.:Teaching Online - English Video Clips, Music Clips, Linguistic Videos:.

#623 Comparatives + Superlatives

2008-01-26T07:42:00.001+07:00

Comparatives + Superlatives

A red bike.
A blue bike.
A green bike.

Compare.
Comparative.

bigger than
smaller than
faster than

The red bike is bigger than the blue bike.
The green bike is faster than the red bike.
The blue bike is smaller than the green bike.

Superlatives.

the biggest
the smallest
the fastest

The red bike is the biggest.
He blue bike is the smallest.
The green bike is the fastest.

#621 Tom Cruise Scientology, Cult, Human Pet

2008-01-24T07:34:00.002+07:00

Cult can have positive and negative connotations. Interesting.

Transcript:

Hi, I’m Sarah, welcome to The Daily English Show.

The video I recommend to study today is a video that has been popular on the internet recently, the Tom Cruise Scientology video.

This is a video of Tom Cruise talking about Scientology which was intended to be for members of that group, but was somehow leaked.

So I’m going to talk about some language related to that video.

First of all, what is Scientology?

Wikipedia says it’s: a body of beliefs and related practices.

And it says the guy who started it, called it an applied religious philosophy.

And some people call it a cult.

Journalists, courts and the governing bodies of several countries have stated that the Church of Scientology is a cult.

I think it’s interesting that different people call the same group different things.

So what is a cult?

Cult typically refers to a cohesive social group devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture considers outside the mainstream, with a notably positive or negative popular perception. In common or populist usage, "cult" has a positive connotation for groups of art, music, writing, fiction, and fashion devotees, but a negative connotation for new religious, extreme political, questionable therapeutic, and pyramidal business groups.

It’s interesting how words have such strong connotations. If you’d never heard of Scientology before and I said it was a religion you might think, "oh yeah", but if I said it was a cult you might think, "ahh, scary".
But whatever label you give it, it is what it is, whatever that is, I’m not too sure, except that I read some of LRH’s theories on education and I thought they were nonsense.

Anyway, about this video, one interesting point is that Tom Cruise uses a lot of jargon – which is understandable because it was supposed to be an internal video.

I wasn’t sure how much – because sometimes I just think oh maybe it’s American English – or maybe I just don’t understand that word.

But then I saw one video which had subtitles explaining the jargon, which was helpful. For example, SP stands for suppressive person.

I looked at a site called whatisscientology.org and they have a glossary which explains a lot of scientology words, and suppressive person means:

a person who possesses a distinct set of characteristics and mental attitudes that cause him to suppress other people in his vicinity. This is the person whose behavior is calculated to be disastrous. Also called antisocial personality.

I think this video is popular because it makes Tom cruise sound kind of crazy, if you’re not into Scientology that is.

As for me I think this is one of the strangest lines.

Being a Scientologist, when you drive past an accident, it’s not like anyone else. As you drive past, you know you have to do something about it, because you know you’re the only one that can really help.

STICK NEWS

Kia Ora, in Stick News today, a British bus company has apologized to a human pet after one of its drivers threw her off a bus.

This 19-year-old woman says she is the pet of her 25-year-old fiancé.
Recently a bus driver told her to get off the bus. He said: "We don't let freaks and dogs like you on."
The company has now apologized. A spokesperson said they were worried about safety and she was welcome to use the buses but not when she is on her lead.
"Should she be attached to a chain and something happens on the bus, that could be dangerous,” they said.
The woman said her choice of lifestyle might seem unusual but was harmless.
"I am a pet," she said. "I generally act animal-like and I lead a really easy life. I don't cook or clean and I don't go anywhere without Dani. It might seem strange but it makes us both happy. It's my culture and my choice. It isn't hurting anyone."

And that was Stick News for Thursday 24 of January.
Kia Ora.

THE SNOW REPORT
on the road

It was really windy when we were driving back from Saison Club. Snow had blown over the road into mountain shapes, like sand dunes. It was really pretty. And scary too cause the wind was quite strong.

conversations with sarah
#377 Can cult have a positive meaning?

Step 1: Repeat Takako’s lines.
Step 2: Read Takako’s lines and talk to Sarah.

Takako Can cult have a positive meaning?

Sarah Yeah.

Takako In what way?

Sarah Um, when it’s used as an adjective before a noun, for example, a cult movie or cult book. Or a cult figure or cult status.

Takako What’s a cult movie? A movie about a cult?

Sarah No. Cult as an adjective means popular with a particular group. So a cult movie is very popular with a particular group of fans – as opposed to, say, a blockbuster which is a movie that has made a lot of money, so it’s more popular with a bigger group of people.

Tom Cruise Scientology Video

Transcript:

I think it's a privilege to call yourself a Scientologist and it's something you have to earn. And because a Scientologist does, he or she has the ability to create new and better realities, and improve conditions. Ah ... being a Scientologist you look at someone and you know absolutely that you can help them.

So for me it really is KSW and it's just, like, it's, it's something that, ah ... I don't mince words with that, you know with anything that LRH does. But that policy with me has really gone, 'Boy'. And, and, I ... there was a time I went through it, I said, you know what, when I read it, I, you know, I just went "poo, this is it, this exactly it."

Being a Scientologist, when you drive past an accident, it's not like anyone else, it's, you drive past, you know you have to do something about it. Because you know you are the only one that can really help. But that's, that's what drives me. It's that I know that we have an opportunity and, ah, to really, to help for the first time and effectively change people's lives, and ah, I'm dedicated to that. I'm gonna, I'm absolutely, uncomprimisingly dedicated to that.

The orgs are there to help, OK. But we as, you know, as, also as the public, it's like, we have a responsibility. It's not just the orgs. It's not just Dave Miscavige. You know, it's not just, it's not just me. It's you. It's everyone out there. Kind of, re-reading KSW, and looking to see what needs to be done, saying OK, am I going to do it, or am I not going to do it? Period. And am I going to look at that guy, or am I too afraid because I have my own out ethics to put in someone else's ethics, and that is all it comes down to.

Because I won't hesitate to putting ethics in on someone else, you know, because I put it ruthlessly in on myself. And I think that, ah, I respect that in, in others, and, ah, you know, I am there to help. And we're here to help. And my opinion is, is that, look, you're either on board or you're not on board, OK? Which is it? If you're on board, you're on board, just like the rest of us. Period.

We are the authorities on getting people off drugs. We are the authorities on the mind. We are the authorities on improving conditions. Criminon. We can rehabilitate criminals. Way to happiness. We can bring peace, ah, and unite cultures. Ah, that once you know these tools and you know that they work, it's, it's not good enough that I'm just doing OK.

Travelling the world and meeting the people that I've met, you know, talking with these leaders in various fields ... they want help, and they are depending on people who know and who can be effective, and do it, and that's us. That is our responsibility to do that.

It is the time now. Now is the time. OK? It is being a Scientologist, people are turning to you, so you better know it, you better know it, and if you don't, you know, go and learn it. You know? But don't pretend you know it, and ... or for, you know, whatever. It's like, we're here to help.

If you're a Scientologist, you see life, you see things, the way they are, in all it's glory, you know, all of it's complexity, ah, and the more you know as a Scientologist, you don't become overwhelmed by it.
And ah ... when she, they said, "So, like, have you met an SP?" Hahahahahaha. And I looked at them, you know, and I thought, what a beautiful thing, because, maybe, one day, it will be like that. You know what I'm saying? Maybe one day it'll be that ... Wow. SPs, they'll just read about those in the history books, you know.

I just go through that tech, and it's, it, literally, it's not how to run from an SP. It's PTSSP - how to shatter oppression, confront, shatter oppression. You apply it, it's like 'boom'.

Because they don't come up to me and do that, ah, they don't do it to me, not to my face, you know, or anywhere in my vicinity where they feel they can be ... confronting. They just don't do it.

I wish the world was a different place, I'd like to go on vacation, and go and romp and play, and just do that. You know what I mean? I mean, that's what I want it to be. OK. That's how, you know, there's times I'd like to do that, but ... but I can't ... because ... I know, I know, so, you know, once you know, it's just ... I have to do something about it. It's not, you know, you can sit here and wish it was different, and then, you look at it. And you go, "OK, this is it, alright, OK". And at that moment where you go, you know, I have to do something, don't I? Yeah I really have to do it, because I cannot live with myself if I don't, and that really is it. I don't care if someone thinks it's hard or it's easy. Because you're either helping you're contributing everything you can, or you're not, OK? Ah, because I'm carrying my load, alright, and as much as you're carrying, I still feel like I got to do more. Alright. There's still a thing of 'let's go.'

You can see the look in their eyes. You know the ones who are doing it, you know, and you know the spectators, the ones who are going , 'Well, it's easy for you. What am I doing? And it's just, that thing is, ah, I've cancelled that in my area. It's like, man, you're either in or you're out. That's spectatorism, and it's something that, that is, we have no time for now.

So it's our responsibility to educate, create the new reality. You know, we have that responsibility to say, hey, this is the way it should be done. Because we do it this way and people are actually getting better.

Let's get it done. You know, let's really get it done. And have enough love, compassion and toughness, that you're going to do it, and, ah, do it right.

And I have to tell you something. I really, it is, you know, it's rough and tumble. And it's wild and woolly. And it's a blast ... it's a blast. It really is fun, because, damit, there's nothing better than the going out there and fighting the fight and suddenly you see, things are better.

I want to know that I've done everything I could, you know, every day when I think about those people out there who are depending on us. And, ah, I think about that. And it does make me feel, ah, like, man, you know, we got work, more help. Get those spectators, you're either in the playing field, or out of the arena. Really, that is how I feel about it.

I do what I can, and I do it the way I do everything ... hahahahahaha ... there's nothing part of the way for me. It's just wooo ...

notes

leak v. (of secret information) become known, intentionally disclose

connotation n. an idea or feeling which a word invokes in addition to its primary meaning

jargon n. words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group of people, and are difficult for others to understand

#620 Cue/Queue, Gay Organs in Canada

2008-01-23T00:02:00.000+07:00

Cue. Queue. Line.

#619 The Client

2008-01-22T00:03:00.000+07:00

English Vocabulary - Lesson 6

2008-01-21T11:56:00.000+07:00

Vocabulary for the advanced English language learner. Lesson 6 topic: Idioms and sayings related to Thanksgiving.

#618 Alistair from England, JET program, "Dead" Man Wakes Up

2008-01-21T00:07:00.000+07:00

Today's guest is Alistair. He's from England (somewhere near London) and is now on the JET program.

Are you considering applying for the JET program? You might be interested in what he has to say.

English Vocabulary - Lesson 5

2008-01-19T11:56:00.000+07:00

Vocabulary for the advanced English language learner. Lesson 5 topic: Idioms and sayings related to colors.

English Vocabulary - Lesson 4

2008-01-18T11:54:00.000+07:00

Vocabulary for the advanced English language learner. Lesson 4 topic: Idioms and sayings about driving.

Common Mistakes in English - Lesson 4b

2008-01-17T11:52:00.000+07:00

This is the second part of our lesson on WISH and HOPE. We now focus on the uses of WISH. Level: High Intermediate to Advanced.

Common Mistakes in English - Lesson 4a

2008-01-16T11:51:00.000+07:00

This is a lesson on WISH and HOPE in four parts. In this first part we consider the basic differences in meaning and focus on the uses of HOPE. Level: High Intermediate to Advanced.

Common Mistakes in English - Lesson 3c

2008-01-15T07:41:00.000+07:00

This is the third and final part of Lesson 3, in which we focus on making appropriate requests. This segment looks at special requests and written requests. Level: intermediate - advanced.

Common Mistakes in English - Lesson 3b

2008-01-14T11:39:00.000+07:00

This is the second part of Lesson 3, in which we focus on making appropriate requests. This segment looks at the use of questions and implied requests. Level: intermediate - advanced.

Common Mistakes in English - Lesson 3a

2008-01-13T11:38:00.000+07:00

This is the first part of Lesson 3, in which we focus on making appropriate requests. This segment looks at the imperative. Level: intermediate - advanced.

Common Mistakes in English - Lesson 2

2008-01-12T11:37:00.000+07:00

In this lesson we focus on differences in meaning when the verb "think" is used in the simple present and present progressive. Level: intermediate.

Common Mistakes in English - Lesson 1

2008-01-11T11:36:00.000+07:00

In this lesson she addresses three verbs that often cause confusion: advise, recommend, and suggest. We explore the differences in meaning, usage, and grammar. Level: high intermediate.

English Grammar - Lesson 3c - prepositions

2008-01-10T07:31:00.000+07:00

This is part 3 of a lesson on prepositions of location and direction. The list of prepositions is long, so this is meant to be a review and not an introduction. Level: high beginner - intermediate.

English Grammar - Lesson 3b - prepositions

2008-01-09T07:30:00.000+07:00

This is part 2 of a lesson on prepositions of location and direction. The list of prepositions is long, so this is meant to be a review and not an introduction. Level: high beginner - intermediate.

English Grammar - Lesson 3a - prepositions

2008-01-08T07:29:00.000+07:00

This is a lesson in 3 parts. The topic is prepositions of location and direction. The list of prepositions is long, so this is meant to be a review and not an introduction. Level: high beginner - intermediate.

English Pronunciation - Lesson 4b (continued)

2008-01-07T07:30:00.000+07:00

This is a continuation of lesson 4b. Topic: /l/ in the middle position. Level: All levels, though some vocabulary in the explanations and exercises will challenge beginners.

English Pronunciation - Lesson 4b

2008-01-07T07:20:00.000+07:00

Topic: /l/ in the middle position. Level: All levels, though some vocabulary in the explanations and exercises will challenge beginners.

English Pronunciation - Lesson 4a (continued)

2008-01-05T08:59:00.001+07:00

This is a continuation of Lesson 4a. Topic: /l/ in the initial position. Level: All levels, though some vocabulary in the explanations and exercises will challenge beginners.

English Grammar - Lesson 2f - Conditionals

2008-01-05T08:54:00.000+07:00

This fifth lesson on conditionals is presented in 2 parts. This is the second part, and we review form and use of unreal conditionals in the past. Exercises invite students to practice using this structure. Level: high intermediate - advanced.

English Pronunciation - Lesson 4a

2008-01-04T09:02:00.000+07:00

Topic: /l/ in the initial position. Level: All levels, though some vocabulary in the explanations and exercises will challenge beginners.

English Grammar - Lesson 4a - The Passive

2008-01-04T08:57:00.000+07:00

Topic: The Passive Voice. This is an introduction to the passive in two parts. We talk about what the passive is, how it's formed, and why it's used. Level: high intermediate to advanced.

English Grammar - Lesson 2e - Conditionals

2008-01-04T08:53:00.000+07:00

This is the fifth lesson on conditionals. It will be presented in 2 parts. This first part is mainly explanation of form and use of unreal conditionals in the past. Level: high intermediate - advanced.