How do we say this word? – Pizza
As you know pizza is popular around the world, and you have probably eaten it several times this year. But have you ordered pizza in a native-English speaking country before? If you immigrate or study abroad, you probably will have to order it at some point, if not for yourself then for your friends or […]
PM and U.S. President Obama announce shared vision
I enjoy watching and listening to politicians give compelling speeches. Harper’s speech is pretty straight forward and easy to understand for all, with positive emotional content. It’s a good speech.
Tips and a Warning When Reading Body Language
Today I would like to both share with you some useful tips of body language and other non-verbal communication, as well as warn you not to think that a little bit of reading can turn you into Dr. Cal Lightman, from the TV show “Lie to Me.” That TV show is based on the real-life […]
It’s Like TTC is Reading My Mind! (Or This Blog?!?)
I was so pleasantly surprised Wednesday evening! I was on the subway, heading westbound to Jane, when at approx 6:11pm the train stopped at Dundas West station for a couple minutes. I was expecting to hear nothing about the delay, which would leave everyone wondering how long the delay would last. And what do you […]
TTC Recorded Voice vs. Live Person
If you take the TTC as often as I do, then you have heard both their recorded customer service announcements and you have also heard impromptu voices from the drivers of the trains. The recorded voices are professional, calm and informative. The loud speaker system doesn’t always work well unfortunately, but at least the voices […]
Toronto Man Follows HIs Dream to the UFC
“The biggest thing is if you have a dream, then just chance it […] you don’t need to give it up because you think you’re too old. If you want to do something, then just go out and do it.” – Sean Pierson, Toronto-based UFC Fighter. Entered the esteemed UFC octagon December 11, 2010, at […]
Asa on Larry King Live (Part 1)
This is a great interview of Larry King by ‘guest host’ and YouTube sensation Asa the comic. If you watch part 2 as well there is a very deep story about an interview Larry did with a paralyzed police officer many years back – powerful story. Larry is truly the king of interviews. Excellent voice […]
A Thank You Card is Classy
Today in the mail I received a Thank You card from Leon’s. Inside contained a hand-written note from Mike, the salesman who sold me my sofa a few weeks back (see previous post Mike Does Right at Leon’s). I think it’s great that a company is sending out thank you cards, and I think it […]
How a Waitress Can Earn a 1-Cent Tip
This story is about a harsh lesson learned for one Toronto waitress. A long time ago, maybe back in the early or mid-nineties, some members of my family were visiting Toronto (they don’t live here) to see a Blue Jays ball game. They stayed at the Skydome Hotel. That’s right – this story happened before […]
Accept, except, access, excess, etc.
This is a common speaking mistake. When English words have a double c (cc), we sometimes pronounce the first c as hard, like a K, and the second c soft, like an S. For example: “Accept” is pronounced AKSEPT, not ASSEPT. “Access” is pronounced AKSESS, not ASSESS. That’s a different word with a different meaning, […]