The (English) Language of Spies Posted by Gary Locke on Oct 19, 2017
They walk among us. If you spend enough time at an international airport, I guarantee that one will pass right in front of you. They hack, they listen, they watch from the shadows, they examine records, they find and exploit secrets, and they have been around for centuries. They are spies. In the most simplistic…
English Phrases and Idioms About Dogs Posted by sasha on Oct 12, 2017
We’ve already learned about cats, so now it’s time for the dogs. People say that dogs are man’s best friend. Let’s learn about how our furry friends made it into the language with these English phrases and idioms about dogs. sick as a dog Meaning: to be very sick Example: “You’d better go home. You…
English Sayings and Idioms About Cats Posted by sasha on Oct 9, 2017
Are you a cat lover? Or maybe you’re more of a dog person? Whether cats or dogs, people love their pets. The English language also loves them, as there are tons of expressions about both. In this post, we’ll learn some English sayings and idioms about cats. Sorry, dog people. You’ll just have to wait…
An American Classic: Who’s on First? Posted by Gary Locke on Oct 5, 2017
Baseball has been a part of Americana for over 150 years. It is celebrated in folklore, song, cinema, theater, art, and literature. It is also celebrated in comedy. There is one comedy routine which has been a part of American culture for 80 years, and almost every American is familiar with it. The old vaudeville…
5 Amazing American National Parks Posted by sasha on Sep 29, 2017
Summer is over and kids have all gone back to school. Although fall is here and the weather is getting cooler, that doesn’t mean the outdoor fun has to end. As a matter of fact, this is a great time to get out and enjoy America’s national parks. The crowds are much smaller, and you’ll…
Feeling Groovy! Posted by Gary Locke on Sep 28, 2017
When people politely ask me how I am, I frequently answer, “I’m groovy!” The most common response is, “I haven’t heard that word in a while.” It also brings a smile to their lips. Which, of course, is why I say it. People know what I mean, even if the word has essentially gone out…
The Hobbit as English Literature Posted by Gary Locke on Sep 21, 2017
In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. The Hobbit On September 21, 1937, a book was published which would have a profound and lasting effect on popular culture. It spawned other books by the same author, books about those books by scholars and fans, and an astonishing series of films. More importantly…