Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Slang


Let’s get started... Americans use slang all the time. This can make it difficult to understand what people are saying. Have you heard someone say something that doesn't make sense? It's probs slang.



Activity 1
3 minutes
With your partner, write a list of American idioms or slang that you have heard.


Background
Idioms and slang are special words and language used within a culture or group of people. For example, in the United States, there is “California slang” and “New York slang”, and they are very different. If an idiomatic expression or slang becomes popular enough, it may spread across the country or even around the world.

Language changes very quickly now because of TV and the Internet. Old slang may become outdated and be replaced by new words and phrases. When someone uses a new idiom or slang, it can be difficult to understand what they mean. But if it is used by enough people, it may become part of common, everyday conversation.



Discussion 1
In pairs for 5 minutes, ask and answer these questions:
  1. In your home country do some groups of people use slang more than others? (An age group? An economic group? A social group?) Do you know something about people just by listening to the way they talk?
  2. What is one of the common idioms or slang words used in your native language? What does it mean literally? What does the idiom mean? When do people say it?



Discussion 2
In pairs for 5 minutes, ask and answer these questions:
  1. Is there a particular idiom (in English or in your native language) that you like? Is there one that you do not like?
  2. In America where do you hear the most slang and idioms used? When is it most difficult for you to understand English? (Conversations, TV shows, news, telephone, business, etc.)




Discussion 3
In pairs for 5 minutes, ask and answer these questions:
  1. How do you feel about slang and idioms? Are they good or bad? When is it ok to use slang?
  2. Is it appropriate / funny / interesting when someone speaks like a person from a different age or economic group?





Here are some common American expressions. What do they mean? When are they are used?



Thanksgiving Family Role-Play

Ellen's Thanksgiving Plan 1
Until 2:15

Ellen's Thanksgiving Plan 2


A Thanksgiving Miracle (SNL)


The Real History of Thanksgiving

Traditional Thanksgiving Food
Cornbread

Gravy

Green Bean Casserole

Mashed Sweet Potatoes / Yams

Pumpkin Pie

Stuffing

Mashed Potatoes

Turkey


Cornucopia - table decoration


Glazed Carrots
Cranberry Sauce

Corn on the Cob


 
Breadbasket- when all people at the table hold hands and give thanks. Here, the people are praying but not all families pray when they give thanks.


Thanksgiving toast - Everyone holds his/her glass up and someone may say a few words (make a short speech), then people clink their glass together before drinking. 


Football - there is always a football game on Thanksgiving

Black Friday
Usually stores open at Midnight on Thursday. Some families go line up at stores right after dinner. Notorious for injuries and deaths.


1 BACH
Thanksgiving memes 1
Thanksgiving memes 2

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

2016 November 8th Election Results




Gredos Las Suertes Results

Total valid votes: 462
Percents approximated

DEM      - 341      - 74%
REP       - 42        -  9%
GRN      - 36        -  7%

LIB        - 27        -  6% 
PF          - 15        -  3%
Write-in - 1         -   <1%



1 ESO
DEM - 93
LIB - 5 
GRN - 3 
REP - 10
PF - 9

2 ESO
DEM - 104
LIB - 5
GRN - 3
REP - 12

3 ESO
DEM - 63
LIB - 10
GRN - 1
REP - 9
Beyoncé - 1

4 ESO A
DEM - 18
REP - 3
GRN - 3

1 BACH
DEM - 35
LIB - 1
GRN - 15
REP - 5

2 BACH
DEM - 28
LIB - 6
GRN - 11
REP - 6
PF - 6


Presentation


California Results



California State Measures


2012


2008

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/California-secession-group-to-hold-meet-up-at-10594349.php