Even if this is perhaps risky and controversial, it's too good not to pass up. Fascinating and well worth a look.
TED Blog: The physical difference between liberals and conservatives?
Shared via AddThis
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
NBC goes inside the White House
A look inside the daily workings of the White House. Watch at least the first clip, which is followed by several more. Some ideas for discussion:
- the staff
- how people greet each other
- ambiance of meetings with the president
- how this administration is perceived as "different"
- the staff
- how people greet each other
- ambiance of meetings with the president
- how this administration is perceived as "different"
Friday, July 24, 2009
Practicing Modals
Spot Quiz: "Tu n'as pas à faire ça!" is translated as
a) "you don't have to do that!"
b) "you shouldn't do that!"
c) "you haven't got to do that!"
If you chose a or c, you should click on the link for practicing modals. Good luck and have fun!
a) "you don't have to do that!"
b) "you shouldn't do that!"
c) "you haven't got to do that!"
If you chose a or c, you should click on the link for practicing modals. Good luck and have fun!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
How language affects our thoughts
A Newsweek article that explains we are just scratching the surface on how our native language shapes the way we think.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Johnny Hallyday: a very French affair?
News video in English about France. What's your take on Johnny and his success?
What are the main points these journalists discuss: differences between the French and English in musical tastes and humor.
What are the main points these journalists discuss: differences between the French and English in musical tastes and humor.
Vive la French economy!
Will the French economic example be held up as the one to follow? Many leaders are regarding it with interest.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Competition for Obama!
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown did a pretty good job at Colleville-sur-Mer at D-Day rememberance festivities. He got a lot of criticism for mistakingly saying "Obama Beach" instead of "Omaha Beach" - but no one's perfect. Click on this entry's title for the video or, for the written version, go here:
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Just for Fun
An example of typical American language. Wierd Al became famous in the 80s, making parodies of Michael Jackson and Madonna videos, amongst others. Feel free to go further to discover his other clips on youtube!
Trapped in the Drive Thru
(by Wierd Al Yankovic)
Directions: Listen to the video and fill in the missing words. If there are no blanks, write down a few words that will help you to remember the context for expressions you are not familiar with. You should be able to copy and paste the content below into a word document and work on it that way. Enjoy!
To be zoned out
I'm not starving
To have something in mind
That went _________ a week ago
To get something delivered
Liver
Whatever!
Caller ID
Let it go to _______________
Why don't you ____________ something in the kitchen
Why don't you?
I says, she says
F____________ our seatbelts
___________ out for the drive thru
With his ____________ on
Whatcha trying to do, ____________ me?
Baby, we should park
I'm wearing ___________ slippers, I'm not leaving this ____________.
I changed my ____________
I don't know ______________________.
I don't have ______________.
I already said that I do
I'm guessing that you're probably not too ______________.
Don't go _______________.
I supersized you ________________.
Unlimited ___________ for just a ___________ more
What would I want that __________ ?
He was prematurely ____________.
That was more than __________________ .
Next _____________ please
We ______________ ahead in line
My wife was getting a _______________
Don't sweat it
We're at the pay window
I can't believe there's no _____________
Well, well, well
How much have you got ___________?
She just ___________ her eyes and said I'll pay for this, I guess
It's gotta be cash _________.
Gee really, well really that sucks
That's when I __________ my wife was only carrying three ____________
I thought you were going to ____________ today
I never ______________ to it
Never mind, just help me find some _____________
Glove box
Nickel in the ashtray
You're still about a dollar ___________
I wasn't really hungry _____________
I pick up my ___________, pick up my ______________, drive to the ____________ window
We see this __________-ridden kid about 16
I look him ______________
What did you want ___________?
I'm really kind of burned tonight
The food is driving ___________ with its ______________
Trapped in the Drive Thru
(by Wierd Al Yankovic)
Directions: Listen to the video and fill in the missing words. If there are no blanks, write down a few words that will help you to remember the context for expressions you are not familiar with. You should be able to copy and paste the content below into a word document and work on it that way. Enjoy!
To be zoned out
I'm not starving
To have something in mind
That went _________ a week ago
To get something delivered
Liver
Whatever!
Caller ID
Let it go to _______________
Why don't you ____________ something in the kitchen
Why don't you?
I says, she says
F____________ our seatbelts
___________ out for the drive thru
With his ____________ on
Whatcha trying to do, ____________ me?
Baby, we should park
I'm wearing ___________ slippers, I'm not leaving this ____________.
I changed my ____________
I don't know ______________________.
I don't have ______________.
I already said that I do
I'm guessing that you're probably not too ______________.
Don't go _______________.
I supersized you ________________.
Unlimited ___________ for just a ___________ more
What would I want that __________ ?
He was prematurely ____________.
That was more than __________________ .
Next _____________ please
We ______________ ahead in line
My wife was getting a _______________
Don't sweat it
We're at the pay window
I can't believe there's no _____________
Well, well, well
How much have you got ___________?
She just ___________ her eyes and said I'll pay for this, I guess
It's gotta be cash _________.
Gee really, well really that sucks
That's when I __________ my wife was only carrying three ____________
I thought you were going to ____________ today
I never ______________ to it
Never mind, just help me find some _____________
Glove box
Nickel in the ashtray
You're still about a dollar ___________
I wasn't really hungry _____________
I pick up my ___________, pick up my ______________, drive to the ____________ window
We see this __________-ridden kid about 16
I look him ______________
What did you want ___________?
I'm really kind of burned tonight
The food is driving ___________ with its ______________
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The pursuit of happiness
I have shown this video in various training groups. Most of them found it interesting, while I had a very different reaction from another group. I'd love to hear what you think!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Michelle and Obama: a look in the past
An intimate look at America's first couple. What do you think of this portrait?
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Text to Obama's speech
What stands out to you in terms of what Obama's primary message is? What is his vision of America and its future?
Friday, February 6, 2009
About this blog...
Ca y est. E fatto! Here we go...
With a little encouragement from Zhongjun, I am ready for action. Ready to spread the word, share resources and hopefully encourage discussion on various points of human interaction via the spoken word.
Watch this space for what I consider to be interesting videos and language resources on the internet to improve your English and your ability to communicate well, regardless of the language you are using. I hope we can also explore the myriad cultural challenges and opportunities we face today as our world gets smaller. And because I love a good laugh as much as the next person, I'll be sure to share some funny treats to keep us all happy!
InterCom Language Strategies was founded in 2003 to help people communicate better by becoming aware of their style of communication and how it may be perceived by others. The intention of this blog is to provide InterCom Language Strategies's learners with a "one-stop-shopping" spot of resources and to encourage them to come back and continue their progress once their training has finished.
I hope to hear from you!
With a little encouragement from Zhongjun, I am ready for action. Ready to spread the word, share resources and hopefully encourage discussion on various points of human interaction via the spoken word.
Watch this space for what I consider to be interesting videos and language resources on the internet to improve your English and your ability to communicate well, regardless of the language you are using. I hope we can also explore the myriad cultural challenges and opportunities we face today as our world gets smaller. And because I love a good laugh as much as the next person, I'll be sure to share some funny treats to keep us all happy!
InterCom Language Strategies was founded in 2003 to help people communicate better by becoming aware of their style of communication and how it may be perceived by others. The intention of this blog is to provide InterCom Language Strategies's learners with a "one-stop-shopping" spot of resources and to encourage them to come back and continue their progress once their training has finished.
I hope to hear from you!
Quotation of the Day
Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind. - George Orwell
Obama's victory speech
The honeymoon may appear to be over, with poor nomination choices and criticism for our new president. But this speech is a gem and well worth watching. The joy and hope in people's eyes make us sense how these people felt under Bush and the relief they feel that it is, indeed, a new day.
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