Dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters and goldfish – these are popular pets in Britain. I'm a cat-lover myself (I have four – all "rescued") although I grew up with dogs. What are the most popular pets in your country? Do you have one? What are the disadvantages – if any?
Are you currently studying English at a language school? Have you studied English in an English-speaking country? What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing an English course?
It's baking hot outside, and every time I step out of the house, it's like walking into a wall of heat. How do you stay cool when the temperature is so high? Drink lots of water? Sit in an air-conditioned room? Cover up, or wear the minimum? What's your advice for keeping your cool in the heat?
It's a losing battle, it seems. Keeping fit, staying in shape, fighting the "flab" (= staying slim) – we know we're supposed to do all this, but what actually works? We're often told that crash diets (= very severe, short-term diets) don't work, and that regular exercise plus healthy eating habits are the only way to maintain ideal body weight. What do you do to stay fit and healthy? I'd love to hear your secrets!
The BBC reports that the US state of California is facing a budget deficit from the property crisis and economic recession.
The governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has declared a 'fiscal emergency'. If politicians can't reach an agreement, California may have to stop paying welfare support to those in need.
How is your country dealing with the economic crisis? It is becoming harder to find a job?
I've been waiting for the perfect summer's day since summer began. Unfortunately, this summer has been wet with lots of rain and thunderstorms. So I'm back to dreaming about my perfect summer day. A long leisurely lunch with friends, followed by an afternoon on the beach, swimming in the beautiful blue Adriatic Sea.
What about your perfect summer's day? Who would you spend it with? What would you do?
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
The 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?
There'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!)
Do 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?
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