Galileo, the Father of Modern Astronomy

Brian Malow, from Time Magazine, talks about Galileo and astronomy.

1. Why does Malow compare Galileo to Elvis or Oprah?
2. Why was 2009 declared International Year of Astronomy?
3. What does Malow say would have happened if he had been an astronomer?
4. When and were was the telescope invented?
5. What, according to the astronomer interviewed, is the hottest thing in science right now?
6. What are exoplanets?
7. What will Kepler do that no other telescope has managed to do before?
8. What happens every Friday and Saturday at the Chabot Space & Science Centre?
9. What experience does astronomer Dr Marcy from Berkeley  think you will never forget?
10. What does Brian Malow suggests you should do? (and why not listen to them,too?)

Who Wants to Become a Millionaire?

A game to help you practise your modal verbs. Good luck!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Every third Monday in January, people in the United States celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Here is a brief biography of one of America's most admired leaders.

Lance Armstrong Admits to Doping

A few months ago we talked about Lance Armstrong. Now he has made the headlines again. In an interview with the famous television presenter Oprah Winfrey, he finally admits to doping.

1. 'I didn't invent the culture, but...' Can you finish Armstrong's sentence?
2. What substances does Armstrong admit to taking?
3. As a leader of the team, a) was he pressured  by directives into taking drugs?  b) did he bully others?
4. What does he promise to do for the rest of his life?
5. What is, according to him, a major flaw?
6. Would he be willing to go to a truth and reconciliation commission? 

How I Met Your Mother (Belly Full of Turkey)

For those of you who  missed it, here is what happened in this episode of HIMYM as told by the students of APLE2

Deadline: 22nd January

The Man with the Twisted Lip (Sherlock Holmes)

Story time! Let's hear you read...

Deadline: 24th January

Living with a Disability

Ben Underwood, a teenager from California, has learnt to live with his disability.
Watch the video and answer the questions.

• How old was he when he became blind? How old is he now?
• What remarkable things can Ben do despite being blind?
• Why do you think Ben has managed to overcome his disability?
• Who won the football game?

New Seven Wonders of the World

In 2007 The New Seven Wonders Foundation started a campaign to maintain and restore world heritage sites. For a year and a half, over 100,000,000 people voted to choose the new seven wonders of the modern world. Although The Alhambra of Granada was one of the candidates, no Spanish landmark was included in the final list.

Watch the following videos to discover which are the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

   

Now try to match the sentences with the landmark they describe.
 

1. The name of the site means Old Mountain.
2. It was built of brick and stone.
3. It still serves as a model for every modern sports stadium.
4. It sits at the top of the Corcovado Mountain.
5. It was an important Mayan city.
6. It is located in a valley near the Dead Sea.
7. It was built to honour the emperor's favourite wife.
8. It was rediscovered in 1911.
9. Its origins date back to the 7th century.  
10. It has been described as a jewel of Muslim art. 
11. It has been severely damaged by earthquakes and stone robbers.
12. It was built between 1632 and 1648.
13. Only surviving wonder of the Ancient World, it was named an honorary candidate.