Defending Father Christmas

As if unruly Greek students burning down christmas trees wasn't enough, now we have teachers and priests attacking Santa Claus:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/7778494.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7798480.stm
I must say, however, I would love to ask Father Dino Bottino about other Fables...like three kings following a star, virgin births, the world being made in six days etc... as I truly appreciate his commitment to scientific fact.
Merry Christmas..... Father Christmas does exist and don't let anyone tell you any different.

Debate Hots Up

For those of you eager to join the debate... reply to Josep and Sue and their comments concerning "English Men on Top"

Politics of Christmas Trees

Anybody doubting the politics of christmas trees need only check out the links below:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7760771.stm
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/1220/breaking37.htm
http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/12/bike-powered-ch.html

Have a good Christmas.

How to Behave at the Office Christmas Party

A video giving important advice for the festive season:
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-behave-at-the-office-christmas-party

Videojug is generally a good site to practise listening as you can print the transcript. Let me know how you get on. With the site and the Christmas party.

Breaking the Cycle: Barnardo Adverts

I thought these were powerful adverts from children's charity Barnardo's:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyYarPB7OM4&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b1Y1CrNWgU&feature=related

What do you think of them? What does cause someone to be "bad" and how should society deal with such isssues?

English Men on Top

I saw this article in The Times http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/relationships/article5281191.ece and thought I would share it with you. Basically the headline is willfully misleading. Rather than cast doubt on the seductive powers of Italian men (they come only 11th from 15 in a European league of casual sex- with Spain coming 13th) there is the claim that English women (Yes we English are on top- pardon the expression) are "accomodating". What do you think of this statistic/article?

Monty Hall problem

Try this:
http://www.5min.com/Video/The-Monty-Hall-Game-Show-Problem-932173
What does it reveal about our everyday thinking processes?

Welcome

This is a space for my current and past students to reflect on or share interesting stories/statistics which surface during the week. This is not a place to have your English corrected, though feel free to exchange ideas on grammar, vocabulary, learning methods etc.. I would also encourage you to disagree where appropriate but please keep insults to an absolute minimum