Difficulty:
Intermediate
United Kingdom, USA
More than 800 million people around the world use the social media video platform TikTok. However, some governments around the world are concerned that the Chinese-owned app allows the Chinese government to access people's data.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
United Kingdom, USA
The European Union says it will begin shipping arms to Ukraine. This is the first time in its history that it has supplied arms in a conflict.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
United Kingdom
President Vladimir Putin has put Russia's nuclear forces on high alert. The theory is that the possibility of mutually assured destruction is the strongest of reasons not to press the button. But the pressure is mounting.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
United Kingdom, USA
Strict water restrictions come into force for millions of people in California as the US west coast continues to experience a crippling drought.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
South Africa
Comedian Trevor Noah, who now hosts the Daily Show, compares the differences between England and Africa when it comes to obeying traffic lights. In particular, he doesn't understand why people in England are so obsessed with pressing the button in order to get the "walk" signal.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
United Kingdom
English comedian Michael MacIntyre discusses the ironies of new technology. First, he talks about Google Earth and the address most people first type in when they try it out. Then he takes on motion sensors in public restrooms.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
United Kingdom
"Pompeii" from their album Bad Blood, was the breakthrough hit for British indie rock band Bastille. This wonderfully raw acoustic version of the song really showcases their vocal talents.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
United Kingdom
The band Bastille performs their version of the popular Christmas carol "O Holy Night." They have modified and modernized the lyrics, especially in the second verse, to be more earthly, rather than heavenly, and more pessimistic than optimistic. Dan Smith is the lead vocalist of the UK band. His birthday is on July 14th, Bastille Day, hence the name of the band.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
United Kingdom
Dan Smith of the English indie rock band Bastille describes “Good Grief” as “a song about loss, but the ups and downs of it, and those moments of euphoria you get.” The phrase “good grief” is generally used as an ironic exclamation of surprise, shock, or amazement.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Canada
Animated music video (by Emmy-nominated animator Nancy Lennert) for “7 8 9” by the Barenaked Ladies, from their debut children’s album “Snacktime!”.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
USA
President Barack Obama, accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden, spoke from the White House Rose Garden on Thursday, where he congratulated President-elect Donald Trump and put forth his commitment to a peaceful transition of power.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
USA
44th president of the United States Barack Obama speaks about his understanding of American democracy following the election of Donald Trump.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Ireland, United Kingdom
In the 1980s, leading musical artists from across the British Isles came together to record a song to raise money for famine ravaged parts of Africa. The result was a huge success, becoming the fastest selling single in UK chart history.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
USA
Social commentary on those famous 15 minutes of fame, an expression coined by Andy Warhol, wrapped in a very catchy tune by Bamby and the Dogs. Music video by Ludovic Pronko
Difficulty:
Intermediate
USA
One of the most famous songs from American boy band the Backstreet Boys, the true meaning of "I want it that way" is debated. However, the lyrics suggest a desire to find the security of mutual love and trust in a loving relationship.
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