Sayings/Proverbs

Here you can find a long list of English sayings: http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/proverbs.html.I really like the one that says "Home is where the heart is".
Feel free to comment on any you like in particular.

ACCENTS

We tend to listen to Standard English, but the truth is most English speakers speak with a different accent.

If you want to explore different accents, here is a list of radio stations that might be useful for the purpose: http://www.world-english.org/listening.htm

I like listening to all different accents, but I have a predilection for these two:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX_8knnjbbo (Glasgow, Scotland)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO1kmfLmGRA (South Carolina, USA)

Have you ever travelled to any part of an English speaking country and have not been able to understand the locals?

There's nothing you can do that can't be done...

The image on the left is called 'The Kiss', and was painted by Gustav Klimt.

What do you know about the origins of St. Valentine's Day?

http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/videos#history-of-valentines-day

Did you know that in the US and Canada you don't need to have a boyfriend or girlfriend, husband or wife, or partner to celebrate St. Valentine's?

http://www.stvalentinesday.org/traditions-and-customs.html

What book, song, painting, or film about love would you like to recommend others?

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

I came across this blog and, though the comments in it didn't surprise me at all (and bearing in mind they are a few months old), I found it interesting how there is still a debate about whether it is necessary or not to adapt to your host culture...

http://blogs.surinenglish.com/spanish-language/2010/05/24/when-in-rome-haz-lo-que-vieres/#comments

Interesting ideas on mingling:

http://www.lakeforest.edu/academics/offcampus/preparing/cultures.php

When in Rome, do as the Romans do?

Black History Month

Black History Month is celebrated in the UK in October, and in the USA and Canada during February, and its main aim is to help others appreciate Black people, culture and historical events.

http://www.black-history-month.co.uk/sitea/BHM_FAQ.html
http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/about.html (in the US)
http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/audio.html (videos)

Throughout time, there have been many African, African American and Caribbean people who have played an important role in creating and developing music, literature and cinema, among other forms of art.

Who comes to your mind when we talk about Black History Month?

Here’s one of my many choices:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNPK6cYxrA4