Happy Friday 13th!

Are you superstitious??

Did you know that Friday the 13th is considered the unluckiest day in Western superstition? It occurs when the 13th day of the month in the Gregorian calendar falls on a Friday.

The fear of the number 13 has been given a scientific name: triskaidekaphobia; and on analogy to this the fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia, from the Greek words Paraskeví (Παρασκευή, meaning "Friday"), and dekatreís (δεκατρείς, meaning "thirteen").

The origin of the superstition is still unclear.  It may have arisen in the Middle Ages, originating from the story of Jesus' last supper and crucifixion in which there were 13 individuals present. While there is evidence* of both Friday and the number 13 being considered unlucky, there is no record of the two items being referred to as especially unlucky in conjunction before the 19th century.

A suggested origin of the superstition—Friday, 13 October 1307, the date Philip IV of France arrested hundreds of the Knights Templar—may not have been put together* until the 20th century. It is mentioned in the 1955 Maurice Druon historical novel The Iron King, John J. Robinson's 1989 work Born in Blood: The Lost Secrets of Freemasonry, Dan Brown's 2003 novel The Da Vinci Code and Steve Berry's The Templar Legacy (2006).

Is there a superstitious day in your country?

Do you know any other superstitions of the Western culture?

Watch this video in order to find out about Britain’s biggest superstitions.

Vocabulary:

*Evidence: (noun) evidencia, prueba; (verb) demostar, probar.

*Put together: (phrasal verb) juntar, unir, reunir, crear. En este caso se refiere a la última definición.

What are the benefits of being bilingual?

The benefits to being bilingual far outweight its costs. There are three main cognitive benefits:

1. Bilingualism affects the development and efficiency  of the brain's multifactorial 'executive control system'.

The bilingual brain is used to handling two languages at the same time. This develops skills for functions such as inhibition (a cognitive mechanism that discards irrelevant stimuli), switching attention, and working memory.

These skills make up the brain's executive control system, which looks after high-level thought, multi-tasking, and sustained attention. Because bilingual people are used to switching between their two languages, they are also better at switching between tasks, even if these tasks are nothing to do with language.

People who speak two languages have also been shown to have more efficient monitoring systems. A 2009 study  showed that monolinguals and bilinguals respond similarly when the brain's monitoring system is not taxed, but in conditions requiring high monitoring demands, bilinguals were faster. Bilingual people also outperform monolingual people in spatial working memory tasks.

2. Bilingualism has widespread effects on the functional and structural properties of various cortical and subcortical structures in the brain.

Our brains change and adapt as a result of experience. Studies have shown that people who are multilingual have higher density of grey matter, and that older people who are bilingual tend to have better-maintained white matter in their brains.

So, does this make you smarter if you are bilingual? I’m afraid not. I don't know any study that shows a link between bilingualism and such concepts as executive intelligence, emotional intelligence or intelligence quotient.

3. Bilingualism promotes cognitive reserve in elderly people

Taking part in stimulating physical or mental activity can help maintain cognitive function, and delay the onset of symptoms in people suffering from dementia. The onset of dementia symptoms is significantly delayed - by as much as five years - in patients who are bilingual. The brains of bilingual patients with Alzheimer’s disease function cognitively at the same level. of monolingual patients who have suffered less brain degeneration.

Source: British Council Voices Magazine. Click here to read the full article

Why Finland's Unorthodox Education System is the Best in the World

A new global league table, produced by the Economist Intelligence Unit for Pearson, has found Finland to be the best education system in the world.

The rankings combined international test results and data such as graduation rates between 2006 and 2010, the BBC reports.

For Finland, this is no fluke. Since it implemented huge education reforms 40 years ago, the country's school system has consistently come in at the top for the international rankings for education systems.

But how do they do it?

It's simple — by going against the evaluation-driven, centralized model that much of the Western world uses.

Some of its main features:

1.      Finnish children don't start school until they are 7.

2.      They rarely take exams or do homework until they are well into their teens.

3.      The children are not measured at all for the first six years of their education.

4.      There is only one mandatory standardized test in Finland, taken when children are 16.

5.      All children, clever or not, are taught in the same classrooms.

6.      Finland spends around 30 percent less per student than the United States.

7.      30 percent of children receive extra help during their first nine years of school.

8.      66 percent of students go to college.

9.      The difference between weakest and strongest students is the smallest in the World.

10.  Science classes are capped at 16 students so that they may perform practical experiments in every class.

11.  93 percent of Finns graduate from high school.

12.  43 percent of Finnish high-school students go to vocational schools.

13.  Elementary school students get 75 minutes of recess a day in Finnish versus an average of 27 minutes in the US.

14.  Teachers only spend 4 hours a day in the classroom, and take 2 hours a week for "professional development."

15.  Finland has the same amount of teachers as New York City, but far fewer students. 600,000 students compared to 1.1 million in NYC.

16.  The school system is 100% state funded

17.  All teachers in Finland must have a master’s degree, which is fully subsidized.

18.  The national curriculum is only broad guidelines.

19.  Teachers are selected from the top 10% of graduates.

20.  In 2010, 6,600 applicants vied for 660 primary school training slots. 

21.  The average starting salary for a Finnish teacher was $29,000 in 2008. Compared with $36,000 in the United States.

23.  However, high school teachers with 15 years of experience make 102 percent of what other college graduates make. In the US, this figure is 62%.

24.  There is no merit pay for teachers

25.  Teachers are given the same status as doctors and lawyers

26.  In an international standardized measurement in 2001, Finnish children came in at the top, or very close to the top, for science, reading and mathematics. It's consistently come in at the top or very near every time since.

27.  And despite the differences between Finland and the US, it easily beats countries with a similar demographic. Neighbor Norway, of a similar size and featuring a similar homogeneous culture, follows the same strategies as the USA and achieves similar rankings in international studies.

SSource: Business Insider

What is Small Talk and how good are you at it?

      

• It’s what persons say to each other to be polite.
• Breaks the ice and puts others at ease.
• Establishes a connection or defines a common denominator between two persons.
• Doesn’t require original or profound conversation.

There is nothing small about small talk. Small talk could even be considered a form art in some cases. Some people are really good not only at talking, but even at managing to keep their interlocutor interested when the subject of conversation itself is not relevant at all. However, small talk is not just about talking. It’s mostly about listening!

Being good at maintaining improvised conversations about random can be of vital importance in some positions but it can also be a social life booster. 

The following ten tips will help you master the art of small talk:

1.        Have approachable body language: open stance, eye contact, and smile. Casual eye contact and a warm friendly smile demonstrate your interest and desire to communicate.

2.        Take the initiative and be the first to say hello. Be the first to introduce yourself and ask an open-ended question. This not only demonstrates confidence and shows interest in the other person, but it gives you an opportunity to guide the conversation.

3.        Begin with statements or questions about the immediate environment, situation, weather, how the person arrived at your location, et cetera. A compliment is also a great way to start a conversation.

4.        Be well-informed and prepared.  Read newspapers and news magazines to be knowledgeable about what is going on in the world. Go prepared with topics or experiences to discuss that you think will be of interest to the persons you will be meeting.

5.        Focus on the other person and less on yourself. This will help you feel less self-conscious, and make the other person feel important.

6.        Do listen. Control internal and external distractions. Be present; watch the tendency to daydream. Truly listening to another person is the highest compliment you can pay them.

7.        Keep the tone light and positive until you find a topic in which you are both interested.

8.        Discuss general-interest subjects such as movies, theater, sports, books, movies, food, travel and hobbies. It demonstrates to others that you are approachable and friendly.

9.        Think before you speak. It makes you appear thoughtful; and it may help you avoid a faux pas, or saying something that is better left unsaid.

10.      Always close a conversation before walking away from the other person by using a graceful exit line; don’t simply melt from conversations. “It’s been great talking with you. I really enjoyed hearing about…”

Avoid these subjects with others you don’t know very well:

• Your health or diet habits.
• The cost of things.
• Personal questions.
• Mean gossip.
• Off-color jokes.
• Controversial issues, such as politics or religion, when you don’t know the others in the group.

Source: The Etiquette School of New York

Huge prehistoric monument found near Stonehenge

An impression of what the ancient structure might have looked like.

IMAGE: LUDWIG BOLTZMANN INSTITUTE

The hidden remains of a major stone monument that could dwarf Stonehenge have been discovered by archaeologists.

The 90-stone structure, which is buried under a grassy bank, was found in Wiltshire — less than two miles from Stonehenge — by a group of archaeologists from the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project at the University of Birmingham. It likely dates from 4,500 years ago.

Some of the stones found under the Durrington Walls site are thought to have originally measured up to 14 feet in height, according to a statement released Monday about the find. Around 30 of the stones, which were pushed over, are believed to be intact, while there are fragments of 60 more.

Map shows the location of the discovery.

Archaeologists didn't make the important discovery through excavation, turning instead to remote sensing technologies to discover the large prehistoric monument.

The find will likely impact how neighbouring Stonehenge is understood.

“This discovery of a major new stone monument, which has been preserved to a remarkable extent, has significant implications for our understanding of Stonehenge and its landscape setting," Professor Vincent Gaffney from the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project said.

"Not only does this new evidence demonstrate a completely unexpected phase of monumental architecture at one of the greatest ceremonial sites in prehistoric Europe, the new stone row could well be contemporary with the famous Stonehenge sarsen circle or even earlier."

The massive stone monument is buried under a bank

IMAGE: LUDWIG BOLTZMANN INSTITUTE

Stonehenge, dating from around 3,000 B.C. onward, is spread over 10 square miles and is one of the most visited attractions in England.

The purpose of prehistoric structure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains a mystery, however the stone circle, which is built on the axis of the midsummer sunrise, suggests it could have been used as a calendar or for worship.

Source: Mashable 

Cities now home to more than half of all people

Planners will need to develop not just new lands, but also new uses for existing spaces, as the world becomes increasingly urban. Transcript of radio broadcast. 

Lisento the article here

Over half the world's people now live in cities. The latest "Global Report on Human Settlements" says the historic change took place last year. The report came out this week from U.N. Habitat, a United Nations agency.

A century ago, less than five percent of all people lived in cities. By the middle of this century it could be seventy percent, or almost six and a half billion people.

Already three-fourths of people in developed countries live in cities. Now most urban population growth is in the developing world.

Urbanization can lead to social and economic progress, but also pressure on cities to provide housing and services. The new report says almost two hundred thousand people move into cities and towns each day. It says worsening inequalities, driven by social divisions and differences in wealth, could lead to violence unless cities plan better.  

Another issue is urban sprawl. This is where cities expand into rural areas, sometimes at a much faster rate than urban population growth.

Sprawl is common in the United States. Americans move a lot. In a recent study, Art Hall at the University of Kansas found that people are moving away from the major cities to smaller cities. He sees a trend toward "de-urbanization" across America.

But urban economies still provide possibilities that rural areas do not.

Sabina Deitrick at the University of Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania, is an expert on cities. She notes that urbanization brings social change that can empower women.

SABINA DEITRICK: "Women entering the labor force is one big change and that always goes up with urbanization and certainly will proceed in many, many countries where urbanization is increasing rapidly."

Sabina Deitrick has closely studied Pittsburgh from the loss of its main industry, steel, to its rebirth as a smaller city with different industries. She says the reuse of existing land and spaces and the reinvention of urban life is important if cities are to succeed.

Professor Deitrick notes that a city's ability to educate and train its people is important to jobs and new industries. Even new industries based on old ideas.

Around the world, people leave rural farm jobs to go to the city. Yet now there is growing demand for farm products grown close to the cities where they are used. Urban farming is taking hold in some of the world's biggest cities. Sabina Deitrick says studies show that urban farming is one area where woman can earn more than men do.

And that's the VOA Special English Economics Report, written by Mario Ritter. I'm Steve Ember.

Source: Voice ofAmerica News

35 things you’ll never hear Spaniards say

1. “Why is everyone talking so loud in the bus?”

2. “25 and still living with his parents… what a loser!”

3. “I’m meeting a friend for lunch, it won’t be more than 30 minutes.”

4. “I need some quality entertainment, I’ll turn the TV on.”

5. “A Spanish movie? Nah, I’m not in the mood for an intellectual evening.”

6. “A beer before lunch? Who do you think I am, an alcoholic?”

7. “My friend was supposed to be here 10 minutes ago, I’m a bit worried.”

8. “I have never made fun of people from other parts of Spain.”

9. “Enough with those Julio Iglesias memes!”

10. “Of course I trust politicians!”

11. “Of course I trust banks!”

12. “Of course I trust the EU!”

13. “I just told my boss I won’t be taking any holidays this year, they’re just a waste of time.”

14. “An empty bar? Cool! We’ll be more comfortable here.”

15. “National Lottery spots are so much better now. It was about time they got rid of the bald guy.”

16. “C’mon, we are as civilized as Denmark.”

17. “I love Angela Merkel.”

18. “Tortilla de patatas is overrated”.

19. “Grapes for New Year’s Eve? What a silly idea, a normal countdown is more than enough.”

20. “Jordi Hurtado looks so old.”

21. “There are just not enough movies about the Civil War.”

22. “I don’t think I’ve ever watched a football match.”

23. “What time should we have dinner? Shall I book a table for 8pm?”

24. “Yeah, I quit the job. They expected me to work extra hours for free!”

25. “I don’t know anything about this topic, I’ll just listen to you discuss it.”

26. “Friday night was wild, man. We were out partying until 4am!”

27. “I don’t have an opinion on Catalonia.”

28. “I don’t have an opinion on Podemos.”

29. “It was so uncomfortable when this guy I was meeting for the first time tried to kiss me on the cheeks…”

30. “Mom says it’s ok if I don’t go back for Christmas.”

31. “Mom says it’s ok if we only speak once a month.”

32. “Perfect weather for sandals with socks!”

33. “I’ve just received a certified letter from Hacienda, I’m sure it’s good news.”

34. “Let’s go to this bar where they never give you a free tapa with your drink.”

35. “I won’t fight over those puentes, I’ll let my coworkers take them.”

Source: Matadornetwork

Do you like Spain? Present perfect Exercise 2

Fill in the gaps in the dialogue with Present perfect.

David: So, Jill, how are you enjoying your time in Madrid?

Jill: Oh! I’m having a marvelous time, I really wish I could stay for longer.

David: Really? What___________ you ___________ (do) so far?

Jill: Well, quite a lot actually. Since the weather has been so hot I ___________ (be) to the pool a few times. I ___________ actually ___________ (be) to some natural pools somewhere in the north, not too far from Madrid, I can’t remember the name…

David: May it be Rascafría?

Jill: That’s right! I really liked it. It was great to dip into the cold water in such heat. The sight of the mountains in the background is amazing.

David: True. I love that place too. What else ___________you ___________(do)?

Jill: Well, let me think… I ___________ (eat) some typical Spanish dishes. I love Spanish cooking!

David: Really? What’s your favourite dish?

Jill: I ___________ (try) so many things recently that it’s hard to say! I ___________ (have) paella, tortilla, cocido in spite of the heat… I ___________ (try) a bit of jamón and chorizo…

David: ___________ you ___________ (try) ensaladilla rusa?

Jill: No, I ______________ (not/try) that yet. I think my two favourite things so far are tortilla and jamón serrano.

David: What about drinks?

Jill: I ___________, of course, ___________ (drink) quite a few tintos de verano and I ________________ (taste) some Spanish beers but they seem too weak to me. Although it’s probably the right thing to drink in such heat!

David: ___________ you___________ (visit) any museums?

Jill: Sure. I love art so I ________________ (be) to the ‘3 big ones’, Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofía. However, I _______________ (not /visit) any other type of museums yet. I _______________ (go) up to the Circulo de Bellas Artes rooftop though. It was really cool!

David: Sure it is, but that doesn’t count as ‘art’. ___________ you ___________ (do) any sight-seeing?

Jill: Not really, I ________________ (not/do) much due to the heat. I ___________ (see) the Cibeles and the Royal Palace. I’ll try to do more next time I come to Madrid.

David: Great. Do not hesitate to ask me for advice if you need any.

Jill: Thank you!

Answers

Do you like Spain? Present perfect Exercise 2 Answers

 Fill in the gaps in the dialogue with Present perfect.

David: So, Jill, how are you enjoying your time in Madrid?

Jill: Oh! I’m having a marvelous time, I really wish I could stay for longer.

David: Really? What have you done so far?

Jill: Well, quite a lot actually. Since the weather has been so hot I have been to the pool a few times. I have actually been to some natural pools somewhere in the north, not too far from Madrid, I can’t remember the name…

David: May it be Rascafría?

Jill: That’s right! I really liked it. It was great to dip into the cold water in such heat. The sight of the mountains in the background is amazing.

David: True. I love that place too. What else have you done?

Jill: Well, let me think… I have eaten some typical Spanish dishes. I love Spanish cooking!

David: Really? What’s your favourite dish?

Jill: I have tried so many things recently that it’s hard to say! I have had paella, tortilla, cocido in spite of the heat… I have tried a bit of jamón and chorizo…

David: Have you tried ensaladilla rusa?

Jill: No, I haven’t tried that yet. I think my two favourite things so far are tortilla and jamón serrano.

David: What about drinks?

Jill: I have, of course, drunk quite a few tintos de verano and I have tasted some Spanish beers but they seem too weak to me. Although it’s probably the right thing to drink in such heat!

David: Have you visited any museums?

Jill: Sure. I love art so I have been to the ‘3 big ones’, Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofía. However, I haven’t visited any other type of museums yet. I have gone up to the Circulo de Bellas Artes rooftop though. It was really cool!

David: Sure it is, but that doesn’t count as ‘art’! Have you done any sight-seeing?

Jill: Not really, I haven’t done much due to the heat. I have seen the Cibeles and the Royal Palace. I’ll try to do more next time I come to Madrid.

David: Great. Do not hesitate to ask me for advice if you need any.

Jill: Thank you!