Tuesday, July 31, 2012

News & Notes: Olympic Athletes' Outfits Made in China

Please watch the video posted by Eileen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JypFDUig7M

"Olympic Athletes' Outfits Made in China"
  • What's your opinion? 
  • Do you think that the USA should have used clothes only made in the USA? 
  • If you're from China do you feel strongly about the workers who make things to chip to export? 

Thursday, July 26, 2012

GM Foods


"Is it scultputre or is it Food?" (NPR audio)
GM Salmon video: (2 mins)
How GM works:(3.5 mins)
Pro GM Cartoon: (3.5 mins)
  • What are GM foods? 
  • What are reasons people would support it? 
  • What are reasons people would be against it?
  • Why is the issue important? 
  • Would you be for it or against it?

Presentation:  Genetic Experiments
Options:
Choose one product which involves genetic modification and explain what it is and how it works.
Choose a specific issue regarding GM foods (such as labeling) and explain why it is good or bad.

Answer the following questions in your presentation:

·         What is the product or issue?  - Describe it to those who may be unfamiliar.

·         Why should the experiments be conducted or the product be used?  - Explain the benefits.

·         What concerns does the public have? Why would some people not want it?

Be sure to give a conclusion to wrap up your presentations, this might be a restatement of the benefits of the use of genetic modification, or it may be your critique against the product or experiments.

You will be graded on the following:

·         Delivery - clarity and rate of your English

·         Language Use - correct word choice and grammar

·         Content - Organization of the presentation and material presented.

This presentation should be approximately 3 minutes. Your PowerPoint should be 5 - 7 slides.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

News & Notes: Japan Rocks

Please check out this video posted by Sherman:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh_oIE7a7EY

There are many small details in this video. 
Consider these things:
  • What role does Yoshiki have in the band? 
  • What things does he have branded?
  • Who is the band being compared to? 
  • Do you think an Asian pop-star will make it in the USA?

Monday, July 23, 2012

Sunday, July 22, 2012

News and Notes: Tony Robbins Coal-Walking Stunt Gone Wrong

Please watch the video posted by Sergey:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU1SahqyUmM&feature=plcp


To learn more about fire-walking click here:
http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/time-warp/articles/firewalking.html


  1. Why did people agree to walk on the hot coals?  
  2. Who organized this event?
  3. How many people got burned?
  4. Where was this event?
  5. True or False: The fireman would walk on the hot coals. 

A. To prove their new self power. Because of the motivational speaker.
B.  Tony Robbins
C. 21
D. California
E. False

Thursday, July 19, 2012

News & Notes: Designer's 'perfect' wheelchair to go into production

Please watch the video chosen by Sinan: 

Designer's 'perfect' wheelchair to go into production

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-18894180

1. Which car brand helped them?
2. What did the man mention about the old wheelchairs?
3. Which name did he give to his new wheelchair design?


a)carbon black
b)carbon
c)water black
4. What was the first problem that Andrew discussed about the old type of wheelchairs? 
5. What was the kg of the newly designed chair?


 
A. Aston Martin
B. They are limited
C. A
D. They are all same
E. 8.66

Riots in India

NEWS REPORT:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-18897752 

 
VIDEO REPORT:
 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18905514 

 
OFFICIAL MARUTI WEBSITE: http://www.marutisuzuki.com/

  


Questions:
1. How many people were arrested?
2. How many people were killed? Who was killed?
3. How did he die?
4. Who is being blamed for the riots?
5. What was the result of the riot?

LEAVE A COMMENT ABOUT ONE OF THESE QUESTIONS:
  • Do you think the riot was effective?
  • Have you ever seen a protest? What was it like?
  • Do you know anyone who was ever part of a riot?
  • Do you think that a riot can be effective?
  • What is a famous riot?

Monday, July 16, 2012

Prepare for Olympics Discussion

These will be the questions for tomorrows conversation. You can think about your answers.

1.       Which do you find more interesting? The Winter Olympics or the Summer Olympics?
2.       Do you usually watch the Olympics? Why or why not?
3.       Which event would you remove from the Olympics? Why?
4.       What do you think is a controversial topic about the Olympics? (I have a few ideas if you get stuck).
5.       Is hosting the Olympics good for a country? What about the tax payer’s money?
6.       If you were in the Olympics, what would you do the night before your event? 
Please read this article about the Chinese Gymnasts to be prepared for discussion as well. 
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2012/06/age-just-number-chinese-gymnastic-team/54067/#.UAQx4QMfWqk.email The title of the article is: Age is Just a Number for the Chinese Gymnastics Team
 

Sunday, July 15, 2012

News & Notes: Derek Sivers: Weird, or just different?

Watch the video chosen by Haruka:
I wonder if she chose it because it talks about Japan?
http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_weird_or_just_different.html

Be prepared to tell us if you ever heard of the Chinese Dr. part.
Also be prepared to tell us something culturally different about your country.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

News & Notes: Clinton talks tough on Russia and China

Watch this video chosen by Chloe:

Clinton talks tough on Russia and China

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2012/07/06/exp-clinton-talks-tough-on-russia-and-china.cnn
At home:
Watch the video.(as many times as necessary)
Take notes. 

In class:
Discuss your notes with your classmates.
Ask good questions.
Watch the video again.
Take a quiz.
Record your quiz score.

Monday, July 9, 2012

News & Notes: Crops Shrivel as Temps Soar


News & Notes from Angel:
Crops Shrivel as Temps Soar

Please watch the following news broadcast chosen by Angel:
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/48087810/#48087810

At home:
Watch the video.
Take notes.

In class:
Discuss your notes with your classmates.
Ask good questions.
Watch the video again.
Take a quiz..
Record your quiz score.