News
Texas, Oil Capital Of The U.S.A.
During each nine-hour shift, Spindletop, East Texas, produced about 100.000 barrels. When the drillers found it, oil would shoot up to 60 meters high.
Killers, thieves, fortune-hunters, and laborers in the oil field immediately dispatched to this area. Population increased by 500% in very short time. They kept finding oil in nearby states like Oklahoma and Louisiana, with the same social consequence.
Paradoxically, what would have been a fast way to make fortune, became the best way to poverty: use of oil was limited to light lamps the market was overloaded and the cost of each barrel went down to 3 cents, even speculators were ruined. Only a few visionaries started investigation on using it in the rail road system and engines.
During each nine-hour shift, Spindletop, East Texas, produced about 100.000 barrels. When the drillers found it, oil would shoot up to 60 meters high.
Killers, thieves, fortune-hunters, and laborers in the oil field immediately dispatched to this area. Population increased by 500% in very short time. They kept finding oil in nearby states like Oklahoma and Louisiana, with the same social consequence.
Paradoxically, what would have been a fast way to make fortune, became the best way to poverty: use of oil was limited to light lamps the market was overloaded and the cost of each barrel went down to 3 cents, even speculators were ruined. Only a few visionaries started investigation on using it in the rail road system and engines.
A Student’s Point Of View
Carolina Rubio, (Carolate in the Social Network) has joined us in our past Praxis Tour. In Her own words: “I really liked it, from the beginning it was a well organized Immersion Program. Accommodations were nice and clean, the house, pool, common areas. Activities started right away, they were fun, creative, interesting, and we used the language in a more useful manner, like it was what we wanted to say.
I met students and teachers from other Praxis branches. They were nice. During break times we played in the pool, talked about one another, likes and dislikes, we even went out to a club, all this in English! There was an excellent atmosphere and we knew we were there to learn and put into practice all that we have learned. Workshops were funny and situational. We went to New York, Got stopped by the police, went to the doctor, did interviews, you name it!
Other students should go on The Praxis Tour, They will not only use what they have learned, but they will become more confident in using the language, practice, and speak of what we like, our jobs, give details, favorite things, fashion etc. I will definitely will go back on another Praxis Tour. I would like to thank the teachers, and Praxis staff for taking us on his trip and so inexpensive for all that we learned”.
Carolina Rubio (Carolate).
Carolina Rubio, (Carolate in the Social Network) has joined us in our past Praxis Tour. In Her own words: “I really liked it, from the beginning it was a well organized Immersion Program. Accommodations were nice and clean, the house, pool, common areas. Activities started right away, they were fun, creative, interesting, and we used the language in a more useful manner, like it was what we wanted to say.
I met students and teachers from other Praxis branches. They were nice. During break times we played in the pool, talked about one another, likes and dislikes, we even went out to a club, all this in English! There was an excellent atmosphere and we knew we were there to learn and put into practice all that we have learned. Workshops were funny and situational. We went to New York, Got stopped by the police, went to the doctor, did interviews, you name it!
Other students should go on The Praxis Tour, They will not only use what they have learned, but they will become more confident in using the language, practice, and speak of what we like, our jobs, give details, favorite things, fashion etc. I will definitely will go back on another Praxis Tour. I would like to thank the teachers, and Praxis staff for taking us on his trip and so inexpensive for all that we learned”.
Carolina Rubio (Carolate).
Special Interest:
Special Bulletin.
Editorial
Beginner’s Corner
Mr. Franks Tip Center.
Mr. Frank’s Social Network And Website
New York Tour.
Social Network.
New Idioms.
Humorscope, joke,
Karaoke TopTen
Special Bulletin.
Editorial
Beginner’s Corner
Mr. Franks Tip Center.
Mr. Frank’s Social Network And Website
New York Tour.
Social Network.
New Idioms.
Humorscope, joke,
Karaoke TopTen
Beginner’s Corner
ROUTINE VERBS:
Check: Revisar -
Work out: Entrenar -
Read: Leer -
Ask: Preguntar, Pedir -
Eat: Comer -
Drive: Conducir -
Work: Trabajar -
Arrive: Llegar -
Drink: Tomar, Beber -
Learn: Aprender -
Go to: Ir a, Dirigirse a -
Pick up: Recoger -
Build: construir -
Cook: Cocinar -
Run: Correr -
Walk: Caminar.
ROUTINE VERBS:
Check: Revisar -
Work out: Entrenar -
Read: Leer -
Ask: Preguntar, Pedir -
Eat: Comer -
Drive: Conducir -
Work: Trabajar -
Arrive: Llegar -
Drink: Tomar, Beber -
Learn: Aprender -
Go to: Ir a, Dirigirse a -
Pick up: Recoger -
Build: construir -
Cook: Cocinar -
Run: Correr -
Walk: Caminar.
PREPOSITIONS:
Above: Sobre -
Across: A través -
About: Alrededor, Cerca -
Behind: Detrás -
Under, beneath, underneath: Debajo
Between: Entre -
Beside: Al lado -
Near: Cerca -
Inside: Dentro -
Near: Cerca.
Beside: Al lado -
Next to: Enseguida - al lado -
In: dentro -
On: Sobre -
Out, Outside: Fuera , afuera.
Above: Sobre -
Across: A través -
About: Alrededor, Cerca -
Behind: Detrás -
Under, beneath, underneath: Debajo
Between: Entre -
Beside: Al lado -
Near: Cerca -
Inside: Dentro -
Near: Cerca.
Beside: Al lado -
Next to: Enseguida - al lado -
In: dentro -
On: Sobre -
Out, Outside: Fuera , afuera.
COMO SE DICE…?
Cuantos años tienes? -
Como estas? -
El carro esta encendido -
Necesito recoger mi ropa en la lavandería -
Fui al cine el fin de semana -
Voy a ducharme -
Llámame en la noche -
Como estuvo su viaje? - Atentamente -
Por que tan demorado? -
Mi carro se recalienta -
Le puedo ayudar con algo?
Cuantos años tienes? -
Como estas? -
El carro esta encendido -
Necesito recoger mi ropa en la lavandería -
Fui al cine el fin de semana -
Voy a ducharme -
Llámame en la noche -
Como estuvo su viaje? - Atentamente -
Por que tan demorado? -
Mi carro se recalienta -
Le puedo ayudar con algo?
Teacher’s Trivia: Con frecuencia, en Inglés los sustantivos que terminan en “ice”, su forma de verbo termina en “ise”. Ej. Advice (sustantivo): Aconseja. - Advise (verbo): Aconsejar.
Mr. Frank’s Tip
“HOW TO TAKE A TAXI TO TH AIRPORT”
Passenger: Hey taxi!!
Passenger: Good morning. I’ve been waiting forever, thanks for pulling over!
Driver: Where to?
Passenger: How much do you charge to take me to the airport?
Driver: Oh, it is 18 dollars, not including tip.
Passenger: That is very expensive; couldn’t you lower it for me?
Driver: No, it’s a standard fee sir.
Passenger: Ok. How long does it take to get there?
Driver: 20-30 minutes.
Passenger: I don’t have much time. Is it illegal to make an U-turn? Cause that could save us time.
Driver: It is not.
Passenger: So, could we cruise through traffic and get there in less than 30 minutes?
Driver: Yes, we could.
Passenger: Thanks, we got here really fast.
Driver: You are welcome. It’s 18 dollars.
Passenger: Here you are, keep the change!
Driver: Ok, bye.
“HOW TO TAKE A TAXI TO TH AIRPORT”
Passenger: Hey taxi!!
Passenger: Good morning. I’ve been waiting forever, thanks for pulling over!
Driver: Where to?
Passenger: How much do you charge to take me to the airport?
Driver: Oh, it is 18 dollars, not including tip.
Passenger: That is very expensive; couldn’t you lower it for me?
Driver: No, it’s a standard fee sir.
Passenger: Ok. How long does it take to get there?
Driver: 20-30 minutes.
Passenger: I don’t have much time. Is it illegal to make an U-turn? Cause that could save us time.
Driver: It is not.
Passenger: So, could we cruise through traffic and get there in less than 30 minutes?
Driver: Yes, we could.
Passenger: Thanks, we got here really fast.
Driver: You are welcome. It’s 18 dollars.
Passenger: Here you are, keep the change!
Driver: Ok, bye.
Mr. Frank’s Social Network And Website
This website is fully in English, user friendly and at PRAXIS we are going to find new uses for it, not only can you use it to meet new people from other branches, but to interact with your teachers, and invite people to check out your work. The main purpose of this site is to provide you with more practice in a real life situation. Also to improve your language skills. Your teachers are also going to post information of areas that you need to review and work on some more. Not only remember to post your 9:14 and TAY tasks but we invite you to use this section to share your work like: songs, thoughts, poems, ideas and anything that pops into your head. The technical team at PRAXIS will be working on other improvements for your benefit. We will let you know how and when all of this is going to take place.
The PRAXIS official web site is also going to show some new sections, your input will be greatly appreciated.
This website is fully in English, user friendly and at PRAXIS we are going to find new uses for it, not only can you use it to meet new people from other branches, but to interact with your teachers, and invite people to check out your work. The main purpose of this site is to provide you with more practice in a real life situation. Also to improve your language skills. Your teachers are also going to post information of areas that you need to review and work on some more. Not only remember to post your 9:14 and TAY tasks but we invite you to use this section to share your work like: songs, thoughts, poems, ideas and anything that pops into your head. The technical team at PRAXIS will be working on other improvements for your benefit. We will let you know how and when all of this is going to take place.
The PRAXIS official web site is also going to show some new sections, your input will be greatly appreciated.
We talked to Alejandro Tapias, the most popular person in the Student Network, he told us what makes him so popular.
When did you start working at praxis? On September 2nd, 2008.
How long have you been in the social network? Since December of 2008. Nine months now.
When did you become interested in its use? It gives me the opportunity to meet and help students from other branches, and to teach them as well from a standpoint not related to the classroom.
What would you say makes you so popular? I extend my ability to help new comers to the network by guiding them on the use of the social network.
How does it help students? They can post any activities or homework for correction or compliment. Also, be able to meet other people and teachers, using the language they learn at Praxis.
What do you do for students in the Network? I’ll help them correct their TAY’s, 9:14’s, homework, and answer any type of questions students might have on modules or anything, really.
Do you think it’s a tool or another site to make friends? It’s more a tool, because in every aspect of the Social Network students practice English, chatting, leaving messages, putting up blogs. Using the language in a social way, that is the best practice other than speaking.
When did you start working at praxis? On September 2nd, 2008.
How long have you been in the social network? Since December of 2008. Nine months now.
When did you become interested in its use? It gives me the opportunity to meet and help students from other branches, and to teach them as well from a standpoint not related to the classroom.
What would you say makes you so popular? I extend my ability to help new comers to the network by guiding them on the use of the social network.
How does it help students? They can post any activities or homework for correction or compliment. Also, be able to meet other people and teachers, using the language they learn at Praxis.
What do you do for students in the Network? I’ll help them correct their TAY’s, 9:14’s, homework, and answer any type of questions students might have on modules or anything, really.
Do you think it’s a tool or another site to make friends? It’s more a tool, because in every aspect of the Social Network students practice English, chatting, leaving messages, putting up blogs. Using the language in a social way, that is the best practice other than speaking.
New York Tour
Tour was designed by Johan Ortega. He will tell us the academic idea behind his tour and what students will learn.
Why did you come up with this idea: About a month ago, virtually so that students can see and feel what N.Y. is all about and its culture.
What will people learn From this experience: Students can learn history, following praxis methodology. Students can ask for directions, ask for additional or specific information.
How does it work: It starts when you arrive in JFK, going through customs and immigration, getting to the hotel. Going to fancy restaurants and fast food places. Also, getting from one place to the other.
When are students going to enjoy this Tour: When they go on the PRAXIS TOUR.
Where does the tour take them: Using the subway and other means of transportation to all the sites Statue of liberty, Bronx Zoo, Yankee Stadium, etc.
Are we going to find out anything else from this: Aside from learning cultural and historical facts. Ask questions, know how N.Y. works they wont feel lost if they visit ever visit the Big Apple.
Are students going to get a hot dog or a pizza slice: Yeah, for sure! NY is a city in which you always find something to fall in love with, the food, the people, the sights, you name it.
Come with us on the Praxis Tour and discover New York.
Tour was designed by Johan Ortega. He will tell us the academic idea behind his tour and what students will learn.
Why did you come up with this idea: About a month ago, virtually so that students can see and feel what N.Y. is all about and its culture.
What will people learn From this experience: Students can learn history, following praxis methodology. Students can ask for directions, ask for additional or specific information.
How does it work: It starts when you arrive in JFK, going through customs and immigration, getting to the hotel. Going to fancy restaurants and fast food places. Also, getting from one place to the other.
When are students going to enjoy this Tour: When they go on the PRAXIS TOUR.
Where does the tour take them: Using the subway and other means of transportation to all the sites Statue of liberty, Bronx Zoo, Yankee Stadium, etc.
Are we going to find out anything else from this: Aside from learning cultural and historical facts. Ask questions, know how N.Y. works they wont feel lost if they visit ever visit the Big Apple.
Are students going to get a hot dog or a pizza slice: Yeah, for sure! NY is a city in which you always find something to fall in love with, the food, the people, the sights, you name it.
Come with us on the Praxis Tour and discover New York.
Monthly Lesson
Idioms
Age before beauty: It is away of allowing an older person to do something first.
All and sundry: A way of emphasizing “all” like “each and every one”.
A pretty penny: Expensive.
Garbage fee: Is a charge that has no value and doesn’t provide a service.
Get it in the neck: You are punished or criticized for something.
Man of straw: Some one weak in a sense or every way.
Many moons ago: a long time ago.
Mighty oaks from little acorns grow: Everything that is big and strong starts very small.
Mind your P’s & Q’s: to behave and be polite.
Zip-it: to be quiet or shut -up.
Dictionary
A: John Has a Ball. John has one all.
Able: I am able to read. I can Read.
Aboard: Peter is getting aboard the ship. Peter is getting on the ship. Peter likes to travel. He has been aboard a train, a bus, and an airplane.
About: Daddy told me a story about a horse. Daddy told me a story of a horse. The dog is about the house.
The dog is somewhere near the house. When Mary came home, it was about 3 o’clock. When Mary came home it was close to 3 o’clock. The wind blew the newspapers about the street. The wind blew the newspapers all over the street. James is about as tall as his father. James is almost as tall as his father.
Above: The squirrel is above the boy. The squirrel is higher than the boy.
Idioms
Age before beauty: It is away of allowing an older person to do something first.
All and sundry: A way of emphasizing “all” like “each and every one”.
A pretty penny: Expensive.
Garbage fee: Is a charge that has no value and doesn’t provide a service.
Get it in the neck: You are punished or criticized for something.
Man of straw: Some one weak in a sense or every way.
Many moons ago: a long time ago.
Mighty oaks from little acorns grow: Everything that is big and strong starts very small.
Mind your P’s & Q’s: to behave and be polite.
Zip-it: to be quiet or shut -up.
Dictionary
A: John Has a Ball. John has one all.
Able: I am able to read. I can Read.
Aboard: Peter is getting aboard the ship. Peter is getting on the ship. Peter likes to travel. He has been aboard a train, a bus, and an airplane.
About: Daddy told me a story about a horse. Daddy told me a story of a horse. The dog is about the house.
The dog is somewhere near the house. When Mary came home, it was about 3 o’clock. When Mary came home it was close to 3 o’clock. The wind blew the newspapers about the street. The wind blew the newspapers all over the street. James is about as tall as his father. James is almost as tall as his father.
Above: The squirrel is above the boy. The squirrel is higher than the boy.
HUMORSCOPE
LEO: Today you will find that you can make an incredibly silly sound, and you will spend the entire day making it, and then laughing.
WORD SUDOKU
No letter can be repeated in a box or line, horizontally or vertically.
Definition: Manner of conducting oneself.
Tip: Consider B=1 and R=9.
JOKE (Tell it to a friend!)
A man is driving down a country road, he spots a farmer who is just, standing there, doing nothing, looking at nothing. So the man gets out of the car asks the farmer “Excuse me, what are you doing?” The farmer says: “I’m trying to win a Nobel Prize, because I heard they give it to anyone who is out standing in their field”.
LEO: Today you will find that you can make an incredibly silly sound, and you will spend the entire day making it, and then laughing.
WORD SUDOKU
No letter can be repeated in a box or line, horizontally or vertically.
Definition: Manner of conducting oneself.
Tip: Consider B=1 and R=9.
JOKE (Tell it to a friend!)
A man is driving down a country road, he spots a farmer who is just, standing there, doing nothing, looking at nothing. So the man gets out of the car asks the farmer “Excuse me, what are you doing?” The farmer says: “I’m trying to win a Nobel Prize, because I heard they give it to anyone who is out standing in their field”.
TOP KARAOKE SONGS
BEGINNERS
Your Song-Elton John
Try-Nelly Furtado
More Than A Woman-Bee Gees
Don’t Speak-No Doubt
You Are Not Alone-Michael Jackson
Love Is All Around-Wet Wet Wet
All My Life-K C And Jo Jo
Don’t Go-Yazoo
Still Loving You-Scorpions
Hero-Mariah Carey
BEGINNERS
Your Song-Elton John
Try-Nelly Furtado
More Than A Woman-Bee Gees
Don’t Speak-No Doubt
You Are Not Alone-Michael Jackson
Love Is All Around-Wet Wet Wet
All My Life-K C And Jo Jo
Don’t Go-Yazoo
Still Loving You-Scorpions
Hero-Mariah Carey
INTERMEDIATE
Gimme More-Britney Spears
Blaze Of Glory-Bon Jovi
I Want To Break Free-Queen
Amazing George-Michael
Oops! I Did It Again-Britney Spears
Wind Of Change-Scorpions
Touch The Sky-Kanye West
Every Breath You Take-Sting
Smooth-Santana & Rob Thomas
Gold Digger-Kanye West
Gimme More-Britney Spears
Blaze Of Glory-Bon Jovi
I Want To Break Free-Queen
Amazing George-Michael
Oops! I Did It Again-Britney Spears
Wind Of Change-Scorpions
Touch The Sky-Kanye West
Every Breath You Take-Sting
Smooth-Santana & Rob Thomas
Gold Digger-Kanye West
ADVANCED
Still Missing You-Puff Daddy & Faith Evans
Tell Me Baby-Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Real Slim Shady-Eminem
One-U2
Take It Easy-Mika
Poker Face-Lady Ga Ga
Tango Objection-Sharira
So What-Pink
Little Respect-Erasure
Fun House-Pink
Still Missing You-Puff Daddy & Faith Evans
Tell Me Baby-Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Real Slim Shady-Eminem
One-U2
Take It Easy-Mika
Poker Face-Lady Ga Ga
Tango Objection-Sharira
So What-Pink
Little Respect-Erasure
Fun House-Pink
EDITORIAL
A language is learned, not only in class, it is learned in various places but, it depends on practice and willingness.
Often students go to class but they do nothing out side of it, we realize that as adults with dynamic jobs, families that demand more and more, time simply gets out of our hands.
We need to evaluate the reason why we are learning a language and sometimes bend our schedule a little further if we are going to achieve this goal.
Practice is probably the most important part of learning, even more so, when you have so many tools at your disposal (conversation class, Praxis Tour, events, Social Network etc. Most FREE of charge).
Practice makes any and all skills better in any field. We emphasize that, as much as you dedicate to review is how good you will be.
A language is learned, not only in class, it is learned in various places but, it depends on practice and willingness.
Often students go to class but they do nothing out side of it, we realize that as adults with dynamic jobs, families that demand more and more, time simply gets out of our hands.
We need to evaluate the reason why we are learning a language and sometimes bend our schedule a little further if we are going to achieve this goal.
Practice is probably the most important part of learning, even more so, when you have so many tools at your disposal (conversation class, Praxis Tour, events, Social Network etc. Most FREE of charge).
Practice makes any and all skills better in any field. We emphasize that, as much as you dedicate to review is how good you will be.
PRAXIS NEWS will be released the first week of every month. Its main objective is to let you know what’s going on at PRAXIS, who’s who, and so that you can have more review and practice. Some sections will require your involvement and collaboration, and even though some sections will vary from month to month we will always have: Mr. Franks Tip,
Special Bulletin, Monthly lesson, Social Network, along with interviews of students and teachers who stand out, you will also have a different type of crossword puzzle, joke an humor-scope. Enjoy this new learning tool and always practice as much as you can. Remember, the first time you rode a bicycle, you didn’t get it right, but you practiced and finally learned.
Special Bulletin, Monthly lesson, Social Network, along with interviews of students and teachers who stand out, you will also have a different type of crossword puzzle, joke an humor-scope. Enjoy this new learning tool and always practice as much as you can. Remember, the first time you rode a bicycle, you didn’t get it right, but you practiced and finally learned.
Special Bulletin:
The Most Popular Person In The Social Network