a compilation of newsticker articles with exercises ... · service includes recipes, cooking...

A compilation of newsTicker articles

with Exercises

NOVEMBER 200�

Contents

FRIED FOODSDon‘t we have enough already? 4

COFFEE BENEFITS HEALTHReduces risk of diabetes 6

YAHOO FOODWhat are you hungry for? 8

PICTURE BOOKSHelp toddlers learn 10

POP QUEEN KYLIEGoes on show at British museum 12

GENESIS BACK TO BEGINNINGAging rockers on tour 14

SEA URCHINSGene map surprising 16

MATHER’S MANNERSMaketh millionaires 18

AIR GUITAR T-SHIRTThe ‚wearable instrument‘ 20

OUT IN ALL WEATHERSSecret garden nursery 22

KEEP SMILINGHappy people suffer fewer colds 24

SEATTLE BEVERAGE FIRMOffers pea-flavored soft drink 26

GUEST-WORKER PROGRAMMost Americans supportive 28

DAVID BLAINE STUNTEnds with a crash in NY 30

COBAIN EARNS MORE THAN ELVISWealthiest dead celeb 32

ROYAL QUIRKSStories unveiled 34

�

FRIED FOODSDon‘t we have enough already?

2006-11-03

There’s a new fast food out and it’s making a hit. Come

and get your fried Coke!

Abel Gonzales from Dallas, Texas came up with the

perfect recipe for the tasty treat. He created a batter made with Coca-Cola syrup, strawberry syrup and a few strawberries. The batter is formed into balls and deep-fried. The balls are served in a cup and topped with Coca-Cola syrup, whipped cream, cinnamon sugar and a cherry on top.

Gonzales debuted his concoction at the State Fair of Texas. His dessert was so successful that Gonzales

sold 35,000 servings at $4.40 each in 24 days. He also won an award for inventing the most “creative” food.

Other fairs in North Carolina and Arizona are following the trend, and trying to top Gonzales’ recipe.

A view of a new fast food making its debut at U.S.

fairs this fall -- fried Coke

Exercise

�

Read the article and complete the following activities.

1. How much money did Gonzales make at the fair?

2. Explain why you think fried Coke would or wouldn’t be popular where you live.

3. Is fried Coke a healthy dessert? Explain.

�. Invent a recipe using Coke. Share your ideas with the class.

�

COFFEE BENEFITS HEALTHReduces risk of diabetes

2006-11-07

Research shows that people who drink coffee

have a much lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who do not.

The study was conducted by Besa Smith and

other investigators at the University of California San Diego. The researchers studied 910 men and women who did not have diabetes when the study began. Eight years later, in a follow up exam, the former and current coffee drinkers were found to be 60 percent less likely to have type 2 diabetes.

The protective effects were still seen after the researchers adjusted the data for variations in

physical activity, weight and blood pressure.

The researchers are uncertain as to the amount of coffee people need to drink

in order to obtain its healthy benefits.

Coffee break

Exercise

�

Read the article and answer the following questions.

1. How does coffee benefit your health?

2. Does coffee have any negative side effects? If so, what are they?

3. Do people in your country drink more coffee or tea? Have you heard of Starbucks coffee? What is so unique about their coffee drinks? What are some of the ingredients?

�

YAHOO FOODWhat are you hungry for?

2006-11-08

Yahoo is offering a new food service to its users. The

service includes recipes, cooking techniques and advice, cooking guides and the answer to the question: What’s for dinner?

The service is available to the U.S. market and in

2007 will expand its service to Australia, Britain and Canada.

Participants include Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc., Everyday with Rachael Ray,

Epicurious, allrecipes.com, Cook’s Illustrated, Eating Well, Taste of Home, and Reader’s Digest.

By logging on to Yahoo Food (http://food.yahoo.com/), users can access a recipe database and

get in contact with other like-minded people who share a love for food and cooking. Information can be searched for by entering ingredients, cuisine, foods for special occasions and meals.

Duck liver is served at French Restaurant Jean

Ramet in Bordeaux

Exercise

�

Read the article and complete the activities.

1. Work in pairs. Answer the question...What’s for dinner? Plan a simple dinner menu. Exchange menus with another pair and look up recipes for the foods on the menu. List the ingredients and the instructions.

2. Share the menus with the class and take a vote to see which one is:

-the easiest to prepare-the most economical-the most delicious

10

PICTURE BOOKSHelp toddlers learn

2006-11-13

Picture books do more than just entertain young

children; they teach them how to function in the world.

Researchers from the University of Queensland

and the University of Virginia conducted a study on 132 children from 30 months and under to see if they could mimic the same actions they saw in picture books.

The test results showed that when the children had been read a book with photographs about how to

build a simple rattle, the majority of them were able to follow the same steps. But those who didn’t have the example of the pictures to refer to weren’t able to do it.

Researcher Gabrielle Simcock said the common interaction of reading to children

early on in their lives provides important information about the world around them.

Kindergarten students

Exercise

11


1. What kinds of picture books do you think are appealing to young children? What were your favorite books as a kid?

2. What is the best book you have ever read? Why did it make an impact on you?

3. Write a short book review about your favorite book and share it with the class.

12

POP QUEEN KYLIEGoes on show at British museum

2006-11-14

The multitalented Kylie Minogue will have an

exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The exhibition will show how pop stars like Minogue

and Madonna have stayed on top in the world of show business despite the changing times and fashions. Minogue is expected to open the exhibition next February when she is on tour in Britain.

The exhibit will include clothes from her days as a soap

star actress and pants that she wore during her “Spinning Around” video in 2000. Minogue has also donated many of her hats and dresses from her 9 music tours to be put on display at the museum.

Apart from singing and acting, Minogue is dabbling in fashion and has just written her first children’s book.

Australian singer Minogue launches her

children’s book “The Showgirl Princess” in central London

Exercise

13


1. Name some of Kylie Minogue’s accomplishments.

2. Would you like to visit the exhibition featuring the pop stars? Why or why not? What kind of people do you think would enjoy it? Explain.

3. What is the most interesting museum or exhibition you have ever seen? Where was it and what did you see? Why was it so memorable?

1�

GENESIS BACK TO BEGINNINGAging rockers on tour

2006-11-15

The famed group Genesis announced their plans for

an international tour in 2007.

Record executives say that older bands can earn

a lot of money by touring because the ticket buyers tend to be an older crowd with more money. The group claims, however, that they are not in it for the money.

Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks say they are great

friends and have gotten together many times since Collins left the band for a solo career. During the years they have discussed touring again together but it never worked out until now. The band will perform in Scandinavia, Europe, Britain and the U.S.

Genesis isn’t alone. Other older groups to hit the road include the Rolling Stones, Duran Duran and Queen.

Banks, Collins and Rutherford

of the rock group Genesis pose at a news conference

in London

Exercise

1�


1. What are some of Genesis’s most popular songs?

2. What do you think about the older bands still performing? Do you think they should keep giving concerts or retire and let new the new groups take their place?

3. Why do you think these bands still go on tour? Explain.

�. Choose one of the groups listed in the article and say which band you would like to see in concert and why.

1�

SEA URCHINSGene map surprising

2006-11-16

Researchers have discovered that sea urchins share

many of the same genes as humans and are much more closely related than previously thought.

Sea urchins have the same genes that make

people see and smell. They also have genes related to illnesses including Huntington’s and muscular dystrophy. These similarities help scientists understand these diseases.

The sea urchin is a small animal that lives at the bottom of the sea. It has long sharp spines and varies in color.

This creature shares over 7,000 genes with humans.

By comparing human genes with these curious animals, scientists can learn more about how

and why genes evolve. They can later apply this information when researching possible cures or treatments for human illnesses.

Purple sea urchins graze on the

remains of a giant kelp in Carmel

Bay in California

Exercise

1�

Visit the website below to find out more about sea urchins.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_urchin

1. Where can you find sea urchins?

2. What do scientists call their shell?

3. Where did this animal’s name come from and what does it mean?

�. What are some of its common colors?

�. What is unique about the phylum Echinodermata species?

1�

MATHER’S MANNERS

2006-11-17

In the world of business, manners make a

big difference.

Etiquette expert Diana Mather teaches people

about international protocol and how to behave like a gentleman or a lady. Mather was the host at a recent weekend workshop in a Scottish castle where she taught guests the “do’s and don’ts” of manners.

Businessmen, academics and diplomats attended the weekend gathering. Apart from traditional

country activities including bridge, clay pigeon shooting and Scottish dancing, the participants were trained in proper etiquette and charm to help gain them the cutting edge in their professional lives.

The British have always been known for their impeccable manners and politeness, but many

are concerned they are losing their good reputation because of young hooligans and their rowdy behavior.

Men wearing bowler hats on the opening day of Fashion

Week in New York City

Maketh millionaires

Exercise

1�

Complete the following activities.

1. Write 3 examples of good manners. Now write three examples of bad manners.

2. How can someone change their bad habits into good habits?

3. Why are good manners important in society? Explain.

20

AIR GUITAR T-SHIRT

2006-11-20

Scientists from Australia have created a unique t-

shirt, one you can wear and play air guitar music on.

Scientists from the Commonwealth

Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) have dubbed it the “wearable instrument”. Their invention brings clothing into the world of entertainment.

The shirt is equipped with sensors in the elbows and sleeves that detect movements in the arms. The air

guitarist can form chords while strumming with the other hand on the imaginary strings. The movements are then connected to recorded guitar music to generate sound.

The creators, made up of computer experts, musical composers and textile manufactures,

assure that the t-shirt is simple and fun to use and even allows the guitarist to move about freely.

A man performs during the regional finals

of the US Air Guitar Champions in New York

The ‚wearable instrument‘

Exercise

21


1. Look at the picture. Describe what the man is doing.

2. What is “air guitar”? How do you do it? What do you need?

3. Design your own air guitar t-shirt. Describe what it would look like, decoration, color, etc. and its functions. Compare your creation with your classmates’ shirts and see who has the most original and functional t-shirt.

22

OUT IN ALL WEATHERS

2006-11-21

Child care provider Cathy Bache creates a unique

environment for her toddlers. She spends every day, rain or shine, outside letting them explore nature.

Bache has 22 years of experience teaching young children

and she insists that outdoor education is the way to go. Bache explains that when caring for 17 toddlers, space and outdoor activities are key to keeping them entertained and happy, regardless of inclement weather.

Instead of being stuck inside small areas with no room to freely move about, Bache has the

children spend the entire day outside investigating the world around them. The children play in the garden, explore the woods and get dirty.

Her new all outdoor nursery, The Secret Garden, is due to open next fall in Scotland.

Hyde Park

Secret garden nursery

Exercise

23


1. Would like to attend an all outdoor school? Why or why not?

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of an outdoor school?

3. Think of at least three activities that toddlers can do outside to learn about nature.

2�

KEEP SMILING

2006-11-22

Positive attitudes may help you avoid colds,

according to a recent study.

Keeping yourself happy through the winter months

could be your best defense for battling and avoiding illnesses.

In a study conducted by Dr. Sheldon Cohen, volunteers were tested

on their “emotional style” to see if they were generally positive or negative people.

Next, researchers gave the participants nasal drops containing either a cold virus or a

particular flu virus that causes cold-like symptoms. The volunteers then reported on any aches, pains, sneezing or congestion they had.

Cohen and his colleagues found that happy people were less likely to develop a cold. What’s more, when happy

folks did develop a cold, their self-rated symptoms were less severe than those with a negative emotional style.

Young villagers smile

Happy people suffer fewer colds

Exercise

2�


1. Why do you think happy people are healthier? What explanation can you give?

2. In what ways can your emotional state affect you mentally and physically?

3. What things make you happy? Discuss as a class.

2�

SEATTLE BEVERAGE FIRM

2006-11-28

Seattle is not only known for its coffee; it is also

gaining recognition for its original soft drink flavors.

The Jones Soda Company sells traditional soda flavors

including some more exotic ones like fufu berry and green apple. But the company has branched out offering a variety of new flavors such as broccoli casserole, corn on the cob and Brussel sprout.

This year the company will be offering a holiday soda pack that includes turkey and gravy, sweet

potato, antacid and its newest addition, green pea. The pack costs about $10-$15 dollars.

Other non-traditional flavors include Salmon and Fish Taco. Peter van Stolk, chief executive

of Jones Soda, said it was beyond him why anyone would want to drink the beverages.

New Flavors

Offers pea-flavored soft drink

Exercise

2�


1. What flavor sounds the most appetizing to you? What flavor do you think is the most disgusting?

2. Invent three new flavors and present them to the class. Take a vote to see which ones are the most popular.

3. Imagine you have to make a presentation for your new flavor ideas. How would you advertise them? How would you describe them? Who do you think would be most likely to buy them?

2�

GUEST-WORKER PROGRAM

2006-11-29

The majority of Americans are in favor of a guest-

worker program for illegal immigrants but also agree that more should be done to prevent additional illegals from sneaking into the country.

A study conducted by Quinnipiac University found that 69

percent of American voters believe illegal immigrants should be allowed to work temporarily while working on attaining their citizenship. Seventy-one percent also said they want Congress to close the borders to keep out future illegals.

Sixty-five percent of voters support laws in their own community to fine businesses

hiring illegal immigrants, reported the poll.

“Americans think more needs to be done to deal with illegal immigration, and they want it

done in their own neighborhoods as well,” said Maurice Carroll director of the Polling Institute.

Protesters for immigrant rights march past

the Capitol Building in Washington

Most Americans supportive

Exercise

2�

Answer the statements with either True or False. Make all false statements true.

1. Many agree that the border should stay open.

2. People want local businesses to stop hiring illegal immigrants.

3. U.S. citizens don’t want illegals working in the country.

�. Many Americans believe illegal immigrants should not be granted U.S. citizenship, but only temporary work permits.

30

DAVID BLAINE STUNT2006-11-30

The famed stuntman David Blaine just completed his

latest trick as he escaped from shackles while hanging 50 feet above New York’s Time Square.

Blaine spent two days in a gyroscope twisting and

turning while suspended upside down high up in the air. Blaine was able to free himself from the chains in a half an hour. Once free, he jumped to a wooden stage below and crashed through it.

The magician appeared to be dizzy, but he was able to walk and greet the onlookers

who had gathered at the event after watching New York’s famed Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Some of Blaine’s other stunts include locking himself in a fishbowl, a block of ice and a coffin.

Magician David Blaine throws his jacket to the crowd while performing his latest stunt in

New York, November 23, 2006

Ends with a crash in NY

Exercise

31


1. What do you think is Blaine’s most daring stunt and why?

2. What would you like to see Blaine do for his next trick?

3. Why do you think Blaine does these crazy stunts?

�. Name another magician/stuntman who was world famous for his risky tricks.

32

COBAIN EARNS MORE THAN ELVIS

2006-10-31

Legendary performer Elvis Presley had to bow down to

Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain as the top-earning dead celebrity.

According to Forbes.com’s list, rocker Cobain earned

$50 million dollars in one year, with Presley coming in second with $42 million. Forbes.com gets its information by calculating dollar amounts on licensing agreements that use the deceased celebrities’work.

Courtney Love, Cobain’s widow, bumped him up to the top spot on the list by selling 25 percent of

Nirvana’s song rights to PrimeWave publishing company.

Other famous deceased earners include, “Peanuts” cartoon strip creator Charles Schulz at $35

million, Beatle legend John Lennon at $24 million and physicist Albert Einstein at $20 million. Also on the list are jazzman Ray Charles, actress Marilyn Monroe and reggae superstar Bob Marley.

Kurt Cobain is seen performing in Los Angeles

Wealthiest dead celeb

Exercise

33


1. What made Cobain top Elvis in sales?

2. Name at least three characters from the “Peanuts” cartoon strip.

3. What were some of Albert Einstein’s contributions to science?

3�

ROYAL QUIRKS

2006-09-29

Thomas Blaikie shares some of the secret quirks in his

second royal trivia book.

Blaikie searched the archives in his collection of memoirs

from the royal dressmaker, portrait painter and novelist Barbara Cartland for any new juicy tidbits for his next royal work of art.

He has found a few worth sharing with the public. The Queen Mother, for instance, never had to open or

close her bedroom curtains during the 20th century.

Prince Charles does not escape mockery either. Overawed on meeting Hollywood legend Lauren

Bacall, he spluttered, “I so enjoyed your black-and-white films.” “I’m not that old, prince,” she growled back.

Tony Blair’s wife is also said to have told Princess Anne: “Do call me Cherie.” Her

frosty reply: “I think not, actually.”

Britain’s royal family

Stories unveiled

Exercise

3�


1. Work in pairs. Find out what your partner’s quirks are. Do you have any in common?

2. Would you read a book about the royal family’s quirks? Why or why not?

3. If you could interview any famous person about their personal habits or quirks, who would it be? Write three questions you would ask.

a compilation of newsticker articles with exercises ... · service includes recipes, cooking...

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