Author Archives: Dr. Jeff McQuillan

This Will Probably Never Happen to You

At first glance (when we first look at the situation), Walter Samaszko, Jr. did not appear to be a rich man when he died a few months ago in Carson City, Nevada. He had less than $1,200 in his bank … Continue reading

Posted in Life in the United States | 21 Comments

Happy New Year!

All of us here at ESL Podcast wish you and your family a very happy and peaceful New Year. To learn a little more about how New Year’s Day is celebrated in the U.S., see a couple of our previous … Continue reading

Posted in Announcements | 36 Comments

Christmas on the Top of the Charts

The most popular album (record; collection of songs) of 2011 in the United States was the British singer Adele’s “21.” You’ve probably heard of Adele and her impressive (amazing; awesome) voice. You probably did not know that the second most … Continue reading

Posted in Life in the United States | 15 Comments

If I Can Stop One Heart from Breaking

Emily Dickinson was something of a recluse, a person who doesn’t leave her home very often or talk face-to-face (in person) with other people. Yet she is known now as one of the great American poets of the 19th century. … Continue reading

Posted in Books and Reading | 10 Comments

Teaching Teacher

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

Posted in Life in the United States | 34 Comments

No Learning English at Work, Please

Many businesses worry about their employees wasting time (not doing what you’re supposed to be doing; being unproductive) at work when they use the Internet. A common solution is to install (put in) special software that will block (prevent; stop) … Continue reading

Posted in Business | 10 Comments

Opening Weekend

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

Posted in Life in the United States | 18 Comments

Obama or Romney? Vote Today on Facebook!

Today the United States goes to the polls (the place where you vote) to elect our next president. You must be an American citizen (official member of a country) to vote, of course, but some people have been expressing their … Continue reading

Posted in News and Current Events | 11 Comments

Taking Candy from a Baby

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

Posted in Life in the United States | 12 Comments

Don’t Smile Before Christmas

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

Posted in Life in the United States | 14 Comments