Thanksgiving and the Real History of Black Friday

The retail bonanza known as Black Friday is now an integral part of many Thanksgiving celebrations, but this holiday tradition has darker roots than you might imagine. After the video and the quiz perhaps you would like to know its real history thanks to History Channel.

The History of the First Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday that we all enjoy today with family, friends and good food.  It is good to reminisce of that First Thanksgiving 400 years ago when Pilgrims and Indians enjoyed each other. But there are those unhappy souls who comment here with profanity and hate instead of thanks and appreciation for our history that they benefit so much from today.

Watch the video and test your knowledge of this celebration.

Remember there are some exercises about relative clauses.

A Brief History of Chess

The attacking infantry advances, their elephants already having broken the defensive line. The king tries to retreat, but the enemy flanks him from the rear. Escape is impossible. This isn’t a real war— nor is it just a game. Over the 1,500 years of its existence, chess has been known as a military strategy tool, a metaphor for human affairs and a measure of genius. Find out about its history.

What Causes Body Odour?

Most of us don’t need more than one whiff to identify that generally unpleasant, characteristic smell we call body odour. But it’s a surprisingly complex phenomenon, influenced by our genetic makeup, age, diet, and hygiene. 

So what is this odour, exactly? Where does it come from? And can we do anything about it? Mel Rosenberg dives into the stinky science of body odour.

*Perhaps you have noticed that in the video 'odor' is used instead of 'odour'...BE or AE?

Sherlock Holmes

What do you know about Sherlock Holmes? Join Wendy in London as she searches for clues about the famous detective.

November, November...the 5th of November: Guy Fawkes and the Bonfire Night

This is my favourite video about this celebration but ..... the actual video we mentioned about to answer those questions of the test is this one!!

Bonfire Night: Guy Fawkes and the Gunpower Plot

Did you know this week there is a great celebration in London called Bonfire Night? Somne of you asked me about some questions from the test which don't appear on this video; the reason is that I forgot to change the questions when I selected this other one; so those who are trying the questionaire, have a look on the actual video:

Have a look on Time Out Magazine if you want to know more!

How to Wash Your Hair in Space

Astronauts have to wash their hair too! 

Watch as Karen Nyberg on the International Space Station shows us how.