"Archaesoup" brought to you by Marc Astles.

Really interesting video productions about history and archaeology. Check out "Hidden Histories".

http://archaeosoup.com/

Also worth checking out his Youtube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/Archaeos0up

Upstairs Downstairs (2010)

Upstairs Downstairs explores the relationship between the classes in 1930s pre-war Britain, based on a classic TV show of the same name (Upstairs, Downstairs) from the 1970s.


In 1936, Sir Hallam Holland and his pretty young wife Lady Agnes return from a diplomatic posting abroad and take up residence at 165 Eaton Place, formerly the home of the Bellamy family but vacant for several years. By chance, they ask Rose Buck, herself a long-time servant in the Bellamy household, to find them a suitable staff. In the end, Rose herself joins them as the Housekeeper. The 1930s are a difficult time in England. The Depression has taken its toll with high levels of unemployment. Fascism, which has become popular on the Continent in Italy and Germany, is also finding followers in the UK with Oswald Mosely's British Union of Fascists. As the new staff begin their daily work, the downstairs family begins to take shape.

Search for "Upstairs Downstairs" here: http://www.tv-links.eu/ or http://www.watchseries.eu/
Enjoy!


Read the review on The Guardian newspaper website here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2010/dec/24/upstairs-downstairs-is-back

The Secret Garden Episode 4

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00rlfy6/The_Secret_Garden_Episode_4

The Secret Garden, Part 2. *Intermediate-Advanced*

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00rglts/The_Secret_Garden_Episode_2/

"Birdsong" by Sebastian Faulks. Excellent 2 part drama. **Intermediate-Advanced**

As an English soldier fights in the horrific trenches of northern France, he is haunted by the memories of his forbidden love affair with a French woman.

Watch "Birdsong" here:

Part 1
http://www.putlocker.com/file/925CE91EF3F44A7B

Part 2
http://www.gorillavid.in/jrdjevewwq6m

or if these links are no longer working, try links here:
http://www.tv-links.eu/tv-shows/Birdsong_31113/

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (Int. to Adv)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00rfqhm/The_Secret_Garden_Episode_1/

Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic tale finds young Mary sent to England after the tragic death of her parents. Stars Beryl Reid.

(Read the book here http://etext.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/BurSecr.html)

Watch the film here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lFJkdlK0qg

Author, Bali Rai talks about Racism (Intermediate - Advanced)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01bb7k6/Four_Thought_Series_2_Bali_Rai/

Author Bali Rai argues that stopping talking about race is the best way to stop racism. Four Thought is a series of talks which combine thought provoking ideas and engaging storytelling. Recorded live in front of an audience at the RSA (the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) in London, speakers air their latest thinking on the trends, ideas, interests and passions that affect our culture and society.

Grammar & Vocabulary Online Games: Can you beat the "Article Wolf"?

Now, students of mine, you know how I feel about definite (the) and indefinite articles (a/an)... So... here's a fun game to practise using these beautiful little words that will make your teacher so very happy!

Can you help the rabbit build a wall to keep the article wolf away? Click on "Article Wolf" to test yourself.
http://www.english-online.org.uk/games/gamezone2.htm

Everyone can read in English... So.. Start Reading! **Beginner - Advanced**

http://www.cambridge.org/gb/elt/catalogue/subject/project/pricing/item2424295/Cambridge-Discovery-Readers-Pricing-and-availability/?site_locale=en_GB&currentSubjectID=382366

Cambridge Books for all different levels. Choose a book you will enjoy and your level.
Wondering about what level would be suitable for you? Ask me in your next lesson. :)

"The Painted Veil" by Somerset Maugham. Intermediate-Advanced

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01b1rww/Somerset_Maugham_The_Painted_Veil/

Kitty Fane is a frivolous young English woman who longs for romance and excitement, trapped in a loveless marriage to a staid Shanghai researcher. When her husband learns she has had an affair, he volunteers to fight a cholera epidemic in China's war-torn interior. Dr. Fane forces his wife to accompany him on the difficult and hazardous journey, endangering her life in the process.

Also I recommend the film with Naomi Watts, find links for the film here:
http://www.alluc.org/movies/watch-Painted-Veil-The-online/10361.html

CAE: "Cosmetic Surgery: Where do you draw the line between a cosmetic and a medicine?" 44min. Advanced.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01bb7j9/Womans_Hour_01_02_2012/

"Swallows", a short story by John McGahern. 21 minutes. Advanced (practice understanding of Irish accents)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00p1hnx/Short_Stories_by_John_McGahern_Swallows/

Tip: It may take you a while to get used to the accent, but be patient. Play it again and again.

Want to know more about John McGahern? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McGahern