tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12461798724324862322024-03-09T18:10:23.857-08:00Improving Englishreadings, tips and American cultureEziohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17589884059587974701noreply@blogger.comBlogger361125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-91277448831221327512024-03-09T18:09:00.000-08:002024-03-09T18:09:53.141-08:00Decoding Fashion Language: Clothes, Apparel, and Garments <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc7jS-emX-54GJzJGekz1WRG-_pugIoJjv7uQv-hZyIePydcRJlyUou3x48j95fvJlFabfCAK8CF7Y9wrA6bM-swS7qjVAL3lrM-qFxBP3C4T7PIpueDrjcMcQUGlX7mYNgZqDB1A1pYeTzZ1H1leZWVuw9AATBSe_ULgSMyFsP-lpwbKH0IniCUd79tU/s1280/shirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1280" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc7jS-emX-54GJzJGekz1WRG-_pugIoJjv7uQv-hZyIePydcRJlyUou3x48j95fvJlFabfCAK8CF7Y9wrA6bM-swS7qjVAL3lrM-qFxBP3C4T7PIpueDrjcMcQUGlX7mYNgZqDB1A1pYeTzZ1H1leZWVuw9AATBSe_ULgSMyFsP-lpwbKH0IniCUd79tU/s320/shirts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Imagine the popular clothing company, American Apparel, with "apparel" in its name. This name choice suggests something beyond just clothes, so let’s explore the differences between "clothes," "apparel," and “garments.”</p><p><b>Clothes: items worn to cover the body</b></p><p>From shirts and pants to dresses and jackets, “clothes” is a simple way to talk about everything in our closets.</p><p><b>Apparel: more than just clothes</b></p><p>Apparel means more than just clothes. It includes accessories like hats and scarves. When a company like American Apparel uses this word, it wants to say it's about more than just basic clothing—it's about everything you wear to express yourself. </p><p>There are many different categories of apparel for our needs: sports apparel, business apparel, formal apparel, intimate apparel, children’s apparel, men’s apparel, women’s apparel, wedding apparel, etc.</p><p><b>Garment: a single piece of clothing</b></p><p>Garment is a more specific word. It means one piece of clothing, like a shirt or a dress.</p><p>Example sentences: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I need to buy new <u>clothes </u>for my upcoming trip.</li><li>He wore comfortable sports <u>apparel</u> for his morning jog.</li><li>She carefully hung the newly washed <u>garment</u> in the closet.</li></ul><p></p><p>The next time you put on your favorite piece of clothing or admire something well-made, remember these simple differences that make fashion words special.</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-18502015314973280862024-02-06T15:36:00.000-08:002024-02-06T15:41:34.059-08:00 Text Helper -- Make Your Own English Glossary <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFijFU6qaiPICZCg8g3DGDI1pPmZq5VseZWAaPQTmDt6yntPlcp99j3kNGQCEB6HyXiggEmHOJWXOxAmzYk_dfpaayNEPjbNnbCwfCHWU6LnhCvY5VQ5IT3sqayvwdpGFrHNZJIGKhvQ0WZkOnw21zsOAU9qUTCSfLzaFez6WWkbGeCav_uPxIvc0V__Ce/s808/Title%20pic.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="808" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFijFU6qaiPICZCg8g3DGDI1pPmZq5VseZWAaPQTmDt6yntPlcp99j3kNGQCEB6HyXiggEmHOJWXOxAmzYk_dfpaayNEPjbNnbCwfCHWU6LnhCvY5VQ5IT3sqayvwdpGFrHNZJIGKhvQ0WZkOnw21zsOAU9qUTCSfLzaFez6WWkbGeCav_uPxIvc0V__Ce/s320/Title%20pic.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>You can make a quick vocabulary list or glossary created from any text with a helpful tool called Text Helper. Test Helper is a feature on the Extensive Reading Central website (<a href="https://www.er-central.com/text-helper/">https://www.er-central.com/text-helper/</a>) and it works like this: </p><p>When you open Text Helper, you first see a blank box into which you cut & paste your desired text. You then select the language, a level, then click "Get Meanings." </p><p>Text Helper <u>highlights the difficult words in your text on the left side</u> of the page. <u>On the right side of the page is your personally created vocabulary list with definitions for each highlighted word</u>.</p><p>You decide the level of word difficulty (beginner, elementary, intermediate, advanced) and the program chooses the words in your text based on that level. Lower level difficulty results in more words (words used at a higher frequency); advanced difficulty words are less frequent because they are probably outside the knowledge of a typical student at that level. </p><p>Text Helper saves a lot of time looking up words in the dictionary and it’s incredibly useful because it automatically creates word lists related to the text you choose. Below is an example of an advanced level using a sample text from the book, A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pqaC7sNnTPtFu8xSLrojx4hZjHBHiA9A8fqQgWZdCpfN59XspHDEGV4VLDwlULEYmTqiDJDXjKhUNsVFU79uM-AS7uzEY3liymrwGh4Q4LmeZ8wNvT2Mrh7up_IqaNNddkfhQbtUj6VNAWaz6MS5S5HKbso8W_IOKUlQ_t6ID6uY0NMwJoMywxUD_IEc/s1706/Ex.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1706" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pqaC7sNnTPtFu8xSLrojx4hZjHBHiA9A8fqQgWZdCpfN59XspHDEGV4VLDwlULEYmTqiDJDXjKhUNsVFU79uM-AS7uzEY3liymrwGh4Q4LmeZ8wNvT2Mrh7up_IqaNNddkfhQbtUj6VNAWaz6MS5S5HKbso8W_IOKUlQ_t6ID6uY0NMwJoMywxUD_IEc/w640-h318/Ex.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-74769117418000011752024-01-05T18:24:00.000-08:002024-01-05T18:24:15.836-08:00Sports Balls<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8V33mnQT5wUg4Bcdc0vCE5k6fIuJ7OiKwPRyZZvLMaZ3qPUx5Ot08Hy7XndMqGkulss7b0zI9Zd5IZWy7e7z3duwlg_v2VogBGwIMUFtQvwbWMKAgiq8m8ioMbjhlbGP25ZTiUg_WKPf8GjAs9PPOhv1gPHj9_6CvVkxZ4r_eCJ7_QfwGGowHfUgP2MUy/s1280/baseball-1378662_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8V33mnQT5wUg4Bcdc0vCE5k6fIuJ7OiKwPRyZZvLMaZ3qPUx5Ot08Hy7XndMqGkulss7b0zI9Zd5IZWy7e7z3duwlg_v2VogBGwIMUFtQvwbWMKAgiq8m8ioMbjhlbGP25ZTiUg_WKPf8GjAs9PPOhv1gPHj9_6CvVkxZ4r_eCJ7_QfwGGowHfUgP2MUy/s320/baseball-1378662_1280.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p></p><p>I received the following question recently about what a ball is called in certain sports, like baseball, basketball, volleyball, and football:<i> Do you say “baseball ball” when referring to the ball that is used to play baseball? </i></p><p>This is a logical question and the answer is no, we do not say “baseball ball,” “basketball ball,” “football ball,” etc. Typically the term "baseball" (for example) is used to refer to the ball used in the game of baseball. Thus, it’s common to simply say "baseball" when referring to the ball, without adding "ball" after it. The same goes for basketball, football, and other ball sports. In the game, it is just called “the ball.”</p><p>We use a baseball to play baseball, a basketball to play basketball, and a football to play football. </p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-87165483131809250342023-11-10T18:18:00.000-08:002023-11-10T18:18:06.901-08:00The Tom Sawyer Effect<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSDrjXeXWkIjI_D3SNKamkyqEvrQAFpSE6wvO77k8SZkym9-3m7QCRdVLUVw9kukm-SyAk9V_M9J1maqum1yW1Cn1h7bIkzhxvY7ucHXNh05iB_NT51z3CNHXAXb8_IzU96z7EY3vlq2dc0BPiZVJJKrhT0sWi59XhrT8_CmfLAK77W9uInWbJtCVaoat/s1280/Tom%20Sawyer.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="931" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSDrjXeXWkIjI_D3SNKamkyqEvrQAFpSE6wvO77k8SZkym9-3m7QCRdVLUVw9kukm-SyAk9V_M9J1maqum1yW1Cn1h7bIkzhxvY7ucHXNh05iB_NT51z3CNHXAXb8_IzU96z7EY3vlq2dc0BPiZVJJKrhT0sWi59XhrT8_CmfLAK77W9uInWbJtCVaoat/s320/Tom%20Sawyer.png" width="233" /></a></div><br /><p>Tom Sawyer is the main character in the 1876 literary classic The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain. It is about a good-hearted but mischievous young boy growing up along the Mississippi River in 1840.</p><p>Tom Sawyer is a clever, imaginative young fellow. He has a lot of fun but regularly gets himself and his friends into trouble. He is probably most remembered for convincing his friends to paint his Aunt Polly’s fence by making the task, which for him was unpleasant and boring, seem desirable. He motivated his friends to paint the fence by promoting the unappealing task as fun and attractive. Thus, he avoided the work. </p><p>The name for this phenomenon is called <b>the Tom Sawyer effect</b>, and it highlights the power of intrinsic motivation. We use it to describe situations where individuals are more motivated to engage in an activity when they perceive it as enjoyable or when they have a choice in doing it. </p><p>Yes, Tom Sawyer was a very clever fellow. </p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-28638926211807467442023-10-20T19:25:00.004-07:002023-10-20T19:27:55.044-07:00Green Rooms<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVnOnTzmeMHgQlu8FClu8PjeojEW6Oqbiu12BYjWBpU9UyqwzQvJSpuAg9JjSwWvikTfSVnT5XBEw2k35je-hqfvXZtmPqoujiNxGz_e_hGH5gQCDH2L4rSr7OafXNYJNf8UCBEgB9FvGHDv_oCRZrqLMPSD_0gLmqwoosagCmYISMwIKIdlyrUdOmRot/s1920/Lounge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVnOnTzmeMHgQlu8FClu8PjeojEW6Oqbiu12BYjWBpU9UyqwzQvJSpuAg9JjSwWvikTfSVnT5XBEw2k35je-hqfvXZtmPqoujiNxGz_e_hGH5gQCDH2L4rSr7OafXNYJNf8UCBEgB9FvGHDv_oCRZrqLMPSD_0gLmqwoosagCmYISMwIKIdlyrUdOmRot/s320/Lounge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>In the wonderful world of show business, the activities of performers backstage are usually unknown to audiences, but the <b>green room</b> is one place that arouses my curiosity a little bit. </p><p>The green room is a room in a theater or studio in which performers can relax when they are not performing. It is sort of a combination waiting area and lounge. It’s different from a dressing room, where performers change clothes and prepare their make-up, because a green room provides a space for entertainers to mentally prepare and relax before or after a show. </p><p>Even though it is called a green room, it does not have to be green. In the past, green rooms were actually painted green and also had soft lighting to create a calm ambience, but they are not like that anymore.</p><p>I believe it’s still called a green room out of respect for theatrical and show business traditions of the past, and I like that. </p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-15994674790790326952023-09-02T19:50:00.012-07:002023-09-02T19:54:22.702-07:00Discuss; talk about (not discuss about)<p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBj-fvW_h4sYJ2oLkQzHHy2Nod1unwHOa2721zGkjA_Mx1G-INuKwlDDc_xko1dTXkm4DOgpfw6abcbE4na-gULyFbDc-rhI2XyFH7_lh2x_EBaLPvB9xL-3RiJFvO-oH-YFMqAtwKFXR5dUA_YqjfkY88srT6uW-MExUbKgLrNEZoMr-X2wdoSL7vbsG/s1920/discuss.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1267" data-original-width="1920" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBj-fvW_h4sYJ2oLkQzHHy2Nod1unwHOa2721zGkjA_Mx1G-INuKwlDDc_xko1dTXkm4DOgpfw6abcbE4na-gULyFbDc-rhI2XyFH7_lh2x_EBaLPvB9xL-3RiJFvO-oH-YFMqAtwKFXR5dUA_YqjfkY88srT6uW-MExUbKgLrNEZoMr-X2wdoSL7vbsG/s320/discuss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>“People discuss my art and pretend to understand as if it were necessary to understand, when it's simply necessary to love.” </p><p>This is a beautiful quote by the artist, Claude Monet. It’s also a perfect example of the correct use of <b>discuss</b> in English. </p><p><b>Discuss</b> and <b>talk about</b> are equal in meaning. In conversations with English learners, I often hear “discuss about,” which is a common mistake. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Discuss = talk about</b></p><p>You can say this: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Ron will <u>discuss</u> the options with his business partner. </li><li>Can we <u>discuss</u> this tomorrow?</li><li>The lawyer couldn’t <u>discuss</u> his case with reporters. </li></ul><p></p><p>….or you can say it this way:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Ron will <u>talk abou</u>t the options with his business partner. </li><li>Can we <u>talk about</u> this tomorrow?</li><li>The lawyer couldn’t <u>talk about</u> his case with reporters.</li></ul><p></p><p><span style="color: red;">You can’t say <u>discuss about</u>: </span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Ron will <u>discuss abou</u>t the options with his business partner. - <span style="color: red;">wrong</span></li><li>Can we <u>discuss about</u> this tomorrow? - <span style="color: red;">wrong</span></li><li>The lawyer couldn’t <u>discuss about</u> his case with reporters. - <span style="color: red;">wrong</span></li></ul><div><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div>Discuss about is a common mistake to avoid. </div><p></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-40324591611418862882023-08-05T17:03:00.014-07:002023-08-10T10:41:41.335-07:00Meet-Cute<p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVqwox2WsPNVu0sdzfdmEg2SsCjDbHyywfAQ09Q4JevaM4cxyUDVE-D7e6Th8Eo1_B_fFv9gFUcZK-_S7o6nd4fqhCKDK7swC2e_NfykPHBAU6Daw9LvxE2BvCNPVMexB7H_-SDSCYWuCRF1Wl2PM288WZCpC0PiZem6leeD57M82WYKYKhJcuy0AL_lU/s1280/Meet-cute.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVqwox2WsPNVu0sdzfdmEg2SsCjDbHyywfAQ09Q4JevaM4cxyUDVE-D7e6Th8Eo1_B_fFv9gFUcZK-_S7o6nd4fqhCKDK7swC2e_NfykPHBAU6Daw9LvxE2BvCNPVMexB7H_-SDSCYWuCRF1Wl2PM288WZCpC0PiZem6leeD57M82WYKYKhJcuy0AL_lU/s320/Meet-cute.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Notting Hill</li><li>Roman Holiday</li><li>Titanic</li><li>When Harry Met Sally</li><li>The Wedding Singer</li></ul><p></p><p>These titles are just a few examples of some very popular films that contain memorable meet-cutes. </p><p>In a movie or TV series, a <b>meet-cute</b> is a funny or unusual first encounter between two characters (who eventually become romantic partners). It’s how the two main characters first meet.</p><p>Every romantic movie must have a meet-cute. In Notting Hill, William Thacker (Hugh Grant) accidentally spills orange juice on Anna Scott (Julia Roberts). How did Rose and Jack meet in Titanic? He stopped her from jumping off the ship. In the movie Roman Holiday, Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck) encounters the princess (Audrey Hepburn), who is sleeping outside late at night in a Roman square.</p><p>Meet-cutes usually involve something unexpected, a misunderstanding (funny or otherwise), a little accident, a power struggle, an embarrassing situation, or any other chance meeting.</p><p>Have you ever experienced a meet-cute in real life?</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-27931165784872410182023-07-07T19:52:00.001-07:002023-07-07T19:52:13.273-07:00Suffix -wise<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyL-HBdNpbI6Te99v6l9lDpvN6ot6zrQOna-Bdlgmjk4pado80upJDbMOkas0r6WrJPpHxVg6ZA9MDEFsNNnLfNOb5-p0sD7TEzbeNlGFyKS0eHaxFeH34ndEKLADr6DlxGr7v7qnvJ6fhKkmXptkyMcXfdN2KQKwM1DdSK5eqG7wvCmu_cn72Tzx9xJQq/s1920/clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyL-HBdNpbI6Te99v6l9lDpvN6ot6zrQOna-Bdlgmjk4pado80upJDbMOkas0r6WrJPpHxVg6ZA9MDEFsNNnLfNOb5-p0sD7TEzbeNlGFyKS0eHaxFeH34ndEKLADr6DlxGr7v7qnvJ6fhKkmXptkyMcXfdN2KQKwM1DdSK5eqG7wvCmu_cn72Tzx9xJQq/s320/clock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The suffix <u>-wise</u> is quite versatile in informal situations. It can be added to almost any noun to form an adjective or adverb to mean <u>with respect to</u> or <u>concerning</u>, <u>in the manner of</u> or <u>in the direction of</u>. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u>Food-wise</u> there are many excellent choices on the menu, but <u>money-wise</u> the prices are high.</li><li>Everything is going well <u>job-wise</u> but things could be better <u>salary-wise</u>.</li><li><u>Health-wise</u> Marie has completely recovered after chemotherapy.</li></ul><p></p><p>I like to divide -wise into two categories: </p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li> <u>Directional</u> or <u>in the manner of</u> (clockwise, counterclockwise, lengthwise, crosswise, etc). These usually drop the hyphen because they are fixed expressions. Other examples could be otherwise or likewise. Ex: Turn the dial <u>clockwise</u> to open. </li><li> <u>Respect to</u> or c<u>oncerning</u> (security-wise, school-wise, tax-wise, money-wise, etc.). The suffix -wise is attached to a noun with a hyphen. Ex: Hillary always knows the current trends <u>fashion-wise</u>. (With respect to fashion, Hillary always knows the current trends.)</li></ol><div>Adding -wise to nouns in informal English provides more versatility for you <u>speaking-wise</u> and <u>writing-wise</u> ;) </div><p></p><div><br /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-77829093900897712722023-06-14T15:53:00.006-07:002023-06-14T15:55:07.472-07:00Specially for You<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkU04a1OdmlxLOsWdefi2ViGMelJ1FPV-zM2w6Dvs5f8Eek_ikH8KwIZfoGCPEvAEk1upuXKloml5WKz04oQvpkfKmDQiTOZmurxat0ulAXA9I0Fzz3Qg5stun-hoeld9UQF6x5FCXZJ5dzVT9iOEB1zc269C87IJblR9t2TapBOziXQjjOWlk-HsKiw/s1280/text-g3b6849369_1280.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="1280" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkU04a1OdmlxLOsWdefi2ViGMelJ1FPV-zM2w6Dvs5f8Eek_ikH8KwIZfoGCPEvAEk1upuXKloml5WKz04oQvpkfKmDQiTOZmurxat0ulAXA9I0Fzz3Qg5stun-hoeld9UQF6x5FCXZJ5dzVT9iOEB1zc269C87IJblR9t2TapBOziXQjjOWlk-HsKiw/s320/text-g3b6849369_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b>Specially</b> and <b>especially</b> may be two of the most easily confused English words on the planet. Their spelling is almost identical and they sound almost the same. Hmmm…..how do we use them correctly?</p><p><br /></p><p>We use <b>especially</b> for emphasis, to mean <b>particularly</b> or <b>more than usual</b>.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Jan doesn’t like waking up early, <i>especially</i> on weekends. </li><li>Sam loves salsa dancing, the cha-cha <i>especially</i>. </li><li>The band at the festival was <i>especially</i> good. </li></ul><p></p><p><b>Specially</b> is used to talk about things that are done for a specific/special purpose. In many instances (not all) specially can be used instead of the word <b>just</b>.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> I made this cake <i>specially</i> for you.</li><li> Vera Wang designed the dress <i>specially</i> for Lauren’s wedding. </li><li> The pilots were <i>specially</i> trained for dangerous missions. </li></ul><p></p><p>*Helpful exception: When you mean “for a special reason,” you can use either especially or specially. Both are correct. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The surprise party was organized<i> especially/specially</i> for Lisa and Greg’s anniversary. </li><li>A poem was written <i>especially/specially</i> for the occasion.</li></ul><p></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-45037167373305042302023-04-11T19:01:00.000-07:002023-04-11T19:01:42.618-07:00ON TIME, IN TIME, and JUST IN TIME<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHnwKPPM4Saw085iumrsyv30JpVQlYSlPOmO9keWtiJvnmdGbu8tk6FQynjfPC6cDAXjttksOJUFdjq3FgfzPe-fS48ZOS6-ozCd8cxnAzMazE2NJLb6cMnD8cd5JCsuozj9kMNsfaudxw5RPAAy4ktAwE57yGIL0m8_ZukcV1C__PFFx71GOPMb6Sg/s1920/waiting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHnwKPPM4Saw085iumrsyv30JpVQlYSlPOmO9keWtiJvnmdGbu8tk6FQynjfPC6cDAXjttksOJUFdjq3FgfzPe-fS48ZOS6-ozCd8cxnAzMazE2NJLb6cMnD8cd5JCsuozj9kMNsfaudxw5RPAAy4ktAwE57yGIL0m8_ZukcV1C__PFFx71GOPMb6Sg/w320-h194/waiting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>“Punctuality is the art of guessing how late the other fellow is going to be.” </p><p> This quote by the writer Evelyn Waugh definitely applies to me because I always try to be <i>on time</i> (punctual), and very often I am waiting for another person. How about you?</p><p>The prepositional phrases <i>on time</i> and <i>in time</i> don’t mean the same thing, although they are close. </p><p><br /></p><p>When something happens <i><b>on time</b></i>, it happens at the planned time. <i>On time</i> can be expressed in other ways too: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>punctual </li><li>on schedule</li><li> at the arranged time</li><li> at the correct time</li><li> neither early nor late</li></ul><p></p><p>People who are <i>on time</i> tend to be organized and good planners.</p><p>When you are<b> <i>in time</i></b>, you are early enough to have extra time, usually to do something else. (That is extra, super-punctual - ha ha!) <i>In time</i> also means the following:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>before something happens</li><li> before the scheduled time </li><li>with time to spare</li></ul><p></p><p>There is a very close phrase “<i>just in time</i>,” which can cause lots of stress. <b><i>Just in tim</i>e</b> means at the last moment, just before the deadline or just before something was supposed to happen. It means <u>almost too late</u>.</p><p>Ex: We caught the train <i>just in time</i>. (We almost missed the train but we made it at the last moment.)</p><p>Do you know people who arrive <i>on time</i> or <i>just in tim</i>e?</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-91994583625961455292023-03-03T16:40:00.009-08:002023-03-03T16:43:31.754-08:00Book Recommendation: The Old Man and the Sea<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbMQJVzK3oRwZ72PmhppL0Xo4ezkq5DxvJ-rkbNbkADaFDOU8G_aqM4ooYGiu_DvnndQSDoxfnhPf2EqbTXQ_NRhAqqDOpIYakFL6XUjCdeYVyW4aDifOCw1Q8PbeEYwdX8xQnoR8xXtbt64xxYKY_WgFhhng54d7P2ccI5dCjU5Ly1YDTc1Bnq97sQ/s2090/book.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2090" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbMQJVzK3oRwZ72PmhppL0Xo4ezkq5DxvJ-rkbNbkADaFDOU8G_aqM4ooYGiu_DvnndQSDoxfnhPf2EqbTXQ_NRhAqqDOpIYakFL6XUjCdeYVyW4aDifOCw1Q8PbeEYwdX8xQnoR8xXtbt64xxYKY_WgFhhng54d7P2ccI5dCjU5Ly1YDTc1Bnq97sQ/s320/book.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><p>Reading an English novel is a big achievement in the processing of mastering a new language. The thought of committing to a book (a novel!) may be a little intimidating but the feeling of satisfaction you will have after completing it will motivate you to read more books in English. </p><p>The Old Man and the Sea is short novel about a three-day struggle between an old Cuban fisherman named Santiago and the greatest catch of his life, a giant marlin. It is considered a classic, written by American author Ernest Hemingway. </p><p>I’ve included a <a href="https://esl-bits.net/ESL.English.Learning.Audiobooks/The_Old_Man_And_The_Sea/01/default.html" target="_blank">link</a> where you can read The Old Man and the Sea here online. There is also the option of listening to the story in two different speeds (slow or fast) while you read along with the text, which is great for pronunciation. </p><p>You will enjoy <a href="https://esl-bits.net/ESL.English.Learning.Audiobooks/The_Old_Man_And_The_Sea/01/default.html" target="_blank">The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway.</a> </p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-40201401399766154742023-02-02T20:20:00.000-08:002023-02-02T20:20:23.835-08:00FOMO (fear of missing out)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WO2iSRMpbIWryidcK3wgK0waWg5JEk9ahpcosXVylzEZzlltrrAs5H6yWvJjje5Apc1qYq4EEnIVyahsLd5_1O6ZOvQxd0aJpdOg11Q_vycih_NtruRF6BI1pqO1hryyvFmhB82ehX7jQ1eZEiJ8RU9Mwaic6BChpQ66OVGlOxR5TZW8i6Ho-0uBKg/s1280/fomo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WO2iSRMpbIWryidcK3wgK0waWg5JEk9ahpcosXVylzEZzlltrrAs5H6yWvJjje5Apc1qYq4EEnIVyahsLd5_1O6ZOvQxd0aJpdOg11Q_vycih_NtruRF6BI1pqO1hryyvFmhB82ehX7jQ1eZEiJ8RU9Mwaic6BChpQ66OVGlOxR5TZW8i6Ho-0uBKg/s320/fomo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Do you ever experience FOMO (fear of missing out)? It’s the feeling that others are having more fun, living more exciting lives, or experiencing better things than you are. With all the bragging on social media, it’s hard not to feel that way every once in a while. </p><p>The idea that you might be missing out on a good time is nothing new. In ancient times, survival depended on having vital information about dangers, food sources, or potential threats. Communication within a group was critical. Lacking pieces of information risked the well-being, safety, and security of these groups. Even now, though we don’t have to worry about information for survival, missing out on news or events is enough for many people to experience dissatisfaction, depression, stress, and envy.</p><p>In everyday English, FOMO is used mostly as slang. So if you’re feeling that you are missing out on something fun, exciting, or important that others are experiencing right now, just say, “I have FOMO.” </p><p><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-36618203395470723442023-01-12T19:43:00.019-08:002023-01-30T18:47:57.451-08:00Rolling, Dancing, Racing, and Sliding<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3j9UjoOT0_z2hahSK5woRIo9rgNVDAd5uv8-ZLedMqAAWwlW3xzMZE8R3qJY8UtgcarGT_F1ZllfeLwTGv41ZZ4hkM9uDdIJAc1h2OduQ_YQWF6eBXVtrqXrQ__rkL7Z3Ft7bSKnRB6uVW0Xh5MjeaIboVvN4IQpA7uAQoE5ABaX6ncchZg_R27eYA/s3045/Ski%20slope.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3045" data-original-width="1920" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3j9UjoOT0_z2hahSK5woRIo9rgNVDAd5uv8-ZLedMqAAWwlW3xzMZE8R3qJY8UtgcarGT_F1ZllfeLwTGv41ZZ4hkM9uDdIJAc1h2OduQ_YQWF6eBXVtrqXrQ__rkL7Z3Ft7bSKnRB6uVW0Xh5MjeaIboVvN4IQpA7uAQoE5ABaX6ncchZg_R27eYA/w202-h223/Ski%20slope.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>“A bad day on the slopes beats a good day at work,” is a popular quote by ski aficionados. It’s also a great way to introduce vocabulary for large open spaces. <p>The English language has different, specific names for various open spaces, whereas many languages use the same one word. For example, in Italian and Spanish it’s pista; in French it’s piste; in German it’s bahn. </p><p>The best way I know how to distinguish the many open spaces we have for skiing, dancing, racing, flying airplanes, etc. is by memorizing them. Luckily there aren’t too many:</p><p><br /></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Racetrack; track (sports)</b> = the course for any race (horse, car, bike)</li><li><b>Ice rink</b> = an enclosed area of ice for skating, ice hockey, or curling</li><li><b>Roller rink</b> = a smooth enclosed floor for roller skating</li><li><b>Runway</b> = 1) a leveled strip of smooth ground along which aircraft take off and land; 2) a raised aisle extending into the audience from a stage, especially as used for fashion shows</li><li><b>Dance floor</b> = an area of floor in a nightclub, disco, or restaurant that is reserved for dancing.</li><li><b>Ski slope </b>= a part of the side of a hill or mountain, especially as a place for skiing</li><li><b>Trail</b> = a mark, track, course, or path </li><li><b>Bike path; bike lane</b> = a path or road for bicycles and not motor vehicles.</li></ul><p></p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-2316309460379893632022-12-05T18:50:00.009-08:002022-12-06T12:59:08.403-08:00American Kitsch: Hawaiian Shirts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijqnKdY5uPedyTsVF_sdgtbU8jYxmQIgr2DYZes0UsdbR8N7VP2yVEjC4apkTkWdM1IqJkcWdUq08Ib-XAqwgjF0enGdb5DDDUs0RiqrWWD-Vso9cCeaUDlcdickf8Im34aqmD7E_yW16QyXgJmskmIxvKSmpddCHkzRQFmFOpz7iAadheCaTRdA4bA/s1280/pexels-micah-eleazar-7503446.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijqnKdY5uPedyTsVF_sdgtbU8jYxmQIgr2DYZes0UsdbR8N7VP2yVEjC4apkTkWdM1IqJkcWdUq08Ib-XAqwgjF0enGdb5DDDUs0RiqrWWD-Vso9cCeaUDlcdickf8Im34aqmD7E_yW16QyXgJmskmIxvKSmpddCHkzRQFmFOpz7iAadheCaTRdA4bA/s320/pexels-micah-eleazar-7503446.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Kitsch describes things that are considered unsophisticated but are also amusing and enjoyable. Menswear in the US contains an iconic piece of clothing that is sometimes kitschy but timeless as well: the Hawaiian shirt.</p><p>Originally called an Aloha shirt, Hawaiian shirts can be recognized by their colorful patterns, which are often bold designs of flowers, leaves, birds, palm trees, etc. They are a style of dress shirt that has short sleeves, an open collar, and they are traditionally worn untucked.</p><p>The Hawaiian shirt is also a style of shirt that’s recognized in nearly every part of the world. If you’re a movie fan, you may have seen Hawaiian shirts worn by many celebrities in their films: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Al Pacino, Jim Carrey, Nicolas Cage, Benicio del Toro, Johnny Depp, and Leonardo DiCaprio. </p><p>The first Hawaiian shirts were designed in the 1930s and became popular with locals, surfers, and tourists, especially as tourism to Hawaii grew in the 1950s. The Hawaiian shirt is considered a symbol of island life, vacations, exotic getaways, and laid-back, relaxed lifestyles. Adding a Hawaiian shirt to your wardrobe may possibly give you that relaxed mood as you dream of tropical places. </p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-52390951893160878102022-11-03T18:46:00.009-07:002022-11-04T13:55:17.878-07:00Swag<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ALFm0HTmX-woYtjLYpG6eAoC809yNFwaT65YdztolUk88ZPioI91vuEFoztmywnAtGskJtN9cc7jw4Kg3H3drFbtc8AJClgCmXU_3q_H5998mxY4IfwkZnzgFRDTUNf-8B8dt4xONxS_A0ov9vOJKAv0AhIUO43aIVl8y75JXdruy6l7neujoAMekA/s1280/swag.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ALFm0HTmX-woYtjLYpG6eAoC809yNFwaT65YdztolUk88ZPioI91vuEFoztmywnAtGskJtN9cc7jw4Kg3H3drFbtc8AJClgCmXU_3q_H5998mxY4IfwkZnzgFRDTUNf-8B8dt4xONxS_A0ov9vOJKAv0AhIUO43aIVl8y75JXdruy6l7neujoAMekA/s320/swag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>What do the following items have in common? T-shirts, water bottles, pens, tote bags, mugs, decks of cards, mouse pads, notebooks, hats, keychains, umbrellas, calendars. <br /></p><p>They are typical promotional items that customers receive for free as gifts, and they are known as SWAG (Stuff We All Get). </p><p>Swag is a form of advertising and swag items always feature the company’s brand name or logo. I’m confident that you’ve received swag from your workplace, bank, fitness center, or vendor at some time in your life. </p><p>George Washington, the first US president, is remembered historically as the first person in the US to use swag; he gave away comemorative buttons to promote his election campaign in 1789. </p><p>Some people get extra special swag bags for exclusive occasions. For example, celebrities at the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony received VIP swag with 50 different products and gifts, including a $50,000 private vacation at a 10-bedroom castle in Scotland and a $15,000 spa retreat for two. </p><p>It’s always fun to get something for free.</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-37261728320417246412022-10-09T18:45:00.010-07:002022-10-09T18:49:33.082-07:00U.S. Culture: Uncle Sam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTLfXQxw8HMi50lQEvNoif3HsvvCqx-beKFbRkkV6Y09cPDL6507F8aflrtGGbxHiwvc9Yfj3Ch5NsZyXXG5_-80FAhK7Dx7NaAOfgDaRzrCwjQkxdN6DDQkpHu45mvVaqofkGQ_ZNQNh1-Cn6M9SEOctYWmlVjgqWYgEUAe59NNXWEFMeHMuwSwRKQ/s1280/US.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="963" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTLfXQxw8HMi50lQEvNoif3HsvvCqx-beKFbRkkV6Y09cPDL6507F8aflrtGGbxHiwvc9Yfj3Ch5NsZyXXG5_-80FAhK7Dx7NaAOfgDaRzrCwjQkxdN6DDQkpHu45mvVaqofkGQ_ZNQNh1-Cn6M9SEOctYWmlVjgqWYgEUAe59NNXWEFMeHMuwSwRKQ/s320/US.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><p><i>I want you for U.S. Army! </i></p><p>That motto accompanies this famous World War l Army recruitment poster, and the man pointing his finger at you (the viewer) is Uncle Sam. This is an iconic image in U.S. culture.....but who is Uncle Sam?</p><p>In reality, Uncle Sam is a personification of the U.S. federal government, and Uncle Sam (initials U.S.) is a common nickname for the United States. Some people say Uncle Sam when they're really talking about the federal government (example: He owed $1000 in taxes to Uncle Sam.)</p><p>Uncle Sam represents patriotism and unity, and he is typically portrayed as a tall, thin, bearded man who wears a suit of red, white, and blue. </p><p>It is believed that the name originated from war-time meat supplies during the War of 1812, whose packages were labeled U.S. A soldier jokingly stated that the initials referred to “Uncle Sam.”</p><p>Everyone is the United States has an uncle. Young or old, native-born or new citizen, your uncle is Uncle Sam.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-40248292521525485532022-09-03T14:12:00.004-07:002022-09-03T14:14:17.005-07:00Negative Infinitives<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3Xyzx1_LDFhRHISQIIGW5Kj4079-KWlfICSKAL1MgBhrRefmO-FaMTVfHdqBIZgrCTAfvZ91CaYnBhDAywM9HZIpqPo3FfD-Lo6nlwIr_nHwvoQ4YV-arUN6wxLEzkAP7I3c83XCGtdnIerwhF30CMcIh9W8op3SS9zXoIH6TDuJZsBGr2bn9ZyZvQ/s313/to%20be.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="313" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3Xyzx1_LDFhRHISQIIGW5Kj4079-KWlfICSKAL1MgBhrRefmO-FaMTVfHdqBIZgrCTAfvZ91CaYnBhDAywM9HZIpqPo3FfD-Lo6nlwIr_nHwvoQ4YV-arUN6wxLEzkAP7I3c83XCGtdnIerwhF30CMcIh9W8op3SS9zXoIH6TDuJZsBGr2bn9ZyZvQ/s1600/to%20be.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><p>Here’s an inspiring quote from Albert Einstein: "Try <u>not to become</u> a man of success. Rather become a man of value.”</p><p>In this quote there is a great example of a grammar rule, which is how to make an infinitive negative. The famous line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet “To be, or <u>not to be</u>?” can help you remember the rule too: <b>When making an infinitive negative, you put “not” before the infinitive.</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Examples: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Marco decided <u>not to go</u> to Paris.</li><li>Olga chose <u>not to fly</u> on the holiday. </li><li>I always try <u>not to be</u> late.</li><li>It’s best <u>not to drive</u> if you are tired. </li></ul><p></p><p>An infinitive is the basic form of a verb with "to": to + verb (example: to sing/to drive/to go). A split infinitive occurs whenever a word appears between ‘to’ and the verb. Here are those same sentences as split infinitives: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Marco decided <u>to not go</u> to Paris.</li><li>Olga chose <u>to not fly</u> on the holiday. </li><li>I always try <u>to not be</u> late.</li><li>It’s best<u> to not drive</u> if you are tired. </li></ul><p></p><p>Generally, experts don’t approve of split infinitives so the recommendation is to use them only in informal situations.</p><p> Try <u>not to forge</u>t this grammar rule ;)</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-75116607305853419622022-08-09T20:00:00.004-07:002022-08-09T20:00:51.894-07:00US Culture: Thorne Miniature Rooms<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBndGiVMjTWigAgFtwD8_EYREIeZeyNoRhHDDNTFT0cS4h_RSXjLpq4JQjO9c3dlAOHteCeEB6zdKEHfDQF_vgBaXWrbMMxGRf0sc-t1aoeO-zDZV9RYKz0SXAw1oFgu-znhv91xDwl30SYNyTrhibbcQsUCCVx2NkFd-TdRCiDivTjxc3-1J9Jnznw/s640/Mini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBndGiVMjTWigAgFtwD8_EYREIeZeyNoRhHDDNTFT0cS4h_RSXjLpq4JQjO9c3dlAOHteCeEB6zdKEHfDQF_vgBaXWrbMMxGRf0sc-t1aoeO-zDZV9RYKz0SXAw1oFgu-znhv91xDwl30SYNyTrhibbcQsUCCVx2NkFd-TdRCiDivTjxc3-1J9Jnznw/s320/Mini.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>When visiting the <b>Thorne Miniature Rooms</b> in the Chicago Art Institute, you are invited to peer through 68 windows that look into 68 distinctly different rooms — very, very tiny rooms. </p><p>Constructed on a 1:12 scale, in other words, a scale of 1 inch (2.5 cm) to 1 foot (0.30 m), the Thorne Miniature Rooms are replications of rooms found in America and Europe from the 13th century to the 1930s. Even more spectacular, they are made primarily of the same materials as full-sized rooms.</p><p>In the 1930s, through the imagination of Narcissa Niblack Thorne, the creator of the Thorne Rooms, a total of 100 rooms were intricately designed by skilled Chicago craftsmen. There are 68 rooms at the Chicago Art Institute, with the remaining rooms in galleries throughout the country. </p><p>I remember looking at these little rooms with fascination when I was a child, and I still feel the same enchantment today when I visit the <a href="https://www.artic.edu/highlights/12/thorne-miniature-rooms">Thorne Miniatures.</a> </p><p><br /></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-79554044365760614202022-07-05T20:26:00.000-07:002022-07-05T20:26:23.854-07:00Too Bad<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWDZT9NY2AquPPpl6jD-a6L_zMorUgbheKu20p6ZFfTZ-3YD2hOL5yA_4tUBTZOK95WG0pVOCxpVJWhKnXKHlyA0aSdainQ6tsnA8BgvM6jhziOKgliMGQARkPSqu6RTjQ5AZUYZCTFNy0Rdkq_cug84B79KNPfro3e6i0EnFStyq3UE4ZD5BCGr4Lg/s576/pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWDZT9NY2AquPPpl6jD-a6L_zMorUgbheKu20p6ZFfTZ-3YD2hOL5yA_4tUBTZOK95WG0pVOCxpVJWhKnXKHlyA0aSdainQ6tsnA8BgvM6jhziOKgliMGQARkPSqu6RTjQ5AZUYZCTFNy0Rdkq_cug84B79KNPfro3e6i0EnFStyq3UE4ZD5BCGr4Lg/s320/pic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>What does “too bad” mean in this joke? </p><p><i>Parallel lines have so much in common. It’s <u>too bad</u> they’ll never meet. </i></p><p>Taken literally, one is likely to think “too bad” means really bad or extremely bad, which is one way to define the phrase. In this joke, however, it translates to “it’s unfortunate” or “it’s a pity.”</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It’s <u>too bad</u> the jacket doesn’t fit you.</li><li>It’s <u>too bad</u> David can’t come to the picnic. </li><li>That’s <u>too bad</u>. I’m sorry to hear that. </li></ul><p></p><p>Let’s look at one more: “Too bad” can be used in an ironic way to show that one is not sorry or does not feel sympathy about a problem. </p><p style="text-align: left;">A: “I want to go to the football game.” <br />B: “<u>Too bad</u>. You failed your math exam so you need to stay home and study instead.”</p><p>So, “too bad” means three different things:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Literally = extremely bad</li><li>Expressing sympathy</li><li>Expressing a lack of sympathy</li></ol><div>For English learners, it's good to keep these differences in mind, especially when someone says "too bad" to you. </div><p></p><div><br /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-49703196335997694542022-06-06T19:49:00.010-07:002022-06-16T14:54:52.043-07:00Guilty Pleasures<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh314mtKwvox5T_CgDTyWKtrvKD0BqwC60jkdEtSN351Qc82oNptQV-CYj3Coq2eequknxmyKfDZTbssWYgj6V3zc2Sg101V3mPfRZod6UE0dgfyssHJUC-TmiNKmkyFuw1Oh0PUcFoD-K1UMbDeV18ezq0VmiMC3DIZw4MBgpIJX4X2tDXXPbNLoAsrQ/s372/cake.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="372" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh314mtKwvox5T_CgDTyWKtrvKD0BqwC60jkdEtSN351Qc82oNptQV-CYj3Coq2eequknxmyKfDZTbssWYgj6V3zc2Sg101V3mPfRZod6UE0dgfyssHJUC-TmiNKmkyFuw1Oh0PUcFoD-K1UMbDeV18ezq0VmiMC3DIZw4MBgpIJX4X2tDXXPbNLoAsrQ/w255-h235/cake.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Greek playwright Euripides stated, “Short is the joy that <u>guilty pleasure</u> brings.” He failed to include, however, that guilty pleasures are so fun. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A guilty pleasure is an enjoyable activity that usually induces minor feelings of guilt. It’s something harmless that you like doing despite feeling a bit of shame for enjoying it. Such a combination of pleasure and remorse - ha ha!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">One of my guilty pleasures is watching my favorite soap opera, General Hospital. I watch it every day.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are some other examples of common guilty pleasures: </span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Ordering take out because you don’t feel like cooking</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Playing video games</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Eating junk food</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Sleeping late</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Watching reality shows or binge watching TV series</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Reading gossip magazines</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Certain foods (coffee, chocolate, ice cream, etc.)</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Guilty pleasures come in many forms, and indulging in one indeed brings great joy. What is one of your guilty pleasures?</span></p><div><br /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-46961207603398453792022-04-05T10:39:00.005-07:002022-04-05T16:54:34.465-07:00Ashamed or Embarrassed<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCp-S9cIsOenqVYmG0ede-8kVjpCUO0mm_E3DGapdduu-gtHr6PF5Ip5xV-cKZ9jyEbV9jdrJX15HHTHYvg_oQ-miPnLWnVOCNCfOe7lB2IISEiByD5hsbbtVHYTmYyKVGme-C0byKlzYp9eB8Km83l9rCkZlUzyI-PG7f7dgWKv5Zc0xwSa6PueeYiQ/s800/pic.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCp-S9cIsOenqVYmG0ede-8kVjpCUO0mm_E3DGapdduu-gtHr6PF5Ip5xV-cKZ9jyEbV9jdrJX15HHTHYvg_oQ-miPnLWnVOCNCfOe7lB2IISEiByD5hsbbtVHYTmYyKVGme-C0byKlzYp9eB8Km83l9rCkZlUzyI-PG7f7dgWKv5Zc0xwSa6PueeYiQ/s320/pic.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p><b>Quiz</b>: You can only feel one of these when you are alone: a) embarrassed b) ashamed</p><p>The main difference between these words is that “ashamed” is more about what you think of yourself, and “embarrassed” is about what other people think of you.</p><p><b>Example #1 — Ashamed</b>: Some people who haven’t had a good education may not be able to read (they are illiterate). They don’t want others to know this because they would be “ashamed” to admit that they are adults who don’t know how to read. Being ashamed is personal, and it’s often associated with feeling inferior, inadequate, or guilty.</p><p><b>Example #2 — Embarrassed</b>: When I was at the university, students would move from class to class on foot (sometimes by bike) and in the wintertime, the sidewalks were often very slippery. It was common to slip and fall on the icy sidewalks, myself included. This was “embarrassing” because other people could see you lose control and it wasn't cool (impressive) in any way. </p><p>When you’re uncertain about whether to use <i>ashamed</i> or <i>embarrassed</i>, think about the source of this feeling: external/other people (embarrassed) or internal (ashamed). </p><p>*(Answer: ashamed)</p><div><br /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-90244749487456579462022-03-02T14:04:00.014-08:002022-03-03T19:06:51.385-08:00I Can't Make It<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2YBcXrTWljZU4EEy0zDEkGOU4C5PMUWkuIOBKbVc6FZeiQmP04EBlalWgyqK7PaXZD-xgw9ngcOP6GNg6ilb1Dli3NUxKHxkOQarJZAwhbu9yxP66Jezs6lwQksYxxZIshIn8xVi0gwrjpk6t1XzNjM19FvcjJoyi96MGwkr9nc3vikhBXkpimQ6seg=s1280" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="1280" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2YBcXrTWljZU4EEy0zDEkGOU4C5PMUWkuIOBKbVc6FZeiQmP04EBlalWgyqK7PaXZD-xgw9ngcOP6GNg6ilb1Dli3NUxKHxkOQarJZAwhbu9yxP66Jezs6lwQksYxxZIshIn8xVi0gwrjpk6t1XzNjM19FvcjJoyi96MGwkr9nc3vikhBXkpimQ6seg=w406-h168" width="406" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Do you know what “I can’t make it” means in the following statement?</p><p>“I’m sorry but <i>I can’t make it</i> to your party on Saturday.” </p><p><i>I can’t make i</i>t means “I can’t go.” It's a common expression to say that you are unable to attend a meeting, an appointment, a party, an event, etc. If you say "I think I won't come,” it changes the meaning greatly because it conveys that you <u>don't want</u> to come or you have decided not to come. </p><p><i>I can make it</i> means “I can go.” You are able to be present at a particular event.</p><p>Example: George will reschedule his appointment so he<i> can make it</i> to the meeting this afternoon. </p><p>Try using <i>I can make i</i>t and <i>I can’t make it</i>, and you’ll be speaking like a real native. </p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-62977591511316052862022-02-02T09:43:00.006-08:002022-02-02T09:49:01.503-08:00USA Culture: Groundhog Day is February 2<p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4ITNsECgfC3Lyp3dl7qSAsJSeNORTsrm-nwMhAa39PoNxxEz-ktiw0VHgNXiaQ7RP3b5X4lS0p2ZuEM6YEdR03Vx7qefpyujArWOLwvVETA6WTZO2K72vn45rJMTfnbqS976vzlYoF0owUXvTV-e6H4qbJqJ90GXsAtUm3UL3igeymMZ_a1VNpvKDuw=s640" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4ITNsECgfC3Lyp3dl7qSAsJSeNORTsrm-nwMhAa39PoNxxEz-ktiw0VHgNXiaQ7RP3b5X4lS0p2ZuEM6YEdR03Vx7qefpyujArWOLwvVETA6WTZO2K72vn45rJMTfnbqS976vzlYoF0owUXvTV-e6H4qbJqJ90GXsAtUm3UL3igeymMZ_a1VNpvKDuw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>Happy Groundhog Day! Groundhog Day is February 2, and it’s a very popular day in the United States and Canada. It’s the day on which the groundhog (woodchuck) emerges from its winter rest and predicts the weather for the following six weeks.</p><p>Groundhog Day originates from the German tradition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow (a hole or tunnel dug by a small animal) on this day and sees its shadow due to sunny weather, it will return to its den, and winter will continue for six more weeks; if it's cloudy and he doesn't see his shadow, it means an early spring. Many of Pennsylvania’s early settlers were German and they brought this tradition with them to North America.</p><p>Since there are no rodent meteorologists, there is no consistent connection between a groundhog seeing its shadow and the arrival time of spring-like weather, even though Groundhog Day remains a popular tradition. </p><p>I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and, according to the this morning’s report of Gordy, the Milwaukee County Zoo's resident groundhog, he did not see his shadow, thus predicting an early spring for Milwaukee :)</p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-15756446977156141352022-01-02T21:25:00.000-08:002022-01-02T21:25:25.763-08:00Produce<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_pC82OxAPk2IAU8KpJs9rG7VIDNXlTQuCkxfXFjXk5pZ-jVc1IJ4IcKIhxmLRfB5sO63gNoRN_5aEok0kN60ZHhf-LQ4kohbpPwLKNSB0-Wb2JXNs5oKdwiFHZGMWn4Aqq43N10WhL4mAYQg02oJ_KjeYFegwkAvGTxusl4qkhwZtjYOz5BGpvO4O6Q=s5515" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4136" data-original-width="5515" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_pC82OxAPk2IAU8KpJs9rG7VIDNXlTQuCkxfXFjXk5pZ-jVc1IJ4IcKIhxmLRfB5sO63gNoRN_5aEok0kN60ZHhf-LQ4kohbpPwLKNSB0-Wb2JXNs5oKdwiFHZGMWn4Aqq43N10WhL4mAYQg02oJ_KjeYFegwkAvGTxusl4qkhwZtjYOz5BGpvO4O6Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>In a supermarket, what is produce and what items are sold in the <b>produce</b> section? (The word is a noun and the pronunciation is <i>PRO</i>duce, with the accent on <i>pro</i>.) </p><p>Produce refers to agricultural products. It’s a general term for many farm or garden crops, particularly fruits and vegetables. It is understood that the products are fresh and in the same state as when they were harvested. This means that they are unprocessed, unfrozen, whole, raw fruits and vegetables that have not been combined with other ingredients.</p><p>If I can, I prefer buying produce at my local farmers market because the products are organic and fresher but, no matter where you buy your produce, it’s important to eat your fruits and veggies! </p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246179872432486232.post-73736692762792733332021-12-07T14:06:00.026-08:002021-12-07T14:18:11.002-08:00elllo.org - a fun, valuable learning resource<p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzbFD9xBSKw/Ya_aS22VNuI/AAAAAAAANfU/_W3QkK_Rqf0TJYu8nb3lw5808U890LGygCNcBGAsYHQ/s225/Unknown.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzbFD9xBSKw/Ya_aS22VNuI/AAAAAAAANfU/_W3QkK_Rqf0TJYu8nb3lw5808U890LGygCNcBGAsYHQ/s0/Unknown.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>You’re busy, and often it’s difficult to find time to study English. Don't worry. If you can dedicate a very small amount of time every day to English, it will lead to great improvements overall.</p><p>I suggest 15 minutes minimum per day as ideal. You will definitely notice a significant impact by doing this versus studying in one 2-hour session per week, for example.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Suggested 15-minute study guide: </u> </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Spend at least <u>five minutes</u> reviewing your notes. The more repetition and studying of notes, the better. Things will become more familiar, natural, and easier. </li><li>Ok, <u>ten minutes</u> remaining? This website has something for everyone: <a href="http://elllo.org">elllo.org</a> (English language Listening Lab Online). I use it almost every day with my English students and here’s why: </li></ol><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The site contains over 3000 short, free listening activities. </li><li>There are different language levels, from beginner to advanced. </li><li>The featured speakers come from all over the world, so you are exposed to different cultures, viewpoints, and accents. You can filter a specific country if you want. </li><li>The topics are extremely diverse and entertaining.</li><li>Vocabulary, idioms, and phrasal verbs are incorporated naturally within the text. You can review new words on a separate page (audio notes) if you want; these are short explanations of key terms or interesting language.</li><li>You can test yourself with a quiz that accompanies each activity. </li><li>People speak in everyday English (not formal text book English). </li><li>Each listening activity includes the written text if you want to read and follow along with the audio. Some people are better listeners, some are better readers. </li><li>Don't listen while driving. You can't effectively study this way.</li></ul><p></p><p>I’m enthusiastic about <a href="http://Elllo.org">Elllo.org</a>. Try it for 15 minutes a day, every day, and see how naturally your English skills grow. </p><p><br /></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17842660274550162711noreply@blogger.com0