The pressures of work leave many fathers struggling to spend enough time with their families, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission. The commission's group director of strategy, Andrea Murray, explains why.
Listen here
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Fallen Angel: Farrah Fawcett Dies at 62
Farrah Fawcett, the 1970s "It Girl" who was known for her cascading golden hair and bombshell body, died in a Santa Monica hospital today, ABC News has learned. She was 62-years-old.
"After a long and brave battle with cancer, our beloved Farrah has passed away," Fawcett's longtime romantic partner Ryan O'Neal said in a statement released by Fawcett's publicist, Paul Bloch. "Although this is an extremely difficult time for her family and friends, we take comfort in the beautiful times that we shared with Farrah over the years and the knowledge that her life brought joy to so many people around the world."
Watch a special edition of "20/20" TONIGHT at 10 p.m. ET for the Barbara Walters special "Farrah's Love."
Fawcett became a symbol of the will to survive through her years-long battle with cancer, which was chronicled in the recent TV documentary "Farrah's Story." Her death comes on the heels of O'Neal's declaration that she agreed to marry him.
"I've asked her to marry me, again, and she's agreed," O'Neal, 68, told Barbara Walters who sat down with O'Neal and others close to Fawcett in the final days of the actress' life.
Fawcett and O'Neal began dating in 1980 and lived together with son Redmond. The two never officially tied the knot, but not for O'Neal's lack of trying.
"I used to ask her to marry me all the time," he said. "But ... it just got to be a joke, you know. We just joked about it."
Watch a special edition of "20/20" TONIGHT at 10 p.m. ET for the Barbara Walters special "Farrah's Love."
Fawcett became a symbol of the will to survive through her years-long battle with cancer, which was chronicled in the recent TV documentary "Farrah's Story." Her death comes on the heels of O'Neal's declaration that she agreed to marry him.
"I've asked her to marry me, again, and she's agreed," O'Neal, 68, told Barbara Walters who sat down with O'Neal and others close to Fawcett in the final days of the actress' life.
Fawcett and O'Neal began dating in 1980 and lived together with son Redmond. The two never officially tied the knot, but not for O'Neal's lack of trying.
"I used to ask her to marry me all the time," he said. "But ... it just got to be a joke, you know. We just joked about it."
Now, Fawcett leaves behind O'Neal, their 24-year-old son and her father, James. She was previously married to Lee Majors, star of "The Six Million Dollar Man," from 1973 to 1982.
Fawcett was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006. Although doctors declared her free of cancer in February 2007, a few months later they learned that the cancer had returned.
Fawcett's alternative approach to her cancer treatment was surrounded by much controversy. After her initial diagnosis, Fawcett received traditional treatments in California.
Fawcett was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006. Although doctors declared her free of cancer in February 2007, a few months later they learned that the cancer had returned.
Fawcett's alternative approach to her cancer treatment was surrounded by much controversy. After her initial diagnosis, Fawcett received traditional treatments in California.
According to People.com, Fawcett was "disheartened" by both the reoccurrence of the cancer and the treatment she was receiving in the United States, so she traveled to Germany's University Clinic in Frankfurt in search of an alternative course of treatment.
Some reports have said that she received experimental stem cell treatment while in Germany. But Craig Nevius, who helped produce "Farrah's Story," told ABCNews.com that while details of the stem cell treatment have been widely reported, it has never been confirmed by the actress or sources close to her.
Last year, an employee at the UCLA Medical Center was disciplined for accessing Fawcett's medical records, a few weeks after the hospital announced that several employees had been fired for snooping in Britney Spears' records.
Fawcett's attorney told The Associated Press that an employee at the hospital reviewed the actress' medical records without authorization and then details about her treatment appeared in the tabloid the National Enquirer.
Though Fawcett returned home earlier this year, taking a break from long hospital stays, according to People magazine, the actress returned to the hospital for at least two weeks prior to her death.
Some reports have said that she received experimental stem cell treatment while in Germany. But Craig Nevius, who helped produce "Farrah's Story," told ABCNews.com that while details of the stem cell treatment have been widely reported, it has never been confirmed by the actress or sources close to her.
Last year, an employee at the UCLA Medical Center was disciplined for accessing Fawcett's medical records, a few weeks after the hospital announced that several employees had been fired for snooping in Britney Spears' records.
Fawcett's attorney told The Associated Press that an employee at the hospital reviewed the actress' medical records without authorization and then details about her treatment appeared in the tabloid the National Enquirer.
Though Fawcett returned home earlier this year, taking a break from long hospital stays, according to People magazine, the actress returned to the hospital for at least two weeks prior to her death.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Living the dream or TV exploitation?
On the morning of 11th April 2009, Susan Boyle was an unknown middle aged woman living in West Lothian, who claims she’d never been kissed. Then she sang ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. Within nine days her performance had been viewed by 100 million people around the world on the internet leading to a media storm. She did the rounds of TV chat shows in the US, and was hailed as an inspiration by a Hollywood star. But according to recent reports in the tabloid newspapers the strain is starting to show as she struggles to cope with all the attention. Is this a simple rags to riches story or a case of media exploitation? Jane is joined by The Times television critic Andrew Billen, and psychologist Prof. David Wilson.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Domestic violence
Jacqui Smith on the launch of the public consultation on domestic violence The largest ever government public consultation to tackle violence against women and girls. It includes a review into police powers for dealing with serial perpetrators of domestic violence and a review of the sexualisation of teenage girls.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour/03/2009_10_mon.shtml
A letter to a newspaper
You are going to write a letter or email expressing your own opinions in reply to
this letter written to a newspaper.
a As you read the letter, decide whether you basically agree or disagree with the opinions
expressed.
In these days of equality between the sexes, it seems to me perfectly reasonable that, in wartime, women soldiers should be expected to fight alongside their male counterparts on the front line. Unlike your reporter (Ref Why we should continue to protect our women, The Evening Times, Friday 13 April) I firmly believe that, given the right training and experience, women are as physically and mentally tough as men.
In my view, those who claim that women are not capable of fighting effectively because of their emotional make‑up are guilty of simple, old-fashioned sexism.
Jenny Lavender (Manchester)
b make a list of points to include in your email or letter.
‑ if you agree with the writer, think of two additional points to support her argument.
‑ if you disagree, think of two arguments expressing the opposite point of view.
c Plan your writing paragraph by paragraph. Example:
Paragraph 1 State your basic position on the subject, referring to the original letter. Include reference to any relevant experience you have had.
Paragraph 2 Present your first argument.
Paragraph 3 Present your second argument.
Paragraph 4 End with a summary of your views or an additional thought in support of your point of view.
this letter written to a newspaper.
a As you read the letter, decide whether you basically agree or disagree with the opinions
expressed.
In these days of equality between the sexes, it seems to me perfectly reasonable that, in wartime, women soldiers should be expected to fight alongside their male counterparts on the front line. Unlike your reporter (Ref Why we should continue to protect our women, The Evening Times, Friday 13 April) I firmly believe that, given the right training and experience, women are as physically and mentally tough as men.
In my view, those who claim that women are not capable of fighting effectively because of their emotional make‑up are guilty of simple, old-fashioned sexism.
Jenny Lavender (Manchester)
b make a list of points to include in your email or letter.
‑ if you agree with the writer, think of two additional points to support her argument.
‑ if you disagree, think of two arguments expressing the opposite point of view.
c Plan your writing paragraph by paragraph. Example:
Paragraph 1 State your basic position on the subject, referring to the original letter. Include reference to any relevant experience you have had.
Paragraph 2 Present your first argument.
Paragraph 3 Present your second argument.
Paragraph 4 End with a summary of your views or an additional thought in support of your point of view.
Sample answer
I am in complete agreement with Jenny Lavender. In general, I believe that the majority of women are as well equipped as men to fight on the front line in wartime.
Although I have no direct experience of this myself, several members of my family, men and women, have spent time in the arm forces. With this in mind, I can honestly say that in some the women were better able to cope with the emotional pressures than the men. I have no reason to believe that this would be any different in a wartime situation.
The main reason for my point of view is this: women have been been fighting for equality with men for decades now. In many countries, they have achieved equal pay with men for the same work. Their arguments have always been that the work they did demanded the same skills and abilities as their male colleagues. If we have been convinced by their arguments for equal pay for equal work, how can we possibly deny women the right to fight on the front line in times of war? Secondly, and this may be a controversial point, I believe morale generally would be higher among armies if women were allowed to fight on the front line.
I am in complete agreement with Jenny Lavender. In general, I believe that the majority of women are as well equipped as men to fight on the front line in wartime.
Although I have no direct experience of this myself, several members of my family, men and women, have spent time in the arm forces. With this in mind, I can honestly say that in some the women were better able to cope with the emotional pressures than the men. I have no reason to believe that this would be any different in a wartime situation.
The main reason for my point of view is this: women have been been fighting for equality with men for decades now. In many countries, they have achieved equal pay with men for the same work. Their arguments have always been that the work they did demanded the same skills and abilities as their male colleagues. If we have been convinced by their arguments for equal pay for equal work, how can we possibly deny women the right to fight on the front line in times of war? Secondly, and this may be a controversial point, I believe morale generally would be higher among armies if women were allowed to fight on the front line.
In this situation, which is stressful for everyone concerned, it seems to me that a "normal" mix of men and women could only raise morale.
In conclusion, I believe, as does Jenny Lavender, that the arguments against women becoming front‑line fighters are based on old-fashioned sexist attitudes. Men may want to protect us from the horrors of war, but we need to prove that we are strong enough to fight alongside men.
In conclusion, I believe, as does Jenny Lavender, that the arguments against women becoming front‑line fighters are based on old-fashioned sexist attitudes. Men may want to protect us from the horrors of war, but we need to prove that we are strong enough to fight alongside men.
From Real Writing ed. Cambridge English Skills
Complaining about a service
Dear Sir,
On 23 April I was due to attend an important meeting in Chicago. I had a seat on the 12.15 flight from Heathwick Airport. To make sure I did not miss my flight, I decided to catch the train from my local station. Unfortunately, the train did not arrive until 08.45 and was further delayed due to a 'staff shortage'. We did not leave the station until 10.45. Needless to say, I missed my flight to Chicago. I explained the situation to the airline staff, but still had to buy another ticket. I arrived in Chicago considerably out of pocket and very late for my meeting.
I am now writing to complain about this appalling rail service and to demand a full refund, not only of my rail fare but also of my replacement air ticket.
Please find attached details of these costs.
I look forward to hearing from you. I should be grateful if you would contact me at the above address or by phone.
Yours faithfully,
On 23 April I was due to attend an important meeting in Chicago. I had a seat on the 12.15 flight from Heathwick Airport. To make sure I did not miss my flight, I decided to catch the train from my local station. Unfortunately, the train did not arrive until 08.45 and was further delayed due to a 'staff shortage'. We did not leave the station until 10.45. Needless to say, I missed my flight to Chicago. I explained the situation to the airline staff, but still had to buy another ticket. I arrived in Chicago considerably out of pocket and very late for my meeting.
I am now writing to complain about this appalling rail service and to demand a full refund, not only of my rail fare but also of my replacement air ticket.
Please find attached details of these costs.
I look forward to hearing from you. I should be grateful if you would contact me at the above address or by phone.
Yours faithfully,
Job application letter
549 Shaftesbury Road `
Finsbury Park
London N6 4ST
20 February 2006
Ms Angels, Cartwright
Personnel Department
Speed Software Development
150‑154 The Avenue
Croydon CR2 OQU
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing in response to your recent advertisement for an ofice administrator. Please find enclosed my current CV.
I feel I would be suitable for the post for a number of reasons. Firstly I speak excellent English, having recently passed the Cambridge Certificate exam with an A grade.
Secondly, I feel I possess the relevant import and export experience, having previously worked in that department in a French company trading in ________ . During
this time, I gained invaluable experience. I also feel I have social skills and ability to communicate .
On top of all this, I am a dedicated, motivated worker, able to act both independently and also as part of a team. In my last job, I was responsible for _____________. I enjoy new challenges and never give less than my all.
I am available for interview at any time and would be happy to provide references should you require them.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information.
I look forward to hearing from you soon,
Yours faithfully,
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Prison education scheme 'failed'
BBC news Thursday, 30 October 2008
Prison education scheme 'failed'
Ministers hope to reduce re-offending rates by improving inmates' education
Prison education scheme 'failed'
Ministers hope to reduce re-offending rates by improving inmates' education
Schemes to improve prisoners' basic skills and qualifications in English jails have "failed in almost every respect", an MPs' committee has said.
They were of "little practical use" to those serving less than a year and those moving between prisons could find themselves unable to continue.
Only 20% of those who needed help the most had joined a course, MPs said.
But ministers said there had been "significant progress" and the service was "far from failing".
In its report the Commons public accounts committee said helping prisoners improve basic and vocations skills was a major plank of the government's policy to cut reoffending.
They were of "little practical use" to those serving less than a year and those moving between prisons could find themselves unable to continue.
Only 20% of those who needed help the most had joined a course, MPs said.
But ministers said there had been "significant progress" and the service was "far from failing".
In its report the Commons public accounts committee said helping prisoners improve basic and vocations skills was a major plank of the government's policy to cut reoffending.
Alcohol problems
Many prisoners had "severe" learning problems, nearly 40% had a reading age below that expected of an 11-year-old and half of people in custody had no qualifications, they said.
Since 2006, the Offenders' Learning and Skills Service (OLASS) has handled inmates' education provision in England.
But the committee said only about a fifth of those with "serious literacy or numeracy needs" enrol on a course that would help them and more could be done to motivate them.
Many prisoners had "severe" learning problems, nearly 40% had a reading age below that expected of an 11-year-old and half of people in custody had no qualifications, they said.
Since 2006, the Offenders' Learning and Skills Service (OLASS) has handled inmates' education provision in England.
But the committee said only about a fifth of those with "serious literacy or numeracy needs" enrol on a course that would help them and more could be done to motivate them.
It notes there are challenges as many prisoners have mental health, alcohol or drugs problems and the "operational requirements" of prisons had to take priority over learning.
But it says there appeared to be "confusion" over how funding should be prioritised, "tensions" over objectives and a risk that "performance incentives" for those providing the service did not encourage them to reach out to the hardest-to-reach prisoners.
"Payments are made to providers irrespective of offender take-up, attendance or achievement," the report said.
"The programmes currently on offer are likely to be of limited practical use to prisoners serving less than 12 months, and reconviction rates for these prisoners are not improving."
'Far from failing'
It also raised concerns about a lack of assessment of some prisoners, "frequently deficient" learning plans and the lack of a core curriculum, which meant if inmates moved prisons they could find it hard to continue their courses.
The committee's Conservative chairman, Edward Leigh, told the BBC: "The people who are responsible are those who actually run our prisons, they seem to want to have above all a quiet life, they want to have tame prisoners who are locked up.
But it says there appeared to be "confusion" over how funding should be prioritised, "tensions" over objectives and a risk that "performance incentives" for those providing the service did not encourage them to reach out to the hardest-to-reach prisoners.
"Payments are made to providers irrespective of offender take-up, attendance or achievement," the report said.
"The programmes currently on offer are likely to be of limited practical use to prisoners serving less than 12 months, and reconviction rates for these prisoners are not improving."
'Far from failing'
It also raised concerns about a lack of assessment of some prisoners, "frequently deficient" learning plans and the lack of a core curriculum, which meant if inmates moved prisons they could find it hard to continue their courses.
The committee's Conservative chairman, Edward Leigh, told the BBC: "The people who are responsible are those who actually run our prisons, they seem to want to have above all a quiet life, they want to have tame prisoners who are locked up.
He added: "I think you want to have a vigorous really committed service which believes in the power of resurrection of these people and says 'I'm going to give these people a life skill'."
In a statement with the report, he added: "OLASS was set up to overcome long-standing problems in the delivery of skills and learning for offenders. In practice, it has failed in almost every respect."
But the government said the report had been based on a National Audit Office study which focused on "very early days" in the service, since when significant changes and a "marked improvement" had been made.
In a joint statement, further education minister Sion Simon and minister for offender management David Hanson MP said the service was "far from failing".
They said nearly 40% of inmates had taken part in training courses in 2007/8, compared with less than 30% when the service before 2006.
"OLASS has made significant progress since its creation with a solid growth in the number of offenders learning new skills," they said.
"All the agencies involved in offender learning will continue to work together and are wholly focused on reducing reoffending through skills and employment."
In a statement with the report, he added: "OLASS was set up to overcome long-standing problems in the delivery of skills and learning for offenders. In practice, it has failed in almost every respect."
But the government said the report had been based on a National Audit Office study which focused on "very early days" in the service, since when significant changes and a "marked improvement" had been made.
In a joint statement, further education minister Sion Simon and minister for offender management David Hanson MP said the service was "far from failing".
They said nearly 40% of inmates had taken part in training courses in 2007/8, compared with less than 30% when the service before 2006.
"OLASS has made significant progress since its creation with a solid growth in the number of offenders learning new skills," they said.
"All the agencies involved in offender learning will continue to work together and are wholly focused on reducing reoffending through skills and employment."
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Inversion/ adding emphasis
Emphasis using negative introductory expressions
The following expressions can be placed first in a sentence for emphasis. The subject and verb are then inverted.
We use do/does/did if there is no auxiliary.
• little, never, rarely, scarcely:
Never have I seen so many people.
Little did we know that he had followed us.
• no sooner ... than, barely/hardly ... when:
No sooner had he got the job than he asked for a pay rise.
Hardly had I got through the door when the phone rang.
• at no time, under no circumstances, on no account, no way (informal):
Under no circumstances should you let anyone in.
• not since, not for, not a (person/thing), not only ... (but also):
Not since the 90s has he written such a superb novel.
Not a soul did we see on our journey.
Not only do they want a pay increase, they (also) want reduced hours.
• only + time expression or prepositional phrase:
Only now / after all these years has the crime been solved.
Only when I got to the airport did I realise I had forgotten my passport.
B Emphasis through 'fronting' parts of the sentence
'Fronting' involves moving elements of a sentence to the front in order to:
• start with the most important information;
• provide an emphatic contrast with the previous sentence;
• provide a link with what came before by putting known information at the front of the sentence.
Note
In order to avoid ending a clause or sentence with be as a result of fronting, we normally invert the subject and verb.
1 Fronting the object or complement
I don't know what we're going to do. -+ What we're going to do I don't know.
It took me ages to finish that assignment! -+ Ages it took me to finish that assignment!
I don't believe that. -+ That I don't believe!
2 Fronting adverbials and verbs of place or movement (+ inversion)
And now we are in the market place.
Here stood the old Corn Exchange building. Opposite is the church.
We arrived at our camp. Then began the slow process of acclimatisation.
Into the room swaggered the Count.
Note
We don't invert the subject and verb:
• if the subject is a pronoun:
Here stands his statue. Here it stands. Here stands it.
• with time phrases
At eight o'clock went off the alarm clock.
3 Fronting comparative or superlative phrases, so, such (when not followed by a noun), also (+ inversion)
She has made five films to date. Her latest film is particularly good. -+ Particularly good is her latest film.
The storm was so terrible that the ship sank. -+ So terrible was the storm that the ship sank.
His financial position was such that his friends started to worry. -+ Such was his financial position that his friends started to worry.
The house loomed out of the darkness. Also visible were several dogs guarding the door.
4 Fronting as and though
Try as they might, they could not win the race.
Exhausted though he was, he stumbled on.
The following expressions can be placed first in a sentence for emphasis. The subject and verb are then inverted.
We use do/does/did if there is no auxiliary.
• little, never, rarely, scarcely:
Never have I seen so many people.
Little did we know that he had followed us.
• no sooner ... than, barely/hardly ... when:
No sooner had he got the job than he asked for a pay rise.
Hardly had I got through the door when the phone rang.
• at no time, under no circumstances, on no account, no way (informal):
Under no circumstances should you let anyone in.
• not since, not for, not a (person/thing), not only ... (but also):
Not since the 90s has he written such a superb novel.
Not a soul did we see on our journey.
Not only do they want a pay increase, they (also) want reduced hours.
• only + time expression or prepositional phrase:
Only now / after all these years has the crime been solved.
Only when I got to the airport did I realise I had forgotten my passport.
B Emphasis through 'fronting' parts of the sentence
'Fronting' involves moving elements of a sentence to the front in order to:
• start with the most important information;
• provide an emphatic contrast with the previous sentence;
• provide a link with what came before by putting known information at the front of the sentence.
Note
In order to avoid ending a clause or sentence with be as a result of fronting, we normally invert the subject and verb.
1 Fronting the object or complement
I don't know what we're going to do. -+ What we're going to do I don't know.
It took me ages to finish that assignment! -+ Ages it took me to finish that assignment!
I don't believe that. -+ That I don't believe!
2 Fronting adverbials and verbs of place or movement (+ inversion)
And now we are in the market place.
Here stood the old Corn Exchange building. Opposite is the church.
We arrived at our camp. Then began the slow process of acclimatisation.
Into the room swaggered the Count.
Note
We don't invert the subject and verb:
• if the subject is a pronoun:
Here stands his statue. Here it stands. Here stands it.
• with time phrases
At eight o'clock went off the alarm clock.
3 Fronting comparative or superlative phrases, so, such (when not followed by a noun), also (+ inversion)
She has made five films to date. Her latest film is particularly good. -+ Particularly good is her latest film.
The storm was so terrible that the ship sank. -+ So terrible was the storm that the ship sank.
His financial position was such that his friends started to worry. -+ Such was his financial position that his friends started to worry.
The house loomed out of the darkness. Also visible were several dogs guarding the door.
4 Fronting as and though
Try as they might, they could not win the race.
Exhausted though he was, he stumbled on.
Making Diet Resolutions Stick
Making Diet Resolutions Stick
with Jonathon E. Stewart
Why make a diet resolution if you can't keep it for more than a week? Try these tips to keep you in check and make your weight loss resolution a habit you keep with you all year long.
with Jonathon E. Stewart
Why make a diet resolution if you can't keep it for more than a week? Try these tips to keep you in check and make your weight loss resolution a habit you keep with you all year long.
Transcript: Making Diet Resolutions StickHey guys - Jonathon Stewart here for About.com. Getting into the habit of eating healthy, nutritious foods will not only help you to lose weight, feel better, and live longer, it will also give you the self-confidence of knowing you can create a positive change in your life. But how do you make a resolution about your diet that you'll actually stick to? Easy-peasey, japanesey! Check it out.
View Your Diet Resolution as a Lifestyle Change First, don't think of what you're doing as restricting yourself from anything. If you're trying to lose weight or cut inches off your body, or just eat more healthy, nourishing foods, think of the endeavor as a change in lifestyle - not as something that you have to eliminate from your life, temporarily or otherwise. This includes making sure that your diet has variety - don't limit yourself to just eating grapefruit in the morning, or cottage cheese at lunch. Take some time to research healthy foods that are high in nutrition and low in fat or excessive carbohydrates, and head to the grocery store with a list. Think of it as a new food exploratory adventure!
Set Realistic Diet ResolutionsNext, be realistic about the goals you set for yourself. With the help of your doctor, a nutritionist, or some well-thought out research online, make a plan and write it down, along with short and long term mileposts. If you're slimming down, aim for losing a half pound to two pounds a week at the most, and be sure to chart your progress as you go. Making an ongoing list of things that you look forward to doing, and how you plan to feel when you reach your goals can help to keep you focused as well. Spend a little time each day specifically concentrating on your new you, and feeling good about yourself as you go.
Find a Diet Resolution Buddy You might also think about recruiting a buddy who shares a similar resolution with you - a spouse, sibling, or good friend can be a great person to plan meals with, just don't let their downfalls suck you in. They should be there to support your success, not the other way around.
Be Aware of Diet Temptations Be able to identify trouble spots that are likely to kick you back into old eating habits, like Tuesday Wing Night after work, or the coffee shop where you once indulged in a daily triple-fat venti mochacino. Find new routines to support your new healthy eating habits, and remember that in every moment, you are in control of what you put in your body. Because the only person who's guiltily stuffing that bacon-wrapped hot dog into your mouth at 3am is you.
Remember to Bounce Back Finally, don't be discouraged by setbacks. There's every likelihood that you may stumble, just don't let it knock you off track. Get back up, dust yourself off, redouble your resolve, and never look back. And before you know it, you really will be a new you.
Thanks for watching! To learn more, visit us on the Web at About.com.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
THE OTHER MEDICINE
Every year, one in five of us tries some sort of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) - what's the attraction? And what do we get out of it?
Should we regulate complementary and alternative medicine?
A quarter of the UK population has tried some form of complementary therapy - the most familiar being acupuncture, osteopathy and homeopathy.Osteopathy and chiropractic are regulated, but there is no body that regulates complementary or alternative medicine - and there is no law that says you have to be qualified to practice. The government has just announced it's to look into herbalism and acupuncture and propose statutory regulation, but that leaves a whole raft of therapies with no control. Last Friday Reginald Gill, who called himself a wellness practitioner, was sentenced to a year in prison for deception under the Trades Descriptions Act. He claimed he could cure cancer. Sheila Cracknell tells Jenni how she took him to court after her son Stephen died. So what sort of regulation would prevent quacks setting up as therapists and how can we be sure what works and what doesn't? Edzard Ernst, Profesor of Complementary Medicine at the Peninsula Medical School of the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth and Jayne Goddard, President of the Complementary Medical Association join Jenni to discuss
Comparisons
A Review of comparison:
Comparative structures
• to a higher degree:
Boston is smaller/safer than New York.
Living in the centre is more fashionable these days.
• to the same degree:
Congestion in London is (just) as bad as it is in Paris.
He's as good a policeman as his father was.
Both cities are equally beautiful.
• to a lower degree:
The city is not as/so safe as it used to be.
It's not such a safe city as it used to be.
That's not such a good idea. (implied: as you might think)
2 Superlative structures
Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world. Prison is the most/least effective way of dealing with such cnmes.
B Modifying comparisons
1 To express a big difference, we can use:
• a great deal, (quite) a lot, considerably, far, (very) much + comparative
It's much easier to get around today.
• by far (and away), easily + superlative
This is easily the best book I've ever read.
• nothing like, not nearly, nowhere near as ... as
Graffiti is nowhere near as serious a crime as murder.
• just about + superlative
He's just about the nicest person I know. (= extremely nice)
2 To express a small difference, we can use:
• barely, a bit, hardly any, a little, scarcely (any), slightly, somewhat + comparative
The house is scarcely bigger than a rabbit hutch.
• nearly, not quite as ... as, much the same as ...
The city is much the same as it was 50 years ago.
C so/such;too/enough (result)
so + adjective + that-clause
The demonstration was so peaceful that most of the police left·
• such a + adjective + noun + that-clause
It was such a peaceful demonstration that most of the police left.
• too + adjective (+ for) + to-infinitive
It was too dangerous (for us) to go out at night.
• (not) adjective + enough (+ for) + to-infinitive
It wasn't safe enough (for us) to go out at night.
D Other types of comparison
1 Repetition of the same comparative form to emphasise increase or decrease:
I'm getting colder and colder / more and more anxious.
2 the ... the to say how a change in one thing affects another:
The more I see you, the more I like you. The less you know, the better.
The longer we stand here in the rain, the worse I feel.
3 To contrast two similar qualities:
His behaviour was more strange than suspicious. (His behaviour was strange rather than suspicious.)
I'm not so much angry as relieved.
E as versus like
1 like + noun = similar to
He looks like a criminal. (but he's not)
2 as + name of job, etc. = role, function
He works as an 'extra' in films. (That's his job.)
F Ways of expressing preferences
We sometimes use comparative forms when expressing preferences:
I'd want/prefer to pay an on-the-spot fine rather than go to court.
I'd (far) sooner/rather live in Chicago than New York.
Comparative structures
• to a higher degree:
Boston is smaller/safer than New York.
Living in the centre is more fashionable these days.
• to the same degree:
Congestion in London is (just) as bad as it is in Paris.
He's as good a policeman as his father was.
Both cities are equally beautiful.
• to a lower degree:
The city is not as/so safe as it used to be.
It's not such a safe city as it used to be.
That's not such a good idea. (implied: as you might think)
2 Superlative structures
Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world. Prison is the most/least effective way of dealing with such cnmes.
B Modifying comparisons
1 To express a big difference, we can use:
• a great deal, (quite) a lot, considerably, far, (very) much + comparative
It's much easier to get around today.
• by far (and away), easily + superlative
This is easily the best book I've ever read.
• nothing like, not nearly, nowhere near as ... as
Graffiti is nowhere near as serious a crime as murder.
• just about + superlative
He's just about the nicest person I know. (= extremely nice)
2 To express a small difference, we can use:
• barely, a bit, hardly any, a little, scarcely (any), slightly, somewhat + comparative
The house is scarcely bigger than a rabbit hutch.
• nearly, not quite as ... as, much the same as ...
The city is much the same as it was 50 years ago.
C so/such;too/enough (result)
so + adjective + that-clause
The demonstration was so peaceful that most of the police left·
• such a + adjective + noun + that-clause
It was such a peaceful demonstration that most of the police left.
• too + adjective (+ for) + to-infinitive
It was too dangerous (for us) to go out at night.
• (not) adjective + enough (+ for) + to-infinitive
It wasn't safe enough (for us) to go out at night.
D Other types of comparison
1 Repetition of the same comparative form to emphasise increase or decrease:
I'm getting colder and colder / more and more anxious.
2 the ... the to say how a change in one thing affects another:
The more I see you, the more I like you. The less you know, the better.
The longer we stand here in the rain, the worse I feel.
3 To contrast two similar qualities:
His behaviour was more strange than suspicious. (His behaviour was strange rather than suspicious.)
I'm not so much angry as relieved.
E as versus like
1 like + noun = similar to
He looks like a criminal. (but he's not)
2 as + name of job, etc. = role, function
He works as an 'extra' in films. (That's his job.)
F Ways of expressing preferences
We sometimes use comparative forms when expressing preferences:
I'd want/prefer to pay an on-the-spot fine rather than go to court.
I'd (far) sooner/rather live in Chicago than New York.
Past tense for hypothetical meanings: Wish/if only etc.
Past tenses for hypothetical meanings
We use past tenses after the following expressions to describe situations in the present, past or future which are imagined or unreal:
wish / if only, It's (high) time, would rather/sooner, would prefer, as if/though, suppose/supposing, what if
A wish / if only
1 We use wish / if only + past when we want a present situation to be different:
I wish / If only we had more money. (but we haven't)
I wish I was (formal: were) a bit taller. (but I'm not)
2 wish + would is used to express a wish for something to change in the present or future.
• We often use it to criticise or complain about someone or something:
I wish Peter would wear smarter clothes. I wish the weather would improve.
• I wish + would cannot be used to refer to oneself:
I wish I could (not would) stop smoking. (but I can't)
• We cannot use would for an impossible change:
If only the earth was (formal: were) square.
Note
Notice the difference between wish and hope. If we hope something will happen, we believe it is possible and likely:
I hope they will come. (= I want them to and I think it's likely.)
I wish they would come. (= I don't believe it's likely.)
3 We use wish / if only + past perfect to express regret about a past situation:
I wish we'd had something to eat earlier. (but we didn't)
If only I hadn't missed my appointment. (but I did)
4 Differences between wish and if only.
• if only is usually more emphatic than I wish.
• We can put a subject between if and only for emphasis:
If only you / If you only knew what I've been going through.
B It's time
We use this expression to say that something is not happening and it should be:
It's (high) time you gave up playing computer games. (You should give them up!)
C would rather/sooner, would prefer
I'd rather / I'd sooner you didn't ask me for any more money. (Please don't!)
I'd prefer it if you didn't ask me for any more money.
Notes
• If the speaker and the preference are the same, we use an infinitive, not the past tense:
I'd rather/sooner watch TV. (not Fe watch)
I'd prefer to watch TV (not-watch)
• We can also say I'd prefer you not to go.
D as if/ as though
• We use the past after as if/as though to indicate that the situation is unlikely:
He acts as if/though he was (formal: were) a teenager. (In fact, he's in his thirties.)
• We use a present tense to indicate that something is likely:
He looks as if/though he is a teenager. (And he probably is.)
E suppose/supposing, imagine, what if
We use these expressions to ask about an imaginary situation in the present or future, and its possible consequences:
(just) suppose/supposing/imagine you won the lottery, how would you spend the money?
What if you had hurt yourself-what would have happened then?
We use past tenses after the following expressions to describe situations in the present, past or future which are imagined or unreal:
wish / if only, It's (high) time, would rather/sooner, would prefer, as if/though, suppose/supposing, what if
A wish / if only
1 We use wish / if only + past when we want a present situation to be different:
I wish / If only we had more money. (but we haven't)
I wish I was (formal: were) a bit taller. (but I'm not)
2 wish + would is used to express a wish for something to change in the present or future.
• We often use it to criticise or complain about someone or something:
I wish Peter would wear smarter clothes. I wish the weather would improve.
• I wish + would cannot be used to refer to oneself:
I wish I could (not would) stop smoking. (but I can't)
• We cannot use would for an impossible change:
If only the earth was (formal: were) square.
Note
Notice the difference between wish and hope. If we hope something will happen, we believe it is possible and likely:
I hope they will come. (= I want them to and I think it's likely.)
I wish they would come. (= I don't believe it's likely.)
3 We use wish / if only + past perfect to express regret about a past situation:
I wish we'd had something to eat earlier. (but we didn't)
If only I hadn't missed my appointment. (but I did)
4 Differences between wish and if only.
• if only is usually more emphatic than I wish.
• We can put a subject between if and only for emphasis:
If only you / If you only knew what I've been going through.
B It's time
We use this expression to say that something is not happening and it should be:
It's (high) time you gave up playing computer games. (You should give them up!)
C would rather/sooner, would prefer
I'd rather / I'd sooner you didn't ask me for any more money. (Please don't!)
I'd prefer it if you didn't ask me for any more money.
Notes
• If the speaker and the preference are the same, we use an infinitive, not the past tense:
I'd rather/sooner watch TV. (not Fe watch)
I'd prefer to watch TV (not-watch)
• We can also say I'd prefer you not to go.
D as if/ as though
• We use the past after as if/as though to indicate that the situation is unlikely:
He acts as if/though he was (formal: were) a teenager. (In fact, he's in his thirties.)
• We use a present tense to indicate that something is likely:
He looks as if/though he is a teenager. (And he probably is.)
E suppose/supposing, imagine, what if
We use these expressions to ask about an imaginary situation in the present or future, and its possible consequences:
(just) suppose/supposing/imagine you won the lottery, how would you spend the money?
What if you had hurt yourself-what would have happened then?
CONDITIONALS
Conditionals
1 Zero conditional: real events/situations, things which are always true
If means the same as when.
• present + present
If / When I work late, I always get home tired.
• past + past
If / When the weather was bad, we used to stay indoors.
2 First conditional: possible or likely events/situations (future)
If + present + modal verb / present continuous (with future meaning) / going to / imperative
If it snows tomorrow, the match willlmaylcould be cancelled / I'm staying at home.
3 Second conditional: unlikely or unreal situations (present or future)
If + past + would/could/might + infinitive
If you met your favourite actor on the street (unlikely), what would you do?
If I became President (but I won't), I'd build more hospitals. (in the future)
If I were you (but I'm not), I'd take warm clothes. (= advice)
4 Third conditional: unreal/impossible past situations
If + past perfect + wouldlcould/might + have + past participle
If we had known about the blizzard, we wouldn't have set out. (but we didn't know)
If you had listened more carefully (but you didn't), you would have understood. (= criticism)
Mixed conditional structures combine the verb forms from two different conditional patterns. The most common combinations are:
• unreal past + unreal present
If we hadn't got lost, we'd be there by now.
• unreal present + unreal past
If I were a more ambitious person (but I'm not), I'd have become a politician.
Other conjunctions can be used to introduce conditions:
• unless (= if ... not or only if)
Unless the weather improves, we will have to cancel the game. (If the weather doesn't improve ... )
She won't go to sleep unless you tell her a story. (She will only go to sleep if you ... )
• providing/provided (that), on condition that, as/so long as (= only if)
Note
These conjunctions are not used with the third conditional.
I'll lend you the money providing (that) you pay it back. I'd lend you the money as long as you paid it back.
• but for (= if it had not been for, if ... not)
But for your warning, we wouldn't have realised the danger. (If it had not been for your warning, / If you had not warned us, ... )
• whether ... or not (= it doesn't matter which of these situations )
Whether governments like it or not, they have to give more aid to the developing world.
• suppose/supposing, what if (used to talk about imaginary situations)
- The present tense suggests the condition may be fulfilled:
What if your plan fails, what then?
- The past tense suggests the condition is unlikely:
Suppose you won the Lottery, what would you do?
• assuming that (= in the possible situation that) Assuming (that) you're right, we should turn left here.
• in case (as a way of being safe from something that might happen)
Take your umbrella in case it rains.
• otherwise (= if not)
Let's hope the weather improves. Otherwise (= If it doesn't), we'll have to cancel the picnic.
D Omission of if
If can be omitted and the auxiliary verb moved in front of the subject (inversion). this structure is formal.
• should suggests that the condition is unlikely:
Should you ever find yourself in Oxford, we would be glad to see you. (If you should ever ... )
• were suggests that the condition is unlikely:
Were the company to collapse, many people would lose their savings. (If the company collapsed ... )
• had
Had I known earlier that you wanted to join the team, I'd
have put your name on the list. (If I had known ... )
My horse would have won had he not fallen at the final fence. ( ... if he had not fallen ... )
1 Zero conditional: real events/situations, things which are always true
If means the same as when.
• present + present
If / When I work late, I always get home tired.
• past + past
If / When the weather was bad, we used to stay indoors.
2 First conditional: possible or likely events/situations (future)
If + present + modal verb / present continuous (with future meaning) / going to / imperative
If it snows tomorrow, the match willlmaylcould be cancelled / I'm staying at home.
3 Second conditional: unlikely or unreal situations (present or future)
If + past + would/could/might + infinitive
If you met your favourite actor on the street (unlikely), what would you do?
If I became President (but I won't), I'd build more hospitals. (in the future)
If I were you (but I'm not), I'd take warm clothes. (= advice)
4 Third conditional: unreal/impossible past situations
If + past perfect + wouldlcould/might + have + past participle
If we had known about the blizzard, we wouldn't have set out. (but we didn't know)
If you had listened more carefully (but you didn't), you would have understood. (= criticism)
Mixed conditional structures combine the verb forms from two different conditional patterns. The most common combinations are:
• unreal past + unreal present
If we hadn't got lost, we'd be there by now.
• unreal present + unreal past
If I were a more ambitious person (but I'm not), I'd have become a politician.
Other conjunctions can be used to introduce conditions:
• unless (= if ... not or only if)
Unless the weather improves, we will have to cancel the game. (If the weather doesn't improve ... )
She won't go to sleep unless you tell her a story. (She will only go to sleep if you ... )
• providing/provided (that), on condition that, as/so long as (= only if)
Note
These conjunctions are not used with the third conditional.
I'll lend you the money providing (that) you pay it back. I'd lend you the money as long as you paid it back.
• but for (= if it had not been for, if ... not)
But for your warning, we wouldn't have realised the danger. (If it had not been for your warning, / If you had not warned us, ... )
• whether ... or not (= it doesn't matter which of these situations )
Whether governments like it or not, they have to give more aid to the developing world.
• suppose/supposing, what if (used to talk about imaginary situations)
- The present tense suggests the condition may be fulfilled:
What if your plan fails, what then?
- The past tense suggests the condition is unlikely:
Suppose you won the Lottery, what would you do?
• assuming that (= in the possible situation that) Assuming (that) you're right, we should turn left here.
• in case (as a way of being safe from something that might happen)
Take your umbrella in case it rains.
• otherwise (= if not)
Let's hope the weather improves. Otherwise (= If it doesn't), we'll have to cancel the picnic.
D Omission of if
If can be omitted and the auxiliary verb moved in front of the subject (inversion). this structure is formal.
• should suggests that the condition is unlikely:
Should you ever find yourself in Oxford, we would be glad to see you. (If you should ever ... )
• were suggests that the condition is unlikely:
Were the company to collapse, many people would lose their savings. (If the company collapsed ... )
• had
Had I known earlier that you wanted to join the team, I'd
have put your name on the list. (If I had known ... )
My horse would have won had he not fallen at the final fence. ( ... if he had not fallen ... )
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Conditional sentences
The first conditional
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/episode24/languagepoint.shtml?postcard_dropdown=Episodes&x=7&y=11
The second conditional
www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1159_gramchallenge38/
The third conditional
www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv356.shtml
mixed conditionals
www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv344.shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/flatmates/episode24/languagepoint.shtml?postcard_dropdown=Episodes&x=7&y=11
The second conditional
www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1159_gramchallenge38/
The third conditional
www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv356.shtml
mixed conditionals
www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv344.shtml
Inversion in conditional sentences
Is the sentence Hadn't it been for?...(as an alternative to Had it not been for?...) correct or incorrect?
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Climate change
US scientists have reported that humans have had a significant influence on the earth's climate over the last ten thousand years. This report by Richard Black:
Prosecution vow for fly tippers
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/6225803.stm
Illegal dumping of rubbish in the Welsh countryside is a growing problem, according to environment officials.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Spain plans to build casino city
Reading
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8020523.stm
The Spanish region of Aragon is due to approve a law that would allow the biggest casino and entertainment centre in Europe to be built.
The planned complex near the village of Ontiñena has strong local support despite giant casino operators in Macau and Las Vegas struggling with the economic crisis.
Danny Wood reports.
Watch the video
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8019874.stm
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
St George's Day
The St George's Cross is the national flag of England
The 23rd April is St George's Day and all over England people are proudly celebrating their patron saint and their country. Britain's population is extremely diverse and is made up of many different cultures and nationalities, so what makes someone feel British? Join Kate and Jackie as they discuss national identity and the different ways of defining it?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
In Praise Of Slow Food
"Slow food" is more of a philosophy than a cuisine -- it's defined by how a meal is prepared, and how it should be enjoyed. It's also the name of an international movement, founded in Italy, with more than 65,000 members across the globe. NPR's Jacki Lyden speaks with Corby Kummer, author of a new book on the movement. View three "slow food" recipes.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1152040
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Learning English with Obama
. The speeches of the new United States President Barack Obama are proving to be a popular aid to learning English in Japan. A special compilation has gone on sale, quickly becoming a national bestseller.
Vocabulary Mind Map
According to Wikipedia, a mind map is 'a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to and arranged radially around a central key word or idea' .
Mind maps are a great tool for organising and learning vocabulary. You can draw them by hand or create them on your computer.
Mind maps are a great tool for organising and learning vocabulary. You can draw them by hand or create them on your computer.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Bob Marley: The Man, The Myth, The Brand
More than 25 years after his death, the singer is still the king of reggae — and a counterculture icon. Now, his family is looking toward its own legacy. Last month, family members announced an ambitious plan to capitalize on the Marley legend by introducing a line of Marley-branded products, including salad dressing and a video game.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101674745
Monday, April 6, 2009
Family and relationships.
Single Children Families
Are only children the way of the future?
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show a steady rise in the number of only children. How does being an only child affect us? Does it create a more motivated adult, a spoilt adult or make no difference. What are the long term consequences of smaller families for us as a society with an ageing population? Sheila McClennon is joined by Damon Syson, journalist and father of one, Ann Richardson, a psychotherapist specialising in single child adults, and an only child herself, and Anastasia De Waal Head of Family and Education at Civitas, and youngest of five.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour/03/2009_14_mon.shtml
Friday, April 3, 2009
Marie Douglas-David demands $100m divorce settlement
Read the following article and then watch the video.
Ms Douglas-David's expenses include $4,500 for clothes, $8,000 for travel, $700 for limousine service and $1,570 for horse care
A 36-year-old countess is demanding that her husband double her divorce settlement to $100 million (£69 million) as she hasn’t enough to cover weekly expenses of more than $53,000. Marie Douglas-David wants to tear up /tɛər/a postnuptial agreement with George David– formerly one of the most respected chief executive officers in American corporate life, and 30 years her senior – under which she would receive just $43 million.
She says she was coerced ( pressure) into signing the agreement by her husband, the former head of United Technologies Corporation, who is worth an estimated $329 million, during their six-year marriage.
The Swedish countess, previously an investment banker, says she has no income and has listed her weekly expenses in a court document. These include $4,500 for clothes, $1,000 for hair and skin treatments, $1,500 for restaurants and entertainment, $8,000 for travel, $700 for limousine services, $2,209 for an assistant, $1,570 for horse care and $600 for flowers.
Accusations of infidelity, bullying and extortion have been flung (thrown) back and forth (backward and forward)at the divorce hearing in a Connecticut courtroom this week as the pair have fought for the sympathy of the judge.
The couple met when Countess Marie Douglas, a descendant of Grand Duke Ludwig I of Baden, was 30 and an asset manager for Lazard Asset Management, investing in United Technologies stock. Mr David, who had divorced his first wife and mother of his three children several years earlier, built United Technologies, the Connecticut-based conglomerate that owns a wide range of businesses from aerospace manufacturing to lifts, into an international success.
The couple joined the New York charity set and jetted around the world. They separated initially in 2004, allegedly over her infidelity. In 2005, after a series of reconciliations, the couple signed a postnuptial agreement giving Ms Douglas-David $43 million should they divorce. Mr David, 67, was accused in court of coercing her to sign it by preying (being a victim of) upon her fears of being divorced and childless.
William Beslow, a prominent New York divorce lawyer, who represented Marla Maples in her divorce from Donald Trump, said his client thought that she was in “a loving, sound(untroubled) marriage” when her husband pushed her into signing the deal. “He put a [figurative] gun to the back of her head,” Mr Beslow told Judge Stephen Frazzini in his opening statement.
Ms Douglas-David wants nearly $100 million in cash and shares, plus about $130,000 a month in alimony(maintenance) payments. Her expenses include maintaining a Park Avenue apartment and three homes in Sweden.
Mr Beslow accused Mr David of pushing his wife into quitting her job so that she could travel and entertain with him. “He ridiculed her as a professional. He diminished her self-confidence,” he said. Mr Beslow said the final straw for his client came in 2008, when she found e-mails disclosing an affair between her husband and a younger woman.
Mr David’s lawyer, Anne Dranginis, accused Ms Douglas-David of nagging (criticizing) and hounding(acosar) her husband with “extensive, long diatribes”(criticism ) over little things “like how he held his fork or how he drafted (designed) invitations”.
Mr David, who stepped down (resigned) as United Technologies chief executive in 2008, argues that he and his wife have already fulfilled some of the terms of the agreement, and that she had tried to have it enforced during a previous court case. He says those facts support the agreement’s validity and is asking the judge to uphold (preserve) the agreement and order his wife to vacate their Park Avenue apartment.
In his court filings, Mr David said that he spends more than $200,000 a week, including $95,943 to own and operate his 90ft yacht. He spends $18,042 a week on charities, $7,491 on travel, $7,125 on entertainment, $2,500 on clothing and $1,773 on food.
Outside court, Ms Douglas-David said: “I’m just very sad that we are where we are.”
tear up: to cancel or annul
formerly:previously
Her senior: older or elder
back and forth: the back-and-forth movement of a clock's pendulum.
Jetted:to transport by jet plane
Quit:to cease from doing something; stop
the last straw
The last in a series of grievances or burdens that finally exceeds the limits of endurance: “The management has given me nothing but trouble since I took this job, and now they've cut my benefits! Well, that's the last straw: I quit!” It comes from an old expression, “the straw that broke the camel's back.”
to diminish:to make or cause to seem smaller, less, less important, etc.; lessen; reduce.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Love and marriage
How important is it to say ‘I love you’?
Telling your partner that you love them every day has just been revealed as one of the secrets of a happy marriage – but for many people such declarations don’t come naturally. Some would rather show their affection through actions rather than words, and others feel it cheapens feelings to express them too often. So what happens when you and your spouse feel differently about those three little words? Journalist Angela Epstein and Paul Taylor, senior lecturer in communications theory at University of Leeds join Jenni to discuss.
Patti Smith: Because the night
Take me now baby here as I am
pull me close, try and understand
desire is hunger is the fire I breathelove is a banquet on which we feed
come on now try and understand
the way I feel when I'm in your hands
take my hand come undercover
they can't hurt you now, can't hurt you now, can't hurt you now
because the night belongs to lovers
because the night belongs to love
because the night belongs to lovers
because the night belongs to us
have I doubt when I'm alone
love is a ring, the telephone
love is an angel disguised as lust
here in our bed until the morning comes
come on now try and understand
the way I feel under your command
take my hand as the sun descends
they can't touch you now, can't touch you now, can't touch you now
because the night belongs to lovers ...
with love we sleep
with doubt the vicious circle
turn and burns
without you I cannot live
forgive, the yearning burning
I believe it's time, too real to feel
so touch me now, touch me now, touch me now
because the night belongs to lovers ...
because tonight there are two lovers
if we believe in the night we trust
because tonight there are two lovers ...
Monday, March 30, 2009
Speaking: Relationships
From: Ready for First Certificate. Ed. Macmillan
Below are some pictures of different types of relationships.Talk about the positive and negative aspects of each relationship and then decide which two are the most important to you.
Below are some pictures of different types of relationships.Talk about the positive and negative aspects of each relationship and then decide which two are the most important to you.
TWINS
Listen to the podcast about twins and put the following statements in the order they are mentioned.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Jobs
From Advanced Expert CAE ed. Longman.Pearson
I'd like you to compare and contrast these photos, saying what personal qualities these jobs would require.
Sample answer
Right ... Well, these photos show a teacher, a doctor and a hairdresser. Looking first at the teacher and the doctor, I think these jobs are similar because they both require sensitivity and tact. To do either of these jobs, you must need a lot of patience. I suspect neither of these
people would survive without a good sense of humour because their work must get quite stressful at times. In my opinion, these jobs are both more important than being a hairdresser, but the hairdresser must also make people feel good about themselves and be patient if they have difficult customers!
Th e most obvious difference between the jobs is that a doctor needs a lot of knowledge and technical skills, whereas for a teacher of young children, I imagine the most important thing would be creativity and energy. A hairdresser is somewhere in the middle. You would also have
be creative to be a hairdresser but also have technical skills,
Although I think they are easier skills to learn than a doctor's. And I suppose being a good listener might not be quite as essential for a teacher as for a doctor. To be a hairdresser, you must listen a lot too, or you might give people haircuts that they don't like!
RELATIONSHIPS
From Advanced expert CAE. Pearson.Longman
Speaking
In this part of the test, I'm going to give each of you some pictures showing different relationships. I'd like you to talk about them on your own for about a minute,
- saying how important you think the relationships are and how they might change.
Sample answer: Speaking
In this part of the test, I'm going to give each of you some pictures showing different relationships. I'd like you to talk about them on your own for about a minute,
- saying how important you think the relationships are and how they might change.
Well, two of the photos show relationships between parents and children. One is a mother with a very young baby, and the second one is a father with a young child. The third photo is a young couple.
Er, in the photo of the mother with the baby there's definitely a feeling of tenderness, whereas in the picture with the father and the young son there's more excitement and fun - they're engaged in an activity that they're both enjoying. The last photo is slightly different as it shows a personal moment in a couple's relationship. They are holding hands and sitting close together, and they look very happy.
How might these relationships change? Well, obviously at some point the baby is going to become less dependent on its mother, and therefore that relationship is bound to change. And with the father and son, the child may well become interested in other things that the father's not particularly bothered about. So, if they don't have common interests, that could affect their closeness. For the couple, who knows how things might change? Anything could happen in the future for this couple!
Er, in the photo of the mother with the baby there's definitely a feeling of tenderness, whereas in the picture with the father and the young son there's more excitement and fun - they're engaged in an activity that they're both enjoying. The last photo is slightly different as it shows a personal moment in a couple's relationship. They are holding hands and sitting close together, and they look very happy.
How might these relationships change? Well, obviously at some point the baby is going to become less dependent on its mother, and therefore that relationship is bound to change. And with the father and son, the child may well become interested in other things that the father's not particularly bothered about. So, if they don't have common interests, that could affect their closeness. For the couple, who knows how things might change? Anything could happen in the future for this couple!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Charity: Bono on CNN
Story Highlights
Bono says he's "punching the air" after plan to eradicate malaria won funding
Global activist says you can change the world with $25 billion investment
Campaigning is "most inspiring" work, but pop star also still loves playing with band
ROBERTS: So you're hearing what you want to hear from these candidates?
BONO: Yeah. And you couldn't imagine a few years ago that you would have candidates so close to an election talking about this stuff, so yeah. Watch Bono say how he uses his star status on politicians »
ROBERTS: You were talking to Christine Romans outside the studio, who just did that piece for us a few minutes ago on what else could you do with $700 billion. What could you do with $700 billion?
ROBERTS: For $25 billion, you could put every kid who's out of school in the world into school? That seems like a lot of people for $25 billion. Pretty good return on your investment.
BONO: It's a great return on investment. You heard me on your program before talking about debt cancellation. Strangely Americans don't know that because of debt cancellation there are already an extra 29 million African children in school. That's incredible. Because people got out on the streets on the (RED) campaign and stuff like that, there's now 2.5 million Africans on AIDS drugs, which are expensive. So your country is turning for me in the right direction on these issues.
ROBERTS: So you're hearing some of what you want to hear, particularly on the malaria issues. But the European Union had promised to increase aid by $50 billion between 2005 and 2010. It looks like they're going to fall $40 billion short.
ROBERTS: You talk a lot about these United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Let me go over a couple of those. It was supposed cut global poverty in half by the year 2015. Universal access to HIV/AIDS treatment by 2010. Begin to reverse the incidence of malaria by 2015. How far along that road are we?
BONO: The Millennium Development Goals are in a bit of trouble. It is astonishing to me ...
Bono says he's "punching the air" after plan to eradicate malaria won funding
Global activist says you can change the world with $25 billion investment
Campaigning is "most inspiring" work, but pop star also still loves playing with band
(CNN) -- Global activist and U2 frontman Bono attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York to push world leaders to join his ONE campaign in fighting disease, poverty, and hunger. He talked to CNN's John Roberts on "American Morning" about recent successes and what's next.
ROBERTS: All this talk has been about the economy collapsing, $700 billion bailout. Congress is absolutely absorbed with that. Did that in any way affect what you were trying to do this week? Are people more focused on this economy than in helping out developing nations?
ROBERTS: All this talk has been about the economy collapsing, $700 billion bailout. Congress is absolutely absorbed with that. Did that in any way affect what you were trying to do this week? Are people more focused on this economy than in helping out developing nations?
BONO: We got good news this week. I know normally I'm on your program with bad news -- the whingeing rock star -- but it's great. There's a disease, malaria -- it's 3,000 African kids die every day of mosquito bites. Sounds mad, but it's true. And people have committed and it looks like the funds are on the table so that that disease will be no more by 2015. That makes people like me punch the air and everyone who wears a ONE T-shirt and all our white band campaigners on college campuses all over the country -- it was a great day for them yesterday so we're celebrating that. I know it's extraordinary, that while you're having this meltdown on the markets, that people could even concentrate on this stuff, but I'm really grateful that they did. We had both [presidential] candidates make very powerful statements about the necessity for nonmilitary tools, for instance, in foreign policy. This is an America that both candidates want to show to the rest of the world -- the greatness of America.
ROBERTS: So you're hearing what you want to hear from these candidates?
BONO: Yeah. And you couldn't imagine a few years ago that you would have candidates so close to an election talking about this stuff, so yeah. Watch Bono say how he uses his star status on politicians »
ROBERTS: You were talking to Christine Romans outside the studio, who just did that piece for us a few minutes ago on what else could you do with $700 billion. What could you do with $700 billion?
BONO: We wouldn't be asking for that kind of money. These are serious matters, people have lost their jobs. But I think the bill for the whole world -- so America would be like a third of it -- for $25 billion you could absolutely change the world. You could put kids in school, most kids in school. You could eradicate diseases like malaria, as we're saying. We could change the water supplies. But what's important is that people who want to change the world, want to see their country, they see it as a patriotic act to show the world innovation of America, technology of America, pharmacology of America.
ROBERTS: For $25 billion, you could put every kid who's out of school in the world into school? That seems like a lot of people for $25 billion. Pretty good return on your investment.
BONO: It's a great return on investment. You heard me on your program before talking about debt cancellation. Strangely Americans don't know that because of debt cancellation there are already an extra 29 million African children in school. That's incredible. Because people got out on the streets on the (RED) campaign and stuff like that, there's now 2.5 million Africans on AIDS drugs, which are expensive. So your country is turning for me in the right direction on these issues.
ROBERTS: So you're hearing some of what you want to hear, particularly on the malaria issues. But the European Union had promised to increase aid by $50 billion between 2005 and 2010. It looks like they're going to fall $40 billion short.
BONO: They are, but they're still ahead of America. That's the bad news. You don't want to get me into the ring.
ROBERTS: Absolutely! Come on.
BONO: We've had meetings with Sarkozy this week as well as talking with McCain and Palin and as well as always talking with the Obama campaign. We do keep up the pressure on the Europeans, but the Europeans are way ahead of America on aid, just to put it in context. But you're right. They're not coming through on all of it. We will torture them too. That's our job.
BONO: We've had meetings with Sarkozy this week as well as talking with McCain and Palin and as well as always talking with the Obama campaign. We do keep up the pressure on the Europeans, but the Europeans are way ahead of America on aid, just to put it in context. But you're right. They're not coming through on all of it. We will torture them too. That's our job.
ROBERTS: You talk a lot about these United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Let me go over a couple of those. It was supposed cut global poverty in half by the year 2015. Universal access to HIV/AIDS treatment by 2010. Begin to reverse the incidence of malaria by 2015. How far along that road are we?
BONO: The Millennium Development Goals are in a bit of trouble. It is astonishing to me ...
ROBERTS: Whose fault is that?
BONO: You know, politicians. They love signing checks, but they don't like cashing them. They love the photograph. These G-8 meetings, you'll see myself and my partner Bob Geldof arm-wrestling with politicians up against the wall.
BONO: You know, politicians. They love signing checks, but they don't like cashing them. They love the photograph. These G-8 meetings, you'll see myself and my partner Bob Geldof arm-wrestling with politicians up against the wall.
ROBERTS: You're very effective at doing that. You get access to a lot of places. I remember I was on a trip with President Bush once, and you walked on Air Force One.
BONO: It's the absurdity of celebrity. I don't consider myself a celebrity in this sense, I think I'm an activist who knows what I'm talking about. But yeah, we get access, and we use it. It's true that there was a very ambitious plan signed up in 2005 that further committed what was decided in the year 2000, that we could actually across eight goals completely change the face of poverty and hunger in the world. And there was a $25 billion bill by 2010 that would enable them to do that. They haven't come through on that. And another day I'll tell you why, but today I'm punching the air because malaria will be no more by 2015. And it's Americans, people from the private sector -- Peter Chernin, Ray Chambers, all kinds of people, Bill Gates, your mayor of this city, [Michael] Bloomberg, is an amazing guy. He's working on this stuff. I just want Americans to know that side of their country because I'm a fan of America. And, again, you would have candidates, you know, like John McCain taking time out this week to talk to us, Barack Obama before. This is fantastic.
ROBERTS: I was reading your blog on financialtimes.com. You've been writing all week, doing a great job too. You mentioned in one of your pieces you've been writing some lyrics. And I'm wondering where the lyrics are going.
BONO: Statistics don't rhyme. Songwriting comes from such a different part of my brain and such a different part of who I am.
BONO: Statistics don't rhyme. Songwriting comes from such a different part of my brain and such a different part of who I am.
ROBERTS: Are you writing about all this?
BONO: No, it's strange. It's very strange. I used to work in a garage when I was a kid pumping gas, and I used to dream when I was pumping the gas about getting to rehearsals on a Saturday so I could be with my band and write songs. The work that I'm doing now, as we say, we're working like a dog, living like a shih tzu. We're spoiled people. We travel well, but we work. On these issues, because you're working for the world's poor, we work like dogs. But I find myself at times, sometimes I just wake up in the morning, and I just want to be back with my band in a rehearsal room.
BONO: No, it's strange. It's very strange. I used to work in a garage when I was a kid pumping gas, and I used to dream when I was pumping the gas about getting to rehearsals on a Saturday so I could be with my band and write songs. The work that I'm doing now, as we say, we're working like a dog, living like a shih tzu. We're spoiled people. We travel well, but we work. On these issues, because you're working for the world's poor, we work like dogs. But I find myself at times, sometimes I just wake up in the morning, and I just want to be back with my band in a rehearsal room.
ROBERTS: You will be soon. New CD coming out next year.
BONO: I'm not complaining about the work. This is the most inspiring thing I've ever been involved in in my life, and it's working. It really is working. And that's why I'm on your show this morning. I just want to thank Americans.
ROBERTS: Good luck on the new CD coming out next year. We're looking forward to it.
BONO: I'm not complaining about the work. This is the most inspiring thing I've ever been involved in in my life, and it's working. It really is working. And that's why I'm on your show this morning. I just want to thank Americans.
ROBERTS: Good luck on the new CD coming out next year. We're looking forward to it.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Countable and uncountable nouns. Determiners
Uncountable nouns
1 These refer to things we think of as a 'mass', rather than individual, countable things. They usually have no plural form and are used with a singular verb: accommodation, advice, clothing, equipment, food, flu, luggage, patience, weather, etc.
Progress is very slow.
2 We do not normally use the indefinite article (a/an) with uncountable nouns. Instead, determiners like some, any, etc. may be used:
Here is some advice. There isn't any evidence.
3 We can use the definite article with uncountable nouns when we are talking about a specific example of something:
Can you give me back the money I gave you?
However, we do not use the definite article to talk about things generally:
Money is the root of all evil.
4 To make uncountable nouns countable, we use phrases like these:
a bit of help, a piece of evidence/information, a pile of rubbish/books, a slice of bread/cake, a spoonful/two spoonfuls of (sugar)
B Countable or uncountable nouns?
1 Many nouns can be countable or uncountable depending on the context:
Uncountable
Life here is very good.
Time is short.
Don't stay out in the cold.
Science is not a popular subject.
Countable
Many lives were saved.
Times were hard.
Colds are common in winter.
The sciences are squeezed of funds.
2 Some uncountable nouns can be used with the indefinite article. They are usually qualified by an adjective or phrase:
Uncountable
Knowledge is power.
I've got no time.
Tolerance is a virtue.
Countable + adjectival phrase
He has a good knowledge of the area.
Have a good time.
He showed a great deal of tolerance.
C Subject-verb agreement
1 Uncountable nouns ending in -s are followed by a singular verb:
aerobics, athletics, genetics, maths, news, physics, politics, etc.
No news is good news.
2 These nouns are always followed by a plural verb:
• Nouns ending in -s, usually clothes and tools: pyjamas, shorts, trousers; glasses (= spectacles), pliers, scissors
To make these singular, we usually use a pair of: a pair of trousers
• Nouns made up of many 'parts':
the authorities, belongings, cattle, contents, goods, (the) people, (the) police, remains
3 The noun whereabouts can be followed by a singular or plural verb:
His whereabouts is/are unknown.
4 Collective nouns (nouns referring to groups)
• These may be used with a singular verb if we think of them as a single unit, or with a plural verb if we are referring to members of the group. We use the with these nouns:
The staff is excellent. (= thinking of an impersonal unit)
The staff are excellent. (= thinking of the people who work there)
The media is/are very powerful.
Other examples include: army, audience, choir, committee, headquarters, orchestra, press, public, team
• We generally use a singular verb after a/an + collective noun:
An army of volunteers is on its way.
• We generally use a plural verb after the following expressions when they are followed by of + plural noun: the majority/minority (of), a number (of), a couple (of)
Only a minority of people support the new law.
A number of people still cling on to the old beliefs. Compare:
A small minority disagree/disagrees with the ruling.
5 If a plural subject describes a single unit, e.g. an amount or quantity, we usually use a singular verb:
Thirty kilo metres is a long way.
Five euros is not much.
Six per cent is a big increase.
D Determiners, pronouns and quantifiers
1 Before nouns
• With a countable or uncountable noun: some/any, (not) enough, half/all (of), a lot of/lots of, more/most, no, plenty of
• With a countable noun:
a few (= some), few (= almost no), (not) many, one/both (of), each (of), every, either/neither (of), several
• With an uncountable noun:
a little (= at least some), little (= almost none), (not) much, less, the whole
2 Determiner or pronoun?
Most of the words in the above section can be used as determiners (before a noun) or pronouns (on their own).
Most people enjoy sport. (determiner)
Some of your ideas are crazy. (pronoun)
'Which one do you want?' 'Either is OK.' (pronoun)
Notes
• no and every are determiners, never pronouns.
• none is a pronoun, never a determiner.
3 each, every
• We use each to talk about two or more things or people, considered separately:
She held a bag in each hand.
• We use every to refer to all the people or things in a particular group (more than two):
Every road in the centre was blocked. (= all roads)
• In some contexts, we can use each or every interchangeably:
Each/Every person in the group joined in.
• We can use each (not every) as a pronoun:
We each have our own skills. Each of us went our own way.
• We can use each/every + one of:
We played several games and lost each/every one of them.
• Each and every are followed by a singular verb:
Each of us has a job to do.
4 all, both
• We use both to talk about two people, things, etc. together, and emphasise that each is included:
Both films were boring. (determiner)
'Which one shall I buy?' 'Why not get both?' (pronoun)
• We use all to refer to the whole of an amount, thing, or type of thing, or everyone of a number. We don't usually use all as a pronoun on its own:
I haven't seen him all week. (determiner)
"Which one do you like?' 'I like all of them.' (pronoun)
5 the whole (adjective, noun)
We use (the) whole to refer to all of something, often instead of all of:
We wasted the whole day looking for it.
Climate change affects the whole (of the) planet.
6 either, neither
We use either and neither to refer to one or the other of two things or people. Strictly speaking, they are followed by a singular verb, but a plural verb is common in spoken English.
'You can have either tea or coffee.' 'Neither, thank you.'
I wouldn't want to do either of these jobs. Neither of them is very interesting.
7 no, none
No is a determiner, none is a pronoun. In formal English, they are followed by a singular verb, but a plural verb is more common:
'For those who believe, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not, none (= no explanation) will suffice.' None of us is/are perfect. (= not one of us, for a group of three countable nouns or more)
1 These refer to things we think of as a 'mass', rather than individual, countable things. They usually have no plural form and are used with a singular verb: accommodation, advice, clothing, equipment, food, flu, luggage, patience, weather, etc.
Progress is very slow.
2 We do not normally use the indefinite article (a/an) with uncountable nouns. Instead, determiners like some, any, etc. may be used:
Here is some advice. There isn't any evidence.
3 We can use the definite article with uncountable nouns when we are talking about a specific example of something:
Can you give me back the money I gave you?
However, we do not use the definite article to talk about things generally:
Money is the root of all evil.
4 To make uncountable nouns countable, we use phrases like these:
a bit of help, a piece of evidence/information, a pile of rubbish/books, a slice of bread/cake, a spoonful/two spoonfuls of (sugar)
B Countable or uncountable nouns?
1 Many nouns can be countable or uncountable depending on the context:
Uncountable
Life here is very good.
Time is short.
Don't stay out in the cold.
Science is not a popular subject.
Countable
Many lives were saved.
Times were hard.
Colds are common in winter.
The sciences are squeezed of funds.
2 Some uncountable nouns can be used with the indefinite article. They are usually qualified by an adjective or phrase:
Uncountable
Knowledge is power.
I've got no time.
Tolerance is a virtue.
Countable + adjectival phrase
He has a good knowledge of the area.
Have a good time.
He showed a great deal of tolerance.
C Subject-verb agreement
1 Uncountable nouns ending in -s are followed by a singular verb:
aerobics, athletics, genetics, maths, news, physics, politics, etc.
No news is good news.
2 These nouns are always followed by a plural verb:
• Nouns ending in -s, usually clothes and tools: pyjamas, shorts, trousers; glasses (= spectacles), pliers, scissors
To make these singular, we usually use a pair of: a pair of trousers
• Nouns made up of many 'parts':
the authorities, belongings, cattle, contents, goods, (the) people, (the) police, remains
3 The noun whereabouts can be followed by a singular or plural verb:
His whereabouts is/are unknown.
4 Collective nouns (nouns referring to groups)
• These may be used with a singular verb if we think of them as a single unit, or with a plural verb if we are referring to members of the group. We use the with these nouns:
The staff is excellent. (= thinking of an impersonal unit)
The staff are excellent. (= thinking of the people who work there)
The media is/are very powerful.
Other examples include: army, audience, choir, committee, headquarters, orchestra, press, public, team
• We generally use a singular verb after a/an + collective noun:
An army of volunteers is on its way.
• We generally use a plural verb after the following expressions when they are followed by of + plural noun: the majority/minority (of), a number (of), a couple (of)
Only a minority of people support the new law.
A number of people still cling on to the old beliefs. Compare:
A small minority disagree/disagrees with the ruling.
5 If a plural subject describes a single unit, e.g. an amount or quantity, we usually use a singular verb:
Thirty kilo metres is a long way.
Five euros is not much.
Six per cent is a big increase.
D Determiners, pronouns and quantifiers
1 Before nouns
• With a countable or uncountable noun: some/any, (not) enough, half/all (of), a lot of/lots of, more/most, no, plenty of
• With a countable noun:
a few (= some), few (= almost no), (not) many, one/both (of), each (of), every, either/neither (of), several
• With an uncountable noun:
a little (= at least some), little (= almost none), (not) much, less, the whole
2 Determiner or pronoun?
Most of the words in the above section can be used as determiners (before a noun) or pronouns (on their own).
Most people enjoy sport. (determiner)
Some of your ideas are crazy. (pronoun)
'Which one do you want?' 'Either is OK.' (pronoun)
Notes
• no and every are determiners, never pronouns.
• none is a pronoun, never a determiner.
3 each, every
• We use each to talk about two or more things or people, considered separately:
She held a bag in each hand.
• We use every to refer to all the people or things in a particular group (more than two):
Every road in the centre was blocked. (= all roads)
• In some contexts, we can use each or every interchangeably:
Each/Every person in the group joined in.
• We can use each (not every) as a pronoun:
We each have our own skills. Each of us went our own way.
• We can use each/every + one of:
We played several games and lost each/every one of them.
• Each and every are followed by a singular verb:
Each of us has a job to do.
4 all, both
• We use both to talk about two people, things, etc. together, and emphasise that each is included:
Both films were boring. (determiner)
'Which one shall I buy?' 'Why not get both?' (pronoun)
• We use all to refer to the whole of an amount, thing, or type of thing, or everyone of a number. We don't usually use all as a pronoun on its own:
I haven't seen him all week. (determiner)
"Which one do you like?' 'I like all of them.' (pronoun)
5 the whole (adjective, noun)
We use (the) whole to refer to all of something, often instead of all of:
We wasted the whole day looking for it.
Climate change affects the whole (of the) planet.
6 either, neither
We use either and neither to refer to one or the other of two things or people. Strictly speaking, they are followed by a singular verb, but a plural verb is common in spoken English.
'You can have either tea or coffee.' 'Neither, thank you.'
I wouldn't want to do either of these jobs. Neither of them is very interesting.
7 no, none
No is a determiner, none is a pronoun. In formal English, they are followed by a singular verb, but a plural verb is more common:
'For those who believe, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not, none (= no explanation) will suffice.' None of us is/are perfect. (= not one of us, for a group of three countable nouns or more)
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