I'm having a vacation break. I wish you all Merry Christmas and a Happy 2013. Brand new posts will appear in January.
Thank you all for your constant support!

Let's do some gym

EXERCISE ROUTINE FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE!

How NOT to react to a bad gift

Last class we saw and worked with the following video. For those who want to see it again or haven't seen it yet, here it is:

Step 1

Ask what it is

Begin by dramatically asking, “What is this?” even if it’s patently obvious.

 

Step 2

Look disgusted

As the embarrassed gift giver explains what it is and why she thought it would suit you, maintain the expression of someone who has just stepped in dog doo.

Tip

Hold the offending item by your fingertips, as if you’re afraid of catching something.

 

Step 3

Ask for the receipt

Ask loudly, “You do still have the receipt, don’t you?” so no one doubts that you are going to rid yourself of this abomination as soon as possible.

 

Step 4

Toss it aside

Toss the gift aside, without bothering to re-box it, and open a new one with an eagerness that suggests you’re trying to rid yourself of the memory of the bad gift.

 

Step 5

Ask for cash

Let the gift giver know it would be better going forward if she sticks to cash or gift cards.

 

Step 6

Don't thank them

Don’t bother thanking the gift giver. You don’t want to encourage her.

Fact

Studies show college students consistently undervalue the cost of gifts they receive.

Arctic Sea Ice Shrinks

Listen to the following news and do the True/False exercise. You'll find the correct answers in "comments"

a.	The article says ice in Antarctica has shrunk to an all-time low.
b.	The article says there may be no Arctic ice in the summer in future.
c.	In 2012, there was 70,000 sq. km less ice than the previous low.
d.	An expert likened the Arctic ice to a giant frozen soft drink.
e.	Most of the Arctic ice melts in the summer.
f.	The last six years have seen record falls in Arctic ice cover.
g.	The Arctic sea ice needs to absorb the sun's rays.
h.	A storm that hit the Arctic in early August made the ice stronger.

Bulling

Listen to the following news and do the True/False exercise. You'll find the correct answers in "comments"

a.	A spate of violent crime occurred in Japan’s schools this week.
b.	Japanese elementary schoolchildren are usually orderly and attentive.
c.	A government spokesman attributed the violence to video games.
d.	An elementary schoolchild decapitated a classmate a while ago.
e.	Many children lose their tempers over trivial things.
f.	Dismayed parents have installed web cameras in classrooms.
g.	Teachers say they are in control and can cope with the violence.
h.	Police statistics show juvenile delinquency is steadily increasing

Connectors

Salt

Listen to the following file and try to do the T/F exercise below:

a. US experts say Americans harming world salt supplies.                           T / F

b. The article says American people have a love affair with salt.                  T / F

c. The article says people should drive less for their health.                        T / F

d. Salt consumption in Americans has remained stable for decades.              T / F

e. Everyone is happy about calls for a reduction of salt in food in the USA.    T / F

f. One group said a reduction in salt in food could harm people.                   T / F

g. A personal liberty group said salt laws would attack personal freedom.      T / F

h. Around 10 per cent of American adults suffer from high blood pressure.     T / F

DISCUSSION:

1. What are the good and bad things about salt?
2. Would you be happy without salt in your food?
3. Why aren’t people cutting down on salt?
4. What health problems does salt create?
5. Do you always follow what food experts say?
6. What would you like to drastically reduce (or increase) in your diet?
7. Is it an attack on personal freedom if the government introduces salt laws?