'Take the biscuit'

OISE Oxford has a prime position in Oxford – nestled within the historic Covered Market. Our students have the opportunity to explore a whole host of unique shops and cafes, a particular favourite of ours being “Ben’s Cookies”. Crisp on the outside with delightfully soft and chewy middles, their cookies are a must-try for any peckish OISE student.

“Ben’s Cookies” have been making cookies since 1983.  The original store is in Oxford’s Covered Market where they still bake cookies every day. “Ben’s” was founded by Helge Rubinstein, author of The Chocolate Book and many other publications and an ardent chocoholic.

The cookies are sold by weight and can be bought individually or packaged in bags, boxes and tins, each bearing the logo created by Quentin Blake, the well known artist and first ever children’s laureate.  They make great Christmas presents for chocolate fans!

Ben’s Cookies currently has ten stores in the UK and a selection worldwide, which is perfect for certain students returning home.  On a recent visit to South Korea I met an OISE Oxford alumnus who said his favourite thing about Seoul was the “Ben’s Cookie” store in Gangnam!

How to be British

What are some typically British characteristics that make us who we are?

Telegraph:
'Talking and direct eye contact are banned on British public transport.The only acceptable activities are reading, listening to music and playing games on your smartphone. If you attempt to converse with someone on public transport in Britain, it will be interpreted as a request for money.'

Guardian:
'Ask a British person for a date, and they are more likely to hand you a dried fruit. British people do not date. They pull. This rather more ­violent verb conveys the more chaotic ­approach to romance than you might have known in your home country. The British method of coupling is as follows: go to a party, get extremely drunk, drunkenly kiss someone you have been making eyes at for some time but obviously never spoke to ­because you were sober then, go home with them, move in with them the next day, marry them.'

BBC:
'As any self-respecting Brit will tell you, there is not a lot that a cup of tea can't fix. Rough day at work? Put the kettle on. Broken heart? Pour yourself a cuppa. Alien invasion? You'll be ready for an apocalypse as soon as you've had your brew. But it's not all so straightforward. Choosing how to take your tea is a deceptively complex task - it's almost a political statement. Black with lemon immediately identifies you as a frequenter of Sloane Square, daaaaahling. Lots of milk and more than three sugars? You must be a builder - we'll assume you want a fry up on the side. If you take your char(coal) with minimal milk and maximum brewtime, we'll know you were born and bred up north, pet. Even new-fangled inventions such as camomile, peppermint and dandelion tea have their place in society (among new age hippies). The British relationship with tea is so important that employers have traditionally allowed their staff tea breaks to enjoy some alone time with their beverage of choice. We even have a mealtime named after it. So you see, tea is more than a drink to us Brits - it's a way of life. Phew, I'm feeling rather emotional after that - now, where's my mug?'




How would you describe a typical British person?

Mind your P’s and Queues

Whether it’s waiting at the bus stop, a shop counter or a public toilet, no visitor to Britain could fail to notice this much-loved British habit in action. The ability to form an orderly line is a must for anyone who aspires to live harmoniously among the Brits.

Lest you wish to seriously rile your fellow queuers, queuing etiquette must be observed at all times. Woe betide anyone who commits the heinous crime of queue-jumping or pushing in.

According to researchers at The Telegraph, we Brits spend 6 months of our life queuing. After discussing the weather, a fascination with queuing is our second most popular national trait. But why the obsession?

It is thought that this habit dates back to the days of rationing in the long years during and after the war, when queuing effectively meant the difference between an empty plate and a plate filled with the delights of powdered egg and leaden bread.

So next time you’re in a queue, swallow your frustration and while away the minutes contemplating the cultural heritage of this most British of traits.

Jane Austen Gets a Makeover

Jane Austen is one of the most celebrated British authors of all time, known for her witty and insightful novels about love, relationships, and society in the context of early 19th-century England. Although her novels did not receive much recognition during her lifetime, she now has millions of fans world-wide. Her six completed novels have all been made into popular TV series and Pride and Prejudice is often voted the nation’s favourite book.

But if the idea of wading through the rich language of 18^th/early 19^th century literature doesn’t quite do it for you then never fear! Each of Jane Austen’s novels are about to receive a 21^st century makeover as part of ‘The Austen Project’, an initiative by publisher Harper Collins. As part of the project, six bestselling authors will write their own take on Austen’s classic novels. Joanna Trollope is the first to take on the challenge, bringing Facebook, iPods and premarital sex to Barton Cottage. Here are the novel/author pairings that have been decided so far:

‘Sense & Sensibility’ - Joanna Trollope

Joanna Trollope has been writing for over thirty years she is the author of seventeen highly acclaimed contemporary bestselling novels including, most recently, The Other Family, Daughters In Law and The Soldier’s Wife. She has also written a study of women in the British Empire, Britannia’s Daughters, and ten historical novels published under the pseudonym Caroline Harvey.

‘Northanger Abbey’ - Val McDermid

Val McDermid is a Scottish crime writer, best known for a series of suspense novels starring her most famous creation, Dr. Tony Hill.

‘Emma’ - Alexander McCall Smith

Alexander McCall Smith is a Rhodesian-born British writer and Emeritus Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh. He is most widely known as the creator of the The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.

‘Pride & Prejudice’ - Curtis Sittenfeld

Curtis Sittenfeld is an American writer and is the author of four novels: Prep, the tale of a Massachusetts prep school; The Man of My Dreams, a coming-of-age novel and an examination of romantic love; American Wife, a fictional story loosely based on the life of First Lady Laura Bush, and Sisterland, which tells the story of identical twins with psychic powers, as well as a number of short stories.

‘Persuasion’ and ‘Mansfield Park’ are still up for grabs!

Joanna Trollope’s Sense and Sensibility is now available to buy but unfortunately you will have to wait until 2014 for the other 5. Click here to go to the Austen Project website.

The Big Red British Telephone Box

One of the many quirky attractions in Britain is the big red telephone box.  They were introduced in 1924 and were the result of a competition to design a telephone kiosk that would be acceptable to the London Metropolitan Boroughs. You can also find them in many of the current or former British colonies around the world. You can even find one ensconced in the beautiful countryside of the Isles of Scilly - please see below photo of goat in phone box in the Isles of Scilly.

There are still quite a few in Oxford, too, and tourists like nothing more than to get a photo of themselves piled into one, or pretending to be on the phone. That's about the only use they have these days, though, as due to the increase of mobile technology, people are using them a lot less. Many of them are now even up for sale to the public! If you are interested and have a spare £2000 to spend, why not splash out for one in your sitting room?

Very British Problems

The British are renowned for being non-confrontational, easily embarrassed and overly preoccupied with manners. It is because of these cultural quirks that journalist Rob Temple began regularly posting on Twitter under the name @SoVeryBritish to share some of these amusing tales of social awkwardness and embarrassment. He now has over half a million followers which is a testament to how many people empathise with his sentiments.

Take a look at some of the scenarios he mentions below from his new book 'Very British Problems' . If you can relate to most or all of these, you are well on your way to being 'So very British'.

• Sounding sarcastic no matter how many ways you say, “That sounds great”
• Waiting for permission to leave after paying for something with the exact change
• Feeling you must press the train door button within a millisecond of illumination or be judged an amateur
• Being flabbergasted at how many people add milk at the wrong stage of the tea-making process
• Greeting a friend in the supermarket, then creeping around to avoid seeing them again
• Wondering whether to hurl yourself through a window when someone sits next to you on an empty bus
• Feeling your life lacks excitement, so dunking your biscuit for an irresponsibly long time
• The anxious bewilderment when clocking the stranger deciding to join the queue at your side rather than behind you
• Looking away so violently as someone nearby enters their PIN that you accidentally dislocate your neck
• Saying, “It’s nothing, really,” to indicate you’re remarkably close to losing consciousness
• Not wishing to tell someone they’ve misheard you, so simply soldiering into a completely different topic of conversation
• Saying “left” and “right” at random, rather than admit to the optician that all the lenses seem identical

Click here to read the full article in the Telegraph Online

Our Favourite Old Wives’ Tales – True or False?

Old Wives’ Tales are traditional, often superstitious beliefs that are passed on by word of mouth down the generations. Many of us grow up accepting our ancestors' words of 'wisdom' as true only to discover later in life that they are in fact myths. 

These sayings vary from culture to culture but here are a just a few of the most popular Old Wives’ Tales that the British have passed down to their children through the centuries. The question is, which are the stuff of legends and which have their basis in fact?

1. ‘Feed a cold, starve a fever.’

Although I always like to use the first half of this proverb as an excuse to stuff my face when I have a cold, starving a fever is unlikely to be beneficial when your body is weak and needs to preserve its strength. According to Reader’s Digest, the original saying was ‘feed a cold, stave a fever’, stave meaning 'to prevent'. The phrase later evolved to mislead people into fasting to combat their fever.

2. ‘Don't go outside with wet hair. You'll catch a cold!’

Another cold-related saying (clearly a pre-occupation of wives down the ages), this tale is apparently still believed by 40%* of mothers. However according to a study reported in The New England Journal of Medicine in which two groups of people were exposed to viruses that cause the common cold, one group in a 5°C room and the other in a 30°C room, both groups caught colds at about the same rate, suggesting no link between the two.

3. ‘Eat your crusts – they’re good for you.’

Mothers over the centuries have desperately tried to persuade their children to eat their crusts with promises of hairy chests and curly hair (neither of which seem all that appealing in my view). However, whilst these promises are likely to disappoint, a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests that bread crusts actually contain eight times the antioxidants of any other part of the bread! So get those crusts down you.

4. ‘Carrots help you see in the dark.’

Another favourite of British mums, this tale is said to have come about due to allied propaganda during WWII when rumours were spread that carrots were responsible for the exceptional night vision of British airmen. The myth was spread to stop the Germans from discovering that the British were using Radar. While carrots contain vitamin A which is good for healthy eyes, bingeing on them will sadly do nothing to improve your night vision.

5. ‘Eating cheese before bed gives you nightmares.’

As someone who rather enjoys a spot of late-night cheese and biscuits, I have never allowed myself to be too concerned by this Old Wives’ Tale. The origin of this saying is said to be Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ in which the main character Scrooge blames a ‘crumb of cheese’ for his night-time visitations. However a study of 200 people by the British Cheese Board revealed no correlation between late-night cheese-eating and bad dreams. Interestingly, though, different types of cheese seemed to have differing effects with a high proportion of Stilton-eaters reporting particularly bizarre or vivid dreams.

For more weird and wonderful Old Wives' Tales, check out Reader’s Digest's full article.

*Source: Pediatrics journal

A British Obsession: The Weather

The British are fascinated by the weather.  It’s a typical feature of daily small talk for all.  Popular phrases peppering daily conversation include:

 “It’s breezy today!”, “There is a chill in the air”, “It’s just tipping it down”, “It’s blowing a gale”.

“Do you know what the weather will be like today?” is one of the most well-used weather phrases.  And indeed, the weather forecast plays a significant role in the UK.     Michael Fish MBE is one the UK’s best know British weather forecaster.  He became infamous in the wake of the Great Storm of 1987.  On 15 October 1987, a few hours before the storm hit, he infamously said during a forecast: “Earlier on today, apparently, a woman rang the BBC and said she heard there was a hurricane on the way... well, if you're watching, don't worry, there isn't!”. That evening, the worst storm to hit South East England since 1703 caused record damage and killed 18 people.

The UK is often characterised as a damp and windy island with unusually changeable weather. Recent weather here has done little to dispel this impression.  This week heavy downpours and gale force winds caused flooding across the South West.  There are warnings that five inches worth of rain, the equivalent of one month's worth, would fall.  Scotland too is experiencing heavy rain and strong winds, causing flooding and transport disruption.

The Oxford Dictionaries blog have compiled a list of unusual meteorological terms to describe some very specific weather conditions. So, next time you want to join in weather small talk consider using one of the following words:

airish
Now chiefly Scottish and U.S. regional (south. and south Midland). Of weather: cool, fresh, breezy, chilly.

dreich
Scottish. (especially of weather) dreary; bleak.

letty
Now English regional (Somerset). That lets or hinders. Chiefly of weather: making outdoor work difficult; rainy.

maumy
Scottish and English regional (chiefly north.).  Mellow; soft and insipid; (of weather) mild, humid.

mizzle
Chiefly dialect. Light rain; drizzle.

mochy
Scottish and Irish English (north.).Damp, moist. Of weather: damp and misty; muggy.

The Sandwich

The British love a good sandwich. It is part of my daily ritual. In many ways it is a focus of my day, well until I eat it at lunchtime. I get up, I make my sandwich, I have my breakfast (not usually a sandwich), I try and remember to pack my sandwich in my bag, I cycle to work with my sandwich in my bag (hopefully), I finally eat my sandwich at 12.30. Sometimes at 12.00 if I am very hungry, sometimes at 13.00 if I have filled up on biscuits in the morning. And every day I enjoy my sandwich.

As you've probably heard, the sandwich is said to have been invented in the 18th century for John Montagu, fourth Earl of Sandwich. An enthusiastic and tireless gambler, he called for some roast beef between two slices of toast to be brought to the gaming table so he didn't have to interrupt a mammoth 24-hour session. What a guy! He had his priorities (gambling) and by having such focus he created one of the world's greatest culinary dishes (the sandwich)!

The British are especially famed for the cucumber sandwich, which are most often served for a light snack or at afternoon tea. In addition, cucumber sandwiches are served in the tea break at club cricket matches.

Click the cucumber below to find out how to make the perfect cucumber sandwich.
 

Views on the Great British Brew (AKA tea)

For centuries, tea has played a pivotal part in British culture. We are the largest consumers of tea in the world. We love it. Sip here, sip there, sip everywhere. But why do we love it so much? We ask four experienced OISE Oxford tea drinkers what the fuss is all about?

So Will, why do you love it so much?

"Personally, I never have a cup of tea by myself. It's not just about the cup, it's about the company. Drinking tea is a fantastic communal activity from which a great little chinwag can be created."

And Sam, what is it about tea that floats your boat?

"Tea, sweet-lovely-kind-tea, I love a cup of tea! I love tea at any point of the day, anywhere! I love a cup of tea first thing in the morning with my muesli, I love a cup of tea with cake, I love a cup of tea on a long train journey. I love tea. I love the way it is so comforting and so perfectly joyful."

Jo, I know you're a massive tea drinker. Why do you like it so much?

"There is nothing like a cup of tea to get me up in the morning and to keep me going at regular intervals throughout the day. It’s irreplaceable – a coffee or a glass of water just doesn't have the same effect! I particularly enjoy it accompanied by a slice of cake or a biscuit (or two)."

Last, but certainly not least, Stephen Smith, what are your views on the subject?
"The cup that cheers but not inebriates!" Ok, thanks Stephen!

5 Hot Spots of Oxford

1)      Christ Church College and meadow

Picture yourself, a nice sunny day soaking up the sunshine and the architectural wonder of Christ Church – one of Oxford’s most famous colleges.  Simply sublime.



2)      Ben’s Cookies

Picture yourself, hungry and pining for a bakery treat.  This is the place for you!  Conveniently located just under OISE Oxford.  Perfect for break time snacks.  This place is known by many to be one of the 7 wonders of the world.



3)      Port Meadow

Picture yourself lying amongst the grass with cows and horses in Oxford’s large open common land by the river Thames.  Bring a fishing rod, a dog and catch some cod (perhaps!).  A countryside idyll in Oxford city.



4)      Bodleian Library

Picture yourself as a young wizard learning the tricks of the trade with Oxford’s local hero Emma Watson.  Visit the Bodleian where you will be transported to a scene from JK Rowling’s famous magical books.



5)      OISE Oxford

Picture yourself learning English amongst fellow ambitious students from a team of experienced and dedicated English tutors.

The Bake Off is Back!

I can already feel my mouth beginning to water in anticipation. Yes, tonight is the night when another batch of amateur bakers takes to our screens in an attempt to wow the judges with their culinary creations in the 4th series of ‘The Great British Bake Off’.

From breads and buns to cookies and cupcakes, pastries and pies, all 13 of this year’s contestants will be required to demonstrate their competence at a wide range of baking skills in order to make it through to the next round and ultimately prove themselves worthy of the title of best amateur baker.

The judges, Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood, now feel like old friends to many of us who have watched the previous 3 series and keep viewers entertained with their good cop/bad cop routine and rigorous checks for ‘soggy bottoms’.

A typical show includes 3 baking challenges: 
1. The Signature Bake, where bakers show off a tried and tested recipe of their own.
2. The Technical Challenge, where bakers are expected to recreate one of Mary Berry or Paul Hollywood’s masterpieces following an incomplete recipe.
3. The Show Stopper, where contestants strive to impress their judges by producing something creative and unique.

The winner of the show will need to consistently display tremendous ability in each of these 3 areas if they hope to convince Mary and Paul that they deserve the title.

For anyone hoping to gain an insight into British baking, this is the show for you. Tune in with me at 8pm this evening on BBC 2 or alternatively, check out our blog post on the best of British cakes.

Typically English Traits (AKA TETs)

When you think of the English public, what would you say are their typical traits? Here's a list of 30 typically English traits that are ALL true:

1.    A love of pubs
2.    Love of Sunday Roast
3.    Talking about the weather
4.    A soothing cup of tea to ease worries
5.    A stiff upper lip
6.    Moaning
7.    Queuing
8.    Watching soaps
9.    DIY on a Bank Holiday
10.    Eating meat and two veg
11.    Saying sorry
12.    Enjoying satire and wit
13.    Sarcasm
14.    Irony
15.    Not wanting to ‘make a fuss’
16.    A love of bargains
17.    Gossiping with neighbours over the garden fence
18.    Obsession with traffic
19.    Inability to complain
20.    A love of curtain twitching
21.    Starting the day with a fry up
22.    Washing the car on a Sunday
23.    The ability to laugh at ourselves
24.    Reading a newspaper
25.    Clever sense of humour
26.    Being overly polite
27.    Love of the package holiday
28.    Wanting a good tan
29.    Working long hours
30.    Taking the mickey out of others

Click on the image above to read 20 more!

Source: http://swns.com/news/top-50-things-which-make-us-typically-english-2935/

London's black cabs survive

The black cab is an iconic feature on London's roads.  It has been on the capital's roads for 54 years.

And today, is a good news day for the survival of this classic car as the Chinese firm Geely saves London taxi cab maker Manganese Bronze.

The Coventry based black taxi manufacturer LTI has been sold to the Chinese car maker Geely for £11.4m.

Daniel Li, chairman of Geely's UK arm said the group intended to develop greener taxi models as well as ones "to be exported around the world."

He also confirmed all 400 taxis that were recalled in October over faults with the steering box have since been fixed and are back in use.

"We are delighted to have completed the acquisition of MBH's business and we are determined to restore the fortunes of this totemic marque which is known, recognised and admired all around the world," said Li Shufu, group chairman at Geely.

The deal was welcomed by Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London.

He said: 'I am delighted that Geely has successfully secured the future of the London Taxi Company, ensuring the continuing manufacture of a world famous, fully accessible and instantly recognisable vehicle synonymous with London.'

What a relief that this great icon will continue to be a feature on our capital's streets!

Sources: The Telegraph, BBC News Online, Daily Mail

  

Do you know enough about Britain?

A new version of the UK citizenship test, with a greater focus on history, has been recently announced by the Home Office.

The test will have more questions on British culture, history and traditions. The Life in the UK handbook, described by the Home Office as “essential reading” for migrants sitting the new test, has been updated.

Out go politically correct sections on how to complain about being arrested and “mundane information about water meters”, and in come “the events and people who have helped make Britain a great place to live”, ministers said.

While some historical information was included in the old handbook, there was less focus on history, the Home Office argues.

Christopher McGovern, director of the History Curriculum Association, reflects that the old test was too focused on access to welfare provision, such as free prescriptions, free legal advice, free healthcare and free training opportunities.  Whereas the new focus on the identity, history and culture of Britain, will help migrants to integrate more successfully, he believes.

Similarly historian Andrew Roberts believes it will help people appreciate "the long and splendid history of Britain".

But Iain Aitch, author of We're British, Innit!, says while learning about history may be useful, it would be more relevant to learn what rhubarb or mushy peas are, as well as pub etiquette - like the custom of ordering a round of drinks in a bar.

"Britishness is something that comes with time. You learn to queue, not complain about your poor lunch and to be able to talk about the weather at length without saying much at all. Some things are nuanced and not really testable," adds Aitch.

Applicants for British citizenship will be expected to answer 75% of 24 questions correctly, based on material in the new guide.

Test yourself here.

Sorry!: The English and Their Manners By Henry Hitchings

Book Recommendation from OISE Oxford

The English are famous for their obsession with manners, but how did it all start? Henry Hitching's most recent book traces the history of a very particular national trait.  In this new study he explores how language, manners and morals are closely related.

The synopsis:

Most of us know a bit about what passes for good manners - holding doors open, sending thank-you notes, no elbows on the table. We certainly know bad manners when we see them. But where has this patchwork of beliefs and behaviours come from? How did manners develop? How do they change? And why do they matter so much to us? In examining our manners, Henry Hitchings delves into the English character and investigates our notions of Englishness.

Sorry! presents an amusing, illuminating and quirky audit of English manners. From basic table manners to appropriate sexual conduct, via hospitality, chivalry, faux pas and online etiquette, Hitchings traces the history of our country's customs and courtesies. Putting under the microscope some of our most astute observers of humanity, including Jane Austen and Samuel Pepys, he uses their lives and writings to pry open the often downright peculiar secrets of the English character. Hitchings' blend of history, anthropology and personal journey helps us understand our bizarre and contested cultural baggage - and ourselves.

Can you give me a hand?

After scanning today's news on the BBC website I stumbled across a rather interesting article about a man with a new hand. Yes, you heard it, a brand new hand. Mark Cahill, 51, was the first man in the UK to have a hand transplant. The operation lasted 8 hours and despite not currently having a sense of touch, 'he can now wiggle his fingers'.

Is this the start of something new? Will humans soon be bidding for body parts on E bay.  How much would Usain Bolt's legs go for? Just think, in a couple of years you'll be able to have the perfect tailor made body!

The New Way to Get Your Dream Job!

We all know that youth (15-24) unemployment in the UK is not in great shape. Currently there are around 20% out of work in the UK, compared with average eurozone figures of 23%, and Greece and Spain over 50%! 'So how long will this last?', people ask. 'Don't know', is the response. It could take 2 years, it could take 10. Economic forecasters have predicted a varied number of time frames, but of course no one can be sure.

Adam Pacitti, a recent graduate from Winchester University recently obtained a first class degree in Media Studies. He has been desperately searching for a job for over 3 months, sending out a whopping 200 CVs, to no avail. He suddenly came up with a plan, and that was to spend his last £500 on a big billboard in Camden, London, to advertise his services (and the fact he didn't have a job). Within hours, he began to get replies from various media organisations offering him employment opportunities. With over 10,000 tweets of support, and an overwhelming amount of emails, Adam will surely be spoiled for choice.

Click on the image below to read more, and follow him on Twitter @adampacitti for updates!

Digital Media - The Way Forward?

Fact: Vinyl, tapes, cassettes, discs and mini-discs are slowly becoming extinct. Who needs them when you can simply download whatever kind of media you need online. Obviously some of the older stuff is harder to get hold of, but you can bet your bottom dollar that if they're not available online already, even your dad's most boring black and white films will soon be uploaded.

The big worry is that people are downloading media illegally (i.e. not paying) and then you have the obvious knock on effects of this resulting in less money for everyone involved in the industry. But as Internet controls becomes more advanced, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to get away with illegally downloading media. Only in 2011, British student Richard O'Dywer was extradited to the US for hosting a website which provided links to downloadable pirated films and TV shows. This sent a clear message that things were tightening up.

With increased Internet controls and harsher punishments for those involved, the public are now starting to think twice about download illegally. This change in mindset, along with the extinction of physical media, is being reflected in the increased sales of digital media. 'In 2012, digital sales increased by 11%, breaking the £1 billion barrier.'1

As we all know, YouTube is a great resource, and legal, too! The advertising is getting a little aggressive, but still, it's free, and with '48 hours of video uploaded every minute, resulting in nearly 8 years of content uploaded every day',2 there's myriad songs and videos available.

Listening to music is a great way to improve one's language skills. Even if you don't recognise/understand all of the words, it's a great way to get used to their different sounds. There are thousands of songs with subtitles on YouTube, too. So if you're a foreign language learner, why don't you give it a go? 5 minutes combining language learning with pleasure. 

Here's one for all of you English learners out there:

A Moment In Time

So, here we are, officially in 2013 - doesn't it just feel fabulous? The world has not ended and we continue to cruise on through, breaking new boundaries, wherever we go. 

And what about New Year's resolutions - Do you have any? They are an interesting phenomenon, as while people's intentions are so authentic, after about a week or two they seem to drift slowly into the back of one's mind like a cloud of smoke. 

My personal work related resolution is to work even harder to improve the Language Lab section of our blog. I aim to make it an even better resource for all of our keen English language learners out there. There, I've said it, and it WILL happen.

If you can't think of any of your own, click on the image below for some ideas!