quarta-feira, 24 de julho de 2013

Pope Francis: a revolution of simplicity

Aos professores e alunos, recomendo a revista Maganews

The world was surprised by the choice of the first Latin American pope, the first Jesuit to become pope,
 and the first to adopt the name Francis. In his days as pontiff he captivated the world with his simplicity and surprising atitudes

On the evening of March 13 the world was introduced to a new pope: the smiling and charismatic Argentinean Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio. The next day, Bergoglio went to the hotel he stayed at during the conclave, and paid the bill [1]. He did not want to wear [2] the traditional gold ring [3] that other popes wore. Nor did he want to wear the beautiful red shoes [4] made for the Pontiff, and he kept on wearing his old black shoes. On March 22 he celebrated a Mass for the Vatican's gardeners [5] and janitors [6]. Days after being chosen to be the new pope, he called a newsstand [7] in Buenos Aires to tell the owner that he wanted to cancel his subscription [8] to the newspaper La Nacion, as he was now living in Rome. This snippet [9] was revealed by his sister, Maria Elena. The new pope also telephoned priest friends in Buenos Aires. 


Making his own meals
Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires. While still a Cardinal, he lived in a small apartment in the Argentinean capital, and used to make his own meals. He used to take the bus and subway, and visit the slums [10] in the city. Pope Francis likes tango and soccer (he is a fan of San Lorenzo). In 2001 he visited a hospital and washed and kissed the feet of 12 patients with AIDS.  When he was young, he had a serious illness and lost part of one lung [11]. Time went by and Jorge Bergoglio seems to be in good health, aged 76.  

Matéria publicada na edição de número 72 da revista Maganews.
Foto – Roberto Stuckert / ABr


Vocabulary
1 to pay the bill – pagar a conta
to wear – usar
ring – anel
4 shoes – sapato (s)
gardener – jardineiro
6 janitor – faxineiro
newsstand – banca de jornais
subscription - assinatura
snippet – refeição
10 slum – favela

11 lung - pulmão

Créditos: MAGANEWS

domingo, 7 de julho de 2013

DICA DE HOJE, ING VIP

Sempre estou por aqui recomendando sites, textos com áudios e algumas dicas de como aprender Inglês. Hoje temos uma ferramente muito importante, sites e blogs, páginas no Facebook/Grupos de estudos, vídeos no YouTube e outros materiais que estão disponíveis gratuitamente na rede mundial. Pois bem, o site INGVIP é um deles. Lá você encontra textos, cursos com áudios e ainda poderá aprender inglês com Fúvio C. Perini, isso mesmo. Então não perca tempo e comece a estudar. 

domingo, 3 de fevereiro de 2013

Killer robots

Killer robots




An international rights group1 has called on world governments to ban2weaponized robots3Human Rights4 Watch5 recently released a report6called7, "Losing Humanity: The Case against8 Killer Robots." It warns9 thatfully10 autonomous weapons11 systems could increase the risk12 tocivilians13 during14 armed conflicts. 

Militaries around the world15 are using Unmanned16 Aerial Vehicles17, also called “drones”, more and more18. The drones gather19 intelligence, help identify targets20, and fire21 weapons, but only if a human operator gives the order. 

Human Rights Watch fears that22 within23 30 years developments24 in technology could remove the need25 for human operators. David Mepham is the United Kingdom26 director of Human Rights Watch. He says his group is concerned27 that robots will not be able28 to tell29 the differencebetween30 civilians and combatants. 

The United States and other militaries have stated31 they have no plans to remove human supervision over32 the decision to use deadly33 force. Human Rights Watch says a treaty34 would help to guarantee35 that this does not happen36. The group says a ban on what it calls "killer robots" would be similar to37 current38 bans on the use of landmines39 andcluster bombs40.

Some experts41 say that all autonomous technology should be discussed42. For example, France sent43 remote-controlled robots to Japan last year to help contain44 the nuclear disaster45 at the Fukushimapower center46. This was a job47 that most people would agree48 was better left to machines49. For VOA Learning English, I'm Alex Villarreal.

_______________________________________

Vocabulary


1.   international rights group = Grupo de direitos internacionais
2.   ban = banir, proibir
3.   weaponized robots robôs transformados em arma
4.   Human Rights = Direitos Humanos
5.   Watch = Vigilância
6.   released a report = Lançou um relatório
7.   called = chamado
8.   against = contra
9.   warns = alerta
10.  fully = totalmente
11.  weapons = armas, armamentos
12.  could increase the risk = poderia aumentar o risco
13.  civilians = civis
14.  during = durante
15.  around the world = ao redor do mundo
16.  Unmanned = não tripulados
17.  Aerial Vehicles = Veículos aéreos
18.  more and more = Cada vez mais
19.  gather = reunem, juntam
20.  identify targets = identificar alvos
21.  fire = disparar
22.  fears that = teme que
23.  within = dentro de (espaço de tempo)
24.  developments = desenvolvimentos
25.  need = necessidade
26.  United Kingdom = Reino Unido
27.  Concerned = preocupado
28.  will not be able = não serão capazes
29.  tell = distinguir
30.  between = entre
31.  have stated = tem declarado
32.  over = sobre
33.  deadly = fatal
34.  treaty = tratado
35.  guarantee = garantir
36.  happen = acontecer
37.  similar to = semelhante a
38.  current = atual
39.  landmines = minas terrestres
40.  cluster bombs = bombas de fragmentação
41.  experts = especialistas
42.  should be discussed = deveria ser discutido(a)
43.  sent = enviou
44.  contain = conter, controlar
45.  nuclear disaster = desastre nuclear
46.  power center = usina de energia
47.  job = trabalho
48.  would agree = concordaria
49.  was better left to machines = era melhor ser deixado para as máquinas

For more information check this site Ingvip and keep studying hard you will reach your archievements! 

sábado, 14 de julho de 2012

APRENDA OUVINDO MÚSICA, SOMEONE LIKE YOU, ADELE





PART 1:  UNSCRAMBLE THE WORDS
 
I heard that you're settled down
That you found a girl and you're RAIREMD (1) now  
I heard that your MDSAER (2) came true 
Guess she gave you things I didn't give to you
Old friend, why are you so shy?
Ain't like you to hold back or hide from the TILHG (3) 

I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited

But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it

I had hoped you'd see my EACF (4) and that you'd be reminded 
That for me it isn't over

domingo, 8 de julho de 2012

10 dicas infalíveis para quem quer aprender inglês



Do blog: Recomendo a leitura do blog Teclasap, dicas, expressões idiomáticas e muito mais, essa é a dica de site de hoje. 
Antes de ler o texto, leia novamente o título deste post: “Dez dicas infalíveis para quem quer aprender inglês“. Não se esqueça de que “infalível” não é sinônimo de simples nem de fácil. Nunca é demais dizer que sem empenho, dedicação e, principalmente, uma boa dose de paciência nenhum esforço dará resultado. Portanto, siga as orientações abaixo e aumente suas chances de sucesso no aprendizado da língua inglesa. Bons estudos!

1. Organização / Espaço

Assim como quando você vai fazer uma dieta as primeiras providências são encher a geladeira de verduras, frutas e legumes e se livrar de todas as guloseimas da casa, antes de começar a estudar inglês é necessário organizar um espaço para isso. Para poder se concentrar nos estudos é fundamental dispor de um espaço adequado, silencioso, iluminado e agradável. Uma mesa, que esteja sempre arrumada e um computador com os equipamentos necessários, como fones de ouvido ou caixas de som, microfone, dicionários em papel e/ou online, livros para consulta etc. Essas ferramentas permitirão que você se dedique aos estudos e possa aproveitar ao máximo seu tempo disponível.

calendar 10 dicas infalíveis para quem quer aprender inglês2. Planejamento / Tempo

Liste todas as suas atividades e o tempo que dedica a elas. Seja honesto consigo e avalie se conseguirá incluir o estudo de inglês em sua agenda. Se perceber que ficará sobrecarregado, não tem jeito, será preciso estabelecer prioridades e abrir mão de algum, ou alguns, dos itens da lista.

3. Regularidade

Depois de decidir quanto tempo da sua rotina será dedicado ao estudo da língua inglesa, é importante que você distribua as horas de estudo para não deixar um espaço muito grande entre elas. É mais produtivo, por exemplo, estudar quatro vezes por semana, uma hora por dia, do que quatro horas em um mesmo dia. É evidente que o Tecla SAP não tem a pretensão de substituir as aulas regulares, com professor particular ou em escola. Use o conteúdo do blogue para ter contato com o idioma, no mínimo, 15 minutos por dia. Portanto, cadastre-se agora mesmo para receber as dicas do Tecla SAP pelo TwitterFacebookGoogle+E-mail ou RSS feed!

4. Exposição

Não perca a oportunidade de estar exposto ao idioma. Mesmo que você não viva num país onde a língua falada é o inglês, você pode ter acesso ao idioma falado e escrito por meio de filmes, músicas, programas de TV, CNN, livros, jornais, revistas etc. Se o seu televisor dispuser do recurso, aperte a tecla SAP sempre que possível, ou seja, assista à programação no idioma original. A exposição é a forma mais natural e eficiente de, aos poucos, adquirir vocabulário e assimilar as construções de um língua estrangeira.

chocolate 10 dicas infalíveis para quem quer aprender inglês5. Prazer

Na medida do possível, tente associar o estudo àquilo de que você gosta. Procure textos que falem sobre assuntos de seu interesse, leia e traduza as letras das músicas e cante junto com a sua banda favorita entendendo o que a canção diz, por exemplo. Sabe aquele filme que você adora e conhece de trás para frente porque já viu um zilhão de vezes? Reveja-o, só que agora com a legenda em inglês, e depois veja de novo, só que sem legenda. Com séries e programas de TV também dá certo.

6. Persistência

No início de um novo projeto estamos sempre muito animados, porém, a disposição inicial constuma desaparecer com o passar do tempo. No estudo de qualquer idioma é importante que se tenha consciência de que os resultados virão a longo prazo e de que eles são difíceis de serem mensurados. Por isso, o planejamento inicial é tão importante e deve ser realista, pois esta será a sua rotina por um bom tempo. Não é possível determinar um tempo exato para a aprendizagem pois são diversos os fatores que influenciam nesse processo, porém podemos afirmar sem medo de errar que ninguém aprende uma nova língua em três meses. Além disso, há que se respeitar as diferenças pessoais, pois ninguém aprende as coisas do mesmo jeito nem no mesmo tempo.

7. Motivação

Durante todo o processo de aprendizagem, você deve ter em mente qual o motivo que te levou a estudar inglês. Reflita se quer ou precisa estudar inglês. Se a resposta for a primeira opção, tudo será mais fácil. Agora, se você encara o estudo como uma obrigação, talvez a sua motivação esteja nos frutos que esse esforço lhe trará. Assim como o nadador campeão olímpico e mundial César Cielo escreve no teto do quarto o tempo a ser batido nas piscinas, se lembrar do quanto ganhará no final do processo é o que te dará disposição para superar os obstáculos do percurso.

curious 10 dicas infalíveis para quem quer aprender inglês8. Curiosidade

Deixe a preguiça mental de lado e se diponha a aprender sempre que possível. Esta dica não vale apenas para o inglês, mas para o seu desenvolvimento em diversas áreas também. Quanto mais exercitar sua curiosidade, mais fácil será aprender o que quer que seja.

9. Contexto

Tenha cuidado para não perder tempo com exercícios equivocados, como as decorebas. Os idiomas não podem ser tratados como códigos, nos quais para cada palavra de um existe uma correspondente exata no outro. Se assim fosse, bastaria decorar o dicionário para se falar outra língua. Encare o idioma estrangeiro como um sistema, um universo novo – às vezes complexo e aparentemente ilógico – no qual você entra e, aos poucos, vai descobrindo suas características, identificando diferenças e semelhanças com o seu mundo, ou seja, a sua língua materna.

10. Coragem

Um dos maiores obstáculos para quem deseja falar outra língua é a timidez. É natural não se sentir à vontade para começar a esboçar um diálogo num outro idioma, pois sabemos que no começo os erros são inevitáveis. Porém, é preciso lembrar que os erros são tão inevitáveis quanto necessários. Não se esqueça de que é assim que todo mundo aprende. Não tenha medo de errar e não perca a oportunidade de colocar em prática o que aprendeu, mesmo que seja pouco.
Fonte: Teclasap

Learning Chocolate dica de site de hoje

Learning Chocolate
Acesse e pratique o idioma: http://www.learningchocolate.com/


Quem fala uma outra língua abre mercado e surge oportunidades todos os dias, não basta apenas fazer um bom curso, viajar para o exterior, é preciso dedicar-se de corpo e alma, tudo fica mais fácil. O blog English Tips a partir de agora começará a publicar a maioria de suas postagens em Português, a dica de site de hoje é LEARNING CHOCOLATE. É um blog voltado para crianças e iniciantes no idioma, mas qualquer pessoa pode e deve acessar, pelo fato de melhorar a memorização e adquirir vocabulários, além de jogos. 

Eu recomendo a leitura, muito bom! Confira LEARNING CHOCOLATE

quarta-feira, 9 de maio de 2012

The downside of social networks


The downside [1] of social networks

It is important to apply [2] common sense and intelligence when using social networks.  Bad choices on a social network can cause problems such as job loss[3] or the end of a relationship

   In March, two stories involving Facebook were highlighted [4] in the press. In Londrina, Paraná state, a student used the social network to offend a teacher. The case had a negative impact across the city and was reported on the TV news show, Jornal Hoje (Globo). At the end of the month in São José dos Campos, São Paulo state, the local police tracked [5] down members of a criminal gang thanks to Facebook. In the USA, a thief [6] published photos of his robbery on Facebook, showing the amount of money he had stolen [7], and was arrested [8] by the FBI in September 2011. There are many cases of people losing their jobs or ending relationships because they used Facebook irresponsibly. In 2011 a Chicago airport employee was fired [9] after offending Muslims [10] on his Facebook page. In the USA and the UK, Facebook has been increasingly cited as one of the major causes of couples’ separations.
 


Netiquette

These are just some cases that show that anyone, even a thief, is exposed (and at risk) when using a social network inappropriately.  You must know how to apply common sense and intelligence when using social networks (Facebook, Orkut, Twitter, etc.).  One basic tip to avoid problems with Facebook is to think hard before posting a message or photo. Users must not post racist orprejudiced [11] messages, they must not criticize work or schoolmates, and must not swear [12]. Another important tip is not to show personal information, such as phone numbers and your address[13], on your page.


Matéria publicada na edição de número 66 da revista Maganews.

Vocabulary
1 downside – aqui = lado perigoso
2 to apply – adotar
3 job loss – perda do emprego
4 highlighted – ganhou destaque
5 to track down – localizar
6 thief – ladrão (robbery = roubo)
7 to stole – roubar
8 to arrest – prender
9 to be fired – ser despedido
10 Muslim – muçulmano
11 prejudiced message – mensagem preconceituosa
12 to swear – falar palavrão / xingar
13 address - endereço

segunda-feira, 30 de abril de 2012

Chief Joseph, 1840-1904: A Great Nez Perce Indian Chief


Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt, also known as Chief Joseph the Younger
Source: VOA NEWS

SHEP O’NEAL: People in America -- a program in Special English by the Voice of America. Every week at this time, we tell the story of a man or a woman who played an important part in the history of the United States. Today, Larry West and Warren Scheer begin the story of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Indians. He is remembered as a hero of all American Indian people.
LARRY WEST: Chief Joseph loved peace.  But he was forced to lead his people in war.  He loved freedom and his land.  But he lost both.  Chief Joseph’s story begins with his people and his land.
WARREN SCHEER: An old man looks out at a green valley. Tall dark mountains stand above it. Snow covers the mountain tops. In the clear water of a lake dance the dark shapes of the mountains.
The old man's name is Tuekakas. White men call him old Joseph. The Wallowa Valley is the old man's home -- and the home of the Nez Perce people -- for as long as anyone can remember. It lies in the northwestern part of the United States. Today, the land is part of the states of Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
No one knows exactly when the Nez Perce first came to the valley. From earliest times, the people hunted and raised cattle there. They kept horses, the kind called Appaloosas.
LARRY WEST: The Nez Perce did not own the land. They had not bought it from anyone else. They possessed no documents of ownership. But they believed the land was theirs, simply because that was where they lived.
For almost seventy years, the Nez Perce showed friendship to the white farmers, churchmen and explorers who came to their land.
Old Joseph, the chief, had been a friend to the white men. But in eighteen seventy-one, as he looked out across the valley, he could see a time of trouble coming. White people had discovered gold in mountains on Nez Perce land. More and more white farmers were asking the United States government to open the land for development.
To do that, the Indians had to be moved. The government usually offered the Indians money or gifts to leave the area. Different deals were made with different Indian groups.
WARREN SCHEER: Several years before, the white governor of the territory met with old Joseph. He asked the chief to sign a treaty. The governor said he wanted the land divided so the Indians and white men could live separately. "If the two groups are to live in peace," the governor said, "it is necessary for the Indians to have a country set apart for them. And in that country they must stay."
Old Joseph was furious. "Take away your paper," he said. "I will not touch it with my hand."
Other Nez Perce chiefs, however -- beyond the valley -- signed treaties to give up their lands. Those chiefs and their people became Christians. They cut their hair short. They forgot the ways of their tribe.
Old Joseph's people did not forget. They wore their hair long. And they loved the land.
LARRY WEST: Old Joseph had been chief for many years. Now he was dying. He called for his first son. The son, like the father, was named Joseph.
Old Joseph spoke. His voice was the voice of a dying man. But his words were the words of a strong, proud spirit: "My son," the old man said, "when I am gone you will be chief of these people. They look to you to guide them. Always remember that your father never gave up his land.
WARREN SCHEER: Young Joseph was thirty-one years old when his father died. His people called him Heinmot Tooyalaket. Those were the words the Nez Perce used to describe the noise that lightning makes in the mountains.
The young man had a wide face. His hair was tied on both sides of his head and hung down on his chest like long, heavy ropes. He wore chains of seashells around his neck. Small pieces of colored glass shone brightly on his clothing. Already, the Nez Perce knew him for his good judgment, his kindness, and his ability with words. And now they would know him as their leader -- Chief Joseph.
Chief Joseph remembered his dying father's words. He said: "This land has always belonged to my people. We will defend this land as long as Indian blood warms the hearts of our men."
LARRY WEST: In eighteen seventy-three, Chief Joseph sent a message to the President of the United States, Ulysses Grant. He asked that no more white persons be permitted to live in the Wallowa Valley. President Grant agreed. But two years later, under pressure from farmers and gold-hunters, the president broke his promise. More white people came. Some stole cattle and horses. Some insulted the Indians.
Always, Chief Joseph kept the peace.
In May, eighteen seventy-seven, the government told General Oliver Howard to meet with the Nez Perce chiefs. He was ordered to tell the Indians that they must leave their land. The government had a place in Idaho for all Nez Perce people. It was called the Lapwai Reservation.
General Howard did not like his orders. To his friends he said it was a great mistake to take the valley from Joseph. But the general had spent many years in the army. He obeyed his orders.
To the Nez Perce chiefs he said: "I stand here for the president. My orders are clear and must be obeyed. You have thirty days to leave the valley. If you delay even one day," General Howard said, "the soldiers will force you to the reservation. And all your cattle and horses will fall into the hands of the white men."
WARREN SCHEER: The chiefs had a difficult choice. They could leave. Or they could fight. Joseph and the other chiefs had only ninety warriors. They knew they could not defend the valley with such a small fighting force. Chief Joseph said: "I have carried a heavy load on my back ever since I was a boy. I learned then that we were but few, while the white men were many, and that we could not defeat them.
LARRY WEST: Some of the Nez Perce chiefs wanted to stay and fight. They were willing to try, even if there was little chance of winning. But Joseph said, "To protect my people from war, I will give up my country. I will give up everything."
So the Nez Perce prepared to leave the Wallowa Valley. To get to the reservation in time, they had to leave behind many of the things they owned. They took some cattle and horses, and what food and possessions they could carry.
Chief Joseph had promised them peace. But peace would not follow them.
That will be our story next week.
(MUSIC)
SHEP O’NEAL: You have been listening to the Special English program, People in America. Your narrators were Larry West and Warren Scheer. Our program was written by Barbara Dash. The Voice of America invites you to listen again next week at this time, when we will complete the story of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Indians.

sexta-feira, 27 de abril de 2012

A Tribute Chico Anysio, the king of comedy


Source: Check out the website www.maganews.com.br
People – A TributeChico Anysio, the king of comedy

On March 23, Brazil lost this comedy genius. But
 his work and more than 200 characters will stay forever in the memory of the Brazilian people

  For many Brazilians, Chico was the greatest Brazilian comedian of all time. He created memorable characters such as Alberto Roberto, Justo Veríssimo, Professor Raimundo, Bento Carneiro, Coalhada, Painho and Salomé, among others. A total of 209 characters! Besides acting [1], Chico wrote the scripts [2] for his characters. He was so creative that he wrote many books and was also a painter [3] and composer. Chico worked for some years as a radio broadcaster [4] before debuting on television in 1957, working at the now-defunct TV Rio. In 1968 he was hired by Rede Globo and for more than four decades his characters introduced creative and intelligent humor to tens [5] of millions of Brazilians. One of the most successful programs that he produced was the Escolinha do Professor Raimundo. He also acted in some movies and soap operas. 


Women, children, and cigarettes
 Francisco Anysio de Oliveira Paula Filho was born in Maranguape, Ceará state, on April 12, 1931, and moved to Rio de Janeiro when he was a child. As a teenager he was not sure what he wanted to do in his professional life. He thought of studying to be a lawyer, but also dreamed of being a soccer player. But his passion and his talent for comedy shone through [6].  Chico Anysio was married six times and had eight children. His last wife was Malga di Paula, who was much younger than him. Chico's career lasted 65 years as a comedian, but could have been longer if not for cigarettes. He smoked for 40 years. 


Matéria publicada na edição de abril da revista Maganews.
Fotos – Rede Globo
Áudio da edição impressa – Aasita Muralikrishna

Vocabulary
1 to act - atuar
2 script – roteiro / texto
3 painter - pintor
4 radio broadcaster – aqui = locutor de rádio
5 tens – dezenas
6 to shine through – exp. idiom. 
= falar mais alto / prevalecer

 

quinta-feira, 8 de março de 2012

Massai, the tribe that drinks blood

Source: Maganews
Life abroad
Massai, the tribe that drinks blood
They live in a region inhabited by wild [1] animals. They are tall, strong, and eat raw meat [2] and drink animal blood [3].  They are brave, and they are one of the most famous tribes in the world
  
   Between the north of Tanzania and the south of Kenya (two of the main African countries), there is a region full ofcattle [4] and wild animals. Here lives one of the most famous tribes in the world: the Massai. The men and women of this tribe are tall, beautiful, and strong, and they like to wear the color red. They raise cattle and live in mud [5] huts [6]. The Brazilian Márcia Pavarini visited one of these huts some months ago.“The Massai do not like visitors and hate [7] tourists taking photographs. But with the help of my guide (who is a Massai) I got permission to take photographs and was even welcomed by a Massai village leader. He offered me raw meat and a cup of animal blood (their traditional food). I politely [8] refused [9],” she said.
                              Lion hunting 
The Massai are considered to be a people. Some youths hunt [10] lions with spears [11] they make. Some of them, after killing a lion, use this as a way to impress beautiful young girls from the village.


Romantic wedding?
   When a girl turns 15, her parents take her to the hut of another family’s. There she is introduced and “offered” in marriage to a young man from the other family. If the young man shows an interest in the girl, he (or his family) will have to give some cattle to the bride’s [12] family and only after this will the engagement [13] be official. 

A strange ritual
   Until not long ago, when a Massai tribe member died, his body was not buried. The Massai simply took the deceased [13] to a far away place and left the body to be eaten by hyenas and other wild animals.


Tanzania and Kenya
Tanzania and Kenya are two of the best-known countries on the African continent. They are neighboring nations with much in common, besides a hot climate and being home to the Massai. In Tanzania the population is 36 million, while in Kenya it is almost 35 million. Poverty is rife in these countries, where the life expectancy is no more than 53 years old. 

Pictures:  Márcia Pavarini

Vocabulary
1 wild – selvagem
2 raw meat – carne crua
3 blood – sangue
4 cattle - gado
5 mud – barro
6 hut – cabana
7 to hate – odiar
8 politely – educadamente
9 to refuse – recusar
10 to hunt – caçar
11 spear – lança
12 bride – noiva
13 engagement – noivado
14 deceased - falecido
15 rife – adj.  predominante / volumoso