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Friday, March 8, 2013

DIDO IS BACK!

Dido is back! The Mega Successful English singer-songwriter released the highly anticipated “Girl Who Got Away” early this month! Already climbing up the international iTune charts, Dido is on track for a fantastic 2013!

Where did Dido go? What has this wonderful singer been doing?

Dido: “I haven’t been in front of another human being for 5 years…Time does seem to sort of slip away. There’s been so much else going on in my life. I got married, then I got pregnant and wanted to hang out with my family, a lot of amazing stuff. I have just been enjoying being me and having a family.”

Dido now has a 2-year-old son named Stanley with British screenwriter Rohan Gavin.

Why did Dido come up of retirement?

Dido: “I don’t know a life without music. I don’t really know a day without music…I see the world in songs.”

Did the birth of her son impact her latest album Girl Who Got Away?

No, because he wasn’t born yet. However, young Stanley was in the womb while Dido was recording Girl Who Got Away.

Dido: “I recorded a lot of my vocals while I was pregnant. When I was singing Girl Who Got Away in the studio, Stanley was kicking so hard, it felt like he could hear it. What’s crazy is that song always calms him down. If he’s screaming in the night, I just sing it and he stops and listens.”

How does Dido feel about motherhood?

Elated!

Dido: “Stanley’s two and recently it’s been a lot of fun, ‘cause he loves music, he loves drumming, he loves joining in band rehearsals, he’s just so excited. It’s so nice seeing it through someone else’s eyes, a proper, fresh perspective.”

Cheers to a successful return! We are glad to see Dido back on the international music scene! Here is the lead single Freedom (Lyrics Below)!

Language Learning Section

This week some more music to expand your Karaoke repertoire!

To help remember the words, listen to the song once or twice to get a feeling for it.

Now listen again and fill in the blanks with the missing word or words you hear. Some blanks are missing one word but others are missing more than one word.

Just to let you know, the words that are missing are key words/ideas from the song. Also, the missing words are high frequency words (answer transcript below). Enjoy!

DIDO

"No Freedom" Lyrics

Take it by ________.

That I'm free ________.

By the ________ I can tell

You don't think I'll be back for more

Try to think of the world

Where you could ________ and these safe hands could ________

Take your heart above the ________.

Wherever I choose to go

No love without freedom

________

Even when you don't ________

Even when you don't _________

I'll be ________ low below the ________

And you'll ________all out here

No love without freedom

________

No love without freedom

________

Standing here in ________

The ________ in front of me

Holding you in ________

And seeing as _________

No love without freedom

__________

Answer Transcript

DIDO

"No Freedom" Lyrics

Take it by your silence

That I'm free to walk out the door

By the look in your eyes I can tell

You don't think I'll be back for more

Try to think of the world

Where you could stay and these safe hands could go

Take your heart above the water

Wherever I choose to go

No love without freedom

No freedom without love

Even when you don't see me

Even when you don't hear

I'll be flying low below the sun

And you'll feel it all out here

No love without freedom

No freedom without love

No love without freedom

No freedom without love

Standing here in silence

The world in front of me

Holding you in my hand

And seeing as you'd see

No love without freedom

No freedom without love

Have a great week and to all the women out there, HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!

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Always happy to meet new people! See you next week!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Skyfall a Big Hit at the Oscars!

Skyfall wins Best Original Song at the Oscars!

Adele took the 85^th Academy Awards (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) by storm this year with a sizzling, powerful vocal performance of Skyfall! After enthralling and memorizing a celebrity filled audience, Adele went on to claim an Oscar, with the famous British music producer Paul Epworth, for the Best Original Song of 2012!

“THIS IS THE END”

Skyfall opens with a wonderful, bluesy style and a catch line that screams for attention!

However, the song doesn’t stray too far from the original music themes of the James Bond movie series. A common formula for success!

Background

Paul Epworth and Adele did a fantastic job of composing Skyfall. Paul created the tune and Adele put the lyrics to Skyfall. Paul created the tune after listening to the first 13 James Bond movies. Adele loved the dark, haunting ballad sound and put words to Skyfall in a draft form in 10 minutes. And of course, after a lot of hard studio work, Skyfall was created! Take a listen and enjoy!

Language Learning Section

Instructions

First, listen to the Song Skyfall by Adele.

Next, fill in the blanks with the missing verb forms. If this is difficult listen again a few more times. Listening Hint - most of the missing words are repeated in the song over and over. Finally, check your answers below and look up any new words.

Enjoy while you Listen and Practice!

Skyfall Practice Listening: High Frequency Verb forms

THIS IS THE END

______ your breath and ______ to ten

______the earth ______ and then

______ my heart ______ again

For this is the end

I've ______ and ______this moment

So overdue, I ______ them

______, I'm stolen

Let the sky fall, when it ______

And ______ it all together

Let the sky fall, when it crumbles

We will stand tall

And face it all together

At sky fall

Skyfall is where we start

A thousand miles and poles apart

Where worlds ______ and days are dark

You may have my number, You can take my name

But you'll never ______ my heart

Let the sky fall, when it crumbles

We will stand tall

And face it all together

Let the sky fall, when it crumbles

We will stand tall

And face it all together

At sky fall

(Let the sky fall, When it crumbles, We will stand tall x2)

Where you go I go

What you see I see

I ______ I'd never be me without the security

Are your loving arms ______ me from harm

______ your hand in my hand and we'll stand

Let the sky fall, when it crumbles

We will stand tall

And face it all together

Let the sky fall, when it crumbles

We will stand tall

And face it all together

At sky fall

Let the sky fall

We will stand tall

At sky falls

Ooooo...

Answers

Take a look at the Skyfall lyrics and fill in the verb forms you missed. Then listen to Skyfall again; especially to the parts or words you found difficult. And, of course, try singing Skyfall with your friends at your next karaoke party!The words will come easy now!

THIS IS THE END

Hold your breath and count to ten

Feel the earth move and then

Hear my heart burst again

For this is the end

I've drowned and dreamt this moment

So overdue, I owe them

Swept away, I'm stolen

Let the sky fall, when it crumbles

We will stand tall

And face it all together

Let the sky fall, when it crumbles

We will stand tall

And face it all together

At sky fall

Skyfall is where we start

A thousand miles and poles apart

Where worlds collide and days are dark

You may have my number, You can take my name

But you'll never have my heart

Let the sky fall, when it crumbles

We will stand tall

And face it all together

Let the sky fall, when it crumbles

We will stand tall

And face it all together

At sky fall

(Let the sky fall, When it crumbles, We will stand tall x2)

Where you go I go

What you see I see

I know I'd never be me without the security

Are your loving arms keeping me from harm

Put your hand in my hand and we'll stand

Let the sky fall, when it crumbles

We will stand tall

And face it all together

Let the sky fall, when it crumbles

We will stand tall

And face it all together

At sky fall

Let the sky fall

We will stand tall

At sky falls

Ooooo...

Until next week enjoy some more of the fabulous Adele!

MORE James Bond!

Do you have what it takes to be James Bond? Celebrity English

Do you have what it takes to be James Bond?
http://celebrityenglish-alex.blogspot.ca/2012/11/do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-be-james.html

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Always happy to meet new people! See you next week!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Justin Bieber - Mistletoe

Christmas is almost here! Trees are decorated, parties are happening and Christmas music is everywhere! Justin Bieber’s song "Mistletoe"is back on the air and in the stores! It debuted in 2011 and is still on many people’s Xmas music play list. So don’t be surprised if you keep hearing this song wherever you go!

Check out the video and try to fill in the missing blanks below. Enjoy!

"Mistletoe" by Justin Bieber

It’s the most beautiful time of the year

Lights fill the streets spreading so much cheer

I should be playing in the winter snow

But I'mma be under the mistletoe

I don’t wanna miss out on the holiday

But I can’t stop staring at your face

I should be playing in the winter snow

But I’mma be under the 1________

With you, shawty with you

With you under the mistletoe

Everyone's gathering around the fire

2________roasting like a hot July

I should be chilling with 3________, I know

But I’mma be under the mistletoe

Word on the street 4________'s coming tonight,

5________'s flying through the sky so high

I should be 6________, I know

But I’mma be under the mistletoe

With you, shawty with you

With you under the mistletoe

With you, shawty with you

With you under the mistletoe

Aye, love, the 7_______followed the star

The way I followed my heart

And it led me to a 8________

Aye, love, don't you buy me nothing

'cause I am feeling one thing, your lips on my lips

That’s a merry, 9________

It’s the most beautiful time of the year

Lights fill the streets spreading so much cheer

I should be playing in the winter snow

But I’mma be under the mistletoe

I don’t wanna miss out on the holiday

But I can’t stop staring at your face

I should be playing in the winter snow

But I’mma be under the mistletoe

With you, shawty with you

With you under the mistletoe

With you, shawty with you

With you, under the mistletoe, under the mistletoe

Kiss me underneath the mistletoe

Show me baby that you love me so-oh-oh

Oh, oh, ohhh

Kiss me underneath the mistletoe,

Show me baby that you love me so-oh-oh

Oh, oh, ohhh

Listening Answers

1. mistletoe

2. Chestnuts

3. my folks

4. Santa

5. Reindeer

6. making a list

7. wise men

8. miracle

9. merry Christmas

Ok, now go through the video one more time and answer the Comprehension Questions below. However to help you out, I have given you the meanings to some of the key slang terms from the song.

Slang Terms & Meanings from Justin Bieber

wanna = want to

imma be = I am going to be.

a "shawty" = a pretty girl.

Comprehension Questions

(1)What is mistletoe?

A plant; see picture of Mickey and Minnie under the mistletoe below.

(2)What usually happens under the mistletoe?

Christmas custom, any two people who meet under a hanging of mistletoe are obliged to kiss.

(3)Does Justin Bieber want a Christmas gift from his girlfriend?

No.

(4)What does Justin Bieber want to do for Christmas?

He wants to be together with his girlfriend under the mistletoe.

(5)What are some of the Christmas activities that Justin Bieber feels he ‘should be’ doing?

He should be: playing in the winter snow, chilling with his folks, making a list.

Happy Holidays!

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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Do you have what it takes to be James Bond?

The latest release of Skyfall marked the 50th anniversary of the James Bond 007 film franchise. Currently Daniel Craig is starring as the legendary 007 British Spy. Adventure, intrigue, cars, women/men, futuristic gadgets, “saving the world” are all part of the James Bond "cloak and dagger lifestyle".

This week I started to wonder what it takes to be a real spy. So in the tradition of James Bond I based this Celebrity English feature on a mixture of MI5 and MI6 security services.

Here are some of the highlights I found.

Eligibility

Need to be a British citizen of the home country; however there are some exceptions.

21 years old (+).

Able to pass a high Security Clearance.

Pass the medical test; physical and mental.

Personal Attributes

Personal Integrity

Working with Others / Teamwork

Planning and Organizing

Analysis and Problem Solving

Leading and Decision-Making

Communicating

Innovative

Strong Desire to make a difference in the world!

Recruiting Areas

“The roles for which we recruit fall into the following areas:

Degrees ranging from Architecture to Zoology from 36 different universities have joined us as Intelligence Officers over the last two years. We also have opportunities for people with a range of technical, vocational or professional qualifications, from IT or Electronics to Carpentry or Accountancy.”

Common Jobs in the Secret Service

Intelligence Delivery Officers - Collecting, analyzing and reporting global secret intelligence.

Administrators - Assisting with the essential daily running of the organization, through a broad range of administrative tasks.

Technology - ensuring we have secure, innovative IT systems to communicate internationally.

Corporate Services - Working with a range of departments such as HR and Finance.

Language Specialists - Translating raw intelligence in many different languages and dialects from both written and spoken sources.

Benefits

Continued training in your field.

Salary similar to many other organizations. Depends on skill, experience, and performance.

Pension scheme comparable with the Civil Service.

Maternity and paternity leave.

25 days’ annual leave rising to 30 days after five years service (even a spy needs a few days off!)

Current Employment Vacancies

Business Analysts

Business Relationship Managers

Data and Information Professionals

Forensic Speech & Language Specialist

Internet Investigation, Exploitation and Cyber Security

Specialists

Portfolio Managers

Speech Technician

Strategy, Architecture, IT Security and Testing Specialists

IT Technical Operations roles

IT Service Management roles

Intelligence Officer

Project Managers

Service Desk Analyst

Information Specialist

Application Support Analysts

Network Systems Engineers

Administrator

Language Specialist

Transport Supervisors

Facilities Assistants

So now can you pass the test to become like James Bond?

Here are a few to try out:

(1)Try our Intelligence Officer challenge, which will test your ability to maintain a simple cover story.

https://www.sis.gov.uk/careers/roles/intelligence-officer/test-your-skills.html

(2)Investigative Challenge - Intelligence Officers and Intelligence Analysts

https://www.mi5.gov.uk/careers/investigative-challenge.aspx

(3)Listening Challenge - English Language Analysts

https://www.mi5.gov.uk/careers/listening-challenge.aspx

(4)Digital Intelligence Challenge - Internet Investigation, Exploitation and Cyber Security Specialists

https://www.mi5.gov.uk/careers/use-your-it-skills.aspx

Language Learning Section

Here are some common words you will hear in Spy Movies. Test Yourself for Fun! What do the following words mean? Just put a few notes or ideas beside each word.

Espionage

MI6

CIA

A spy

A terrorist

To do/conduct surveillance

A bug

Cloak and dagger

Answers and More Espionage Vocabulary!

Verbs

to be classified: something that is considered confidential or secret information; need a high level security clearance to view the information.

to do/conduct surveillance: the act of carefully watching someone or something especially in order to prevent or detect a crime.

to stake out: to do surveillance.

to spy : to watch secretly usually for hostile purposes.

to have one's cover blown: you have been exposed as being a spy.

to keep/maintain a low profile: to behave in a way that does not attract attention.

to sabotage: something: the act of destroying or damaging something deliberately so that it does.

to destroy something : to cause (something) to end or no longer exist : to cause the destruction of.

Adjectives

undercover: acting or executed in secret; specifically : employed or engaged in spying or secret investigation <an undercover agent/police officer>.

clandestine: done in a private place or way : done secretly. <clandestine activities/organization>.

Nouns

Espionage: ,or spying, involves a government or individual obtaining information that is

considered secret or confidential without the permission of the holder of the information.

a spy: (1)one who keeps secret watch on a person or thing to obtain information (2) a person employed by one nation to secretly convey classified information of strategic importance to another nation; also : a person who conveys the trade secrets of one company to another.

an operative: a secret agent; a person who works toward achieving the objectives of a larger interest <political operatives>.

a bug: a small hidden microphone (listening device) that is used to secretly listen to and record people.

a conspiracy: an agreement by 2 or more people to commit a crime.

a covert operation : a plan made in a way that is not easily seen or noticed : secret or hidden.

a threat: an expression of intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage.

a bomb: a device that is designed to explode in order to injure or kill people or to damage or something.

terrorism: the use of violent acts to frighten the people in an area as a way of trying to achieve a political goal.

a terrorist: a person who uses or supports the use of terrorism <terrorist activities/attacks/bombings/threats> <a terrorist organization/group/network>.

a sleeper (agent): A sleeper agent is a person who is recruited to an intelligence service to wake up and perform a specific set of tasks or functions while living under cover in an area of interest.

a double agent: a spy pretending to serve one government while actually serving another.

Organizations

MI5: Military Intelligence, Section 5 - the United Kingdom's internal counter-intelligence.

MI6: Military Intelligence, Section 6 - the agency which supplies Her Majesty's Government with foreign intelligence.

FBI: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a governmental agency belonging to the United States Department of Justice that serves as both a federal criminal investigative body and an internal intelligence agency (counterintelligence).

CIA: The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is an independent civilian intelligence agency of the United States government. It is an executive agency and reports directly to the Director of National Intelligence.

Military: of or relating to soldiers or the armed forces (such as the army, navy, marines, and air force)

Expressions

behind closed doors: in private; only the people in the meeting know the information.

cloak and dagger: dealing in or suggestive of melodramatic intrigue and action usually involving secret agents and espionage <a cloak–and–dagger novel>.

Until next week! Enjoy the Skyfall trailer and the original Dr No.

More James Bond!

Skyfall a Big Hit at the Oscars!
http://celebrityenglish-alex.blogspot.ca/2013_02_24_archive.html

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http://celebrityenglish-alex.blogspot.com/

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