tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17861311249468270192024-03-13T12:46:54.412-04:00the small guide site's blog of English lessonsVocabulary, grammar, idioms, pronunciation & more to help you improve your <b>English</b>.Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.comBlogger305125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-2880500115209226222017-08-29T22:56:00.001-04:002017-08-29T22:58:43.910-04:00Let's DITCH it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YeIuCbZVfkY/WaYprNfcO6I/AAAAAAAAEsk/nNujMiwfs7QWUhvDzpEjnr7fSKZwmSGRACLcBGAs/s1600/ditchit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Let's DITCH it - with English vocabulary lesson" border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="816" height="434" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YeIuCbZVfkY/WaYprNfcO6I/AAAAAAAAEsk/nNujMiwfs7QWUhvDzpEjnr7fSKZwmSGRACLcBGAs/s640/ditchit.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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You probably know that the word "<b><span style="color: #444444;">ditch</span></b>" as a noun means a place usually by the side of the road where excess water can flow. <span style="color: #666666;">[His car ran off the road and ended up in the ditch.]</span> However, do you know what it means when people tell you to <b><span style="color: #38761d;">ditch</span></b> a place or <b><span style="color: #38761d;">ditch </span></b>your phone?<br />
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To read more about the verb to <b><span style="color: #38761d;">ditch </span></b>and see some examples on how to use it correctly, check out my vocabulary lesson at <a href="http://thesmallguidesite.com/vocabulary/ditchit.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">the small guide site</span></b></a>. See you there!<br />
<br />Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-79086704641628916602017-04-09T16:51:00.002-04:002017-04-09T16:51:34.524-04:00Making the rent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y7idJVnhr8/WOqbGx-110I/AAAAAAAAElM/vilLDYnF0_YHQYqdQkGD-UCOAsf1Qoq_gCLcB/s1600/makerent.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y7idJVnhr8/WOqbGx-110I/AAAAAAAAElM/vilLDYnF0_YHQYqdQkGD-UCOAsf1Qoq_gCLcB/s640/makerent.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi folks!<br />
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How well do you understand phrases such as <b>MAKE RENT</b>, <b>MAKE IT TO THE FINALS</b>, or <b>MAKE THE TOP 10 LIST</b>? This usage of the verb <b>MAKE </b>is quite common among native speakers. However, <b>English learners</b> may still struggle with comprehending or using it correctly.<br />
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If this is you, then check out my <a href="http://thesmallguidesite.com/vocabulary/makerent.html" target="_blank"><b>lesson at the small guide site</b></a>. Learn the different ways we use <b>MAKE </b>to mean reach a destination or a goal, and begin to use it in your own speaking and writing.<br />
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I hope you <b>MAKE IT TO</b> <b>the small guide site</b>, so you can learn, practice, and continue to improve your English. Let me know if you have any questions.<br />
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Take care,<br />
Joe, the small guide<br />
<br />Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-69182133362024008082017-02-21T21:26:00.000-05:002017-02-21T21:26:38.963-05:00Using the phrasal verb WORN OUT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9C1eoEctgo/WKzy79b-ClI/AAAAAAAAEkc/QnX9wceHLPEcqdS3DrIxAxhhi0PPFPsdgCLcB/s1600/wornout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9C1eoEctgo/WKzy79b-ClI/AAAAAAAAEkc/QnX9wceHLPEcqdS3DrIxAxhhi0PPFPsdgCLcB/s640/wornout.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You probably know that English speakers use phrasal verbs all the time, and so it's no surprise that we see and hear them everywhere, including in advertisements. Here's a subway ad with the phrasal verb <b>WEAR OUT/WORN OUT</b>. On this ad, the phrasal verb is used in the passive voice--Made to be <b>WORN OUT</b> (by us/by everyone).<br />
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In addition to its use as a verb, <b>WORN OUT</b> is also used as an adjective to describe clothes that we've been using and that are showing some <u>wear & tear</u>. We also use this phrasal verb to talk about exhaustion. When you are very tired, you can say, I'm so <b>WORN OUT</b>. I need to take a break.<br />
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<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">WEAR and TEAR - showing signs of multiple use</span></li>
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Check out <a href="http://thesmallguidesite.com/vocabulary/wornout.html" target="_blank">this lesson at <b>#thesmallguidesite</b></a> to learn more about how to use <b>WORN OUT.</b> Also, look at some examples, and practice!<br />
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See you there!<br />
Joe, the small guide<br />
<br />Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-68351668243601092732016-05-29T23:07:00.000-04:002016-05-29T23:11:24.893-04:00Do you have a SIDE GIG? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDAx2iVHKNI/V0uF3QXWqjI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/o3vl7MTVUUQnZbKOxSHKu9EWy2PlpcnpACLcB/s1600/KIMG0667.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDAx2iVHKNI/V0uF3QXWqjI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/o3vl7MTVUUQnZbKOxSHKu9EWy2PlpcnpACLcB/s320/KIMG0667.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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I saw this subway ad just this past week and decided to take a quick photo of it. (I do this <b>now and then</b>, and it's usually awkward when someone's sitting in front of the ad.) My wife and I keep a storage unit just one local subway stop away from our place in Brooklyn. I was just there today to get our air conditioner as the hot summer months are again upon us. I'm sure people along my route on 4th Avenue notice me carefully rolling the A/C one way when the temperatures begin to rise in the summer and the other way in the fall when temperatures start to <b>drop</b>. We also visit our storage unit before and after traveling to pick up and drop off luggage and bags and stuff.<br>
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<li>NOW AND THEN - sometimes, once in a while</li>
<li>DROP - decrease</li>
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<a href="http://blog.thesmallguidesite.com/2016/05/do-you-have-side-gig.html#more">Read more »</a>Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-31997613112496635172016-02-29T22:11:00.000-05:002016-02-29T22:11:52.221-05:00Forming negatives in English<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How would you correct the sentences above that are wrong? Scroll down for the answers!</td></tr>
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Forming negatives in English is not difficult. We just need to remember a couple of main rules.<br>
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<li>We almost always use an <b>auxiliary verb</b>, also known as a helping verb. </li>
<li>We form the negative <b>by adding "NOT"</b> to the auxiliary verb. </li>
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There are a few other things to consider, but they are all related to the two main rules above. First, we need to realize that some affirmative sentences already have auxiliary verbs. These sentences are usually sentences with the verb <b>"BE"</b> or with <b>MODALS</b>.<br>
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<li>He <b>IS</b> writing a letter.</li>
<li>We <b>ARE</b> going to the party.</li>
<li>He <b>CAN</b> speak Spanish.</li>
<li>They <b>MIGHT</b> fly to Madrid.</li>
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To form negative sentences with these verbs, simply <b>add "NOT"</b> after the auxiliary verb.<br>
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<li>He <b>IS NOT</b> writing a letter.</li>
<li>We <b>ARE NOT</b> going to the party.</li>
<li>He <b>CANNOT</b> speak Spanish.</li>
<li>They <b>MIGHT NOT</b> fly to Madrid.</li>
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<a href="http://blog.thesmallguidesite.com/2016/02/forming-negatives-in-english.html#more">Read more »</a>Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-555285431635104272016-02-27T12:00:00.000-05:002016-02-27T12:14:15.188-05:00I'm back! :-)<div dir="ltr">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pk99evwpPm4/VtHZEkDOOoI/AAAAAAAAEFg/jQB7R5ClsxM/s1600/back2blogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pk99evwpPm4/VtHZEkDOOoI/AAAAAAAAEFg/jQB7R5ClsxM/s640/back2blogger.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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After a year at another blogging platform, I decided to move back here to my old address. The other platform had more <b>bells & whistles</b>, but it also had a lot of <b>issues</b>. Even programmers, themselves, had to do quite a bit of <b>troubleshooting</b>. I thought it was such a waste of time, especially since I have no background in programming. After dealing with a few technical issues in one year, I finally got tired of being frustrated and decided to move back here so I can spend more time creating and posting useful content.</div>
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<li>BELLS & WHISTLES - cool features</li>
<li>ISSUES - problems</li>
<li>TROUBLESHOOTING - figuring out solutions</li>
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</div><a href="http://blog.thesmallguidesite.com/2016/02/im-back.html#more">Read more »</a>Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-75349854349805099502016-02-24T22:21:00.001-05:002016-02-24T22:21:42.937-05:00How do you TAKE A LOAD OFF?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpmuP2Y8fCE/Vs5ve4QlTRI/AAAAAAAAEEM/2U9IO-mmpYg/s1600/KIMG0179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpmuP2Y8fCE/Vs5ve4QlTRI/AAAAAAAAEEM/2U9IO-mmpYg/s640/KIMG0179.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;">I look forward to weekends because I </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;">get to</b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;"> </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;">TAKE A LOAD OFF</b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;"> and simply </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;">take it easy</b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;">. I </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;">make it a point</b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;"> to </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;">take my time</b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;"> and move at a much slower </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;">pace</b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;">. During the week, I </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;">TAKE A LOAD OFF</b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;"> by sitting down to a cup of tea between jobs or </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;">treating myself</b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;"> to a nice bowl of ramen (Japanese noodle soup), which is perfect on cold, wintry days. </span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;">GET TO - able to</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;">TAKE A LOAD OFF - take a break; relax</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;"><span style="line-height: 28.0007px;">TAKE IT EASY - relax; calm down</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;">MAKING IT A POINT - making sure</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;"><span style="line-height: 28.0007px;">TAKE MY TIME - not hurry; not be in a rush</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;"><span style="line-height: 28.0007px;"><span style="line-height: 28.0007px;">PACE - speed</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Noto Serif', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 28.0007px;">TREAT YOURSELF - give yourself something you like or enjoy</span></li>
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<a href="http://blog.thesmallguidesite.com/2016/02/how-do-you-take-load-off.html#more">Read more »</a>Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-17749393290277246192015-06-14T01:29:00.002-04:002015-06-14T01:29:35.555-04:00I've moved!It seems like I've forgotten to make the announcement here at my old blog address that <b>I've moved!</b> I moved <b>the small English blog</b> to another platform, and it's now called <a href="http://thesmallguidesite.com/Englishlessons/" target="_blank"><b>English Lessons from thesmallguidesite</b></a>. The main reason I moved was to make my blog link better with my main English-teaching webiste, <a href="http://thesmallguidesite.com/" target="_blank"><b>the small guide site</b></a>. <div>
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I've exported all my posts here to the new address. However, if you continue to visit this address, they will still be here, but I am only posting new lessons now at the new address, so please check it out.</div>
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Thanks for making <b>the small English blog</b> a part of your English learning. Stop by my new <a href="http://thesmallguidesite.com/Englishlessons" target="_blank"><b>English Lessons blog</b></a> for more! </div>
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Take care, and I hope to see you there! </div>
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Joe</div>
Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-91250433403744829292014-12-25T14:05:00.002-05:002014-12-25T14:05:51.425-05:00It's Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNFnXR1xbUY/VJxfP79rxnI/AAAAAAAABps/Qdm30ockQlQ/s1600/Christmas2014tsgs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNFnXR1xbUY/VJxfP79rxnI/AAAAAAAABps/Qdm30ockQlQ/s1600/Christmas2014tsgs.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b>From my family to yours, wishing you all the best of this holiday!</b></span><div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b>Joe Yu</b></span></div>
Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-60680584589172989632014-11-27T23:35:00.001-05:002014-11-27T23:39:50.472-05:00Being grateful and planning for the new year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FO-cvtU_icQ/VHf4wVIM-ZI/AAAAAAAABoE/HnIGAcbIwmM/s1600/IMG_0770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FO-cvtU_icQ/VHf4wVIM-ZI/AAAAAAAABoE/HnIGAcbIwmM/s1600/IMG_0770.JPG" height="640" width="480"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">It's that time of year again. In the U.S., we roast turkeys, make a few other dishes, then sit down to a nice dinner with friends and family until we're completely <u>stuffed</u>! Thanksgiving is so special, and despite the work that needs to be done and the stress that sometimes comes with it, we love it and look forward to it every year. </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #444444;">STUFFED - very full</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">We get to take a couple of days off from work (usually); we get to rest and spend time with the people who are <u>dear</u> to us, and be thankful for all that we have, whether we have a little or a lot. The older I get the more I realize that being thankful is a gift we give ourselves. Acknowledging what we have and being grateful for them is like receiving the gifts once again and realizing their importance in our lives. </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #444444;">DEAR - close; important</span></span></li>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">This time of year is also special because it marks the beginning of the holiday season, and as we approach the end of the year, we start thinking about our new year's resolutions. Being thankful is what Thanksgiving is all about, but we should also begin planning for the coming year, begin thinking of the goals that we want to accomplish and how we are going to accomplish them.</span></div>
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</div><a href="http://blog.thesmallguidesite.com/2014/11/being-grateful-and-planning-for-new-year.html#more">Read more »</a>Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-41279810882141479632014-11-04T15:29:00.000-05:002014-11-04T15:29:09.278-05:00Americans are HEADING TO THE POLLS!<div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykj1MOQOG2w/VFj6MrZmBOI/AAAAAAAABnU/vjo33mFhpRM/s1600/sticker-I-voted-V31.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykj1MOQOG2w/VFj6MrZmBOI/AAAAAAAABnU/vjo33mFhpRM/s1600/sticker-I-voted-V31.gif" height="266" width="400"></a></div>
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Americans are HEADING TO THE POLLS today to CAST their votes for certain local and state officials. A number of governors & members of Congress are on the ballot. Some people think it's "only" a midterm election and is therefore not as significant as a Presidential election. However, it is very important as the OUTCOME will determine whether we will have a Congress that will likely work WITH or AGAINST the President in his last two years in office.
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</div></div><a href="http://blog.thesmallguidesite.com/2014/11/americans-are-heading-to-polls.html#more">Read more »</a>Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-82123225873985490262014-11-01T00:11:00.001-04:002014-11-01T00:11:23.872-04:00Having A BLAST being a zombie<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DIX6cBrqqJU/VFRRt0hQ9NI/AAAAAAAABms/663bWCk0wus/s1600/CAM00052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DIX6cBrqqJU/VFRRt0hQ9NI/AAAAAAAABms/663bWCk0wus/s1600/CAM00052.jpg" height="480" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catwoman and I work in the same office. She helps students with their status as international students.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">It's Halloween! We had a party at work yesterday, and it was a total BLAST. This year I decided to GO OUT ON A LIMB and be a zombie, which was very brave of me as I wasn't sure I would be able to PULL IT OFF. I'm not creative at all when it comes to Halloween costumes. Luckily, a coworker helped me with the makeup, and it worked! My version was pretty LAME, as you'll see below, but he made it look much more SPOOKY and cool! I must say I had a BLAST being a zombie and acting like one!</span><br>
<div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<ul>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #444444;">A BLAST - a lot of fun, #slang</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #444444;">GO OUT ON A LIMB - take a chance; do something unfamiliar, #idiom</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #444444;">PULL IT OFF - succeed in something difficult, #phrasal verb</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #444444;">SPOOKY - scary</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #444444;">LAME - weak; not effective</span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><br></span></div>
I hope you've had a fun, safe Halloween, everyone!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"></span></div><a href="http://blog.thesmallguidesite.com/2014/11/having-blast-being-zombie.html#more">Read more »</a>Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-79158780293790214102014-09-28T13:34:00.000-04:002014-09-28T13:47:05.717-04:00Warming up to a table-top ironing board<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BvYKIfxw64/VCcX-reILWI/AAAAAAAABlQ/jnBdhIHfYjQ/s1600/CAM01331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="ironing board - image for English lesson with vocabulary" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BvYKIfxw64/VCcX-reILWI/AAAAAAAABlQ/jnBdhIHfYjQ/s1600/CAM01331.jpg" height="480" title="" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cover that came with this new table-top ironing board stunk, :-| so we decided to wash it first. This is an old cover.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">My wife and I live in a tiny apartment, and every time I BREAK OUT the ironing board to PRESS my shirts, it takes up most of the kitchen area, and she's had to squeeze through a small space just to get to the sink. So, she had been URGING me to SWITCH to a table-top ironing board. At first, I was RELUCTANT to GO ALONG with it; I thought I needed the space of a full-size board and a table-top one would just slow me down. </span><br>
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<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
Eventually though, I WARMED UP to the idea of using a smaller ironing board, and WHAT DO YOU KNOW! I actually like it! It needs less space for storage; it doesn't really slow down my ironing, and I don't have to block the entire kitchen! HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT! :-)</div>
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</div></div><a href="http://blog.thesmallguidesite.com/2014/09/warming-up-to-table-top-ironing-board.html#more">Read more »</a>Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-45809646727641185642014-09-26T11:05:00.000-04:002014-09-26T11:05:13.263-04:00Morning after the storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWj1xg4LI5I/VCV2KNcWU3I/AAAAAAAABlA/Ro-mJYPM8yc/s1600/CAM01317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWj1xg4LI5I/VCV2KNcWU3I/AAAAAAAABlA/Ro-mJYPM8yc/s1600/CAM01317.jpg" height="480" width="640"></a></div>
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It feels like the morning after a storm. Indeed, a storm went through our area yesterday, but it turned out to be a weak one. It definitely wasn't the SOAKER that was predicted.<br>
<br>
<ul>
<li>SOAKER - heavy rain; a rainy, wet day</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://blog.thesmallguidesite.com/2014/09/morning-after-storm.html#more">Read more »</a>Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-7193112507472313892014-09-21T13:15:00.000-04:002014-09-21T13:25:11.174-04:00Happy first day of fall!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBF73xMIRyc/VB7-eQIYjQI/AAAAAAAABi0/UI4GyJb6d54/s1600/CAM01307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBF73xMIRyc/VB7-eQIYjQI/AAAAAAAABi0/UI4GyJb6d54/s1600/CAM01307.jpg" height="480" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pumpkin patch at the supermarket where I shop, displaying some fall colors before the leaves start to turn in our area. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Pumpkin PATCHES are POPPING UP around town once again, especially in grocery stores and farmer's markets. It's one sign that fall is here! Well, it officially arrives tomorrow. The temperatures in NYC have been gradually going down unlike in past years when summer weather sometimes LINGERS even in October. This time the TRANSITION into autumn is smoother, which is nice. I like it. :-)</span><br>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<ul>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">PATCH - a small piece of land used to grow fruit or vegetables; the produce from this land</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">POPPING UP - appearing</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">LINGER - stay longer</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">TRANSITION - change into something different</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"></span><br>
</div><a href="http://blog.thesmallguidesite.com/2014/09/happy-first-day-of-fall.html#more">Read more »</a>Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-14329414165297897762014-09-11T21:02:00.000-04:002014-09-11T21:08:34.493-04:00A nice time watching the U.S. Open final competition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ1XkBPQqfU/VBIviraB6-I/AAAAAAAABik/VRAF0_CD25k/s1600/CAM01149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ1XkBPQqfU/VBIviraB6-I/AAAAAAAABik/VRAF0_CD25k/s1600/CAM01149.jpg" height="480" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the final game of the US Open in Brooklyn, with Lower Manhattan in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">We THOROUGHLY enjoyed the #AmexTennis #USOpen event at Brooklyn Bridge Park early this week. It was a nice VENUE with the Manhattan SKYLINE providing a dramatic BACKDROP. I even SCORED a nice, free picnic blanket which I'm sure we'll use again. I wish I had also gotten the free picnic basket with the sandwiches that came in it; they looked really yummy, and my mouth WATERED just watching people around us eating. :-| Unfortunately, the line was too long, and we would've missed a big part of the game. Now I KNOW THE DRILL; next time, I'll be first in line. :-)</span><br>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<ul>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">VENUE - place for an event</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">SKYLINE - outline of the buildings of a city; view of a city</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">BACKDROP - view in the background</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">SCORED - unexpectedly, luckily get something #slang</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">MOUTH WATERED - salivated; wanted to eat</span></li>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">KNOW THE DRILL - know what to do #idiom</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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</div></div><a href="http://blog.thesmallguidesite.com/2014/09/a-nice-time-watching-us-open-final.html#more">Read more »</a>Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-70178601113271562272014-08-19T23:14:00.000-04:002014-08-19T23:18:54.114-04:00A nice, albeit short, honeymoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g5VYscaoMEg/U_QHUR9WxMI/AAAAAAAABes/6HONUf0ZAE8/s1600/CAM00984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g5VYscaoMEg/U_QHUR9WxMI/AAAAAAAABes/6HONUf0ZAE8/s1600/CAM00984.jpg" height="480" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Milford, a quaint Connecticut town we came across and enjoyed visiting on our short honeymoon getaway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, after being together for 7 years, the fiancee and I finally TIED THE KNOT in a small ceremony at the NYC City Clerk's Office. Then the day after we GOT HITCHED, we headed up to Connecticut for a long weekend GETAWAY, where we relaxed a bit and did some exploring.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We had a wonderful time, and we came across a few things that made the trip special. We saw a couple of QUAINT towns with old train stations and abandoned railroad tracks. We CHECKED OUT a couple of small, family-owned wineries, and drove up and down long and winding, scenic country roads. A deer on the roadside GAVE ME QUITE A STIR and got my heart pumping a little. Thankfully, it went the other direction and into the forest. The wife was THRILLED to see some chickens pecking around in an open field around a CHICKEN COOP.</span><br>
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</div></div><a href="http://blog.thesmallguidesite.com/2014/08/a-nice-albeit-short-honeymoon.html#more">Read more »</a>Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-73782918626236492482014-07-08T20:07:00.001-04:002014-07-08T20:07:27.298-04:00Are you a CLEAN FREAK?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apA1Z8HnsOo/U7yFQEmmolI/AAAAAAAABVA/4T3akrOo5Ho/s1600/CAM00789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo of hand and soap. A clean freak for #ESL vocabulary" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apA1Z8HnsOo/U7yFQEmmolI/AAAAAAAABVA/4T3akrOo5Ho/s1600/CAM00789.jpg" height="300" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I admit I'm a bit of a CLEAN FREAK. I'm often PARANOID about picking up COOTIES from JUST ABOUT everywhere--on the train, in restrooms, from public computers, et al.--so I wash my hands often, probably more so than most people. I probably should LIGHTEN UP a bit; I guess I just think it's BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What do you think? Would you call yourself a CLEAN FREAK? Do you know anyone who is? </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">#<b>ESL</b> <b>vocabulary</b> </span></span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">CLEAN FREAK (overly clean)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">FREAK (a weirdo; a strange person #<b>slang</b>)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">PARANOID (overly worried)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">COOTIES (germs; body louse; disease #<b>slang</b>)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">JUST ABOUT (nearly; almost #<b>informal</b>)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">LIGHTEN UP (take it easy; don't be so serious #<b>phrasal verb</b>)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">BETTER (TO BE) SAFE THAN SORRY (better to be safe than regret it later #idiom)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-4162209040337045562014-07-04T15:25:00.000-04:002014-07-04T15:25:44.013-04:00A bit of trivia for your Fourth of July<div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vkGwUz7nvY/U7b7uPm_wtI/AAAAAAAABUY/etytykNqxg8/s1600/CAM00748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vkGwUz7nvY/U7b7uPm_wtI/AAAAAAAABUY/etytykNqxg8/s1600/CAM00748.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Fourth of July to all of you celebrating, wherever you are. Here are a few trivia questions that will give you A LEG UP on your knowledge of the history surrounding this holiday. See how many of them you already know without scrolling down for the answers or looking them up.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #444444; font-weight: bold;">A LEG UP</span> (an advantage; a boost)</span></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">How many stars and stripes does the U.S. flag have? Hint: The photo above does not show the answer. :-) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What do the stars and stripes on the U.S. flag represent? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In which year did the American colonies officially declare independence from Britain?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Who became the first U.S. President?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">At which New York City landmark did this first President take the oath of office?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What is the title of the U.S. National Anthem?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What are two nicknames for the U.S. flag?</span></li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div></div><a href="http://blog.thesmallguidesite.com/2014/07/a-bit-of-trivia-for-your-fourth-of-july.html#more">Read more »</a>Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-6903551771608708532014-06-21T18:41:00.000-04:002014-06-21T18:51:58.391-04:00Happy 1st day of summer!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wS8a8okZpAM/U6YE3aqbHDI/AAAAAAAABTY/bYLqDOzuxA0/s1600/CAM00713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wS8a8okZpAM/U6YE3aqbHDI/AAAAAAAABTY/bYLqDOzuxA0/s1600/CAM00713.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A sweet, succulent peach for this year's summer solstice. Could it be a sign?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's a beautiful summer day in New York City. After a few warm and sometimes hot days this past week, the temperatures have <span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">dipped</span> slightly, and with almost no clouds in the sky, it's the perfect first day of summer. </span><br>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">DIPPED - </span>decrease slightly</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first day of summer, of course, also marks the summer solstice and the day of the year with the most amount of daylight. I'm always fascinated by what happens in <span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">the heavens</span> whenever the <span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">solstices</span> and the <span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">equinoxes</span> <span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">come around</span> and love the fact that the amount of daylight increases and decreases throughout the year. I guess I like being reminded of the bigger picture and that larger <span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">phenomena</span> are at work beyond what we see here on earth. </span><br>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">THE HEAVENS </span><b>- </b>outer space; stars and planets</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">SOLSTICE</span><b> - </b>beginning of summer and winter; days with the least or the most amount of daylight in the year</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">EQUINOX</span><b> - </b>beginning of spring and fall; days with about equal amounts of daylight and night time</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">COME AROUND </span><b>- </b>arrive</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">PHENOMENON</span><b> - </b>event; fact (phenomena, pl.)</span></span></li>
</ul>
<a href="http://blog.thesmallguidesite.com/2014/06/happy-1st-day-of-summer.html#more">Read more »</a>Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-53951935785058368102014-05-08T22:32:00.001-04:002014-05-08T22:32:50.824-04:00Going through a brutal allergy season<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTuwf3OIo4c/U2w78eQGwSI/AAAAAAAABSw/Krof44JCdOo/s1600/CAM00380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTuwf3OIo4c/U2w78eQGwSI/AAAAAAAABSw/Krof44JCdOo/s1600/CAM00380.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful, but a source of allergy-causing pollen, which is supposedly much <br />plentiful this year making the allergy season particularly brutal.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I read today that allergy season here in #NYC is particularly rough this year because of the cold winter and the large amount of snow that we got. The cold temperatures delayed the ONSET of pollen production, and all the snow served to PRIME the plants to produce plenty of pollen. :-| </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I, myself, had a rough couple of days although I don't think it's any worse than in past seasons as some people are saying. However, the article says this Sunday is supposed to be BRUTAL, so I don't want to speak too soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you also suffer from HAY FEVER, I found <a href="http://www.amny.com/lifestyle/health/allergies-5-natural-ways-to-fight-them-1.7939651" target="_blank">an article</a> that you might find helpful. It lists just 5 natural remedies that are supposed to help ALLEVIATE allergy symptoms. I like this list because it includes foods that I already consume: yogurt, walnuts, green tea, and cocoa. Actually, there is a fifth one--springing nettle, but I'm not sure what that is exactly. :-|</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;">vocabulary:</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ONSET - start</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">PRIME - prepare; make ready </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">BRUTAL - rough; difficult </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">HAY FEVER - allergies from pollen </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ALLEVIATE - make less worse; make more bearable</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-91878401656610511232014-04-01T00:14:00.000-04:002014-04-01T00:14:05.182-04:00CUTTING BACK on green tea again<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_gS7JzCVq08/Uzo4Z-NUd9I/AAAAAAAABQY/7NQJ827Z9A0/s1600/CAM00291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_gS7JzCVq08/Uzo4Z-NUd9I/AAAAAAAABQY/7NQJ827Z9A0/s1600/CAM00291.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miso soup with tofu, fish, vegetables, & rice and some hot water for dinner. <br />Cutting back on my green tea consumption for now.</td></tr>
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<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I checked my blood pressure earlier today at a do-it-yourself health machine at Whole Foods. Unfortunately, my reading was slightly high, which meant I was borderline hypertensive again. I'd been working for a few hours, and while I was sitting down the whole time, I was a bit stressed trying to get as much done as possible. Add to this my lack of exercise and my large intake of green tea, which CONSTITUTES about 90 percent of my fluid CONSUMPTION, and it's no wonder my heart is working extra hard. :-|</span></span></div>
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<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As in the past, I will start a WORKOUT REGIMEN and CUT BACK on green tea and wait for my numbers to return to normal, and they will. For now, I'll have to settle for hot water with my dinner with perhaps a squeeze of lemon ONCE IN A WHILE.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>vocabulary</b></span></div>
<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">CONSTITUTES (includes; composes); CONSUMPTION (intake; use); WORKOUT (exercise); REGIMEN (routine that is usually beneficial); CUT BACK (reduce); ONCE IN A WHILE (sometimes)</span></span></div>
Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-77784139851111774712013-12-25T04:23:00.001-05:002013-12-25T04:23:08.073-05:00Merry Christmas!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3CyETs1PE4/UrqblcyHURI/AAAAAAAABOg/bUr-F0CR_mY/s1600/IMG_0524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3CyETs1PE4/UrqblcyHURI/AAAAAAAABOg/bUr-F0CR_mY/s400/IMG_0524.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The holiday ice rink & Christmas tree at Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wish you all a very merry Christmas and the chance to do the things you enjoy most during the holidays. I usually try to find time to rest, to REFLECT ON <span style="color: #999999;">(think about)</span> the year that's almost over, and anticipate the beginning of the new year. I hope you find time to do the same.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've talked about my goals for 2014 at <a href="http://thesmallguidesite.com/" target="_blank">the small guide site</a>. Stop by if you haven't read my holiday message. Then, you're welcome to share your goals with us. You can do it below, on <a href="http://facebook.com/thesmallguidesite" target="_blank">our page on Facebook</a>, or on Twitter by mentioning <a href="http://twitter.com/joeyu2nd" target="_blank">@joeyu2nd</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wishing you all the best!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Joe</span>Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-20592220373315376812013-12-12T22:37:00.002-05:002013-12-12T22:47:19.862-05:00Feeling UNDER THE WEATHER sucks.<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you know me, you know I'm not usually one to admit that I'm sick, but sometimes, you just can't deny reality, can you? I've been feeling UNDER THE WEATHER <span style="color: #666666;">(not well)</span> for close to a week now. My throat started to feel SCRATCHY <span style="color: #666666;">(a little sore)</span> last Saturday, and I've been feeling like I'm ON THE BRINK <span style="color: #666666;">(almost; at the point)</span> of getting sick off and on. I'd wake up in the middle of the night all sweaty and feeling CRAPPY <span style="color: #666666;">(miserable)</span> with my breath warm and my body a bit achy. I've been lucky though that I haven't had a fever. However, I started to cough, which I almost never do, and my nose started to run PROFUSELY <span style="color: #666666;">(a lot; abundantly)</span> yesterday. It's a little better today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's a good thing I get to SLEEP IN <span style="color: #666666;">(wake up late)</span> a couple of mornings a week now with my new schedule, which is fantastic. I SLEPT LIKE A LOG <span style="color: #666666;">(slept well)</span> the past couple of nights. I woke up well rested both times although I still didn't feel well yesterday. Today, though still not completely well, I feel much better. I have an early start tomorrow, so I hope I manage to HIT THE SACK <span style="color: #666666;">(go to bed)</span> early tonight and get another good night's sleep that'll get rid of this CRAPPY <span style="color: #666666;">(horrible)</span> feeling ONCE AND FOR ALL <span style="color: #666666;">(finally & completely)</span>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The ADVENT <span style="color: #666666;">(start)</span> of winter is often rough on the body with the huge changes and FLUCTUATIONS <span style="color: #666666;">(unstable; up & down changes)</span> in temperature and humidity. It's important to stay HYDRATED <span style="color: #666666;">(with enough water)</span>, eat well, & get plenty of rest. It definitely SUCKS <span style="color: #666666;">(horrible, #slang)</span> being sick, so it's best to avoid it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope you're all feeling well! </span>Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786131124946827019.post-87658278513075789252013-12-07T01:19:00.000-05:002013-12-07T01:19:18.143-05:00Talking about FOG<div style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I still have the morning fog that we had this past Thursday in mind and thought it would make a nice vocabulary lesson. First of all, I was running late and was <u>in such a rush</u> to catch my train that I didn't notice that FOG had BLANKETED the area. It wasn't until my train was crossing the Manhattan bridge that I realized there was fog and that it was quite DENSE. It was beautiful seeing it over the East River and Lower Manhattan; I wish I had taken a photo of it. The fog was so THICK that I could barely see the Brooklyn Bridge to the south, and the Williamsburg Bridge to the north was completely covered; I couldn't see it at all. By midmorning, however, the fog had LIFTED. There was no sun to BURN it OFF, but it was <u>all but</u> gone by noon, and we were left with thick clouds and some rain.
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><u>In a rush</u> - in a hurry</span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> <u>All but</u> - almost completely; pretty much</span></span></span></div>
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The words in capital letters above are the terms we use when talking about fog. Fog can BLANKET or COVER an area. We can also say that an area is SHROUDED in fog. When we can't see much around us or when visibility is low, we say the fog is DENSE, THICK, or HEAVY. If the opposite is true, we say the fog is LIGHT. When the fog disappears, we say it has LIFTED, or it has BURNED OFF. We can also say that the sun BURNED OFF the fog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There you have it, folks. You're <u>all set</u> <span style="color: #666666;">(ready)</span> to talk about fog. The next time you see it, use the vocabulary above to describe and talk about it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thanks for checking out this lesson. If you know someone who can also benefit from learning the vocabulary above, please share it. Use the social media buttons below. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Take care!</span></div>
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Joe Yuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18179112247535199030noreply@blogger.com0