Category Archives: Life in the United States

It probably goes without saying (is not necessary to say) that active people live longer than sedentary (spending a lot of time sitting down, not moving or exercising) people. Thanks to three recent research studies, we now know a little … Continue reading →

I don’t remember the boy’s name anymore. It was more than twenty years ago and I’ve had so many students since then, it’s hard to keep track (remember; be aware of something). He sat in the last row (line of … Continue reading →

If you go out today and ask an Angelino (someone who lives in Los Angeles) when “opening weekend” is, he’ll probably ask you, “For which movie?” If you ask a Minnesotan when opening weekend is, he’ll instead ask you, “For … Continue reading →

Baseball may be the great American pastime (enjoyable activity), but it is so boring! That’s what some people say. They say the game moves too slowly – there are short periods (times) of action, but they’re separated by longer periods … Continue reading →

Tomorrow is Halloween, a night traditionally (typically; usually) associated (connected; related) in the United States with young children dressing up (putting on clothes) in costumes (clothes that make you look like someone else) and going door to door (house to … Continue reading →

I remember clearly the thoughts running through my head (what I was thinking about) the week before beginning my first job teaching at a high school. I was terrified. One of a high school teacher’s greatest fears is losing control … Continue reading →

In October, 1932, the U.S., like much of the world, was in the middle of the Great Depression. It was the worst economic time of the 20th century. Many Americans didn’t have jobs. And many of them had to get … Continue reading →

To peak means to reach the highest point of something, usually the highest level of your abilities or capacities. We sometimes talk about sports teams “peaking” at the right time or right moment, meaning that they seem to play best … Continue reading →