понеділок, 31 жовтня 2016 р.

Halloween history and traditions

Halloween history is one of mystery and intrigue, the story of Halloween’s past has been passed down through generations. Traditions and adaptations of ancient ceremonies and superstitions have evolved into the holiday we know and love today. We’ll explore the history of Halloween in various forms, and unlock the dark secrets of this ancient holiday.

Halloween is a holiday celebrated on the night of October 31. The word Halloween is a shortening of All Hallows’ Evening also known as Hallowe’en or All Hallows’ Eve.

Traditional activities include trick-or-treating, bonfires, costume parties, visiting “haunted houses” and carving jack-o-lanterns. Irish and Scottish immigrants carried versions of the tradition to North America in the nineteenth century. Other western countries embraced the holiday in the late twentieth century including Ireland, the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom as well as of Australia and New Zealand.

There are many colors and symbols that are associated with Halloween. Whilst black and orange are the traditional colors of Halloween, other colors are also now popular. Some of the more popular ones are:

Black = death, night, witches, black cats, bats, vampires
Orange = pumpkins, jack o'lanterns, Autumn, the turning leaves, fire
Purple = night, the supernatural, mysticism
Green = goblins, monsters, zombies, aliens, Frankenstein
White = ghosts, mummies, a full moon
Red = blood, fire, demons
Traditional Symbols of Halloween
The most traditional symbol of Halloween is the pumpkin which is usually carved out and lit with a candle and placed on the home's doorstep after dark. This carved pumpkin is sometimes called a Jack-o'-lantern. In Ireland and Scotland a turnip was normally carved instead of a pumpkin.

Common Halloween costumes include:

devils - evil creatures
Frankenstein - made of different body parts
ghosts - translucent spirit
ghouls - similar to zombies
mummies - wrapped in bandages
skeletons - only bones
vampires - have fangs and like to drink blood
werewolves - turn into a wolf with a full moon
witches - have black hats and clothes
wizards - have magic wands
zombies - the walking dead
Trick or Treat
Trick or treat is the term used for children being dressed in costumes and going from house to house asking for candy. The children usually knock on the neighbor's door and say:

"Trick or Treat. Trick or Treat. Give me something good to eat!"
Trick is the supposed threat that something bad (or mischievous) will happen to the person if they do not receive a treat (a candy, sweets or something similar). Of course kids normally don't do anything bad. Parents often walk around the streets with their kids to make sure nothing bad happens.

Common Halloween Superstitions
When it's time for Halloween celebration, it is then that the people tend to become more superstitious. There are many superstitions and myths about Halloween and most of the people have a strong belief in them:

- Going in for dumb supper, meaning that nobody will talk while having supper, encourages the spirits of the dead to come to the table.

- It is believed that if an unmarried girl keeps a rosemary herb and a silver sixpence (coin) under her pillow on Halloween night, it is quite likely that on that very night, she would dream of her future husband.

- It is said that if you hear someone's footsteps behind you on Halloween night, you should not look back because it may be a dead person following you. And if you commit the mistake of looking back, it is likely that you might join the dead very soon.

- People believe that if on the Halloween night, a girl carrying a lamp in her hand goes to a spring of water, she will see the reflection of her life partner in the water.

- People have a superstition that if an unmarried girl carries a broken egg in a glass and takes it to a spring of water, she will be able to catch the glimpse of not just her future husband, by mixing some spring water in the glass, but also she can see the reflection of her future kids.

- There is the old saying that "black cats are bad luck". It was once believed that black cats were the devil, or consumed by evil spirits.

- People used to believe that Satan was a nut-gatherer. Nuts were also used as magic charms on the day of Halloween festival.

- If you put your clothes on inside out as well as outside walk backwards on Halloween night. At midnight you will see a witch in the sky flying on a broomstick. People used to believe witches were the devil, or that they were consumed by evil.

- There is also an old saying "if the flame on your candle goes out on Halloween celebration"; it gives you the meaning that you are with a ghost.

- If you ring a bell on Halloween it will frighten evil spirits away.

- Many people used to consider that owls would dive down to eat the souls of the dying on Halloween. They used to think if you pulled your pockets out, and left them hanging, they'd be safe.

- It has been said if a bat flies into your house on Halloween, it is a sign that ghosts or spirits are very near, and maybe they are in your home and let the bat in.

- People used to believe that if bats are out early on Halloween, and they fly around playfully, then good weather is to come.

- If a bat flies around your house three times on Halloween, death is very soon to come.

- To ward off evil spirits on Halloween, you can bury all the animal bones in your front yard, or even put a picture of an animal very close to your doorway.

- People used to believe you could walk around your house three times backward before sunset on Halloween, and that would take care of all evil.

- It could be the spirit of a dead loved one watching you if you see a spider on Halloween.



понеділок, 17 жовтня 2016 р.

Vegetarian diets ( pros and cons)

Today, vegetarian diets have gained extreme popularity all over the globe. These are preferred by a number of people throughout the world, and has been claimed to be a key to healthy life. Also, some organizations working for animal rights are strictly against eating meat, fish, or poultry. A vegetarian diet typically consists of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. They are, no doubt, good for health, but have you ever thought whether vegetarian meals were complete? Can they fulfill all the nutritional requirements of the body? Well, there are certain advantages and disadvantages of being vegetarian. What are they? Let's find out!

Advantages
Vegetarian diet mainly includes grains, nuts, cereals, seeds, beans, vegetables, and fruits. Hence, it is rich in fiber, folate, and vitamin C. Vegetables and fruits provide vitamins and minerals, that are essential for a healthy body. Beans, tofu, and seeds are some good sources of proteins. Vegetables consist of phytochemicals, which prevent some chronic diseases. Green leafy vegetables are a rich source of antioxidants. Vegetables and fruits also provide natural sugars, beneficial enzymes, and trace elements.

It contains low amount of fats, cholesterol, and saturated fats. As a result, it minimizes the risk of weight gain. This, in turn, reducing the possibilities of developing the health problems caused by obesity. Vegetarian diet is also helpful for healthy weight loss. A vegetarian diet lowers the blood cholesterol levels and decreases the risk of various disorders such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart diseases, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, kidney diseases, gallstones, and cancer. Due to intake of high fiber diet, digestive health is improved. Vegetarianism protects you from certain meat related food-borne diseases such as bird flu, mad cow disease, intestinal parasites, etc.

Disadvantages
Although vegetarian diet provides all the essential nutrients, there are certain factors that we can get in more amounts from meat or fish. Vegetarian diet is found to be low in proteins, calcium, vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. Vitamin B12 is found in soy products, fortified cereals, and animal products in abundant amount. Soymilk, milk, and other dairy products are the rich sources of vitamin D. Meat, chicken, fish, and poultry contain more quantities of iron and zinc. Milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium. These nutrients are not found in large quantities in the vegetarian diet. Meat is a rich source of proteins and contains all the essential amino acids required by the body. Phosphorus present in the meat is easily absorbed than that present in legumes and cereals.

Vegetarian diet is not recommended for bodybuilders, as they require a protein-rich diet, for the purpose of increasing muscle mass. A diet lacking in sufficient carbohydrates and proteins can lead to anemia. Bowel irregularities can be commonly seen among the vegetarians. If your diet is totally free from fats, then it's not good, because certain amounts of cholesterol and fat is necessary for the development of the nervous system and for normal body functioning.

Although there are certain disadvantages of a vegetarian diet, it definitely offers a number of health benefits. If you properly plan your diet, you can overcome the problem of nutrient deficiencies, and improve your physical fitness and overall health. After all, healthy eating is the key to healthy living.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a dietitian or nutritionist.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-being-vegetarian.html

понеділок, 10 жовтня 2016 р.

Top 8 Fun Ways to Live Longer

A healthy lifestyle doesn't have to mean treadmills and salads everyday. Many activities that are fun and pleasurable are also good for you. By understanding how these activities can help you live longer and what to do to get the most benefits, you'll be putting some fun into healthy living.
1. Eat Dark Chocolate. Dark chocolate is a wonderful food that contains a large amount of antioxidants that protect your body from aging. Find good quality dark chocolate, learn to appreciate it, and have a bit of it each day. Eating chocolate may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol while providing an energy boost.
2. Smile. Smiling is a great way to change your attitude, connect with people and give benefit to your body. Like relaxation, smiling can work to counteract the effects of stress. By forcing ourselves to smile, we "trick" our body into believing that everything is good, thereby reducing stress. Like a switch, smiling can actually change your mood. So put a smile on, even if you don't feel like it, and pretty soon you'll be smiling for real.
3. Relax. Relaxation is the opposite of stress. While stress brings harmful health effects, relaxation helps our bodies to rest, heal and function better. By practicing daily relaxation techniques, you can train yourself to turn off your stress and replace it with calm energy. This will improve your blood pressure, heart rate and ability to cope with life's challenges.
4. Make Exercise Play. Physical games and sports are a great way to keep both your body and mind healthy. Simple exercise routines are great for maintaining balance, flexibility, endurance and strength. Group games and sports can give your mind a workout as well, as you anticipate other people's actions and how to work together. Find a game and activity that suits your level of physical ability and play often.
5. Sleep. Sleep is an essential body function. Most Americans do not get enough sleep. Medications, stress, illness and poor sleep habits all can prevent you from getting between 7 and 9 hours a night. The health benefits of sleep include more energy, better immune function, and more.
6. Spend Time With Loved Ones. Relationships are an important part of health. Not only do strong bonds with other people mean you will have help when you need it, being connected also means protection from loneliness, depression, and mental illness. Spend time cultivating your relationships with friends and family to improve your health and your life.
7. Solve Puzzles and Play Brain Games. Mind games are a great way to stay involved and engaged in the world. Games can exercise different parts of your mind and entice your curiosity. If possible, choose social games like chess or bridge that exercise your brain while keeping you connected with others.

8. Be Positive. Having a positive attitude about aging can add more than seven years to your life, according to researchers. Avoid the cultural push to glorify youth and regret each passing year. Find ways to pleasure in your increasing age and enjoy greater learning, experience, and control in your life.

середа, 5 жовтня 2016 р.

Fast food

Advantages
      -          Look appetising, mouth watering
-          We can’t resist the temptation
-          Tasting delicious
-          Be easy to prepare at home
-          Be delivered to our doorstep
-          Be simply to eat everywhere
-          Be relatively cheap
-          People on low incomes can afford them
-          These restaurants attract young people
-          The atmosphere is friendly
-          Children can run, speak loudly all over the place without anyone complaining
-          They are often open 24 hours a day
-          People can chat, listen to music, study
-          Fast food saves time and energy after a long day of work, with no time for shopping, cooking
-          Service is fast, people’s time is limited
-          Children get small toys with happy meals
-          Celebrate birthdays here
      -          There are playgrounds inside or outside:
Disadvantages:
-          Are high in fat, sugar, carbohydrate, calories
-          Are low in fibre, vitamins, minerals, protein
-          Contain artificial additives
-          Greasy food weakens concentration
-          Feel drowsy
-          They provide energy but only in the short run
-          May cause allergy, diarrhoea
-          A high intake of salt, sugar and fat damage vital organs (liver, kidneys)
-          Raise cholesterol levels
-          Obesity is a main risk factor for stroke, diabetes, cancer
-          There is obviously a link between fast food and the increasing number of obese people in the western world
-          Fast food restaurants offer super-size options
-          Might become addictive
-          Be hooked on cream cakes, snacks
-          Often crowded, noisy

-          Poor choice of dishes

понеділок, 3 жовтня 2016 р.

Holidays vocabulary (definitions)

  • all-in package/package holiday: a holiday where you purchase the travel and accommodation together
  • breathtaking view: an extremely beautiful view
  • charter-flight: a cheaper form of flying than a scheduled flight
  • check-in desk: the place at the airport where you register for your flight and deposit your luggage
  • departure lounge: where you wait for your flight to be called
  • far-off destination: somewhere a long way away
  • to get away from it all: to take a holiday to escape a busy or stressful lifestyle
  • guided tour: an organised group shown around a place of interest by an expert
  • holiday brochure: a glossy publication with details of holiday packages
  • holiday destination: where you go for a holiday
  • holiday of a lifetime: a special holiday that you are unlikely to repeat
  • holiday resort: a place where lots of people go for a holiday
  • hordes of tourists: crowds of tourists
  • local crafts: objects produced locally
  • long weekend: an extended weekend holiday including Friday or Monday
  • out of season: outside of the main holiday period
  • picturesque village: very pretty village
  • passport control: the place where your passport is checked
  • places of interest: sites of interest to tourists
  • wildlife safari: a holiday, often in Africa, to observe wild animals
  • self-catering: a holiday where you supply your own food
  • short break: a short holiday
  • to go sightseeing:  to look around the tourist sites
  • stunning landscape: extremely beautiful countryside
  • travel agent: a shop that specialises in booking holidays
  • tourist trap: somewhere where too many tourists go
  • youth hostel: a cheap form of accommodation http://www.myenglishteacher.eu/blog/travel-holiday-vacation-vocabulary-list/

Travelling (phrasal verbs)

  1. Drop off -  to take someone to a place and leave them there
  2. Check in  - to register at a hotel
  3. Check out - to leave and pay for your stay at a hotel
  4. Pick up - to go and fetch someone from a place and take them somewhere else
  5. Set out - to start a journey
  6. Take off - when a plane leaves and begins to fly
  7. Get in - when a plane arrives on an airport
  8. Get away - to leave to go somewhere for a break or holiday
  9. Get on - to climb on board
  10. Speed up - to increase speed
  11. Look around - to explore what is near you, in your area
  12. Hurry up - to rush and not waste time
  13. Go back - to go the place someone is leaving from to say goodbye
  14. See off - to go the place someone is leaving from to say goodbye
  15. Look forward - to look forward to something that is going to happen in the future

Summer break in the USA

The day I left for the USA my family (1)___ me___. We had breakfast on the airport but we had to (2)___ so that I wouldn't miss my flight. It was a teary goodbye, but I was (3)___ to new experiences in the USA. After I (4)___ the plane I made myself comfortable and sent a few last minute goodbye text messages. I thought of how much I wanted this holiday and that I just needed to (5)___ from it all. A short while later the pilot announced that all electronics were to be switched off, for we were preparing to (6)___. As the plane was (7)___ on the runway I sat back and took pleasure in brute force and strength of the momentum the plane was creating to lift itself up from the ground.
When our plane (8)___ at JFK Airport in New York there was already a taxi waiting to (9)___ me ___. The taxi (10)___ me ___ at the Holiday Inn where I would meet up with my friends. After I  (11)___  to the hotel we all went to Time Square, where we (12)___ for the rest of the day. The next day we got up in the early hours of the morning and did some sightseeing. That night we were exhausted and went to bed early. The next morning we (13) ___ after breakfast, rented a car and (14)___ on a cross-country road trip. It would be another 3 months before I would (15)___ home.http://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/phrasal-verbs-travel
1) to go away - to leave, as when starting from home on holiday.

2) to set off - to start a journey.

3) to check in - to register (for a flight; in hotel)

4) to check out - to settle one's bill and leave a hotel or other place of lodging.

5) to take off - to rise into the air or begin flight.

6) to get in - to arrive.

7) to see off - to take leave of (someone).

8) to book in - to reserve a room for (oneself or someone else) at a hotel.

9) to get out of - to move out of; as of a room, a country, a bus, etc.

10) to stop over - to interrupt a journey temporarily, e.g., overnight.

11) to lay over - to make a stopover in the course of a journey.

12) to go on - to continue a certain state, condition, or activity.

13) to touch down - to make contact with the ground; land.

14) to stop off - to halt and call somewhere, as on a visit or errand, especially en route to another place.