Global rich list

I've posted this before, but it always good to remember. No matter how bad our situations are (or not), we're still the privileged rich of the world.

http://www.globalrichlist.com/

Choose € euros, type in your anual salary, press "show me the money", and voilá: your position in the world rich list.

More depressing news

As if the news about Japan wasn't bad enough, today I read this headline about prostitutes in Bangladesh. It goes with a video.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/video/2010/apr/05/bangladesh-sex-workers-steroids

It looks as if doing stupid things in order to be more attractive to the kind of man who despises women anyway is a universal trend.

The difference is of course that these women, well, girls, don't have a choice.

Sorry to be so negative these days. I think I'll go back to not reading the news and stick to the normal funny or silly kind of things I usually post.

Japan

Follow all the news and updates on BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/

Or http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12307698

Right now I've just got up to see the explosion at the nuclear plant. Very worrying, isn't it? Chernobyl all over again.

Short Film - International Women's Day video

This powerful short film, made by Sam Taylor-Wood, stars Daniel Craig and is narrated by Dame Judi Dench. This video is to promote International Women's Day (Tuesday March 8th). Visit www.weareequals.org for more information.

One of those days

You know, a bad day at work, personal worries... obviously I'm not justifying it, but it couuld happen to any of us.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1362110/Mother-smashes-cake-shop-Cardiff-ran-favourite-cupcake.html

PS. Thanks to those of you who wrote funny writing tasks. Eg: the joyrider, the stripper, the prostitute, etc, etc, at least it made the work entertaining.

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!