How to Negotiate without Compromising Everything

Hello everyone, How do you feel about this word ‘compromise’? Does it have a positive meaning for you, where you say to yourself “okay great, now we both (or all) will win. I love win-win situations”. Or does the word ‘compromise’ have a negative connotation to you, where you think “oh great, now I have […]

Is Spelling Really Important?

Yes and No. Proper spelling is important for written reports, essays and school assignments, as well as any and all business documents (including emails). BUT proper spelling is not important for understanding words and meaning in the sentence. Most people can read the sentences below and still understand the correct meaning (i.e. words) without much […]

CHINESE GUY EATS SOOO LOUD!

Hello Everyone, Isn’t it interesting when one makes fun of the stereotypes from one’s own culture? This is Peter Chao, and although he is Chinese, he actually does not have such a strong accent as embellished in his videos.  He lives in Vancouver, BC and in this video he seems to be annoyed at a […]

I Believe in the Power of You and I…or Me?

Can’t fool you and me: Grammarian says lyrics to ‘I Believe’ anthem flawed By Bruce Cheadle, The Canadian Press Feb 23, 9:00 am EST WHISTLER, B.C. – It has become as emblematic and familiar to TV viewers of the 2010 Winter Games as Alexandre Bilodeau, underperforming Canadian medal hopefuls and venue weather woes. But that […]

Help with Watching & Talking HOCKEY!

As you watch the 2010 Winter Olympics, there is not a sport more exciting to Canadians than Hockey. Watch the games and learn more with this vocabulary. Ask a Canadian or American to explain the ones you do not know. Enjoy! PEOPLE The Referees or “Refs” The Linesman/men The Players The Forwards The Defense The […]

Slang & Expressions from Snowboarding

There are over 370 terms, slang, idioms and expressions from the world of Snowboarding here, http://www.abc-of-snowboarding.com/snowboarddictionary.asp , including references to tricks, snow conditions, boarders, fans, and other people in the sport.  Too many to post but just click on the link and have fun learning how to talk like and understand a snowboarder.  Enjoy the […]

Olympics Vocabulary – Curling Glossary

In honor of our fabulous 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, I am posting some sports-related vocabulary and expressions, so that you may enjoy the games more and have a better chance of understanding the plays of the sports.  Enjoy! Curling Glossary (from http://www.ecf-web.org/glossary.html ) BACK LINE The line behind the house. Once crossed a stone is […]

Carrying Baggage? Let it go.

We talk about people having baggage, meaning that they have unresolved anger or other negative feelings for something that now affects their current situation. Baggage is simply unhealthy. Have a read: YOU PUT THE DEVIL OUT, BUT DID YOU LET HIM LEAVE HIS BAGS? You got out of a bad relationship because it was bad, […]

Do You Have “A News” or “Some News”?

I hear this mistake all the time, so I thought I should put it down here. In English we say “news” not “a news”. It is uncountable. Eg. Vanesa:  “I have some (good/bad/strange) news to tell you/share with you/for you!” Rob:  “Really?  What’s the (good/bad/strange) news?” Vanesa:  “I’m pregnant!!!” Rob:  (Faints…) So please do not […]