I found this video on Learning English bbc.com about some idioms with the color RED. It's sort of silly, but I liked it!!! Also, you can find other short videos with other idioms and other colors.
Here's the link:
segunda-feira, 18 de julho de 2011
terça-feira, 7 de junho de 2011
KOLT
Listen up lovers of good music!!!!!!
Here's a video from a band called KOLT playing "Time" from Pink Floyd.
The drummer happens to be my student. He doesn't do his English homework because he's always busy with his music, hehe!
Congrats Guilherme and band, you guys are amazing musicians!!!!
links from KOLT videos:
segunda-feira, 6 de junho de 2011
The best blogs of 2011
Hey everyone!
I love blogs!!!! And here's a list of the best blogs of 2011 according to time.com
Best Blogs of 2011
- The Everywhereist
- The Big Picture
- The Truth About Cars
- OkTrends
- Videogum
- This Is My Next
- The Hairpin
- By Ken Levine
- Economix
- MLB Trade Rumors
- Get Rich Slowly
- Red Carpet Fashion Awards
- Ta-Nehisi Coates
- Catalog Living
- A Hamburger Today
- Kill Screen
- Smitten Kitchen
- Cool Hunting
- Weigel
- DeSmogBlog
- The Basketball Jones
- Beware of the Blog
- Everyday Carry
- Pushing Ahead of the Dame
- Listverse
quarta-feira, 4 de maio de 2011
Richard Branson on self-motivation
I think Richard Branson is amazing for many reasons, but principally for investing in Space Travel and making it possible in the near future. Here's a short article I read today on self-motivation.
Editor's Note: Entrepreneur Richard Branson regularly shares his experience and advice with readers. What follows is the latest edited insightful response.Ask him a question and your query might be the inspiration for a future column.
Q: How do you maintain your motivation to generate new ideas and execute them? -- Gunita Migliniece, Latvia
A: My motivations have changed a lot over the past 40 years. In retrospect, it's clear this has been a long-term process, and I acquired new motivations over time.
I am not sure anyone could have predicted my career arc, except perhaps my parents. I was not a promising student, probably because of undiagnosed dyslexia. But my parents did not see my trouble learning as a limitation. Rather, they helped me find my strengths by teaching me to constantly look for new challenges. Achievements in sports and early business ventures such as a Christmas tree farm taught me to be inquisitive, and rely on persistence and creativity when problems came up.
was partly driven by a desire to prove myself when I started Student magazine at 16. My friends and I wanted to give our generation a voice in the issues of the day, especially the Vietnam War.
We started the magazine because of our convictions, and we loved it. It didn't matter that we were working out of a basement in West London, with no financial backing. We just threw everything we had into the venture and secured advertisers and interviews. It was hard work, but also fun and exciting and, above all, a project we felt strongly about.
That sense of fun, enjoyment and purpose underpinned our expansion to selling records and then establishing record stores. Our next move, into the recording business, was no different. My love of music and concern for people behind that music ensured I was never short of motivation -- just sometimes short of cash!
The U.K.'s recession of the late 1970s coincided with a slowdown in our record sales and a lack of hits. We had created a close community at Virgin, and I wanted the people I worked with to enjoy their jobs. I was also deeply concerned about job security. We were running at a loss, and I had to decide whether to consolidate our stores and rein back the recording business, or follow my instincts and invest in new artists.
Hoping to expand our way out of financial problems, I bought two nightclubs and invested more money in our record business. Its managing director, Simon Draper, was a great talent, so I backed him to create the U.K.'s largest independent label.
Our resulting success in the music business saved the day. The strength of the brand meant that we looked beyond music for business opportunities, and my motivations broadened again. With our old and new businesses, we were developing a community of customers, so my goals now included Virgin's becoming one of the world's most respected brands.
The different motivations meant setting up businesses Virgin employees were passionate about, trying to shake up markets and win the trust of potential customers. We often succeeded as we targeted leading companies in sectors where we felt the customer was no longer well served. In quick succession we moved into airlines, trains, drinks, financial services, health clubs and hotels.
Over the past decade, my motivation has broadened to large-scale philanthropic endeavors. This led to the creation of Virgin Unite, which was instrumental in establishing The Elders, the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship and the Carbon War Room -- all exciting tools in the fight against poverty, illness and catastrophic climate change.
I am constantly challenging my team with new ideas, innovations or ventures I would like set up -- in double-quick time. My original inquisitiveness and desire to seek out new challenges also can be seen in our Virgin Galactic space adventure. Following the inauguration of the Spaceport runway in New Mexico in October, my dream of space tourism is getting closer. A big project for 2011 will be getting our underwater exploration business up and running. Drawing on the late Steve Fossett's work, we are keen to chart the deep-sea trenches.
You may wonder if such adventures are appropriate for a man my age -- 60 -- which brings me to my last motivational rule: "Screw it, let's do it!"
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/219563
segunda-feira, 2 de maio de 2011
Be an optimist without being a fool
Hi everyone!
In this chaotic world we live in today, it's kind of hard to be optimist all the time, right?
I read this very interesting post from Harvard Business Review blog and thought you would be interested.
quarta-feira, 20 de abril de 2011
The importance of being wrong
I found a video on ted.com about being wrong. The name of the speaker is Kathryn Schulz and she's a journalist. She calls herself a "wrongologist".
I thought it was simple and interesting. I hate being wrong! And I guess most of us also hate to be wrong about something.
Well, take a look, this is the link from the ted.com http://www.ted.com/talks/kathryn_schulz_on_being_wrong.html
there's also this video on youtube:
quinta-feira, 31 de março de 2011
Stewart Brand and Mark Z. Jacobson on the Fukushima disaster
Hey everyone!For those of you who watched the debate I last posted (does the world need nuclear energy?), here's the link from an interview by Stewart Brand, the pro-nuclear environmentalist (that sounds a little contradictory, but, whatever!!!). It's interesting to notice that he maintains his opinion about going nuclear, in spite of all the threats we know nuclear power can bring about.
Here's the link from Foreing Policy Magazine:http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/03/22/nuclear_winner
On the other hand, we have Mark Z. Jacobson, an environmental professor, who's against nuclear energy, as he says on the debate: "we don't need nuclear energy". I have to agree with him. Here's something he wrote about the disaster:
The nuclear option: Safety concerns are only one big reason wind and solar better
By Mark Z. Jacobson
Sunday, March 20th 2011, 4:00 AM
DigitalGlobe/APThe nuclear fears in Japan have heightened the debate over power sources around the world. Related NewsPump fails at Japanese nuclear plantJapanese engineers attach power cable at quake-damaged plantRadiation from Japanese nuclear plant reaches CaliforniaMeltdown at Fukushima Daiichi plant may now be inevitability Power lines hooked up to Japan's crippled nuclear reactorsVirginia teacher first US death in Japan following quake, tsunami
The powerful earthquake and tsunami that caused reactors at Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant to shut down - releasing radiation and endangering workers and evacuees - have many Americans asking whether nuclear energy is worth the investment and risk.
I say not. In fact, it should not have taken a disaster of this kind to move us decisively away from nuclear and toward safe, clean, renewable energy.
First, consider the meltdown. The risk of such a catastrophe is not trivial. In fact, the five reactor meltdowns in history represent more than 1% of the more than 440 nuclear reactors on Earth. Meltdowns can be caused not only by human error and natural disasters, but also by a terrorist with a large plane.
This scary possibility, though, is dwarfed by the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation, as evidenced by the attempted or actual development of weapons capabilities in Pakistan, India, Iran and to some extent North Korea secretly under the cover of nuclear energy facilities.
If the world's energy needs were converted to electricity for all purposes - and nuclear supplied such energy - 15,800 large nuclear reactors, one installed every day for the next 43 years, would be needed. The installation of even 5% of these would nearly double the current number of reactors, giving many more countries the potential to develop weapons. If only one weapon were used in a city, it could kill 1 to 16 million people.
***
Why do we need nuclear energy when we have safer, cleaner options that can provide greater power for a much longer period and at lower cost to society? These better options are called WWS, for "wind, water and sunlight." The chance of catastrophe caused by nature or terrorists acting on wind or solar, in particular, is zero.
During their lifetimes, WWS technologies emit no pollution - whereas nuclear does, since continuous energy is needed to mine, transport and refine uranium, and reactors require much longer to permit and install than do WWS technologies. Overall, nuclear emits 9 to 25 times more air pollution and carbon dioxide than does wind per unit energy generated.
***
Some argue that nuclear is more reliable than WWS systems. This is not true. A nuclear reactor affects a larger fraction of the grid when it fails than does a wind turbine. The average maintenance downtime of modern wind turbines on land is 2%. That of France’s 59 reactors is 21.5%, with about half due to scheduled maintenance.
What about matching energy supply with demand? Nuclear power plants most efficiently provide constant power when they are on. But power demand varies continuously. Some WWS options (such as geothermal and tidal) also provide constant output. However others (wind, solar, wave) are variable, and hydroelectricity can be turned on and off quickly. It has been shown with data that combining WWS technologies as a single commodity allows power demand to be supplied hour by hour with virtually no backup.
What about resources and space? Solar power in sunny locations can power the entire world for all purposes 30 times over; wind in windy locations on or near land can power the world 6 to 15 times over. Only 0.4% more of the entire planet’s physical land would be needed to power everyone, everywhere with WWS.
What about cost? Despite what you may have heard, on-land wind, hydroelectric and geothermal power are cost-competitive with conventional energy. Solar costs are higher but decreasing.
Policy makers who have begun leaning toward nuclear should consider the health and safety of the United States and the scientific method, instead of the trail of lobbyists, when deciding the future of this country.
Jacobson is director of the Atmosphere/Energy Program and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University.
By Mark Z. Jacobson
Sunday, March 20th 2011, 4:00 AM
DigitalGlobe/APThe nuclear fears in Japan have heightened the debate over power sources around the world. Related NewsPump fails at Japanese nuclear plantJapanese engineers attach power cable at quake-damaged plantRadiation from Japanese nuclear plant reaches CaliforniaMeltdown at Fukushima Daiichi plant may now be inevitability Power lines hooked up to Japan's crippled nuclear reactorsVirginia teacher first US death in Japan following quake, tsunami
The powerful earthquake and tsunami that caused reactors at Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant to shut down - releasing radiation and endangering workers and evacuees - have many Americans asking whether nuclear energy is worth the investment and risk.
I say not. In fact, it should not have taken a disaster of this kind to move us decisively away from nuclear and toward safe, clean, renewable energy.
First, consider the meltdown. The risk of such a catastrophe is not trivial. In fact, the five reactor meltdowns in history represent more than 1% of the more than 440 nuclear reactors on Earth. Meltdowns can be caused not only by human error and natural disasters, but also by a terrorist with a large plane.
This scary possibility, though, is dwarfed by the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation, as evidenced by the attempted or actual development of weapons capabilities in Pakistan, India, Iran and to some extent North Korea secretly under the cover of nuclear energy facilities.
If the world's energy needs were converted to electricity for all purposes - and nuclear supplied such energy - 15,800 large nuclear reactors, one installed every day for the next 43 years, would be needed. The installation of even 5% of these would nearly double the current number of reactors, giving many more countries the potential to develop weapons. If only one weapon were used in a city, it could kill 1 to 16 million people.
***
Why do we need nuclear energy when we have safer, cleaner options that can provide greater power for a much longer period and at lower cost to society? These better options are called WWS, for "wind, water and sunlight." The chance of catastrophe caused by nature or terrorists acting on wind or solar, in particular, is zero.
During their lifetimes, WWS technologies emit no pollution - whereas nuclear does, since continuous energy is needed to mine, transport and refine uranium, and reactors require much longer to permit and install than do WWS technologies. Overall, nuclear emits 9 to 25 times more air pollution and carbon dioxide than does wind per unit energy generated.
***
Some argue that nuclear is more reliable than WWS systems. This is not true. A nuclear reactor affects a larger fraction of the grid when it fails than does a wind turbine. The average maintenance downtime of modern wind turbines on land is 2%. That of France’s 59 reactors is 21.5%, with about half due to scheduled maintenance.
What about matching energy supply with demand? Nuclear power plants most efficiently provide constant power when they are on. But power demand varies continuously. Some WWS options (such as geothermal and tidal) also provide constant output. However others (wind, solar, wave) are variable, and hydroelectricity can be turned on and off quickly. It has been shown with data that combining WWS technologies as a single commodity allows power demand to be supplied hour by hour with virtually no backup.
What about resources and space? Solar power in sunny locations can power the entire world for all purposes 30 times over; wind in windy locations on or near land can power the world 6 to 15 times over. Only 0.4% more of the entire planet’s physical land would be needed to power everyone, everywhere with WWS.
What about cost? Despite what you may have heard, on-land wind, hydroelectric and geothermal power are cost-competitive with conventional energy. Solar costs are higher but decreasing.
Policy makers who have begun leaning toward nuclear should consider the health and safety of the United States and the scientific method, instead of the trail of lobbyists, when deciding the future of this country.
Jacobson is director of the Atmosphere/Energy Program and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University.
quarta-feira, 23 de março de 2011
Debate: Does the world need nuclear energy? | Video on TED.com
Debate: Does the world need nuclear energy? | Video on TED.com
This debate is over the proposition of the need of nuclear energy in the world today.
It's interesting to notice that it took place in 2010, before the tragedy of Japan.
It's very interesting.
But maybe a few people might change their opinions about the use of nuclear energy now...
quinta-feira, 10 de março de 2011
International Women's Day
Okay, I know I'm 2 days late, but still, I'm here today to post some links related to the International Women's Day, March 8th:
This is the official website:http://internationalwomensday.org/
and there's also:
Here's a top 100 list from the Guardian:
BBC:
A nice cover from Newsweek magazine from 1960: "young wives with brains"
16 of the most rebellious women on history from time.com- a photogallery:http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2057714,00.html
And here is a short list from my favorite women in fiction:
Jo March- Little Women
Anne of Green Gables
Isabel Archer- the Portrait of a Lady
Rosa Ambrósio- As horas nuas
Daisy Miller
Catherine Slope- Washington Square
Isabel- A marca de uma lágrima
Charlotte- Charlotte's web (well... she's a female spider, but I guess it counts!)
Well, well, well... What else to say?
I pay here my homage to so many SPETACULAR women whom I know and also to some famous women in history that somehow have influenced my life.
HAPPY CENTENARY!!!!
terça-feira, 1 de março de 2011
Marcelo Moscheta
This is a very special post today, I would like to introduce to you all one of the 9 artists we need to watch according to Modern Painters magazine of December 2010: Marcelo Moscheta
Well, besides the fact that I have known him since 1996, long before he had gained international recognition and the fact that he's my brother-in-law (what an honor!!!), I'm also a great fan and admirer of his work. And I would like to keep spreading the news about his most recent and spetacular accomplishments.
He has been selected to participate in an amazing project called "The Artic Circle" http://www.thearcticcircle.org/
He will be going to the North Pole in October, and I couldn't be more delighted!!!! Imagine that, his productions will be outstanding! And of course, he's promised me that we will take pictures of polar bears if they come around.
For those of you who are art lovers and for those of you who don't know much about art, but enjoy the beauty of landscapes and pictures, you can't miss this chance of getting to know this very talented and modest man.
Check out his official website and works: www.marcelomoscheta.art.br
You rock, Marcelinho!!!!!
quarta-feira, 26 de janeiro de 2011
Advantages of taking an INTENSIVE COURSE
I'm here today to talk about the benefits of taking an intensive course. As the name says, it's a very fast and dynamic course. It's extremely challenging and some may find it a little too much. What I think about it, though, that all the hectic pace of this kind of courses is well worth the trouble, as it comprises a great number of classes within a very short period.
I recommend the intensive course as a teacher and as a student. I have already been on both sides of the table, studying Spanish, German or French and teaching the most diverse courses in English.
For those students who are really willing to dedicate themselves towards learning a new language within 3 weeks, I say you should accept this challenge. You should not miss ANY classes, though. Not missing classes during an intensive course is a crucial requirement. The student should also do his/her best to do the little homework he/she is required. And last, the student should be prepared to get out of the classroom thinking in English, even when he/she reaches home! Another "side effect" of the intensive course is to dream in the language you're studying.
Well, as you can perceive, I can only see advantages in taking an intensive course.
In this crazy and nonstop world we live today, who wouldn't be willing to sacrifice themselves for 3 and a half weeks to learn the contents given during one semester?
For more info. about intensive courses, send an e-mail to barao@havad.com.br
There's a new intensive course starting next Wednesday, the 2nd of Feb.
Hope to see some of you around there!
terça-feira, 18 de janeiro de 2011
Flooding in Brazil
Hey citizens of the world! Today we have a very important contribution from teacher Bruno Costa. He wrote this very precise article about the sad flooding events which have been occurring in Brazil.
"In the recent weeks, the state of
When Mother-nature strikes hard, human and material loss is inevitable. But responsible planning, care and attention from civil authorities can minimize this loss and prepare people for the bad times do come. With such efforts, these people surely would not be in a worse situation then what they are passing now. And since year by year numbers related to flood damage in Brazil have gone rocket high, perhaps facts are showing us that to treat this solemnly as a well-known and intermittent problem will not due. After all, behind these numbers, there are real people."
by teacher Bruno Costa
Philosopher and Graduate student at the Education Department- UNICAMP.
________________________________________________
Thank you, Bruno!
Here are some links from some international news about the flooding:
This page shows all of the recent news (Time.com)about the flooding and mudslides:
http://search.time.com/results.html?N=0&Nty=1&Ntt=brazil&x=0&y=0&p=0&cmd=tags&srchCat=Full+Archive
NYTimes:http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/17/world/americas/17brazil.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=brazil&st=cse
BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/school_report/9363900.stm
Al Jazeera:http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2011/01/20111140122621565.html
The Mainichi Daily News (Japan):
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/international/archive/news/2011/01/13/20110113p2g00m0in063000c.html
quinta-feira, 6 de janeiro de 2011
English as a global language
Hey citizens of the world, happy 2011!
To celebrate the new year, I'd like to talk about English as a global language.
It's extremely interesting what's happening with English these days, as the world's lingua franca.
For the very first time, a language has been spreading regardless of territory.
What I mean is, people from all over the world have been using English sponteneously among their native language. I was reading a fashion magazine in Portuguese last week and the number of expressions in English, being used so naturally among the articles is amazing!
For instance, I was reading this short essay:
"Você pode utilizar qualquer uma das cores, whatever works."
Another reccurrent expressions was "out", "a must-have".
So, this was a fashion magazine.
But we can all observe that the same thing is happening with other magazines too, academic journals, newspapers. It is also curious to observe that foreign words are being incorporated in English as a global language. A good example of this is the the word "favela", which I have previously posted: http://englishhavad.blogspot.com/2010/11/favela-in-english-is-favela.html
Other examples are vuvuzela, sushi, confetti, among thousands of others.
The good news is that with so many resources available on the internet, we can all get acquainted with new expressions and improve our English quickly and interestingly.
So, here again, the link from some of my favorite websites: http://englishhavad.blogspot.com/2010/05/purpose-of-this-blog.html
I wish you all a fantastic year!
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