What is the origin of the word Christmas?

Christmas comes from the Old English words Cristes moesse, 'the mass or festival of Christ'. The first celebration took place in Rome about the middle of the fourth century. The exact date of the Nativity is not known, but even in pre-Christian times the period between December 25 and January 6 was considered a special time of year - now known as "The Twelve Days of Christmas". The abbreviation Xmas, thought as sacrilegious by some, is entirely appropriate. The letter X (chi) is the first letter in the Greek word for Christ.

ielts speaking interview

This is a video that is interesting for anyone who's taking IELTS. It gives a clear idea of what the test taker might find on the day of the test.
The speaking part of IELTS is divided in 3 parts: personal questions, a 2 minute talk, and subjective questions that require longer answers. You can see these 3 parts clearly in the video.

For the people who are not taking the exam, it's just a nice listening practice.

Enjoy!

Origins of the names of famous brands

Interesting: here you'll find some explanations about the origins of some names of brands.

http://www.techno360.in/origin-of-the-names-of-famous-brands/

Work x Job

I found this interesting post in another blog, so, here's the link: http://fatimaaidar.blogspot.com.br/2012/06/curiosities-of-english-language.html

There's something about the differences between work and job, as well as some other interesting stuff.

Enjoy!

How to Answer Security Questions at an Airport

Many of us have flown at least once in our lives. It can be exciting as we board the plane and look forward to reaching our final destination. But before getting there, travellers must be equipped to answer security questions posed to them by airport staff or they could find themselves in trouble. Here are some common questions that are asked and how to answer them.

How to Answer Security Questions at an Airport: Have You Packed Your Luggage Yourself?

This is one of the most common questions that you will be asked at the security check point. Hopefully, you can truthfully answer "yes". But if not, watch how you answer. If your husband or wife packed the luggage, then say so right away. Do not hesitate and ponder over what to say. There is no harm in admitting this. Your luggage is unlikely to be opened and searched unless staff has reasonable cause to be suspicious.

How to Answer Security Questions at an Airport: Do You Have Any Sharp Objects in Your Luggage?

The most obvious thing that airport staff want to rule out is guns, knives, explosives and other items that could be used as weapons on board the plane. These items are obviously completely off limits. But some other items you may be carrying that you may view as innocent might be confiscated. Watch what you pack in your carry on luggage. Keep tweezers, cosmetic scissors and other implements in your checked luggage, rather than in your carry on luggage, as these will be found and removed.

How to Answer Security Questions at an Airport: What Do You Have in Your Pockets?

When going through security, you must make sure you empty out your pockets and place them in the basket that is provided. If not, you will set off an alarm and you will be searched. To speed up the process remove any loose change and car keys from your pocket in advance so that you can speed up the whole process and not hold up any other passengers behind you.

If you want to have a trouble free experience as you go through airport security, you must make sure that you answer each and every question honestly and to the best of your ability. Hesitating and appearing unsure of what to say next can make staff suspicious of you and you could find yourself in trouble.

From http://voices.yahoo.com/how-answer-security-questions-airport-536716.html?cat=17

Stupidity

Prova de proficiência para mestrado

Pra quem se interessar em saber como funciona a prova de proficiência em inglês para mestrado, aí vai um link com um teste para download:

  http://www.4shared.com/document/1xQOWeRe/Modelo_de_prova2010.html

 As provas geralmente não são muito complicadas, pois não exigem que o candidato produza em inglês. Os examinadores só querem se certificar de que a pessoa fazendo a prova é capaz de ler e entender um texto em inglês adequadamente. Até por isso o uso de dicionário é sempre permitido.