20121231

Are we worse now than 30 years ago?


According to recent reports, we’re actually 
worse off now than we were 30 years ago.
 
And if you think about it, it’s easy to see why.
 
The media’s filled with doom and gloom – stories 
about recessions and hard times. These influence 
our dominant thoughts. 
 
The result? We’ve started to really believe that 
the things we want will always be just out of reach...
 
But this doesn't really have to be true.
 
We've identified 24 thought patterns that hold people 
back from abundance.  And you're not alone in having them. 
 

Are we worse now than 30 years ago?


According to recent reports, we’re actually 
worse off now than we were 30 years ago.
 
And if you think about it, it’s easy to see why.
 
The media’s filled with doom and gloom – stories 
about recessions and hard times. These influence 
our dominant thoughts. 
 
The result? We’ve started to really believe that 
the things we want will always be just out of reach...
 
But this doesn't really have to be true.
 
We've identified 24 thought patterns that hold people 
back from abundance.  And you're not alone in having them. 
 

20121230

What does "Dutch treat" mean?

An outing or date in which each person pays his or her own expenses.
For example, Her parents agreed that she might date if it were a Dutch treatHe wanted to pay the bill, but I objected and we settled on Dutch treat.
 The related expression go Dutch means “to go on a date with each person paying their own way,”(=pagar a medias) as in Students often elect to go Dutch. The first term dates from about 1870, and the variant from the early 1900s.

What does "Dutch treat" mean?

An outing or date in which each person pays his or her own expenses.
For example, Her parents agreed that she might date if it were a Dutch treatHe wanted to pay the bill, but I objected and we settled on Dutch treat.
 The related expression go Dutch means “to go on a date with each person paying their own way,”(=pagar a medias) as in Students often elect to go Dutch. The first term dates from about 1870, and the variant from the early 1900s.

Today´s idioms

                   Let bygones be bygones.(= borrón y cuenta nueva)
Forgive someone for something he or she did in the past. Jill: Why don't you want to invite Ellen to your party? Jane: She was rude to me at the off ice picnic. Jill: But that was six months ago. Let bygones be bygones. Nancy held a grudge against her teacher for a long time, but she finally decided to let bygones be bygones. Why can’t you put all that bad feeling behind you and let bygones be bygones?

To rub elbows (with someone) and rub shoulders with someone (=codearse)
To associate with someone; to work closely with someone. (No physical contact is involved.) I don't care to rub elbows with someone who acts like that! I rub shoulders with John at work. We are good friends

To get off on the wrong foot (=Comenzar con mal pie)
Make a bad start to a project or relationship. Helen got off on the wrong foot in her performance when she forgot the first few words of the song. I don't want us to get off on the wrong foot. Let's be frank and open from the beginning.

Today´s idioms

                   Let bygones be bygones.(= borrón y cuenta nueva)
Forgive someone for something he or she did in the past. Jill: Why don't you want to invite Ellen to your party? Jane: She was rude to me at the off ice picnic. Jill: But that was six months ago. Let bygones be bygones. Nancy held a grudge against her teacher for a long time, but she finally decided to let bygones be bygones. Why can’t you put all that bad feeling behind you and let bygones be bygones?

To rub elbows (with someone) and rub shoulders with someone (=codearse)
To associate with someone; to work closely with someone. (No physical contact is involved.) I don't care to rub elbows with someone who acts like that! I rub shoulders with John at work. We are good friends

To get off on the wrong foot (=Comenzar con mal pie)
Make a bad start to a project or relationship. Helen got off on the wrong foot in her performance when she forgot the first few words of the song. I don't want us to get off on the wrong foot. Let's be frank and open from the beginning.

20121229

El horario de los funcionarios se podrá ampliar hasta la tarde


  • La jornada laboral será de 37,5 horas
  • Se completará por la mañana o por la tarde
  • Reducen de seis a tres días los 'moscosos'
  • Un 50% menos de sueldo en el quinto día de baja

El horario de los funcionarios se podrá ampliar hasta la tarde


  • La jornada laboral será de 37,5 horas
  • Se completará por la mañana o por la tarde
  • Reducen de seis a tres días los 'moscosos'
  • Un 50% menos de sueldo en el quinto día de baja

STORM CHAOS TO RUIN NEW YEAR


THREE days of torrential rain and 80mph gales will bring a stormy end to the wettest year on record.
The entire country faces a New Year weekend washout with heavy downpours and strong winds, forecasters warned last night. And the seemingly never-ending rain will continue into next week, ruining the New Year’s Eve celebrations for many.
The heav­iest and most persistent rain is expected over higher ground on the western side of England and Wales.” Forecasters Netweather also said heavy rain over the next three days could be enough to break the record for the wettest year ever across the UK.

STORM CHAOS TO RUIN NEW YEAR


THREE days of torrential rain and 80mph gales will bring a stormy end to the wettest year on record.
The entire country faces a New Year weekend washout with heavy downpours and strong winds, forecasters warned last night. And the seemingly never-ending rain will continue into next week, ruining the New Year’s Eve celebrations for many.
The heav­iest and most persistent rain is expected over higher ground on the western side of England and Wales.” Forecasters Netweather also said heavy rain over the next three days could be enough to break the record for the wettest year ever across the UK.

20121227

Dash 'n' grab!


The frenzied scene at a London perfume counter was repeated around the country as shoppers besieged stores on the first day of the sales. Police were deployed to keep 'public order' yesterday with an estimated 10million customers spending nearly £3billion on what was thought to be the busiest Boxing Day in history. Many queued through the night to secure a prime position.
  • Selfridges took £1.5m in first hour - most successful first 60 minutes ever
  • Number of shoppers out across UK was up by a fifth compared to last year
  • Boom has been fuelled by rich tourists from Middle East, China and Nigeria
  • Retailers slash prices and opened as early as 6am to entice consumers
  • Customers literally grab bargains as they are handed out by shop staff
  • Next in Leeds operated ten in, ten out policy to control massive crowds
  • Manchester's Trafford Centre enjoys 'biggest' Boxing Day sale in its history


Dash 'n' grab!


The frenzied scene at a London perfume counter was repeated around the country as shoppers besieged stores on the first day of the sales. Police were deployed to keep 'public order' yesterday with an estimated 10million customers spending nearly £3billion on what was thought to be the busiest Boxing Day in history. Many queued through the night to secure a prime position.
  • Selfridges took £1.5m in first hour - most successful first 60 minutes ever
  • Number of shoppers out across UK was up by a fifth compared to last year
  • Boom has been fuelled by rich tourists from Middle East, China and Nigeria
  • Retailers slash prices and opened as early as 6am to entice consumers
  • Customers literally grab bargains as they are handed out by shop staff
  • Next in Leeds operated ten in, ten out policy to control massive crowds
  • Manchester's Trafford Centre enjoys 'biggest' Boxing Day sale in its history


20121226

Burning off the extra Christmas calories is an Olympic task and would take more than 2,000 laps of the velodrome.


Most people would expect to indulge a little over Christmas, but it might be surprising to hear the average person could have eaten a staggering 6,000 calories yesterday - nearly three times the recommended intake.
And festive revellers have been warned, they may not realise the Olympic lengths they need to go to compensate for their Christmas feasting.
A new study has shown you would have to exercise like a champion to burn off those extra festive calories.

Burning off the extra Christmas calories is an Olympic task and would take more than 2,000 laps of the velodrome.


Most people would expect to indulge a little over Christmas, but it might be surprising to hear the average person could have eaten a staggering 6,000 calories yesterday - nearly three times the recommended intake.
And festive revellers have been warned, they may not realise the Olympic lengths they need to go to compensate for their Christmas feasting.
A new study has shown you would have to exercise like a champion to burn off those extra festive calories.

20121225

Britain braced for bleak 2013


Three-quarters of Britain's families believe their lives will get harder in the new year thanks to Chancellor-turned-Scrooge George Osborne, economists revealed yesterday
Britain might not get a traditional white Christmas tomorrow but its economy is set to be frozen well into the new year.
Experts warn that energy bills, food prices and rent will all soar, stretching the salaries of Britain's workers even further.
Pensioners, public-sector workers and young people are all bracing themselves to feel the worst effects of government-imposed austerity.
Markit's household finance index exposed further evidence that the Tories will not turn the economy around.
Markit senior economist Tim Moore said: "The vast majority of households anticipate that their financial wellbeing will either worsen or stagnate next year."
The Tories hope the private sector will replace jobs they continue to cut from the public sector.
But Mr Moore said the Tories were killing their own plan for growth by strangling consumer demand.
"With three-quarters of all households not expecting any improvement in their finances, the latest survey suggests that domestic consumer demand will remain under pressure in the near term," he said.
"Especially since inflation perceptions remain elevated and job insecurities are prevalent across the UK."
And the Con-Dem coalition's complete mishandling of the economy could even scupper a standard seasonal boost.
Job security is at its worst in three-months, with workers in construction, education, health and social services most likely to be worried about their future.
But the gloom is certainly not limited to public-sector workers.
Over 30 per cent of all households said their finances were worse going into December - blunting their spending power.
Britain's economic future could also be damaged by news that the number of 19-to-24-year-olds deep in debt has to the highest level since Markit's studies began.
Anything above 50 in the Markit index is seen as growth but Britain's current score stands at just 36.8.
That's up fractionally on this time last year but half a point down on last month.

Britain braced for bleak 2013


Three-quarters of Britain's families believe their lives will get harder in the new year thanks to Chancellor-turned-Scrooge George Osborne, economists revealed yesterday
Britain might not get a traditional white Christmas tomorrow but its economy is set to be frozen well into the new year.
Experts warn that energy bills, food prices and rent will all soar, stretching the salaries of Britain's workers even further.
Pensioners, public-sector workers and young people are all bracing themselves to feel the worst effects of government-imposed austerity.
Markit's household finance index exposed further evidence that the Tories will not turn the economy around.
Markit senior economist Tim Moore said: "The vast majority of households anticipate that their financial wellbeing will either worsen or stagnate next year."
The Tories hope the private sector will replace jobs they continue to cut from the public sector.
But Mr Moore said the Tories were killing their own plan for growth by strangling consumer demand.
"With three-quarters of all households not expecting any improvement in their finances, the latest survey suggests that domestic consumer demand will remain under pressure in the near term," he said.
"Especially since inflation perceptions remain elevated and job insecurities are prevalent across the UK."
And the Con-Dem coalition's complete mishandling of the economy could even scupper a standard seasonal boost.
Job security is at its worst in three-months, with workers in construction, education, health and social services most likely to be worried about their future.
But the gloom is certainly not limited to public-sector workers.
Over 30 per cent of all households said their finances were worse going into December - blunting their spending power.
Britain's economic future could also be damaged by news that the number of 19-to-24-year-olds deep in debt has to the highest level since Markit's studies began.
Anything above 50 in the Markit index is seen as growth but Britain's current score stands at just 36.8.
That's up fractionally on this time last year but half a point down on last month.

20121223

Karaoke


Gordon Lightfoot – In the Early Morning Rain



Karaoke


Gordon Lightfoot – In the Early Morning Rain



An idiom a day


Idiom: Pay Through the Nose



to pay through the nose = to pay a lot of money

A: I love your car.
B: Yes. I paid through the nose for it.

An idiom a day


Idiom: Pay Through the Nose



to pay through the nose = to pay a lot of money

A: I love your car.
B: Yes. I paid through the nose for it.

20121220

SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT PAIRS


CHILD
It was childish behavior  (behavior).  having immature behavior, negative
It was childlike behavior.  qualities like a child, positive

CONFIDE
We are confident about winning.  Sure [L.confidere]
The message is confidential.  Private  [L. confident]

CRISP
It is a crisp day, today.  Cool and dry
It is a crispy cracker.   Thin and crunchy (makes a pleasant sound )

FUN
We had a fun time at the movies.  Amusing
We saw a funny movie. causing laughter

TACT
The general made a tactical advance.  military move [L. tacticus]
He is a tactful politician.  Having skills handling situations  [L. tactus]  tact (n.) – skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations

TASTE
Your food is tasty.  Having a good taste
You are a tasteful dresser.  Having good judgment for fashion

WORTH 
He is a worthy competitor.
He is a worthless competitor.

SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT PAIRS


CHILD
It was childish behavior  (behavior).  having immature behavior, negative
It was childlike behavior.  qualities like a child, positive

CONFIDE
We are confident about winning.  Sure [L.confidere]
The message is confidential.  Private  [L. confident]

CRISP
It is a crisp day, today.  Cool and dry
It is a crispy cracker.   Thin and crunchy (makes a pleasant sound )

FUN
We had a fun time at the movies.  Amusing
We saw a funny movie. causing laughter

TACT
The general made a tactical advance.  military move [L. tacticus]
He is a tactful politician.  Having skills handling situations  [L. tactus]  tact (n.) – skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations

TASTE
Your food is tasty.  Having a good taste
You are a tasteful dresser.  Having good judgment for fashion

WORTH 
He is a worthy competitor.
He is a worthless competitor.

Profesores en el extranjero. Una salida a la crisis.

Resolución de 12 de diciembre de 2012, de la Secretaría de Estado de Educación, Formación Profesional y Universidades, por la que se convocan plazas para profesores visitantes en centros educativos de Estados Unidos de América y Canadá para el curso académico 2013-2014. (B.O.E Miércoles 19 de diciembre de 2012)

Profesores en el extranjero. Una salida a la crisis.

Resolución de 12 de diciembre de 2012, de la Secretaría de Estado de Educación, Formación Profesional y Universidades, por la que se convocan plazas para profesores visitantes en centros educativos de Estados Unidos de América y Canadá para el curso académico 2013-2014. (B.O.E Miércoles 19 de diciembre de 2012)

21/12/12: The date to party like it's the end of the world

But remember the bar bill just in case...

The ancient Mayans predicted that the world will come to an abrupt end tomorrow, 21 December 2012. But rather than get down in the dumps about the rumoured Doomsday, revellers are being offered the chance to celebrate their final hours in style.
Savvy entrepreneurs are cashing in on the interest surrounding the Mayan apocalypse by putting on a number of themed events across London.
Revellers can now see in the end of the world by dining in the hull of a boat, indulging in their wildest fantasies or hearing annihilation theories being panned in a one-off comedy gig.
The Friday 21 December doomsday claim has been fuelled by internet speculation, but widely questioned by academics and dismissed by everyone from Nasa and the US Government to the Vatican. (The Independent)

21/12/12: The date to party like it's the end of the world

But remember the bar bill just in case...

The ancient Mayans predicted that the world will come to an abrupt end tomorrow, 21 December 2012. But rather than get down in the dumps about the rumoured Doomsday, revellers are being offered the chance to celebrate their final hours in style.
Savvy entrepreneurs are cashing in on the interest surrounding the Mayan apocalypse by putting on a number of themed events across London.
Revellers can now see in the end of the world by dining in the hull of a boat, indulging in their wildest fantasies or hearing annihilation theories being panned in a one-off comedy gig.
The Friday 21 December doomsday claim has been fuelled by internet speculation, but widely questioned by academics and dismissed by everyone from Nasa and the US Government to the Vatican. (The Independent)

El Gobierno recurrirá a la vía penal si Mas insiste en su consulta soberanista


El Gobierno tiene decidido que recurrirá ante el TC si finalmente esta consulta soberanista se convoca y ante la previsible anulación de la misma por parte del TC, confían en que el presidente de la Generalitat acate la sentencia.
Si esto no fuera así y no asumiera la decisión del máximo tribunal español, al Gobierno no le quedaría otra opción que recurrir a la vía penal para pedir la inhabilitación del presidente de la Generalitat.
El recurso a la vía penal, según explican fuentes del Ejecutivo, no sería para encarcelar a Artur Mas, sino para inhabilitarle para ejercer el cargo, ya que un presidente de una comunidad no puede saltarse ni la ley, ni las sentencias de los tribunales.
Y si la insumisión siguiera, el siguiente paso tendría que ser, según apunta un miembro del Gobierno, la aplicación del artículo 155 de la Constitución, que prevé que el Ejecutivo ejercite la competencia que una comunidad no lleva a cabo de manera conveniente y que en este caso, sería para tomar la decisión de sustituir al presidente catalán.

El Gobierno recurrirá a la vía penal si Mas insiste en su consulta soberanista


El Gobierno tiene decidido que recurrirá ante el TC si finalmente esta consulta soberanista se convoca y ante la previsible anulación de la misma por parte del TC, confían en que el presidente de la Generalitat acate la sentencia.
Si esto no fuera así y no asumiera la decisión del máximo tribunal español, al Gobierno no le quedaría otra opción que recurrir a la vía penal para pedir la inhabilitación del presidente de la Generalitat.
El recurso a la vía penal, según explican fuentes del Ejecutivo, no sería para encarcelar a Artur Mas, sino para inhabilitarle para ejercer el cargo, ya que un presidente de una comunidad no puede saltarse ni la ley, ni las sentencias de los tribunales.
Y si la insumisión siguiera, el siguiente paso tendría que ser, según apunta un miembro del Gobierno, la aplicación del artículo 155 de la Constitución, que prevé que el Ejecutivo ejercite la competencia que una comunidad no lleva a cabo de manera conveniente y que en este caso, sería para tomar la decisión de sustituir al presidente catalán.

Esperando el fin del mundo...


Las profecías sobre el fin del mundo han atrapado a miles de curiosos. Los mayas abrieron una Caja de Pandora que hasta la NASA ha tenido que salir a desmentir. La fecha para el fin de los tiempos: el 21 de diciembre de 2012. No obstante, parece que fue una equivocación y sólo se trata de un cambio de era, según dicen ahora los mismos mayas.
Aún así, se han amontonado las teorías sobre un supuesto choque de planetas, ataques de fuerzas oscuras contra la tierra, una tormenta solar, los 'supervolcanes', desastres naturales... También hay otras más moderadas como que 'el Sol dejará de brillar y no habrá electricidad durante tres días' que ha acabado con 93 personas detenidas.
Búnkeres secretos, suicidios en masa... las noticias sobre el posible fin de los tiempos no cesan y ELMUNDO.es sale a la calle para conocer los planes de los madrileños para despedir el mundo.

Esperando el fin del mundo...


Las profecías sobre el fin del mundo han atrapado a miles de curiosos. Los mayas abrieron una Caja de Pandora que hasta la NASA ha tenido que salir a desmentir. La fecha para el fin de los tiempos: el 21 de diciembre de 2012. No obstante, parece que fue una equivocación y sólo se trata de un cambio de era, según dicen ahora los mismos mayas.
Aún así, se han amontonado las teorías sobre un supuesto choque de planetas, ataques de fuerzas oscuras contra la tierra, una tormenta solar, los 'supervolcanes', desastres naturales... También hay otras más moderadas como que 'el Sol dejará de brillar y no habrá electricidad durante tres días' que ha acabado con 93 personas detenidas.
Búnkeres secretos, suicidios en masa... las noticias sobre el posible fin de los tiempos no cesan y ELMUNDO.es sale a la calle para conocer los planes de los madrileños para despedir el mundo.

20121219

Phrasal Verbs


Phrasal Verbs: run away, let out, muck out, look out for



Phrasal Verbs


Phrasal Verbs: run away, let out, muck out, look out for



Meaning of the Proverbs


Commonly-used Proverbs.

1.       A bad penny always turns up.

2.       A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

3.       A chain is no stronger than its weakest link

4.       A fool and his money are soon parted.

5.       A friend in need is a friend indeed.

6.       A man is known by the company he keeps.

7.       A man's home is his castle.

8.       A rolling stone gathers no moss.

9.       A stitch in time saves nine.

10.   A woman's place is in the home

11.   A woman's work is never done.

12.   Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

13.   Actions speak louder than words.

14.   After a storm comes a calm.

Explanation:
1.        A worthless person always comes back to the place he or she started out. Jill: I just found out that Tom left town after we fought last Saturday. What if I never see him again? Jane: Don't worry. A bad penny always turns up.(=Nasty or bad people have a habit of showing up or returning)
2.       A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' is a proverb meaning that it is better to have something that is certain than take a risk to get more, where you might lose everything.
3.        A successful group or team relies on each member doing well. George is completely out of shape. I don't want him on our ball team; a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. In other words, this means that processes, organisations, etc, are vulnerable because the weakest person or part can always damage or break them.
4.       Foolish people spend money, without thinking.
5.       a real friend is one who is supportive in times of trouble
6.       A person tends to associate with people who are like him or he
7.       One can do whatever one wants to in one's own home.
8.       A person who does not settle down is not attached to anything or anyone. (Can be said in admiration or in censure, depending on whether or not the speaker feels it is good to be attached to something or someone.) I worry about Tom. He's never lived in the same place for two years in a row, and he keeps changing jobs. A rolling stone gathers no moss.
9.       You use this proverb to say that it is better to spend a little time to deal with problems or act right now than wait. If you wait until late, things will get worse, and it will take much longer to deal with them. It is often shortened to "A stitch in time." This proverb expresses a similar idea to that of An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
10.   Women should remain in the home, doing housework and raising children. (This notion is generally regarded as old-fashioned.) As soon as our child is old enough to go to school, I'm going to go back to my job at the newspaper. And don't give me any of that nonsense about a woman's place being in the home.
11.   Housework and raising children are jobs that have no end.
12.   The lack of something increases the desire for it.
13.   What you do is more significant than what you say
14.   Things are often calm after an upheaval

Meaning of the Proverbs


Commonly-used Proverbs.

1.       A bad penny always turns up.

2.       A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

3.       A chain is no stronger than its weakest link

4.       A fool and his money are soon parted.

5.       A friend in need is a friend indeed.

6.       A man is known by the company he keeps.

7.       A man's home is his castle.

8.       A rolling stone gathers no moss.

9.       A stitch in time saves nine.

10.   A woman's place is in the home

11.   A woman's work is never done.

12.   Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

13.   Actions speak louder than words.

14.   After a storm comes a calm.

Explanation:
1.        A worthless person always comes back to the place he or she started out. Jill: I just found out that Tom left town after we fought last Saturday. What if I never see him again? Jane: Don't worry. A bad penny always turns up.(=Nasty or bad people have a habit of showing up or returning)
2.       A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' is a proverb meaning that it is better to have something that is certain than take a risk to get more, where you might lose everything.
3.        A successful group or team relies on each member doing well. George is completely out of shape. I don't want him on our ball team; a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. In other words, this means that processes, organisations, etc, are vulnerable because the weakest person or part can always damage or break them.
4.       Foolish people spend money, without thinking.
5.       a real friend is one who is supportive in times of trouble
6.       A person tends to associate with people who are like him or he
7.       One can do whatever one wants to in one's own home.
8.       A person who does not settle down is not attached to anything or anyone. (Can be said in admiration or in censure, depending on whether or not the speaker feels it is good to be attached to something or someone.) I worry about Tom. He's never lived in the same place for two years in a row, and he keeps changing jobs. A rolling stone gathers no moss.
9.       You use this proverb to say that it is better to spend a little time to deal with problems or act right now than wait. If you wait until late, things will get worse, and it will take much longer to deal with them. It is often shortened to "A stitch in time." This proverb expresses a similar idea to that of An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
10.   Women should remain in the home, doing housework and raising children. (This notion is generally regarded as old-fashioned.) As soon as our child is old enough to go to school, I'm going to go back to my job at the newspaper. And don't give me any of that nonsense about a woman's place being in the home.
11.   Housework and raising children are jobs that have no end.
12.   The lack of something increases the desire for it.
13.   What you do is more significant than what you say
14.   Things are often calm after an upheaval

Phrasal Verbs: Pets and animals



run away, let out, muck out, look out for



 

Phrasal Verbs: Pets and animals



run away, let out, muck out, look out for



 

Proverbs


Commonly-used Proverbs

1.       A ___ penny always turns up.

2.       A bird in the hand is worth ___ in the bush.

3.       A chain is no stronger than its weakest ___.

4.       A fool and his money ___ soon parted.

5.       A friend in need is a ___ indeed.

6.        A man is known by the company ___ keeps.

8.       A man's home ___ his castle.

9.       A rolling stone gathers ___ moss.

1.   A stitch ___ time saves nine.

1.   A woman's place is in the ___.

1   A woman's ___ is never done.

1.   Absence makes the heart ___ fonder.

1   Actions speak louder ___ words.

1   After a storm comes ___ calm.


KEYS

1.       Bad,   .Two,  . Link  .  Are,  . Friend, . He,   Is,  No, . In,  . Home ,
. work, . Grow . Than,  . a