Thursday's Tidbits - Most, almost and mostly...

Most, almost, and mostly 

Sometimes there is confusion between the uses of most, almost, and mostly. Here is a brief and easy explanation of their uses.

Most

Most means “the majority of.” It can be used as a pronoun, determiner (similar to a, an ,or the) or an adverb, meaning, it can be used with a noun or an adjective. Here are some examples:

Most people think they are right. (describes people)

That is the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen. (describes disgusting)

I think most cars aren’t very environmentally friendly.

Almost

Almost is used when you want to mean “about to happen, but never did.” It is always used to modify verbs and goes before the verb, except with the verb “be,” with which it goes after . Here are some examples:

He almost finished the entire pizza. (but he didn’t)

He is almost six feet tall. (but he isn’t)

The bus almost hit me. (but it didn’t)

Mostly

Mostly is also used with verbs, but it means “almost all; the majority.” Again it goes before the verb unless the verb is “be.” Then it goes after. Here are some examples:

The dinner mostly consists of rice and beans.

The student are mostly from the inner city.

My parent mostly spend their time in Florida.

Check yourself

Write most, almost, or mostly in the sentences below.

1. The police officer ______________ arrested the thief, but he got away.

2. ______________ people think there is an afterlife.

3. I ______________ run in the park on weekends.

4. We have to go! It is ___________ 10am!

5. The shirt is ________________ made of cotton.

6. The repairman said he is _______________ finished. Just a couple more things remain.

7. ____________ countries in the world have a McDonalds.

8. Today I exercised for _______________ an hour! But not quite.

9. We _____________ do our homework at night.

10. They ________________ passed the course, but they had too many absences.

Answers to last week’s Check Yourself

1. My hair is long (X) to make a pony tail.

2. The weather is cold (X) to freeze water.

3. There aren’t (X) people to play the game.

4. My phone isn’t loud (X) to hear the person on the other line.

5. We don’t have (X) books for all the students in the class.

6. There aren’t (X) hours in the day to get all the work done.

7. The movie wasn’t interesting (X) for me to see it again.

8. The situation was serious (X) to call the police.

9. Our teacher isn’t strict (X) to deal with difficult students.

10. The ambulance didn’t arrive in (X) time to save the victim.

The Weird and the Wonderful

It's Good To Be Big: World's Tallest Dog Gets a Book Deal

From: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/weird-news

Meet man's best—and biggest—friend.

When Dave and Christie Nasser chose their blue Great Dane pup from a litter of 13, they had no idea the “cowering ball of fuzzy fur” would break a Guinness record. They just knew the breed made for great family pets. When the bewildered puppy appeared at his new Arizona digs, the Nassers did notice that his paws looked large, but “it didn't really register,” according to Dave. “All we saw was this cute puppy.”

Five months later, George was already the size of a full-grown Labrador. Five years later, at 7'3" from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail, he is the Guinness World Record holder for the tallest living dog and tallest dog ever.

George's growth spurt and significant poundage (245 lbs!) is all chronicled in Giant George, a new memoir penned by Nasser that comes out August 4. According to the book, life wasn't always easy for the high-reaching pup. Before fame came knocking, George was bullied out of the local park's puppy section because other owners feared he would harm the other dogs. Turned out, George was the fearful one. “Our enormous puppy was a big softie,” wrote Nasser. “Besides his terror of being left alone, he had a fear of water.” (He's also afraid of Chihuahuas.)

Today, the Tucson-based George, who has a lustrous grey coat and gentle face, is a canine celebrity. He's appeared on Oprah and has his own fan club. His Facebook page alone boasts 70,000 fans. George also sleeps alone in a queen size bed, consumes 110 pounds of food each month and sits on a chair like a human.

Hopefully, the book doesn't sugarcoat the experience of raising an animal that is often mistaken for a pony. George is cute, but he surely comes with colossal poop bags and a heavy paw.

Word of the Day

Cower
cow·er:\ˈkau̇(-ə)r\
Origin: Middle English couren, probably from Middle Low German kūren
First Known Use: 14th century
Verb
to shrink away or crouch especially for shelter from something that menaces, domineers, or dismays

More Vocabulary

Bewilder: v. to perplex or confuse especially by a complexity, variety, or multitude of objects or considerations
Bully: v. to treat abusively
Digs: n. accommodations for living or working
Fearful: adj. full of fear
Lustrous: adj. reflecting light evenly and efficiently without glitter or sparkle
Softie: n. softhearted or sentimental
Spurt: n. a sudden brief burst of effort, activity, or development
Sugarcoat: v. to make superficially attractive or palatable

Thursday's Tidbits - "Enough" with adjectives and nouns

 Position of “Enough” with adjectives and nouns 

In English, the word “enough” is placed differently within a sentence when used with adjectives or nouns. Here is an easy explanation:

Adjectives

When “enough” is used with adjectives, the position of “enough” goes after the adjective. Here are some examples:

Traffic is going fast enough to get to our destination quickly.

The key isn’t big enough to fit in the lock.

My computer is fast enough to download videos quickly.

Nouns

When used with nouns, the position of “enough” goes before the noun. Here are some examples:

I don’t have enough money to finish my home repairs.

We have enough food to feed everyone.

He didn’t have enough time to get it done.

Check yourself

Place an “x” where “enough” should go in the sentence.

1. My hair is long to make a pony tail.

2. The weather is cold to freeze water.

3. There aren’t people to play the game.

4. My phone isn’t loud to hear the person on the other line.

5. We don’t have books for all the students in the class.

6. There aren’t hours in the day to get all the work done.

7. The movie wasn’t interesting for me to see it again.

8. The situation was serious to call the police.

9. Our teacher isn’t strict to deal with difficult students.

10. The ambulance didn’t arrive in time to save the victim.

Answers to last week’s Check Yourself:

1. I will be at the baseball game. Are you __coming__?

2. The police __came__ to my house last Saturday night.

3. The stranger was __coming__ toward me.

4. The flight is _going__ to Chicago.

5. U2 is planning to __come__ to my city!

6. What time is she ____coming__ to my wedding?

7. No one is __going___ to the beach because of the rain.

8. The package __coming___ to my house this morning.

9. This traffic is __going___ nowhere!

10. It _came___ to my attention that some of you are upset.

The Weird and the Wonderful

Muppet bar opens in San Francisco's Mission District

From: www. gadling.com

Wakka, wakka, wakka (sorry, I couldn't resist). SFist reports that San Francisco's much-anticipated muppet-themed bar, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, has at last opened its doors. Located in the hipsterfied but culturally diverse Mission District, the bar is owned by the same group responsible for several other popular City watering holes.

"Mayhem" will serve infantilized pub-style food (Sample item: fried chicken with a jelly doughnut, although there's allegedly a burger garnished with ghost pepper--the world's hottest--as well, which would be pretty messed up to serve to a kid, in retrospect...).

The bar had a soft opening last week ("It's a nice place to sit and have a can of Bud on a Wednesday night," reports neighborhood daily Mission Mission). The interior is apparently a work in progress; there's a distinct lack of Muppet memorabilia, but word is there's more decor to be done and Jameson on tap is coming soon.

While I'm not sure how the Muppet's correlate with drinking your face off, like most people, I have a deep fondness for the show (especially those chickens!). Whether or not that encourages patronage is anyone's guess, but the Mission embraces quirkiness. Here's looking at you, Dr. Teeth.

Word of the Month

Diverse
di·verse: \dī-ˈvərs, də-ˈ, ˈdī-ˌ\
Origin: Middle English divers, diverse, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French divers, from Latin diversus, from past participle of divertere (see divert)
First Known Use: 14th century
Adjective
1: differing from one another : unlike <people with diverse interests>
2: composed of distinct or unlike elements or qualities <a diverse population>

More Vocabulary

Correlate: n. either of two things so related that one directly implies or is complementary to the other
Infantile: adj. suitable to or characteristic of an infant; especially: very immature <infantile humor>
Memorabilia: n.pl. things that stir recollection or are valued or collected for their association with a particular field or interest
Patronage: n. business or activity provided by patrons
Quirk: n.  a peculiar trait
Watering hole: n. a place where people gather socially

Tuesday's News

Costa Rica's Athletes Honoured

From: www.insidecostarica.com

Hanna Gabriels, Bryan Ruiz, Nery Brenes and Andrey Amador will travel throughout Costa Rica and the world in stamps.

The four "bigs" of Costa Rica's sports figures are the protagonists of the new issue of stamps by Correos de Costa Rica (Post Office) "Atletas Destacados" (Featured Athletes), which recognizes the discipline, dedication and courage of these athletes in the consolidation of national sports.

The new issue consists of four motifs with photographs of Hanna Gabriels (boxer), Nery Brenes (sprinter), Bryan Ruiz (soccer) and Andrey Amador (cyclist).

The collection is of 60.000 stamps - 15.000 for each sports figure - is a tribute to these Costa Ricans who with their performances in each of the four sports have brought the name of Costa Rica to the world.

The president of Correos, Álvaro Rodríguez, stressed that athletes honored in this issue, are an example for new generations of athletes who see in them a motivation to keep going.

"These athletes, each in their discipline, have given Costa Ricans joy and smiles, but mostly their sporting exploits have become role models for children and young people who see each of their accomplishments in hope to move forward," said the Rodríguez.

The issue will be available at Window 10 of Central Post Office or in the Virtual Store with face values between ¢200 and ¢330 colones.

Word of the Day

Stamp
\ˈstamp\
Origin: Middle English; akin to Old High German stampfōn to stamp and perhaps to Greek stembein to shake up
First Known Use: 13th century
transitive verb
1: to pound or crush with a pestle or a heavy instrument
2 a (1) : to strike or beat forcibly with the bottom of the foot (2) : to bring down (the foot) forcibly; b : to extinguish or destroy by or as if by stamping with the foot —usually used with out <stamp out cancer>
3 a : impress, imprint <stamp “paid” on the bill>; b : to attach a stamp to
4: to cut out, bend, or form with a stamp or die
5 a : to provide with a distinctive character <stamped with a dreary, institutionalized look — Bernard Taper>; b : characterize <stamped as honest women — W. M. Thackeray>
intransitive verb
1: pound 1
2: to strike or thrust the foot forcibly or noisily downward
Noun
1: a device or instrument for stamping
2: the impression or mark made by stamping or imprinting
3 a: a distinctive character, indication, or mark; b: a lasting imprint
4: the act of stamping
5:a stamped or printed paper affixed in evidence that a tax has been paid; also : postage stamp

More Vocabulary

Consolidation: n. the process of uniting
Face value: n. the value indicated on the face (as of a postage stamp or a stock certificate)
Honor: v. to give special recognition to
Motif: n. a dominant idea or central theme
Protagonist: n. a leader, proponent, or supporter of a cause : champion

Thursday Tidbits - Are you coming or going?

Are you coming or going? … July 14th, 2011

The common verbs come and go are often confusing. One reason this happens is that come and go have the same basic meaning, but are used for different directions. Let’s look at the difference.

Come

Come is used to show movement of someone or something that will be arriving at the destination of the speaker, where the speaker will be, or something belonging to the speaker. Here are some examples:

My cousin is coming to see me next week.

Are you coming to my party?

That man's coming toward us. Who is he?

He came to my office, but I wasn’t there.

Go

Go is used to show movement of someone, something, or the speaker from a destination that may or may not arrive to the destination indicated. Here are some examples:

I'm going to see my cousin next week.

Are you going to Bill's party?

I need to go to the bank this afternoon.

Ginny wants to go to Bora Bora on her vacation.

 Check yourself

Complete the following sentences with come or go. Also, be sure to use the correct form of the verb.

1. I will be at the baseball game. Are you ____________?

2. The police __________ to my house last Saturday night.

3. The stranger was ______________ toward me.

4. The flight is ____________ to Chicago.

5. U2 is planning to __________ to my city!

6. What time is she ________________ to my wedding?

7. No one is _____________ to the beach because of the rain.

8. The package ____________ to my house this morning.

9. This traffic is ____________ nowhere!

10. It __________ to my attention that some of you are upset.

Answers to last week’s Check yourself:

1. When I moved to my new apartment, I found a lot of __mice__ in the basement.

2. Many people say that cats have nine __lives___.

3. I cut my hand with a __knife__ by accident.

4. Most people have 32 ____teeth___ in their mouth.

5. The park was full of many ___children__ playing games.

6. I was robbed by a __thief___ while walking in downtown San Jose.

7. Most __women___ carry lipstick in their purses.

8. Both of my __feet___ hurt after walking for 4 hours.

9. All of the ___men___ in my family are bald.

10. I need to speak with a _person__ from the accounting department.

The Weird and the Wonderful

Butterbeer: How the Harry Potter Beverage Was Made Real

From: www.huffingtonpost.com

By now, even the dimmest of Muggles knows that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a smashing success. Ever since this theme-park-within-a-theme-park opened at Islands of Adventure at the Universal Orlando Resort, people have been raving about the "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" attraction as well as Hogsmeade's highly-themed shops & restaurants.

But when you get right down to it, what's the most successful aspect of The Wizarding World? "Forbidden Journey"'s state-of-the-art ride system? The dazzling effects that theme park visitors experience whenever they visit Ollivander's wand shop? Or -- for that matter -- the overall look of Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade Village. Which make you feel as though you've stepped inside one of the "Harry Potter" movies?

And the answer is... none of the above. Based on surveys that UOR employees have done, the greatest Guest Satisfier in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, that piece-of-the-magic that people most wish that they could take home and share with friends & family... is a beverage. Butterbeer, to be precise.

Which just thrills Chef Steven Jayson, Vice President and Corporate Executive Chef for Universal Parks & Resorts. Given that he and his team labored for nearly three years to come up with a workable real-world recipe for this magical, mythical brew.

You see, that's the real problem with this particular beverage. Though Butterbeer is repeatedly mentioned in the seven Harry Potter books and the eight HP films, the favored ale of witches & wizards everywhere doesn't actually exist. So -- in essence -- Jayson & Co. had to conjure up some Butterbeer. Deliver a drink that would appeal to hardcore Harry Potter fans as well as members of the general public. Not to mention meet the exacting standards of series creator J. K. Rowling.

The research started early. Steven and his team made a trip to Scotland in July of 2008. Both to meet with Harry Potter's author, as well as to tour the various environs that had allegedly inspired J.K. (which included Edinburgh's Hogs Head Pub). During that trip, Jayson reportedly quizzed Rowling in regards to Butterbeer. Trying to get this author's exact thoughts on this imaginary ale.

And Steven... He has supposedly done his homework prior to meeting with J.K.; carefully combing through all of the Harry Potter books, looking for any and all references to Butterbeer.

Mind you, given that this beverage was going to be served in a family-friendly theme park, one aspect of this beverage (i.e. according to the Harry Potter books, quaffing this ale can give you a bit of a buzz) had to be dropped right off the bat. Furthermore, because Universal Orlando wanted as many guests as possible to be able to sample this brew (and that included the lactose intolerant), there could be no butter, or dairy products of any kind, in Butterbeer.

J.K. allegedly agreed to these terms as Steven laid them out, but then added a few of her own. Chief among these was that -- because Rowling believed that corn syrup was about to become the next trans-fat (i.e. the ingredient that people now deliberately avoid whenever they're making their food choices), which is why she insisted that Butterbeer be made with real sugar.

So with this info in hand, Jayson and his team returned to the States and then retreated to Universal Orlando's test kitchens. Where these would-be culinary wizards then attempted to conjure up some Butterbeer.

"We experimented with all sorts of flavors. It took a while to get the flavor right where it needed to be. So it wasn't too sweet. That it had this great comfortable feeling going down."

And then -- after running this prototype by his bosses at Universal Orlando and then getting their tentative approval -- it was time to see if Rowling herself would actually sign off on this version of Butterbeer. So they packed up all of the necessary ingredients … and then flew them over to the U.K.

Once there, Jayson and his team rented space in a kitchen in an Edinburgh hotel. To give J.K. a variety of beverages to choose from, they allegedly whipped up four variations on their Butterbeer formula along with the version that UOR officials were hoping the author would pick. Then Jayson's boss -- Richard Florell, Universal's senior vice president in charge of Food & Beverages -- carried that tray of drinks into Ms. Rowling.

And then J.K. carefully sampled all five glasses. And upon arriving at the real glass of Butterbeer, Rowling reportedly took one sip and then reportedly broke into a big smile, saying "Yes, Chef. That's it."

So Steve and his team had gotten the approval of the notoriously-hard-to-please J.K. But what about Harry Potter's fans and the general public? Would they too respond favorably to Universal Orlando's home-brewed version of Butterbeer.

The answer to that question came during the soft opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. When the line of guests standing in front of the Butterbeer cart was almost as long as the one waiting to get into the "Forbidden Journey" attraction.

 “So what exactly is the Universal's version of Butterbeer?" you ask. That information -- as they say in the military -- is classified. On a need-to-know basis. What I can tell you is that this popular beverage is prepared on property. Beyond that, UOR officials are determined to do whatever they have to in order to keep the precise ingredients of this super-popular ale a secret. In direct response to a series of questions that I submitted to Chef Jayson about Butterbeer earlier this year, he admitted that Universal has already " ...implanted special security procedures (in order) to protect the recipe."

"So -- that said -- what is actually known about this amber ale?" you query. Well, there are two distinct phases to the preparation / pouring of a glass of Butterbeer. First the bottom layer -- a slightly thickened mixture which tastes like a combination of butterscotch, cream soda and shortbread cookies -- is poured into the bottom of the glass. Then the Butterbeer's head -- which is this lighter, fluffier, less sweet version of marshmallow fluff -- is carefully placed on top of the brown brew that has previously been poured into this glass.

When you enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and then see that 20-foot barrel of Butterbeer sitting atop that beverage cart in the middle of Hogsmeade Village -- you really can't help yourself. You just have to order a glass of Butterbeer.

Which now brings me to the big question, the one that only Huffington Post readers who've actually been to this recent IOA addition can answer: Which version of Universal's Butterbeer do you prefer? The regular kind or the frozen?

Word of the Day

Ale: \ˈāl\
Origin: Middle English, from Old English ealu; akin to Old Norse ǫl ale, Lithuanian alus
First Known Use: before 12th century
Noun
1: an alcoholic beverage brewed especially by rapid fermentation from an infusion of malt with the addition of hops
2: an English country festival at which ale is the principal beverage

More Vocabulary

Conjure: v. to create or imagine (something)
Imaginary: adj. existing only in imagination: lacking factual reality
Mythical: adj. existing only in the imagination : fictitious, imaginary
Quaff: v. to drink (a beverage) deeply
Soft: adj. pleasing or agreeable to the senses
Wand: n. a slender rod used by conjurers and magicians

Idioms & Expressions

 (right) Off the bat: immediately

• I could tell right off the bat there was something different about this man.

Love those Phrasal Verbs

Sign off: to indicate one's approval explicitly if not formally

• The president is expected to sign off on the new agreement.
• 
  

Whip up: to plan or assemble quickly

• Mary, you whipped up such a delicious dinner in such a short time. What is your secret?

Tuesday's News

Mundo Milo: A World Apart in Junquillal

From: www.ticotimes.net

In the laidback beach town of Junquillal – a place where hitchhiking is the preferred mode of transportation, although the bus or a car will work just fine – Michiel Breman and Lieke van de Loo discovered exactly what they were looking for.

It took three years for the Dutch couple to build their gorgeous Mundo Milo Eco Lodge. In November 2006, the two sold their house in Arnhem, Netherlands, and quit their jobs. They decided to pursue their dream “to build something in Middle America” in the jungle. They also chose to build it all by hand, to try to preserve as much of the nature as possible. Now, guests can wander up the forested dirt path toward Mundo Milo, five minutes from Playa Junquillal, to discover the small plot of land that Breman and van de Loo have turned into a friendly cabina, restaurant and bar.

Mundo Milo is in an alluring area enclosed by the jungle, yet close enough to the beach that you can hear the surf. The town of Junquillal lies on the northern Pacific coast, about 45 minutes from the town of Santa Cruz in the northwestern Guanacaste province.

“(Junquillal) was kind of like a magnet,” van de Loo said. “We checked the whole coastline, but every time we came back to Junquillal because of thetranquility, the very strong community.”

“I felt very welcome,” Breman added.

The duo forged Mundo Milo with a do-it-themselves attitude. They learned Spanish to communicate with their small construction team and the locals around town, and Breman also learned how to make a website to create www.mundomilo.com. One of the reasons he and van de Loo chose to build the place without the help of a contractor was to ensure that construction would not cause excessive damage to the wilderness.

The two uprooted plants by hand, instead of plowing through the area with machines. They used eco-friendly products and reused leftover lumber to construct Mundo Milo. The jungle aesthetic remains even as the hotel’s restaurant serves up delicious fish dinners and cold beers. The gnarly tree trunks used to hold up the restaurant’s magnificent thatched roof might be Mundo Milo’s finest touch.

Mundo Milo has one cabina that guests can rent for any period of time. Breman and van de Loo eventually plan to build seven cabinas, with each one representing a different part of the world, for example, the Mediterranean, Asia and the Arabian Desert. The first cabina is a wonderful homage to Africa. The bathroom walls have giraffe print on them, the carpet is spotted like a jungle cat, a blanket has zebra stripes, and the architecture of the room adds other nuances to put guests in the mindset of being on an African safari. The cabina also includes a kitchenette with a fridge, a private terrace and bathroom.

The hotel’s location can make a stay feel like a jungle expedition at times. Sleeping in a cabina smack dab in the forest means Mundo Milo is not for the squeamish. Breman has seen guests leap onto tables in the restaurant as tarantulas crept across the floor. 

The cabina also hosts some uninvited guests, such as red ants and spiders. But these creatures must be expected when spending the night in a Costa Rican jungle, and they leave guests alone.

Other, more exotic creatures nearby includes howler monkeys, colorful birds and the olive Ridley and leatherback sea turtles that nest on Junquillal’s 4-kilometer shoreline. Compared to the bustling beach town of Tamarindo to the north, Junquillal is a much quieter and close-knit spot. During nesting season, area hotel owners will collaborate with environmentalists working on the beach to give tours of the turtles returning to nest. Guests can also kayak in the mangrove lagoon near areas where crocodiles are known to lurk. Canopy tours, horseback rides and national park visits can be arranged as well. The hotel also has a swimming pool.

The owners are central to the experience at Mundo Milo. Breman and van de Loo are friendly and accommodating, whether a guest needs a delicious vegetarian meal or a simple rum and Coke. Both of them speak English, Dutch, Spanish and German, and enjoy conversing with guests. For travelers staying longer than a weekend, the owners will offer breakfast and laundry service.

Junquillal is the archetypal secluded beach town. And while you’re there, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beautiful jungle, surrounded by the friendly community, at Mundo Milo.

Word of the Day

Aesthetic
aes·thet·ic: \es-ˈthe-tik, is-, British usually ēs-\\-ti-kəl\
Origin: German ästhetisch, from New Latin aestheticus, from Greek aisthētikos of sense
erception, from aisthanesthai to perceive — more at audible
First Known Use: 1798
Adjective
1 a : of, relating to, or dealing with aesthetics or the beautiful <aesthetic theories>; b : artistic <a work of aesthetic value>; c : pleasing in appearance : attractive <easy-to-use keyboards, clear graphics, and other ergonomic and aesthetic features — Mark Mehler>
2: appreciative of, responsive to, or zealous about the beautiful; also : responsive to or appreciative of what is pleasurable to the senses
Noun
1: plural but sing or plural in constr : a branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art, and taste and with the creation and appreciation of beauty
2: a particular theory or conception of beauty or art : a particular taste for or approach to what is pleasing to the senses and especially sight <modernist aesthetics> <staging new ballets which reflected the aesthetic of the new nation — Mary Clarke & Clement Crisp>
3: plural : a pleasing appearance or effect : beauty <appreciated the aesthetics of the gemstones>

More Vocabulary

Forge: v. to form or bring into being especially by an expenditure of effort
Hitchhike: v. to solicit and obtain (a free ride) especially in a passing vehicle
Homage: n. something that shows respect or attests to the worth or influence of another: tribute
Laidback: adj. having a relaxed style or character
Lurk: v. to move furtively or inconspicuously
Smack dab: adv. exactly, squarely
Squeamish: adj. easily offended or disgusted
Tranquil: adj. free from disturbance or turmoil

Thursday's Tidbits - Irregular plural nouns

Irregular plural nouns 

Most plural forms of nouns in English take an s or es. However, there are some nouns in English that change form differently than most plural nouns. Let’s take a look at a few:

Singular form	Irregular plural form
Man	Men
Woman	Women
Foot	Feet
Tooth	Teeth
Person	People
Child	Children
Mice	Mouse
Life	Lives
Knife	Knives
Thief	Thieves

Check yourself

Complete the following sentences with either the singular or plural form of the noun that makes the most sense.

1. When I moved to my new apartment, I found a lot of _________________ in the basement.

2. Many people say that cats have nine _______________.

3. I cut my hand with a _______________ by accident.

4. Most people have 32 _________________ in their mouth.

5. The park was full of many ________________ playing games.

6. I was robbed by a _________________ while walking in downtown San Jose.

7. Most ________________ carry lipstick in their purses.

8. Both of my ______________ hurt after walking for 4 hours.

9. All of the _______________ in my family are bald.

10. I need to speak with a ______________ from the accounting department.

Answers to last week’s Check Yourself

1. People will stay at their job as long as they are paid decently.
2. I’m going to buy a car as soon as I have enough money.
3. Some things need to change as far as your attitude.
4. I will give you a call as soon as I finish lunch.
5. I think he can be trusted as far as lending money.
6. We plan to go to the beach as long as it doesn’t rain.
7. He will take you to the airport as long as you give him gas money.
8. The cat jumped onto the table as soon as he heard the thunder.
9. You can have dessert as soon as you eat all your vegetables.
10. I don’t think there will be any problems as far as the weather.

The Weird and the Wonderful

Klepto kitty piles up the loot in Swiss town

Cat went from bringing home mice to stealing gloves, t-shirts; its latest obsessions: underwear and black socks

From: www.msnbc.msn.com

 

 

 

GENEVA — Forget mice. A Swiss cat named Speedy has an eye for finer things.

Speedy has stolen so much loot that its owner had to post leafletsthroughout a northern Swiss town saying "Help, our cat steals!" and inviting people to recover their missing things.

Margrit Geiger of Wiesendangen said her kleptomaniac cat switched three years ago from bringing home mice to stealing badmintonshuttlecocks, all to impress her teenage son.

Then the cat began specializing in gloves, scarves and T-shirts. The latest obsession: underwear and black socks.

Geiger told the Swiss daily Blick that the cat has nabbed more than 100 items, and the paper said Thursday some neighbors have already claimed items back.

"It carries everything through a hole in the shed, through the attic, straight to my son Daniel's room," Geiger told Blick. "Daniel is its absolute favorite person." Once it drops off what it stole, Speedy doesn't stop meowing until its owners examine the loot.

"If I don't respond, it starts clattering around," Daniel said to the newspaper.

Veterinarian Brigitte Buetikofer says animals steal to gain attention, so ignoring them is the best cure.

Speedy's North-American counterpart, Dusty of San Mateo, California, has swiped over 600 items from his neighbors.

His booty includes everything from gloves, towels, Crocs, swim trunks, and even a Giants cap.

Word of the Day

Kleptomania
 klep·to·ma·nia: \ˌklep-tə-ˈmā-nē-ə, -nyə\
Origin: 1820–30; klepto-  (combining form of Greek kléptēs  thief) + -mania
Noun
an irresistible impulse to steal, stemming from emotional disturbance rather than economic need

More Vocabulary

Booty: n. any prize or gain

Nab: v.  to seize suddenly

Leaflet: n. a usually folded printed sheet intended for free distribution

Loot: n. anything taken by dishonesty, force, stealth

Shuttlecock: n. a lightweight conical object with a rounded often rubber-covered nose that is used in badminton

Swipe: v. to steal