our identity is the language that we speak."

Do you agree with these statements? Share your thoughts with us!

Remember, Languages Matter!

Globish: The New Way to Communicate in English?

2011-02-18T16:23:00.003Z

English or Globish? What is the difference?
Have you ever heard of Globish? Globish is short for Global English. It is the simplified form of English codified by a retired IBM vice-president from France. Globish began in 2004 as various written works were published on the topic. At that time, English teachers laughed at the 1500-word dialect and they believed that the speakers of Globish were destroying the beautiful English language. Years later, however, the tone of the conversation has shifted. More and more businessmen are reported to be learning Globish to expand their businesses worldwide.

Globish allows you to:

Communicate in English, using only 1500 words.
Employ simple, but standard grammatical structure.
Learn enough pronunciation and spelling for 1500 words only.
Provide a tool for leading a conversation in business or as a tourist, anywhere in the world. (in Globish.com)

MY FAVOURITE THINGS

2011-02-15T23:03:00.000Z

Stories can be told without any words. Follow the children in this short film and find out what "My Favourite Things" is all about.
Created in 2009 and directed by Edward Styles, this film is a sweet colourful journey.

My Favourite Things from kidswithcrayons on Vimeo.

What are you favourite things? Share them with us!

LOVE IS ‘ON’ THE AIR! The TOP Love Songs

2011-02-14T22:11:00.002Z

On VALENTINE'S DAY many radio stations play to romantic songs of the present and past.
Have you got a favourite love song? Which is your favourite love song(s)? Share your list with us!
Listen to the selections below!

Remember any love songs of the 90s?

What about the 60s?

So, what are your favourite love songs?

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

2011-02-14T00:02:00.000Z

You are certainly familiar with many famous romantic couples from literature and cinema too. However, no one can beat Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet!

If you haven't read the play or watched it yet - a serious crime, in my humble opinion! ;-) - you can watch the video below and you'll get the main plot of the most tragic love story of all!

Well, this version has a totally different ending... but you'll still get the gist of it! Enjoy!

Curious about Romeo and Juliet? Check out these links:

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare - the text
Romeo and Juliet - Wikipedia information on the play
Romeo + Juliet, film directed by Baz Luhrmann - movie trailer
Romeo + Juliet, film directed by Baz Luhrmann - movie information 1 information 2

VALENTINE'S DAY: Spending Money on Your Honey

2011-02-13T21:40:00.002Z

How much money do people spend on Valentine's Day?
Take a look at this great infographic from Savings.com.
What about you? Will you be spending any money on your loved one? :-)

Presented by Savings.com Blog & Save

The History of Valentine's Day

2011-02-12T21:12:00.000Z

What do you actually know about Saint Valentine's Day?

Every February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from?
Watch the video below in order to find out about the history of this centuries-old holiday, from ancient Roman rituals to the customs of Victorian England.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner...

2011-02-11T00:53:00.000Z

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Are you going to do anything special with your loved one?

Would you like to treat your beloved with something sweet?

Watch the Jamie Oliver cooking something very special and easy! Answer the quiz below.

CONTEST: OLIMPÍADAS DO INGLÊS 2010/2011

2011-02-07T11:03:00.000Z

On January 19th, many students from our school participated in our 3rd edition of the Olimpíadas do Inglês Contest.

The English Department thanks all the students who participated in this contest!

We are pleased to announce the winners!

7th form: Pilar Costa Alves, number 19, Class 7A

8th form: Rui Campos, number 21, Class 8B

9th form: Patrícia Martins, number 5, Class 9B

8th/9th CEF Courses: Diogo Fernandes, number 2, Class 9E

10th form: Carolina Gonçalves, number 7, Class 10D

10th form Vocational Courses: Andreia Sousa, number 3, Class 10J

11th form: Marina Costa, number 18, Class 11D

11th form Vocational Courses: Nádia Campos, number 14, Class 11H

12th form Vocational Courses: Luís Araújo, number 8, Class 12H

Congratulations to the students who won the Olimpíadas do Inglês Contest!

YOU ARE (SIMPLY) THE BEST!

Happy Groundhog Day!

2011-02-02T19:52:00.000Z

Do you know what day is today? It's Groundhog Day!

Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated on February 2nd. It is usually celebrated in North America.It began in the year 1886. This holiday celebrates "Punxsutawney Phil", a groundhog that could supposedly predict the weather.

According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow (toca - Port.) on this day, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter will soon end. If it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and winter will continue for six more weeks.

A Look Back on How 2010 Changed Our Lives...

2011-01-31T19:58:00.000Z

January 2011 is quickly coming to an end. But it is never too late to look back at 2010.
How did 2010 change our lives? Check this infograph that sums up some of the events that marked year 2010.
Thank you Ellie Koning, from rainy Seattle, for sharing this link with us!

Via: Online Schools

IT'S NOW OFFICIAL! ES/3 BARCELINHOS WILL BE RECONSTRUCTED!

2011-01-29T23:45:00.000Z

Our school

Today, the Portuguese Prime Minister and the Minister of Education have announced that our school - Escola Secundária/3 de Barcelinhos - will be one of the 90 schools to be rebuilt and modernized in the near future.
Our school is now officially part of phase 4 (check this link!) of the requalification programme of the Portuguese schools (Programa de Modernização do Parque Escolar Destinado ao Ensino Secundário).
Let us hope that we won't have to wait too long for it! Our school really needs to have work done on the buildings and facilities!

What do you think of this?

IF A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS, THEN ...

2011-01-18T22:34:00.000Z

... A CARTOON IS WORTH A THOUSAND AND ONE!

What messages do these cartoons transmit? Tell us what you think!

Cartoon 1 - Title: AUSTRALIA TODAY Artist: Martin Sutovec

CAGLE CARTOONS

Cartoon 2 - Title: ZODIAC CHANGES Artist: Cam Cardow

CAGLE CARTOONS

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

2011-01-17T12:11:00.001Z

On the third Monday of January each year, that means today, January 17, the Americans celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. It is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who was born on January 15 1929.

Who was Martin Luther King Jr.?

He was a civil rights activist who worked hard to make people understand that black people should always be treated equally to white people. He gave speeches and led rallies to encourage African Americans to protest without the need for violence. One peaceful strategy was for African Americans to have sit-ins. This is where they would sit in a restaurant seat that was supposed to be only for white people. They would politely ask for some food and refuse to leave until someone gave them food. Another strategy that King used was leading boycotts. This is where people would refuse to buy goods or services from people who did not treat white people and black people the same.
Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on the evening of April 4, 1968.

Source: simple.wikipedia.org (slightly adapted)

The following video shows an excerpt of one of King's most famous speeches - I have a dream!

Have you ever watched the film Freedom Writers?

I you have, you might recognise this song from the film's soundtrack:

Check the lyrics here: Dream by Common Feat. Will.I.Am

What's your sign? Are you sure?

2011-01-14T19:18:00.000Z

What is your sign? Are you an Aries or a Pisces? Or should I say "Were you an Aries or a Pisces?".
Check the astrological calendar and find out if the fact that the Earth has shifted on its axis hasn't changed your future...

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

Check the transcript here: http://www.newsy.com/videos/zodiac-sign-change-causes-a-stir

In 2011 we will be more than 7 Billion!

2011-01-11T11:56:00.000Z

Did you know that the worldwide population is expected to exceed seven billion in 2011?

7,000,000,000! That is an amazing number of people living on our planet!

India's crowded streets (Source: National Geographic)

National Geographic magazine has started this month a 7-part series examining specific challenges and solutions to the issues we face.
The magazine introduces the series with its January cover story "7 Billion," offering a broad overview of demographic trends that got us to today and will impact us all tomorrow.
The next story will appear in the March issue, focusing on humans' impact on the planet's geology.
Other stories will follow throughout 2011. Be sure to pay attention to the next postings on this topic!

So, there will soon be seven billion people on the planet. Watch the video below in order to find out why you shouldn’t panic—at least, not yet.

Are you interested in the topic?
Then visit the National Geographic Photo Gallery. Here is the link for you: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/01/seven-billion/olson-photography

The English-Speaking World: Irish Travellers

2011-01-08T01:21:00.000Z

What do you know about the peoples from the English-Speaking world?

Have you ever heard of the Irish travellers?

Read the following description from Wikipedia:

Irish Travellers are traditionally nomadic people of Irish origin with their own language and traditions, living predominantly in Ireland but also in Great Britain and the United States of America. Travellers refer to themselves as Minceir or Pavees in their own language or in Irish as an Lucht Siúil, meaning literally "the walking people". The European Parliament Committee of Enquiry on Racism and Xenophobia found them to be amongst the most discriminated-against ethnic groups in Ireland.

Channel 4 television broadcast a documentary about Traveller weddings — My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.

In this documentary, you are able to learn a lot about Travellers' lives, especially about teenagers and how they view relationships and marriage.

Watch an extract of this documentary. You can find the rest of the documentary on YouTube!

For these girls, typically only 16 years old, the most important aspect of their carefully planned big day is wearing the biggest, brashest, most over-the top dress they can dream up. The eye-catching phenomenon was explored in Channel 4’s documentary My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding in February 2010, which drew an audience of 6.4 million. (Express.co.uk)

What do you think? Share with us your opinion!

WHAT ARE YOUR RESOLUTIONS FOR 2011?

2011-01-02T16:03:00.000Z

HAPPY 2011!

A New Year has just begun. Are you ready for changes in your life?

What are you resolving to do - or not do - in 2011?

What are your New Year's Resolutions? Share them with us!
---------------------------------------------------

Rhett&Link are a North Carolina-based comedy duo consisting of life-long best friends, Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal.

Watch and listen to their NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS SONG!

Lyrics:
working out, losing weight
maybe using tanning spray
becoming more attractive in general

reading more, watching less
learning all the rules for chess
becoming somewhat smarter in general
eating fish, not fingernails
volunteer to save the whales
becoming a better guy in general
saving more, spending less
yes I will wax my chest
dating more girls in general

But not this year. No this year is different!
As different as a gazelle. Yes, a gazelle from a deer.
After all these failed resolutions.
My future is clear, the future is near!

Just forget those resolutions you
know that you are never gonna do
and adopt a more realistical view
by committing to things that come easily to you
like eat at least one value meal a week
or put the correct shoes on the correct feet
just "Raise the bar to walk effortlessly underneath!"

Just face the fact you've always thought
those resolutions don't mean squat
Settle in to a more comfortable spot
embrace all the things you know you are not.
Hit the snooze, roll over, then repeat
Make large purchases, then lose the receipts
just "Raise the bar to walk effortlessly underneath!"

Check the FLATMATES (Episode 23) about New Year's Resolutions

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/episode23/index.shtml

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011-01-01T10:51:00.000Z

WE WISH ALL OUR READERS A BRIGHT AND PROMISING 2011!

Listen to ABBA's Happy New Year! You can find the lyrics below.

Zeitgeist 2010: Year in Review

2010-12-31T22:00:00.000Z

Year 2010 is quickly reaching the end. Can you remember the top events and moments from 2010 from around the globe?
Check out this video in order to re-live 2010 through search, images, and video while listening to OneRepublic's "Good Life".

See how the World Searched with Google's 2010 Zeitgeist: http://google.com/zeitgeist2010

What is Zeitgeist?

Zeitgeist is "the spirit of the times" or "the spirit of the age." Zeitgeist is the general cultural, intellectual, ethical, spiritual, and/or political climate within a nation or even specific groups, along with the general ambience, morals, sociocultural direction, and mood associated with an era.

The term zeitgeist is from German Zeit- 'time' and Geist- 'spirit' (cognate with English ghost, without being really translatable into English - this is why the German term is used).

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeitgeist

2010 in Photos

2010-12-30T15:56:00.002Z

The Big Picture: 2010 in Photos

As the year 2010 approaches its last few days, it's time to look back on the previous 12 months. What happened during 2010? Do you remember?

The Big Picture website has published a fabulous series of 120 photos illustrating the major events that marked the year 2010. Each photo tells its own tale, weaving together into the larger story of 2010.

So, what happened during the first months of 2010?

In the first third of 2010, millions of gallons of oil spewed into the Gulf of Mexico, several massive earthquakes wreaked havoc worldwide, Vancouver hosted a successful Winter Olympics, and so much more. Click here to look at the photos from the first third of 2010!

In this aerial photo taken in the Gulf of Mexico more than 50 miles southeast of Venice on Louisiana's tip, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig is seen burning Wednesday, April 21, 2010. Eleven men working on the platform were killed, and 17 others injured. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Source: The Big Picture

What happened during the second third of 2010?

In the second third of 2010, a nearly unpronounceable Icelandic volcano wreaked havoc on European travel, South Africa hosted the World Cup, and while Russia endured disastrous fires, Pakistan struggled with its own terrible flooding, and so much more. Click here to look at the photos from the second third of 2010!

Prior to the 2010 World Cup, a fan waves a South African flag during a parade for Bafana Bafana, the South African national soccer team on June 9th, 2010 in Sandton, South Africa. (Clive Mason/Getty Images) Source: The Big Picture

What happened during the last months of 2010?

In the last third of 2010, Wikileaks released hundreds of classified diplomatic cables, 33 men were rescued from a mine after being trapped for 10 weeks, protesters took to the streets all over the world, and so much more. Click here to look at the photos from the last third of 2010!

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera shows a message reading "We are fine in the refuge, the 33 of us", from the miners trapped in the San Esteban gold and copper mine on August 22, 2010. The miners were alive and contact was established with them 17 days after a structural collapse trapped them below ground. (HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images) Source: The Big Picture

What do you think? Are there any photos of 2010 that should be here?

YouTube Rewind 2010: Year in Review

2010-12-29T19:29:00.000Z

Re-watch the year's most popular videos and use the interactive timeline to see the moments that defined YouTube in 2010.

See what the world watched on YouTube in 2010 with YouTube Rewind: http://www.youtube.com/rewind

New Words Born This Decade

2010-12-28T21:22:00.000Z

TIME Video: New Words Born This Decade

Locavore? Staycation? TIME Editor-at-Large Belinda Luscombe looks at common terms that didn't exist 10 years ago.

Thanks to The English Blog for sharing this with its readers!

Check out the words and phrases that became part of our collective consciousness this decade: Hear the words of the decade

Are Ugly Christmas Sweaters in Fashion?

2010-12-27T22:29:00.000Z

Have you ever been offered a bright, showy holiday sweater as a gift from your Mom or Aunt? Maybe your Grandmother knitted you something "festive"? Well, don't despair! It seems that this holiday season, the hideous Christmas sweaters are gaining more and more fans!

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

Check TRANSCRIPT here

Apparently many people have started appreciating the bright colours and flashy pictures on their sweaters: snow flakes, reindeers, snowmen, Santas and bells in appliqué, yarn and sequins... If the ensemble practically outshines the Christmas tree, the better!

So, if you have an old Christmas sweater or two hidden in your closet, don't let it miss another excuse-filled holiday! Or, if you're feeling obligated to wear that sweater you got as a gift, show it off! The "ugly Christmas sweaters" are quickly becoming the newest trend, bringing conversation and laughs to parties.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

2010-12-24T12:56:00.004Z

Happy Christmas (War Is Over)

by John Lennon

So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
Ans so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
And what have we done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
Ans so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
War is over over
If you want it
War is over
Now...

HAPPY CHRISTMAS - Because Life is made of moments of sublime happiness...

2010-12-23T14:51:00.001Z

MOMENTS is a Portuguese short-film written and directed by Nuno Rocha for LG Portugal. The concept, "Life's good" was the main purpose of this work. For a moment, stop everything you are doing and feel how good LIFE is...

MOMENTS - Because Life is made of moments of sublime happiness...

On a regular night, with the past erased from his memory, a man finds, in the place he now calls home, memories of a life he lived before.

These are fragments of pure happiness and sublime moments of sharing, which emerge as instants of hope...

May your Christmas be filled with Hope and Joy!

An Eleven Million Dollar Christmas Tree??

2010-12-22T23:00:00.000Z

An Abu Dhabi luxury hotel set up an $11 million Christmas tree, decorated with real gold, diamonds, pearls, and sapphires.

A hotel in the United Arab Emirates has unveiled what it says is the world's most expensive Christmas tree.

The 13-meter artificial tree at Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace hotel includes diamonds, pearls and sapphires -- 181 precious stones in all. Most of the stones are in necklaces and earrings provided by a local jeweler.

Standing 43 feet high, the tree - itself worth $10,000 - has necklaces, bracelets and watches draped over its branches among traditional baubles and lights. The total value of the tree is $11m.

What do you think about this extravagance?

12 Days of Christmas - Indian style! ;-)

2010-12-21T18:10:00.000Z

Listen to this funny version of the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas".
This video clip was re-worked Indian style. It is performed by animated popstar, Boymongoose and Indian boyband.

Merry Xmas everyone!

Snow Globes - Coca-Cola 2010 Christmas Commercial

2010-12-21T00:16:00.000Z

Have you seen Coca-Cola's latest Holiday commercial?
The 2010 Christmas commercial features Train's "Shake Up Christmas".

Merry Christmas!

THE DIGITAL CHRISTMAS STORY!

2010-12-17T02:13:00.002Z

There is an English version after all! :-)

HISTÓRIA DO NATAL DIGITAL - DIGITAL CHRISTMAS STORY!

2010-12-17T01:57:00.002Z

Sorry, this is in Portuguese... But it is a very interesting version of Christmas history... Enjoy it!

Fantastic version of the story of Jesus's birth, don't you think?

All I Want For Christmas Is You... ;-)

2010-12-14T23:34:00.000Z

Christmas is in the air...

Watch Mariah Carey singing her well-known Xmas song "All I Want For Christmas Is You".

Lyrics:

(Source: www.lyrics007.com )

Do you like singing karaoke? Then try this link! All I Want For Christmas Is You KARAOKE

TAKE A LOOK! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! ;-)

2010-12-13T23:04:00.000Z

Runners dressed as Santa Claus take part in the 2010 Santa Dash in Liverpool, England, on December 5, 2010. The annual race sees thousands of competitors run the 5km course through the streets of the city center. (PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

This is the last week of the term and Christmas is just around the corner. Can you see it around you?

In many places around the world, it is definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Santas are making appearances from Beijing to Beirut, and the traditions of the season can be seen all over - the trees, the lights, the shoppers, the devout and more. Collected here are a handful of recent photographs of people enjoying and celebrating this year's Christmas Season as it hits full swing. (Source: The Big Picture)

Check out the Xmas photo collection here, published by The Big Picture.

EURO: Is it terminally ill?

2010-12-12T16:56:00.000Z

Cartoon by Paul Thomas from The Daily Express

This cartoon portrays the condition of the Euro following the bailouts* of Greece and Ireland, and predictions that Spain and Portugal will be the next countries to need rescuing.

The cartoon shows the Euro sign as a terminally ill patient at the doctor's. It asks: "How long have I got?" (adapted from The English Blog)

*BAILOUT - when someone helps a person or organization that is in difficulty, usually by giving or lending them money

What do you think? Is the Euro terminally ill?

Could this current crisis kill the Euro?

HUMAN RIGHTS - DO YOU KNOW YOUR OWN RIGHTS? # PART 9

2010-12-10T22:28:00.000Z

Today is Human Rights Day !

WHAT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS? Do you know your own rights?
We have been posting a series of ads by Youth For Human Rights, so that you can remember and learn what the Human Rights are. This is our last post.

Learn your rights and make others aware of them.

Remember, "No One Can Take Away Your Human Rights"!

HUMAN RIGHT #30 - No One Can Take Away Your Human Rights

Human Rights Day, 10 December

Check Youth For Human Rights and United For Human Rights

HUMAN RIGHTS - DO YOU KNOW YOUR OWN RIGHTS? # PART 8

2010-12-10T00:42:00.000Z

WHAT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS? Do you know your own rights?

We have been posting a series of ads by Youth For Human Rights, so that you can remember and learn what the Human Rights are. Human Rights Day is next Friday, 10th December.

HUMAN RIGHT #26 - The Right to Education

HUMAN RIGHT #27 - Copyright

HUMAN RIGHT #28 - A Fair and Free World

HUMAN RIGHT #29 - Responsibility

Human Rights Day, 10 December

Check Youth For Human Rights and United For Human Rights

HUMAN RIGHTS - DO YOU KNOW YOUR OWN RIGHTS? # PART 7

2010-12-09T10:50:00.000Z

WHAT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS? Do you know your own rights?

We have been posting a series of ads by Youth For Human Rights, so that you can remember and learn what the Human Rights are. Human Rights Day is next Friday, 10th December.

HUMAN RIGHT #19 - Freedom of Expression

HUMAN RIGHT #20 - The Right to Public Assembly

HUMAN RIGHT #21 - The Right to Democracy

HUMAN RIGHT #22 - Social Security

HUMAN RIGHT #23 - Workers' Rights

HUMAN RIGHT #24 - The Right to Play

HUMAN RIGHT #25 - Food and Shelter for All

Human Rights Day, 10 December

Check Youth For Human Rights and United For Human Rights

HUMAN RIGHTS - DO YOU KNOW YOUR OWN RIGHTS? # PART 6

2010-12-08T14:54:00.000Z

WHAT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS? Do you know your own rights?

We have been posting a series of ads by Youth For Human Rights, so that you can remember and learn what the Human Rights are. Human Rights Day is next Friday, 10th December.

HUMAN RIGHT #15 - Right to a Nationality

HUMAN RIGHT #16 - Marriage and Family

HUMAN RIGHT #17 - The Right to Your Own Things

HUMAN RIGHT #18 - Freedom of Thought

Human Rights Day, 10 December

Check Youth For Human Rights and United For Human Rights

HUMAN RIGHTS - DO YOU KNOW YOUR OWN RIGHTS? # PART 5

2010-12-08T14:53:00.000Z

WHAT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS? Do you know your own rights?

We have been posting a series of ads by Youth For Human Rights, so that you can remember and learn what the Human Rights are. Human Rights Day is next Friday, 10th December.

HUMAN RIGHT #11 - We're allways innocent till proven guilty

HUMAN RIGHT #12 - The Right to Privacy

HUMAN RIGHT #13 - Freedom to Move

HUMAN RIGHT #14 - The Right to Seek a Safe Place to Live

Human Rights Day, 10 December

Check Youth For Human Rights and United For Human Rights

HUMAN RIGHTS - DO YOU KNOW YOUR OWN RIGHTS? # PART 4

2010-12-06T15:01:00.000Z

WHAT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS? Do you know your own rights?

Until next Friday, 10th December, we are posting a series of ads by Youth For Human Rights, so that you can remember and learn what the Human Rights are.

HUMAN RIGHT #08 - Your Human Rights Are Protected by Law

HUMAN RIGHT #09 - No Unfair Detainment

HUMAN RIGHT #10 - The Right to Trial

Human Rights Day, 10 December

Check Youth For Human Rights and United For Human Rights

HUMAN RIGHTS - DO YOU KNOW YOUR OWN RIGHTS? # PART 3

2010-12-06T10:44:00.000Z

WHAT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS? Do you know your own rights?

Until next Friday, 10th December, we will be posting a series of ads by Youth For Human Rights, so that you can remember and learn what the Human Rights are.

HUMAN RIGHT #05 - No Torture

HUMAN RIGHT #06 - You Have Rights No Matter Where You Go

HUMAN RIGHT #07 - We´re All Equal Before the Law

Human Rights Day, 10 December

Check Youth For Human Rights and United For Human Rights

HUMAN RIGHTS - DO YOU KNOW YOUR OWN RIGHTS? # PART 2

2010-12-04T21:56:00.000Z

WHAT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS? Do you know your own rights?

Until next Friday, 10th December, we will be posting a series of ads by Youth For Human Rights, so that you can remember and learn what the Human Rights are.

HUMAN RIGHT #02 - Don't Discriminate

HUMAN RIGHT #03 - The Right to Life

HUMAN RIGHT #04 - No Slavery

Human Rights Day, 10 December

Check Youth For Human Rights and United For Human Rights

HUMAN RIGHTS - DO YOU KNOW YOUR OWN RIGHTS? # PART 1

2010-12-03T23:30:00.004Z

WHAT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS? Do you know your own rights?

Until next Friday, 10th December, we will be posting a series of ads by Youth For Human Rights, so that you can remember and learn what the Human Rights are.

WHAT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS?

While some dictionaries define the word right as “a privilege,” when used in the context of “human rights,” we are talking about something more basic. Every person is entitled to certain fundamental rights, simply by the fact of being human. These are called “human rights” rather than a privilege (which can be taken away at someone’s whim).

They are “rights” because they are things you are allowed to be, to do or to have. These rights are there for your protection against people who might want to harm or hurt you. They are also there to help us get along with each other and live in peace.

Many people know something about their rights. Generally they know they have the right to food and a safe place to stay. They know they have a right to be paid for the work they do. But there are many other rights.

When human rights are not well known by people, abuses such as discrimination, intolerance, injustice, oppression and slavery can arise.

Born out of the atrocities and enormous loss of life during World War II, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948 to provide a common understanding of what everyone’s rights are. It forms the basis for a world built on freedom, justice and peace.

SOURCE: http://www.youthforhumanrights.org

HUMAN RIGHT #01 - We Are All Born Free and Equal

Human Rights Day, 10 December

Check Youth For Human Rights and United For Human Rights

Today is World AIDS Day

2010-12-01T19:23:00.000Z

World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is common to hold memorials to honor persons who have died from HIV/AIDS on this day. Government and health officials also observe the event, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics. Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day. Governments of other nations have followed suit and issued similar announcements.

AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007, and an estimated 33.2 million people worldwide live with HIV as of 2007, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 2 million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children.

(Source: wikipedia.org)

http://www.worldaidsday.org/

Photoshop: The Perfect Lie?

2010-11-30T22:04:00.003Z

Everyone wants to look beautiful - that is undeniable. But in this pursuit of beauty, aren't we following impossible standards? The beauty industry has been destroying the self-esteem of both men and women by holding them up to an impossible standard of beauty.
So, what do you think? Are there really amazingly flawless people out there? Or do fashion magazines trick our eyes?
Watch the video below and share with us your opinion on the subject!

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS - 1

2010-11-28T11:58:00.000Z

Is a picture worth a thousand words? It certainly is!
Nevertheless, your words on a picture are important to us as well! Please comment!

Photo by James Nachtwey

Published in National Geographic, "Indonesia: Facing Down the Fanatics"

IT'S BLACK FRIDAY! SHOP TILL YOU DROP!

2010-11-26T13:00:00.009Z

Today is BLACK FRIDAY!
But what does this mean?

Read the following description from Wikipedia:

Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. On this day, many U.S. retailers open very early, often at 4 a.m., or earlier, and offer promotional sales to kick off the shopping season. Because Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States, the day after occurs between the 23rd and the 29th of November.

The news media frequently refers to it as the busiest retail shopping day of the year, but this is not always accurate. In many cities it is not uncommon to see shoppers lined up for hours before stores with big sales open. Once inside the stores, shoppers often rush and grab, as many stores have only a few of the big-draw items. Injuries and even fatalities are reported. On Friday, November 28, 2008, Jdimytai Damour, a worker at a Walmart in Valley Stream, New York was trampled to death by shoppers who broke through the store's glass doors minutes before the store's scheduled opening at 5:00 a.m.; a pregnant mother was hospitalized from injuries in the same human "stampede". On that same day, two people in Palm Desert, California, were shot and killed in a Toys "R" Us store during an argument. Source: wikipedia.org (abridged)

Watch the videos below to get a general idea of how shoppers behave on Black Friday in the USA!

What do you think of Black Friday?

Is this insane? Or is it simply a tradition?

Please comment!

IT'S THANKSGIVING DAY! HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!

2010-11-25T00:01:00.000Z

Today, the Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day.

Besides eating turkey and pumpkin pie and watching the Superbowl on TV, Thanksgiving Day is a day on which people give thanks for all the good things that has happened to them this year.

What about you? What are you thankful for?

Share your thoughts and gratitude with us!

Do you want to find out more about Thanksgiving?

Scholastic's THANKSGIVING WEBQUEST might be fun!

http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/

Have some Thanksgiving fun!

Gloria Gobbler, You Can't Gobble Me

Gloria Gobbler, I Will Survive

M.C. Turkey Hammer, U Can't Stuff This

Interactive Commercial @ YouTube

2010-11-23T14:27:00.000Z

Advertising is a very creative world. And proof of that is this interactive commercial you can find on YouTube.

Click on the link below the picture in order to watch the video. Interact with it by following the hunter's instruction!

A Hunter shoots a Bear! (click here!)

Hint: Write a verb in the 3rd person singular (Present Simple tense).

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 - The End Begins

2010-11-20T00:09:00.003Z

Are you a fan of the Harry Potter saga?

Were you among the first to watch the latest Harry Potter film? Have you watched the trailers? Here is one of them for you!

What do you think of this film? Will you watch it? Have you read any of the books?

Share your opinions with us!

Check out the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Official Website.

The Queen is on Facebook!

2010-11-13T10:12:00.002Z

Cartoon by Paul Thomas from The Daily Express

Did you know that Queen Elizabeth II has joined Facebook? Unfortunately, you won't be able to "friend" the Queen, but you can click to "like" the page.

«The cartoon shows the Queen at her computer, surrounded by her beloved corgis. She has just received a message from a corgi asking to go walkies (i.e., to be taken for a walk). The corgi who sent the message comments: "It's the only way I can get Her Majesty's attention these days!"» (Source: The English Blog)

Gaga for Gaga? There’s a College Course for That... (from Newsy Video)

2010-11-09T11:41:00.002Z

Are you a fan of Lady Gaga?

You can now take a course about Lady Gaga at the University of South Carolina! The course is called "Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame".
What do you think about this? Would you like to attend this course? Watch the video below and leave your comment.

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

The University of South Carolina will offer a sociology class in all things Gaga next semester, Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame.

Check the transcript for this video here!

Guy Fawkes and The Gunpowder Plot - 5th November

2010-11-05T23:16:00.000Z

Remember Remember the Fifth of November... It's Guy Fawkes Day!

What do you know about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot?

Watch the video below to find out!

Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night - visit this website