Learning English

The Flatmates episode 56 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-12-03T23:12:00.000-08:00

Episode 56: At the doctor's
Dr. Kelly:	So, what's the matter?
Alice:	Well, I've been feeling ill ever since a barbecue a few days ago. My stomach's still upset, and I feel dizzy.
Dr. Kelly:	I see. Any other symptoms?
Alice:	Erm, I've got a bit of a temperature.
Dr. Kelly:	Well, it isn't anything serious, probably just food poisoning... Excuse me. Come in.
Dr. Laver:	Sorry to disturb, just returning these notes. Alice!
Alice:	Dr. Laver!
Dr. Laver:	You look very pale. Look, can I give you a lift home, when you've finished?
Alice:	That would be lovely.
Dr. Laver:	Okay, I'll see you outside. Sorry about the interruption, Dr. Kelly.
Dr. Kelly:	Not at all. Thanks for the notes. Bye... Are you okay Alice?

Vocabulary:

an upset stomach (adjective phrase) - an unpleasant feeling in your stomach because of illness or because of something you have eaten

dizzy (adjective) - feeling that you are turning around in circles and are going to fall even though you are standing still

a symptom (noun) - a change in the body or mind which indicates that a disease is present

a temperature (noun) - a level of heat that is above what is normal for the human body ,also called fever

a fever (noun) - a body temperature that is higher than normal (37.5 °C)

serious (adjective) - having an important or dangerous possible result

food poisoning (noun) - sickness caused by bacteria or chemicals in food

to disturb (verb) - to interrupt or bother (someone or something)

pale (adjective) - light in color, having a skin color that is closer to white than is usual or normal

a lift (noun) - a free ride in a vehicle

an interruption (noun) - an act of to ask questions or say things while another person is speaking, to do or say something that causes someone to stop speaking

The Flatmates episode 55 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-10-15T17:37:00.000-07:00

Episode 55: Fatherly advice
Michal:	Hello, I've been sent to take you.
Dad:	I can't get a minute's peace around here!
Michal:	No wonders you love it here, your garden's beautiful.
Dad:	Thank you Michal. Just my luck though, neither Helen nor her mother has green fingers.
Michal:	I love gardening!
Dad:	I knew I liked you for a reason! Helen's head is filled with love and romance but I am more of a realist. I've built up my business and my garden the same way - years of hard graft. Helen's looking for a handsome husband but I want a hard-working son-in-law. Of course it will be a slog but the rewards are right here for you to see.
Michal:	Eh, yeah, it must be time for tea! Let's talk later.

Vocabulary:
fatherly (adjective) - of a father, resembling a father, showing the affection or concern of a father

resemble (verb) - to look or be like (someone or something)

an advice (noun) - an opinion or suggestion about what someone should do

I can't get a minute's peace (phrase) - I want some quiet time but people keep interrupting me

green fingers (British English), a green thumb (American English) (noun) - an unusual ability to make plants grow

gardening (noun) - to work in a garden, to take care of the plants in a garden

a realist (noun) - a person who understands what is real and possible in a particular situation, a person who accepts and deals with things as they really are

hard graft (noun) - hard or difficult work

son-in-law (noun) - the husband of your daughter

a slog (noun) - a long period of hard work or effort, a piece of work that is difficult, unpleasant or tiring, a long, difficult walk

a reward (noun) - money or another kind of payment that is given or received for something that has been done or that is offered for something that might be done

The Flatmates episode 54 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-10-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

Episode 54: A mother daughter chat
Michal:	Helen, this place is enormous!
Helen:	It's just a house, don't get so overexcited by it. And promise me you won't treat me differently after this visit.
Mum:	Hello! Just drop your bags anywhere dears. Michal, will you get daddy in from the garden? Then we'll all have a nice cup of Chinese tea together.
Michal:	Of course.
Mum:	Oh Helen, he's adorable! I know I said you were too young for love but that was ages ago and it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind.
Helen:	Mum, I think he's the one!
Mum:	Oh me too, I watched you two coming up the path and I saw how you looked at him. Do I hear wedding bells?
Helen:	Don't say that, you'll jinx us!

Vocabulary:

overexcited (adjective) - too excited

excited (adjective) - very enthusiastic and eager about something

to promise (verb) - to tell someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future

to treat (verb) - to deal with or think about (something) especially in a particular way

adorable (adjective) - very appealing or attractive, very lovable

ages ago (noun) - a long time ago

prerogative (noun) - a right or privilege, a special right or privilege that some people have

mind (noun) - the part of a person that thinks, reasons, feels, and remembers

Do I hear wedding bells? (phrase) - Are you going to get married soon?

to jinx something (idiom) - to cause bad luck or to turn good luck into bad luck

The Flatmates episode 53 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-10-04T01:38:00.000-07:00

Episode 53: The morning after
Michal:	Morning everyone. What a great barbeque yesterday! Coffee and biscuits Alice?
Alice:	Oh no, I feel dreadful. I was throwing up all night long!
Tim:	One too many cocktails?
Alice:	No! I hardly touched a drop. One minute I was having a ball ...
Helen:	Getting chatted up more like!
Alice:	Yeah, I saw a completely different side to Paul.
Michal:	Who?
Alice:	Doctor Laver.
All:	Oooh!
Alice:	Oh don't! Give me a break!
Tim:	So, was it the good doctor who made you ill?
Alice:	No, it must've been something I ate.
Helen:	But we all ate the same things.
Michal:	It looked gorgeous, but I didn't have any of the salmon. Did you?
Helen:	No.
Tim:	No.
Alice:	Yes....oh, no!

Vocabulary:

barbeque or barbecue, abbr. BBQ (noun) - food that has been cooked on a barbecue, barbecued food, a flat metal frame that is used to cook food over hot coals or an open fire, an outdoor meal or party at which food is cooked on a barbecue

biscuits (noun) - Brit : cookie; U.S.: a small light roll that is eaten as part of a meal

dreadful (adjective) - very bad or unpleasant

to throw up (verb) - to be physically sick

cocktail (noun) - an alcoholic drink that is a mixture of one or more liquors and other ingredients (such as fruit juice)

to hardly touch a drop (phrase) - to not drink much alcohol

to have a ball (noun phrase) - to have fun : to spend time in a very enjoyable way

to chat up (verb phrase) -to get to know someone and talk to him or her in a romantic way

different (adjective) - not of the same kind, partly or totally unlike, unusual

give me a break (verb phrase) - stop annoying me

to annoy (verb) - to cause (someone) to feel slightly angry

ill (adjective) - sick or unhealthy

gorgeous (adjective) - very beautiful or attractive, very enjoyable or pleasant

salmon (noun) - a large fish that is born in streams but that lives most of its life in the ocean and that is commonly used for food

The Flatmates episode 52 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-09-22T03:23:00.000-07:00

Episode 52: The BBQ
Michal:	Hi, come on in and have a drink. We're just firing up the barbecue.
Khalid:	Oh, it's nice to see you outside the classroom my friend. Thanks for inviting me.
Helen:	Oh it's lovely to meet you Khalid. Michal's told us all about you.
Tim:	So, who's for the best grub over hot coals this summer?
All:	Me! Yes please! Wonderful!
Alice:	Drinks anyone? Can I get you a top-up Dr Laver?
Dr Laver:	Oh come on. We've been working together for how long, looked after how many babies? I'm here at your party. Please, my name's Paul. And how about a dance before that drink?
Alice:	Oh, OK!
John:	Great party! Thanks so much for asking me.
Helen:	Maybe it is time for us to patch it up. But I didn't invite you.
John:	Well, here's a toast to the secret peace-maker.
Helen:	I'll drink to that!

Vocabulary:
BBQ (abbreviation) - barbecue

a barbecue (noun) - a flat metal frame that is used to cook food over hot coals or an open fire, an outdoor meal or party at which food is cooked on a barbecue

to fire up something (verb) - to start (something) by lighting a fire, to cause (something) to start working

grub (informal noun) - food

coal (noun) - a black or brownish-black hard substance within the earth that is used as a fuel

a top-up (noun) - an amount of liquid that is added to make something full, more of a drink, after having a first glass or cup of it

to patch it up (phrase) - to make up after a fight or disagreement, to deal with (a problem, disagreement, etc.) in order to improve or repair a relationship

a toast (noun) - an occurrence in which words are said that honor someone, express good wishes, etc., and people take a drink to show that they agree with what has been said

secret (adjective) - kept hidden from others : known to only a few people

a peace-maker (noun) - a person who helps to prevent or stop an argument, a fight, or a war

The Flatmates episode 51 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-09-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

Episode 51: Summertime blues
Alice:	It's nice to be back but I do miss the excitement of the World Cup. I'm bored!
Helen:	Oh thanks very much!
Alice:	I didn't mean you! I just mean it's a bit hard to come back to reality that's all.
Tim:	Who says we have to? Why don't we do something to cheer ourselves up?
Alice:	Like what?
Michal:	Go to the pub.
Alice:	No, it's too smoky.
Tim:	Go to a nightclub.
Helen:	It's too noisy.
Michal:	How about going to the cinema?
Alice:	There's nothing on I really want to see.
Michal:	We could have a party.
Alice:	What are we celebrating?
Michal:	You know it's almost a year since I came to live here.
Tim:	Perfect! We'll have our first anniversary party!

Vocabulary:
the blues (noun) - a feeling of sadness or depression, also a style of music that was created by African-Americans in the southern U.S. and that often expresses feelings of sadness

the excitement (noun) - a feeling of eager enthusiasm and interest, the state of being excited

the reality (noun) - the true situation that exists, the real situation, something that actually exists or happens, a real event, occurrence, situation, etc.

to cheer (verb) - to shout with joy, approval, or enthusiasm

to cheer (someone) up (verb) - to become happier or to make (someone) happier

a pub (noun) - a building or room especially in Britain or Ireland where alcoholic drinks and often food are served

smoky (adjective) - filled with smoke, having a flavor, taste, or appearance of smoke, very attractive or sexy

a nightclub (noun) -a place that is open at night, has music, dancing, or a show, and usually serves alcoholic drinks and food

noisy (adjective) - full of loud or unpleasant noise, making a lot of loud or unpleasant noise

a cinema (noun) - in British English: a movie theater

to celebrate (verb) -to do something special or enjoyable for an important event, occasion, holiday, etc.

an anniversary (noun) - a day that is exactly a year or a number of years after a particular event

a fancy-dress party (noun) - a party where people dress up in costumes (often dressed as famous people)

The Flatmates episode 50 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-09-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

Episode 50: Landing in London
crew 1:	Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to London. Please wait until the aircraft has come to a complete standstill before unfastening your seatbelts. We would like to remind you that mobile phones must remain completely switched off until the seatbelt sign has been turned off. Please remember that you can only smoke in designated areas once inside the terminal building. Please take care when opening the overhead lockers as the contents may have moved during the flight and might fall out and injure you or your fellow passengers. Thank you for flying with us and we look forward to seeing you onboard with us again soon.
crew 2:	Excuse me madam, didn't you just hear the announcement?
Alice:	I'm not phoning anyone I just want to see if I've got any messages.

Vocabulary:
a landing (noun) - an act of returning to the ground or another surface after a flight

an aircraft (noun) - a machine (such as an airplane or a helicopter) that flies through the air

complete (adjective) -full, whole, perfect

a standstill (noun) - a state in which all activity or motion is stopped, a stop or an end

to unfasten (verb) - to make (something) loose, undo

a seat belt (noun) - a strap on a vehicle's seat that holds a person in the seat if there is an accident

to remind (verb) - to make (someone) think about something again, to cause (someone) to remember
something

a mobile phone (noun) - cell phone, a small telephone that people can take with them and use outside their homes

remain (verb) - to continue to be something specified

designated (adjective) - officially choose, marked, shown, or represented

a designated area (noun) - a place that is signed for a particular purpose (for example, a designated smoking area)

a terminal building (noun) - the part of an airport where planes arrive or depart from

overhead (adjective) - above someone's head, in the sky or space above someone

fellow (noun) - a member of a group of people who have shared interests, activities, etc.

a passenger (noun) - a person who is traveling from one place to another in a car, bus, train, ship, airplane, etc., and who is not driving or working on it

on-board (noun) - in or on an airplane, train, boat, etc.

an announcement (noun) - a written or spoken statement that tells people about something, public or formal words that announce something

a message (noun) - text information to or from a mobile phone

to confiscate (verb) to take something away from someone as a punishment for doing something wrong

The Flatmates episode 49 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-09-06T04:20:00.000-07:00

Episode 49: The quarter-finals
Tim:	England are out! We lost on penalties again!
Alice:	I'm gutted! I blame Rooney.
Tim:	He didn't do nuffink!
Alice:	How can you say that? We all saw what he did. The ref had to send him off.
Tim:	I still say we was robbed. The ref was far too free and easy with that card.
Alice:	You're just looking for a scapegoat.
Tim:	No I'm not.
Alice:	What about the manager, the skipper, the strikers? Don't you blame them?
Tim:	Don't be so rational Alice. We're going back empty-handed and I can't stand it!
Alice:	Oh cheer up Tim. We'll be home soon and you and Michal can commiserate with each other - England and Poland out of the World Cup again ... until next time!

Vocabulary:

the quarter-finals (noun) - one of four matches, games, or contests to decide the four people or teams that will continue playing in a competition (such as a tennis tournament)

a penalty (noun) - a punishment or disadvantage given to a team or player for breaking a rule in a game, punishment for breaking a rule or law

I'm gutted (informal) - I'm very disappointed

blame (verb) - to say or think that a person or thing is responsible for something bad that has happened

nuffink (slang) - nothing

ref (noun) - short for a referee in a game or sport

a referee (noun) - a person who makes sure that players act according to the rules of a game or sport

to send someone off (phrase) - to sent a player off the field or kick a player out of the game for not acting according to the rules of a game or sport

a scapegoat (noun) - a person who is wrongly blamed when something goes wrong

a skipper (noun) - someone who leads a group, especially, the manager of a baseball team, the captain of a ship or boat

a striker (noun) - a forward in soccer, a worker who is on strike

rational (adjective) - having the ability to reason or think about things clearly, based on facts or reason and not on emotions or feelings

empty-handed (adjective) - (often used when talking about competitions) not winning any prizes, without having, carrying, or bringing anything

I can't stand it (phrase) - used to say that someone strongly dislikes a person or thing

cheer up (verb) - to become happier or to make (someone) happier

commiserate with someone (verb phrase) - show pity for someone's misfortune or bad luck

The Flatmates episode 48 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-08-24T23:23:00.000-07:00

Episode 48: Strawberries and cream
John:	Oh Helen! Fancy bumping into you at Wimbledon!
Helen:	And I was having such a nice time too.
John:	Bet you're here on one of those cheap afternoon tickets, aren't you?
Helen:	Yeah but for a fiver they're such a bargain.
John:	I wouldn't know. I've been here all day - in the Centre Court posh seats - not much change from fifty quid. Well, I won't keep you. I need to get on with my horrendously expensive strawberries and cream before they get warm.
Helen:	Oh, look out!
John:	Arrghh! I'm covered in strawberries and cream!
Man:	I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going.
Helen:	Look on the bright side John. At least with all that red and white, you look ...

Vocabulary:

a strawberry (noun) - a soft, juicy red fruit that grows on a low plant with white flowers

a cream (noun) - the thick part of milk that rises to the top, the part of milk that contains fat

fancy (adjective) not plain or ordinary very expensive and fashionable, of the highest grade or quality

bump into ( verb phrase) - to meet (someone) by chance, to see and usually talk to (someone you did not expect to see)

cheap (adjective) - not costing a lot of money

a bargain (noun) - something that is bought or sold for a price which is lower than the actual value, something bought or sold at a good price

a fiver (noun) - five pounds (money)

a pound (noun) - a basic unit of money in the United Kingdom and some other countries

Centre Court or Center Court (noun) - may be used generically as the British English term for the main court at any tennis complex.

posh (adjective) - very attractive, expensive, and popular, British English: typical of people who have high social status

fifty quid (noun) - fifty pounds (money)

horrendously (adjective) - very bad or unpleasant

berry nice (British expression) - The usual expression is "very nice" but because the man spilt strawberries (or berries) on John, Helen is making a joke because "berry" and "very" sound similar.

pretty in pink (British expression) - Usually you say to a girl or woman wearing pink clothes that she looks "pretty in pink". Helen is making a joke because John is covered in pink not because he is wearing pink clothes but because the man spilt strawberries on him.

a real smoothie (British expression) - This has two meanings. One is a kind of drink made of fruit, cream, juice mixed together. The other meaning describes someone who is very smooth, sophisticated or suave. So Helen is making a joke here because John looks like a drink (with all the strawberries and cream spilt on him) and she is also being sarcastic (making a joke by saying something that is the opposite of the truth) when she says he looks smooth because, of course, he doesn't look smooth at all!

The Flatmates episode 47 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-08-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

Episode 47: A call from Germany
Helen:	Hello?
Alice:	Guten morgen! Hi Helen, it's Alice.
Helen:	Hey, how are you? What's Germany like? Are you having fun?
Alice:	I'm fine, it's fab and yes, yes, yes! How are things back home?
Helen:	Great. We've just come back from Brighton and Michal was a complete star!
Alice:	Oh how so?
Helen:	Well this guy stole my purse while we were on the beach and he ran after him like a bat out of hell, caught him and got my purse back! He was a real hero!
Alice:	Oh quite the Superman, I'm sure! So have you made up with him then?
Helen:	What do you think? Of course ... Oh, her money must have run out.

Vocabulary:
Germany (geographical name) - A country of north-central Europe. It was split into East Germany and West Germany after World War II and reunited in 1990.

fab (adjective) - extremely good, fabulous

complete (adjective) - often used for emphasis, not limited in any way,not lacking anything

a star (noun) -an extremely famous and successful performer or athlete

like a bat out of hell (idiom) - run very quickly

a hero (noun) - a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities, a person who is greatly admired

a superman (noun) - a man who is very strong, successful

make up (verb) - become friends again after having a disagreement or fight

run out (verb) - come to the end of something, have no more of something left

a legend (noun) - a story from the past that is believed by many people but cannot be proved to be true, most people regard the story as truthful but there is usually no historical basis for it

The Flatmates episode 46 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-08-17T02:41:00.000-07:00

Episode 46: A day at the beach
Michal:	I'm so glad we decided to come to Brighton!
Helen:	Yeah, so much better than going to the poxy World Cup in Germany.
Michal:	Let's sit here on the beach. What a perfect spot for an ice-cream!
Helen:	Oh, look at that guy over there. He looks nice ...tall and handsome.
Michal:	Ahem, I thought you were here with me!
Man:	Excuse me.
Helen:	Oh, hello can we help you?
Man:	I wonder if you could tell me where Brighton Pier is?
Michal:	It's right over there!
Man:	Oh, course it is, silly me. Thanks, bye.
Michal:	Helen, how about that ice cream now?
Helen:	Oh no! I can't find my purse!
Michal:	It must have been that man!
Helen:	Oi you! Stop!

Vocabulary:

a beach (noun) - an area covered with sand or small rocks that is next to an ocean or lake

glad (adjective) - very willing to do something, causing happiness and joy

decide (verb) - to make a choice about (something), to choose (something) after thinking about it

Brighton (noun: geographical name) - town in England, in East Sussex on the south coast of Great Britain with a population of 155,919.

poxy (British English Slang) - not important, having little value, rubbish, not good

a spot (noun) - a place, a small area of a surface that is different from other areas

a guy (noun) - a man or person

ahem (interjection) -used to attract attention or to express doubt or warning, used in writing to represent a sound that is like a quiet cough that people make especially to attract attention or to express disapproval or embarrassment

a pier (noun) - a structure that goes out from a shore into the water, Piers are typically used as a place for ships to load and unload people or things or as a place where people can walk.

silly (adjective) - having or showing a lack of thought, understanding, or good judgment, foolish or stupid

a purse (noun) - a usually leather or cloth bag used by women for carrying money and personal things handbag, (chiefly in British English) a change purse

oi (informal British English) - used to get the attention of someone or to express disapproval

The Flatmates episode 45 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-08-14T00:15:00.000-07:00

Episode 45: Packing
Tim:	Hurry up Alice!
Alice:	I'm going as fast as I can.
Tim:	The plane's going to take off without us at this rate. You've not even finished packing yet!
Alice:	Don't hassle me! I couldn't just walk out in the middle of an emergency. I'm a nurse. These things happen. I got here as fast as I could.
Tim:	Look, have you got the most important things?
Alice:	Tickets, money, passport - yes they're all here.
Tim:	OK, grab what you've got and let's go.
Alice:	Oh Tim, hang on! Have you got the football tickets?
Tim:	Yes! They're right here... Where are they?
Alice:	Just relax. When did you last see them?
Tim:	Yesterday, today, oh, I don't know. Where are they?

Vocabulary:
packing (noun) - the act or process of putting things into bags or boxes

hurry (verb) - to move, act, or go quickly

take off (verb) - the moment when an airplane, helicopter, etc., leaves the ground and begins to fly

at this rate (idiom) - in this way or at this speed

to hassle someone (informal) (idiom) - to annoy or bother someone

ticket (noun) - a piece of paper that allows you to see a show, participate in an event, travel on a vehicle, etc.

passport (noun) - an official document issued by the government of a country that identifies someone as a citizen of that country and that is usually necessary when entering or leaving a country

to grab something (idiom) - to take hold of something quickly and strongly

hang on (phrasal verb) - wait, to keep happening or continuing

relax (verb) - to stop feeling nervous or worried

The Flatmates episode 44 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-07-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

Episode 44: A free lunch
Tim:	That food was delicious!
Mrs Hall:	It took ages to come but yes, absolutely scrummy. Ready for afters?
Tim:	Thank you.
Mrs Hall:	Go on, open it.
Tim:	World Cup tickets! How can I ever thank you Mrs Hall?
Mrs Hall:	Well you can start by dropping the formality. Please, call me Janet.
Tim:	Alright ... Janet.
Mrs Hall:	Much better. Now, my husband's away on business next month. So we'll do lunch again then.
Tim:	Your husband?
Mrs Hall:	Well where did you think those corporate tickets came from? Yes, he's good for some things but quite dreadful for others - like decent lunch company.
Tim:	I'm not sure if I'm free. Let me check the rota first.

Vocabulary:

delicious (adjective) - very pleasant to taste, having a smell that suggests a very pleasant taste

absolutely (adverb) - in an absolute way, such as a completely or totally, with unlimited power, often used to make a statement more forceful

scrummy (adjective) - informal way of saying delicious or lovely

ages (noun) - a long time, centuries, for ever

afters (noun) - British informal for dessert, sweet food eaten after the main part of a meal

dropping (verb) - to stop doing or continuing with (something)

formality (noun) - a formal quality

corporate (adjective) - involving or associated with a corporation, business

dreadful (adjective) - very bad or unpleasant

decent (adjective) - good enough but not the best, adequate or acceptable ,polite, moral, and hones

a rota (noun) - (British English) a schedule or timetable which shows what days and times employees work, a list that shows who must do a certain job

The Flatmates episode 43 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-06-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

Episode 43: Exam revision
Michal:	Oh dear I have my exam today. I'm really worried. Helen, will you practise with me please?
Helen:	You must be joking!
Michal:	Alice?
Alice:	Oh Michal, you know I'm just back from a night-shift. I'm exhausted, sorry.
Tim:	Don't worry mate, you'll be all right. Just relax, be yourself.
Michal:	But I did very bad in my practice test last week.
Helen:	I told you Michal, it's important to revise for exams but you went out every night this week.
Michal:	Yes I know but it's a speaking exam so I had to talk to people. Won't anyone help me? Thanks Bronka, that's a big help!

Vocabulary:

revision (noun) - British: study of information that was studied before, a change or a set of changes that corrects or improves something

exam short for examination (noun) -the act of looking at something closely and carefully, a test to show a person's progress, knowledge, or ability

to revise for exams (phrase) - to do special preparation for an exam, when you look back at your earlier work

practise or practice (verb) - to do something again and again in order to become better at it

joking (verb) - to say things that are meant to cause laughter, to make jokes about someone or something

you must be joking (verb phrase) - (you must be kidding), what you say is very surprising or hard to believe

a night-shift (noun) - a period of work that takes place during the night

to be exhausted ( adjective) - to use all of someone's mental or physical energy, to tire out or wear out (someone) completely

mate (noun) - British: a friend

The Flatmates episode 42 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-06-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

Episode 42: A raffle
Tim:	We're on our way to Deutschland, Deutschland!
Helen:	Tim, what's got into you?
Tim:	The promise of two gorgeous, free world cup tickets, that's what!
Alice:	That's fantastic. Can I go with you, please?
Tim:	No, it's a boy thing - Michal, ready for action?
Helen:	Well that's just typical! You're such a sexist, old-fashioned bore Tim. What makes you think Alice and I don't want to see the match?
Tim:	Oh-oh. OK, anything to keep the peace. Sorry Michal.
Michal:	Don't worry. Helen, how should we decide who goes with Tim?
Helen:	Oh stop trying to get on my good side - it's not working.
Tim:	Well?
Helen:	There's only one fair way - a raffle.
Tim:	OK everyone's name in the hat then.

Vocabulary:
Deutschland - a word from the German language for Germany

promise (noun) - a statement telling someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future

the promise of something (noun phrase) - to guarantee that you will get something

gorgeous (adjective) - very beautiful or attractive

World Cup (noun) - an international competition in a sport (such as soccer or hockey)

international (adjective) - involving two or more countries, occurring between countries

competition (noun) - the act or process of trying to get or win something (such as a prize or a higher level of success) that someone else is also trying to get or win, the act or process of competing

ticket (noun) - a piece of paper that allows you to see a show, participate in an event, travel on a vehicle, etc.

fantastic (adjective) - extremely good

a boy thing (phrase) - an activity that is thought of to be done in particular by boys

typical (adjective) - happening in the usual way, normal for a person, thing, or group, average or usual

sexist (noun) - unfair treatment of people because of their sex, especially, unfair treatment of women

old-fashioned (adjective) - of or relating to the past, such as a, no longer used or accepted, replaced by something more recent, using or preferring traditions or ideas from the past

a match (noun) - a contest between two or more players or teams, a game played between two teams (for example, tennis or football)

to keep the peace (noun phrase) - to have a lasting state in which there is no war or fighting

a raffle (noun) - a competition where the winner is chosen at random or by chance (not on merit or skill), a contest that a group or organization uses to earn money and that involves people buying numbered tickets in exchange for a chance to win a prize

The Flatmates episode 41 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-06-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

Episode 41: Tickets for lunch
Tim:	Yeah and just tidy up that display now. Oh good morning madam.
Customer:	Hello. It's nice to see you on this side of the counter for a change.
Tim:	Yes, I've been promoted. I'm an Assistant Manager now!
Customer:	Oh does your ambition know no bounds? Congratulations!
Tim:	Thank you. Now how can I help you today?
Customer:	It's more about how I can help you. I've got the option of some World Cup tickets and, quelle surprise, football bores me silly. Would you care for them?
Tim:	I'd love them! But I could never afford them.
Customer:	Well, that's where you're wrong. Just keep a gal company over lunch some time soon and they're yours for nothing...

Vocabulary :

tidy up (verb) - to make (something) tidy : to make (something) clean and organized

display (noun) - an arrangement of objects intended to decorate, advertise, entertain, or inform people about something

counter (noun) - the table or shelf in a shop that separates the shop assistant from the customers

for a change (noun) - as something different from what is usual

promote (verb) - to change the rank or position of (someone) to a higher or more important one

ambition (noun) - a particular goal or aim, something that a person hopes to do or achieve, a desire to be successful, powerful, or famous

bounds (noun) - the point at which something (such as an idea or someone's behavior) stops being good or acceptable, the limit of what is correct or proper

option (noun) - the opportunity or ability to choose something or to choose between two or more things

quelle suprise (idiom) - what a surprise

to bore (verb) - to make (someone) tired and annoyed by being uninteresting or too much the same

to afford (verb) - to be able to pay for (something)

your ambition knows no bounds (phrase) - there is no limit to your goals or dreams

The Flatmates episode 40 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-06-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Episode 40: Right or wrong?
Michal:	You did what?
Helen:	I had to Michal. I had no choice.
Michal:	Haven't you got any morals? You know that you're supposed to stick to your friends.
Helen:	How could I? He cheated. The professor knew. She had me over a barrel.
Michal:	How you say in English? 'A friend in need is a friend indeed'? You didn't turn out to be a very good friend, did you?
Helen:	Listen Michal ...
Michal:	No, you listen for a change. You're selfish and two-faced Helen. It makes me worry about what you're saying about me behind my back. Now, leave me alone. I don't ever want to speak to you again!
Helen:	Oh no Michal!

Vocabulary:
choice (noun) - the act of choosing : the act of picking or deciding between two or more possibilities

morals (noun) - proper ideas and beliefs about how to behave in a way that is considered right and good by most people

supposed (verb) - to believe (something) to be true

to stick to (verb) - to continue doing or using (something or somebody) especially when it is difficult to do so

idiom (noun) - an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its separate words but that has a separate meaning of its own, a form of a language that is spoken in a particular area and that uses some of its own words, grammar, and pronunciations

to have someone over a barrel (idiom) - to give someone no choice about what she/he will do

A friend in need is a friend indeed (idiom) - if someone helps you when you are having a problem that means s/he is a true friend

selfish (adjective) - having or showing concern only for yourself and not for the needs or feelings of other people

two-faced (adjective) - to say one thing and then do something different. For example, to say you like someone but then gossip about her/him when she/he isn't there

behind someone's back (phrase) - if you do something behind someone's back, you do it without telling them.

The Flatmates episode 39 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-06-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Episode 39: A friend of a friend
Helen:	Well, you see, I have this friend. And, she has a problem. She saw a friend of hers doing something wrong and now she doesn't know what to do. If she reports him, he'll know it was her and probably won't ever speak to her again. But if she doesn't report him, he'll just get away with it.
Prof. Lewis:	What do you think your 'friend' should do?
Helen:	I haven't got a clue!
Prof. Lewis:	Well, you can tell your 'friend' that I'm extremely suspicious about someone's unusually high test score recently and I also overheard some very worrying comments about photocopying being 'very easy'.
Helen:	Really?
Prof. Lewis:	Yes really. Now what's your friend of a friend's name?
Helen:	It's .it's John.

Vocabulary:

of (preposition) - belonging to, relating to, or connected with (someone or something)

to report (verb) - to tell someone with authority about (someone who has broken a rule, done something wrong, etc.)

probably (adverb) - very likely, almost certainly

ever (adverb) - at any time

to get away with something (phrase) - to do something wrong or illegal and not get caught or found out

clue (noun) - something that helps a person find something, understand something, or solve a mystery or puzzle, an understanding of something, knowledge about something

extremely (adverb) - very great in degree, very serious or severe

suspicious (adjective) - causing a feeling that something is wrong or that someone is behaving wrongly, causing suspicion, having or showing a feeling that something is wrong or that someone is behaving wrongly, feeling or showing suspicion

unusually (adverb) - to a great degree, in a way that is not normal or usual

recently (adverb) - during the period of time that has just passed, not long ago

to overhear (verb) - to hear (something that was said to another person) by accident

to worry (verb) - to think about problems or fears : to feel or show fear and concern because you think that something bad has happened or could happen

comment (noun) - a spoken or written statement that expresses an opinion about someone or something

photocopying (verb) - to copy a document, picture, etc., that is made with a special machine

The Flatmates episode 38 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-05-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

Episode 38: A chat with the professor
Prof. Lewis:	Come in Helen, sit down. Now how are you?
Helen:	Fine really. Honestly, I'm fine.
Prof. Lewis:	Are you? That's not what your marks are saying to me. They tell a very different story. You failed this mid-term test quite badly. Even John, who seems to do no work at all in class, managed to do so much better than you.
Helen:	Humph!
Prof. Lewis:	Is there something you want to talk about?
Helen:	No, it's nothing.
Prof. Lewis:	You and John just don't seem as close as you used to be. Is there something wrong?
Helen:	No, it's just that..Oh I don't know.
Prof. Lewis:	Helen, I'm here to help. Now why don't you just tell me what's on your mind.

Vocabulary:

honestly (adverb) - without cheating or lying : in an honest way, used to stress that a statement is true and express annoyance or disapproval

mark (noun) - a number or letter that indicates how a student has performed in a class or on a test

mid-term (noun) - an examination given at the middle of a school term

to manage (verb) - to have control of, to succeed in doing (something)

humph (interjection) - used to express doubt, displeasure, or contempt

interjection (noun) - a word or remark expressing emotion; exclamation

to be close (adjective) - to care about each other very much

close friends (noun) - pals who like each other very much

on your mind (noun phrase) - what you're thinking about, is there something troubling you, are you worried or bothered about something

The Flatmates episode 37 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-05-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

Episode 37: The interview
Interviewer:	How long have you been working at McCarthy's?
Tim:	For the last 3 years.
Interviewer:	And have you always worked in retail?
Tim:	Yes I have. In fact ever since I was young I've been interested in commerce. My first job was in a newsagent's when I was still at school.
Interviewer:	I see, and what are your strengths and weaknesses?
Tim:	Well, some might say I'm a little head-strong. I do leap into projects and sometimes my enthusiasm can be a bit overwhelming. My strengths? I'm a great team-player. For example, when the stockroom was understaffed recently, I jumped at the chance to help out.
Interviewer:	Lovely. Well thank you for coming in today. We'll be in touch very soon.

Vocabulary:

retail (noun) - the business of selling things directly to customers for their own use

in fact (noun phrase) - in truth —used to stress that a statement is true although it may be surprising or unlikely

ever since (adverb phrase) - continually from the time in the past when, continually or often from a past time until now

commerce (noun) - activities that relate to the buying and selling of goods and services

newsagent (noun) - (British) a person or shop that sells newspapers, magazines, and often paperback books

strength (noun) - the quality that allows someone to deal with problems in a determined and effective way

weakness (noun) - a quality or feature that prevents someone or something from being effective or useful, something that you like so much that you are often unable to resist it

head-strong (adjective) - not willing to do what other people want, very stubborn

to leap (verb) -to move quickly, to eagerly take

enthusiasm (noun) - strong excitement about something, a strong feeling of active interest in something that you like or enjoy

a bit (noun) - a little, somewhat or rather

overwhelming (adjective) - used to describe something that is so confusing, difficult, etc., that you feel unable to do it

team-player (noun) - someone who cares more about helping a group or team to succeed than about his or her individual success

understaffed (adjective) - not having enough workers, having a staff that is too small

to jump at the chance (phrase) - to eagerly accept a challenge or chance to do something

The Flatmates episode 36 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-05-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

Episode 36: Test results
John:	How did you do in the economics test Helen?
Helen:	I failed miserably.
John:	Oh poor you! I got 98%. Didn't want to get a perfect score. Might have looked a bit suspicious, given me recent track record. Bet you wished you'd sneaked a peek at the answers when you had your chance.
Helen:	Oh I don't ...
John:	You're a fool! It was the easiest bit of photocopying I've ever done.
Prof. Lewis:	John, Helen hello!
John:	Oh good morning Professor Lewis. I was just saying how much I've been enjoying your lectures recently.
Prof. Lewis:	Oh really? Helen, I think it's about time we had a little chat, don't you? Come to my office later and make an appointment, OK?

Vocabulary:

economics (noun) - a science concerned with the process or system by which goods and services are produced, sold, and bought

miserably (adverb) - very poor in condition or quality, very bad

perfect (adjective) - having no mistakes or flaws, completely correct or accurate

suspicious (adjective) - causing a feeling that something is wrong or that someone is behaving wrongly, causing suspicion, having or showing a feeling that something is wrong or that someone is behaving wrongly

track record (noun) - a record of actual performance or accomplishment

to sneak a peek (British phrase) - to tell someone (such as a parent or teacher) about something wrong that someone else has done, to look at something quickly and secretly or furtively

to photocopy (verb) -to make a photographic reproduction of (printed or graphic material), especially by xerography

xerography (noun) - a dry photographic or photocopying process in which a negative image formed by a resinous powder on an electrically charged plate is electrically transferred to and thermally fixed as positive on a paper or other copying surface.

me recent track record (phrase) - my performance or achievements in the last few months or years (note in some regional accents 'me' is used instead of 'my')

The Flatmates episode 35 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-04-17T04:51:00.000-07:00

Episode 35: A letter from HR

Tim:

Dear Mr. Hunter,
Vacancy reference: Assistant manager
Further to your application for the above position, I am pleased to be able to invite you to attend an interview.
Please report to the HR office on Tuesday 11th March at 1 pm.
A job specification is enclosed.
If you have any access needs in order to complete your job or be able to attend the interview, please let me know as soon as possible.
Finally, it would be most helpful if you could confirm whether or not you will be able to attend.
Yours sincerely,
Jennifer Smith
Recruitment Advisor

Well, Kitty, 'Assistant manager', what do you think of that?

Vocabulary:

a vacancy (noun) - position or job in a company that's available

HR (short for Human Resources) (noun) - department in a company which looks after the hiring, training etc of employees

a reference (noun) - the act of mentioning something in speech or in writing, the act of referring to something or someone

assistant (adjective) - having the job of helping someone to do work, having a lower rank or position than others in a group, organization, etc.

a manager (noun) - someone who is in charge of a business, department, etc.

an application (noun) - a formal and usually written request for something (such as a job, admission to a school, a loan, etc.)

to attend (verb) - to go to and be present at

an interview (noun) - a meeting at which people talk to each other in order to ask questions and get information: such as a : a formal meeting with someone who is being considered for a job or other position

specification (noun) - detailed description of something

to enclose (verb) - to include (something) with a letter or in a package

access needs (noun) - requirements for people with disabilities

to confirm (verb) - agree, to tell someone that something has definitely happened or is going to happen

whether or not (conjunction) - used to indicate choices or possibilities

sincerely (adverb) - genuinely or truly, in a sincere or truthful way

The Flatmates episode 34 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-03-26T19:14:00.001-07:00

Episode 34: Helen to the rescue
Michal:	I told you so!
Tim:	Hurry up, I'm getting soaked!
Helen:	What's going on here? What a mess! Dad'll kill me.
Michal:	It's the water. Tim didn't turn off it before trying to fix the tap.
Helen:	Honestly Tim! You're as thick as two short planks sometimes. Michal, turn the water off. Tim, give me the spanner. I'll soon have this sorted.
Tim:	What shall I do?
Helen:	Get the mop, of course! I want this floor as dry as a bone now! Dad's coming round later to check the flat.
Tim:	Is he?
Tim and Michal:	Oh no!
Helen:	No, I'm just winding you up!

Vocabulary:

rescue (noun) - an act of saving someone or something from danger, harm, or trouble

soaked (adjective) - made completely wet by water or another liquid

to get soaked (verb phrase) - to get very wet, often in heavy rain

honestly (adverb) - without cheating or lying : in an honest way, in a genuine way, without pretending, used to stress that a statement is true

as thick as two short planks (idiom) - not clever

to sort (someone) out (verb phrase) - to solve the problems of (someone), to deal with (someone who is causing problems) in a forceful way

mop (noun) - similar to a broom but for cleaning a floor with water, a tool for cleaning floors that has a bundle of cloth or yarn or a sponge attached to a long handle

as dry as a bone (phrase) - [also bone-dry] extremely dry

to wind someone up (verb phrase) - to tell someone something that's not true, as a joke

The Flatmates episode 33 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-03-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

Episode 33: The dripping tap
Michal:	Hey Tim, what are you doing?
Tim:	I'm fixing this tap. I can't put up with that drip-drip noise anymore.
Michal:	Have you turned off the water?
Tim:	I told you. That's what I'm working on.
Michal:	I mean the main water supply? Have you cut it off?
Tim:	No, I haven't. Stop worrying and let me get on with this.
Michal:	I don't think you should carry on doing that!
Tim:	It's okay, just one more turn of the spanner.
Michal:	I really think you should stop.
Tim:	Oh, go away Michal. You're putting me off. One more turn and then ... aaaaaargh! Oh no! Michal! Help! Stop the water! Aaaaaargh!

Vocabulary:

to drip (verb) - to fall in drops, to let drops of (a liquid) fall

tap (noun) - the thing you turn to let water run into a sink

to fix (verb) - to make (something) whole or able to work properly again , to repair (something)

to put up with (something or someone) (verb phrase) - to allow (someone or something unpleasant or annoying) to exist or happen, to tolerate

noise (noun) - a loud or unpleasant sound

to turn off (verb) - to stop the operation or flow of (something) by pressing a button, moving a switch, etc.

to work on (verb) - to be in the process of making, doing (something), etc.

main (adjective) - most important

supply (noun) - the amount of something that is available to be used, things (such as food, equipment, fuel, etc.) that are needed for a particular purpose

to cut something off (verb phrase) - to stop the supply of something, to disconnect something

to get on with something (verb phrase) - to do something without delay

to carry on (verb) - to continue to do what you have been doing, to continue despite problems

to turn (verb) - to move around a central point

spanner (noun) - British for wrench, a tool consisting of a handle with one end designed to hold, twist, or turn an object (such as a bolt or nut)

to put someone off (verb phrase) - to distract someone, to cause (someone) to stop thinking about or paying attention to someone or something and to think about or pay attention to someone or something else instead, to take (attention) away from someone or something

The Flatmates episode 32 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-03-13T23:30:00.000-08:00

Episode 32: Baby talk
Dr. Laver:	Okay, well in this room we monitor the babies overnight. Now, the important thing is to talk to them.
Alice:	Talk to them? What do I say?
Dr. Laver:	Well, watch me. Hello, you are a handsome boy aren't you? You're gorgeous. Now you try. Speak to the baby next to you.
Alice:	Oh, okay. Hello little one! Who's a handsome boy then?
Dr. Laver:	Erm, that's a girl.
Alice:	Oh! Who's a pretty little girl? What a lovely smile! Aren't you lovely? Oh, oh, oh!
Dr. Laver:	Excellent, excellent - you're a natural. You'll make a very good nurse here and a lovely mother one day I'm sure.

Vocabulary:

monitor (verb) - to watch, observe, listen to, or check (something) for a special purpose over a period of time

overnight (adverb) - for or during the entire night

important   (adjective) - deserving or requiring serious attention

gorgeous (adjective) - very beautiful or attractive

lovely   (adjective) - attractive or beautiful especially in a graceful way

excellent (adjective) - extremely good

you're a natural (phrase) - you're really suited (to nursing), you have a natural ability (for nursing)

The Flatmates episode 31 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-03-06T18:25:00.000-08:00

Episode 31: The photocopier
John:	Hey, Helen, look what I've found on the photocopier - the answers for next week's test!
Helen:	The answers? You'd better hand them in to the office.
John:	You're kidding, aren't you? I think you should wise up.
Helen:	What do you mean?
John:	We've both been struggling with the work this term; here's our chance to pass with flying colours. If I were you, I 'd make the most of it.
Helen:	What? Cheat? We can't do that!
John:	Why not? Do you want to fail? Your parents won't like it if you do.
Helen:	No, I don't want to fail. But, if we get caught.
John:	We won't get caught. Come on, what do you say?
Helen:	Well, I'm not sure..

Vocabulary:

photocopier (noun) - a machine that makes paper copies of printed pages, pictures, etc. —called also copy machine, copier, or photocopy machine

had better (adverbial phrase) - if you had better do something, you should do it

hand (something) in (idiom) - return them , to give (something) to a person who will review or accept it

kidding (verb) - to speak to (someone) in a way that is not serious : to say things that are not true to (someone) in a joking way

wise up (verb) - stop being stupid, stop being naive or too innocent about life

struggle (verb) - to try very hard to do, achieve, or deal with something that is difficult, to be doing something without success

term (noun) - one of the parts of the school year

chance (noun) - an opportunity to do something : an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done

pass with flying colors (phrase) - do very well in a test or exam

make the most of it (phrase) - take advantage of a given situation

cheat (verb) - to break a rule or law usually to gain an advantage at something

fail (verb) - to not succeed, to end without success

get caught (phrase) - to be discovered doing something wrong or not legal

The Flatmates episode 30 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-02-27T01:15:00.000-08:00

Episode 30: Career decisions
Tim:	Hi Alice, what are you reading?
Alice:	Oh. It's about maternity and baby care. They've asked me to change wards.
Tim:	But you love working in the emergency wards.
Alice:	Yes, well.I want to work with Dr. Laver.
Tim:	Dr. Laver?
Alice:	He specialises in looking after children. He's a great doctor, really friendly with the patients.
Tim:	I see. And he's not bad looking, I suppose?
Alice:	Don't be ridiculous! I'm thinking about my career.
Tim:	But you want your own children. Don't you think it'd be horrible looking after other people's kids?
Alice:	Yeah, that's the problem. So I haven't decided whether to take the job or not.

Vocabulary:

career (noun) - a job or profession that someone does for a long time, a period of time spent in a job or profession

decision (noun) - a choice that you make about something after thinking about it the result of deciding

maternity (noun) - pregnancy and childbirth, the state of being a mother

a ward (noun) - a section in a hospital for patients needing a particular kind of care

emergency ward (noun) - a hospital ward, room or area that is used for treating people who need immediate medical care

specialize also Brit. specialise (verb) - to train in or devote oneself to a particular area of study, to limit your business or area of study to one specific subject

look after (someone or something) (phrasal verb) - to take care of (someone or something)

doctor (noun) - a person who is skilled in the science of medicine : a person who is trained and licensed to treat sick and injured people

patient (noun) - a person who receives medical care or treatment

suppose (verb) - to believe (something) to be true

ridiculous (adjective) - extremely silly or unreasonable

own (adjective) - used to stress the fact that a person does or makes something without the help of other people — always used after a possessive

horrible (adjective) - causing horror, very shocking and upsetting, very bad or unpleasant

a kid (noun) - a son or daughter, a child, a young person

whether or not (conjunction) - used to indicate choices or possibilities

The Flatmates episode 29 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-02-20T00:39:00.000-08:00

Episode 29: A secret admirer
Helen:	It's Valentine's Day. There's a card for you Alice. Who is it from?
Alice:	Give me a minute. Let me read it first...It says: "Oh Nurse Alice. You're the queen of my palace. I don't know if you care for me. But I must tell my feelings free. Who knows what's in store. Do you find me an awful bore? Are we really poles apart? Or could you nurse me and my heart? Your CPR breathes life anew. May mine fill you with passion true?" Oh, isn't that romantic?
Helen:	Yes, but who's it from?
Alice:	It's a valentine, there's no signature.
Helen:	But who do you think it's from? There are quite a few clues in the card.

Vocabulary:

a secret admirer (noun) - someone who fancies someone else but keeps it a secret

nurse (noun) - a person who is trained to care for sick or injured people and who usually works in a hospital or doctor's office

queen (noun) - a woman who rules a country and who usually inherits her position and rules for life

palace (noun) - he official home of a king, queen, president, etc.

care for (someone) (verb) - to feel affection for (someone)

feeling (noun) - an awareness by your body of something in it or on it, to feel love or affection

find (verb) - to regard (someone or something you have met, seen, experienced, etc.) in a specified way

awful (adjective) - extremely bad or unpleasant

bore (noun) - an uninteresting person or thing, a person or thing that makes people feel tired and annoyed

poles apart (noun) - as far apart or as different as possible

nurse (verb) - to take care of or help, to give special care or attention to (something), to try to keep (something) from failing

CPR (noun) - Short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the technical medical term for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or the kiss of life

anew (adverb) - over again : once more, in a new or different form

may (verb) - used to indicate that something is possible or probable, to ask a question or make a request in a polite way, to express a wish, used to make a polite suggestion, or used in various polite expressions with

mine (pronoun) - hat which belongs to me, my one, my ones

fill (verb) - to make (something) full, to do or provide what is needed for

passion (noun) - a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something, omething that you enjoy or love doing very much

true (adjective) - real or genuine, completely loyal or faithful

romantic (adjective) - of, relating to, or involving love between two people, thinking about love and doing and saying things to show that you love someone

signature (noun) -a person's name written in that person's handwriting, the act of signing something

quite (adverb) - to a very noticeable degree or extent, completely or entirely

clues (noun) - something that helps a person find something, understand something, or solve a mystery or puzzle, an understanding of something , knowledge about something

The Flatmates episode 28 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-02-05T18:33:00.000-08:00

Episode 28: The year of the dog
Alice:	Happy Chinese New Year Helen! What are you doing?
Helen:	Reading about our Chinese astrology signs.
Alice:	Oh do tell.
Helen:	Well, I was born in '86 so I'm a tiger. I have an air of authority and am courageous but I'm also prone to emotional outbursts and react poorly under stress.
Alice:	Oh, what am I?
Helen:	You are 3 years older than me so you're a pig.
Alice:	A pig? Charming!
Helen:	No, it's different in Chinese culture. A Chinese pig is magnanimous and highly intelligent. You're a perfectionist but venomous if you're crossed.
Alice:	It's all true! What about Michal?
Helen:	Well, he's 21 so he's an ox. He's dependable, methodical, honest, unbiased but introverted too.
Alice:	Ooh, so does that bode well for you two or not?

Vocabulary:

astrology (noun) - the study of how the positions of the stars and movements of the planets have a supposed influence on events and on the lives and behavior of people, the belief that the movement of the stars and planets affect people and their behavior

Astrological sign (noun) - represent twelve equal segments or divisions of the zodiac

the zodiac (noun) - an imaginary area in the sky that the sun, moon, and planets appear to travel through. The zodiac is divided into 12 parts (called star signs or signs of the zodiac) which have special names and symbols and are believed by some people to have influence over people and events. In Chinese astrology the zodiac of twelve animal sign represents twelve different types of personality.

an air of (noun) - a quality that a person or thing has

authority (noun) - the power to give orders or make decisions, the power or right to direct or control someone or something

courageous (adjective) - very brave, having or showing courage

courage (noun) - the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous

prone (adjective) - likely to do, have, or suffer from something

emotional (adjective) - relating to emotions, likely to show or express emotion

emotion (noun) - a strong feeling (such as love, anger, joy, hate, or fear)

outburst (noun) - a sudden expression of strong feeling

react (verb) - to behave or change in a particular way when something happens, is said, etc.

poorly (adverb) - n a poor or bad manner, in a way that is not good or satisfactor

stress (noun) - a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work, etc., something that causes strong feelings of worry or anxiety

charming (adjective) - very pleasing or appealing, full of charm

culture (noun) - a particular society that has its own beliefs, ways of life, art (here Chinese culture), a way of thinking, behaving, or working

magnanimous [/mægˈnænəməs/] (adjective) - having or showing a generous and kind nature

highly (adverb) - to a great degree, very

intelligent (adjective) - able to learn and understand things, having or showing the ability to easily learn or understand things or to deal with new or difficult situations : having or showing a lot of intelligence

perfectionist (noun) - a person who wants things to be done perfectly or who tries to do things perfectly

venomous (adjective) - capable of putting poison or venom into another animal's body usually by biting or stinging it, expressing very strong hatred or anger

being crossed (verb) - to act against the wishes, plans, or orders of (someone)

dependable (adjective) - able to be trusted to do or provide what is needed, able to be depended on

depend (verb) - to be sure about (someone or something) or to trust (someone or something)

methodical (adjective) -done by using a careful and organized procedure, working in a very careful and organized way

honest (adjective) - good and truthful, not lying, stealing, or cheating

unbiased (adjective) - not having or showing an unfair tendency to believe that some people, ideas, etc., are better than others, not biased

introverted ( adjective ) - a shy person, a quiet person who does not find it easy to talk to other people

Does that bode well for you two? - Is that a sign that you will have a good future together?

The Flatmates episode 27 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-01-30T22:36:00.000-08:00

Episode 27: The hungry cat
Tim:	I don't believe it! Kitty's just eaten my dinner. I was putting the kettle on and I turned round and there she was, eating my chicken. That cat's a pain in the neck.
Alice:	Oh calm down.
Tim:	It drives me mad! I'm starving, I've been slaving away in that dusty old stockroom all day. I hate work just now and then this happens! The cat's got to go or be put down.
Helen:	Don't be horrible. You can buy something else to eat.
Tim:	We're not all as rich as you, you know, daddy's girl!
Helen:	How dare you Tim! I didn't eat your chicken. You drive me up the wall sometimes.
Alice:	Hey guys, chill out.

Vocabulary:

believe (verb) - to accept or regard (something) as true, to accept the truth of what is said by (someone)

I don't believe it (phrase) - used for emphasis in phrases that express certainty, surprise, annoyance, etc.

kettle (noun) - a container used for heating or boiling liquid such as water

turn around and (do something) (phrase) - to act in an unexpected or surprising way by doing (something specified)

It's a pain in the neck (idiom) - It's very annoying

calm down (verb) - o become or to cause (someone) to become less upset, emotional, excited, etc.

horrible (adjective) - causing horror, very shocking and upsetting, very bad or unpleasant

drive (someone) mad (phrase) - to cause (someone) to become mentally ill, to annoy or bother (someone) very much

I'm starving (phrase) - I'm very hungry

slave (verb) - to work very hard

dusty (adjective) - filled or covered with dust

stockroom (noun) - a storage area for the supplies and goods that are used or sold in a business

got to go (phrase) - have to go, to be given up, thrown away, etc.

to put an animal down (idiom) - to kill an animal, usually because it is old or ill

a daddy's girl (idiom) - A woman who isn't independent but is spoilt and looked after by her father (or other father-like figure)

how dare you (phrase) - used in speech to show that you are angry about what someone has done or said

drive (someone) up a/the wall (idiom) - to make (someone) irritated, angry, or crazy

chill out (idiom) - to relax, esp after energetic dancing or a spell of hard work

The Flatmates episode 26 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-01-27T20:52:00.000-08:00

Episode 26: Planning a meal
Michal:	Alice was only helping me!
Helen:	I'm sorry Michal, I didn't mean to fly off the handle. What's wrong?
Michal:	I was just telling Alice I wanted to eat better but that I didn't know how to cook any of my favourite dishes.
Helen:	Mm, let's think about this. I know! Chinese New Year is coming up soon. Why don't we make a special Chinese-Polish dinner together! We'll both do research, find typical recipes, buy all the ingredients.
Michal:	And cook a meal together! You do the main course, and I'll make the pudding!
Helen:	Sounds like a perfect second date, don't you think?

Vocabulary:

to fly off the handle (verb-phrase) - to be very angry, to lose control of your emotions

dish (noun) - food that is prepared in a particular way

Chinese New Year (noun) - also called Spring Festival, is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays.The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th.

lunar month (noun) - is one moth of the lunar calendar which is based on cycles of the moon phase also used as traditional Chinese calendar.

research (noun) - careful study that is done to find and report new knowledge about something

typical (adjective) - normal for a person, thing, or group : average or usual, happening in the usual way

recipe (noun) - a set of instructions for making food, a way of doing something that will produce a particular result

ingredient (noun) - one of the things that are used to make a food, product, etc, a quality or characteristic that makes something possible

meal (noun) - the foods eaten or prepared for eating at one time, a time or occasion when food is eaten, the act or time of eating a meal

course (noun) - a part of a meal that is served separately from other parts

pudding (noun) - a thick, sweet, soft, and creamy food that is usually eaten cold at the end of a meal, a sweet, soft food that is made of rice, bread, etc. British - a hot dish like a pie that has a mixture of meat or vegetables inside of it

USA national anthem (Video/Lyrics/Vocabulary)

2010-01-23T00:58:00.000-08:00

(First Verse out of The Star Spangled Banner)
[more at the Smithsonian Institution]
(Francis Scott Key, 1814)

O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Vocabulary:

spangle (verb) - to decorate or cover (something) with many small, shiny objects —usually used as (be) spangled

banner (noun) - a flag or a large strip of cloth with a design, picture, or writing on it

dawn (noun) - the time of day when sunlight first begins to appear

proudly (adverb) - causing someone to feel very happy and pleased, causing a feeling of pride

hail (noun) - a large number of small hard objects (such as bullets or stones) flying or falling

twilight (noun) - the light from the sky at the end of the day when night is just beginning,the period when day is ending and night is beginning

gleam (verb) - to shine brightly

rampart (noun) - a tall, thick stone or dirt wall that is built around a castle, town, etc., to protect it from attacks

broad (adjective) - large from one side to the other side, wide

perilous (adjective) - full of danger, dangerous

gallantly (adverb) - showing courage, very brave

streaming (verb) - to move in a steady flow, to come or flow continuously to a place in large numbers

glare (verb) - to shine with a harsh, bright light

burst (verb) - to break open or into pieces in a sudden and violent way, exploding

proof (noun) - something which shows that something else is true or correct

yet (adverb) - until now, so far

wave (verb) - to float, shake, or move back and forth because of wind

brave (adjective) - feeling or showing no fear, not afraid

the brave (noun) - brave people

the free (noun) - free people not slaves or owned by anyone

The Flatmates episode 25 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-01-20T21:07:00.000-08:00

Episode 25: Fast food
Alice:	Ooh, what's that smell? Do I detect cheeseburger and fries? Michal, you disappoint me. What happened to all your resolve at New Year?
Michal:	I'm trying to give up fast food but it's just so easy and cheap. I'm really beginning to run out of money so I can't afford better food and I'm really missing my mum's cooking and I don't know how to cook the way she does and I miss my friends and I don't have a job.
Alice:	Oh Michal, don't cry. Come here pet, let me give you a hug.
Helen:	Michal! Alice! What the hell do think you're doing?

Vocabulary:

smell (noun) - the quality of a thing that you can sense with your nose

detect (verb) - to discover or notice the presence of (something that is hidden or hard to see, hear, taste, etc.)

cheeseburger (noun) - a hamburger with a piece of cheese on top of the meat

fries (noun) - another name for French fried potatoes or french fries

french fries (noun) - Strips of potatoes, usually cut with a rectangular cross-section, cooked by immersing in hot fat or oil

disappoint (verb) - to make (someone) unhappy by not being as good as expected or by not doing something that was hoped for or expected

to give up (verb) - to stop having, doing, or using

fast food (noun) - food that is prepared and served quickly, food from a restaurant that makes and serves food very quickly

cheap (adjective) - not costing a lot of money,charging low prices

to run out of something (idiom) - to not have any more of something

to afford (verb) - to be able to pay for (something)

pet (adjective) term of endearment. If people know each other very well or if one person is much older than the other one, they might address each other informally using pet, love, dear or hen

hug (noun) - the act of putting your arms around someone or something as a way of showing love or friendship

The Flatmates episode 24 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-01-15T19:24:00.000-08:00

Episode 24: The Stockroom
Manager:	Morning Tim, you look very well turned out today.
Tim:	Thank you. It's a new suit for the New Year. I like to look smart for the customers.
Manager:	Yes. Erm, I need to talk to you about something. I'd like you to work in the stockroom.
Tim:	The stockroom! But...
Manager:	I know, I know. But don't forget the jewellery department will need an assistant manager soon.
Tim:	I don't understand.
Manager:	Well, if you do this for me, I'll make sure you get an interview for the position.
Tim:	Right, so if I work in the stockroom...
Manager:	You'll have a chance of promotion. No guarantees of course.
Tim:	Hmm.can I think about it?

Vocabulary:

a stockroom (noun) - a storage area for the supplies and goods that are used or sold in a business

well-turned (adjective) - expressed in a proper or skillful way

a suit (noun) - a set of clothes that usually consists of a jacket and a skirt or pair of pants that are made out of the same material

New Year (noun) - the first day of the year celebrated as a holiday

to look smart or to be well turned out (phrase) - to wear good clothes and to have tidy hair

jewelery (British: jewellery) (noun) - decorative objects (such as rings, necklaces, and earrings) that people wear on their body

a department (noun) - one of the major parts of a company, organization, government, or school

assistant (adjective ) - having the job of helping someone to do work having a lower rank or position than others in a group, organization, etc

a position (noun) - the rank or role of someone or something in an organization or society

a manager (noun) - someone who is in charge of a business, department, etc

an interview (noun) - a meeting at which people talk to each other in order to ask questions and get information, such as, a formal meeting with someone who is being considered for a job or other position

a promotion (noun)>the act of promoting someone or something, such as, the act of moving someone to a higher or more important position or rank in an organization

a guarantee (noun) - a promise that something will happen or be done, a usually written promise

no guarantees (phrase) - no definite promises, nothing is certain

of course (noun) - used to show that what is being said is very obvious or already generally known, used informally to give permission or say yes in a way that shows you are very certain

Barbra Streisand: The Way We Were (Video/Lyrics/Vocabulary)

2010-01-09T20:42:00.000-08:00

Mmm Mmm
Memories
Like the corners of my mind
Misty watercolor memories
Of the way we were
Scattered pictures
Of the smiles we left behind
Smiles we gave to one another
For the way we were

Can it be that it was all so simple then
Or has time rewritten every line
If we had the chance to do it all again
Tell me - would we? Or, could we?

Memories
May be beautiful and yet
Whats too painful to remember
We simply choose to forget

So it is the laughter
The laughter we will remember
Whenever we remember
The way we were
The way we were....

Vocabulary:

memory (noun) - the power or process of remembering what has been learned

corner (noun) - the point or area where two lines, edges, or sides of something meet

mind (noun) - the part of a person that thinks, reasons, feels, and remembers

misty (adjective) - full of mist, not clearly seen or remembered

mist (noun) - water in the form of very small drops floating in the air or falling as rain, something that makes understanding difficult

watercolor (noun) - a type of paint that is mixed with water, a picture painted with watercolors

scattered (adjective) - placed or found far apart

rewritten (past tense of rewrite) (verb) - to write (something) again especially in a different way in order to improve it or to include new information

painful (adjective) -causing emotional pain, causing pain to your body

forget (verb) - to be unable to think of or remember (something)

laughter (noun) - the action or sound of laughing

The Flatmates episode 23 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2010-01-04T21:08:00.000-08:00

Episode 23: New Year's resolutions
Alice:	Oh it's nearly the New Year. Has everyone got their champagne glasses ready? There's still time to think about our New Year's resolutions. Tim, you go first.
Tim:	OK, this year I'm going to work really hard and try and get promoted! What about you, cousin Michal?
Michal:	I'm going to give up fast food and be much more healthy. Helen?
Helen:	I've got to start really studying. My finals will be here before I know it. Alice?
Alice:	My resolution is to find love. I want to meet someone who's gorgeous, funny and rich! Look look, look, it's almost midnight! Let's start counting down: five, four...
All:	Three, two, one. Cheers, cheers. Happy New Year everyone!
Tim:	Marvellous..

Vocabulary:

nearly (adverb) -not completely, almost but not quite

champagne (noun) - a French white wine that has many bubbles and that people often drink on special occasions

resolutions (noun) - a promise to yourself that you will make a serious effort to do something that you should do

a New Year's resolution (noun) - a promise we make at New Year to improve ourselves

promote (verb) - to change the rank or position of (someone) to a higher or more important one

give up (verb) - to surrender, to abandon what one is doing or planning to do, to desist from; stop

fast food (noun) - inexpensive food, such as hamburgers and fried chicken, prepared and served quickly

finals (noun) - the examinations that happen at the end of a class, term, or course of study, (US) an examination at the end of a class

healthy (adjective) - having good health, not sick or injured

gorgeous (adjective) - very beautiful or attractive

midnight (noun) - the middle of the night, 12 o'clock at night

count down (verb) - to recite numerals in descending order, as during a countdown

cheers (interjection) - used as a toast to wish everyone happiness, but in British: used as an informal way to say “thank you” or used as an informal way to say “goodbye”

interjection (noun) - in grammar it is a spoken word, phrase, or sound that expresses sudden or strong feeling

(US) marvelous or (Brit.) marvellous (adjective) -extremely good or enjoyable or wonderful

The Flatmates episode 22 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2009-12-31T18:03:00.000-08:00

Episode 22: Christmas lunch
Alice:	OK, who's for turkey and all the trimmings?
All:	Me!
Helen:	Let's pull the crackers first! Michal pull one with me. Alice, you pull one with Tim.
Tim:	OK, here goes!
Helen:	I won!
Tim:	Ah so did I!
Michal:	What did you get?
Helen:	A hat, a key-ring and a joke. Are you ready? OK "What do you get if you cross a stereo with a refrigerator?"
All:	We don't know!
Helen:	"Cool music!"
Tim:	Ha ha very funny! Right, ready for another one? "What did one dolphin say to the other one?"
All:	We don't know!
Tim:	"You did that on porpoise!"
All:	Awh! Merry Christmas!

Vocabulary:

turkey (noun) -a large American bird that is related to the chicken and that is hunted or raised by people for its meat

trimmings (noun) - something that is added to complete a dish or meal

a cracker (noun)- a small paper tube which is pulled from each end by two people at Christmas time. It makes a sharp bang when it is pulled and inside there is a small prize and usually a paper hat and a joke written on a small piece of paper

key-ring (noun) - key chain, a device that is used to hold keys and that usually consists of a metal ring, a short chain, and a small decoration

joke (noun) - something said or done to cause laughter

cross (verb) - to mix or blend something together

stereo (noun) - a piece of electronic equipment that plays the radio, CDs, etc., and that uses two speakers for the sound

refrigerator (noun) - a device or room that is used to keep things (such as food and drinks) cold, also called fridge

dolphin (noun) - a small usually gray whale that has a pointed nose

porpoise (noun) - a small usually gray and white whale that has a rounded nose

on purpose (noun) - in a way that is planned or intended : in a deliberate way

to crack someone up (verb) - to make someone laugh

to look sharp (verb) - to look good, stylish or fashionable

frostbite (noun) - injury to skin and tissue from being in freezing temperatures

Sting — Fields Of Gold (video/lyrics/vocabulary)

2009-12-19T01:26:00.000-08:00

You'll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You'll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we walk in the fields of gold

So she took her love
For to gaze awhile
Upon the fields of barley
In his arms she fell as her hair came down
Among the fields of gold

Will you stay with me, will you be my love
Among the fields of barley
We'll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we lie in the fields of gold

See the west wind move like a lover so
Upon the fields of barley
Feel her body rise when you kiss her mouth
Among the fields of gold
I never made promises lightly
And there have been some that I've broken
But I swear in the days still left
We'll walk in the fields of gold
We'll walk in the fields of gold

Many years have passed since those summer days
Among the fields of barley
See the children run as the sun goes down
Among the fields of gold
You'll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You can tell the sun in his jealous sky
When we walked in the fields of gold
When we walked in the fields of gold
When we walked in the fields of gold

Vocabulary:

upon (preposition) - on, used to say that someone or something is very close or has arrived and to emphasize something that is repeated many times

barley (noun) - a kind of grain used for food and to make beer and whiskey ; also the plant on which this grain grows

German botanical illustration of barley

gaze (verb) - to look at someone or something in a steady way and usually for a long time

awhile (adverb) - for a short time

among ( preposition ) - in or through, in the presence of

promises (noun) - a statement telling someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future

lightly (adverb) - without care or concern, in a way that is not serious, in a light manner, such as a with little weight or force

broken (past participle of break) (verb) - to end a relationship, connection, or agreement with (someone or something)

swear (verb) - to state (something) very strongly and sincerely, to promise very strongly and sincerely to do or not do something

pass (verb) - to let (time or a period of time) go by especially while you are doing something enjoyable

jealous (adjective) - feeling or showing jealousy, feeling or showing an unhappy or angry desire to have what someone else has, very concerned about protecting or keeping something

(Chinese Translation)

SHAPE OF MY HEART - Sting (video/lyrics/vocabulary)

2009-12-12T22:51:00.001-08:00

(Clip from the movie version "The Professional")

He deals the cards as a meditation
And those he plays never suspect
He doesn't play for the money he wins
He doesn't play for respect
He deals the cards to find the answer
The sacred geometry of chance
The hidden law of probable outcome
The numbers lead a dance

I know that the spades are the swords of a soldier
I know that the clubs are weapons of war
I know that diamonds mean money for this art
But that's not the shape of my heart

He may play the jack of diamonds
He may lay the queen of spades
He may conceal a king in his hand
While the memory of it fades

I know that the spades are the swords of a soldier
I know that the clubs are weapons of war
I know that diamonds mean money for this art
But that's not the shape of my heart
That's not the shape, the shape of my heart

And if I told you that I loved you
You'd maybe think there's something wrong
I'm not a man of too many faces
The mask I wear is one
Those who speak know nothing
And find out to their cost
Like those who curse their luck in too many places
And those who fear are lost

I know that the spades are the swords of a soldier
I know that the clubs are weapons of war
I know that diamonds mean money for this art
But that's not the shape of my heart
That's not the shape of my heart
Thats not the shape, thats not the shape of my heart

(Sting's Official website)

Vocabulary:

deal (v.) - to give cards to the players in a card game

meditation (n.) - the act or process of spending time in quiet thought, the act or process of meditating

suspect (v.) - to think that (someone) is possibly guilty of a crime or of doing something wrong

respect (n.) - a feeling of admiring someone or something that is good, valuable, important, etc.

sacred (adj.) - worthy of religious worship, very holy, highly valued and important, deserving great respect

geometry (n.) - a branch of mathematics that deals with points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids

chance (n.) - an opportunity to do something, an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done.

probable (adj.) - likely to happen or to be true but not certain

outcome (n.) - something that happens as a result of an activity or process, result

lead a dance (phr.) - to cause a series of troubles or worries for (someone)

spade (n.) - a playing card that is marked with a black shape that looks like a pointed leaf

sword (n.) - a weapon with a long metal blade that has a sharp point and edge

soldier (n.) - a person who is in the military, a member of an army

club (n.) - a playing card that is marked with a black shape that looks like three round leaves

weapon (n.) - something (such as a gun, knife, club, or bomb) that is used for fighting or attacking someone or for defending yourself when someone is attacking you

diamond (n.) - a playing card that is marked with a red diamond shape

jack (n.) - a playing card that has a picture of a soldier or servant and that is worth more than a ten and less than a queen

queen (n.) - a playing card that has a picture of a queen

conceal (v.) - to hide (something or someone) from sight

memory (n.) - the power or process of remembering what has been learned, the things learned and kept in the mind

fade (v.) - to lose strength or freshness, to become weaker, to disappear gradually

mask (n.) - a covering for your face or for part of your face, a way of appearing or behaving that is not true or real

man of too many faces (phr.) - someone who hides his true identity, or changes it when it is convenient

curse (v.) - to say words that are believed to have a magical power to cause trouble or bad luck for (someone or something) : to put a curse on (someone or something), to use offensive words when you speak

luck (n.) - the things that happen to a person because of chance, the accidental way things happen without being planned, good fortune

The Flatmates episode 21 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2009-12-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

Episode 21: Tim's treat
Tim:	Hiya folks. How's everyone this fine evening?
Alice:	Exhausted! I had to give someone mouth-to-mouth for the first time today!
Helen:	That's so exciting, congratulations! You must feel really proud.
Alice:	Yes I do. How are you Helen?
Helen:	I'm tired, I've been staring at finance textbooks all day.
Michal:	I think my head is going to expand from all my studying too.
Tim:	Well, how about a drink at the pub? My treat! Would that make you two feel less worn-out?
Helen:	You paying for all of us? That's not like you.
Alice:	What's come over you?
Tim:	Well let's just say I got a special bonus at work.

Vocabulary:

hiya (interjection) - informal : hi

Hiya folks! (phr.) - informal : Hi everybody!

exhausted (adj.) - to have used all of someone's mental or physical energy, to feel tired out or worn out completely

worn-out (adj, informal) - tired

mouth-to-mouth (n.) - a method of helping a person who is not breathing to start breathing again by blowing air into the person's mouth and lungs also called mouth–to–mouth resuscitation

congratulation (n.) - a message telling someone that you are happy because of his or her success or good luck : words that congratulate someone, used to tell someone that you are happy because of his or her success or good luck, the act of telling someone that you are happy because of his or her success or good luck : the act of congratulating someone

proud (adj.) - very happy and pleased because of something you have done, something you own, someone you know or are related to, etc., feeling pride, causing someone to feel very happy and pleased

finance (n.) - the way in which money is used and handled, he way in which large amounts of money are used and handled by governments and companies

textbooks (n.) - a book about a particular subject that is used in the study of that subject especially in a school

my head is going to expand (phr.) - it means that you have been exposed to new things by studying and now you fell stressed and over-filled with information

my treat (v-phr.) - I pay for someone's food, drink, or entertainment

that's not like you (phr.) - that is unusual for you to do something like that

unusual (adj.) - not normal or usual, different or strange in a way that attracts attention

bonus (n.) - something good that is more than what was expected or required, an extra amount of money that is given to an employee

The Flatmates episode 20 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2009-11-27T17:19:00.000-08:00

Episode 20: A date by the river
Helen:	Oh Michal, that river cruise was fantastic.
Michal:	It was lovely seeing all those famous buildings, wasn't it?
Helen:	Yes, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye all looked so impressive in the winter light, didn't they?
Michal:	You look lovely in the winter light too you know.
Helen:	Oh Michal, you're so sweet.
Michal:	It's true. You're beautiful Helen.
Helen:	You're quite a hunk yourself, you know.
Michal:	That might be true but suddenly I'm feeling a little sea-sick.
Helen:	You do look a bit green. You're not going to throw up, are you?
Michal:	Oh yes, I don't feel well. I think I'm going to be sick.
Helen:	Was it something I said?

Vocabulary:

cruise (n.) - a journey on a boat or ship to a number of places as a vacation

fantastic (adj.) - extremely good

lovely (adj.) - attractive or beautiful especially in a graceful way

the Big Ben (n.) - the bell in the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament, London

the Houses of Parliament (n.) - (in Britain) the building in which the House of Commons and the House of Lords assemble

the House of Commons (n.) - the lower house of Parliament in the United Kingdom and Canada.

the House of Lords (n.) - the upper house of Parliament in the United Kingdom, made up of members of the nobility and high-ranking clergy.

parliament (n.) - the group of people who are responsible for making the laws in some kinds of government

the London Eye (n.) - known as the Millennium Wheel, is a Ferris Wheel (or observation wheel) in London, England.

Ferris Wheel (n.) - (US) a very large upright wheel that has seats around its edge where people sit while the wheel turns. Ferris wheels are rides that are found at amusement parks. (Brit) big wheel

amusement park (n.) - a place that has many games and rides (such as roller coasters and merry-go-rounds) for entertainment

entertainment (n.) - amusement or pleasure that comes from watching a performer, playing a game, etc.

millennium (n.) -a period of 1,000 years

impressive (adj.) - deserving attention, admiration, or respect, making a good impression

impression (n.) - the effect or influence that something or someone has on a person's thoughts or feelings,an idea or belief that is usually not clear or certain

hunk ( adj.) - handsome, good-looking

sea-sick (adj.) - feeling sick because of the movement of a boat or ship that you are traveling on

to look green (idiom) - to look ill or sick, or as if you are going to vomit

vomit (v.) - to have the food, liquid, etc., that is in your stomach come out through your mouth because you are sick

throw up (phr.) - to be physically sick, to vomit

to fancy (v.) - to be romantically or sexually attached to someone

Intransitive Phrasal Verbs

2009-11-20T17:01:00.000-08:00

In grammar, an intransitive verb does not take an object.

A phrasal verb is a verb that consists of two parts, a Verb and a Particle.

These verbs are usually used in casual speech.

I think this list below is a useful reference tool whenever you come across these phrases.

Do not try to memorize them but rater notice them and learn their meanings.

Have fun!

Intransitive Phrasal Verbs

back down retreat from a position in an argument	back out desert; fail to keep a promise	back up move backwards
bear up endure	blow in drop in to visit unexpectedly	blow over pass without doing harm
blow up explode; lose one's temper	call up telephone	calm down become calm
carry on continue as before; misbehave	catch on understand	catch up cover the distance between oneself and a moving goal
check up investigate	check out leave; pay one's bill	cheer up become cheerful
clear out leave	clear up become clear	close down close permanently
close up close temporarily	came about happen	come along accompany; make progress
come back return	come by visit someone in his home	come out appear; make a social debut
come over come to someone's house, to where someone is	come through succeed	come to regain consciousness
cut in interrupt	die away fade; diminish	die down fade; diminish
die off/out disappear; become extinct	dress up don fancy or unusual clothes	drive back return by car
drop in visit someone casually without planning	drop out abandon some organized activity; leave; quit	drop over visit someone casually
fall behind not progress at required pace	fall off decrease; lose weight	fall through fail; not be accomplished
fill in substitute	find out learn	fly back return by air
fly over fly to where someone is	get ahead make progress	get along have a friendly relationship
get around circulate; move about	get away escape	get by manage; either just barely or with a minimum of effort
get in enter	get off descend from leave	get on enter (a vehicle); mount (a horse, etc.)
get on/along progress; be compatible	get up rise	get through finish
give out become exhausted	give up surrender; fail to finish	go back return
go off explode	go on happen; continue	go out stop burning; leave one's residence
go over go; succeed	grow up mature	hang around remain idly; dawdle
hang up replace a telephone receive on its hook	hold on grasp tightly; persevere; wait while telephoning	hold out continue to resist; persevere; persist
keep on continue	keep up maintain the required pace or standard; continue	let up diminish in intensity
lie down recline	look on be a spectator	make out progress; succeed
make up become reconciled	move over move to the side	pan out turn out well; be successful
pass out become unconscious	pass on die	pick up grow; increase
pull in arrive	pull out deport	pull through survive (barely)
ride over ride to where someone is	run away escape; leave; leave quickly without permission	run down slowly lose power so as to stop functioning
run off depart running; drain	sell out sell the ownership or responsibility	settle up pay one's bills or debts
show off boast by words or actions	show up arrive; appear unexpectedly	shut up stop talking
slow up reduce speed	stand by wait; be prepared to assist	stand up stand; rise from sitting; last; endure
stay over remain at someone's house overnight or longer	step aside move to one side	take off leave the ground
take over assume command	talk back answer impolitely	throw up vomit
turn around turn so that one is facing another direction	turn in go to bed	turn out succeed; come; appear, as at a public meeting
turn up arrive; be found unexpectedly	wait up remain awake in anticipation	wake up awaken
walk back return on foot to where one was	walk over walk to where someone is	wash out fade or disappear from washing
watch out be careful	wear off fade; disappear through use or time	wear out become unusable through use; become used up
work out be successful

This List was provided by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University.

The Flatmates episode 19 (including Video/Vocabulary)

2009-11-14T03:29:00.000-08:00

Episode 19: Tim's reward
Tim:	Hello I'm calling from McCarthy's. I helped you when you were looking at watches the other day.
Customer:	Yes?
Tim:	I think I've found something of yours. Have you lost anything?
Customer:	Not that I've noticed. No, nothing seems to be missing.
Tim:	Well, you dropped £150!
Customer:	Really!
Tim:	Yes. Now, how can I return your money?
Customer:	Oh how refreshingly honest! But I think a small reward is in order, don't you?
Tim:	Oh I couldn't.
Customer:	You could. I'm sure you have a pretty young girlfriend who needs to be spoiled.
Tim:	No I don't. I'm single just now.
Customer:	A good looking man like you? I don't believe it!

Vocabulary:

reward (n) - money or another kind of payment that is given or received for something that has been done or that is offered for something that might be done

look at (phr.) - to think about or consider (something or someone)

the other day/night/evening (etc.) (phr.) - on a day/night/evening (etc.) in the recent past

lose (v.) - [past participle: lost] to be unable to find (something or someone)

find (v.) - [past tense and past participle: found] to discover (something or someone) without planning or trying to

notice (v.) - to become aware of (something or someone)

drop (v.) - to let (something) fall

£ - is a symbol that represents any of a number of pound currencies used in the United Kingdom and elsewhere.

symbol (n.) - a character that expresses or represents a particular idea or quality

a pound (n.) - a basic unit of money in the United Kingdom and some other countries

currency (n.) - the money that a country uses, a specific kind of money

United Kingdom (geographical name) - Abbr. UK : A country of western Europe comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

return (v.) - to bring, give, send, or take (something) to the place that it came from or the place where it should go

honest (adj.) - good and truthful, not lying, stealing, or cheating

refreshingly (adv.) - in a pleasantly novel manner

in order (phr.) - appropriate or desirable

to spoil someone (phr.) - to treat (someone) very well

good looking (phr.) - hamdsome

not to believe something (phr.) - to have a different opinion or to disbelieve something

The Flatmates episode 18 (including Video/ Vocabulary)

2009-11-11T18:34:00.000-08:00

Episode 18: Emergency
Alice:	Oh it's so quiet tonight! You could hear a pin drop. Gives me a chance to catch up on my reading.
Man:	Quick, quick! Get a doctor!
Alice:	She's just gone for a break. What's the matter?
Man:	I don't know. It's my son. He's stopped breathing.
Alice:	Oh no! Wait a minute, I'll just phone for the doctor.
Man:	There's no time. You have to give him mouth to mouth.
Alice:	But I haven't done it before!
Man:	You haven't done it before?
Alice:	No, not for real. Wait while I find the phone.
Man:	No! No, you must do it now!

Vocabulary:

emergency (n.) - an unexpected and usually dangerous situation that calls for immediate action

you can hear a pin drop (idiom) - it is very quiet

to catch up on something (phr.) - to do something which you have not had time to do recently

give a chance (phr.) - give an opportunity to do something, an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done

get a doctor (phr.) - chose a doctor for advice or help

gone for a break (phr.) - take a break, top doing whatever we are doing for a short period of time

breathe (v) - to move air into and out of your lungs, to inhale and exhale, to take air into your lungs through your mouth or nose, to send air out from your lungs through your mouth or nose

wait a minute/moment/second (phr.) - used to tell someone to stop and wait briefly

mouth-to-mouth (n) - a shortened version of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation - trying to help someone when s/he has stopped breathing by breathing into her/his mouth

mouth–to–mouth resuscitation (n) - a method of helping a person who is not breathing to start breathing again by blowing air into the person's mouth and lungs —called also mouth-to-mouth

for real (phr.) - true and genuine, honest and serious

before (adv.) - at an earlier time, to or toward the place where someone is going, in advance

The Flatmates episode 17 (including Video/ Vocabulary)

2009-11-04T20:36:00.000-08:00

Episode 17: Booking tickets*
Agent:	Good morning, London Attractions.
Michal:	I'd like to book two tickets for next week. For River Boat cruise please.
Agent:	OK. When?
Michal:	Next Thuesday.
Agent:	Sorry?
Michal:	Thuesday.
Agent:	I'm sorry sir, is that Tuesday the first or Thursday the third?
Michal:	Thursday the third.
Agent:	Right, and what time would you like?
Michal:	In an evening.
Agent:	Because it's winter, the last trip is at 7.00. Is that OK?
Michal:	Yes thanks.
Agent:	OK, just let me put you on hold for a moment please.

Vocabulary:

attractions (n.) - something interesting or enjoyable that people want to visit, see, or do

to book (v.) - to make arrangements so that you will be able to use or have (something, such as a room, table, or seat) at a later time

cruise (n.) - a journey on a boat or ship to a number of places as a vacation

right (adj.) - used for emphasis at the beginning of a statement like O.K.

last (adj.) - coming after all others in time, order, or importance, belonging to the final part of something

trip (n.) - a journey to a place

to put someone on hold (phr.) - to ask a phone caller to wait (usually music is played while s/he is waiting).

The Flatmates episode 16 (including Video/ Vocabulary)

2009-10-31T18:22:00.000-07:00

Episode 16: A kitchen romance
Michal:	Oh Bronka! I'm so miserable! Alice doesn't want to go out with me.
Helen:	Oh sorry, Michal. Am I interrupting something here?
Michal:	No, no, I'm just pouring my heart out to Bronka.
Helen:	Oh yeah, I found out that Alice gave you a knock-back but it's not the end of the world. There are plenty more fish in the sea you know.
Michal:	Fish? I don't want a fish, I want a date!
Helen:	Well, there's someone right in front of you!
Michal:	You're always too busy studying. You wouldn't go out with a guy like me.
Helen:	Oh wouldn't I? Why don't you ask first!
Michal:	Would you?
Helen:	I'd love to!

Vocabulary:

miserable (adj.) - very unhappy, very sick or unwell

interrupt (v.) - to ask questions or say things while another person is speaking, to do or say something that causes someone to stop speaking

pouring my heart out (phr.) - talking about emotions or feelings

find out (phr.) - learn about something (by reading or hearing it)

knock-back (n.) - (British) something (such as a criticism or refusal) that makes you less confident or successful

to be not the end of the world (phr.) - it is not the biggest problem, it is something you can live with, you will survive

plenty (pronoun) - a large number or amount of something : a number or amount of something that is enough for a particular purpose

there are plenty more fish in the sea (idiom) - there are other people available (here: girlfriends)

to go out with someone (phr.) - to have a romantic or sexual relationship with someone

romantic (adj.) - of, relating to, or involving love between two people, thinking about love and doing and saying things to show that you love someone, making someone think of love, suitable for romance

date (n.) - an agreement to meet someone at a particular time or on a particular day

a guy (n.) - a man, (in the US guys - used to refer to two or more people)

The Flatmates episode 15 (including Video/ Vocabulary)

2009-10-27T18:59:00.000-07:00

Episode 15: A heart-to-heart
Helen:	Hello?
Alice:	Hi Helen.
Helen:	What's up Alice?
Alice:	It's so quiet at work I thought I'd give you a ring. A little bird told me that the landlord is your dad!
Helen:	How did you find out?
Alice:	Never mind about that. Why have you been keeping it a secret for so long?
Helen:	Well because as soon as people know how rich my parents are, they start treating me differently. When you and Tim came to live here I wanted to start afresh so I decided not to tell anyone.
Alice:	Oh Helen you're such a silly goose! I promise, it won't make any difference to us! So no more secrets OK?
Helen:	OK then.

Vocabulary:

What's up? (phr.) - What's up is an informal question meaning, depending on situation and emphasis: "what are you doing", "how are you", "what is happening" or "what gives."

give someone a ring (phr.) - (British) to make a telephone call to someone, to call someone using a telephone

a little bird told me (idiom) - If someone doesn't want to say where they got some information from, they can say that a little bird told them.

never mind (phr.) - it is not important, do not be concerned, or I withdraw my previous statement.

secret (n.) - a fact or piece of information that is kept hidden from other people

treat (v.) - to deal with or think about (something) especially in a particular way

afresh (adv.) - from a new beginning

to start afresh (phr.) - to begin again, in a new way

a silly goose (phr.) - (informal, affectionate) a foolish person

promise (v.) - to tell someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future

The Flatmates episode 14 (including Video/ Vocabulary)

2009-10-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

Episode 14: Tim strikes it rich
Tim:	Can I help you madam?
Customer:	I'm looking for a man's watch.
Tim:	Well we have a sumptuous selection here: sports, evening, everyday watches. Do you see anything you like?
Customer:	Oh, I rather like that one.
Tim:	Impeccable taste, madam. Now, just take it over to the cash till there and they'll wrap it up for you.
Customer:	Thank you, goodbye.
Tim:	Goodbye...Oh, you've dropped something madam. Madam! Oh she's gone. Let's see 50, 100, 150 pounds! Well you know what they say Tim, a fool and her money..

Vocabulary:

madam (n.) - used to politely speak to a woman who you do not know, (British) a girl who expects other people to do things for her.

watch (n.) - a device that shows what time it is and that you wear on your wrist or carry in a pocket

wrist (n.) - the part of your body where your hand joins your arm

sumptuous (adj.) - very expensive, rich, or impressive

selection (n.) - a collection of things chosen from a group of similar things, the act of choosing something or someone from a group

everyday (adj.) - used or seen every day : suitable for every day

anything (pronoun) - a thing of any kind

rather (adv.) - to indicate what you want or prefer to do, have, etc.

impeccable (adj.) - free from fault or error, perfect

taste (n.) - the feelings that each person has about what is appealing, attractive, etc., the feelings that cause someone to like or not like something

to have impeccable taste (phr.) - to be able to choose the best things

cash (n.) - money in the form of coins and bills

till (n.) - the place where you pay for things you buy in a shop, a drawer for keeping money in a store or bank, cash register

wrap (v.) - to cover (something) by winding or folding a piece of material around it

pound (n.) - a basic unit of money in the United Kingdom and some other countries, one pound contains 100 pence or about US$ 1.66.

fool (n.) - a person who lacks good sense or judgment, a stupid or silly person

A fool and her money are soon parted (phr.) - a foolish person spends money too quickly on unimportant things

The Flatmates episode 13 (including Video/ Vocabulary)

2009-10-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

Episode 13: Tim spills the beans
Tim:	So how was the cinema for you two lovebirds?
Alice:	How many times do I have to say this - that wasn't a date!
Tim:	Whoa, easy tiger! Hey this'll put a smile on your face. Guess who our landlord is?
Alice:	How should I know? We give the money to Helen and she always sends off the cheque.
Tim:	Go on, guess.
Alice:	Tom Cruise, the man in the moon, no idea!
Tim:	It's Helen's dad!
Alice:	Helen's dad! No way! Why would she keep that a secret?
Helen:	I'm just putting the kettle on. Anyone fancy a cuppa?

Vocabulary:

To spill the beans (idiom) - to tell a secret

cinema (n.) - the film industry,the art or technique of making movies, (Brit) a movie theater

lovebirds (n.) - people who are lovers, people who have a romantic relationship

Whoa, easy tiger! (phr.) - Take it easy, calm down.

This'll put a smile on your face (phr.) - This will make you happy.

cheque (Brit)(check US) (n.) - a piece of paper that is used to make a payment to someone using the money in a bank account

No idea (phr.) - (informal, short for "I have no idea") I don't know.

secret (adj.) - keeping information hidden from others, kept hidden from others, known to only a few people

putting the kettle on (phr.) - making tea

Anyone fancy a cuppa? (Phr.) - (informal, short for "Does anyone fancy a cup of tea?") Would anyone like a cup of tea?

The Flatmates episode 12 (including Video/ Vocabulary)

2009-10-10T18:24:00.000-07:00

Episode 12: After the film
Michal:	Well that rom-com was much better than I expected. It was really romantic. Thank you.
Alice:	Oh, it was my pleasure.
Michal:	Would you like to do it again - go out on another date with me?
Alice:	Another date? Michal, that wasn't a date we were on there.
Michal:	It wasn't? Oh, I thought it was.
Alice:	No, we're just good friends.
Michal:	Yes, we are good friends and I'd like us to be better friends so I'm going to ask you: would you like to go out with me?

Vocabulary:
rom-com (n) - romantic comedy film: Romantic comedy films are movies with light-hearted, humorous dramatic stories centered around romantic ideals such as a "true love" able to surmount most obstacles or the "perfect couple."

expect (v.) - to think that something will probably or certainly happen

romantic (adj.) - not realistic or practical : not based on what is real, of, relating to, or involving love between two people, thinking about love and doing and saying things to show that you love someone

pleasure (n.) - a feeling of happiness, enjoyment, or satisfaction : a pleasant or pleasing feeling

go out on a date (phr.) - an occasion when two people who have or might have a romantic relationship do an activity together

good (adj.) - [Inflected forms: better, the best] of high quality, pleasant, pleasing, or enjoyable

The Flatmates episode 11 (including Video/ Vocabulary)

2009-10-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

Episode 11: Phoning the landlord
Helen:	Hi, dad it's Helen
Dad:	Hello my dear, how are you?
Helen:	Studying hard as ever, dad. Can I ask you something as our landlord? Our lease says that we're not allowed animals in the flat. Well, is there a way that we could get around that? You see, Alice found this kitten and everyone really wants to keep her.
Dad:	You have a cat in my flat? Oh Helen, why can't you ever obey the rules?
Helen:	Oh dad! Please, won't you bend them for me?
Dad:	Well...
Helen:	Please!
Dad:	Just this once.
Tim:	Kitty, did you hear what I just heard? She called the landlord "dad". What a dark horse Helen is!

Vocabulary:

as ever (adv.) - as has always been true, as usual

landlord (n.) - a person who owns a house, apartment, etc., and rents it to other people

lease (n.) - a legal agreement that lets someone use a car, house, etc., for a period of time in return for payment

allow (v.) - o permit (something), to regard or treat (something) as acceptable

get around (phr.) - to avoid having to deal with (something)

kitten (n.) - a young cat

obey (v.) - to do what someone tells you to do or what a rule, law, etc., says you must do

ever (adv.) - at any time, used after words like where, who, how, and why to make a question more forceful

to bend the rules (idiom) - to do (or be permitted to do) something that's not normally allowed

To be a dark horse (phr.) - This means that someone has a mysterious past or hidden talent.

The Flatmates episode 10 (including Video/ Vocabulary)

2009-09-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

Episode 10: Choosing a film
Alice:	Oh, what do you fancy seeing? There's Must Love Dogs - a rom-com. Oh I love romantic comedies, don't you? Pride and Prejudice is on - I adore period dramas. You know all those fine ladies and gents from ages ago, long dresses and grand houses. What kind of films do you like - action, adventure, musicals?
Michal:	Films about people living in the future, on other planets.
Alice:	Oh, sci-fi - not really my thing.
Michal:	Well, what about Nightmare on Elm Street? They're showing that again here.
Alice:	No thanks, horror films don't do it for me.
Michal:	Well, why don't you choose?
Alice:	No, you invited me out, you choose.
Michal:	No, I insist.

Vocabulary:

to fancy (v.) - to take pleasure in

romantic (adj.) - of, relating to, or involving love between two people, thinking about love and doing and saying things to show that you love someone

comedy (n.) - a play, movie, television program, novel, etc., that is meant to make people laugh

pride (n.) - a feeling that you respect yourself and deserve to be respected by other people

prejudice (n.) - an unfair feeling of dislike for a person or group because of race, sex, religion, etc.

adore (v.) - to love or admire (someone) very much

period (adj.) - of, relating to, or typical of a particular time in history

drama (n.) - a piece of writing that tells a story and is performed on a stage, a play, movie, television show, or radio show that is about a serious subject and is not meant to make the audience laugh

fine (adj.) - deserving praise, admiration, or respect, formal and graceful

lady (n.) - a woman who behaves in a polite way

gent (n.) - old-fashioned word for gentleman. In U.S. English, gent is likely to refer to a man who is British. A man of gentle or noble birth or superior social position.

ages ago (phr.) - a long time before now, a long time ago

grand (adj.) - very large in scope, impressive because of size, intended to impress people

action (adj.) - filled with action, danger, and excitement

adventure (n.) - n exciting or dangerous experience

musical (n.) - a movie or play that tells a story with songs and often dancing

future (n.) - the period of time that will come after the present time

sci-fi (n.) - shirt for science fiction, stories about how people and societies are affected by imaginary scientific developments in the future

nightmare (n.) - a dream that frightens a sleeping person, a very bad dream, a very bad or frightening experience or situation

horror film (n.) - a film or movie that scares you

scare (v.) - to cause (someone) to become afraid

insist (v.) - to demand that something happen or that someone do something

The Flatmates episode 9 (including Video/ Vocabulary)

2009-09-25T22:14:00.000-07:00

Episode 9:	The favour
Michal:	I'm going to see a film tonight. Will anyone like to come with me?
Alice:	Oh I'd love to Michal but I have to iron all these shirts for Tim.
Helen:	Look, why don't you go with Michal and I'll iron the shirts?
Michal:	Oh Helen, that's so kind of you.
Alice:	But don't you want to go to the cinema too?
Helen:	Yes but I need to study. I'll do the shirts, phone the landlord about keeping the cat and then I'll hit the books.
Alice:	Oh thanks, we owe you. Bye!
Michal:	Bye!
Helen:	Oh Cat! What could I do? They seem made for each other.

Vocabulary:

favor (n.) - (British spelling "favour")a kind or helpful act that you do for someone

film (n.) - movie, a recording of moving images that tells a story and that people watch on a screen or television

would love to (phr.) - really wanting to do something

to iron (v.) - to use a heated iron to make clothing or fabric smooth

kind ( adj.) - having or showing a gentle nature and a desire to help others, wanting and liking to do good things and to bring happiness to others

cinema (n.) - (British) a movie theater

to phone (v.) - (British) to speak or try to speak to (someone) over a telephone system

landlord (n.) - a person who owns a house, apartment, etc., and rents it to other people

to hit the books (phr.) - to stud, to read, memorize facts, attend school, etc., in order to learn about a subject

to seem (v.) - to appear to be something or to do something, to have a quality, appearance, etc., that shows or suggests a particular characteristic, feeling, etc

They seem made for each other (phr.) - They are a perfect couple.

The Flatmates episode 8 (including Video/ Vocabulary)

2009-09-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

Episode 8:	The newcomer
Alice:	Hi Michal! Look what I found in a box, near the rubbish bins outside the hospital. Can you believe someone wanted to throw her away! Isn't she adorable?
Michal:	What are you going to call her? How about Bronka? That's a good Polish name.
Alice:	Mm, I think she looks more like a Co-Co...Oh, hi Helen, meet our new flatmate. We just need to find a name for her.
Helen:	Em, I don't think so. You know we're not allowed pets in the flat. It's against the rules.

Vocabulary:

Hi (interjection) - used as an informal way of saying “hello”

interjection (n.) - grammar : a spoken word, phrase, or sound that expresses sudden or strong feeling such as “Hi” ,“oh,” “alas,” and “wow” etc.

rubbish (n.) - (British for Trash) , things that are no longer useful or wanted and that have been thrown out

bin (n.) - a box that is used for storing things, (British) for a can for trash or garbage also dustbin

adorable (adj.) - very appealing or attractive , very lovable

lovable (adj.) - easy to love : having attractive or appealing qualities

appealing (adj.) - having qualities that people like : pleasing or attractive

flatmate (n.) - (British) a person who shares a flat with someone called, Roommate

flat (n.) - (British) an apartment typically on one floor, Apartment

allow (v.) - to permit (something) : to regard or treat (something) as acceptable, to make it possible for someone or something to have or do something

pet (n.) - an animal (such as a dog, cat, bird, or fish) that people keep mainly for pleasure,( in British English) - used to address someone in a loving or friendly way

against (prep.) - not agreeing with or allowed by (something, such as a law or rule)

rule (n.) - a statement that tells you what is or is not allowed in a particular game, situation, etc.

law (n.) - a rule made by the government of a town, state, country, etc.

The Flatmates episode 7 (including Video/ Vocabulary)

2009-09-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

Episode 7: Paying the rent

Helen: Oh no, it's that time of the month again - time to pay the rent.
Tim: Comes round fast enough, doesn't it?
Alice: Yeah and I'm so broke just now. I don't know where my money goes.
Tim: You need to tighten your belt Alice. Well, I'm fairly flush this month, want me to lend you some cash?
Alice: Tim, would you?
Tim: Sure, you know me, always willing to help a damsel in distress. There's only one small catch......

Vocabulary:
rent (n.) - money that you pay in return for being able to use property and especially to live in an apartment, house, etc., that belongs to someone else

I'm so broke (phr.) - I don't have any money.

to be broke (adj.) - not having any money

to tighten your belt (phr.) - try to spend less

I'm fairly flush (with cash).(phr.) - I have a lot of money.

fairly (adv.) - to some degree or extent but not very or extremely, to a reasonable or moderate extent

flush (adj.) - having a large amount of money

lend (v.) - to give (something) to (someone) to be used for a period of time and then returned, to give (money) to someone who agrees to pay it back in the future

cash (n.) - money in the form of coins and bills, money along with other things (such as stocks) that can be quickly changed into money

a damsel in distress (phr.) - is used often humorously in modern speech and writing to refer to a woman who needs to be rescued

damsel (n.) - old-fashioned : a young woman who is not married

distress (n.) - unhappiness or pain, suffering that affects the mind or body, a very difficult situation in which you do not have enough money, food, etc.

The Flatmates episode 6 (including Video/ Vocabulary)

2009-09-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

Episode 6:	Breakfast time
Tim:	Morning, campers!
Alice:	Ooh, not so loud, my head's killing me.
Michal:	I'm feel awful too. I've got a pain stomach. My head hurts.....
Tim:	Welcome to your first British hangover Michal! What you need now is a good fry-up.
Alice:	Bleugh! Oh, morning Helen. You look as bad as I feel. Have you been crying?
Helen:	No, no of course not. Just burning the midnight oil studying, studying, studying.
Tim:	So, who's for eggs, beans and toast?
Alice:	Urgh! You really are a pain in the neck sometimes Tim!

Vocabulary:

Morning, campers! (phr.) - Good morning!

camper (n.) - a young person who goes to a camp during the summer to do different activities

My head's killing me (idiom) - I've got a very bad headache

headache (n.) - an ache or pain in the head

awful (adj.) - extremely bad or unpleasant

stomach (n.) - : the organ in your body where food goes and begins to be digested after you swallow it

a hangover (n) - a headache from drinking a lot of alcohol

a fry-up (n.) British: a meal made of fried foods (fried egg, mushrooms, bacon etc.)

Bleugh - is an expression of being disgusted

disgusted (adj.) - very annoyed or angry about something : feeling or showing disgust

to burn the midnight oil (phr.) - to study or work until late at night

The Flatmates episode 5 (including Video/ Vocabulary)

2009-09-02T23:40:00.000-07:00

Episode 5:	Helen at home
Helen:	Hello?
Mum:	Hello? Helen? It's mum here. How are you my dear? Studying hard? You know how much your degree means to your father and me.
Helen:	I was studying before you phoned me! Listen, I need your advice. I’m in love! But he doesn’t even notice me. He only has eyes for Alice. What can I do?
Mum:	Love? Love! There’s plenty of time for that later. Get your head out of the clouds and back into your books. Do you hear me?
Helen:	Yes, yes mum.

Vocabulary:

mum (n.) - British : mother or mom

dear (n.) - used to address someone you love, a kind and helpful person

a degree (n.) - an official document and title that is given to someone who has successfully completed a series of classes at a college or university

to phone (v.) British : to speak or try to speak to (someone) over a telephone system, American : to call

an advice (n.) - an opinion or suggestion about what someone should do

to notice (v.) - to become aware of (something or someone) by seeing, hearing, etc.

to only have eyes for someone: (phr.) -to be interested only in that person and to ignore (or not notice) everyone else, being in love with someone or something

to get someones head out of the clouds (phr.) - stop daydreaming

to get back into your books (phr.) - concentrate on what you should be thinking about instead

Two-Part (Phrasal) Verbs (idioms) - Separable

2009-08-29T01:08:00.000-07:00

add up add	back up cause to move backwards; support	blow up cause to explode; destroy by explosives	break down analyze; list the parts of separately
bring about cause to happen	bring off accomplish	bring on cause
bring out publish; emphasize	bring over bring	bring to revive
bring up raise; care for from childhood	brush out brush the inside of	burn down destroy by burning
burn up consume by fire	buy out by the other person's share of a business	buy up buy the whole supply of
call off cancel; order away	call up telephone; summon for military service	calm down become calm
carry on continue	carry out fulfill; complete; accomplish; perform	carry over carry; continue at another time or place
cheer up cause to become cheerful	chew up chew thoroughly	chop up chop into small pieces
clean off clean the surface of	clean out clean the inside of	clean up clarify; tidy
clear out clear the surface of	clear up clear the inside of	close down close permanently
close up close temporarily	count in include	count out exclude
count up calculate; count; add to a total	cross out eliminate	cut off interrupt; sever; amputate
cut out eliminate; delete	cut down reduce in quantity	draw up write; compose (a document)
dress up put clothes on; adorn	dust out dust the inside of	eat up eat completely
figure out interpret; understand	figure up compute	fill in complete (a printed form)
fill out complete (a printed form)	fill up fill completely (a container)	find out discover
fix up repair; arrange in a suitable manner	get across cause to be understood	give back return
give out distribute; announce	give up surrender something	hand down deliver; pronounce formally; leave as an inheritance
hand over yield control of	hang up suspend	have on be dressed in
have over entertain someone informally at one's home	hold off delay; restrain	hold up delay; rob; threaten with a weapon
keep up continue; keep the same pace	leave out omit	let down disappoint
let out release from confinement; make larger (in sewing)	light up light; illuminate thoroughly	live down live in such a way as to cause something to be forgotten
make over remake	move over move to the side	pass out distribute
pass up not take advantage of (as an opportunity)	pass on transmit	pay back repay
pay off discharge a debt completely; give someone his final pay	pick up come to meet an escort; lift with hands or fingers; learn casually;initiate an association publicly	play down minimize
play up emphasize	point out indicate	pull down pull in a downward direction; raze
push across cause to be understood or accepted	put off postpone	put on dress in; deceive or fool
put up preserve (food); receive as an overnight guest	quiet down be quiet	ring up the telephone
rinse off rinse the surface of	rinse out rinse the inside of	rule out eliminate
run down trace; disparage; hit with a vehicle	run off cause to depart; reproduce mechanically	save up accumulate
see through complete; in spite of difficulties	see off accompany someone to the beginning of a trip	send back send to a place where formerly located
send over send to where someone is	set up arrange	show off exhibit ostentatiously
shut off cause to cease functioning	slow up cause to move more slowly	spell out enumerate; state in detail
stand up fail to keep an appointment with	sweep out sweep the inside of	take back return; retract a statement
take down remove from a high position; write from dictation	take in understood; fool; deceive; make smaller (in sewing)	take over take; assume command of
tear down destroy	tear up tear into small pieces	tell off scold; reprimand
think over consider	think through consider from beginning to end	think up create; invent
throw away discard	throw over reject	tie up tie securely or tight
tire out cause to be exhausted	touch up repair	try on put on a garment to verify the fit
try out test	turn down refuse; lower the volume	turn out produce; force into exile, extinguish (a light)
wash off wash the surface of	wash out wash the inside of	wear out use until no longer usable; tire greatly
wind up finish, tighten the spring of a watch or machine	wipe off wipe the surface of	wipe out wipe the inside of; decimate
work out solve	write down record	write out write down every detail; spell out
write up compose; prepare (a document)

The Flatmates episode 4(including Video/ Vocabulary)

2009-08-29T00:36:00.000-07:00

Episode 4 :	Another round
Michal:	She's beautiful.
Alice:	What's wrong with you?
Helen:	Nothing! You know I think Michal really likes you.
Alice:	Don't be daft! He's only being polite.
Helen:	Do you think so?
Alice:	Yes, and why are you so interested all of a sudden?
Helen:	No, no reason really. Look, I've got to get back to the flat, I've got loads of studying to do.
Alice:	Oh relax! The books can wait. Tim's buying the next round. What do you want?

Vocabulary:

What's wrong? (phr.) - what is the problem?

daft (adj.) - strange often in a way that is funny

Do you think so? (phr.) - Is that your opinion? Is that the state of your belief?

all of a sudden (Phr.) - suddenly ( adj.) very quickly in usually an unexpected way : in a sudden way

interest (adj.) - wanting to learn more about something or somebody or to become involved in something or somebody

no reason (phr.) - there was no acceptable explanation

flat (n.) - British: an apartment typically on one floor, apartment (n.) - American: a usually rented room or set of rooms that is part of a building and is used as a place to live

get back ( phr.) - to return to a place after going away

loads of (phr.) a large amount of something

a round (n.) - a number of drinks that are served at the same time to each person in a group

2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

2009-08-25T19:08:00.000-07:00

The number of A(H1N1) infections diagnosed last week has gone up again.

Protect yourself

Clean your hands regularly.
Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly.
Use alcohol-based hand-rub if you don’t have immediate access to soap and water.

How do I wash my hands properly?

Washing your hands properly takes about as long as singing "Happy Birthday" twice,
using the images below.

H1N1 - is a subtype of the species Influenza A virus.

influenza (n.) - a common illness that is caused by a virus and that causes fever, weakness, severe aches and pains, and breathing problems

virus (n.) - : an extremely small living thing that causes a disease and that spreads from one person or animal to another, a disease or illness caused by a virus

infections (n.) - the act or process of infecting someone or something, a disease caused by germs that enter the body

diagnose (v.) - to recognize (a disease, illness, etc.) by examining someone

protect (v.) - to keep (someone or something) from being harmed, lost, etc.

thoroughly (adv.) - to be careful about doing something in an accurate and exact way

alcohol-based - means that somehting contains or includes alcohol

hand-rub - means that it used to rub or move your hands back and forth against each other

properly (adv.) - in a way that is accurate or correct

flu (n.) - a common disease that is caused by a virus and that causes fever, weakness, body aches, and breathing problems (see influenza)

Barbra Streisand & Neil Diamond - You Don't Bring Me Flowers (video/Lyrics/Vocabulary)

2009-08-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

Barbra
You don't bring me flowers
You don't sing me love songs
Neil
You hardly talk to me anymore
When I come through that door at the end of the day...
Barbra
I remember when... you couldn't wait to love me
Used to hate to leave me
Now after loving me late at night
Neil
When it's good for you, babe
And you're feeling all right
Barbra
When you just roll over and turn out the light...
And you don't bring me flowers anymore
Neil
It used to be so natural
Barbra
It used to be...
Neil
To talk about forever
Barbra
Mmm...
Neil
But used-to-be don't count anymore
They just lay on the floor
Till we sweep them away
Barbra
And baby I remember all the things you taught me
Neil
I learned how to laugh and I learned how to cry
Barbra
Well, I learned how to love and I learned how to lie
Neil
So you think I could learn how to tell you goodbye
Barbra
So you think I could learn how to tell you goodbye
You don't bring me flowers any more...
Both
Well, you think I could learn how to tell you goodbye...
Neil
You don't say you need me
Barbra
You don't sing me love songs
Both
You don't bring me flowers anymore...

Vocabulary:

hardly (adv.) - used to say that something was almost not possible or almost did not happen

babe (n.) - a very young child, a person who is innocent or who lacks experience, a sexually, attractive person —usually used of young women

roll over (v.) - to turn to a different position when lying in bed

lie (v.) - to say or write something that is not true in order to deceive someone

count (v.) - to have value or importance, to consider or regard (someone or something) in a specified way

THIS OLD GUITAR - John Denver (Video/ Lyric /Vocabulary)

2009-08-22T01:36:00.000-07:00

This old guitar taught me to sing a love song
It showed me how to laugh and how to cry
It introduced me to some friends of mine
And brightened up some days
It helped me make it through some lonely nights
Oh, what a friend to have on a cold and lonely night

This old guitar gave me my lovely lady
It opened up her eyes and ears to me
It brought us close together
I guess it broke her heart
It opened up the space for us to be
What a lovely place and a lovely space to be

This old guitar gave me my life my living
All the things you know I love to do
To serenade the stars that shine
From a sunny mountainside
Most of all to sing my songs for you
I love to sing my songs for you
Yes, I do, you know
I love to sing my songs for you

Vocabulary:

taught (v.) - teach: to show someone how to behave, think, etc.

introduce (v.) - to make (someone) known to someone else by name

brighten up (v.) - to become brighter or more cheerful

lonely (adj.) - sad from being apart from other people, causing sad feelings that come from being apart from other people

lonely hearts (adj.) - intended for lonely people who want to meet someone they can have a romantic or friendly relationship with

make it through (phr.) - get through, past or over something difficult

serenade (v.) - to sing or play a serenade for (someone) or sometimes used figuratively

mountainside (n.) - the side of a mountain

together (adv.) - with or to each other, in a close relationship

The Flatmates episode 3 (including Video/ Vocabulary)

2009-08-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

Episode 3:	At the pub
Tim:	It's your round Alice
Alice:	What, again? Alright, what do you all want?
Helen:	An orange juice please.
Michal:	The same for me too.
Tim:	Oh come on Michal, you're not in Poland now. Why not try a traditional pint of English bitter?
Michal:	OK then.
Tim:	And the usual for me – a G & T, love
Alice:	Em, OK.
Helen:	Don't call Alice "love".
Tim:	Why not, isn't she lovely? Michal, what do you think?

Vocabulary:

a round (n.) - a number of drinks that are served at the same time to each person in a group

traditional (adj.) - based on a way of thinking, behaving, or doing something that has been used by the people in a particular group, family, society, etc., for a long time : following the tradition of a certain group or culture

pint (n) - a container that holds a pint of something, (U.K.: a unit for measuring liquids that is equal to 0.568 liters - U.S.: a unit for measuring liquids that is equal to 0.473 liters

bitter (n.) - U.K.: a type of beer that has a slightly bitter flavor, U.S.: a bitter alcoholic liquid that is used especially in mixed drinks

the usual (n.) - what someone chooses to eat or drink most of the time

G & T - gin and tonic which is a drink made with gin, tonic water and a lime garnish.

gin (n.) - a clear alcoholic drink that is flavored with juniper berries

tonic (n.) - a type of water that has bubbles in it, has a bitter taste, and is often used in alcoholic drinks

lime (n.) - a small green fruit that is related to the lemon and orange and has a sour taste

garnish (v.) - to put something on (food) as a decoration

love (n.) - U.K.: a kind or helpful person, used to address someone in a loving or friendly way

The Berlin Wall

2009-08-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

The Berlin Wall has long since disappeared from reunified Berlin. Memories of the Wall, however, are still very much alive, and many of the visitors who come from all over the world are disappointed or surprised to find that so little remains of Berlin’s most infamous structure. The two halves of the city, separated for decades, have in fact been visibly reunited, while the remaining sections of the GDR’s border fortifications have lost their power to terrify and are being preserved for future generations. A moment of silence can help visitors grasp the message of the memorial sites dedicated to people who died trying to cross the Wall. (Berlin.de)

Vocabulary:

reunify (v.) - to make (something, such as a divided country) whole again : to unify (something) again

memory (n.) - the power or process of remembering what has been learned or something that is remembered

alive (adj.) - having life, living, not dead and continuing to exist

disappointed (adj) - feeling sad, unhappy, or displeased because something was not as good as expected or because something you hoped for or expected did not happen

structure (n.) - something (such as a house, tower, bridge, etc.) that is built by putting parts together and that usually stands on its own

halves plural of half (n.) - one of two equal or nearly equal parts into which something can be divided

visibly (adv.) - able to be seen, easily seen or understood or known to or noticed by the public

decade (n.) - a period of 10 years

remaining (adj.) - something that is left when the other parts are gone or have been used

sections (n.) - one of the parts that form something, a particular area that is part of a larger place

GDR (n.) - German Democratic Republic

border (n.) - a line separating one country or state from another

fortification (n) - : the act of building military defenses to protect a place against attack, the act of fortifying something

terrify (v.) - to cause (someone) to be extremely afraid, to frighten (someone) very much

preserve (v.) - to keep (something) in its original state or in good condition, to keep (something) safe from harm or loss

generation (n.) - a group of people born and living during the same time, the people in a family born and living during the same time

grasp (v.) - to understand (something that is complicated or difficult)

dedicate (v) - to officially make (something) a place for honoring or remembering a person, event, etc.

figure (n.) - a symbol that represents a number, a value that is expressed in numbers

mile (n.) - a unit of measurement equal to 5,280 feet (about 1,609 meters)

inhabit (v.) - to live in (a place) : to have a home in (a place), to be present in (something)

area (n.) - a part or section within a larger place

concrete (adj.) - relating to or involving specific people, things, or actions rather than general ideas or qualities

element (n.) - a particular part of something (such as a situation or activity)

lattice (n.) - a frame or structure made of crossed wood or metal strips

fence (n.) - a structure like a wall built outdoors usually of wood or metal that separates two areas or prevents people or animals from entering or leaving

ditch (n.) - a long narrow hole that is dug along a road, field, etc., and used to hold or move water

contact (adj.) - acting when physical contact occurs

signal (n.) - something (such as a sound, a movement of part of the body, or an object) that gives information about something or that tells someone to do something

post (n.) - the place where a soldier or guard is told to guard

guard (v.) - to watch (someone) in order to prevent escape, to protect (someone or something) from danger or attack

watch-tower (n.) - a tower that is used by a person who guards or watches a place

bunker (n.) - a strong building that is mostly below ground and that is used to keep soldiers, weapons, etc., safe from attacks

firearm (n.) - a small gun

injured (adj.) - suffering from an injury : physically hurt or harmed

unity (n.) - the state of being in full agreement, a way of combining the parts so that they seem to belong together

The Flatmates episode Episode 2 (including Vocabulary and Phrases)

2009-08-13T02:18:00.000-07:00

Episode 2: In the flat

Tim:	Alice this is my cousin Michal - our new flatmate. He's really missing his friends.
Alice:	Oh, Michal let me take your mind off that...So, where are you from?
Michal:	From near Warsaw - the Polish capital.
Alice:	Oh, what do you do?
Michal:	I'm a guide tourist.
Alice:	So interesting! Why are you visiting London?
Michal:	To improve my English.
Alice:	Oh, well, why not come out with us now? Then we can cheer you up and you can practise your English at the same time.

Vocabulary and Phrases:

phrase (n) - (often seen as phr.) a group of two or more words that express a single idea but do not usually form a complete sentence

vocabulary (n) - the words that make up a language, words that are related to a particular subject

flatmate (n.) - (British English) a person who shares a flat with someone (American English) roommate - a person who shares a room, apartment, or house with someone else.

mind (n) - attention that is given to a person or thing, (take your mind off - try to relax, stop thinking about something)

where are you from (phr.) - where do you live or where is your hometown or country?

what do you do (phr.) - what is your job or occupation?

guide tourist (n.) - someone who shows the way by leading or advising

tour guide (n.) - a guide who leads others on a tour

travel agent (n.) - a person whose job is to help people who want to travel by buying plane tickets, making hotel reservations, etc.

improve (v.) - to become better or to make (something) better

cheer up someone (v. phr.) - to make (someone) more cheerful or happy

practise (British spelling) - practice (American spelling) (v.) - to do something again and again in order to become better at it

The Flatmates episode 1, from BBC Learning English (including vocabulary)

2009-08-03T21:22:00.000-07:00

Episode 1:	At the airport
Helen:	What does Michal look like?
Tim:	Well, he's tall and well built. He's got brown eyes and a shaved head.
Helen:	Is he handsome?
Tim:	Of course he is! He's my cousin.
Helen:	And what's he like? Is he like you too?
Tim:	No, he's quite shy really.
Helen:	Oh look! Is that him?
Tim:	Yeah! Michal! Michal! He's crying. I wonder what's wrong.

Words you should know:

airport (noun) -a place where aircraft land and take off and where there are buildings for passengers to wait in and for aircraft to be sheltered

look like (verb) - to have an appearance that is very similar to (someone or something) : to resemble (someone or something)

well built (adjective) - built to be strong or to work well, physically strong or attractive

shave (verb) - to cut the hair, wool, etc., off (someone or something) very close to the skin

handsome (adjective) - pleasing to look at, having a pleasing appearance that causes romantic or sexual feelings in someone; Men are more frequently described as handsome than women

of course - used to show that what is being said is very obvious or already generally known or used informally to give permission or say yes in a way that shows you are very certain

cousin (noun) - a child of your uncle or aunt —called also first cousin, a person who is related to you but not in a close or direct way

like (adjective) - having the same or similar qualities

quite (adverb) - to a very noticeable degree or extent, completely or entirely; Quite is a more forceful word than fairly but it is a less forceful word than extremely. It is used more often in British English than in U.S. English, but it is not an unusual or rare word in U.S. English.

shy (adjective) - feeling nervous and uncomfortable about meeting and talking to people, showing that you are nervous and uncomfortable about meeting and talking to people, tending to avoid something because of nervousness, fear, dislike, etc., hesitant about taking what you want or need

wonder (verb) - to feel surprise or amazement, used to ask a question or make a polite request, to have interest in knowing or learning something : to think about something with curiosity

Forty years ago the Apollo 11 mission

2009-07-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

The Apollo 11 mission was the first manned mission to land on the Moon. It was the fifth human spaceflight of Project Apollo and the third human voyage to the Moon. Forty years ago men from Earth made history on the moon. Apollo 11 was launched on July 16, 1969. On July 20, 1969 astronauts Neil Armstrong (Mission Commander) and Buzz Aldrin became Earth's first human emissaries to set foot on the lunar surface while crewman Michael Collins orbited high above.

mission (noun) - a flight by an aircraft or spacecraft to perform a specific task
spaceflight (noun) - flight into outer space in a spacecraft
voyage (noun) - a long journey to a distant or unknown place especially over water or through outer space
launch (verb) - to send or shoot (something, such as a rocket) into the air or water or into outer space
astronaut (noun) - a person who travels in a spacecraft into outer space
commander (noun) - a person who is in charge of a group of people —often used as a title
emissary (noun)- a person who is sent on a mission to represent another person or organization
lunar (adjective ) - of or relating to the moon
surface (noun) -an outside part or layer of something
orbit (verb) - to travel around (something, such as a planet or moon) in a curved path : to make an orbit around (something)

Need a few minutes to relax?

2009-07-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

Transcript

Need a few minutes to relax?

Get comfortable in your chair. Loosen any tight, uncomfortable clothing. Let your arms rest loosely at your side. Allow yourself a few moments to relax.

If your thoughts wander, just let them while gently moving your attention back to the relaxation. If you become anxious or uncomfortable, stop the relaxation by clicking on the pause button.

To begin, focus your eyes on the candle flame. Notice its simplicity and its beauty.

Take time to notice your breathing, gradually slowing down the rate of inhaling and exhaling as you become more comfortable.

Now relax and enjoy the feeling.

Close your mouth and relax your shoulders, releasing any tension that's built up.

Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose. Let the air you breathe in push your stomach out.

Hold your breath in as you slowly count to four.

Breathe out slowly through your mouth as you continue counting up to six.