Fill in the Blanks with the Right Words!

When you learn English as a second or a foreign language, you might have trouble putting the right words in the right places in a sentence. That is one of the reasons why some English speakers sound local or natural to the native English users, whereas some others may sound a little awkward or off kilter by the way they employ improper expressions.

Will you try to fill in the following blanks to make each sentence sound right?

 

    1.   The 4^th-of-July Sales at the Auto Zone are just around the corner! My brother is all set to c__p the gadgets and gizmos he’s been keeping an eye out for in the store.

*the verb meaning “to grab or obtain or buy something” in slang expression

 

    2.    Barbie always sleeps in, so she s___________gs a bag of chips for breakfast as she runs out the door not to be too late to work.

*the verb meaning to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly

 

 

    3.   You look so beat and hungry. Wanna go gr_________ something to eat?

*the verb meaning to take something (hastily) to eat/drink

 

 

    4.   Where on earth have you been? I've been trying to get a ___________ of you for days!

*the phrasal verb meaning to to find and talk to (someone) : to contact (someone)

 

    5.   Jessie has been prepping for this job interview for a year and now totally ready to sn_____________ this golden opportunity before it passes her by to make her dream come true in that company.

*the verb meaning to seize something quickly

 

    6.   With his qualifications and caliber, he'll easily l_______d a job in any organization.

*the verb meaning to secure a position in any type of job (which often implies that the job was desired or sought after)

 

    7.   When you are in desperate situations, beware of sweet talkers or scammers around you because they know you would gr______________p at straws in dire circumstances.

*the phrasal verb meaning to reach for or try anything in desperation

 

    8.   Larry is not such a gullible person that could easily be sn_______________ by swindlers.

*to win or attain by artful or skillful maneuvers or to catch or hold as if in a net

 

9.   Don’t even think about la________________ onto John. He is not that kind of guy who you might choose to chat with at the party all night long.

*phrasal verb meaning to stay close to someone or spend a lot of time with someone, usually when they do not want you near

 

10. Tyler thinks he finally has a gr______________p of the hidden nuance of various Korean idioms.

*the noun meaning ‘the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something’

 

 

Answer Keys

    1.  cop

    2.  snags

    3.  grab

    4.  hold

    5.  snatch

    6.  land

    7.  grasp

    8.  snared

    9.  latching

    10. grasp

Short Eerie Stories to Read and Think about on a hot Summer Night

 Eerie, Scary Stories for Summer Night

What do you do on sleepless nights to employ the long, tedious summertime? Here are some short stories that could send shivers down your spine and stop for a moment to think. We are all living in the world full of uncertainty and fuddery, which makes us uneasy quite often times. Horror stories or episodes might be the other side of our lives that are lurking anywhere to catch us off guard. 

Meg, my BFF

by Jean Lee

 

Sally and Meg have been pretty tight since their childhood. Meg was always right there by Sally’s side either when she was needed or not. Since Sally met her Mr. Right someday, Meg’s loneliness came into play as if she became a third wheel.  On the big day of Sally’s wedding, Meg sent her text message.

“Hey, girl, I wish I were there at your wedding, but I’m leaving for some place where I’ll spend the rest of my life that day. I will make sure to stay in touch, though. Love you forever.”

Sally had found new text message from Meg on her cell phone every single night for over a month even after her wedding, but later on, she heard from their mutual friend that Meg took her own life on Sally’s wedding day. Sally took out her cell to double-check all the text messages sent from Meg. Nothing was found since her wedding day. Sally became confused if she was dreaming a nightmare or a nightmare is dreaming Sally’s life without Meg. 

 

 

What They Don’t Tell You about the Dead

By Crimsai

 

I don’t want to sound mean, but the dead are pretty clueless. I’ve always seen them. When I was younger everyone thought I was just talking to imaginary friends. After a couple of years, when I overheard my parents talk about calling a psychologist, I realised what I was talking to. See, ghosts don’t tend to realise they’re dead, and they don’t look like in the movies, they look just like us. I’m pretty smart for a 13-year-old, so I started noticing certain patterns to tell them apart from the living. They could be a bit distant from living people, or you’d see them try to talk to people who wouldn’t even notice them. Some of them could tell I was different, that I noticed them. Like this guy I saw after school yesterday. I’m a big boy now, see, I don’t need my parents to pick me up, home is just a short walk away. He was standing away from the other parents, didn’t talk to them, just stared at me, that’s how I knew he was one of the ghosts. I went over, told him I knew what he was, and asked how I could help him. I don’t remember much after that, I think because of what happened this morning. Downstairs, my parents were crying. I tried talking to them but they ignored me. They must have died last night somehow, sometimes the new ghosts wouldn’t talk to me. Some police officers and reporters just arrived, they won’t talk to me either, just my parents. It’s weird, I’ve never seen so many ghosts together before. Why won’t anyone talk to me?

 

 

 

 

The Prettiest Girl in the Class

by Twisting Straw

 

She was the prettiest girl in the class, but of course she never heard that from me. I was obsessed with her. I’d steal glances at her every chance I got.

During class when I was supposed to be taking notes, on the train we rode after school.

But today I wanted to do more. I hopped off the train when she got off and followed her out of the station and onto the sidewalk.

I made sure to keep my distance.

I wanted to surprise her.

It was pretty hard staying within a good distance of her, though. She kept taking furtive glances back, and I looked down at my phone or pretended to tie my shoe every time she would.

When she unlocked the door and stepped inside her house, I crept to the front stairs. My heart pounded as I rang the doorbell.

A chime sounded from inside and awoke the butterflies in my stomach. Just as I reached again for the doorbell, she opened the door ajar and, recognizing my face, gestured for me to hurry in, promptly closing the door behind me.

“There was a guy,” she paused, “There was a guy following…”

“Yeah, it was me.” The words came out of my mouth before I realized what I had said.

“I know that,” I sighed in relief “But I’m talking about the man behind you.”

The doorbell chimed, and the butterflies in my stomach stood still this time.

 

 

 

 

Guardians

By Dark Alligator

 

He awoke to the huge, insect like creatures looming over his bed and screamed his lungs out. They hastily left the room and he stayed up all night, shaking and wondering if it had been a dream. The next morning, there was a tap on the door. Gathering his courage, he opened it to see one of them gently place a plate filled with fried breakfast on the floor, then retreat to a safe distance. Bewildered, he accepted the gift. The creatures chittered excitedly. This happened every day for weeks. At first, he was worried they were fattening him up, but after a particularly greasy breakfast left him clutching his chest from heartburn, they were replaced with fresh fruit. As well as cooking, they poured hot steamy baths for him and even tucked him in when he went to bed. It was bizarre. One night, he awoke to gunshots and screaming. He raced downstairs to find a decapitated burglar being devoured by the insects. He was sickened, but disposed of the remains as best he could. He knew they had just been protecting him. One morning the creatures wouldn’t let him leave his room. He lay down, confused but trusting as they ushered him back into bed. Whatever their motives, they weren’t going to hurt him. Hours later a burning pain spread throughout his body. It felt like his stomach was filled with razor wire. The insects chittered as he spasmed and moaned. It was only when he felt a terrible squirming feeling beneath his skin that he realized the insects hadn’t been protecting him. They had been protecting their young.

 

 

  

Timekeeper

By Gridster 2

 

He had been given the watch on his tenth birthday. It was an ordinary grey plastic wristwatch in every respect except for the fact that it was counting down. “That is all of the time you have left in the world, son. Use it wisely.” And indeed he did. As the watch ticked away, the boy, now a man, lived life to the fullest. He climbed mountains and swam oceans. He talked and laughed and lived and loved. The man was never afraid, for he knew exactly how much time he had left. Eventually, the watch began its final countdown. The old man stood looking over everything he had done, everything he had built. 5. He shook hands with his old business partner, the man who had long been his friend and confidant. 4. His dog came and licked his hand, earning a pat on the head for its companionship. 3. He hugged his son, knowing that he had been a good father. 2. He kissed his wife on the forehead one last time. 1. The old man smiled and closed his eyes.

 

Then, nothing happened. The watch beeped once and turned off. The man stood standing there, very much alive. You would think that at that moment he would have been overjoyed. Instead, for the first time in his life, the man was scared.

**Source from short horror stories  on scoopwhoop 

Time to play the puzzle aired on NPR yesterday! Try to find movie titles that rhyme with given clues!!

Summer officially arrived this past week, and summer is known for moviegoing. So today I've brought a movie puzzle. Every answer is a well-known film with a two-word title. I'll give you rhymes for the two words. You name the films. (If the title starts with "A" or "The." ignore that.)

 

Ex. Bad Cracks  --> MAD MAX

 

    1.   Car Doors

    2.   Sing Song

    3.   Blinding Chemo

    4.   Mean Look

    5.   Cider Can

    6.   The Mayan Spring

    7.   Bedding Smashers

    8.   The Thing's Reach

 Tim

Answer Keys 

    1.  Star Wars

    2.  King Kong

    3.  Finding Nemo

    4.  Green Book

    5.  Spider Man

    6.  Lion King

    7.  Wedding Crashers

    8.  The King’s Speech

HEALTH SERIES #19. Berries

It is natural to become physically weaker as one ages. However, it is possible to stay younger and healthier than your physical age by what you eat at your table every day. More and more medical research and studies have shown the medicinal properties and benefits of herbs and healthy diet.

As of this new year of 2024, let us stay healthy by looking into a variety of herbs one by one, their nutrition facts, and healthy diet so that we are able to lead a life with more confidence and constantly get ourselves back on track with aplomb even if we happen to deviate from the optimal state of health.

 

#19. BERRIES

How many different types of berries can you name? There are a huge array of berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, boysenberries, elderberries, goji berries, mulberries, acai berries, and so on. Are you afraid of eating fruits because most fruits would increase your blood sugar level? It is true that fruits might not be included in your daily meal plans if you are diabetic or somewhere near diabetic. However, berries are one of those few exceptions when it comes to the options of fruits that could be safely chosen.

 

Berries are rich in 1. ____________cyanins, which may protect your cells from free radical damage. In addition, berries may improve blood sugar and 

2. _________________ response when consumed with high-carb foods

or included in smoothies.

Furthermore, berries contain 3. ___________________, which may increase feelings of fullness, as well as reduce appetite and the number of calories your body absorbs from mixed meals. They are low in calories yet rich in several vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin 4. ________ and manganese.

 

However, modern lifestyles often lead to excessive, long-term 

5. infla___________________ due to increased stress, inadequate physical activity, and unhealthy food choices. This type of chronic symptoms is believed to contribute to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

 

 

Answer Keys

    1.  anthocyanins

    2.  insulin

    3.  fiber

    4.  C

    5.  inflammation

 

*Source from healthline.com

 

Acrostic poem using BERRIES by Jean J. Lee

Bored with unhealthy deserts or plain breakfast oatmeal?

Every single bowl of your fruits cocktail could be jazzed up!

Real sweetener in your dull bowl of museli

Refreshing and recuperative bunch of berries

Illuminating your skin

Empowering your life

Searching for antioxidants is no longer in need!

 

If you’re interested in consulting your health with professional pharmacists, check this out!

SANTA ANA TUSTIN COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

Can you find the words ending in "-net" in English using the clues? Here's the latest WORD PUZZLE from NPR for you!

Every answer today is a word or name ending in "net," in any spelling.

 

Ex. Small room in which to eat meals -->  DINETTE

 

1. Person with brown hair

 

2. Old crime show with the catchphrase "Just the facts, ma'am"

 

3. Puppet manipulated by strings

 

4. Soldier's weapon used for stabbing

 

5. Wind instrument akin to an oboe

 

6. Brass instrument related to the trumpet

 

7. Percussion instrument that a dancer clicks

 

8. Old French queen Marie ___

 

9. Singer Tammy

 

10. ___ Rankin, first woman in Congress

 

11. ___ Funicello, one of TV's original Mouseketeers

 

12. Comedian Carol

 

13. President Joe Biden's middle name

 

14. Newspaper chain that publishes USA Today

 

15. Villainous superintelligence system in the "Terminator" films

 

16. Something a baby sleeps in

 

 

Answer Keys

    1.  brunette

    2.  dragnet

    3.  marionette

    4.  bayonet

    5.  clarinet

    6.  cornet

    7.  castanet

    8.  Antoinette

    9.  Wynette

    10.  Jeannette

    11. Annette

    12. Burnett

    13.  Robinette

    14.  Gannett

    15.  Skynet

    16. bassinet

I bet you have a way with words!

Wish to stop for a moment to check with your vocab capability? Here’s a random list of questions to see if you could complete each sentence with a proper word using the context and the given letters as a clue.

 

    1.  Everyone needs sweetness in life. That is why she always dul________________ her morning tea by adding the best quality honey from the local farmer’s market.

(*a verb meaning “to sweeten…”)

 

    2.  Her grandma is such a grumpy lady that everybody in her neighborhood calls her a nasty cur_____________.

(*noun meaning “a bad-tempered” person who is an old one)

 

    3.  Well, if you really want your hubby to do something special to celebrate your anniversary with him, you need to put a b_________ in his ear in advance.

(*idiom meaning “to give somebody a hint/ warning/ or suggestions)

 

    4.  It is hard to work with someone who constantly ____pines about every nitty gritty of the project.

(*verb meaning “to complain about …./ to grumble about ….”)

 

5.  I think Jeff was able to grow his small start-up into a successful business empire because of his financial acu_______________.

(*noun meaning “characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment”)

6. Much to his cha_____________, she was not invited to Ted’s birthday party. She felt so disappointed and sad.

(*noun meaning “disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure”)

 

7.  Quite often times, people take umb______________ at politicians’ hidden agenda and efforts to manipulate them.

(*noun meaning “a feeling of pique or resentment at some often fancied slight or insult”)

 

   8.  Patients need to understand that doctors and nurses have to tri_____________ patients in the ER, but it is painfully challenging for them to wait for their turns to be treated.

(*noun meaning “the sorting of patients (as in an emergency room) according to the urgency of their need for care”)

  

    9.  Mr. Miller told the team to stop ab___________ing their duties and responsibilities by being a procrastinator.

(*verb meaning “to fail to do what is required by (something, such as a responsibility”)

 

   10. After enduring the ad _____________ discussions about budget cuts, the employees felt mentally drained.

(*adjective and/or adverb meaning “causing extreme weariness or annoyance” or “emphasizing the extent or frequency of an action to the point of causing annoyance”)

 

 

 

Answer Keys 

    1.  dulcifies

    2.  curmudgeon

    3.  bug

    4.  repines

    5.  acumen

    6.  chagrin

    7.  umbrage

    8.  triage

    9.  abrogating

    10. ad nauseum

SUMMER has kicked in!! 🌞🌞🌞

The month of June is originated from the Roman goddess Juno, patroness of marriage and the well-being of women. Also from the Latin word juvenis, “young people”. The solstice on Thursday, June 20, 2024, happens at the same instant for all of us, everywhere on Earth; only our clocks are different. In the eastern United States, the solstice occurs at 4:51 P.M. EDT.

Sure, you may know that the summer solstice is the “longest” day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. But that is a tired factoid. Let’s learn something new! Here’s a fun quiz to see how much you know already and how much you can learn.

 

SUMMER SOLSTICE QUIZ

    1.   How often do solstices happen in a year ? ___________

 

    2.   Where does the word solstice come from? (hint: Latin words) ______________

 

    3.   Does the solstice occur at the same time or at different times across the world? ________________________

 

    4.   Is the June solstice always on June 21^st? ________________________

 

    5.   Is the June solstice the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere? _______________________________

 

    6.   On the solstice, is the Earth the closest or farthest from the Sun?

 

7.   Does the earliest sunrise happen on the summer solstice?

 

8.   Is it the longest day of the year everywhere on Earth?

 

9.   On the summer solstice, the Sun reaches its most northernmost position in the sky. It is called the Tropic of ________________.

 

    10. Why isn’t the summer solstice the hottest day of the year? It is because it takes a few more weeks for the ___________________ and air to warm up.

 

    11. As for the Sun’s visible emissions, its strongest is the _____________ light. That is why our eyes are maximally sensitive to that color.

 

    12. The kind of energy the Sun emits most strongly is not ultraviolet, gamma rays, or even visible light. It is actually _________________ which is the Sun’s strongest emission and the kind we feel as heat.

 

*source from the Old Farmer's Almanac 2024

 

Answer Keys

    1.  Twice a year (June and December)

    2.  Latin word “sol” (meaning Sun) & “sister” (meaning to come to a stop or stand still)

    3.  The exact same instant of time

    4.  Usually, but can range from June 20 to June 22

    5.  To astronomers, yes. But meteorologist, it’s June 1^st.

    6.  Farthest! It is NOT the DISTANCE but EARTH’s TILT that matters.

    7.  Nope. Neither the earliest sunrise nor the latest sunsets are on this day.

    8.  No, it is the longest day of the year only in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. Thus, it is the shortest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.

    9.  On the summer summer solstice, the Sun is directly overhead the Tropic of Cancer.

    10. the oceans

    11. green

    12. infrared