English Podcasts: Recent Episodes
English Podcasts
In this episode Chris and Sue dive into one of Britain’s boldest cultural claims: Did the UK invent sport?
Join Chris and Sue on a relaxed and entertaining 7.5km walk along the beautiful Coulée Verte in Toulouse, France.
This podcast focuses on learning English vocabulary in context, improving pronunciation, and mastering English.
Why do we say make a decision but do homework? Why is it heavy rain and not strong rain? This episode is here to help.
Is the thrill of the crowd worth the ticket price, or does the TV offer the ultimate front-row seat? In this podcast, we dive into the pros and cons of watching live events versus enjoying the action on TV, in other words; Stadium Buzz vs. Sofa Comfort..
Imagine the Olympics without drug testing — well, that’s the Enhanced Games planned to, take place in May 2026. The aim is to allow performance-enhancing technologies without restriction to see how human physical capacities can be pushed to the limit. What do you think? Which words come to mind ? Dangerous? Unethical? Progress? A glimpse into the future? Listen in to hear more.
Ever heard of a SWOT ? It's often used to assess the feasibility and progress of projects, but how about applying it to your language learning ? It's a great way to kick start your motivation and learning plan by assessing your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunties and Threats. Listen in to find out more.
In this podcast we look into the origins of streets names, roads, lanes, and alleys. We explore historic figures, battles, trades and forgotten landmarks, revealing hidden histories, quirky tales, and cultural insights. This podcast will prove that street names exist for a reason.... but spoiler alert: a King didn't live in every “King Street”!
Are you tempted by that doughnut with a generous helping of cream ? Well, you're not alone! Do you consider sugar as a sweet friend or sneaky foe? What about natural sugars in fruit? How much sugar is hidden in savoury dishes ? Listen in to find out more about sugars and where they hide in our diet.
What's your experience of working from home? Does it suit your line of work? Do you feel more efficient or less? This podcast was recorded during the Covid lockdown when working from home was new to us all. How has it changed over the years? It's interesting to look back and see how attitudes have changed.
Listen as Sue tells Chris about her holiday in Fes, Morocco. Did she visit all the 9, 000 streets? What did she think of the Medina? How does Fes compare to other cities in Morocco? Did she buy a fes hat? What does she say about gold? What do you think surprised her? What wasn't she keen on? How many times did she eat a Tagine? Have you been to Morocco ? Let us know, we'd love to hear about your experiences.
Drama, drama, drama, this word sums up the British soaps ! From the drama filled streets of Coronation Street to the iconic squares of EastEnders, British soap operas have been the cornerstone of British TV with their unforgettable characters, shocking twists, and stories that reflect real life. These shows keep us hooked and in this podcast we try to find out why.What’s your favorite British soap moment? Let us know in the comments!
Quizzes aren’t just about answering questions; they challenge your knowledge, spark curiosity, and keep you on your toes. There’s nothing like the satisfaction of getting a question right or the hilarious debates with friends about what the capital of Uzbekistan is. In this podcast we delve into why we love quizzes so much.
Do you enjoy eating spicy foods? Well, Chris does and Sue doesn't ! Nevertheless, we delve into the science behind hot spices, we discuss the hottest spices in the world, how hot spices are graded and why some countries have developed a spicy cuisine, while other countries have not. Enjoy and get a glass of milk ready.... you'll see why when you listen in.
National Pet Day is April 11, although if you’re a pet owner, you know there’s not a day that goes by that you don’t celebrate your animal companion! Which pets do you have ? Cats ? Dogs? Rabbits ? So many to choose from ! Which pets give you the most joy ?Listen as Chris (a dog lover) and Sue (a cat lover) talk about the extraordinary pet facts…. they’re quite amazing !Be sure to indulge your pets today !
As part of the series of Everyday Mysteries, we delve into the question of why socks get lost in the washing machine. Does that happen to you? You put a pair of socks into the machine, but only one comes out ! Is there a scientific reason for this... tune in to find out.
Listen in as we have fun with trivia questions about chocolate trivia as part of International Chocolate Day. Chocolate is one of the most popular food types and flavors in the world, and many foodstuffs involving chocolate exist, particularly desserts, including cakes, pudding, mousse, chocolate brownies, and chocolate chip cookies..
In this podcast, we talk about music and more precisely the "sound track of our lives". This is based on the BBC's long running radio show Desert Island Discs in which the interviewee has to imagine they are castaway on a desert island with only 8 disc to listen to. it's a great way to find out about people, so listen in to Chris' 8 discs and why he chose them.
In this podcast, we talk about music and more precisely the "sound track of our lives". This is based on the BBC's long running radio show Desert Island Discs in which the interviewee has to imagine they are castaway on a desert island with only 8 disc to listen to. it's a great way to find out about people, so listen in to Sue's 8 discs and why she chose them.
We all have future plans, whether it’s organizing the week ahead, planning a holiday, or considering a career change. As a language learner, it can be challenging to know which structure fits best to express your ideas clearly. In this podcast, we break down the different future tenses and provide helpful examples to help you express yourself.
In this podcast we give some tips on how to start and round off your emails. Many people are unsure about the correct (and polite) form of saying "hello" and "goodbye" in their emails. This form of communication has become a cultural minefield as we wonder if we are too informal or overly polite. We also give effective tips on how to manage emails and to reduce the number of emails you receive on a daily basis.
In this podcast, Chris helps Sue book a holiday aboard in real time, you'll hear clicks, and some mis-clicks, as they decide where to go. Sue has a budget, but not much of an idea, whereas Chris loves to surf the web to find lots of options. As a language learner, you can practice understanding flight times, dates, times, costs and destinations.
In this podcast, we hear from 4 people who describe some of their health issues; being stung by a bee, breaking both ankles at the same time, suffering with back pain and feeling the effects of a hangover... all the vocabulary you'll ever need to describe health mishaps.
In this podcast, we are on holiday in New York! Listen as Sue chats to Laura about their holiday in The Big Apple. Not only will you hear about some of the top places to visit but also you'll hear great grammar; the Present Perfect, the Present Continuous used to describe future plans as well as current situations.... in short everything you need to talk about your trips wherever you go.
In this podcast, Chris talks Sue through how to buy and sell on-line. There is a ton of useful vocabulary and even some great safety tips when using on-line sites.
In this podcast, we dive into the past tense for advanced learners. Get ready to test your knowledge of the Past Simple, the Past Continuous, the Past Perfect and the Past Perfect continuous..... not forgetting modals! This podcast is in the form of a video too, so you can read some of the key expressions, and you can find an answer sheet in the notes.
In this podcast, we take on a bet.... a travel bet! We test out which is the fastest, most reliable and cheapest way to get from Toulouse to Paris. Chris takes the car and Sue takes the plane. Which means of transport do you think comes out on top ? As a language learner you can check your comprehension with a quiz. Listen up carefully because there are lots of numbers in this podcast to test you!
In this podcast, Sue, as a European, listens in amazement to Cindy, an American from North Carolina, as she describes her everyday life living with guns in the USA. Cindy recounts why she needs to own a gun, how she practices shooting and how the constitution allows American citizens to carry an arm (and shoot) for their own protection. Whatever your view of guns, this podcast will fascinate you.
In this podcast, we dive into superstitions. Do you believe in them or not? Why do we believe in something we rationally know not to be true? Are superstitions dangerous, or just a harmless cultural traditional? In this podcast you can hear Chris put the case for superstitions and Sue who debunks the whole idea of superstition, and you'll learn lots of vocabulary along the way.
In this podcast, we proudly present our adopted city of Toulouse following the announcement that the reputed travel guide series Lonely Planet has nominated Toulouse as THE city to visit in 2025.Listen in as we run through our 20 top "must do" in the Pink City.
In this podcast recorded during the Covid crisis of 2020, we take a look back at history and some of the medical outbreaks of the past. We compare how people dealt with the restrictions enforced in the 17th century with those that we experienced just a few years ago.
In this podcast, you can tune into stories from a novice cook, Victoria. She certainly had some mishaps. Listen in to these amusing stories, maybe you have similar experiences too. She also gives great tips about writing a blog, especially its a language learner.
In this podcast, we discuss in detail the best tips and advice for getting over the fear of speaking in public and by consequence making your presentations so much more effective. Listen in as we cover stress and breathing, effective slides, how to present data effectively, how to connect with your attendees and how to finish with a knock-out Take Home Message.
In this podcast, we take a look at our phones and discuss the apps we use and why. Could you live without your apps? Are they really that useful? Do you use the same ones as us? Can you describe why you use them and like them? Listen to us as we use everyday vocabulary which you'll find pretty useful.
Now that really is a tricky question !! The conditionals may seem hard but in fact they are pretty simple and they will take your English to another level. As a language learner it's time to expand your conversation from the past, present and future.... go further with the conditionals !
We all have future plans, whether it’s organizing the week ahead, planning a holiday, or considering a career change. As a language learner, it can be challenging to know which structure fits best to express your ideas clearly. In this podcast, we break down the different future tenses and provide helpful examples to help you express yourself.
In this podcast, we take a look at words we use in meetings and in particular phrasal verbs. How can you learn them? Why are they difficult to learn? Do you really need to learn them? Listen in to find out.
In this podcast we discuss an upcoming trip to the UK. What is the best thing to eat, to drink and where to go? Where's the best place for a pub quiz? Listen up and you'll find out. Lots of grammar in this podcast too. The video has pictures and questions to help you.
In this podcast we tackle grammar in an engaging detective story. Listen out for verbs in the past tense and the sentence structure.
In this podcast, we take a look at humour. What is you kind of humour, are you silly, surreal or witty? Does humour translate well? What are the different types of humour? What has been the biggest comedy show in terms of viewing numbers? All this will be revealed in this podcast.... just dive in !
In this podcast, we take a look at our phones and discuss the apps we use and why. Could you live without your apps? Are they really that useful? Do you use the same ones as us? Can you describe why you use them and like them? Listen to us as we use everyday vocabulary which you'll find pretty useful.
On the 4th July 2024 the UK will hold a general election. It's always an exciting night and we will certainly be watching all night. But whatever your political views it's always interesting to watch and you'll probably hear the usual bunch of expressions that typically come out of the mouths of TV journalists and politicians. So, first listen to the podcast to understand what these expression mean, and then on election night have fun with this Lingo Bingo card and tick off the expressions when you hear them.
In this podcast, we take a look at our phones and discuss the apps we use and why. Could you live without your apps? Are they really that useful? Do you use the same ones as us? Can you describe why you use them and like them? Listen to us as we use everyday vocabulary which you'll find pretty useful.
13, May, 2024Episode 216: Using Mindfulness in Language LearningIn this podcast, we'll explore how incorporating mindfulness practices can deepen your connection to the English language, foster greater fluency, and cultivate a sense of presence and clarity in your learning process.Join us as we delve into practical mindfulness techniques that can be seamlessly integrated into your language learning routine. From mindful listening exercises that enhance your comprehension skills to improving your confidence.NotesBut mindfulness is more than just a language learning hack – it's a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. We'll explore how mindfulness can help you overcome language learning challenges, navigate cultural nuances, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. Whether you're a beginner embarking on your English language learning journey or an advanced learner looking to refine your skills, this podcast is for you.Recap & TakeawaysBy cultivating mindfulness in your language learning practice, you'll not only enhance your linguistic abilities but also cultivate greater presence, resilience, and compassion in all aspects of your life. So, grab your headphones, find a quiet space, and join us on this transformative journey to mindful English fluency. Subscribe now and let's embark on this empowering adventure together!Stay Tuned For Our Latest EpisodesSubscribe to our Facebook group and page, our Youtube channel and to our Instagram to get all the latest podcasts, quizzes and blog posts.Start Listening Today!View EpisodesContact Ushello@english-podcasts.comFollowFollowFollowFollow
13, May, 2024Episode 215: Using Music to work on grammarOne way of working on grammar in English, and a great way to memorise some grammar patterns and rules is to use popular songs.Welcome to our latest episode of the English podcasts! In this captivating installment, we'll be exploring a unique approach to language learning: using music to work on grammar.NotesJoin us as we delve into the fascinating world of music and its powerful impact on grammar acquisition. From catchy tunes to rhythmic patterns, music has long been recognized as a valuable tool for enhancing language skills.In this episode, we'll uncover the science behind why music is such an effective teaching aid for grammar. We'll explore how musical elements such as melody, rhythm, and repetition can help learners internalize grammatical structures and concepts in a fun and engaging way.Recap & TakeawaysWhether you're a teacher looking to spice up your grammar lessons or a learner seeking new strategies to master language skills, this podcast is for you. Tune in as we harmonize grammar and music to create an unforgettable learning experience.So, grab your headphones, turn up the volume, and join us on this melodic journey through the world of language learning. Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's explore the power of music to transform grammar learning together!Stay Tuned For Our Latest EpisodesSubscribe to our Facebook group and page, our Youtube channel and to our Instagram to get all the latest podcasts, quizzes and blog posts.Start Listening Today!View EpisodesContact Ushello@english-podcasts.comFollowFollowFollowFollow
27, April, 2024Episode 214: Mega Europe Trivia QuizThink you know about Europe? Maybe you do, maybe you don't. Test your general knowledge with some off the wall questions about culture, history and knowledge of countries, customs and cities in Europe.If you love quizing and increasing your knowledge of fun facts and trivia about Europe - this quiz will really stretch your knowledge and help get those neurons bouncing.NotesWelcome to the Mega Europe Trivia Quiz, where we embark on a journey through the diverse and fascinating continent of Europe! From the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, Europe is a treasure trove of history, culture, and innovation.Recap & TakeawaysIn this quiz, we'll test your knowledge on everything from famous landmarks and historical events to culinary delights and pop culture phenomena. So, gather your wits, sharpen your pencils, and get ready to uncover the secrets and surprises of Europe in this ultimate trivia challenge!Are you ready to prove your expertise and discover new tidbits about this remarkable continent? Let's dive in and see how well you know Europe!Stay Tuned For Our Latest EpisodesSubscribe to our Facebook group and page, our Youtube channel and to our Instagram to get all the latest podcasts, quizzes and blog posts.Start Listening Today!View EpisodesContact Ushello@english-podcasts.comFollowFollowFollowFollow
Episode 204: What is Thanksgiving all about?https://english-podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/What-is-Thanksgiving-all-about-.mp3
The Restaurant Episode 1 - Meeting for DinnerSue and Chris meet for dinner at a restaurant in England, as usual, Sue is late.The Restaurant Episode 1 - Meeting for Dinner deals with meeting and greetings, arriving at a restaurant, checking a booking and finding a table.One of the most difficult aspects in learning and using English in a social setting is eating and drinking in the restaurant, which is obviously vital for survival, but in a business context is a hugely important part of relationship building with clients, colleagues and suppliers.The main difficulties arise from the vocabulary used to describe foods and drinks and the way that they are prepared, but an additional issue is the background noise that is often present in eateries and places where people go to eat and drink.There is also the fact that the conversation can change from subject to subject very quickly, so as a learner you need to be constantly on your toes - and hopefully enjoy the experience.In this series on The Restaurant, you will learn some useful ways of asking questions, describing foods, tastes and drinks as well as a host of vocabulary and real English to talk about food and drink.Series 1 starts with two people meeting in a restaurant for dinner, they then go into the restaurant to take their place at the table they reserved only to find a disagreeable surprise.The following section takes us to discussing the food and drink on a typical menu in a British Gastro pub, where food is served to clients, known as diners.The two diners are greeted by a less than friendly and pretty unprofessional waitress, who tends to their needs from their entrance into the restaurant until the point where they pay their bill.Along the way they battle their way through some of the, often ambiguous descriptions on the menu to a few surprises with the food that they order.There are some simple quizzes that you can take at the end of each podcast to check your understanding.#fca_qc_quiz_229205.fca_qc_quiz p:not( .fca_qc_back_response ):not( #fca_qc_question_right_or_wrong ):not( .fca_qc_question_response_correct_answer ):not( .fca_qc_question_response_response ):not( .fca_qc_question_response_hint ):not( .fca_qc_question_response_item p ),#fca_qc_quiz_229205.fca_qc_quiz a:not( .fca_qc_share_link ),#fca_qc_quiz_229205.fca_qc_quiz div:not( .correct-answer ):not( .wrong-answer ){color: #151515;}#fca_qc_quiz_229205.fca_qc_quiz div.fca-qc-back.correct-answer,#fca_qc_quiz_229205.fca_qc_quiz div.fca_qc_question_response_item.correct-answer {background-color: #abdc8c;}#fca_qc_quiz_229205.fca_qc_quiz div.fca-qc-back.wrong-answer,#fca_qc_quiz_229205.fca_qc_quiz div.fca_qc_question_response_item.wrong-answer {background-color: #f57484;}#fca_qc_quiz_229205.fca_qc_quiz div.fca_qc_question_response_item p {color: #151515;}#fca_qc_quiz_229205.fca_qc_quiz{border: #151515 0px solid;border-radius: 2px;}#fca_qc_quiz_229205.fca_qc_quiz button.fca_qc_next_question {color: #151515;border: #151515 2px solid;background-color: transparent;}#fca_qc_quiz_229205.fca_qc_quiz button.fca_qc_next_question:hover {background-color: #FFFFFF;}#fca_qc_quiz_229205.fca_qc_quiz button.fca_qc_button {background-color: #6868ac;box-shadow: 0 2px 0 0 #6868ac;color: #FFFFFF;}#fca_qc_quiz_229205.fca_qc_quiz button.fca_qc_button:hover {background-color: #7b3c99;}#fca_qc_quiz_229205.fca_qc_quiz div.fca_qc_answer_div {background-color: #6d6d6d;border: #6d6d6d 0px solid;}#fca_qc_quiz_229205.fca_qc_quiz div.fca_qc_answer_div.fakehover,#fca_qc_quiz_229205.fca_qc_quiz div.fca_qc_answer_div:active {background-color: #7b3c99;}#fca_qc_quiz_229205.fca_qc_quiz span.fca_qc_answer_span {
The Restaurant - Episode 2 - The MenuMenus in eateries can be confusing.Not only is the vocabulary of the foods varied, but the way they are cooked can be confusing even to English native speakers.Listen to Sue and Chris as they decide what they are going to eat and drink in the restaurant.One of the most difficult aspects in learning and using English in a social setting is eating and drinking in the restaurant, which is obviously vital for survival, but in a business context is a hugely important part of relationship building with clients, colleagues and suppliers.The main difficulties arise from the vocabulary used to describe foods and drinks and the way that they are prepared, but an additional issue is the background noise that is often present in eateries and places where people go to eat and drink.There is also the fact that the conversation can change from subject to subject very quickly, so as a learner you need to be constantly on your toes - and hopefully enjoy the experience.In this series on The Restaurant, you will learn some useful ways of asking questions, describing foods, tastes and drinks as well as a host of vocabulary and real English to talk about food and drink.Series 1 starts with two people meeting in a restaurant for dinner, they then go into the restaurant to take their place at the table they reserved only to find a disagreeable surprise.The following section takes us to discussing the food and drink on a typical menu in a British Gastro pub, where food is served to clients, known as diners.The two diners are greeted by a less than friendly and pretty unprofessional waitress, who tends to their needs from their entrance into the restaurant until the point where they pay their bill.Along the way they battle their way through some of the, often ambiguous descriptions on the menu to a few surprises with the food that they order.There are some simple quizzes that you can take at the end of each podcast to check your understanding - if you like these then please sign up for premium membership where you will find over 120 hours of stimulating activities for each podcast series on this site.#fca_qc_quiz_229210.fca_qc_quiz p:not( .fca_qc_back_response ):not( #fca_qc_question_right_or_wrong ):not( .fca_qc_question_response_correct_answer ):not( .fca_qc_question_response_response ):not( .fca_qc_question_response_hint ):not( .fca_qc_question_response_item p ),#fca_qc_quiz_229210.fca_qc_quiz a:not( .fca_qc_share_link ),#fca_qc_quiz_229210.fca_qc_quiz div:not( .correct-answer ):not( .wrong-answer ){color: #151515;}#fca_qc_quiz_229210.fca_qc_quiz div.fca-qc-back.correct-answer,#fca_qc_quiz_229210.fca_qc_quiz div.fca_qc_question_response_item.correct-answer {background-color: #abdc8c;}#fca_qc_quiz_229210.fca_qc_quiz div.fca-qc-back.wrong-answer,#fca_qc_quiz_229210.fca_qc_quiz div.fca_qc_question_response_item.wrong-answer {background-color: #f57484;}#fca_qc_quiz_229210.fca_qc_quiz div.fca_qc_question_response_item p {color: #151515;}#fca_qc_quiz_229210.fca_qc_quiz{border: #151515 0px solid;border-radius: 2px;}#fca_qc_quiz_229210.fca_qc_quiz button.fca_qc_next_question {color: #151515;border: #151515 2px solid;background-color: transparent;}#fca_qc_quiz_229210.fca_qc_quiz button.fca_qc_next_question:hover {background-color: #FFFFFF;}#fca_qc_quiz_229210.fca_qc_quiz button.fca_qc_button {background-color: #6868ac;box-shadow: 0 2px 0 0 #6868ac;color: #FFFFFF;}#fca_qc_quiz_229210.fca_qc_quiz button.fca_qc_button:hover {background-color: #7b3c99;}#fca_qc_quiz_229210.fca_qc_quiz div.fca_qc_answer_div {background-color: #6d6d6d;border: #6d6d6d 0px solid;}#fca_qc_quiz_229210.fca_qc_quiz div.fca_qc_answer_div.
What Makes a Good PodcastAre you tired of scrolling through endless podcast menus, desperately searching for that one perfect audio gem that will tickle your eardrums and ignite your imagination?Well, fear not, because we've got you covered! Join us as we embark on a sonic adventure through the the world of podcasts on What Makes a Good Podcast as I ask Sue, an avid podcast listener, what she looks for in a podcast.Have you ever wondered how to choose the perfect podcast for your daily commute, workout session, or cozy evening by the fire?Is it the gripping content, the charismatic host, or perhaps the snazzy theme music that draws you in?We're here to explore the mysteries of podcast attraction and reveal the secrets that lie beneath the earbuds, from captivating storytelling to infectious laughter and everything in between, we'll delve into the podcast universe to unearth the elements that make your ears tingle with delight.Join us at English-Podcasts to talk about What Makes a Good Podcast, we will also give some tips on podcasts to subscribe to that you'll want to share and listen to.Stay tuned, subscribe, and let's embark on this auditory journey together.After all, in the world of podcasts, the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination!So, hit that play button, and let's get ready to find out what makes a good podcast.Oh, and while you are here, please subscribe to our YOUTUBE CHANNEL
We're back from our summer trips and rearing to go ! This means that we have lots of new ideas and plans to help improve your English and motivate your learning.In this podcast we tell you about where we went in the summer and outline our new, exciting plans for the coming months. Join us on this exhilarating journey and allow us to empower you to soar to unprecedented heights in your language learning endeavors!
As part of the Australian series, this podcast takes you into the world of real Ozzie slang.... in other words, Australian informal language. Do you know what an ambo is ? Or what about "sunnies".... you shouldn't leave home without them in Australia ! Listen as Laura tests Sue on her knowledge (or rather lack of knowledge !) about Ozzie slang. See if you can find the Ozzie slang word for these words. For an extra challenge they are not in the order mentioned in the podcast :).
Following the series of podcasts about Australia, this one is devoted to the best holiday things to do and to expect. Is Australia on your bucket list ? Over 5 million people visit Australia every year. It's certainly a long way from everywhere, but is it worth making the effort to fly for hours to get there? This podcast will outline the recommendations and some of the things to avoid. But first get in the mood with this quiz, there are general knowledge questions and for language learners some comprehension questions to help with the podcast.
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Australia Holiday Podcast Quiz This quiz comprises of 10 general knowledge questions and 10 podcast comprehension questions.
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Recently a marketing company carried out a survey to find out which city people perceived as being the best in the world..... and Sydney came out on top !While on holiday there Sue caught up with Laura, who's been living there for the past three and a half years, to see if the city really does live up to the hype.
Desert Island Discs is a radio programme broadcast on BBC Radio 4. It was first broadcast on the BBC Forces Programme on 29 January 1942.Each week a guest, called a "castaway" during the programme, is asked to choose eight recordings, a book and a luxury item that they would take if they were to be cast away on a desert island, whilst discussing their life and the reasons for their choices.Here, it's Chris' turn to talk about his eight favourite tracks and what they mean to him, so there is a lot of reminiscing about the past and fond memories evoked by music.
Desert Island Discs is a radio programme broadcast on BBC Radio 4. It was first broadcast on the BBC Forces Programme on 29 January 1942.Each week a guest, called a "castaway" during the programme, is asked to choose eight recordings, a book and a luxury item that they would take if they were to be cast away on a desert island, whilst discussing their life and the reasons for their choices.Here, Susan talks about her eight favourite tracks and what they mean to her, so there is a lot of reminiscing about the past and fond memories evoked by music.
Bucket ListsSue and Chris talk about a Bucket lists.Before listening, do you know what bucket lists are?While listening.1. Does Sue want to swim with dolphins?2. Where does Chris want to go for his bucket list?3. Where does Sue say she thinks the Northern Lights are?Listen to the podcast and try the following : First relax, sit down, close your eyes then listen to the podcast all the way through. Note down some ideas of what you expect the Podcast will be about. If needed have a look on the Internet for the keyword, 'Bucket Lists' to prepare yourself for the listening. Here is a link HERE and HERE to start you off. Listen to JUST Sue, ignoring Chris and try to work out globally what her questions and comments are. (you won't understand everything, so there is no point trying at this point.) Listen to just Chris as above. Now go back and listen to Sue - take a sheet of paper, draw a line down the middle, on the left of the paper, write any ideas that you have of what Sue was talking about. Now do the same for Chris. Now listen to the podcast all the way through THEN write down any more ideas that you have about the podcast. Leave the podcast for a day or two, then come back and listen. Do you understand any more than from the first session of listening you did? How do you rate the difficulty level for you? (Too difficult at the moment / A challenge / I understand enough). When will you return to this podcast to check your listening progress?Remember : You won't understand everything you hear. There is a lot of regular work to do to tune your ear into Real English - you need to work on listening regularly. NEVER write notes at the same time that you are listening. ALWAYS - try to set yourself realistic objectives. REMEMBER - this is just a part of your learning and you need to be able to connect this work with your other work. This is REAL English - we don't believe that slow, over-articulated speech prepares learners for the real world - you may be able to understand an audio extract that is spoken slowly, but what good is that if you don't understand real people in real situations. At english-podcasts.com we want to help you to be ready for the real world - it will be difficult at first, but later you will feel the benefit - it is just pure, common sense.
Who invented the umbrella? Why is the Mona Lisa so famous and why was Pol Pot in Cambodia? Why do people love quizzes? How many flies does it take to fall off a horse and what does Albert Einstein have in common with Justin Bieber? These questions and many more are probed as to how they were invented, why they became so popular or why they can be thought provoking. Why do people love quizzes? It's a tough question but one that we'll take on in this podcast. If you've spent any time in the UK, you've no doubt noticed that the Brits are a nation that loves to test themselves. Say what you want about them, but they love a little competition and as for the rest of you, well…we love to make fun at how terrible you are at organizing your lives (I'm looking at you, Americans!). Not only do quizzes make a lot of people's Facebook feeds a little less bland, but these tiny bits of entertainment also serve an essential purpose: Nobody ever finished a Buzzfeed or Snapchat quiz without recalling some old memory from their life just to answer the question at the end. Test your own memory with this quiz! Quizzes are commonly categorized as being a fun activity to participate in, but why have they become so popular? Does this mean that people only take quizzes to test their knowledge and have nothing else to do in the time they use them? Why aren't people learning facts in other ways? Is it purely for entertainment, or is there more beyond the internal appeal of taking a quiz?
An American woman describes her everyday life living with guns to a European, who listens in amazement,
You must have noticed it..... Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her 70 year reign this week, yes her Platinum Jubilee!
The celebrations are taking place all over the globe from New Zealand to Canada, from South Africa to India. And don't forget Australia !
We have a very good quiz with lots of fun facts for you to enjoy which is also designed to help you build great vocabulary, but in this podcast Sue puts Chris on the spot with some more unusual questions.
Before listening, take a look at these questions and prepare your answers ( or maybe your best guesses !!!!). Can you do better than Chris ?
When was the Queen born? What is the building where the Queen was born used for now? What does the Queen use as her morning alarm? What is her favorite breed of dog? What was the name of her first dog (that made us laugh !!) Where did the Queen go to school? What was the family relationship between the Queen and her late husband? How many UK residents have never known another monarch? How does the Queen use her handbag to communicate a message to her staff?
You'll also hear how Chris has meet the Queen on 3 occasions, his impressions, and Sue and Chris" views about Her Majesty.
Lots and lots of vocabulary to learn and comprehension to test you.
Here are some photos of the day's events.
The conversation took place over Zoom, so sometimes the sound is unstable.
.
Which books are the best for building vocabulary and consolidating sentence structure comprehension? Take a listen to this podcast which is brimming over with tips about Graded Readers.
Food Hell, what's the worst thing you've ever eaten? Why don't you like it ? Is it the taste, the texture, the smell or just the idea of it? Listen to our choices, do you think they are cultural or universal choices? This podcast is a great way to build vocabulary to express likes and dislikes about food.
Have you heard of "non-verbal communication"? This is what we refer to in every language as body language, eye contact, nodding, moving your body to say you agree or disagree with the speaker. Have you found that digital meetings have changed the dynamics of the "traditional" face to face meetings and lessons? Take a listen to this podcast in which Chris and Sue discuss their experiences and give tips on how to adapt our body language to suit the new way of communicating.
Listen to Bastien talk about his bucket list with Chris.
Listen to more bucket list podcasts by searching the term 'bucket list' in the search bar.
Have you ever heard of the term, "Vanlife?" or rather the hashtag #Vanlife ?
It is a growing trend where people convert vans to a fully contained living area that enables them to travel and work virtually anywhere in the world whilst pursuing their dream of travel, discovery and adventure.
Listen to Chris telling Sue about a project that he has to buy and convert a van for a future tour that will include every European capital city, whilst working at distance, making cinematic travel videos, podcasts and a blog alongside the discovery of grassroots ecological projects throughout Europe that seek to protect the environment.
Have you ever sold anything online? In recent years it has become part of our everyday life. The internet is full of sites specializing in selling second-hand items from houses, to cars, to handbags, to children's toys. Listen as Sue asks Chris about his experience, about the benefits and the pitfalls.
Ahead of the Climate crisis meeting with world leaders, COP26 in Glasgow in October 2021, Chris talks to Renu, who lives in India, about how India is going green.
Air pollution in India is a serious health issue, of the 30 most polluted cities in the world, 21 were in India in 2019, but are things getting better?
The Indian government has pledged to eliminate all single use plastics by 2022 - they have one year to go - but just how are they doing?
India generates 25,940 tonnes of plastic waste every day - that sounds a lot, right? But, just what does that figure mean?
It is the weight of 9,000 Asian elephants - every day!
88 Boeing 747 jets - every day!
Of this 10,746 tonnes is uncollected plastic waste and 66% of this waste is generated by 60 cities and 50% of this waste comes from 5 cities :Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi.
This all sounds alarming, and it is, but India is the 15th biggest polluter in the world
Are electric bikes considered as cheating ? Do they bring back the pleasure of cycling ? Listen to what Chris says about his experience.
Listen to Chris and Renu talking about Renu's project, empowering women in India.
Renu was born in UK and practiced as a UK Lawyer for 10 years. She qualified with an MSc in Ayurveda in 2006 from London and has been an Ayurveda Practitioner and Teacher since then. Renu offers Ayurveda wellness consultations and classes online.
Renu is a writer, blogger and podcaster covering both Ayurveda, Yoga, Wellness and other areas of social interest.
She is the founder and visionary of a sustainability and womens empowerment initiative ‘Stree’ in Rishikesh at the foothills of the Himalayas. Stree has a store in Rishikesh which holds ethically made products from garments to bags to home use products
To receive Ayurveda Consultations and Classes or to purchase Stree products please vist www.streewellness.com
Did you know that Shakespeare coined* over 1000 words, many of which we still use today and some of them we use everyday!
But WHY did he invent so many words ? This is a good question. He didn't it simply to fit in with the rhythm of his text, he needed words with the right number of syllables to fit in with the meter rhythm of the line.
Indeed many of the words that Shakespeare coined came from adding suffixes and prefixes such as -ful, -able - fied. For example, laugh and able, un and dress, care and less. So if you find English adjectives confusing you know who to blame !
Sometimes he put 2 words together, for example bed and room. Thank you Shakespeare for that one! Plus, birth and place, farm and house.
In this podcast, Sue asks Chris to explain 10 Shakespearian inventions and then he "turns the tables" on her... you can thank Shakespeare for that one too !!!
Listen out for these words and expressions:
It's Greek to me
To be tongue tied
fair play / foul play
A fool's paradise
A hard day's night
A green eyed monster
Laughable
An eyesore
What the Dickens !
To puke
to coin means to invent a new word or expression
Ayurveda the science of life is an medicine system with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent.
Ayurveda is heavily practiced in India and Nepal, where around 80% of the population report using it.
Ayurveda therapies have varied and evolved over more than two millennia.
Therapies include medicines, special diets, meditation, yoga, massage, laxatives, enemas, and medical oils.
Medicines are typically based on complex herbal compounds, minerals, and metal substances (perhaps under the influence of early Indian alchemy or rasa shastra).
Ancient Ayurveda texts also taught surgical techniques, including rhinoplasty, kidney stone extractions, sutures, and the extraction of foreign objects.
The main classical Ayurveda texts begin with accounts of the transmission of medical knowledge from the gods to sages, and then to human physicians.
In Sushruta Samhita (Sushruta's Compendium), Sushruta wrote that Dhanvantari, Hindu god of Ayurveda, incarnated himself as a king of Varanasi and taught medicine to a group of physicians, including Sushruta.
Ayurveda has been adapted for Western consumption, notably by Baba Hari Dass in the 1970s and Maharishi Ayurveda in the 1980s.
Some scholars assert that Ayurveda originated in prehistoric times, and that some of the concepts of Ayurveda have existed from the time of the Indus Valley Civilization or even earlier.
Ayurveda developed significantly during the Vedic period and later some of the non-Vedic systems such as Buddhism and Jainism also developed medical concepts and practices that appear in the classical Ayurveda texts.
In Ayurveda texts, Doṣa balance is emphasized, and suppressing natural urges is considered unhealthy and claimed to lead to illness.
Ayurveda treatises describe three elemental doṣas viz. vāta, pitta and kapha, and state that balance (Skt. sāmyatva) of the doṣas results in health, while imbalance (viṣamatva) results in disease. Ayurveda treatises divide medicine into eight canonical components.
Ayurveda practitioners had developed various medicinal preparations and surgical procedures from at least the beginning of the common era.
Listen to Renu, an Ayurveda practioner in north India talk about Ayurveda.
Dave, a West Ham supporter, gives his opinion about England's performance in the Euros 2020 and the harsh criticism that the players received, and also Victoria who runs an equality blog, Feminists of Reading.
Listen to this interview of Renu, an Indian living in North India about North Indian Food.
Do you like spicy food or is it too hot for you?
Do you know what millet is?
What do you think an Indian person living in India would eat as their ideal food?
Victoria - English Food Blogger Susan caught up with Victoria - English Food Blogger, an enthusiastic food blogger from England who talks about her interests in food and blogging.
Victoria's blog is available here for those that would like to read about her food and recipes.
Food blogging is a very popular subject, with bloggers from all over the world sharing their recipes and thoughts on food with an ever-growing audience of foodies.
If you are an enthusiastic cook or interested in food and would like to share your passion with others, have a look here at How to start a foodblog.
You don't need to be an expert - just able to write and pass on your interests and enthusiasm with the world.
Here are some really interesting food blogs to read if you need to be inspired.
Before listening to the podcast, think about the following :
What are food blogs about? Who writes food blogs? Why do people write food blogs?
After listening to Victoria - English Food Blogger, try to answer the following questions?
How old is Victoria? How did she start doing her blog? What did Victoria study at university? Why did Victoria choose to write a food blog? What foods does Victoria mention? Who tests out Victoria's recipes? Is it difficult to set up a food blog? Is setting up a food blog expensive? Who does Victoria primarily write her blog for? What tips does Victoria give for potential bloggers?
Victoria gives some tips for non-native English speakers who may wish to write a blog.
Do you have any tips for budding bloggers whose native language isn't English?
The rise of the food blogger is perhaps no surprise in a world trying to connect with the simple life.
Available to all who have access to a computer and the Internet, we are inspired to try local produce, to experiment with what’s in-season and to be conscious of what we are feeding ourselves and our families.
Nourishment comes from more than simply nutrients; it comes from appreciating the process.
But where do you find these bloggers?
How do you know where to look?
Have a look at the Top 100 Food Bloggers of 2015.
Music - Jahzzar - "Please Listen Carefully."
Chocolate is one of the most popular food types and flavors in the world, and many foodstuffs involving chocolate exist, particularly desserts, including cakes, pudding, mousse, chocolate brownies, and chocolate chip cookies.
Chocolate bars, either made of solid chocolate or other ingredients coated in chocolate, are eaten as snacks all over the world.
Gifts of chocolate molded into different shapes (such as eggs, hearts, coins) are traditional on certain Western holidays, including Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day, and Hanukkah.
Chocolate is also used in cold and hot beverages, such as chocolate milk and hot chocolate, and in some alcoholic drinks, such as creme de cacao or chocolate stout.
Although cocoa originated in the Americas, West African countries, particularly Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, are the leading producers of cocoa in the 21st century, accounting for some 60% of the world cocoa supply.
But how much do you know about chocolate, on this, world Chocolate day? Listen to some of the trivia facts and answers in this podcast to check your knowledge.
A few days in New York.
Have you ever been to New York ? Is it on your list of things to do ? Do you like big cites ? Do you live in the USA? What do you think of tourists to your country?
Listen to this podcast in which Laura, a French-British young women talks to Sue about her holiday, or vacation as they say in American English.
If you are learning English listen very carefully to how Laura talks about her trip. She is half way through her holiday so notice how she describes actions/events in the past and then actions/events in the recent past and then actions/ events in the future. This podcast is a great way to see all these grammatical structures.
Notice the use of the Simple Past tense to indicate something that Laura did in the past.
I booked the hotel on line. I bought a Tourist pass before I came
Sue asks Laura; How did you cope with the jet leg when you arrived?
Notice the use of the Present Perfect tense which Laura uses to describe something she has done recently, within the last few days but without mentioning the exact day.
I have been to see the Statue of Liberty. I've done so many things. I have taken a cab. I've been to wrong places. I have been to Five Guys. I've spoken to quite a few people from new York.
Notice the use of the Present Continuous tense to describe a current situation.
Sue asks Laura: How are you getting around ?
People in the street are all carrying a cup of soda or coffee.
Notice the use of the future tenses.
Sue asks Laura: What are you doing after this diner? When are you heading back ?
I'm going to visit Brooklyn Bridge and the Highline later this afternoon.
To learn more vocabulary don't forget to do the New York Skyline Quiz... it's awesome !
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The New York Skyline Quiz The New York skyline is world famous, but how well do you really know it ?
Start Quiz
Question
Do you know what yoga is all about?
Yoga is an ancient and complex practice, rooted in Indian philosophy, which began as a spiritual practice but has become popular as a way of promoting physical and mental wellbeing.
Yoga typically emphasizes physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation (dyana).
There are many different yoga styles, ranging from gentle practices to physically demanding ones.
Listen to this in-depth discussion with Renu an Ayuverda specialist based in Rishikesh in northern India on the basic tenets of Yoga.
In this podcast Chris and Sue talk about a lockdown situation that took place in the 17th century in a village called Eyam which is located in north Derbyshire.
Back then the situation was very serious and the majority of the villagers lost their lives to the plague. Of course we are absolutely not living through a plague situation but some of the social distancing measures that the villagers undertook may seem familiar today.
What did you understand from the conversation?
Where is Eyam?
When was the outbreak of the plague?
How did it start ?
What did the villagers do?
Who encouraged them in to stay put and not leave the village?
How did the villagers get food?
How did they "sanitize" their money?
What other "social distancing measures" did they have ?
What were the symptoms of the plague?
What is the village like now ?
What numbers did you pick up ? What do they refer to?
Vocabulary check: listen out for these unfamiliar words :
fleas - cloth - boils - cysts - vicar - burials - grave digger - contagious disease - quirky - quaint - picturesque
These pictures will help you to visualize the story.
Rishikesh has been a part of the legendary "Kedarkhand" - Legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the asura king of Lanka; and Lakshmana, his younger brother, crossed the river Ganges, using two jute ropes at the point where the present 'Lakshman Jhula' stands today.
Dehra Dun said about Rishikesh, " A village or town beautifully situated on the right bank of the Ganges, on a high cliff overlooking the river. The place is developing very rapidly, especially since the construction of the new bridge over the Song river, the realignment of the pilgrim road from Raiwala to Rishikesh."
The Ganges, one of the most sacred rivers to Hindus, flows through Rishikesh. Here the river leaves the Shivalik Hills in the Himalayas and flows into the plains of northern India.
Several temples, ancient and new, are along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. Shatrughna Mandir, Bharat Mandir (Lord Vishnu's avatar), Lakshman Mandir are the ancient temples established by Adi Shankaracharya. Shatrughna Temple is near Ram Jhula and Lakshman Mandir is situated near Lakshman Jhula.
The historical records mention that some pilgrims used to stay at Rishikesh as a resting place before moving onwards to the higher mountains for the pilgrimage while a larger number used to visit Rishikesh as the original destination and visited various sites between Rishikesh and Lakshman Jhula before returning.
However, Rishikesh has in recent decades shifted from a pilgrim to a tourist town. The International Yoga Festival introduced in 2000 has brought a new influx of tourists. Local markets have evolved from commercialising goods such as "local and religious handicrafts" to a more service-oriented tourist industry with "provision stores, cafes, hotels and yoga and meditation" as well as rafting
Listen to Chris talking to Renu, who has lived in Rishikesh for a number of years, about the town, the region and things of interest, but also of being an expat in India. In later podcasts we will be looking at being an expat in India and France, ayuverda and lots of information about India.
A bucket list is a list of activities or things that people really want to do before they die, as depicted by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman in the 2007 film of the same name, where two people realise their wildest dreams.
In this podcast Sue and Chris talk about a Bucket lists.
Before listening, do you know what bucket lists are?
While listening.
-
Does Sue want to swim with dolphins?
-
Where does Chris want to go for his bucket list?
-
Where does Sue say she thinks the Northern Lights are?
Listen to the podcast and try the following :
First relax, sit down, close your eyes then listen to the podcast all the way through. Note down some ideas of what you expect the Podcast will be about. If needed have a look on the Internet for the keyword, 'Bucket Lists' to prepare yourself for the listening. Listen to JUST Sue, ignoring Chris and try to work out globally what her questions and comments are. (you won't understand everything, so there is no point trying at this point.) Listen to just Chris as above. Now go back and listen to Sue - take a sheet of paper, draw a line down the middle, on the left of the paper, write any ideas that you have of what Sue was talking about. Now do the same for Chris. Now listen to the podcast all the way through THEN write down any more ideas that you have about the podcast. Leave the podcast for a day or two, then come back and listen. Do you understand any more than from the first session of listening you did? How do you rate the difficulty level for you? (Too difficult at the moment / A challenge / I understand enough). When will you return to this podcast to check your listening progress?
Remember :
You won't understand everything you hear. There is a lot of regular work to do to tune your ear into Real English - you need to work on listening regularly. NEVER write notes at the same time that you are listening. ALWAYS - try to set yourself realistic objectives. REMEMBER - this is just a part of your learning and you need to be able to connect this work with your other work. This is REAL English - we don't believe that slow, over-articulated speech prepares learners for the real world - you may be able to understand an audio extract that is spoken slowly, but what good is that if you don't understand real people in real situations. At english-podcasts.com we want to help you to be ready for the real world - it will be difficult at first, but later you will feel the benefit - it is just pure, common sense.
Why not try this quiz to give you ideas as to what to put on your Bucket list.
Football will be in the news for a month during the EURO 2020..... which is taking place in 2021 due to successive Covid lockdowns in Europe.
Are you able to talk "footy"? Do you know the football jargon that we hear around us in the bars? Take the opportunity this month to go to bars and start up a conversation with other people about the football matches, it's a great way to improve your English!
In this podcast Sue puts Chris on the spot when she asks him to explain frequent football words and expressions. You'll hear that they're not big fans of football but they'll make the effort for language learning :)
Give yourself a pat on the back when you understand what these words mean;
To kick off / The coin toss /
A goalie / to save a goal / to mark a player
To score a hattrick
A foul / a tackle / to get booked / to be sent off/ to get a red card
A peno / a penalty shootout
To park the bus
Extra time vs Injury time
.... and the language of TV football commentators
It's a game of 2 halves
To put the game to bed
What a beauty !
They're on the back foot
He's bottled it
It's an open goal / It's an own goal
That's a blatant handball !
"Football's coming home" :)
Then test your memory with this Flash Quiz.
For those of you who want more, try this World Cup Football Quiz full of great vocabulary and amazing facts to entertain even the most football skeptic.
https://english-podcasts.com/the-curious-off-side-football-world-cup-quiz/
Listen to the podcast here.
listen to Chris' 5 minutes of fame, as he tells some pretty good jokes (well that's what he told us to write anyway) - we hope you like them!
The travel bet The travel bet - which is quicker, public transport or the car?
have you ever wondered if you should give up your car journey in favour of using public transport?
Which is the cheapest way to travel?
Follow Chris and Sue as they bet on the quickest way to get from a city in Southern France to the capital, Paris.
Listen to the podcast, The travel bet first, then try the quiz.
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The travel bet
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Effective Presentation Skills Tips episode 1 Effective Presentation Skills Tips episode 1 is part of a series of podcasts aimed at helping people to be more effective when presenting in front of an audience.
Sue and Chris talk about some of the pitfalls in presentations, including managing stress, information overload and why people deliver presentations. Presenting information clearly and effectively is one of the key soft skills, if not the most important soft skill for life, and especially in business. Getting your message or opinion across is essential, and, today, presentation skills are required in almost every field of professional life. If you are a manager, a technician, an engineer, a student, business owner or whatever, you may very well be asked to make a presentation at some point. This can be something that not all of us relish. This series of podcasts are meant to help you avoid some of the common mistakes that some presenters make, so that you can get your message across effectively and engage with your audience.. Everything that Sue and Chris talk about is about common sense skills that can be applied by anyone in a presentation, there are no miracle answers, just pragmatic tips that actually work. After all, there is no point being the best student, manager, technician or engineer in your organisation if you cannot effectively communicate what you know and convince others. Preparation is the most important part of a successful presentation and is a part that is often neglected by speakers. This is the crucial foundation and there are no short-cuts to excellence. If you suffer from glossophobia, then this series of podcasts may help you a lot. Glossophobia is the fear of public speaking. The word glossophobia comes from the Greek γλῶσσα glōssa, meaning tongue, and φόβος phobos, fear or dread. Find more at: http://www.skillsyouneed.com/presentation-skills.html#ixzz4MsrDtTgx
The worst invention to be pitched on Dragon's Den
Stress gets to a presenter on Dragon's Den
Even Steve Jobs couldn't convince the Dragons
Phrasal verbs are everywhere in English, we use them hundreds of times a day but they are not always easy for learners to understand because the addition of the particle changes the meaning of the original verb completely.
Effective Presentation Skills Tips episode 2 Effective Presentation Skills Tips episode 2 is the second part of a series of podcasts aimed at helping people to be more effective when presenting in front of an audience.
Sue and Chris talk about some of the pitfalls in presentations, including managing stress, redundancy, communication problems and telling an audience what they already know. Presenting information clearly and effectively is one of the key soft skills, if not the most important soft skill for life, and especially in business. Getting your message or opinion across is essential, and, today, presentation skills are required in almost every field of professional life. If you are a manager, a technician, an engineer, a student, business owner or whatever, you may very well be asked to make a presentation at some point. This can be something that not all of us relish. This series of podcasts are meant to help you avoid some of the common mistakes that some presenters make, so that you can get your message across effectively and engage with your audience.. Everything that Sue and Chris talk about is about common sense skills that can be applied by anyone in a presentation, there are no miracle answers, just pragmatic tips that actually work. After all, there is no point being the best student, manager, technician or engineer in your organisation if you cannot communicate what you do and what you want others to do.
Numbers in Sport.
Numbers can be a difficult part of learning a new language.
New learners often confuse "hundreds" and "thousands", "fifteen" and "fifty", "half past six" with "six and a half hours" etc etc etc.
The only way to improve your number skills is with practice.
Start by learning important numbers for you: your age, your address, your phone number.
Then practice well known expressions such as "fifty-fifty", "One Hundred and One Dalmatians".
Also try this podcast in which Sue asks Chris 10 questions about numbers in sport.
You will need to listen several times; the first time you listen your main objective should be to focus on the numbers that Chris gives. Are you clear about 100s and 1000s ? Can you recognize times ? Can you identity money quantities? What about dates ?
For the second time of listening, focus on the questions and for the third time, just enjoy the conversation !
TRY THIS QUIZ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PODCAST: you will hear the same questions in the podcast as in the quiz. How many numbers can you recognize ? Practice saying all the numbers in the quiz and then listen again to the podcast. Your progress will be AMAZING !
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Numbers in sport After listening to the podcast try this quiz to consolidate your number skills. You can check your own answers with Chris' attempts.
Start Quiz
Question Your answer: Correct answer: Next
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Tea is probably the favourite drink across the world, but do you know about tea?
Do you know the phrases and expressions related to tea?
In this podcast we chat about the noble drink that the British (amongst others) adore.
Ever heard of, "A storm in a teacup?"
A mug of builders?
A cuppa?
A cup of Rosy Lee?
Listen to Chris & Sue reveal all about tea...
There is no doubt that the successive lockdowns of 2020-21 have dramatically changed our daily lives on so many levels, and figures show that more people have experienced anxiety due to the social, financial and work restrictions that have been placed on us.
We are nearing the end of the season and it's hotting up between two great teams: Toulouse (our favourite) and La Rochelle.
Listen as you'll hear how both teams made it to the final and how they are also in excellent positions in the French Top 14 league.
Listen out for typical English expressions we use when talking about sport. Give yourself a pat on the back when you hear them !!
How do you account for the zero? How do you explain the zero ?
To weigh up the opponents. Toulouse often starts slowly because they weigh up the opponents, they try to suss them out, they try to figure them out.
To be over the hill. Is Max Médard too old?
Cheslin Kolbe is a game changer, he has a huge impact on the game.
However, he did look a bit winded at times, he looked out of breath following a hard tackle.
Who would you put money on ? Who do you think will win?
On paper Toulouse look stronger, in theory they look the better team.
Toulouse have their eye firmly on the European Cup, it is their main objective.
In the final no team will run away with it, it will be a very close match.
Learning tip: practice your number skills by making a note of all the scores Chris mentions, it's pretty fast, just like the game !
So who do you think will win ? Toulouse or La Rochelle. In the comments below let us know and why, we would love to know your opinion.
Historically, the term electronic mail was used generically for any electronic document transmission. For example, several writers in the early 1970s used the term to refer to fax document transmission.
As a result, it is difficult to find the first citation for the use of the term with the more specific meaning it has today.
Electronic mail has been most commonly called email or e-mail since around 1993, but variations of the spelling have been used:
Computer-based mail and messaging became possible with the advent of time-sharing computers in the early 1960s, and informal methods of using shared files to pass messages were soon expanded into the first mail systems.
Most developers of early mainframes and minicomputers developed similar, but generally incompatible, mail applications. Over time, a complex web of gateways and routing systems linked many of them.
Many US universities were part of the ARPANET, created in the late 1960s.
In 1971 the first ARPANET network email was sent, introducing the now-familiar address syntax with the '@' symbol designating the user's system address.
The Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) protocol was introduced in 1981.
The problem with email is that we all use it, but sometimes we do not use it as effectively as we could or should.
In this podcast we respond to questions written by our listeners as we talk about some ways to improve your email writing and usage.
If you have things that you would like us to address in a podcast, please either wend them in the comments, the contact form or the request for on the front page.
The workplace is a very demanding, quick-paced and increasingly uncertain place in which we operate on a day-to-day basis, but does it always have to be a stressful place?.
Pressure to meet deadlines, deliverables and working with difficult people, among other factors, puts modern employees under unreasonable amounts of stress.
In fact, being constantly stressed out is so universal that many people have accepted it as unpleasant, but a way of life - it has become the norm.
While a certain amount of stress is acceptable and can actually be beneficial for you—keeping you alert and focused, helping you cope well with challenges—beyond a certain acceptable limit, stress is nothing but bad for you, if it is not channelled and managed.
Not only does it affect your mental stability but also your health, relationships, productivity at work, and overall quality of life.
People are different, so we all react differently to the same set of circumstances; something that one person may find stressful, another may regard as only mildly challenging or even normal.
How you tolerate and respond to stress depends not only on the particularities of your situation but also on what type of person you are; your natural inclinations, beliefs and behaviors.
In this podcast we look at some of the ways that workplace stress impacts people and we look at :
Stress trends in the 21st century What stress looks like in the workplace The effects of stress The cost of stress Is your workplace causing you stress?
Star Wars - The Force Awakens In this podcast, Chris who has never (ever) seen a Star Wars film, interviews movie goers as they leave the cinema after watching Star Wars - The Force Awakens, just to see what all the fuss is about.
It seems like he isn't the only one, there is even a BBC Radio 4 program called "I've never seen Star Wars."
Read more about the radio series here.
Star Wars - The Force Awakens - Thirty years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy faces a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order. When a defector named Finn crash-lands on a desert planet, he meets Rey (Daisy Ridley), a tough scavenger whose droid contains a top-secret map.
Star Wars is an American epic space opera franchise centered on a film series created by George Lucas. It depicts the adventures of various characters "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away".
The first film in the series, Star Wars (later subtitled Episode IV: A New Hope), was released on May 25, 1977 by 20th Century Fox and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon.
It was followed by the similarly successful sequels The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983); these three films constitute the original Star Wars trilogy.
A prequel trilogy was later released between 1999 and 2005, which received a more mixed reaction from critics and fans, compared to the original trilogy.
All six films were nominated for or won Academy Awards, and were commercial successes, with a combined box office revenue of $4.38 billion, making Star Wars the fifth-highest-grossing film series.
The series has spawned an extensive media franchise—the Star Wars expanded universe—including books, television series, computer and video games, and comic books, resulting in significant development of the series's fictional universe. Star Wars also holds a Guinness World Records title for the "Most successful film merchandising franchise."
In 2012, the total value of the Star Wars franchise was estimated at USD $30.7 billion, including box-office receipts as well as profits from their video games and DVD sales.
In 2012, The Walt Disney Company acquired Lucasfilm for $4.06 billion and announced three new Star Wars films; the first film of that trilogy, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, was released on December 18, 2015.
20th Century Fox retains the physical distribution rights to the first two Star Wars trilogies, owning permanent rights for the original 1977 film and holding the rights to Episodes I–III, V and VI until May 2020.
The Walt Disney Studios owns digital distribution rights to all the Star Wars films, excluding A New Hope.
Talking about films requires specific vocabulary so check out this quiz which will show you how to use new words in the right context.
Stress Awareness Month happens each April. It’s important to learn some strategies for coping with this particular issue. Stress awareness Month, which always happens in April, has now been going for 19 years and things just don’t appear to be getting better. Stress can be debilitating, and it can cause and/or aggravate health problems. Stress is a normal part of human existence — nobody is immune to it — it’s important to arm ourselves with knowledge so that we recognise when stress rears its ugly head. (Amazingly, we don’t always notice it’s happening to us.)
In this series of podcasts we will be looking at various themes concerning stress :
The statistics of stress Workplace stress Signs of a stressful workplace Stress and Covid 19 Managing & coping strategies to combat stress Measure your workplace stress Evaluate your stress levels.
STRESS AWARENESS MONTH IS IMPORTANT
It reminds us to pay attention to our health - According to the official website, "Stress Awareness Month is a national, cooperative effort to inform people about the dangers of stress, successful coping strategies, and harmful misconceptions about stress that are prevalent in our society." It's going strong - Stress Awareness Month has been an ongoing campaign of awareness and education since 1992 - 19 years already. Because we're all feeling it - A recent survey found that about two-thirds of workers report engaging in behavior such as drinking or crying regularly in order to deal with stress.
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The lockdown is now being partially lifted in many countries and we are all adapting to the "new normal". It's not only office based jobs that have had to adapt to home working but also jobs which are traditionally more "people" based. It seems that overnight there has been a major attitude shift as a huge quantity of work tasks have been transferred on-line. But how easy is it to re-organise the working day to these new Covid-19 conditions? Is working from home a dream or a nightmare for you ?
Listen to these 5 people talk about the ups and downs of home/remote working.
Stephen has had to adapt his car showroom to new Covid-19 guidelines. What does he say about the new regulations regarding test driving a prestige car ?
Anne is a lawyer, who is conducting her legal work on-line. What does she say about assessing the body language of witnesses in a trial?
Philippe as a doctor is doing consultations on the phone. What does he say about his patients' attitude to remote consultations?
Victoria as a primary school teacher is having to find creative ways to engage her young students. What does she mean when she says her experience has been a "mixed bag"?
Cyann as a high school student is not a huge fan of on-line lessons. What reasons does she give ?
Before you listen take a look at some of these points that several business studies have identified as the biggest struggle people have with remote working. What is your experience?
Unplugging after work
Loneliness
Communication with colleagues
Distractions at home
Being in a different timezone to colleagues
Staying motivated
Finding reliable wi-fi
Do you have other reasons ?
In this series we are going to be looking at ways that we can enhance and improve our learning and perhaps crushing some of the myths about learning techniques that we learnt in school.
Every day we meet people with different techniques for learning vocabulary, but most of them revolve around some pretty shaky ideas, those being 'if you write stuff down, you've learnt it.'
If only things were that simple ...
This rarely works, due mainly to the fact that some important steps have been missed out - those being, actively learning the vocabulary and then actively using it.
Let's put this in prallel with sport, to illustrate the idea.
Imagine that you are a huge cycling fan and you love the Tour de France and you would like to experience the grueling (look that one up if you like) hardships of a day riding in the mountains of the Tour de France.
So, you get all the magazines about the Tour and mountain cycling, you have the maps and you have read all the technical stuff on hydration and nutrition during a massive climb in the Pyrenees mountains in the south of France.
You have even chosen your mountain, Le Col du Tourmalet - wow! that's a big one, and have bought a fabulously expensive 'S-Works' bicycle for the climb.
You've seen the videos and read all the information, but that's as far as you go - THAT is how a lot of people learn - they don't go the final mile of training before getting on the bike after weeks of muscle and stamina building. They don't prepare for the day that they will be climbing Tourmalet on their bike.
OK, they know all about Tourmalet, Le Tour de France and mountaing cycling - but they have no guarantee of ever being able to achieve the ascent of a mountain on their bicycle.
Listen to the podcast, N°1 in a series, to get some ideas to improve your learning.
European Champions Cup Rugby Last 16 qualifiers
No Top14 Rugby this weekend and the 6 Nations has finished, but the Champions Cup rugby continues for the next two weeks - this week the last 16 clubs fight for their places in the 1/4 finals, which will be played on the following weekend.
The matches this weekend feature the following;
Leinster v Toulon
Gloucester v La Rochelle
Wasps v Clermont
Munster v Stade Toulousain
Exeter Chiefs v Lyon
Racing 92 v Edinburgh
Union Bordeaux Bèbles v Bristol Bears
Llanelli Scarlets v Sale Sharks
Some great matches to be played - try and predict the scoresor the winners & losers before listening to the podcast to see how good your general knowledge of rugby is.
When giving a series of instructions to make or produce something there are some common, useful and simple language features, used for clarity and simplicity.
In this podcast we use the example of explaining a process for how to make something following a set of clear steps to demonstrate this.
Common features when describing a process or to how to do something, is the use of the imperative and linking words.
The imperative form is made by using the bare infinitive of the verb (the infinitive without 'to').
Here are some examples from the podcast.
The imperatives are in bold type.
"Take a capsule ...."
"Check that the tank is full... "
"Press the button..."
"Open the front of the machine ... "
"Hold the button ... "
Explaining a process When giving a series of instructions it's more natural in speech and writing to join the different instructions together with linking words.
There are many different linking words that can be used to describe a series of instructions that make up parts of a process.
Some very simple, but commonly used ones are and, then, after that, before that, in the meantime, now etc.
Here are some examples from the podcast.
... go to the X machine ...
... in the meantime what you can do ...
... now you need to take a capsule ...
Can you figure out what they are trying to make?
If you would like to see the Animated Podcast version click here.
Staying focused, motivated and driven can be tricky, especially when you have a busy working and/or family life to deal with. Check out this podcast to find 10 golden rules for staying motivated learning English.
When we start learning something new, it can be a novel experience at the start and we want to put a lot of effort into our learning, but as time goes on, we can start to flag and at times we just cannot get the motivation to continue learning.
This is especially true if we don't have a clear plan for our learning or if we can't see our progress moving along as fast as we would have expected.
Try some of these golden rules.
How many are you using now?
How many come as a surprise to you?
Will you try and use some of them?
Want a website like this one?
A one-hit wonder is any group or solo singer that achieves mainstream popularity, often for only one piece of work, and becomes known among the general public solely for that momentary success.
The term is most commonly used in regard to music performerswith only one hit single that overshadows their other work.
Sometimes, artists dubbed "one-hit wonders" in a particular country have had great success in other countries.
Music artists with subsequent popular albums and hit listings are typically not considered a one-hit wonder.
One-hit wonders usually see their popularity decreasing after their hit listing and most often don't return to hit listings with other songs or albums.
In this podcast, Chris turns the tables on Sue and asks her a question - listen out for it.
Daylight saving time (DST), also daylight savings time or daylight time (the United States and Canada) and British summer time (United Kingdom), is the practice of advancing clocks (typically by one hour) during warmer months so that darkness falls at a later clock time.
The typical implementation of DST is to set clocks forward by one hour in the spring ("spring forward") and set clocks back by one hour in autumn ("fall back") to return to standard time. As a result, there is one 23-hour day in late winter or early spring and one 25-hour day in the autumn.
George Hudson proposed the idea of daylight saving in 1895.
The German Empire and Austria-Hungary organized the first nationwide implementation starting on April 30, 1916.
Many countries have used it at various times since then, particularly since the 1970s energy crisis.
DST is generally not observed near the equator, where sunrise and sunset times do not vary enough to justify it.
Some countries observe it only in some regions and only a minority of the world's population uses DST; Asia and Africa generally do not observe it.
DST clock shifts sometimes complicate timekeeping and can disrupt travel, billing, record keeping, medical devices, heavy equipment, and sleep patterns. Computer software generally adjusts clocks automatically.
Listen to the podcast for some unusual facts about Daylight Saving Time.
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Use your imagination ! A quiz with a difference..... you provide whatever answer seems right to you !Try this quiz BEFORE listening to the podcast. It will get you thinking and then you can find out the answers from Chris in the podcast and hear how Sue uses her imagination to come up with some plausible explanations to these 15 amazing trivia questions. If you are a teacher, this is a great way to plan your lesson to get students using their imagination and picking up new expressions along the way.
Start Quiz
Mystery shopping trip In this podcast Sue and Chris go to a shopping mall to pick up some items.
In this podcast they describe some of the items that they buy.
Can you work out what they bought?
If you need a little extra help, check out the Animated Podcast version on our YouTube channel.
Why are you studying for an MBA? An MBA, or a Master of Business Administration, is a very popular choice for many today as a way of either changing career path or boosting an existing career path.
An MBA is expensive, demanding and has high entry requirements, so why do so many people study for an MBA?
I asked the question, "Why are you studying for an MBA?" to a group of international delegates studying for the one year, full-time Aerospace MBA in Toulouse, France.
Accredited MBA courses and business schools seek to prepare students for senior management roles in business.
They do this by exposing them to all areas of business including accounting, finance, marketing, soft skills, strategy, economics and human resources.
An MBA can open up new avenues and opportunities for graduates and is usually a life-changing experience in many ways. The Aerospace MBA at Toulouse Business School was ranked 4th by the SMBG and is ranked as one of the best universities and business schools in France.
Here are some reasons why people study for an MBA
Here are some more reasons that answer the question, Why are you studying for an MBA?
Click here to see the Animated Podcast version which is designed to give learners an extra helping hand.
6 Nations Round 5 Wash-Up
This is the final week of the regular 6 nations tournament, apart from the very last match which pitches France against Scotland on Friday evening.
In this episode we talk about the games that were played on this Super Saturday - Italy v Scotland (not too many surprises there), Ireland v England (completeing a pretty poor show for England) and France against Wales (nail-biting util the very end.
We also look at the final table results of the women's 6 nations and The U20 Six Nations tournaments.
Our next podcast will be about the France v Scotland game as well as back into the TOP14 podcast to take a look back at the matches played in France next weekend.
Listen to Jean-François talk about his bucket list for travel - places he has been, where he wants to go and why he wants to so there.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
If you would like to be featured for your bucket list or your travel bucket list, get in contact we would love to talk to you.
Top 14 Rugby Wash-Up Day 20
This week we talk about the Top 14 day 20 matches took place, and things are again hotting up at the top and the bottom ends of the table, can Toulouse strengthen their hold at the top, or will La Rochelle get back into the running for the top spot?
We also have a look back at the last game of the 2021 6 Nations where France played Scotland in the Stade de France.
We also look ahead to the European cup matches this weekend where Toulouse face Munster in Ireland and to the next TOP14 matches in two weeks time.
Describing pain and symptoms It can be surprisingly difficult describing pain and symptoms and exactly how pain feels.
Each of us experiences our pain differently, making it highly subjective—and that makes it a challenge for a doctor to evaluate.
There is a useful site to describe pain and symptoms to a doctor.
Listen to 4 people describe the ailments and accidents that they had, including a last one that is more self-inflicted than an accident.
In the Learning Centre there is a whole section on visiting the doctor and describing symptoms, including an extended vocabulary section.
Top 14 Rugby Wash-Up Number 5 This week we talk about the Top 14 day 3 matches took place, which were catch-up matches for matches that were cancelled due to Covid-19 and look back at the third round of The 6 Nations tournament In a week where Toulouse play La Rochelle at La Rochelle, where La Rochelle haven't been beaten by any team for 2 years.
Toulouse are 2nd and La Rochelle hold the top spot in the Top 14 as we go into this week's matches - will the order change or will La Rochelle strengthen their hold at the top?
Bayone are away to Toulon, after losing to Clermont 73 - 3, perhaps this is going to be a tough game for Bayonne...
Listen to see what happened this weekend.
Test your language skills with the Scrum Language Quiz.
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Wash-up number 5 Flex your muscles with the Scrum practice language quiz.
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Top 14 Rugby Wash-Up Number 4 This week we talk about the Top 14 day 17 matches and look ahead to the third round of The 6 Nations tournament In a week where Toulouse lost away to Lyon, there were highlights elsewhere in the Top 14 in France, including a thumping win for Clermont against Bayonne.
The top of the table has changed, but how long will it remain so?
Listen up for some of the highlights from the matches played this weekend.
Sue talks to Chris about some of his experiences in India, including a bucket-list experience seeing wild elephants in the jungle, but what else did he do?
Here are some explanations of some of the vocabulary used in the podcast.
Return to the podcast Experience off the beaten track India
Sue talks to Chris about some of his experiences in India, including a bucket-list experience seeing wild elephants in the jungle, but what else did he do?
Some of the vocabulary used in the podcast explained
Tag questions are questions added to a short sentence, usually at the end, to engage the listener, check understanding or confirm that an action has heppened. Tag questions are very common in natural English and they can also have distinct meaning according to the tone used with the tag, a rising tone and a descending tone can communicate very different meanings from the question asked as you will find out in this podcast. Common tags include: Won't you? Wasn't it? Don't you? Haven't you? Wasn't it? Wouldn't you? Isn't it? Isn't there? etc. Listen to the tag question examples we use in the podcast.
It's so nice to be polite isn't it? When we ask direct questions, especially to people we do not know very well, we can come across as being too abrupt or even as rude, something we would like to avoid at all costs.
In this podcast we will explain how to easily change direct questions into more polite forms, very useful to avoid any sticky situations.
Polite questions are particularly useful when we need to ask for confidential or sensitive information, where a direct question would probably not elicit an answer, such as, 'How old are you?' or 'How much do you weigh?' etc.
Top 14 Rugby Wash-Up Number 3
OK, its the Six Nations in this podcast, not The Top 14 This week we talk about the second round matches in The 6 Nations tournament and just a few words come to mind: England: strategic cul de sac Scotland : snowy Wales: grind out Ireland: top of the morning France: week in, week out Italy: keep on in there... To find out more tune in to the podcast and after listening you can test your language skills with the Scrum Practice Quiz
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Wash Up 3 Flex your language muscles with this week's Scrum Practice Quiz
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Yuka The Healthy Eating App that checks out the quality of your shopping basket Do you really know what you eat? Well yes! With Yuka The Healthy Eating App you can scan your products and analyze their impact on your health.
In the blink of an eye, Yuka The Healthy Eating App decodes complicated and sometimes confusing labels for you: you visualise products that are good and those that are best avoided.
Get personalized recommendations for your shopping When you scan a product that has a negative impact on your health, Yuka The Healthy Eating App recommends a better equivalent product.
So, you continue to enjoy yourself while eating healthier!
An independent evaluation based on 3 criteria
Nutritional quality 60% of the evaluation is based on nutritional quality, which takes into account the amount of energy, saturated fats, sugars, salt, fruits and vegetables, fiber and protein of the product. The calculation method is based on the Nutriscore (brand of Public Health France), built by Professor Serge Hercberg.
Additives 30% of the evaluation is based on the presence of harmful additives in the product. Yuka is based on many sources that have studied the dangerousness of food additives, among which are: "Food additives" Corinne Gouget, "Food additives" Maire-Laure André and the studies of the UFC Que Choisir, The French equivalent of 'Which' Magazine.
Biological dimension 10% of the evaluation is based on the biological dimension of the product.
Products considered organic are those with the French bio label (AB) and / or the European organic label (Eurofeuille) Yuka uses the OpenFoodFacts free database.
Yuka The Healthy Eating App is free and available for download to a smartphone - have a look at the Yuka Website.
Top 14 Rugby Wash-Up Number 2 This week we talk about the opening matches in 6 Nations tournament and just a few words come to mind: England: disbelief Scotland : joy Wales: disappointment Ireland: fighting spirit France: stunning Italy: keep on in there... To find out more tune in to the podcast and after listening you can test your language skills with the Scrum Practice Quiz
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Wash-up Comp Quiz Did you get it ? Flex your English language muscles with the Scrum quiz.
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Today we are starting a new weekly podcast about The Top 14 French rugby.
We always chat about the happenings and comings and goings in the Top 14, so we have decided to do a podcast about it, at least during the rugby season.
We can't go to watch rugby matches - it has been over a year since I last saw my favourite local team Stade Toulousain and I can't wait to go back and be in the atmosphere of a rugby match.
But for now, we will just have to watch it on tv and chat about it afterwards.
This weekend we will see the opening matches of the 6 nations championship, so we may have something to talk about next week, but for now, these are my highlights from last week's Top 14 rugby matches.
If you're a non-native English language listener you might like to try the comprehension quiz to help with understanding.
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Wash-up comp quiz DID YOU GET IT? FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE MUSCLES WITH THE SCRUM COMPREHENSION PRACTICE QUIZ
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The symbols of Australia The symbols of Australia include the flag, national colours, the coat of arms and the national anthem, but there are many other things that make up the symbols of Australia - listen to Sue interview an Australian about the symbols of Australia. The Australian Flag
The stars of the Southern Cross represent Australia's geographic position in the Southern Hemisphere. The large Commonwealth star symbolises the federation of the states and territories, and the Union Jack reflects Australia's early ties to Great Britain. The National Colours Australia's national colours are green and gold, the colours of its national floral emblem, the Golden Wattle. The Coat of Arms The Australian coat of arms consists of a shield containing the badges of the six Australian states symbolising federation, and the national symbols of the Golden Wattle, the kangaroo and the emu. By popular tradition, the kangaroo is accepted as the national animal emblem. The Golden Wattle was proclaimed the national floral emblem in August 1988. National Anthem Advance Australia Fair has been Australia's official national anthem since 19 April 1984. National Day Australia Day is celebrated each year on 26 January. The date is the anniversary of the unfurling of the British flag at Sydney Cove in 1788. National Holidays Australia has 12 public holidays a year, including New Year's Day, Australia Day and Anzac Day. An Australian soldier carries a wounded comrade near North Beach, Gallipoli (AWM H10363)
DID YOU KNOW? Anzac Day, 25 April, is a national day of commemoration for all Australians who have fought in wars. It is the day the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed at Gallipoli in Turkey in 1915 during World War I. To mark Anzac Day, Australians and New Zealanders attend ceremonies at home and around the world, including in Gallipoli. In 2015, Australia marked the centenary of the Anzac landing with a ceremony at Gallipoli.
Drawn from the collection of the National Museum of Australia, the Symbols of Australia exhibition explored some of the symbols Australians have chosen to represent themselves and their nation.
Australia — both ancient continent and recent nation — is represented by many symbols. National symbols are often used to represent a distinctive national identity. Some symbols endure, others fade away and new symbols develop as attitudes and values change. Often a source of unity and pride, symbols can also divide and exclude.
The Australian flag is legislated as an official symbol. Others, like the kangaroo and wattle, have changed from popular to official symbols over time. The boomerang was a symbol of the continent long before the nation came into being. In the 20th century, the Sydney Harbour Bridge came to symbolise Australia’s spectacular attractions, while the Holden car became an emblem of the everyday.
Text courtesy of Australian Government department of foreign affairs & Trade
Planning a holiday getaway Planning a holiday getaway - have you ever tried to book a holiday on line?
It's pretty confusing, isn't it?
Listen to Chris and Sue go through the different options, flights and prices, while they are planning a holiday getaway.
There's a lot of detailed information in this podcast, so you may need to listen several times.
This podcast is a great way to practice number comprehension; listen out for the times of flights, the dates of the holiday, the holiday budget, and the times of the stopovers.
There's plenty of work do with this one.
Planning a holiday getaway is a great way to boost your morale in these cold winter months.
Where would you prefer to go on holiday?
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Rugby, what's it all about? Rugby, what's it all about? I mean, it can't be that complicated can it? Or can it?
Ahead of the RBS 6 Nations Rugby Tournament, here are some questions, sent in by our listeners concerning rugby.
Have we got it right?
Are we on the ball with our predictions?
Can you predict the game scores or the overall winner of the tournament?
It all starts on Saturday 4 February with two cracking matches - it's all getting exciting and we can't wait!
Who do you think will win The RBS 6 Nations tournament 2017? Have a go at predicting the winner.
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It's New Year's eve 2020 or is it 2021?
Chris meets Sue at a New Year's party, but once again they are in a parallel universe - this happens so often to these two ...
Sue is at 31 December 2019 and Chris is at 31 December 2020, so Chris has lived through 2020 and it is all to come for Sue.
Sue is all excited about the coming year with lots of plans and projects that she can't wait to start, but Chris, who has lived through 2020, thinks that it may turn out a little different to what she wants.
Listen out for the following expressions :
To fit something in
To be on the cards
To cut down on something
To be likely
To be unlikely
To look forward to something.
What about?
Fancy dress party.
A fist bump.
Donald Trump came to our office in Toulouse for an interview for the job as a podcaster - we think he would make a great podcaster and as he has time on his hands at the moment he came in and did an interview with us.
This isn't the first time that Donald has joined us and it was a great pleasure to get some answers to those burning questions that most journalists just don't ask him.
Did you know he was a keen quizzer?
That is just one on the revelations that he shares with the English podcasts team.
Drones handle with care Drones handle with care as they are used in many contexts from military uses to leisure and for fun.
But are they just dangerous toys or just accidents waiting to happen?
There have been many stories and reports of drone near-misses and accidents involving aircraft and one even landed on The White House lawn.
A drone that can be bought on the high street can weigh up to 1.5 Kg and fly at speeds up to 20 meters a second (72 km / hour) at heights reaching 6,000 meters and a maximum distance of 16 kilometers.
So, it can be very dangerous, if not used with care and within the legal restrictions, which varies from country to country.
Drones handle with care!
Listen to the podcast about the rules for flying a drone in France and what purposes that drones can be used for.
Later, we will be going out flying a drone and posting the pictures and videos on EFLPodBlog.
10 Stupid things people have done with drones
5 Amazing Drone Use Ideas
Book Signing in Toulouse Book signing is popular because an author's signature increases the value of books for collectors.
The author may add a short message to the reader, called a dedication, to each book, which may be personalized with the recipient's name upon request.
A simple author's signature without a dedication is typically more valuable to collectors (exceptions include inscriptions to persons of note, e.g., from Hemingway to Fitzgerald, or to persons of significance in the author's life).
Sometimes an author will sign additional copies for future sale.
An additional advantage to authors for doing this is that once a book has been signed, it cannot be returned to the publisher for a refund.
Many authors today spend a great deal of time signing their books, and sign many thousands of copies.
For example, James Ellroy is known for signing every copy of the 65,000 strong first run of My Dark Places
Listen to Sue as she interviews people in a bookstore in Toulouse, where the author is signing copies of his book.
If you have written, or are writing a book, here are 35 ways to make your next book signing an event.
Canada - The second largest country in the world Did you know that Canada - is the second largest country in the world?
Did you know that the name 'Canada' comes from the Huron-Iroquois word 'Kanata', meaning 'village' or 'settlement'?
Did you know that there are 6 different time zones across Canada?
The Canadian Royal Mint created a coin with the face value of $1 Million. The coin itself is made of 99.99% gold and weighs over 220 lbs (100 kgs).
About 30% of Canada's total landmass is occupied by forest.
Canada's flag became official on February 15, 1965, almost 100 years after it became a country in 1867. Canada has used approximately 13 different flag designs since 1497 before the Maple Leaf.
The Canada / USA border is the longest international border in the world without any military defences.
After Paris, Montreal is the largest French speaking city in the world.
Basketball was invented by Canadian James Naismith in 1891.
Canada has more lakes than any other country in the world.
60% of the world's polar bear population live in Canada.
Canadians use British English spelling and not American spelling.
Queen Elizabeth II is the Canadian Head of State.
For more facts about Canada, have a listen to this podcast where Sue interviews Judy and Barbara, two proud Canadian ladies, over for a stay in France.
Laura Gamesmaker London 2012 As the Rio Olympics get under way, Sue caught up with Laura, a gamesmaker from London 2012 to talk about her experiences.
London 2012 volunteers were called ‘Games Makers’, as they helped to make the Games happen.
The Games Maker recruitment process began in September 2010, with the London 2012 Organising Committee receiving more than 240,000 applications.
Up to 70,000 people were chosen to become Games Makers and they took on a wide variety of roles across the Olympic venues during the Games: from welcoming visitors to transporting athletes, helping out behind the scenes in the Technology team and making sure the results get displayed as quickly and accurately as possible.
"Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Olympic Games and part of the DNA of thousands of people in this country,” said Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee, when the volunteer programme was launched.
“The 1948 Olympic Games in London saw the birth of the Games volunteer programme, and we are determined that London 2012 will be a wonderful opportunity for tens of thousands of people to help deliver the most spectacular Games ever.”
The volunteers were easy to spot during the Games thanks to their distinctive uniforms, which drew on British heritage in shades of regal purple and poppy red.
They were influenced by the historic Grenadier Guards uniform and British sporting heritage including the London 1948 Games, the Wimbledon tennis championships and the Henley Regatta.
“The volunteers are the face of the Games and they will turn what could be a good Games, into a great Games,” said Paul Deighton, London 2012 CEO, when the uniforms were unveiled. “They will be high profile in London and in our venues across the UK at Games time and so it’s important they look the part.
“Delivering the Games is hard work and so the uniform needs to be functional, however we also want our teams to wear it with pride.”
Volunteers also play an integral role in the Olympic Movement, with each IOC member representing the IOC in a voluntary capacity.
It's a little known fact that Donald Trump is both a keen quizzer and a huge fan of English podcasts.
Mr Trump took up the challenge of a quiz in our studio in Toulouse, France - now you know why he hasn't been out too much in public in America since the election.
Now you know - he also stayed around to give us an interview and some advice on podcasting for the team at English Podcasts.
Can you answer as many question as Mr Trump did?
Brexit - Independence Day or Divided Kingdom? Brexit - Independence Day or Divided Kingdom? The United Kingdom emerges from the polls with an overwhelming decision to leave the European Union with a majority of 51.9% to leave agains a 48.1% vote to remain in The EU.
The fallout has already started with the decision by David Cameron to resign as British Prime Minister, the Pound hitting a low that has not been seen since 1985.
There is a lot of speculation on what exactly will happen, including the possibility that both Scotland and Northern Ireland could vote to leave the United Kingdom, that Boris Johnson could become the next Prime Minister of Great Britain and that a General Election could be triggered.
Then there is the more long-term source of uncertainty: what would Brexit mean for Britons on the continent?
As the Leave and Remain campaigns have traded lurid claims, the practical implications for the hundreds of thousands of expats in other EU states have been largely ignored.
The Leave campaign, in particular, belittles them and their livelihoods with its assertions that they “have nothing to fear” from Britain leaving the EU.
NB - There is a mistake in the podcast (perhaps more than one) did you notice it?
We said that Scotland unanimously voted to leave the EU, whereas EVERY one of Scotland's 32 areas voted to Remain within the EU.
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Welcome to the world after Brexit: Here's what happens next
Brexit - 7 days to go The Brexit - 7 days to go - the possible exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union, often shortened to Brexit (a portmanteau combining the words "Britain" and "exit"), has been pursued by various individuals, advocacy groups, and political parties since the United Kingdom (UK) joined the precursor of the European Union (EU) in 1973.
The Brexit - 7 days to go until the day of the vote; 23 June 2016.
Withdrawal from the European Union is a right of EU member states under the Treaty on European Union (Article 50): "Any Member State may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements."
In 1975, a referendum was held on the country's membership of the European Economic Community (EEC), later known as the EU.
The outcome of the vote was in favour of the country continuing to be a member of the EEC.
The UK electorate will address the question again on 23 June 2016 in a referendum on the country's membership.
This referendum was arranged by parliament when it passed the European Union Referendum Act 2015.
Britain will be going to vote to stay in or leave on 23 June 2016.
In a speech to the House of Commons on 22 February 2016, Prime Minister Cameron announced a referendum date of 23 June 2016 and set out the legal framework for withdrawal from the European Union in circumstances where there was a referendum majority vote to leave, citing Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.
David Cameron spoke of an intention to trigger the Article 50 process immediately following a leave vote and of the "two-year time period to negotiate the arrangements for exit".
Just keep in mind that this is not a political podcast, merely a discussion about a current affairs issue that is in the news in Europe at the moment and we do not have a standpoint either way.
For those that want to keep politics out of the classroom - maybe you should think again about listening to this (as well as not listening to any news, social media, radio, television or newspapers ...)
Whilst listening, try to find some of the expressions used to agree and disagree along with some typical English expressions, that are discussed at the end of the podcast. As a bit of fun - vote in our polls below.
F.T. EU Referendum Poll Tracker
The Eu Referendum - All you need to know
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Fast and Furious Roller Derby Fast and Furious Roller Derby, a sport that is really taking off in recent years.
Roller derby is a contact sport played by two teams of five members roller skating in the same direction around a track.
A game play consists of a series of short match ups (jams) in which both teams designate a jammer who scores points by lapping members of the opposing team.
The teams attempt to hinder the opposing jammer while assisting their own jammer—in effect, playing both offense and defense simultaneously.
Roller derby is played by approximately 1,250 amateur leagues worldwide, nearly half of them outside the United States.
While the sport has its origins in the banked-track roller skating marathons of the 1930s, Leo Seltzer and Damon Runyon are credited with the basic evolution of the sport to its initial competitive form.
Professional roller derby quickly became popular, in the ensuing decades after the 1940s, however, it predominantly became a form of sports entertainment where the theatrical elements overshadowed the athleticism.
This gratuitous showmanship largely ended with the sport's contemporary grassroots revival in the first decade of the 21st century.
Although some sports entertainment qualities such as player pseudonyms and colorful uniforms were retained, scripted bouts with predetermined winners were abandoned.
Listen to Susan interviewing Marie, a beginner in the world of roller derby, at a match in Toulouse, France.
After listening to the podcast try the quiz A glossary of Roller Derby terms and expressions
Kisses from Derby
Victoria's Gap Year Listen to Victoria talking to Susan about what she did in Victoria's Gap Year and see if there are any differences between what she did and what others do, as set out below or in Gapyear.com.
In the professional or career world, a gap year is a year before going to college or university and after finishing high school or taking a year off before going into graduate school after completing a bachelor as an undergraduate.
It is also known as a sabbatical year. During this time students may engage in advanced academic courses, extra-academic courses and non-academic courses, such as yearlong pre-college math courses, language studies, learning a trade, art studies, volunteer work, travel, internships, sports and more.
Gap years are sometimes urged as a way for students to become independent and learn a great deal of responsibility prior to engaging in university life.
Have a look at the site GapYear that includes a community and ideas of things to do during a gap year.
Guitars on the beach with Ian Gillan of Deep Purple DEEP PURPLE singer Ian Gillan joined thousands of guitarists at the Guitars On The Beach event in Lyme Regis, United Kingdom to perform the band's classic song "Smoke On The Water".
Organizers were hoping to draw more than the 2,267 guitarists that appeared at last year's record-breaking event.
As of mid-June, more than 3,000 guitarists had already signed up for the event.
The musicians were given the chance to play along to a number of songs, with the three main ones being Buddy Holly's "Rave On", STATUS QUO's "Rocking All Over the World", and "Smoke On The Water".
Gillan contacted the organizers and asked them if he could to appear at the gig. He wrote in a letter: "I hear you might be doing 'Smoke' with the massed guitars, and if that is the case, I thought I’d offer my services if you need a singer."
Geoff Baker, who has organized the event, told the Dorset Echo back in June: "My jaw hit the floor.
"This is sensational news. Ian's involvement will take Guitars On The Beach to an entirely different level. Everybody involved is thrilled and blown away by his hugely generous offer."
He added: "Clearly 'Smoke On The Water' will now be the main event for many.
"It's the classic guitar riff and not difficult to play. Massed guitar bands in America, Germany, Canada and Poland have all had a crack at the world record playing 'Smoke' — but none of them has ever been led by Ian Gillan before.
"This is going to be amazing, and many more people will now want to take part.
"It’s quite something to write home about, that you once played with Ian Gillan in a band with thousands of guitarists.
"'Smoke On The Water' was recently voted the greatest guitar riff ever written, it is universally popular and it is anybody’s guess how many will join the band now." Read more
Sébastien asks Meyer about her job and life in South Africa Sébastien, a French doctor from Paris interviews a South African about her life and work in South Africa, where she teaches English in a Zulu school.
Sébastien met Meyer, whilst on holiday and he clearly had EFL PodBlog foremost in his mind when he interviewed her - well done Sébastien.
We are grateful for this Guest Podcast - Sébastien asks Meyer about her job and life in South Africa and welcome others to do something like this.
Meyer comes from Piet Retief, in South Africa, near Swaziland - here is what Wiki has to say about it :
Piet Retief is a town situated in a timber growing region in Mpumalanga province, South Africa.
It is the seat of the Mkhondo Local Municipality, located not far from the Swaziland border.
The town was founded by the Voortrekkers in 1883 and named it after the Voortrekker leader, Piet Retief, who was killed by the Zulus under their King Dingane's orders after he tried to settle on their land.
In 1886, the inhabitants of the town declared the Klein Vrystaat (Little Free State), which contained a population of only 72. This republic existed until 1891, when it was incorporated into the South African Republic.
The town became a municipality in 1932, with its main tourist attraction is the Dutch Reformed Church that was designed by the architect Gerard Moerdijk and built in 1921.
Some more information on Piet Retief.
If, you would like to make a podcast and have it published here on EFL PodBlog and on iTunes, then go here.
We will edit, add an intro and end to the podcast - you don't have to worry about that.
If you would like us to add music or sound effects, we can do that too.
Very Bad Trip - Stephen Ever had one of those trips where everything seems to be going wrong?
When even as you get into the airport, you just know that it's not going to be your day?
If you think about for a moment, it's probably quite a common thing.
I mean, we are herded through corridors, security and passport checks, set off our luggage, trusting that we will ever see it again, without a care in the world.
Then we join a shuffling queue, before being ushered up a shaky metal staircase or along something that resembles a metal caterpillar, and willing enter a metal tube that propels us at many hundreds of kilometers an hour through the sky at alarming heights.
Sometimes we are closer to snoring strangers than we would care to be, as well as microbes and bacteria that are sneezed and coughed into the confined airspace that would challenge even the mightiest antibiotics.
We then suck sweets to reduce the pressure in our ears, drink something and maybe eat something that we aren't always sure of, before bumping along a specially-made tarmac road and then making our way along endless corridors, up and down steps to a carousel, where our luggage (if we are lucky) has amazingly arrived before us.
And we generally love all of this - all in the name of travel or holidays...
Listen to Susan talking to Stephen, whom she caught up with at the airport as he was preparing to take another flight.
Stephen talks about one particularly bad trip that he went on to a Greek island. Before listening:
Think about the possible problems that could occur on a flight.
On this very bad trip - Stephen mentions some of the problems that he encountered.
After listening:
What was the main cause of the ordeals that they went though?
If you have had a very bad trip, why not tell others about it in the comments or send us a podcast and we'll share it with our listeners.
A visit to the David Bowie memorial, Brixton, London Opposite the Brixton tube station in South London is a street mural on Turnstall Road, there are flowers, candles, cards, pictures, tee shirts and magazines all with a message or a picture of the music icon that was David Bowie, where fans have publicly paid their respects.
The mural, painted by Australian artist Jimmy C in 2013 has become a shrine to the great man, where fans have been congregating from near and far.
The site feels almost like some kind of religious experience, a cultural pilgrimage where every visitor is free to mark their respects and pay tribute in whichever way they feel.
Most people, fans or not, took photos to remember the moment, or to send them on to friends, whilst taking a few moments to reflect on the life and music of David Bowie - who was born in Brixton.
After standing at the site for a few minutes, I was watching individual ceremonies and acts people had prepared, with great care, love and attention.
Some got on their knees and decorated the ground with rainbow flowers, cards and messages, messages written with care on the walls next to the mural.
The most striking thing was the clear ability that Bowie had to reach out to generations, I saw people from 70 + years old to teenagers all going through their own rituals of saying goodbye and marking the moment in their own personal ways.
Going to the mural was a special occasion - it was both touchingly sad and happy at the same time, with a busker striking up a rendition of Bowie's song, "Five Years."
A thank you and goodbye to a man that you didn’t know personally but had definitely positively affected either you or the world that you live in - as a message I saw on Facebook so rightly put it, be thankful that you grew up and lived at the same time as David Bowie.
As a huge Bowie fan since my teenage years, I enjoyed, although I'm not sure this is the exact term to use, A visit to the David Bowie memorial, Brixton, London.
R.I.P. David Bowie.
Travelling in Burma - Nicola Listen to the podcast - Travelling in Burma - Nicola - where she talks about the time that she entered, Myanmar, when it was closed off to the outside world and her meeting with a tribe, the Kachin, in the middle of the jungle. Myanmar, also known as Burma, was long considered a pariah state, isolated from the rest of the world with an appalling human rights record. From 1962 to 2011, the country was ruled by a military junta that suppressed almost all dissent and wielded absolute power in the face of international condemnation and sanctions.
The generals who ran the country stood accused of gross human rights abuses, including the forcible relocation of civilians and the widespread use of forced labour, including children.
The first general election in 20 years was held in 2010. This was hailed by the junta as an important step in the transition from military rule to a civilian democracy, though opposition groups alleged widespread fraud and condemned the election as a sham.
The largest ethnic group is the Burman or Bamar people, distantly related to the Tibetans and Chinese. Burman dominance over Karen, Shan, Rakhine, Mon, Rohingya, Chin, Kachin and other minorities has been the source of considerable ethnic tension and has fuelled intermittent protests and separatist rebellions.
Military offensives against insurgents have uprooted many thousands of civilians. Ceasefire deals signed in late 2011 and early 2012 with rebels of the Karen and Shan ethnic groups suggested a new determination to end the long-running conflicts, as did a draft ceasefire agreement signed between the government and all 16 rebel groups in March 2015.
Myanmar's wealth of Buddhist temples has boosted the increasingly important tourism industry, which is the most obvious area for any future foreign investment.
Source : BBC News
Headhunter - Lucy Listen to Susan interviewing headhunter Lucy ; better known as a recruitment consultant in London.
Lucy gives some valuable interview tips and insights for job seekers during the interview.
On a daily basis you'd be talking to your clients and a number of people that you feel would be right for the role. Your work would involve negotiating fees and salaries between your client and the individual, and interviewing the top candidates.
As a headhunter you could work for various kinds of employment agency that deals with a wide range of office based and commercial jobs, or for a more specialised organisation. You'd be dealing with permanent or temporary work at all levels for many industry sectors.
Many start off working in an industry and then, once they're familiar with it, become head hunters for that sector, seeking out talent using the contacts and knowledge they've acquired.
The work would be mainly desk-based, but travel would be needed frequently in the search for the best talent. Meeting with employers is also likely and so a driving licence would be needed for most jobs.
Although it is not always necessary to have a four-year degree, many employers strongly prefer candidates to have some degree in an applicable field, like labour relations, business administration, human resources, etc.
Employers also consider candidates who have non-business backgrounds, which is fairly typical of a position that requires a high degree of people interaction.
A headhunter's soft skills must be superb, as they constantly have to function in the middle of several parties who have a stake in the process.
The hirer and the hiree both need to be handled and satisfied in the process, or sometimes the headhunter does not receive commission or payment, or if employed internally, does not meet company goals.
They also have to have knowledge of and keep up on what are sometimes constantly changing federal, state and local regulations on human resource activity.
Their job is also to help reduce risk to their client/employer who is hiring employees, so a keen intelligence and an ability to accurately read people is more than important.
Headhunters must be extremely self-motivated and tenacious, not giving up easily in the face of opposition.
Many of them are very stubborn, and this stubbornness can serve them well in their career.
Becoming a headhunter, or recruiter, depends more on experience than anything else.
Seven things a headhunter won't tell you.
John - Rowing Coach Listen to Susan, interviewing, John, a rowing coach, on a cold December morning in Nottingham, England.
Modern rowing as a competitive sport can be traced to the early 18th century when races were held between professional watermen on the River Thames in London, United Kingdom.
Often prizes were offered by the London Guilds and Livery Companies.
Amateur competition began towards the end of the 18th century with the arrival of "boat clubs" at the British public schools of Eton College and Westminster School.
Similarly, clubs were formed at the University of Oxford, with a race held between Brasenose College and Jesus College in 1815. At the University of Cambridge the first recorded races were in 1827.
Public rowing clubs were beginning at the same time; in England Leander Clubwas founded in 1818, in Germany Der Hamburger und Germania Ruder Club was founded in 1836 and in the United States Narragansett Boat Club was founded in 1838 and Detroit Boat Club was founded in 1839. In 1843, the first American college rowing club was formed at Yale University.
The International Rowing Federation (French: Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d'Aviron, abbreviated FISA) is responsible for international governance of rowing and was founded in 1892 to provide regulation at a time when the sport was gaining popularity.
Across six continents there are now 148 countries with rowing federations that participate in the sport.
Rowing is one of the oldest Olympic sports. It was on the programme for the 1896 games but the rowing did not take place due to bad weather.
It has been competed since 1900. Women's rowing was added to the Olympic programme in 1976.
Today, only fourteen boat classes are raced at the Olympics, across men and women.
Each year the World Rowing Championships is held by FISA with 22 boat classes raced. In Olympic years only the non-Olympic boat classes are raced at the World Championships.
The European Rowing Championships are held annually, along with three World Rowing Cups in which each event earns a number of points for a country towards the World Cup title. Since 2008, rowing has also been competed at the Paralympic Games.
Major domestic competitions take place in dominant rowing nations and include The Boat Race and Henley Royal Regatta in the United Kingdom, the Australian Rowing Championships in Australia, the Harvard-Yale Regatta and Head of the Charles Regatta in the United States and Royal Canadian Henley Regatta in Canada.
Many other competitions often exist for racing between clubs, schools and universities in each nation.
UFO Witness - Louise Listen to Louise talking to Sue about her experience of witnessing what she considered to be an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO).
What do you think it could be?
Do you believe that she really saw a UFO?
Living Abroad - Phoebe Listen to Phoebe, who has travelled and lived abroad for a number of years, as she talks about some of her experiences of living in different countries and getting to know the cultures.
After listening, try and answer the following questions :
Where was the second country Phoebe lived in? What job did she do in Moscow? Has she returned to live back in England? Did she live in a low-rise apartment in Dubai?
Anesthesiologist Olivier Listen to Olivier talking about his job as an anesthesiologist.
An anesthesiologist (American English) or anaesthetist (British English) is a physician trained in anesthesia and perioperative medicine.
Terminology varies between different countries.
In the United States, the term anesthesiologist refers to a physician who has completed an accredited residency program in anesthesiology after medical school training, while the term anesthetist is used for nurse anesthesia providers who have undergone specialized training in administering anesthesia under the supervision of a physician.
By contrast, in the UK, most former Commonwealth countries and in Europe, the term anaesthetist refers only to physicians, who may be assisted by any of anaesthetic nurses, anaesthetic technicians, operating department practitioners or physician associates depending on local practice.
Anesthesiologists provide medical care to patients in a wide variety of (usually acute) situations, including preoperative evaluation, consultation with the surgical team, creation of a plan for the anesthesia tailored to each individual patient, airway management, intraoperative life support and provision of pain control, intraoperative diagnostic stabilisation, proper post-operative management of patients.
Outside the operating room, anesthesiologists spectrum of action includes with in-hospital and pre-hospital emergencies, intensive care units, acute pain units and chronic pain consultations.
Because anesthesiologists are physicians, in contrast to other anesthesia providers, they are able to utilize their extensive knowledge of physiology, pharmacology and diseases to guide their decision making.
Understanding The COP 21 What is the ‘conference of parties’, and why you will hear more about it as the year-end approaches? Understanding The COP 21 It was COP-3, in Kyoto, Japan, that gave rise to the Kyoto Protocol, that placed international obligations on the set of rich and industrialised countries to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by assigned amounts.
The twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) and the eleventh session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP) takes place from 30 November to 11 December 2015, in Paris, France.
The COP is an annual meeting, this year it is expected to deliver a major agreement on the action plan for saving the planet from the disastrous consequences of rising average global temperatures.
The term ‘COP’ stands for Conference of Parties. ‘Parties’ is a reference to the (now) 196 signatories of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or UNFCCC, as it is called.
The Framework Convention came into force in 1994, two years after its text was finalised at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
Every year since 1994, the ‘parties’ to the UNFCCC have met at different venues at the end of the year to discuss a global agreement to cut emissions of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the main reason why average global temperatures have been rising.
Understanding The COP 21 in context.
The Paris meeting is the 21st in that series, hence the name ‘COP-21’.
The Kyoto Protocol, which came into effect only in 2005, has since run into trouble, with some countries, which were obliged to take emission cuts, having walked out of it.
Though the Protocol continues on paper for the time being, the current negotiations at the COPs are about bringing in an agreement that will demand some kind of action from all countries, not just the rich and industrialised.
The actions expected from the countries are supposed to be in accordance with their capabilities.
An earlier attempt to forge such an agreement was made at COP-15 in Copenhagen in Denmark in 2009, but it failed spectacularly.
After two years of further negotiations, the countries had decided that a global agreement on climate change must be delivered at the COP-21 in Paris in 2015. However, with fewer than 200 days to go for the Paris conference, deep differences persist on several issues, and the frantic pursuit of a compromise continues.
Visit the COP21 Website.
A Columbian Living in France Listen to Mauricio, a Columbian, who has been living in France for the last 8 years, where he talks about adapting to a new culture and language, plus all what he misses from back home.
Some of the things that he misses is the food from Columbia, such as; Bandeja Paisa, Ajiaco and Empanadas.
Here is a link to some Columbian Food for those who are curious to see what it is all about.
James Bond - Spectre - The movie Susan manages to catch people as they leave the Gaumont Cinema in Toulouse, after James Bond - Spectre - The movie.
A cryptic message from the past leads James Bond (Daniel Craig) to Mexico City and Rome, where he meets the beautiful widow (Monica Bellucci) of an infamous criminal. After infiltrating a secret meeting, 007 uncovers the existence of the sinister organization SPECTRE. Needing the help of the daughter of an old nemesis, he embarks on a mission to find her. As Bond ventures toward the heart of SPECTRE, he discovers a chilling connection between himself and the enemy (Christoph Waltz) he seeks.
James Bond - Spectre - The movie (2015) is the twenty-fourth James Bond film produced by Eon Productions. It features Daniel Craig in his fourth performance as James Bond, and Christoph Waltz as Ernst Stavro Blofeld, with the film marking the character's re-introduction into the series.
It was directed by Sam Mendes as his second James Bond film following Skyfall, and was written by John Logan, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Jez Butterworth.
It is distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Columbia Pictures. With a budget around $245 million, it is one of the most expensive films ever made.
The story features James Bond's first encounter with the global criminal organisation Spectre, marking the group's first appearance in an Eon Productions film since 1971's Diamonds Are Forever, and tying Craig's series of films together with an overarching storyline.
Several recurring James Bond characters, including M, Q and Eve Moneypenny return, with the new additions of Léa Seydoux as Dr. Madeleine Swann, Dave Bautista as Mr. Hinx, Andrew Scott as Max Denbigh and Monica Bellucci as Lucia Sciarra.
James Bond - Spectre - The movie was released on 26 October 2015 in the United Kingdom on the same night as the world premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in London, followed by a worldwide release.
It was released in the United States on 6 November 2015.
It became the second James Bond film to be screened in IMAX venues after Skyfall, although it was not filmed with IMAX cameras.
James Bond - Spectre - The movie generally received mixed reviews from critics in comparison to its predecessor, being criticised for its length and writing, but received praise for the cast's acting, the direction and score. As of 17 November 2015Spectre has grossed $548 million.
Photo AP Running The New York Marathon The New York City Marathon (branded TCS New York City Marathon and formerly branded ING New York City Marathon for sponsorshipreasons) is an annual marathon (42.195 km or 26.219 miles) that courses through the five boroughs of New York City.
It is the largest marathon in the world, with 50,304 finishers in 2013.
Along with the Boston Marathon and Chicago Marathon, it is among the pre-eminent long-distance annual running events in the United States and is one of the World Marathon Majors.
The race is organized by New York Road Runners Club and has been run every year since 1970, with the exception of 2012, due to landfall of Hurricane Sandy.
In past years, it has been sponsored by the financial group ING.
In 2014, Tata Consultancy Services, a multinationalinformation technology (IT) service, consulting, and business solutions company headquartered in India, began an eight-year term as the title sponsor.
It is held on the first Sunday of November and attracts professional competitors and amateurs from all over the world.
Because of the popularity of the race, participation is chosen largely by a lottery system.
Runners who are members of NYRR can gain entry by meeting the qualifications for guaranteed entry or via nomination from an official running club.
Olivier ran the NY Marathon with his running mate Pierre - listen to him speak to Susan about his experiences in Running The New York Marathon.
For more on the NYC Marathon have a look here.
Episode 6 - The Review The role of a customer, acting as a food reviewer is to accurately convey the taste, texture, smell, and presentation of a restaurant's food.
You should not only comment on the food but also on the atmosphere, staff knowledge and attentiveness, the speed of service, the general impression of the restaurant, eaterie or cafe.
A great food review puts the reader at your table with you, allowing them to decide whether or not they want to visit the restaurant when they're done reading.
In fact you are either recommending the place as a place that you or your friends would like to go with, or warning people of places to avoid, so all-in-all, you are providing a service to fellow diners.
There is no point being over positive or over-negative about a place to eat, the best reviews deal in reality - what the place is really like, how good (or bad) the food is, along with the service and the state of cleanliness - it all goes in to making or spoiling a night out with friends, clients or family.
There are many sites dedicated to customer reviews, such as Yelp!, Google+ / Google+ local, TripAdvisor and Foursquare, to name just a handful.
Sue and Chris didn't have a particularly good meal at the restaurant - hear what they have to say, in Episode 6 - The Review, as they write a review for a restaurant review website.
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EFL Hacks to learn English
We all need a little help from time to time, especially with shortcuts or good advice - a tip, an astuce or a hack...
At English Podcasts, we were thinking about the best tips to learn English - or perhaps any language - and we decided that the best people to give some ideas and hacks for learning English were the real English learners.
We asked people what their EFL Hacks to learn English were and this is what they replied.
If you want to participate by giving some of your hacks, perhaps things that may not have occurred to us, then send a comment below.
We are also working on episode 2 of EFL Hacks to learn English so if you would like to record your hacks and send them to us, please do.
Please keep your sound files in either .mp3 or .mp4 versions and we will edit and compile it and send you a mail when the podcast is published.
Self publishing a book Simon Duke talks to Susan about his experiences of self publishing a book, his own book, "Out of Bounds."
Self publishing a book is popular for many reasons.
Securing a traditional publishing contract may not work for you — they're hard to get, and you give up a lot of rights when you finally do get one.
Self-publishing should allow you to retain more rights over the final product, offer the product at a substantially lower cost, and give you an outlet to do traditional marketing and advertising yourself.
No matter what your reason, self publishing is a great way to make your book available to anybody interested. Read on for a discussion of the different ways that you can self-publish a book.
Both Simon Duke and Chris self-published their own books.
Despite technology making it both easier and cheaper to self-publish books, going down the independent road is nothing new. In 1931 the author of The Joy of Cooking paid a local printing company to print 3000 copies.
Later Bobbs-Merill Company acquired the rights, and since then the book has sold over 18 million copies.
The contemporary trilogy Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James was originally published online as Twilight fan-fiction before the author decided to self-publish it as an e-book and print on demand.
The key distinguishing characteristic of self-publishing is that the author has decided to publish independently of a publishing house.
In the past, self-published authors had to spend considerable amounts of money preparing a book for publication, purchasing bulk copies of their title, and finding a place to store their inventory.
Print-on-demand and e-book technology have allowed authors to have a book printed or digitally delivered only when an order has been placed.
In 2008, for the first time in history, more books were self-published than those published traditionally.
Chris Novel writer - The Last Drop The Last Drop is a hilarious story of how oil is accidentally discovered on a small and up-to-now, unexplored island in The Persian Gulf by two bumbling brothers.
The brothers first inherit a bicycle repair shop from their father who is killed when he falls asleep on a nearby beach - it's a long story... Then they acquire a strip of land from their terminally idle, uncle Hilaal, who is tragically killed whilst trying to cool off during a particularly ferocious heatwave.
Rashad has learnt English by watching 1970's police series, "The Sweeney" and sees himself as the incarnation of Inspector Jack Regan, seizing each and every opportunity to exercise his own brand of cockney rhyming slang and dubious English language skills.
All is pretty much ordinary in the brothers' lives, until one day, in an uncharacteristic burst of energy, Rashad takes up the work on an abandoned water well, started by uncle years before ...
Life changes for the brothers overnight.
The novel is available to buy here and there is a synopsis to give a little more detail about the book.
Chris is based in Toulouse, France - the idea for the books that he has written have all come about via a challenge that is laid down every November (Chris has done this for four years) calle NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month.
NaNoWriMo is a bit of a misnomer as it is a thoroughly international affair, with tens of thousand of people taking part from all over the world. The idea is to write 50,000 words in 30 days - easy...
If you would like to try NaNoWriMo here is a link - it is free and a lot of fun, and who knows, you could have the next bestseller in you.
Chris' second book - "The theft of Souls." will be published in early 2016.
Simon Duke Crime Fiction Writer SIMON DUKE was born in Stoke-on-Trent (UK) in 1979. He obtained a B.A. in French with Film Studies in 2001 and has been working in journalism ever since.
He currently lives in Toulouse, France. 'Out of Bounds', his first novel, was published in 2014.
'The Perfectionist', his second book, will be launched on 19 January 2016. To find out more visit http://simongduke.blogspot.com "
Here's the back cover blurb for 'The Perfectionist':
"Iowa, 1988. An unidentified severed head is found rotting in a corn field. Confronted with this gruesome discovery, Gerry Stokes – an arrogant and obnoxious newspaper reporter – agrees to cover up the affair. But the truth can't be concealed forever.
More than twenty years later, Stokes must finally atone for his errors as the past returns with a vengeance. Forced into an investigation to discover what happened all those years ago, he stumbles upon a sordid truth: the victim is one of many; people seemingly chosen at random across America by a serial killer at large for more than two decades; a killer with a unique and horrific modus operandi who’s flown under the radar. Still at large the killer seeks to achieve artistic perfection in his methods of execution. He is "The Perfectionist".
While tracking the killer under the cloak of FBI suspicion, Stokes sets himself an ambitious target and potential path to fame: write a book that leads the police to the killer, a first in the history of publishing.
The stakes are high and the pressure is on. Stokes is in the race of his life to discover The Perfectionist's identity and publish his bestseller, while forced to bend the notion of what is ethically right.
Here's the longer synopsis for 'The Perfectionist': http://simongduke.blogspot.fr/2015/02/synopsis-perfectionist.html
The ebook for 'The Perfectionist' is already available for pre-order on Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble.
Here's a link to my first novel, 'Out of Bounds' (paperback): http://www.amazon.co.uk/Out-Bounds-Simon-Duke/dp/1495929906
Here's a link to my first novel, 'Out of Bounds' (ebook): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/out-of-bounds-simon-duke/1118931454
Businesswoman with suitcase in airport Sue and Chris' Big Adventure Part 2 Sometimes airports can be confusing places, where to go is often clearly marked, but along with the excitement - or stress of taking a plane, some people tend to get lost.
Sue and Chris arrive at the airport to board their plane to a mystery destination.
Sue doesn't know where she is going but is excited to embark on an adventure all the same.
Listen as they go to the arrivals desk then the departures, whilst dealing with some tricky situations along the way.
Sue and Chris' Big Adventure Part 2 is a follow-on from part one, where they left the house in a rush to get to the airport on time, arriving at the last minute to get their plane.
If you haven't listened to it already, have a listen to Sue and Chris' Big Adventure Part I
If you like this, Please
Sue and Chris' Big Adventure Part 1 Follow Sue and Chris as they head off on their first big adventure - Sue and Chris' Big Adventure Part 1
In part one, they wake up a little late and have just an hour to get to the airport.
Sue forgot to book a taxi, so they have to find an alternate form of transport to get to the airport on time.
They are also hampered by some unusually unseasonal British weather ;)
They also have to check that their animals are cared for during their absence.
See part two for the continuation of the adventure
Luke McAlister Rugby Player Charles Luke McAlister (born 28 August 1983 in Waitara) is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He plays first five-eighth (fly-half) and second five-eighth (inside centre). He is the brother of New Zealand women's sevens player Kayla McAlister and son of Charlie McAlister.
Luke McAlister was born in Waitara, New Zealand, and attended Westlake Boys High School, where he played first five-eighth. He played for Silverdale in the North Harbour premier competition before making his provincial debut for North Harbour in 2002 and Super Rugby debut for the Blues in 2004.
He made his international debut for New Zealand aged 21, versus the British and Irish Lions in 2005.
In June 2006, his father, Charlie, resigned his position as head coach of the Manawatu team in the Air New Zealand Cup. Charlie McAlister is a former rugby league player, and Luke McAlister lived in the Manchester area from the age of four to 13 while his father played rugby league for Oldham, Castleford and the Sheffield Eagles, during which time Luke was a member of the Manchester United Academy.
Following the announcement of his inclusion in the All Blacks squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, it was announced on 23 July 2007 that McAlister would be joining Guinness Premiership side Sale Sharks after the World Cup on a two-year deal. It was also reported that he had turned down offers from both Munster and Toulouse to join Sale.
McAlister played in four of the All Blacks' five matches at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, including the 20–18 quarter-final loss to France, in which he was controversially sent to the sin bin for an obstruction. France converted the resulting penalty, and the sin-binning was cited by many New Zealand fans as one of the reasons why their team lost the match. Over the course of the tournament, McAlister accumulated a total of 17 points.
In 2009 after two seasons with Sale in the Guinness Premiership, McAlister returned to New Zealand, where he re-signed with North Harbour and the Blues, with the intention of regaining his place in the national side. He appeared for the All Blacks as a substitute for Stephen Donald against France in Wellington on 20 June 2009.
From August 2011, McAlister plays for Stade Toulousain in France's Top 14 championship.
On his first season with Toulouse, he won the Bouclier de Brennus, in which he played a crucial role in it, marking all of his team's points during both semi-final and final.
The Classic All Blacks is a rugby union team made up of players from the New Zealand men's rugby team.
It is not an official national team of New Zealand. First put together in 2007, the team has played Japan three times, English Premiership side Leicester Tigers and 'classic' teams from France and Australia.
In 2013 the side played Fiji as part of the Fiji Rugby Union's centennial anniversary.
On 7 October 2015, the Classic All Blacks played Toulon at the Stade Mayol in a match to honour the late Jerry Collins.
This interview was done on 7th October 2015 after breakfast, on match day, which was a very emotional time for the players who played with Jerry Collins in the past.
You may find the New Zealand accent a bit tricky, so click on the Transcript link to check your comprehension.
Classic All Blacks Carlos Spencer rugby player Carlos James Spencer (born 14 October 1975 in Levin) is a former New Zealand rugby union footballer and most recently the head coach of the Eastern Province Kings.
During his playing days, he played at fly-half (first five-eighth) for the Blues and Lions in Super Rugby and for New Zealand internationally.
He has generally specialised in the position of fly-half, also known as "first five-eighth" or "number 10", although he has also played fullback (number 15) at national and international levels.
Spencer first rose to prominence when he starred alongside Christian Cullen in a Ranfurly Shield challenge in 1991, playing for the Horowhenua team against Auckland. Auckland coach Graham Henry spotted Spencer's talent and recruited him to play for the Auckland team.
He played for the Blues Super 12 team from the inception of the competition in 1996 until 2005, and for the Auckland NPC side.
In 1996, Carlos Spencer played for the Blues in the first ever Super 12-match, kicking off the professional era of rugby union. He went on to score 608 points for the Blues in the Super Rugby competition.
In 2005 he signed to the English club, Northampton Saints, where he stayed until 30 January 2009.
On 3 February 2009 he signed for Gloucester on a 17-month contract.
In January 2010 Carlos Spencer signed with the Johannesburg-based Golden Lions, to play for the team in the 2010 and 2011 Super Rugby seasons. The contract offered to him was said at the time to be the highest ever in South Africa.
He subsequently took up a coaching role with the team, before being released following the 2012 season.
He moved to the Durban-based Sharks for the 2013 season.
In December 2013, he signed a five-year contract to become the kicking and specialist skills coach at Port Elizabeth-based side, the Eastern Province Kings.
He was appointed as their head coach on 20 February 2014.
He was in charge of just one Currie Cup season in 2014, where they achieved just one victory in ten matches. Brent Janse van Rensburg was appointed as head coach for the 2015 Currie Cup Premier Division season with Carlos Spencer reverting to kicking and specialist skills coach. However, Carlos Spencer left the coaching staff a month later.
In 2006, Spencer was named in the Guinness Premiership Awards Dream Team and collected the Player of the Year award for the 2005–06 season at the Northampton Saints annual awards, as voted for by the clubs fans.
He played in four matches for Bob Dwyer's World XV team in 2006, including a match for the Barbarians against England at Twickenham on 28 May and a 30-27 loss to the Springboks at Ellis Park on 3 June.
The Classic All Blacks is a rugby union team made up of players from the New Zealand men's rugby team.
It is not an official national team of New Zealand. First put together in 2007, the team has played Japan three times, English Premiership side Leicester Tigers and 'classic' teams from France and Australia.
In 2013 the side played Fiji as part of the Fiji Rugby Union's centennial anniversary.
On 7 October 2015, the Classic All Blacks played Toulon at the Stade Mayol in a match to honour the late Jerry Collins.
This interview was done on 6th October 2015 after a training session at Stade Mayol, Toulon, prior to the match on the following day, which was a very emotional time for the players who played with Jerry Collins in the past.
Download the transcript for this podcast for FREE
Classic All Blacks Carl Hayman rugby player Carl Hayman (born 14 November 1979 in Opunake, New Zealand) is a New Zealand rugby union footballer who plays at tighthead prop.
Hayman has previously played for the Highlanders in Super Rugby, Otago in the NPC, and Newcastle Falcons in the English Premiership, as well as making 45 appearances for New Zealand at international level.
He became the 1000th All Black when he made his debut against Samoa in 2001.
Since then he has established himself as one of the elite props in world rugby.
In 2005, Carl Hayman played for the New Zealand Māori, against Fiji in Suva and against the British & Irish Lions at Hamilton.
In 2006 he was shortlisted as one of 5 candidates for New Zealand Player of the Year.
On 19 April 2007 it was announced that Carl Hayman had signed a 3-year contract with Guinness Premiership side Newcastle Falcons, turning down an offer from league champions Sale Sharks to do so.
On 22 March 2010, it was announced that Carl Hayman would join French club Toulon at the end of the season.
He becomes one of a number of high-profile players that signed for Toulon alongside Jonny Wilkinson, Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, Felipe Contepomi and Joe Van Niekerk.
The decision to stay in Europe made him ineligible for the 2011 Rugby World Cup due to the New Zealand Rugby Union's policy of only selecting players who have played in the New Zealand domestic competition.
In 2010, he was selected in the Barbarians squad to play Tonga on 26 November.
In May 2013 he started as Toulon won the 2013 Heineken Cup Final by 16–15 against Clermont Auvergne.
The Classic All Blacks is a rugby union team made up of players from the New Zealand men's rugby team.
It is not an official national team of New Zealand. First put together in 2007, the team has played Japan three times, English Premiership side Leicester Tigers and 'classic' teams from France and Australia.
In 2013 the side played Fiji as part of the Fiji Rugby Union's centennial anniversary.
On 7 October 2015, the Classic All Blacks played Toulon at the Stade Mayol in a match to honour the late Jerry Collins.
This interview was done on 7th October 2015 after breakfast, on match day, which was a very emotional time for the players who played with Jerry Collins in the past.
Florian Bucket list Listen to Florian's bucket list, but try the pre-listening questions first.
A bucket list is a list of items, challenges etc., that people want to do before they die.
A check-list of lifetime wishes that people really want to do at some point in their life.
Some are just wild dreams that will never be achieved, but some people really stick to their dreams and do everything within their powers to achieve their goals.
The ideas for bucket list have been used to make a film, where billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and car mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) are complete strangers, until fate lands them in the same hospital room.
The men find they have two things in common: a need to come to terms with who they are and what they have done with their lives, and a desire to complete a list of things they want to see and do before they die.
Against their doctor's advice, the men leave the hospital and set out on the adventure of a lifetime.
Listen to Florian speak about his bucket list (Florian Bucket list) - don't worry about any small mistakes that he has made, they can help both him and you - see this blog post on mistakes in learning - Learners, learn to love your mistakes.
Before you listen to the podcast (Florian Bucket list), think about the following questions :
How long is the road, that he wants to travel in Florian's bucket list? Which activities that are mentioned in Florian's bucket list has he done before? Has he ever been to any of the countries that he wants to go to? How many countries does Florian mention in the podcast? Are there any items on Florian's bucket list that you would add to your own, personal bucket list? What would you add as an item on your bucket list (you can note them in the comments below).
Explore your bucket list and over 3 million other goals for bucket lists.
Adaptation to climate change Adaptation to Climate Change, means anticipating the adverse effects of climate change and taking appropriate action to prevent or minimise the damage they can cause, or taking advantage of opportunities that may arise. It has been shown that well planned, early adaptation action saves money and lives later.
Examples of adaptation to climate change measures include: using scarce water resources more efficiently; adapting building codes to future climate conditions and extreme weather events; building flood defences and raising the levels of dykes; developing drought-tolerant crops; choosing tree species and forestry practices less vulnerable to storms and fires; and setting aside land corridors to help species migrate.
Adaptation strategies are needed at all levels of administration: at the local, regional, national, EU and also the international level. Due to the varying severity and nature of climate impacts between regions in Europe, most adaptation initiatives will be taken at the regional or local levels.
The ability to cope and adapt also differs across populations, economic sectors and regions within Europe.
The Commission adopted an EU adaptation strategy in April 2013 which has been welcomed by the Member States. Complementing the activities of Member States, the strategy supports action by promoting greater coordination and information-sharing between Member States, and by ensuring that adaptation considerations are addressed in all relevant EU policies.
The EU’s role can be particularly appropriate when climate change impacts transcend borders of individual states - such as with river basins - and when impacts vary considerably across regions. The role of the EU can be especially useful to enhance solidarity among Member States and ensure that disadvantaged regions and those most affected by climate change are capable of taking the necessary measures to adapt.
Listen to Guillaume, a French environmental researcher on adaptation to climate change, talk about his job, the subject of adaptation to climate change and his background.
From Climate Action
Business process improvement (BPI) Listen to Omar, from a leading airline based in Abu Dhabi do a presentation about Business Process Improvement in his company, including :
His roles in Business Process Improvement The objectives of BPI in his company How they have implemented BPI New ideas that they are exploring to improve employee participation in BPI
Until recently, cost-cutting was seen as the biggest benefit - and in some cases the only significant benefit of outsourcing business processes.
Now, as the global economy improves, airlines are far more interested in how outsourcing core services such as revenue accounting, cargo operations, customer relationship management, and loyalty programs can improve efficiencies and open new, sustainable revenue streams.
Business Process Improvement is a systematic approach to help an organization optimize its underlying processes to achieve more efficient results. The methodology was first documented in H. James Harrington’s 1991 book Business Process Improvement.
It is the methodology that both Process Redesign and Business Process Reengineering are based upon. BPI has allegedly been responsible for reducing cost and cycle time by as much as 90% while improving quality by over 60%.
Process improvement is an aspect of organizational development (OD) in which a series of actions are taken by a process owner to identify, analyze and improve existing business processes within an organisation to meet new goals and objectives, such as increasing profits and performance, reducing costs and accelerating schedules.
These actions often follow a specific methodology or strategy to increase the likelihood of successful results.
Process improvement may include the restructuring of company training programs to increase their effectiveness.
Process improvement is also a method to introduce process changes to improve the quality of a product or service, to better match customer and consumer needs.
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Multimedia and IT Technician In the series « Tell me about your job. » I am joined today at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the primary airport serving the Greater Los Angeles Area by Jon, a multimedia and IT technician.
Jon has been doing this job for the last three years and appears to like his job immensely due to many aspects, including the chance to travel the world.
I caught Jon between flights from Los Angeles to Singapore during his busy work schedule.
The roles and responsibilities for the job of Multimedia and IT Technician are :
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
IT support tasks :
- Act as a point of contact for fault reporting and diagnose faults where possible;
- Test and install software providing user training where appropriate;
- Maintain the hardware and software ledgers; order consumables and other equipment;
- Arrange routine maintenance to hardware and software;
- Set up and maintain the computers ; Act as a focal point for client needs – Wifi / Server / Printers / Software Control room technician – projecting PPT. Presentations, video and audio. Password / access control in liaison with the dedicated helpdesk.
Audio Visual support tasks :
There is also a requirement to liaise closely with local internet providers / points of contacts in situ.
Listen to Jon explaining some of the aspects of his job that he prefers and enjoys and some he doesn't (maybe).
He also talks about some of the issues that he has had to face, alongside the solutions that he is in charge of on a daily basis.
He also lists some of the qualities required to do his job well and the particular contexts that these qualities come in useful for.
He appears to be in the right job for him though.
Textile Factory Tour Listen to Greg give Liz, a visitor from the UK, a textile factory tour in France that makes upholstery for car seats.
Greg greets Liz in reception, before taking her on a tour of the research and development department, the weaving workshop, packing and quality control and finally to the logistics and warehouse department.
This is a live tour, so there is a lot of practice listening to a conversation between two native speakers talking with a lot of background noise from machinery, something which can be very challenging for language learners.
Greg starts off by greeting Liz and offering her refreshments, in this case, coffee after her long journey from the United Kingdom.
At first the greeting is formal, but they quickly slip into first-name terms, which is very typical for British people, who don't hang too much on ceremony.
If you are from another country, can you see the differences in the formalities, such as using first names to a stranger after a relatively short time.
Meeting new people, customers, clients, suppliers or sub-contractors, can be awkward at times, notice how Greg breaks the ice by offering refreshments and asking about Liz's voyage from the UK to France.
Greg tries to make the visit as simple and as interesting as possible, as Liz is not a technical person, but he asks her if she has any questions along the way and answers as simply as possible.
Greg asks a final time if Liz has any questions at the end of the visit and suggests that she sends any questions at a later date by email.
It is clear that Greg is used to conducting textile factory tours, both with technical and non-technical visitors and he is very able to pitch the tone of the textile factory tour to each audience.