How will you remember Michael Jackson?
June 28th, 2009
Music legend Michael Jackson died this week from a cardiac arrest.
Perhaps the world's most famous entertainer, he brought us the thrilling "Moonwalk" and catchy pop songs. What will you remember him for?
Photo credit: Current news
Getting a suntan
June 21st, 2009The BBC has an interesting report about the use of sunbeds in the UK.
There are thousands of tanning salons in the UK, and many people believe that a suntan (even a fake one!) makes them look healthier.
However, Cancer Research UK believe that young people should not use sunbeds, and say that people who use them before the age of 35 have a higher risk of skin cancer.
What do you think? Is a suntan considered healthy in your country, or do people try and keep out of the sun?
The millionth English word
June 14th, 2009There's been a lot of tweeting about the millionth English word just announced, but a BBC article questions whether the new word is the millionth.
The article points out that the exact size of English vocabulary is impossible to quantify. If you count every technical term, there are more than a million words. If you don't count "specialist slang" there are perhaps three quarters of a million words.
And the millionth English word is…? (Hint: it's internet-related!)
Illegal downloads
June 7th, 2009Do you download files or music from the internet? The BBC reports that around 7 million people in the UK are involved in illegal downloads, and it's estimated that this costs the economy £120 billion a year.
A report examined consumer attitudes and found that people are confused about what is or isn't illegal – especially as so much is already free on the internet.
What's your opinion? Should the government criminalise people who download from the internet? Should everything be free anyway?
