JOB WANTED

To hunt for job is not an easy task to new graduates especially that the world is experiencing global crisis now. Unemployment is rampant in all countries. Some people find jobs using the internet, some find in newspapers and some do a bit odd things to get the attention of potential employers. An example is a picture below with a caption from yahoonews.com.


Jobless university graduate David Rowe wears a sandwich board advertising his search for employment as he walks along Fleet Street in central London, September 22, 2009. In a pinstripe suit, silk tie and with polished brogues, Rowe appears the epitome of a successful London city worker, except for one glaring difference - he's wearing a sandwich board that says "JOB WANTED".

Source: www.yahoonews.com. REUTERS/Kieran Doherty. September 22, 2009.

Let's study:

Vocabulary:
epitome = typical example (She's an epitome of elegance.)

rampant = happening without control (Swine flu was rampant in Mexico.)

brogues = regional accent (He has polished brogues.)


Discussion:
What is your dream job?

Are there many good job vacancies for you in your country?

Does everyone have equal job opportunities in your country?

Give 3 jobs:
= which you think are the best jobs in the world
= which you think are the worst jobs in the world


^_^

Let's talk...

What springs to your mind when you hear the word 'marriage'?

Would you like a husband or wife older, younger or the same age as you?

Do you think a married couple with a very big age gap would last long?

Do you think it's ok to divorce?

Here in our country, Philippines, divorce does not exist. Divorce is illegal. So, it is wise to choose a partner whom you'll forever deal with. Difficult, isn't it? But, that's our law.

On the other hand, how would you react if a 107-year-old woman is looking for a hubby again?

Let's read the offbeat news below.

107-year-old Malaysian woman seeks 23rd hubby

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) – A 107-year-old Malaysian woman says she is ready to marry for the 23rd time because she fears her current drug addict husband might leave her for a younger woman, a report said Monday.

Wook Kundor made headlines four years ago when she married Muhammad Noor Che Musa, a man 70 years her junior in northern Terengganu state, with pictures of the couple's wedding splashed across regional newspapers.

But Wook is now looking for new love as she fears that Muhammad, 37, who is undergoing voluntary drug rehabilitation treatment in the capital Kuala Lumpur, will leave her once the programme ends, she told the Star newspaper.

"Lately, there is this kind of insecurity in me," the paper quoted her as saying, showing a photograph of the smiling, wrinkled-faced centenarian wearing a Muslim headscarf.

"I realise that I am an aged woman. I don't have the body nor am I a young woman who can attract anyone."

"My intention to remarry is to fill my forlornness and nothing more than that," she said, adding that she felt lonely without her husband by her side to celebrate the coming Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr next week.

Wook said she planned to visit Muhammad on the second day of Eid if her neighbours were willing to drive her to the capital.

Muhammad, who was a lodger in Wook's house, had previously said it was "God's will" that the couple fell in love.

Source: www.yahoonews.com. "107-year-old Malaysian woman seeks 23rd hubby". AFP. September 14, 2009.

^_^

An act of kindness ^-^

Reading news is helpful in improving one's English skills especially with vocabulary. Today, let's study the news below about showing an act of kindness to other people.


"Putpockets" give a little extra cash

LONDON (Reuters) – Visitors to London always have to be on the look out for pickpockets, but now there's another, more positive phenomenon on the loose -- putpockets.
Aware that people are suffering in the economic crisis, 20 former pickpockets have turned over a new leaf and are now trawling London's tourist sites slipping money back into unsuspecting pockets.
Anything from 5 pounds ($8) to 20 pound notes is being surreptitiously deposited in unguarded pockets or open handbags in Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and other busy spots.
The initiative, which runs until the end of August in London before being rolled out countrywide, is being funded by a broadbrand provider, which says it wants to brighten up people's lives in unusual ways.
"It feels good to give something back for a change -- and Britons certainly need it in the current economic climate," said Chris Fitch, a former pickpocket who now heads TalkTalk's putpocketing initiative.
"Every time I put money back in someone's pocket, I feel less guilty about the fact I spent many years taking it out."
London's police have been briefed about the plan, which will see at least 100,000 pounds given away.

(Reporting by Luke Baker; Editing by Kate Kelland)

Source: www.yahoonews.com. '"Putpockets" give a little extra cash'. Reuters. August 19, 2009.


Let's study:

Vocabulary:
putpocketing / putpockets = opposite of pick-pocketing; placing something which you own into another person's possession, for entertainment or charitable manner.

pickpocketing / pickpockets = one who steals from pockets of another person in public places

on the loose = at large; able to act freely

turned over a new leaf = to change one's attitude for the better

trawling / trawl = go around


Practice: Fill the sentences with the correct word using the vocabularies above.
1. Amanda likes ______________ around the park.

2. Be careful! The pickpocketers are _________________ these days.

3. Samantha achieved her New Year's Resolution. She has __________________.

4. Her wallet was lost. _______________ is really common in their place.

5. The organization has good plans for their people. They will do ________________ starting tomorrow and they'll make sure that this will be unnoticed.


Discussion:
1. What is your opinion about the 'putpocketing'?

2. Do you think this kind of act is helpful?

3. Is pickpocketing or putpocketing common in your place?

4. What will you do if you experienced pickpocketing and putpocketing?

^-^

Lost for words...

Are you familiar with this expression?

Lost for words means somebody is unable to think of something to say.

This is actually the exact state I experienced for the past days.

Although it's like that, I tried to be productive not in words but in action.

As the popular saying goes, 'Action speaks louder than words.' ^-^

How about you?

Tell me. Have you experienced this kind of situation? How did you deal with it?

Let me know your thoughts!

I hope you're not lost in words now... hehe.


^-^

Garfield!

Yesterday, I went to the bookstore and I found a very interesting book. It's a dictionary to be exact.

The famous Merriam-Webster Dictionary produced another edition.

It's a Merriam-Webster and GARFIELD Dictionary!!!

Product Description:

Garfield makes using a dictionary fun and easy! Nearly every spread presents an entertaining comic strip illustrating the use of a featured word. It includes over 65,000 meanings, and Garfield's Daffy Definitions. Great for all ages!

(Source: www.amazon.com)

What do you think? Although I haven't bought this book yet, but I think it's a brilliant idea! Learning will never be boring since there's something in it which can entertain you.

For me, comic strips are also one of the reading materials I like to use when studying English and Garfield is one of the most entertaining and funny comic strips I like to read.

I think it's cool to study English especially if a funny and entertaining character like Garfield will be helping you on your Vocabulary improvement! Especially now that Garfield can be seen in the dictionary! hehe

You might ask why I like Garfield so much. Let me share to you some strips of Garfield and you'll know why it's a good way to learn English and be entertained by Garfield. (^_^)

1.

Are you familiar of the word 'mumu'?

Mumu or muumuu is a loose Hawaiian dress.

Tell me:

Do you have a pet like Garfield?

2.

Frolic means play.

Meadow is a grassy area.

Hang out means to spend time somewhere.

Tell me:

Where do you often hang out?

3.
Deal is an agreement between people.

Tell me:
Are you afraid of getting old?

^_^

Take a break. Have a joke!

One way of learning English is reading a funny story or even a comic written in English. It will increase your English comprehension and lighten your day.

Let me share to you some jokes I got from iteslj.com.


Teacher: Today, we're going to talk about the tenses. Now, if I say "I am beautiful," which tense is it?
Student: Obviously it is the past tense.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Teacher: Why are you late?
Student: There was a man who lost a hundred dollar bill.
Teacher: That's nice. Were you helping him look for it?
Student: No. I was standing on it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Customer: Excuse me, but I saw your thumb in my soup when you were carrying it.
Waitress: Oh, that's okay. The soup isn't hot.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

A man goes to the doctor and says, "Doctor, wherever I touch, it hurts." The doctor asks, "What do you mean?" The man says, "When I touch my shoulder, it really hurts. If I touch my knee - OUCH! When I touch my forehead, it really, really hurts." The doctor says, "I know what's wrong with you - you've broken your finger!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two factory workers are talking.The woman says, "I can make the boss give me the day off."The man replies, "And how would you do that?"The woman says, "Just wait and see." She then hangs upside-down from the ceiling.The boss comes in and says, "What are you doing?"The woman replies, "I'm a light bulb."The boss then says, "You've been working so much that you've gone crazy. I think you need to take the day off."The man starts to follow her and the boss says, "Where are you going?"The man says, "I'm going home, too. I can't work in the dark."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fred is 32 years old and he is still single. One day a friend asked, "Why aren't you married? Can't you find a woman who will be a good wife?" Fred replied, "Actually, I've found many women I wanted to marry, but when I bring them home to meet my parents, my mother doesn't like them."
His friend thinks for a moment and says, "I've got the perfect solution, just find a girl who's just like your mother."
A few months later they meet again and his friend says, "Did you find the perfect girl? Did your mother like her?" With a frown on his face, Fred answers, "Yes, I found the perfect girl. She was just like my mother. You were right, my mother liked her very much."
The friend said, "Then what's the problem?" Fred replied, "My father doesn't like her."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Laughter is the best medicine. When you’re down or feel bored in learning English, read a funny article, story or joke. It will change your mood and somehow make you feel good about studying English.

Tell me:

Share a joke you know. I’ll be waiting…

^_^

Watch out for typos!!!

In the past post, I have introduced ways how to learn the English language. One of them is reading English books, newspapers or magazines.

I love reading and that hobby helped me improve a lot on my English skills. In reading, you’ll be able to acquire more knowledge as well as new English words which you can use in the future.

Whenever I read news, I usually look up to interesting or funny news first before proceeding to more serious topics. Why? Interesting or odd news gets my attention and it would help me engage more on reading English news. It is very important to engage yourself in to something you like rather than something which isn’t exciting.

Let’s read the interesting news I found a while ago.



SINGLE SPELLING MISTAKE CAN DERAIL JOB APPLICATION

TORONTO (Reuters) – Typing mistakes in a job application can kill a would-be employee's chance of landing a job as employers bet that a sloppy resume means the applicant will do a sloppy job.

A telephone survey of 100 senior Canadian executives showed that more than a fifth of executives said a single typo on a resume or cover letter could cost a potential employee a job, while 28 percent said two mistakes would kill their chances.

The survey, published on Tuesday, was carried out by online job search firm Accountemps.

"The resume is an applicant's first chance to impress the hiring manager," said Kathryn Bolt, president of Accountemps' Canadian operations. "Mistakes on one's application materials may prompt employers to assume there also will be mistakes made on the job."

But 19 percent of the executives said they would still consider an applicant with four or more typos on their resume.

Common mistakes include: "Dear Sir or Madman", "I'm attacking my resume for you to review", "Following is a grief overview of my skills" and "Have a keen eye for derail.”


Source: www.yahoonews.com. “Single spelling mistake can derail job application.” Reuters. July 15, 2009. July 19, 2009.



Vocabulary:
derail = ruin
***[Her resume derailed her chance to get the job.]
sloppy = carelessly or not done well
***[He was fired because of his sloppy presentation.]
typo = typographical error or printing error
***[He found many typos in her application form.]



What do you think should be the correct spelling of these typos?
1. "Dear Sir or Madman"
2. "I'm attacking my resume for you to review"
3. "Following is a grief overview of my skills"
4. "Have a keen eye for derail.”




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Answers:
1. Dear Sir or Madam
2. I’m attaching my resume for you to review
3. Following is a brief overview of my skills
4. Have a keen eye for detail
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


As you can see, a single mistake will completely change the meaning as well as the reader’s view. So when you write an application, presentation or whatever writing piece it is, be sure to check or read again.




Tell me:

Do you think application letters or resumes are important when applying for a job? Why?

Do you have any unforgettable experience during a job interview concerning your resume?

^_^

Shake it off!!!

One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well.

The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.

Finally he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered anyway; it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey. He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well.

At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement, he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw. With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing.

He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up.

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt.

The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up!

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less

^_^

Easy to say but I know it's hard to do. However, there's no harm in trying. Don't you think so? Let me know your thoughts...

(^_^)/

What is your FAVORITE ENGLISH WORD? ^-^

My favorite English word is invincible.

**** INVINCIBLE (adjective) == powerful or unbeatable

"I am invincible."

Whenever I hear the word ‘invincible’, I have this very good feeling. I feel very motivated. I can do everything and do something or win something.

I like a positive outlook that is because of my past.

When I was very young, I used to have self-pity. I feel like I’m not smart, I’m not pretty, I’m not lucky…everything is negative about me. But one day, I feel like it’s time to spread my wings and show people what I am and what I can do. I started participating in every activities, showing up my abilities or skills and be recognized as someone who has a talent. I felt very good.

From then, I realized that I can be invincible if I want. Though there are times I lose or fail at something, I still keep in mind that I am invincible and I can do and win over something next time.

How about you? What is your favorite ENGLISH word and why?

^.^

One Silly Day...

One day, another teacher and I were playing about the sounds of animals. In English, the dog says “Woof Woof” while the cat says, “Meow Meow”. The cow says, "Moo Moo" and the bird says, "Tweet Tweet".

Then we had a silly and funny question.

Please leave a comment if you know the answer...

What is the sound of a fish? ^_^

^_^ ...just for fun... ^_^

HIDE!!!

What is the initial reaction of a non-English speaking person to an English speaker who is approaching and trying to talk to them?

a. walk away
b. pretend nothing happened
c. hide somewhere

When I was young, I did letter ‘c’. Our neighbor was married to an American man. Whenever I saw him, I hid somewhere and avoided the situation. I was totally shy talking to him. I froze whenever I’m in front of an English speaker. The questions I have in mind are 'What will I say?' 'What am I going to do?'.

But when I started learning English at school, my confidence rose. I was more encouraged to study English whenever I get good grades and compliments from my teachers at school. To practice my English skills, I talk to my classmates and teachers in English during the lessons and even outside the classroom. When I was in University, I was given a chance to play one of the biggest role in our theater plays because of my persistence and positive outlook in giving the script, which is written in English, a life. I sometimes write poems and very short stories, and share it with other people through our University School Publication. I’ll be showing you one of the poems I have made in the next posts.

Life at school and learning English at the same time were truly a wonderful experience for me. It was so positive that even up to now, I still use English to teach my students and help them with their weaknesses in English.

How about you? What are your experiences about English?

^_^

Learning English from a Song

Listening to music is one of my passions. Aside from enjoying the tune, I am also learning new words or expressions in English. Whenever I hear a song I am interested in, I find the lyrics of the song and listen to it a lot of times until I could memorize everything.

Let me show you how I do it.


1. Play and listen the song below. Listen to it as many times as you want. The title of the song is 'BEST DAYS' by Graham Colton.

2. This time, fill in the blanks with the word or words you have heard from this song. If it's too difficult, listen to the song again and answer.


BEST DAYS
by Graham Colton

With everything I've ever _______ (1)
I'd give it all to everyone for ____________ (2)
Another night I'm waking through
Another door I walk into I can't ________ (3)
And it's a winding road
And it's a long way home

So don't wait
For someone to tell you _____________ (4)
Cause these are the _______________ (5)
There's always something tomorrow
So I say let's __________________ (6) of tonight
Here comes the rest of our lives

I count the steps the distance to
The time when it was ______________ (7)
It's so far gone
Another face, another friend,
Another place, another end,
But I'll ____________ (8)
And it's a winding road
And it's a long way home

So don't wait
For someone to tell you it's too late
Cause these are the best days
There's always something __________ (9)

So I say let's make the best of tonight
Yeah, __________ (10) the best of tonight
Here comes the rest of _____________ (11)
Rest of our lives
And it's a _________ (12) road
It's a long way home

So ___________ (13)
For someone to tell you it's too late
Cause these are the best days
There's always something tomorrow
So I say let's make the best of it
____________ (14)
Cause no one can tell you it's too late
Cause these are the best days
There's always something tomorrow
So I say let's make the best of tonight
Yeah, let's make the best of tonight
We'll make the best of tonight
___________ (15) the rest of our lives


3. To check if you are correct with your answers, click this link. -----> http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=9dbe11dab3&view=att&th=12206f4511becf22&attid=0.1&disp=vah&realattid=f_fw8w4ch90&zw


4. Now, let's learn some words or expressions used from the song.

NEW WORDS/EXPRESSIONS:

* winding == crooked or twisting
She is driving in a winding road.

* hang on == keep going
Life is difficult but I need to hang on for my family.

* make the best of something == to try and act in a positive way when you have to accept a situation which you do not like but cannot change
Their allowance was not enough but they have to make the best of it for the whole semester.

5. Share your opinion. What do you do when you make mistakes? Do you think it's important to think positively when things go wrong? What do you do when a friend feels bad because he or she made a mistake or had a bad decision?

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Let me know your thoughts...


Was this exercise helpful for you?


Would you like to learn more about English?


Then, join INTERNET ENGLISH ACADEMY's lessons, have fun and learn more about English! Visit www.justmystage.com/home/englishtutor and try the free 30-minute trial lesson. (^-^)

How to learn or study English?

I know that learning a second language is not easy. But when there's constant encouragement, determination and positive outlook, one will be able to achieve their goals.

There are some things or tips on studying English that I keep doing until now. Why do I do that? It is because I don't want to stop learning English. Learning is a life time process. As long as I live, I will continue studying English.

Let me tell you some tips on how to master the English language.

1. Read English books, newspapers or magazines. In this way, you'll be able to learn new words or sentences which you could use for daily conversations or even for written works.

2. Listen to music. Music has been a tool for studying English nowadays. You will not only have fun but also learn new words or expressions in English from the lyrics of the songs. I'll show you how in the next posts.

3. Watch TV or movies in English. This is not only a fun way to learn English but you'll be able to acquire more words or expressions in a daily English conversation as well as learning the pronunciation and intonation of words. Try to imitate also how the actors say it.

4. Record yourself. It may be too awkward to hear your own voice but this activity will help you check if you are making correct pronunciation with the words or sentences you have learned. You'll see the progress when you do this continuously.

5. Take note of the English words you have learned. When you are reading something interesting in a book or newspaper, try to take down notes and make example sentences in English using that learned word. Whenever you forget your learned words, just reach out to your notes and read.

6. Speak English. Aside from speaking with your English teachers, try to connect with friends who can speak English. Never be shy to speak your own thoughts. Everybody commits mistakes so think positive. When you are corrected, accept it with open arms and learn from it.

7. Do not stop learning English. As I have told you a while ago, learning is a life time process. When you stop or do not use your learning, your English skill will not improve and may vanish in the future. So, learn English without an end.


Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can - there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did. -- SARAH CALDWELL

^-^

My English experience

I learned simple or very basic words, sentences and grammar when I was in Elementary. My interests for studying English began when I was in the 6th grade already. That was because of my very kind and patient English teacher. She encouraged me to read lots of books and study hard. She became my inspiration.

When I reached High School, intensive learning for grammar as well as written and oral communication was taught to students. I thought I couldn't make it but my High School English Teacher motivated me to pursue and improve my English skills. He told me that I was doing well in our English class and that I can be an English teacher in the future if I want. I was so happy to hear that because that was my long time dream.

Then, I decided to take an English Major course in University. I didn't regret taking that course because I was able to learn more about the English language. When I was in University, learning English became more interesting and fun for me. Though honestly, I was so tired of making home written works or stories, doing theater plays or interviews, and etc., it helped me a lot in improving my English skills. I usually get many remarks from my written and oral English works but that didn't stop me from achieving my goal. Instead, I learned from it and accepted my mistakes.

Now, I am teaching English to a lot of students from different countries and I wish to help more interested students.

Our Websites...

Hi, there!

If you are interested in learning English (grammar, vocabularies, business english, travel english and etc.), you could check our websites.

Japanese URL: http://www.internet-english-academy.com/

English URL: www.justmystage.com/home/englishtutor/

Don't worry, we, the Internet English Academy teachers, are here to help you improve your skills in English. You will gain much confidence in speaking the English language when you talk with other people. So, join us now! Let's learn and enjoy speaking English!

Take care and see you soon!

(^_^)

Online English Teacher

Learning English isn't boring. If you'll try to be open-minded, you'll see and discover that learning English is totally FUN!

Why I say it's fun? Because, you'll not only experience the happy feeling of talking a lot about any topic through the English language with other people but also experience the improvement in your skills in English (in any field you like - example, Business English, Travel English or even Grammar) if you only try to use the language as often as possible.

I am an Online English Teacher. I have been teaching lots of people from different races, like Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Indian, etc., and I have seen improvements from them during our lessons.

I have one Japanese student who cannot speak English in front of his suppliers before and started to feel bad about it. When he started learning English, he was encouraged to talk and speak out his thoughts in English through the activities that we do, example is doing a role playing about making negotiations. After his continuous English learning in our school, he got a great deal during his business negotiation with his suppliers for their company.

It was truly amazing and I am privileged to be his teacher seeing that he has improved a lot.

I hope I could share more the beauty of learning English to many people.

(^_^)