A Worldwide Flu Alert

Schools in Mexico were shut down last week. Public events were canceled. Mexico is at the center of a swine flu outbreak. By April 29, more than 2,000 cases and 100 deaths were suspected there.

Swine A/H1N1 influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs. Humans do not normally get swine flu. But when they do, infections can spread from person to person.

The flu has made its way to other countries. Last week, cases were confirmed in the United States, Canada, Europe, Israel and New Zealand.

Governments are taking steps to stop the spread of the illness. No one wants a pandemic, or worldwide outbreak.

In 1918, the "Spanish flu" killed an estimated 40 to 50 million people worldwide. But the world is better prepared for a flu outbreak today. Antiviral drugs can help fight flu. Doctors and hospitals are better equipped than they were 100 years ago.

Doctors say that you can help stop the spread of flu by practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue. Throw it in the trash. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your arm. Tell your parents if you are not feeling well. Stay home if you are sick.

Warm Up: Do you agree or disagree? Why?

1. The swine flu is a serious and dangerous disease.
2. The swine flu will soon spread around the world.
3. I'm very concerned about the swine flu.
4. The news cannot be trusted.
5. The end of the world will soon arrive!

Comprehension:
Talk about the following questions. Remember to support your answers!

1. What do you think about the swine flu? Please explain.
2. Is there any real possibility that millions of people could die from the swine flu? Why/not?
3. What do you think about the media and their reporting of the swine flu? Please explain.
4. If the swine flu spread around the world in a worst-case scenario, how would your life change?
5. What can be done to prevent this virus and others from annihilating the modern world?
6. Is your country's government prepared for an outbreak of swine flu?

PHOTO CREDIT: news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/090511/481/0bc9c73dc...aad629cbd

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1. Drink eight glasses of water each day
The authors found references as early as 1945 suggesting that healthy people should stay hydrated by drinking eight glasses of water each day. But they say there’s a complete lack of evidence supporting that recommendation. Studies also show that most people get enough fluids through daily consumption of juice, milk and even caffeinated drinks.

2. People only use 10 percent of their brains
This myth has been around for more than a century. Some believe it came from Albert Einstein, although the authors found no evidence of that. What they did find were studies that show people use much more than 10 percent of their brains. For example, when almost any area of the brain is damaged, it has “specific and lasting effects on mental, vegetative and behavioral capabilities.” Also, imaging studies have found no area of the brain is completely inactive.

3. Hair and fingernails keep growing after death
While it’s impossible for the body to continue the complex hormone regulation needed to cause hair and nails to grow after death, this myth does have a basis in a biological phenomenon that sometimes occurs after death.

When someone dies, dehydration of the body can cause the skin around the hair or nails to retract, creating the appearance of increased length. But the authors say this is an optical illusion.

4. Reading in dim light ruins your eyesight
While reading in dim light can cause eye strain, and the uncomfortable effects that go along with it such as dryness and difficulty focusing, it does not cause permanent damage, the authors say.

5. Eating turkey makes you especially tired
The authors say turkey doesn’t contain “an exceptional amount of tryptophan.” In fact, turkey, chicken and minced beef contain nearly the same amounts of the amino acid.

Perhaps the reason turkey has long been accused of making people extra sleepy is because of all the overeating we do on Thanksgiving. Studies show that eating any large, solid meal can make you tired because blood flow and oxygenation to the brain decreases. Plus, meals that are high in protein or carbohydrates can cause sleepiness. So can wine.

6. Cell phones cause significant electromagnetic interference in hospitals
Hospitals widely banned cell phone use after a front page Wall Street Journal story cited an article detailing more than 100 reports of suspected electromagnetic interference with medical devices before 1993. But an internet search by the study’s authors could not find any cases of death caused by use of a mobile phone in a hospital. They did find reports of less serious events, such as false alarms or incorrect medical readings.

Meanwhile, subsequent studies show little or no interference. For example, a 2007 study examining mobile phones “used in a normal way” found no interference in 300 tests in 75 treatment rooms.

VOCABULARY
Medical Myths - commonly-held beliefs, rarely based in fact, that people have grown up with

Other Medical myths

Which ones do you believe in? Why / why not?

1. Too many carrots will turn skin orange

2. Eating sugar causes diabetes
3. Cold, wet weather causes colds and flu
4. Don’t cross your eyes they might stick

5. Chocolate causes acne
6. Worry and stress can turn your hair gray
7. Shaving hair causes it to grow back faster, darker, or coarser

Focus on talking

• Do you know any other medical myths? What are they?
• How do medical myths originate?

• Do you believe that medical myths are harmless?

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Psychology of Delay

You know that tomorrow you are expected to submit the presentation you haven’t even started writing. You know that the job has to get done. You know that putting it off just makes it harder, and yet, instead of working on elaborate PowerPoint graphs, you are just getting down to watching television. Sounds familiar? If yes, you might belong to a group of people who adhere to Mark Twain’s principle: Never put off until tomorrow what can be put off until the day after tomorrow.

The group of ‘mañana procrastinators’ is not small - according to a recent study carried out by Piers Steel, a business professor at Calgary University, 15 to 20 percent of adults routinely postpone activities that should be accomplished ASAP. Procrastination plagues especially college students -a worrisome 80 to 95 percent have a desire for postponement.

Although procrastination is as old as humans are, it is probably an even bigger problem in our contemporary society, which offers a whole range of distractions, including television, video games and the Internet. Additionally, many jobs are becoming self-structured, which means it is increasingly up to us to impose our own goals and deadlines.

Can we do anything to overcome procrastination? There is one simple solution: you just have to get started. The anticipation of the task often is far worse than the task itself.

Vocabulary

to procrastinate
to keep delaying something that must be done, often because it is unpleasant or boring

Focus on talking: DISCUSSION

1. Are you good at prioritizing? Why yes / Why not?
2. Do you often put off doing things? What kind of tasks to you usually put off? Why do you postpone them?
3. Which of the following statements best describes your attitude to deadlines?

A. I like having a good time reserve in case something goes wrong.
B. I like to get a little bit of the deadline fever but I still need to have a solid time reserve.
C. I work best having a deadline in the near future.
D. I have the utmost disrespect for deadlines, so I barely finish anything on time.
E. I love the feeling of racing against the clock to see if I can meet the deadline.

4. Do you often have to cope with the guilt and anxiety brought on by waiting until the last minute?
5. Do you think that procrastination is a destructive habit?

6. What could be the potential risks that procrastinators face?

7. Are there any remedies to combat procrastination? What can be done to overcome procrastination?

Focus on comprehension

Read the article again and decide whether these statements are true (T) or false (F).

1. People obsessed with television are more likely to put off other jobs.
2. Most college students are chronic procrastinators.
3. People are more likely to put off doing a task when the deadline is far away.
4. Our ancestors used to have fewer distractions than we have now.

PHOTO CREDIT: thepsychworld.blogspot.com/2008_05_01_archive...

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The choice of a vocation is undoubtedly one of the most important things to consider. Few acts are filled with more unhappiness and regret than that of stumbling into an occupation instead of making a careful choice, based upon a thorough study of the aspirations and qualities within you and the opportunities all around you. The life work you choose will be your deepest source of happiness or of sorrow, it could be the source of you achievements of frustrations depending upon whether or not it fills a need you really feel, and, moreover, upon whether or not your natural aptitudes, as well as your training and economic situation, fit you to realize that need. Real success and happiness demand a perfect adjustment between the requirements of the occupation and the personal gifts of the worker.

The right choice of an occupation was never more important than it is today. This is the age of specialization, and the man who goes farthest along the road to success is the one who is trained to do some one thing well. But, more than that, in order to meet the humiliating competition that even the expert must encounter, the successful man must have all that enthusiasm and energy which he can get only working with passion.

What do you think?

1. Are you happy in your job?
2. What do you think is the reason why people failed on their chosen career?
3. How could you say that a person is happy and enjoys his/her work?
4. What jobs in your country are considered to be good jobs? Why?

5. What do you think, is the worst job in the world?
6. Who do you think should decide on your career?

7. Do you agree that a career is a choice?
8. What are the things should we consider in choosing a career?

9. When you were a child, what job did you want to have when you were older? Why?

10. Can you give one of the best qualities that person should posses to become successful in a chosen career?

PHOTO CREDIT: www.physics.nus.edu.sg/%7Ephysoc/career.html

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Mother's Day is a holiday to honor and give thanks to our mothers. People celebrate the day all over the world. In France, a flower-shaped cake is part of the family meal. In the U.S., most restaurants claim this day as their busiest all year. In many other countries, carnations have a special significance.

Although the holiday is very commercial, it's not a Hallmark holiday. In other words, it's not a holiday created by businesses to make money. Mother's Day actually has its origins long ago in ancient Greece.

Many believe that Mother's Day as we know it originated from the British holiday called "Mothering Sunday." All through the Middle Ages in Europe, people brought gifts to their home (or mother). About this time, it also became increasingly common for children to work far from home as servants and apprentices. They would often need the day off to make the journey, which also allowed them to visit their mothers and family. They would bring a cake and pick wildflowers to give as presents, too. From here the holiday was born.

Americans have had a great influence on the holiday, too. A woman named Julia Ward Howe brought the holiday from Britain in the 1870s. She saw it as a way to honor mothers, of course, but also as a way to honor and promote peace. In 1914, Mother's Day became an official holiday, and was quickly commercialized with cards, carnation flowers, and chocolate candy.

Different countries celebrate the holiday on different days. Different countries have adopted different traditions. But one thing remains the same everywhere: it's a day to say to your mom, "Thank you."

DISCUSSION

· How do most people celebrate Mother's Day in your country?

· What is the meaning of Mother's Day?
· Do you think Mother's Day and Father's Day are good holidays? Are they important holidays? Why/not?
· What did you do for Mother's Day last year? How about Father's Day? How about your parents' birthdays?
· Did you ever do anything special for your parents? If yes, what did you do?
· What skills and/or qualities does a person need to be a good parent? Why do you think so?
· How have parents changed since you were young? Why do you think so?
· Do you think you are (or will be) a good dad? Discuss your strengths and weaknesses, and how they apply to fatherhood.
· No one is perfect. But do you have a specific regret about your mom or dad, maybe a wish that they had done (or hadn't done) something? Please explain.
· When was the last time you hung out with your mom? What did you do?
· When was the last time you told your mom that you cared about her?
· If you could grant one wish for your mom, what would you give her?
· Let's say that you have to introduce your parents at a large banquet. When you stand up, get everyone's attention, and begin, what exactly do you say? Give a two minute speech.
· Can you think of any famous mother from TV and movies? Why are they famous, or even memorable?
· How has the role of a mother changed in the past fifty years?
· If you had to say one was more important than the other, would you say a mother's role is more important than a father's role, or vice-versa? Why?
· Which is more important, a biological mother or a woman who raises a child? Why do you think so?

PHOTO CREDIT: www.sheknows.com/articles/808510.htm

www.gifts-flowers-giftbaskets.com/index.cfm/F...

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Change is an inevitable part of life and growth. Without change, we experience stagnation, depression and even death. Change is the only thing that brings progress, and yet, it is often what we resist and fear the most!

We are in the midst of some of the biggest changes in history. Big businesses are downsizing, the global market is in hyper growth, and the small business sector is expanding at an alarming rate. As the world around us changes, we must learn to change with it or else we will experience confusion, frustration, and stress.

Fear of change is in most cases accompanied by feeling of insecurity and lostness. However, a life without a change is not acceptable. A changeless life is often monotonous and unexciting. The other name for fear of change is Metathesiophobia.

Life is always susceptible to changes and if you suffer from fear of change, you are soon to lose the taste of life. An everyday change in our life is essential, for it opens new opportunities and creates room for adjustments. When you experience a change in life you should ask yourself that what it is that makes you afraid and nervous. When you face fear of change the apprehension seems to evade and once it is gone you can indeed face changes in life as they come to you.

In most cases, you are afraid of changes because you think you don't have the energy and the potential to cope up with something new.

Take help of your inner guidance to get rid of the fear. Accept change as a challenge in life. Laugh your heart out and pass on your joys to others. In fact, a heart full to the brim with joy and enthusiasm has no space for fear and uneasiness.

DISCUSSION

· Do you fear change? Why/not?
· Would you be happy in a world where nothing ever changed? Why/not?
· How are you coping up with changes happening in our economy?
· If you could go back in time and give yourself some advice, what would it be? Why?
· If you could change anything about yourself, what would you change? Why?
· How have you changed since you were in high school? Have these changes been largely positive or negative? Please explain.
· What games did you used to play when you were younger? Do children still play these games nowadays?
· When you were younger, did your parents ever tell you stories about their childhood? Did you believe them? Why/not?
· What do you think about the following statement? Young people today are worse than twenty years ago. Please explain your answer.
· Tastes in fashion and music often seem frozen in the past for older people. Does this describe you? How about the people in your family? Why do you think so?
· How has your neighborhood, city, or country changed over the past 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? Has it become a better place? Please explain.
· Imagine that your body had been cryogenically frozen for 100 years. What changes would have taken place while you were frozen?
· Mahatma Gandhi once said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." What do you think this means? Do you agree or disagree?
· Do you change your mind often, or are you the kind of person whose opinions are set in stone? Please explain.
· Are you happy with your position in life? If not, what would you like to change?
· Would you ever consider having plastic surgery to change your appearance? Why/not?
· What would you like to change about your partner? Why?
· How much do you think people change after marriage? Why?
· What would you do if your partner told you to change your fashion, job, and/or friends?
· Have you ever changed your style, only to find it was a fashion disaster? Please explain.You were to run into an old friend from high school. What would he say? "You haven't changed a bit!" or "I hardly recognize you!" Why do you think so?

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Ghost stories have been with humankind for thousands of years. There are written accounts from the Chinese and Greeks, for example, which make up some of the earliest writings of hauntings. But do people in our modern, well-educated civilization actually believe in ghosts?

In the United States, the answer seems to be "yes." According to a survey taken in 2003, more than half of the population considers ghosts are real. The belief is in spite of the questionable scientific evidence. The poll also revealed that few people have ever seen any spiritual being, and have simply based their beliefs on TV and movies.

Many popular programs and movies have been inspired by real-life ghost stories. However, many have turned out to be false and exaggerated before Hollywood even rewrote the story. Others have been manipulated by Hollywood so much that they don't even look like the original tale. But it doesn't matter so much how Hollywood has changed the ghost stories, because the real-life ones seem much less remarkable. Objects don't fly across the room, and people aren't possessed by spirits. At best, some describe a creepy feeling, or see strange spots of light on film, or see something out of the corner of their eye.

But TV and movies are everywhere in today's world, so they often subtly affect people. They influence society's beliefs, the same as ghost stories did long ago.

How about you? Do you believe in ghosts?

Previews:

• Ghost Story: Do you know any ghost stories or stories about the strange and supernatural? Briefly tell a story about ghosts or the supernatural.

DISCUSSION:

1. Do you believe in ghosts? How about other monsters, like vampires or mummies? Why/not?
2. Do you know anyone who has seen, or think he/she has seen, a ghost? If yes, please explain.
3. What would you do if you saw a ghost?
4. How much do you think TV and movies affect your opinions and beliefs? Please explain.
5. What are some of your favorite ghost and/or horror movies from Hollywood? Why do you like them so much?

PHOTO CREDIT: www.flickr.com/photos/the-view-from-up-here/11834565/

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For the first half of your life, people tell you what you should do; for the second half, they tell you what you should have done. ~Richard Needham

Sailing and Sex, Opera and the Olympics

- the 60 goals for over 60s

Based on feedback from more than a thousand people over 50, the list is as provides a new insight into the ambitious, upbeat outlook of older people.
Goals vary from the culinary - 'learn to cook'; 'go on a wine tasting course'; 'eat more cakes' - to the creative - 'make a scrapbook of childhood'; 'learn to play a musical instrument'; 'take up painting'; 'design a garden'.
As well as experiences such as 'go to the London 2012 Olympics', 'see an opera' and 'see the Northern Lights', more energetic aspirations include 'have more sex' and even 'run a marathon'.
Thoughtful goals for later life include 'telling someone you love them everyday', 'becoming a volunteer' and 'spending more time with the family'.
And among adrenaline rush fantasies such 'hang gliding', 'swimming with dolphins' and 'taking flying lessons' - there's the literally hair-raising 'grow a beard'.
The list is unveiled ahead of the first ever 'Generation Xperience: UK Older People's Day'.
The day is a celebration of the achievements and contribution that 20 million people over 50 - our 'Generation Xperience' - make to the UK.
It also seeks to highlight the opportunities available to the over 50s by challenging common misconceptions of 'later life', 'retirement', and indeed what it means to be 'older'.
The day also coincides with UN International Day of Older People and the first anniversary of the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations that made it unlawful for employers to discriminate against someone because of their age.
Dr. Aric Sigman, leading psychologist said: "Far from fulfilling age-old stereotypes, this list of 60 personal goals highlights how people are expecting more from older age, in terms of both the opportunities that are open to them and the things they want to accomplish and contribute to society.
While some ambitions might be firmly rooted in fantasy, this age group has many goals that are about achieving a sense of purpose and self-fulfillment. It's great that later life is approached with such a sense of optimism."
Below, you will find a list of 60 goals for over 60s published by the Generation Xperience. Which of them would you like to accomplish?

60 GOALS FOR THE OVER 60s

1. See the world / 2. Learn computer skills / 3. Buy a sports car / 4. Write a book / 5. Learn a new language / 6. Start a new business / 7. Swim with dolphins / 8. Take up a martial art / 9. Go on a cruise / 10. Learn to play bowls / 11. Set up a website / 12. Buy a holiday home / 13. Learn to dance / 14. Go fly fishing / 15. Do a parachute jump / 16. Free the family from debts / 17. Take cookery classes / 18. Go on safari / 19. Learn to play a musical instrument / 20. Have more sex / 21. Learn how to ski / 22. Design a garden / 23. Spend more time with the family / 24. Bungee jump / 25. See a West End show / 26. Go hang gliding / 27. Take up yoga / 28. Go back to school / 29. Go hot air ballooning / 30. Socialize more / 31. Become a volunteer / 32. Learn to meditate / 33. Win the lottery / 34. Go rally driving / 35. Sell up and live abroad / 36. Take up painting / 37. Go horse riding / 38. Own a boat / 39. Go to the opera / 40. Raise money for charity / 41. Make a will / 42. Go on a wine-tasting course / 43. Watch more football / 44. Go to the London Olympics / 45. Break a world record / 46. See the Northern Lights / 47. Be a game/quiz show contestant / 48. Take flying lessons / 49. Grow a beard / 50. Tour the UK / 51. Family photo shoot / 52. Play a round of golf on a world famous course / 53. Teach grandchildren to read / 54. Scrapbook your childhood / 55. Tell someone you love them everyday / 56. Eat more cakes / 57. Run a marathon / 58. See grandchildren get married / 59. Read more books / 60. Start up a band.

Source: http://www.a2mediagroup.com

Focus on vocabulary

1. insight - understanding of what something is like
2. upbeat outlook - positive and enthusiastic attitude to life and future
3. thoughtful - showing that you think about and care for other people
4. hair-raising - extremely frightening but often exciting
5. unveiled - shown or presented for the first time
6. to challenge a misconception - to refuse to accept a belief or an idea that is not based on correct information
7. to challenge a misconception - to take place at the same time
8. self-fulfillment - the feeling of being happy and satisfied that you have everything you want or need

Focus on talking

• Are you afraid of getting old? Why yes/not? Which aspect of aging would be for you most difficult to deal with?

• How do you imagine your life when you are sixty? What will your usual daily routine look like? What kind of activities will you be involved in? What will you spend most of your time on?

• What will you be like as an old person?

• Do you think it is more difficult to stay young in mind or body?

• What does “aging gracefully” mean to you?

• Do you think life of the elderly people is easier now than it used to be? Why yes/not?

• Do you think young people in your country treat the elderly with due respect?

PHOTO CREDIT : www.inmagine.com/bs087/acr121-photo

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My Students from POSCO Engineering and Construction

These photos was taken during their training

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by Britt Gillette

Since the beginning of human history, speculation about the end of the world has fascinated mankind. Myths and stories about the end of the earth exist in almost every religion and culture ever known. And yet, somehow, men seem unsatisfied with the answers they receive. They turn to Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce, or ancient Hindu writings hoping to uncover some modicum of truth that will satisfy their innate desire to know something about the future and the ultimate fate of the world.

Never has mankind’s fascination with the end been more prevalent than it is today. Fears of global warming saturate the news media. Worry over a nuclear holocaust persists into its sixth decade. And storylines of asteroids, comets, aliens, or bio-engineered super-diseases wiping out all planetary life continue to dominate the themes of many Hollywood blockbusters. Throughout the world, people are plagued with the same recurring questions. Will the human race become extinct? Will nuclear war or global warming destroy the biosphere? Will the world as we know it continue to exist?

The answer to these questions and many others concerning the end of the world can be found in the Bible. The bible has much to say about the ultimate fate of the earth, the people who live here, and creation itself.

DISCUSSION:

· Do you frequently worry about the ultimate fate of humankind? How about sometimes?
· If scientists or politicians discovered that the world would soon end, do you think they would make it public? Why/not?
· If scientists or politicians discovered that the world would soon end, would you personally want to know about it? Why/not?
· What are the chances that a natural disaster of some kind will cause the death of humankind within your lifetime? Please explain.
· As improbably as it may be, what would you do if you woke up one morning and discovered that all of humankind had disappeared? Please explain.
· As improbable as it may be, what would you do if you woke up one morning and discovered that only you and a few neighbors remained on the entire planet?
· Would you sacrifice yourself in order to save all of humankind? Why/not?
· Would you continue to live life as usual if you knew the end of the world was fast approaching? Why/not?
· Have you prepared in any way whatsoever to survive a major disaster? Please explain.
· What movies have you seen about the end of the world? Are any of these movies even somewhat believable? Why/ not?
· Which is most likely to wipe out humankind, an asteroid, a bio-engineered virus, or a nuclear war? Why do you think so?
· What three things would you do if you knew the world was going to end in one week?
· If the world were soon going to end, what regrets would you have? Please explain.

PHOTO CREDIT: http://www.lookupfellowship.com/2009/03/tying-it-all-together.html

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Youth is associated with innocence, beauty, good health, energy, idealism, curiosity, immaturity, inexperience and rebellion. Old age often implies experience, wisdom, fatigue, failing health and conservatism. For some people it is a time of fulfilment and contentment; for others it may involve cynicism and bitterness. It is sometimes associated with senility when people are forgetful or easily confused.

The physical differences between the young and the elderly are obvious. The average age of competitors in the World Cup or the Olympic Games is likely to be under 35. Medical records show that pensioners require more health treatments than other age-groups.

The notion of youth being rebellious could possibly date from the 1960s when there were many student protests in Western Europe and the U.S.A. More recently, there have been big student demonstrations in China and South Korea. Yet in many other countries, young people are careful to observe the status quo. Respect for elders still seems to be more prevalent in Asia and the Middle East than in Western Europe and the U.S.A. where the average age of political leaders seems to have fallen.

Discussion questions:

1. Are young people better or worse these days? Please explain.

2. Should adults try to teach young people lessons, such as the dangers of drinking too much, taking drugs or contracting the HIV virus, or should they leave them alone to find out about these things themselves? What do you think is the best age to teach them about these things? Explain your opinion.

3. Most countries give young people rights as they reach a certain age. For example, British people can legally make love or fight for their country at the age of 16; they can drink, vote and drive a car when they are 18. Does your country have similar laws? Do you think that any of the age limits need changing?

4. Should young people have to do some form of military or community service by law?

5. Should people of between 60 and 65 be obliged to retire from their jobs in order to make way for younger workers?

6. Are there many things that the old can teach the young or are they hopelessly out of touch by the time they reach a certain age?

7. In most countries, compulsory education is targeted at 5 - 16 year olds. Would it be better to offer it to pensioners who want to learn rather than young people who prefer not to be in school?

8. In Russia, China and many other countries, there is a tradition of choosing leaders who are advanced in years. Do you think that older people make better leaders?

9. Many elderly people have disabilities which limit their mobility. Do buses, shops and public buildings in your country provide easy access for the disabled or are your towns and cities designed mainly for the young and able-bodied?

10. Should the elderly be expected to pay for residential care out of their own savings or should appropriate accommodation and nursing be provided by the tax payer?

PHOTO CREDIT: idle.slashdot.org/.../20/1617241.shtml?from=rss

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In a world of technological change, we struggle to keep up with new developments, yet at the same time, many of us welcome the continuity and repetition provided by traditions. Some of our traditions are connected with places; others relate to the calendar and religious or pagan ceremonies.

Traditions are also observed during important moments of our lives such as weddings and funerals. In a traditional British church wedding, the bride wears a long white dress while the groom wears a black cloak and top hat. The bride's father escorts her to the front of the church and she is attended by brides maids when she leaves. The groom, accompanied by the "best man" brings a gold ring which is placed on the bride's finger after the couple have made serious promises. The groom is then allowed to kiss the bride.

Discussion questions:

1. Do children in your country learn traditional songs which their grandparents also
know? What are these songs about? What instruments are used to play these songs?

2. Does your country have any traditional dances for special ceremonies at different times
of the year? Describe the dances and the traditional dance costumes.

3. What are the traditional sports in your country? Is your country still good at these sports? Describe the traditional clothing.

4. What traditional food and drinks do you have in your country?

5. In Britain, when you are invited to a dinner party, it is traditional to bring a bottle of
wine and flowers or chocolates for the hostess. It is normal to arrive on time, but not
too early. What happens in your country?

6. London businessmen used to wear grey suits and bowler hats. They also carried
umbrellas and read The Times newspaper. What is the traditional image of
business people in your capital city?

7. In very traditional British schools, the pupils stand up when the teacher enters the
room. Teachers used to wear square black hats and long black gowns. It is also
traditional to have school assemblies before morning lessons and to sing a special
school song at the end of term. Do schools in your country have similar traditions?

8. When are the traditional ceremonies in your country and what happens?

9. Describe a traditional wedding ceremony in your country.

10. Describe the traditions relating to your country’s Royal Family, Centre of Government
or System of Justice.

PHOTO CREDIT: www.korea.net/News/News/NewsView.asp?serial_n...

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May 1—The International Worker’s Rights Day!

If you asked an employee what comes to mind first when they think of Labor Day, what do you think they would say? The last days of summer? A family picnic? Shopping the Labor Day sales?

In the 1800s, mass production was introduced in the United States. Mass production means people worked together in factories to make goods in large quantities. The workers in these places worked long and hard for very little pay. The work was often dirty and dangerous. If workers dared to complain about their treatment, they were fired. Employers had a lot of power because there were always other people who needed a job and would be willing to do the work no matter how badly they were being treated.

The establishment of the Labor Day holiday is really the beginning of the story. There were many things in the workplace that workers wanted to change. More unions were formed. Workers came together to bring attention to how they were being mistreated. They negotiated with employers and lobbied government to increase wages, reduce the hours people worked and improve working conditions. The results of their efforts can be seen in how workers are treated today.

DISCUSSION:

• What do you do on Labor Day?
• Do you celebrate Labor Day in your country?
• How many hours a day do most people work?
• Do you work on Saturdays and Sundays?
• Are you paid enough? Why/not?
• Does your salary more or less equal your job description? Why/not?
• Have you ever negotiated a pay raise with your boss? If yes, what happened? If no, why haven't you tried to get more money?
• What's the difference (if any) between a good salary and a fair salary? Please explain.
• What happens when people work more than 40 hours in a week?
• What other days do people usually not have to work?
• Do women get paid less than men?
• Do people still get injured on the job?
• What happens if an employee is sick or gets hurt?
• Can workers be fired for joining a union? For going on strike?
• What is work-life balance? Please explain.
  

PHOTO CREDIT: www.azdems-district-21.org/PakAmer.htm

jacobsmedia.typepad.com/.../happy-labor-day.html

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BNE: A Japanese company started selling a futuristic home robot on September 16. The meter-high humanoid may make housework a thing of the past – for the rich. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries put its internet-linked Wakamaru robot on sale at a price of $150,000. Just 100 of these home helps will initially be available. The robot is the idea of Japanese designer Toshiyuki Kita. He said his creation was “designed in the shape of a human being so that it is not considered simply a machine” and that it has an “independent personality”.

The robot has an impressive number of features. It is capable of recognizing up to ten individuals by name and has a vocabulary of 10,000 words. It can also navigate its way around the house. The Wakamaru website* explains three major functions that will help the lives of the robot’s users: It can live with the family and provide daily schedules; it can speak with the family and be a friend; and it has its own role of looking after the house when no one is home. However, the price needs to come down to make it affordable by all.

DISCUSSION:

• What do you think about Wakamaru?
• What do you think of the idea of robots?
• Are you interested in robots?
• Do you think robots will become more intelligent than humans?
• Would you want your robot to have an independent personality?
• When do you think robots will be as common as cars?
• Do you think you would have conversations with a robot?
• Do you think a home robot would make your life better?

PHOTO CREDIT: http://www.mhi.co.jp/kobe/wakamaru/english/know/design/index.html

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Spring is a time of renewal for many people. The weather is becoming warmer, days are lasting longer, trees are beginning to bud with new leaves, and flowers are starting to bloom. Birds that had flown south for the winter are beginning to return to our northern climate. New animals are born. There is a new energy in the air.

Background:

In the United States, in the spring, people start thinking about planting vegetable gardens. More people come out of their houses to get outdoor exercise. You see more people walking, riding bicycles, and playing outdoor games with their children. Many people also start to think about summer, and planning summer vacations and summer activities with their children.

Discussion Questions:

• What is it like spring weather in Korea? What is your favorite season? (spring? summer? fall? winter?) And why do you like it?
• Are there any special holidays or traditions about spring in your native country? Tell about a spring holiday or spring tradition in your native country?
• Does your native country have a special day in the spring to celebrate flowers, trees, or plants?
• Does your native country have a special day to celebrate the environment, similar to Earth Day in the United States?
• Are there special sports or outdoor activities in the spring in your native country?
• What is your favorite spring sport? Do you play this sport? Do your children play this sport? Do you watch other people play this sport? Do you watch this sport on TV?
• Do people in your native country enjoy hiking in the spring? If yes, tell about some of the places people like to go.
• Do you enjoy walking? Where do you like to walk? Where do people go to walk in your native country?
• Do you enjoy camping? Tell about some places in your country to camp. Have you been camping in other country? If yes, tell about a camping trip – where you went, what you did, what you saw.
• What is your favorite spring activity? Does your family (wife, husband, children, mother,
  father, brothers, or sisters) enjoy the same activity?

PHOTO CREDIT: www.korea.net/news/News/NewsView.asp?serial_n...

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Money doesn’t grow on trees. This lesson introduces students to four ways people get money—they find it, win it, receive it as a gift or earn it. Finding, winning and receiving money often depend on chance and luck. Most people get money by earning it.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you won a million dollars on a television game show? Or maybe someone would give you a lot of money as a gift? Of all the people you know, how many people have been so lucky? Most people get their money by working for it. If you need some extra money, earning it is usually the best route to choose.

Discuss the following:

1. How many people do you know who have won money in a contest or by gambling? Do you know anyone who has lost money by gambling?

2. Why do you think newspapers and television reporters make a big deal when someone wins a lot of money in a lottery or contest?

3. If you found a wallet or money, how could you find the owner?

4. When is it okay to keep money found?

5. On what special occasions do people get money as a gift?

6. How do most people get their money?

PHOTO CREDIT:
dotmyspot.com/home/content/view/498/9

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e-busi·ness (e' biz' nis) …the transformation of key business processes through the use of Internet technologies.

Every aspect of our lives is being changed by the Web. Yet no area is going through a significant and speedy change like the business world is today. Businesses start to achieve real business value as they incorporate Internet technology into their core processes. Today, companies small and large are using the Web to communicate with their partners, to connect with their back-end data-systems, and to Transact commerce. This is e-business, where the strength and the reliability of traditional information technology meet the Web.

Why you need E-Business?

By utilizing e-business based e-commerce solutions, companies can:

Improve margins by using a lower-cost online channel Reduce paper-based processes: postage, printing, and handling costs, through the use of electronic transfers, just-in-time payments, reduce float, furnish customers faster and a more responsive service.

E-commerce has garnered more attention than any aspect of e-business. The Web has had a remarkable impact on a wide number of industries with its remarkable ability to offer goods and services so conveniently.

Let’s Talk:

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of e-business?
2. As a consumer, is online a reliable source of goods?
3. Would you venture in e-business? Why? Why not?
4. Do you think e-business is profitable in your country? Justify your answer.
5. Do you think quality products and services are guaranteed in ebusiness?
6. As a country known for the advancement in technology, do you think e-business can be fraud?
7. How does the government interfere in the problems caused by ebusiness? Is there a law promulgated for this?

PHOTO CREDIT:

www.prodigyassociates.com/infotech.htm

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Request for information
I am writing to inquire about . . .
I am writing in reference to . . .

I read/heard . . . and would like to know . . .

Could you please send me . . .
at the address below/above

Thank you for your assistance.
I look forward to hearing from you.

Response to request
Thank you for your interest/inquiry

Enclosed is the information you requested.
You can learn more about this at . . .

If you have further questions,
If you require assistance, please contact:

If I can be of more help, please feel free to contact me at . . .

Sample Sentences: Requests
Could you please send me your most recent brochure?
Could you fax me the results of the market survey?

I would like to order ten copies of the book, Touchy Situations.
I would be very grateful if you could send me this information.

Please return the enclosed envelope with your payment.

Sample Sentences: Goodwill
Thank you for your hospitality.
I enjoyed having lunch with you last week while I was in New York.

Congratulations on your promotion to General Manager.
I want(ed) to congratulate you on your new position.

I was happy to hear that contract negotiations went well.

Sample Sentences: Introduction of Product/Service
I am writing to tell you about . . .
(Our new product) is coming out next month.
This product/service is designed to (help you) . . .

Sample Sentences: Reference
I am writing in regard to . . .
I am writing in reference to . . .

Please refer to the enclosed invoice/brochure.
I hope you have had a chance to look over the materials we sent.

Sample Sentences: Confirmation
I am writing to confirm . . .
I would like to confirm what we discussed last Friday.
I would just like to confirm the main points we discussed . . .

Sample Sentences: Notification
I am writing to let you know that . . .
Please be aware / informed that . . .
I would like to inform you of a recent policy change. I am happy to inform
you that . . .
Your request for funding has been approved.

Sample Sentences: Offering Assistance
We would be happy to . . .
If we can be of assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.

Sample Sentences: Collection
According to our records . . .
Our records show that . . .
Your monthly installment is past due.
Please send payment as soon as possible.

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SHAVED HEAD

This is a photo of a famous singer from Ireland whose name is Sinead O'connor, she shaved her head because she wants people to admire her voice not her looks.


In class give your opinion about these topics:

In this photo even with a shaved head, she is still beautiful but for many people a girl with a shaved is not.

What is your opinion about girls who shave their heads?

Most people believe that if a girl has shaved her head, it must mean she is homosexual, would this also be your opinion and why?

In many societies, it is common that girls have long hair and boys have short. Why do you think that this is common; such as why in so many countries a girl with a shaved head is strange and If a boy has long hair he'll have trouble finding a job.

In ancient Egypt, people had to shave their heads because of Lice which are small insects that live in people's hair.

Buddhist nuns have to shave their heads and some African women have very short hair. Yet in most cultures, women with shaved heads is a strange sight.

PHOTO CREDIT:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_w/2923975516/

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PIERCING

In this photo, the man have his piercings in the face but many people have them on other parts of their bodies.

In the west it, is very common for young people to have piercings and it is part of their fashion. First reason would be to stand out from the crowd and the other is to be accepted by those who stand out from the crowd. It is now so common that having piercings, you no longer stand out because almost everyone has one.

DISCUSSION:

What is your opinion about having a piercing?

There are people who don't want one but some people actually have almost a hundred on their face. Most people consider them to be crazy but why do you think that these people would do such a thing?

Is just one piercing okay? If a person has one small piercing such as on the nostril, in your opinion is this acceptable? Explain your reason why you would think this.

If you were an employer and someone with a pierced face wanted you to give him/her a job, what would you say and do?

What would you do if your girl/boyfriend decided to get one, would you mind or would you have a problem with it and how would you react?

What would happen if all of your friends have a pierced face except for you and they all told you to go and get one, would you get one or leave your friends?

Some people do not want to pay a professional person to pierce them and get a friend instead by helping them to use a needle at home. What is your opinion about this such as is it crazy?

In India women have piercing because of tradition and religion but in the west it's because of fashion. What is your opinion about the difference between people who pierce because of their religion and someone because of fashion?

PHOTO CREDIT:
http://www.bodypiercingblog.com/images/facial-piercing-barbels_49.jpg

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In the West which workers receive promotions can be quite complicated. In the past loyalty was a prime factor, but as time goes by then productivity and results are becoming more influential. Above all, though sometimes "it is not what you know, but who you know”. This means that if someone has a personal relationship with a manager or a friend knows an executive in the company, then this person would receive the promotion. Other workers would then look at this situation as being unfair and would likely lose their enthusiasm to work hard as a result productivity of the other workers would probably fall as they feel as if they have no hope to move to a higher position in the company.

Discussion Points:

1. Would you want to work for a company that has a seniority-based or performance-based system?
*For example, would you prefer the former because then you do not have the stress of achieving demanding results or would you rather choose the latter because your career achievements are related to the quality of your work?

2. What are some problems of the performance-based system?
*For instance, how do you fairly evaluate a person in the administration department or how do you properly judge results from a team project?

3. What are key factors in receiving a promotion at the company where you work?

4. Would you resign if a junior staff member got promoted and became your boss?

EXPRESSIONS

stuck between a rock and a hard place- in a difficult situationI am stuck between a hard rock and a hard place because I do not agree with my boss, but he might be angry if I tell him.

In the old days- in the pastIn the old days women did not work outside the home.

climb the corporate ladder- climb to a higher position in the company It took 18 years to climb the corporate ladder and become the president.

on the other hand- on the contrary, from another point of viewI have an interesting job, but on the other hand it is not challenging.

a win-win situation- A time when both sides benefit or winIf I learned new skills for my job and the company paid for the course costs, then it is a win-win situation.

PHOTO CREDIT:

http://blogs.kpbs.org/index.php/movies/comments/the_promotion/

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CONVERSATION PRACTICE

A: Life is difficult nowadays.
B: Sure it is. I can hardly buy cheap items nowadays!
A: My salary’s not enough for me to buy things that I usually buy before.
B: I can’t even save!
A: Me either! Most of my salary is allocated in paying for bills and loans.
B: Well, it only means that we need to tighten our belts so that we won’t
starve.
A: That’s the only solution that we can do nowadays. Nobody can help us
but ourselves.
B: Correct. If we continue to spend so much, we won’t have enough money
to save for emergency cases.
A: That is why I am trying to limit the use of my cell phone, electricity, and
water.
B: It will also help if we cut our unnecessary expenses like going out on
parties, buying expensive clothes, and other stuff.

WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS

1. Tighten our belts—need to economize or to save
2. Hard times— a time of difficulty
3. Allocated— To set apart for a special purpose; designate
4. Unnecessary— things that are not necessary or essential.

CONVERSATION IN CONTEXT

1. What solutions do the speakers thought of about saving money?
2. What happens when a person doesn’t save money?
3. Why one speaker did say that life is difficult nowadays?

PERSONAL APPLICATION

1. Can you also say that life is difficult nowadays?
2. What are your ways of saving money?
3. Can you still buy expensive items nowadays?

PHOTO CREDIT:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotoasbirlaor/3055053822/

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"Time Heals"

I feel sadness,

good times gone by.

I can see it in your weepy eyes,

it's time to say goodbye.

Well I load up the old pickup,

and head out for the hills.

I'm not quite sure where I'm going,

were I've been is hell

.....Where I've been is hell.

In time lies the answers.

In time things will heal.

In time things become clearer,

time heals

the hurt, ohh time heals the hurt.

Now I'm picking up the pieces,

the pieces of my life.

Some pieces are missing,

some just don't fit right......

PHOTO CREDIT:

www.ohhpauly.com/POETRY/PaulPoetryN4.htm

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CONVERSATION PRACTICE

A: The time has come to say goodbye.
B: So soon. It seems as if you just got here.
A: I feel that way, too, but all good things must come to an end, they say.
B: It certainly has been a pleasure seeing you again and renewing old
memories.
A: I’ve had a delightful time and I really appreciate your spending so much
time showing me the sights.
B: Oh. It was fun for me, too. It gave me a chance to get away from my
routine and do something a little bit different.
A: You’ll be out to see us next year, then, as you promised?
B: Oh, yes. Unless something catastrophic comes up, that’s our present plan.
We should be there some time early in September.
A: We’ll be expecting you.

WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS
1. sights – tourist attractions
2. It was fun – it was enjoyable
3. to get away from – to escape
4. out to see us- come to see us
5. catastrophic –caused by a disaster

PERSONAL APPLICATION
1. “ All good things must come to an end.” Is there a similar saying in your language?
2. Do you often visit friends and see the sights?
3. When did you last visit and renew old memories?
4. How often do you get away from your routine and do something different?

PHOTO CREDIT:
www.pbase.com/max/image/44447129

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Reading Comprehension

The word euthanasia comes from the Greek language, and it means “good death.” In English the word refers purposely ending a person’s life in order to stop the unbearable pain caused by an illness. The patients who are euthanized are terminally ill, meaning that they have no chance of recovery.

When a person is euthanized someone such as a doctor helps them die by making available to them some kind of lethal drug or deadly gas. It’s called “assisted suicide.” In those cases, the doctor doesn’t actually administer the drug or gas but only provides it for patient’s use. When the patient is ready to die, he or she administers it and dies alone.

One doctor in the USA, Dr. Jack Kavorkian, has become well-known for his assisted suicides. Since helping people die is against the law in his state, the doctor was arrested and tried in court several times. But every time he was brought into court the jury acquitted him. The jury always sided with him, seeing him as providing a service of kindness rather than as committing a crime.

Most people sympathize with a person who wants to end the pain and suffering, but for several reasons most government are reluctant to make euthanasia legal. As of 2002 doctor-assisted suicide was legal only in the Netherlands, Switzerland, the US state of Oregon, and in Australia’s Northern Territory.

If asked, most people will say that people who are suffering from incurable diseases would be better off if they died. But if they are asked if they support doctor-assisted suicide, most of them will say no. The reasons they usually give are:

• Difficulty in determining who is terminally ill. Some people who are expected to die later get well. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen.


• Religious beliefs. “God gives life, so only God should take it away.”


• Spiritual beliefs. We come to this earth to face certain challenges and the overcome them. Suicide is a form of giving up and defeats the whole purpose of our lives.


• It could lead to “suicide on demand.” People who are unhappy with their lives might someday be able to get help in dying whenever they want to. Considering all the depressed people there are in the world, it could turn into an epidemic of suicides.


• Temporary period of depression. The person who decides to die could just be going through temporary period of depression but change his or her mind later.

Discussion questions
1. What is your opinion on suicide in general? Tell why you think so,
*People who commit suicide are very brave.
* People who commit suicide are cowards.
* People who commit suicide are mentally ill.

2. What is your opinion on doctor-assisted suicide? Which of these statements do you agree with and why?
* People who are in pain should have the right to decide if they want to.
* People should not have the right to end their lives whenever they want.
* It is okay in some cases only.

3. What do you think of doctors who help patients die?
4. Is there any difference between suicide from depression and euthanasia? Is one more acceptable than the other? Why or why not?
5. Is euthanasia legal in your country? If not, do you think the doctor-assisted suicide is ever performed secretly?

PHOTO CREDIT:
www.oneminutepoll-uk.info/.../

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As people get grayer they become more interested in planning for their retirement. Once upon a time, old folks were taken care of by their children. But now, only a few want to spend their “second life’ being coddled by their kids; instead many want to pursue their own interests without being burdened by their progeny, maybe for the first time in their adult lives. But of course they think financial independence is necessary. As a result, a movement is afoot for the creation of more jobs for the elderly, and some aggressive oldies are even demanding that the retirement age be lifted or made voluntarily.

Experience and dependability are pointed to as good reasons for hiring older people. One problem with hiring or keeping additional old workers, though, is that fewer jobs then are available for the young, who possibly need them even more-or else they will continue to depend on their parents to support the until employed. It seems that, whichever course they pursue, the old ones just can’t gain their independence from their offspring.

What does it mean?
1. To spend their “second life’ being coddled by their kids
2. Without being burdened by their progeny
3. Experience and dependability are pointed to as good reasons for hiring older people.
4. Fewer jobs then are available for the young

What do you think?
1. Where are you going to retire?
2. Are you saving for your retirement?
3. Do you think your children will coddle you on your retirement?
4. Do you think it is the responsibility of the children to take care of you when you retire?
5. Are you working hard for the welfare of your children?
6. Are you depending on the government funds for your retirement?
7. Is it alright if the old take care of the older ones instead of hiring younger people to care for all the old people?
8. Do you think it is alright if the children will still depend on their parents until they find a good career or fortune?
9. Why do you think the children should take care of their parents on retirement?
10. Are the children who put their parents in the retirement homes don’t like their parents?

PHOTO CREDIT:

life-insurance-retirement.com/faq

catholic-homes.org.au/retirement-living

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