Hi Everyone! Welcome back to Episode #088. Today we will be talking about a poem, a very famous poem. In fact it may be one of the most read and referenced poems in English. Don't quote me on that, but it's a poem that you'll hear on the radio in the U.S. as December 25th approaches, you'll see lines from it on Christmas cards, in advertisements and in many many movies. It's called A Visit from Santa Claus, but you may know it as The Night Before Christmas. If you don't celebrate Christmas, or you don't believe in Santa Clause, but you are interested in American Culture, listen to this episode.To gain access to the full episode, transcript, podcast player, quizzes and more, be sure to sign up to Season 2 (see below)
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088 - The Night Before Christmas (A Visit From Santa Claus)

The American English Podcast teaches the language and culture of the United States. Through common expressions, pronunciation tips and interesting cultural snippets or stories, I hope to keep this fun, useful and interesting! All bonus material can be accessed at http://americanenglishpodcast.com/

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In today's episode, we'll begin by going through the commentary you guys made on Culture Shock in the United States. Afterwards, I'll tell you a joke, we'll go over the expression "to take it with a grain of salt," and we'll do a pronunciation exercise.
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166 - Expression: To Take It With A Grain Of Salt

In this Chats with Shana episode, I'm going to reflect on various aspects of US culture. Although I talk about culture all the time on here, it's not often we talk about some basic things, like everyday life things that can cause culture shock. The truth is, I don't often think about the topics I'm going to discuss today; they're pretty random! We'll cover eggs, air conditioning, driving, beauty, flags, portion sizes and the one thing nobody can stand: U.S. bathroom stalls.
We all form our own opinions based off of our own experiences in life. This episode is full of opinions and thoughts, but I'd love if it weren't a one-sided conversation. Did you experience culture shock in the U.S.? Please share your thoughts on what you find strange or different in the United States! I'd love to hear from you. :)
Disclaimer: My third point in the audio WILL make some of you angry, I can feel it already. Please don't hate me, though! I like you soo much.  Just think of the points I made here as conversation starters for your next English class; sometimes more controversial ideas lead to more in-depth language practice! :)
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165 - Chats with Shana: Culture Shock in the U.S. (Everyday Life)

One of the most popular films of 1997 was by far “ Titanic.” It won 11 Academy Awards! If you saw the film, or even just previews of it, you know the plot. There’s a love story between Rose (Kate Winslet) and Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) that develops while aboard a huge ship called Titanic. The Titanic was a real ship that set off on its first transatlantic trip from England to the United States in 1912. I know you know what happens; the ship hits an iceberg and sinks. 
I thought about retelling this story and I know English speakers would tell me: Oh no, Shana, really? That ship has sailed, literally. 
That ship has sailed is an expression that means that the opportunity has passed; this topic is no longer new or very exciting.  It’s been talked about way too many times! That ship has sailed. So instead of doing my long, cultural lesson, I’ve decided to change it up! I’ll tell you a brief summary of the Titanic and in the story, you’ll hear 10 irregular verbs in the simple past tense. 
This lesson also includes an explanation of the terms and a quiz. 
*****
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164.2 - English Story: Irregular Verbs with the Titanic

Life can't possibly get worse! You've lost your job, you have no money, and then to top it off, your dog dies. You've hit rock bottom; you've reached the lowest possible point in your life. 
To hit rock bottom is a common expression in American English, and in today's lesson you'll learn exactly how to use it. In addition to learning how to use this idiom, you'll hear a joke, we'll hear comments from the audience, and we'll go through a pronunciation exercise!
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164 - Expression: To Hit Rock Bottom

My grandma permanently moved to the United States from Spain in the 1950s and the only way she could afford to keep in contact with friends and family was through writing letters; flying and international calls back then were not in her family’s budget. Email didn’t exist yet. She sent postcards and letters,  pictures of her kids and eventually her grandkids. In her lifetime, the United States Postal Service (USPS) was her lifeline to the people she’d left overseas. 

Today, I'll tell you a bittersweet and very informative story about my grandma and her relationship with the post office and mail. Through it, you'll learn over 20+ words in context! 

Can you relate to this story? Let me know what you think. You can write to me on Instagram @americanenglishpodcast, or on Spotify in the comments. 

If you would like to help me decorate my office, please send me a real postcard!  

Shana Thompson
P.O. Box 9074
Asheville, NC 28815

I create this podcast because of YOU. You have no idea how excited I would be to see you're not just a figment of my imagination (haha). Plus, your card will end up on my wall! :) 

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088 - The Night Before Christmas (A Visit From Santa Claus)

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