Learning languages protects against Alzeimer's

It won't stop you getting it, as that depends on many other factors, but being bilingual slows down the process and lessens the effects: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/02/100218-bilingual-brains-alzheimers-dementia-science-aging/?source=link_fb20110221alzeinerslanguages

The basic idea is that a bilingual brain is better equipped to cope with the decline in cognitive functions caused by the disease.

But then my question is: does speaking/learning MORE languages protect MORE? I haven't found the answer to that yet. It would make sense, wouldn't it? Apart from being a convincing argument to take up English (for example) at any age, in spite of already being bilingual in Spanish and Catalan.

If anyone knows any more about this subject, please enlighten us.

Egyptian man names daughter "Facebook"

Yes, you understood right: a man has reportedly named his daughter "Facebook" as a tribute that the role the social network played in the popular Egyptian uprising.

Read about it: http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/egyptian-man-names-daughter-facebook-in-tribute-to-success-of-protests-1.344646?localLinksEnabled=false

The Strange Powers of the Placebo Effect

The original video:

With subtitles in Spanish:

PS. What accent do you say he has? Where do you think he's from?

More on the speaking practice offered by the EOIX

I have received quite a few questions on this and I hope the email I've just received from the school helps to clarify things a bit. Let's translate more or less:

The EOIX is an association of ex-students who meet once or twice a week at the school to practise and keep up their English.

During the speaking exam week, as a pilot experiment, they will be collaborating with the school by offering current students a place to practice speaking, and helping and correcting where and when they can.

There will be at least two members of the EOIX there to help and/or direct.

Sessions will be informal, and groups and levels may not be exact.

Students of all levels are welcome. There is no need to sign up: just walk in and introduce yourself, stating your level.

5th year students are particularly recommended to go as they will probably pass this year and may want to join the EOIX in the near future.

http://quevienelateacher.blogspot.com/2011/02/speaking-practice.html

Could You Pass 8th Grade Science?

Created by OnePlusYou - Free Dating Site

Well, I don't think 76% is average. I think it's pretty good for a language teacher. I'm quite proud of myself. All those documentaries I watch have finally paid off.

Go on: beat me: could you pass 8th grade science?


PS. 8th grade in the USA is equivalent to 13-14 years old: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eighth_grade

Moon Survival Challenge

32%

Created by OnePlusYou - Free Dating Sites

I suppose you think you could do better:Moon Survival Challenge

All you need is love

A small collection of articles and stories related to Valentine's day and L♥VE...

Those who have trouble finding it: Finding love no bed of roses for Chinese men

The history of kissing: New Book Tells Everything about Kissing

Advice for a long marriage: Minnessota couple nears 74th anniversary

The not-so-happy endings: Divorce rates spike around February 14th

Valentine's Day Decorating ideas: 50 Valentine's Decorating ideas (yes, 50!!!)

Really stretching the topic here: Valentine Nasa rendezvous with comet

Valentine's Day is commercial. Really? Nations say Valentine's commercialized.

For the sceptics among you, listen to the Pansy Division's song "Luv Luv Luv" and read the lyrics below.

Pansy Division were (are?) a militantly gay punk/pop group not famous for singing in tune, but funny, and good fun live.

Lyrics:

Pansy Division - Luv Luv Luv

So many romantic dreams
Are merely bedroom schemes
It's such a nice ideal
Too bad it's rarely real
We're animals at the core
Instincts we can't ignore
You think you're civilized
You just might be surprised

People talk about
Luv luv luv luv luv
And it sounds like
Blah blah blah blah blah
Cause they really mean
Sex sex sex sex
People just want to connect
Luv luv luv luv luv, so typical
Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah
We don't feel like we think we should
Not like we were taught we would
We've been fed too much bull* about
Luv luv luv luv luv...

I believe in love that's true
I'm sucker just like you
But real love don't stand a chance
In absurd popsong romance
Grow up with my point of view
It's easy to see right through
You start to feel deceived
Throw out what you believe

People sing about
Luv luv luv luv luv
And it sounds like
Blah blah blah blah blah
Cause you know it means
Sex sex sex sex
People just want to connect
We've been fed too much bull about
Luv luv luv luv...



*bull = bullshit = lies/nonsense

February mock exam

For those who have been absent for a long time: remember that the last week* of February is mock exam week.

I used to chase all the missing people via email, but I've stopped doing that.

If you haven't been to class for ages but are planning on doing the exam, let me know.



*well, sort of

"A tyrant's exit. A nation's joy"

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/a-tyrants-exit-a-nations-joy-2212487.html

The reaction in the streets:



What could happen next is not clear, but for the moment, a happy ending.

21 accents

This girl is brilliant!

Last minute ideas for Valentine's Day

Being single, I'm happily free of this "festivity", but for those of you in a loving relationship who are stuck last minute for an original present, here's an idea:

Cockroaches for Valentine's day! ♥

According to this zoo, nothing says "I love you" better than a roach.

You don't believe me? Check it out: http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/name-a-roach-after-your-sweetheart-for-valentines-day

Or directly visit the name-a-roach page here: http://www.bronxzoo.com/name-a-roach/

As an alternative, they suggest naming the poor creature after an ex, which judging from your faces when we watched Food Fighters, might prove to be more popular.

Speaking practice

The association of ex-EOI students have kindly organised some speaking practice sessions at the school during the speaking exam week.

The dates and times are:







Please remember that this iniciative is completely voluntary on their behalf, so please be as collaborative and respectful as you usually are with all things EOI-related. :)

Common mistakes

This page has an alphabetically organised list of mistakes that native speakers often make:

http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/errors.html#o

U.S. adults like British accents

I like this!

A new poll shows that a majority of Americans believe that people with a British accent are sophisticated.... (read more)

:D

EOI exam samples

For those of you who still haven't checked out the official exam samples for "intermedi" (3rd year) and "avançat" (=5th year), here's the link:

http://phobos.xtec.net/eoi/index.php?module=detic_portal&ref=mostres