Author Archives: Dr. Jeff McQuillan

Age Before Beauty, Pearls Before Swine

Posted on Tuesday - January 28, 2020 by Dr. Jeff McQuillan

Americans love surveys (questions asking people’s opinions). For example, I recently saw a magazine survey in which Los Angeles was voted the second rudest (insulting; not very nice) city in the United States. (“Only second?” I asked myself.) Now, being … Continue reading →

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Has the CAPTCHA Gotcha?

Posted on Monday - January 13, 2020 by Dr. Jeff McQuillan

“Gotcha” is an informal way in English of pronouncing the words “got” and “you” together. But what does it mean when we say “Got you!” or “Gotcha!”? And what does it have to do with CAPTCHA? GOTCHA We say “Gotcha!” … Continue reading →

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3 Bad Habits from Your English Classes You Need to Break

Posted on Tuesday - January 7, 2020 by Dr. Jeff McQuillan

Is this you? You studied English in school for years, but feel you can’t speak English. You worked hard, you were motivated (eager to learn), and you did what the textbooks and your teachers told you to do. Still, you … Continue reading →

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Turning Over a New Leaf

Posted on Tuesday - December 31, 2019 by Dr. Jeff McQuillan

It’s New Year’s Eve and time to ring in the new year (welcome and celebrate the new year)! For many people, the start of a new year means starting with a clean slate. Slate is type of dark gray stone. … Continue reading →

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Happy Holidays!

Posted on Tuesday - December 24, 2019 by Dr. Jeff McQuillan

On behalf of (From) everyone here at ESLPod.com, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a very happy holiday season! We are lucky that all of you have chosen to learn English with us. It’s both a pleasure … Continue reading →

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The Best Gift of All for the Holidays

Posted on Thursday - December 19, 2019 by Dr. Jeff McQuillan

Tired of going to the mall (shopping center) to buy presents (gifts)? Tired of searching online for the “perfect” gift? Search no more! I have the best gift you can give yourself or your loved ones (people you love) this … Continue reading →

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Edison, You Light Up My Life

Posted on Tuesday - December 17, 2019 by Dr. Jeff McQuillan

Thomas Edison was very smart guy. We know him as the inventor of the first practical (able to be used in everyday ways) light bulb. But that’s not the only thing Edison did in his lifetime. He also created the … Continue reading →

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Brrr . . . Give me a Hot Toddy!

Posted on Tuesday - December 10, 2019 by Dr. Jeff McQuillan

It’s not snowing here in Los Angeles, but it’s pretty chilly (cold). It’s dipped down to (reached the low temperature of) 50 degrees (10 degrees Celsius)! I need to keep warm, and since it’s winter, I’m putting aside my coffee … Continue reading →

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December is the Time for Running

Posted on Tuesday - December 3, 2019 by Dr. Jeff McQuillan

For many Americans, December is the month for running, so here’s a quick look at some of the ways we can use the verb “run” in English. It’s a busy month of running errands (making short trips to complete tasks) … Continue reading →

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Where We Get Our Thanksgiving Turkeys

Posted on Tuesday - November 26, 2019 by Dr. Jeff McQuillan

In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims, a group of mostly English citizens who were among the first to settle (move to and live) in what is now the northeastern U.S., held a three day celebration for a bountiful harvest. … Continue reading →

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