Author Archives: Dr. Lucy Tse

The National Radio Quiet Zone

Posted on Tuesday - November 12, 2013 by Dr. Lucy Tse

Imagine living in a place where no cell phones are allowed, no Wi-Fi is allowed, and no radio stations broadcast. To you, is this a nightmare (bad dream) or a dream come true (something very good or desirable)? If this appeals … Continue reading →

Posted in Life in the United States | 15 Comments

Want to Feel Younger? Don’t Take a Memory Test

Posted on Thursday - November 7, 2013 by Dr. Lucy Tse

A recent research study (a carefully controlled investigation to get information and explanations) published in a journal (professional magazine of scientific information) called Psychology Science is the reason I will only be taking easy tests from now on. A recent news … Continue reading →

Posted in News and Current Events | 27 Comments

Rap Genius

Posted on Tuesday - October 29, 2013 by Dr. Lucy Tse

We’ve all known songs, maybe songs we’ve known for a long time, with lyrics (words) that we thought we understood. Later we find out that what we thought were the lyrics were all wrong. I don’t remember when I first … Continue reading →

Posted in Life in the United States | 10 Comments

The No Name Bridge

Posted on Thursday - October 24, 2013 by Dr. Lucy Tse

The naming of bridges (see photo) after notable (important; remarkable) people is a common practice (something often done) in many countries. On the East Coast (part of the U.S. on the Atlantic Ocean), you’ll find the Walt Whitman Bridge, spanning … Continue reading →

Posted in Life in the United States | 17 Comments

The First (Attempt at a) Smartwatch

Posted on Tuesday - October 22, 2013 by Dr. Lucy Tse

By now, many of you have probably heard about the next big thing (something that is expected to become very popular): the smartwatch. A smartwatch is like a smartphone, but worn on the wrist (the part of the body that … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | 25 Comments

The Inverted Jenny

Posted on Thursday - October 10, 2013 by Dr. Lucy Tse

Stamp collecting was a much more popular pastime (hobby) 50 to 100 years ago, but philately — the technical name for stamp collecting — is still alive and well (existing and active) in the U.S. today. One of the most … Continue reading →

Posted in News and Current Events | 21 Comments

The U.S. Government: CLOSED

Posted on Thursday - October 3, 2013 by Dr. Lucy Tse

As you may have heard, the United States government has shut down (stopped working) because the Democrats and Republicans are in a standoff (where neither side will compromise or give up what it wants). Federal (national) government and many military … Continue reading →

Posted in News and Current Events | 9 Comments

We’re Going to the Drive-in!

Posted on Thursday - September 26, 2013 by Dr. Lucy Tse

One of the first movies I saw at a theater was at a drive-in. I was eight years old and my friend Heather’s older brother had the family car for the evening. He let us tag along (allowed us to go … Continue reading →

Posted in Life in the United States, Television and Movies | 12 Comments

Happy Birthday, Jeff!

Posted on Tuesday - September 24, 2013 by Dr. Lucy Tse

Today is Jeff’s birthday, and everyone here at ESL Podcast would like to wish him a very happy 29th birthday, again. Since none of us here can sing very well, especially Lucy, we’ll let this special guest do the singing … Continue reading →

Posted in Announcements | 84 Comments

“Don’t be an Indian Giver”

Posted on Tuesday - September 17, 2013 by Dr. Lucy Tse

One of the most offensive (insulting) phrases that Americans still use today is, “Don’t be an Indian giver.” This refers to the idea that Indians (“Native American” is the term we use most often today) give gifts and then take them … Continue reading →

Posted in Language & Terms | 24 Comments