Despite the harsh reality, one of the few positive things that the current health crisis has brought about is doubtlessly the fact that the lockdown has allowed - or even forced - many of us to take time out to listen to our inner self and let those creative bits we all have to find a way out and manifest themselves through music, writing, cooking, DIY, handicrafts ... you name it. In this talk by classical pianist James Rhodes you may learn a bit about what he claims music can do for you and how accessible it should be.
Wouldn't it be nice to always set aside a little time to explore what's inside us and then try to materialize those parts of ours that are usually hidden or left to rot? Can people be taught to be creative? How important should creativity be in our lives? Go on, let us know what's inside you.
Showing posts with label Listen and Write - B2/C1. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Listen and Write - B2/C1. Show all posts
7 May 2020
18 April 2020
The power of mindfulness and altruism
Sadly, the COVID-19 has caused the deaths of thousands of people worldwide and the loss of some of our loved ones and the lockdown are taking its toll on our mood and wellbeing. That's why it can be comforting to draw on the power of mindfulness and altruism to raise our spirits in these challenging times. These videos give us some tips on how they can help us overcome gloom.
How can mindfulness help us to be happier? Why does helping others make us feel better? Let us know what you think ...
How can mindfulness help us to be happier? Why does helping others make us feel better? Let us know what you think ...
3 April 2020
Can we trust what we see (and hear)?
Hello there,
As more and more people rely exclusively on Internet news sites and social media to find out about what's going on around us, the damage a lie, hoax or fake news story can do to a person's reputation is increasingly greater. As the following video demonstrates, 'deep fakes' can look really genuine.
Who might be interested in creating and spreading fake news? Where should we be getting our news from? Should we think twice before we share or spread some news which we know might not be true? You may want to download and listen to this report as well and then leave your comment. Go on, spread the news!
As more and more people rely exclusively on Internet news sites and social media to find out about what's going on around us, the damage a lie, hoax or fake news story can do to a person's reputation is increasingly greater. As the following video demonstrates, 'deep fakes' can look really genuine.
Who might be interested in creating and spreading fake news? Where should we be getting our news from? Should we think twice before we share or spread some news which we know might not be true? You may want to download and listen to this report as well and then leave your comment. Go on, spread the news!
28 March 2020
Could the current crisis have been avoided?
Hello there,
Although we're all a bit overwhelmed by the dramatic situation we are living, I think it's also important that we don't let this pass and allow the people who have the power to change things go 'unscathed' once more. As you can see in the TED talk below, 5 years ago Bill Gates made an uncannily accurate prediction and warned us of the threat we were facing. I'd like you to watch it and then answer these questions: could this health crisis have been avoided? Should we blame world powers and local governments for their lack of action? What could we do as global citizens to stop this sort of epidemics from happening again? Go on, leave your comments.
Although we're all a bit overwhelmed by the dramatic situation we are living, I think it's also important that we don't let this pass and allow the people who have the power to change things go 'unscathed' once more. As you can see in the TED talk below, 5 years ago Bill Gates made an uncannily accurate prediction and warned us of the threat we were facing. I'd like you to watch it and then answer these questions: could this health crisis have been avoided? Should we blame world powers and local governments for their lack of action? What could we do as global citizens to stop this sort of epidemics from happening again? Go on, leave your comments.
24 March 2020
The Benefits of Working from Home
Hello there,
We're living in trying, tough times. We've all been suddenly forced to stay in and figure out ways to carry on with our lives, our jobs and our social life. So, although everything seems to be falling apart, we must do our best to turn this crisis into and opportunity to try out new ideas, to do those things we don't usually have much time to do and to take on this challenge and make the most of it.
That's why I'm going to give this neglected -though still useful- blog a chance so that we may be able to carry on with our course, by giving you a topic for discussion, some audiovisual material to get you started and then encourage you to post your comments and interact with your classmates as much as you can. If you are not familiar with the blog, you can see there are a lot of links to interesting websites which can provide plenty of opportunities to practice your English skills, so let's not miss out on all this.
Our first question for discussion is going to be this: what are the pros and cons of working from home? To get you started, Id like you to watch this short TED talk on the issue - and also perhaps this different take on the issue. Then , leave your comments please!
We're living in trying, tough times. We've all been suddenly forced to stay in and figure out ways to carry on with our lives, our jobs and our social life. So, although everything seems to be falling apart, we must do our best to turn this crisis into and opportunity to try out new ideas, to do those things we don't usually have much time to do and to take on this challenge and make the most of it.
That's why I'm going to give this neglected -though still useful- blog a chance so that we may be able to carry on with our course, by giving you a topic for discussion, some audiovisual material to get you started and then encourage you to post your comments and interact with your classmates as much as you can. If you are not familiar with the blog, you can see there are a lot of links to interesting websites which can provide plenty of opportunities to practice your English skills, so let's not miss out on all this.
Our first question for discussion is going to be this: what are the pros and cons of working from home? To get you started, Id like you to watch this short TED talk on the issue - and also perhaps this different take on the issue. Then , leave your comments please!
17 March 2020
Hate the pet peeve!
If I have to choose one thing that really annoys me these days is... how easily so many people get annoyed about everything these days! It seems that nothing is good enough for anybody anymore and everybody has the right to complain about even the tiniest, most insignificant flaw they are likely to come across whenever they purchase something or require some kind of service from somebody. Call me easygoing if you like, but I'm sick and tired of having to put up with all those bloody, fussy people who just can't take things as they come. Are you one of those, like Simon or Ruth? Come on, vent your anger, we're all ears!
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