Modern Family: “Family Portrait” Season 1 Episode 24

http://onwatchseries.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e24.html

Plucked from obscurity: suddenly made famous

Blow money on: to waste money on something

Extended family: family including aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents

Flaw: a problem or negative feature

Kiss cam: a camera at sporting events that focuses on couples and prompts them to kiss

Matter of principle:

Perfectionist: someone who wants everything to be perfect

Kitschy: lowbrow, cheap/tacky/cheesy, lacking style or taste

Postpone: to delay a date, appointment or event

Hissy fit: a temper tantrum, an angry/immature display of emotion

Uptight: characteristically stressed and controlling

Sorry bunch: sad, imperfect group

1. What is Claire up obsessing about in this episode?

2. Which character is a perfectionist, and how does his/her partner feel about this?

3. What event does Phil go to and who accompanies him?

4. BONUS: Phil brings snacks to the game not because he's cheap but because it's a matter of principle, what principle would that be?

5. What happens when the Kiss Cam focuses on Phil and Gloria? Does Claire see it?

6. Cam feels he has been plucked from obscurity, why? Is Mitchel as excited about this as Cam is?

7. Mitchell shows extreme fear for something in this episode, what is that and how does he react to it? Why is Cam suspicious when he sees the damage Mitchell does to 'kitschy' objects belonging to Cam?

8. Luke and his grandfather are working on a project together, what is that project and why does it inspire Jay to lie?

9. Why do they almost postpone the family portrait? Who has a 'hissy fit'?

10. What is the final outcome of the family portrait session?

 

Modern Family: "Hawaii" Season 1 Episode 23

Sentence: to give (usually as punishment)
Life with no parole: life in prison with no chance of getting out
Solid (person): a bulky, fat, or heavy person
Ate like crap: typically ate bad/unhealthy foods
Scared the hell out of (person): to really really scare a person
Sizzle: a cooking sound of fat frying
Nozzle: a round hole through which water travels into a pool or hot tub/jacuzzi

1. What is Phil trying to do during this vacation?
2. Why are Luke an Manny clashing?
3. How does Jay's conversation with his brother change his vacation plans?
4. What happens when Cam and Mitchell finally relax?
5. What misadventure does Haley have and how does it change Phil and Claire's plans for a make-up honeymoon.
6. Why did Jay disappear on the night of his birthday dinner? How do things become awkward when Phil tries to find him?
7. What romantic gesture does Phil make, why does he feel it is necessary?

 

Season 1 Episode 22 "Airport"

http://onwatchseries.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e22.html

Do you think I'm made of money: (idiom) I am not wealthy enough for that, that would be a waste of money

People say I scream ______: (idiom) People think I am very like ______, ______ is very appropriate and complementary to me 

out of your league: (idiom) too good for you, on a higher level than you

queasy: (adjective) nauseous, sick feeling in the stomach and gut, likely to vomit

I got this: (expression) I can do this, I will take care of this

counting on (someone): (phrasal verb) depending/relying on someone

clueless: (adjective) having no knowledge, understanding, or ability

kissing up/sucking up/brown-nosing: (idiom) being especially helpful and complimentary to someone (in order to gain personal success of some kind) 

motion sickness: (noun) a sickness/nausea that is caused by movement

Dramamine: (noun) a brand name drug used to treat motion sickness

no-fly list: (noun) a list of criminals or suspects who are not allowed to fly on airplanes

on the same wavelength/on the same page: (idiom) in agreement, feeling and thinking the same way, two peas in a pod (usually shorter term)

going out of the way: (idiom) putting extra effort in, trying especially hard

contraband: (noun) illegal/forbidden materials or objects

 

 

 

 

 

 

Season 1 Episode 21 - Adventures with Scout

http://onwatchseries.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e21.html

Q: Working Hard? A: Hardly working: a jokey play on words—the two expressions are opposite in meaning

cashed ( ) in for ( ): used ( ) to get ( )

pound [place]: (noun) a facility that houses animals without homes temporarily

two peas in a pod: two very similar or complimentary personalities

crank calls/prank calls: joke or trick calls made to make the person who answers feel foolish

'on the noodle': on the mind, on the brain

 

1. Why didn't Phil tell Claire about his dad's plan to bring them a dog?

2. Who is Claire talking about when she says “We have a new rule, no sleeping in the bedroom”?

3. The dog came from the pound—why does that make it especially difficult to return it?

4. Phil says he and his dad are 'two peas in a pod' (among other things), what does that mean?

5. Phil's dad crank calls him twice a week, does this surprise you? Are crank calls something people do in Korea?

6. Phil asks his dad if he has 'anything on the noodle,' what does that mean? How does his dad reply?

7. Why does Jay's idea to bring Manny to the movies go terribly wrong? How does Jay' attempt to fix the trauma make everything worse?

8. BONUS: How does this episode compare Luke to the dog?

9. Why/How does Cameron volunteer to help out Dylan, Hayley's boyfriend?

 

Modern Family Season 1 Episode 20 “Benched”

http://the-watch-series.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e20.html

Benched: (past verb, adjective) to be put on the bench by a coach/authority (not in the game)

Cut out for: (phrase) to be well-suited or capable for

(Person) being (person): a person showing their typical behaviors and attitudes (suggesting the actions should not be taken as a insult/favor specific to any one person) 

Make something up to someone: to repay or somehow compensate someone for something

Out of favor: no longer favored/favorite

1. How has Mitchell's life changed? What is he not cut out for?

2. What does Mitchell mean when he tells Phil "it's just Jay being Jay"?

3. What does Mitchell secretly want? What does Cam secretly want? Why are the failing to be honest/communicate?

4. What happens in the middle of the basketball game? Claire leaves but promises to make it up to Phil, what does that mean?

5. Why doesn't Manny want his mother to continue to come to his basketball games?

6. Does Jay respect Phil's ideas while coaching?

7. Is Cam helpful at Mitchell's casual interview? Does Mitchell want the job?

8. How have things changed in Claire's relationship with her daughter Alex?

9. What happens when Cam and Mitchell try to escape the garage? Why is this especially embarrassing? 

10. What does Claire do as revenge for her daughter's manipulation/rejection?

11. How does Manny become out of favor with his mother? What advice does Jay give him?

 

Modern Family Season 1 Episode 19 “Game Changer”

http://the-watch-series.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e19.html

Hit the sack: to go to bed

drop the ball: to fail to do an important duty because of oversight

bad loser: someone who become grumpy, angry, or depressed when they lose

taking something to the plums: to be hit in the testicles 'balls' by something

1. Phil has to hit the sack, what does that mean and why?

2. What is Phil's special birthday plan/gift this year?

3. How does Claire drop the ball on getting that gift? How does Phil react?

4. Describe the game of chess Manny and Jay played.

5. BONUS: Why did Gloria advise manny to let Jay win?

6. Phil hears an announcement about 'Phil's birthday party,' how is he disappointed for a second time?

7. Phil says we're all just "(baseball player) taking a fastball to the plums," what does that mean and how does it express his feelings about the birthday?

8. Why does Gloria say she is an excellent chess player but a better wife?

 

Modern Family Season 1 Episode 18 “Starry Night”

http://the-watch-series.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e18.html

In the blink of an eye:

Overworked: in a state of having an unusual/unreasonable amount of work

ADD/ADHD: Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder – a popular diagnosis for children with energy control and focus issues

Disappear into (entertainment form): to be totally absorbed/immersed in, to be totally fascinated by

tag along: to follow someone

astronomy: the study of the space, stars, planets etc.

Turn out: to end as, to finish as, emerge

outing: (noun) a short trip

bond with (person): to become closer/more intimate with someone by spending time with them

 

1. What is the topic/theme of the episode.

2. How does Phil like to relax? What does he mean by 'disappear into the nature channel'?

3. Claire feels overworked, what happens when Phil tries to help out?

4. Hayley has a system she uses, which she calls 'a trap,' to get Claire to do things for her--describe it.

5. Manny tags along on the astronomy outing Mitchell and Jay do each year. How does Mitchell feel about this?

6. Cam takes the opportunity to bond with Gloria, what causes a problem?

7. What syndrome/disorder does Alex believe her brother has? What other character shows similar symptoms?

8. How does Luke's project turn out?

9. How do Hayley's cupcakes turn out?

Modern Family Season 1 Episode 17 “Truth Be Told”

http://the-watch-series.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e17.html

dork: (dork to door is a play on words 'door to door salesman')

get schooled: to be taught a lesson, to be made a fool of/made fun of

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger: the proverb that explains that challenges that do not defeat make one stronger and fitter.

Overhear: to hear accidentally (often by eavesdropping)

track down: to find by aggressive hunting or research

 

1. Alex gets schooled by her brother, why is this unusual in their relationship?

2. Why is Manny so depressed? How does Jay add to his sadness?

3. Cam wants to prioritize Lily forming close relationships with animals?

4. Why is Mitchell unhappy with work? Who overhears him while he is complaining to Cam? What is the final outcome?

5. Jay believes in the saying 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger,” what does that mean? What are your thoughts on this proverb?

6. Phil is meeting a Facebook friend who tracked him down, why is Claire suspicious? What do you think she means when she says the woman 'wants a slice'? Does the woman want a slice?

7. How do things get settled between Jay and Manny?

 

Modern Family Season 1 Episode 16 “Fears”

http://the-watch-series.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e16.html

Perfectionist: someone who always strives for perfection

Shifty: sketchy and tricky, dangerous and untrustworthy

Bookish: characteristically liking books and study, nerdy, intellectual and asocial 

Claustrophobia:fear of small tight spaces

Embody: to be a physical representation/example of

Fit in: to be socially accepted, to be well-like

 

1. What is the theme of the episode? How do the answers to the question "What are your greatest fears?" reflect aspects of each character's personality?

2. Why is Phil's answer 'that I'm too much of a perfectionist' an interview answer?

3. BONUS: Which animal does Jay believe is 'shifty'?

4. Where are are Phil and Luke treasure hunting? Does it live up to their expectations? Who becomes scared? Why?

5. Why is Manny pretending to be sick to avoid a fun amusement park party? What is he afraid of? Who shares his fear?

6. Why does Lily's first word upset her two dads? Why does the doctor say it's nothing to worry about?

7. Cam is worried he is not giving Lily enough feminine energy--why do you think the doctor denies this strongly?

8. Does Hayley's (the teenage daughter's) greatest fear come true? Explain that part of the episode.

9. What is the bookish daughter (Alex) afraid of socially?

10. What forces Phil to overcome his claustrophobia?

11. The Asian doctor said her mother will only be happy if she is some kind of Asian stereotype. What stereotype does she then embody?

 

 

 

 

Funny News

Donald Trump and John Miller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8CzncS4w5A

conciliatory: (adjective) intended to placate (soothe) or pacify (make peaceful)

genuine: (adjective) truly what something is said to be; authentic

warm (personality): friendly and generous, likable

alienate: (verb) cause a feeling of isolation and separation

abstinence: (noun) the practice of restraining (holding back) from something

tax returns: (noun) a form on which a taxpayer makes an annual statement of income and personal circumstances, used by the tax authorities to assess liability for tax

1. What was the main idea of the video?
2. John Oliver describes Trump as “Rome burning in man form,” what do you think he means by this?
3. Paul Ryan met with Donald Trump  in their attempt to ‘mend fences,’ the tone was described as conciliatory. Explain the terms please.
4. How did Paul Ryan describe Trump’s personality? Does John Oliver agree with this description? Do you?
5. Why does Trump need the GOP’s money?
6. BONUS: What metaphor does John Oliver use to describe the relationship between Donald Trump and GOP leaders such as Paul Ryan?
7. Why does the GOP want to avoid alienating Trump’s voters?
8. What is information Trump refusing to release?
9. Why would this cause people to criticize him?
10. Donald Trump pretended to be a different person, why?
11. Did Trump admit to this?
12. BONUS: What was one claim that John Miller made about Donald Trump (himself)?
13. What open invitation does John Oliver make?

 

NEW  Serious News

CNN Politics VIDEO: The Massive Implications of Trump's Muslim Travel Ban in 5 Maps

http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/15/politics/muslim-ban-maps-donald-trump/index.html

Vocabulary:

massive: very large in size/scale

implications: a conclusion or effect that comes from something, the conclusion that can be drawn from something, although it is not explicitly stated

dysfunctional: not functioning or working

incompetent administration: an administration that is not skilled or active enough to fulfill basic duties 

talk around issues: to not talk about something directly or clearly

ban: a stopping, forbidding, or preventing

Muslim: believers in Islamic religion

1. What was the main idea of the video?

2. Why do you think Trump refuses to say the name of the killer? Does Trump enjoy hearing his own name?

3. Who/what does Trump believe is the cause/source of these terror attacks?

4. What does he say will not change? What does he then say will change if he is elected?

5. How many people does he say are dead because of an incompetent administration?

6. What does he say we 'cannot talk around' anymore

7. What ban does Trump call for. He says it was met with scorn in the USA but that now people say he was right to call for the ban? What do you think?

8. READING: Please review the 5 maps so we can discuss them in class. 

 

Rio de Janeiro: Super Bacteria

http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/05/americas/rio-de-janeiro-super-bacteria/index.html

Vocabulary

think twice: think again, be careful

superbug/super bacteria: a antibiotic resistant bacteria

antibiotic: a drug designed to kill harmful bacteria

stunning views: shockingly beautiful scenes/landscapes

venue: a place where some event occurs

overcautious: more cautious than needed, too careful

a dark cloud: a bad symbol of future events

 

1. What is the main idea?

2. Do you agree with the motto of Rio de Janeiro “the marvelous city”? Why?

3. What is lurking under Rio's waters? Why should you think twice before splashing in?

4. Do you think the stunning views would be worth the danger of spending time on Rio's beaches?

5. Why is the Guanabata Bay an especially dangerous/important venue? Where does the superbug come from?

6. What will be occurring in the area about a month from now?

7. How did the German Paralympic sailor describe the experience of working with the water in the bay? He said “you can't be overcautious,” explain this position. BONUS: What happened to the German man's colleague.

8. What do authorities say about the bacteria and pollution levels in the water? Would this make you feel safe?

9. BONUS: There used to be a connection between only 11% of the homes in Rio and the sewage system, about how many have connection now?

10. Why does the water utility say they were not prepared for the superbug? Will they be looking into it further?

11. The anchor called this “another cloud overshadowing Rio's troubled Olympics,” what other 'clouds' do you know of? http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2016/07/world/rio-2016-problems/?iid=ob_lockedrail_bottomlist

 

Modern Family Season 1 Episode 15 “My Funky Valentine”

http://the-watch-series.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e15.html

funky: funny/different, quirky, smelly

Swanky: fancy, expensive, luxurious

Justified: fair, correct, well-judged

Testy: quick tempered, irritable

ultimately: in the end, at the final point

awry: away from the appropriate or planned course, incorrect, askew

comedian: a professional joke teller

1. What is the main idea of the episode?

2. How is the holiday being shown here different from the similar South Korean holiday(s)?

3. Gloria got Jay a clothing gift with 'swanky' material, what did he get her?

4. What plan did Jay make for the holiday that Gloria does not appreciate? Does she ultimately enjoy it?

5. What is Mitchell so nervous and testy about? Are his worries justified?

6. Why does Phil think that should mix it up this Valentine's Day and alter their plans?

7. Claire suggests role playing. What do they do to shift their usual roles?

8. Manny feels that the universe is cold and lonely, how was his Valentine's Day card misunderstood?

9. What does Manny go to the restaurant with Cam and Mitchell to accomplish?

10. Why does Claire's plan to be daring go awry?

11. How does the comedian emphasize one of Jay's insecurities?

 

 

Modern Family Season 1 Episode 13 Fifteen percent

http://watch-series.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e13.html

Seed is planted: the idea is in the mind and growing in importance

Came out: to announce ones homosexual preferences

To out (someone): to reveal another persons homosexual preferences

Flaming (used to describe a person): very clearly and dramatically homosexual

Chronic: continual type of problem or issue

1. Does Phil believe people can change?

2. What does Claire struggle with?

3. Describe Manny's date. What internet interests brought them together?

4. How does Jay refer to Cam when they meet on the street? Who is most offended by it?

5. BONUS: What happened between Mitchell and his father when he came out?

6. Who does Mitchell accidentally out'?

7. What does Mitchell mean when he jokes about there being 'two things flaming at once'?

8. How does Jay end up being forced to lend his friend $20,000? What is the friend's problem?

9. What does Mitchell say about people being able to change?

10. What does Claire do to overcome her chronic problems with technology? BONUS: Why do you think she doesn't want Phil to teach her?

 

Modern Family Season 1 Episode 12 Not In My House

http://watch-series.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e12.html

Smut: (noun) sexual or pornographic material

Topless: (adjective) with no top covering on

Reluctance: (noun) an unwillingness to continue or proceed

Proverb: (noun) a traditional saying?

Underlying: secret or hidden 

Puberty: (noun) the time of physical and emotional change marking the transition from childhood to 'adulthood' 

Mortified: (adjective) extremely embarrassed

misgivings: doubts, worries

1. What is Gloria's one big complaint about her lovely home with Jay?

2. In Phil and Claire's family there's a misunderstanding regarding Claire's computer. Can you understand Phil's reluctance to tell his wife the truth? Why might he have misgivings?

3. How does he use Luke's development as an excuse? 

4. Discuss puberty/adolescence.

5. Jay tells Gloria "actions speak louder than words" regarding her feelings about his "doggy butler" art piece. What does this proverb mean. 

6. Why does Phil tell Claire that their son would be mortified if she tried to discuss the computer issue with him? 

7. Who has been reading Hayley's journal? 

8. What does Claire mean when she says the most shocking thing in Hayley's journal was the spelling? 

9. What personality differences are a Cam and Mitchell dealing with in this episode? 

10. What is Claire's underlying fear that makes her especially protective of Luke?

11. What happens to Barkley, the doggy butler in the end?

 

Modern Family Season 1 Episode 11 “Up All Night”

http://watch-series.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e11.html

out of the blue: (phrase) without plan or warning, spontaneous

reputation: (noun) feature(s) or characteristic(s) someone/something is known for

persuasive: (adjective) able to persuade or make someone agree

Ferber method/ 'Ferberize': (term) a technique invented by Dr. Richard Ferber to solve infant sleep problems. It involves "baby-training" children to self-soothe by allowing the child to cry for a predetermined amount of time before receiving external comfort.

show up: (phrasal verb) to arrive, to appear at a place

Rico Suave: a man (generally hispanic) who is very charming, attractive, and manly/masculine; may be negative → meaning that the man is overly charming and slick, perhaps a trickster or con-artist

in distress: (adjectival phrase) distressed, anxious, sorrowed pained

golden ticket: (term) a special/magical pass or ticket

messed up: (phrasal verb) made a bad error or mistake (a mess up = an error, a mistake)

seduce: (verb) to attract (someone) to a belief or action that is negative, foolish, or harmful

1. BONUS: The children are being interviewed about the most irritating/annoying things their parents tell them to do, can you remember any?

2. What reputation do the firemen have in the town they all live in? Why does this make women happy to call them?

3. Manny's father comes in and out of the blue. What does that mean? Is the man a reliable father?

4. How does Jay feel about Gloria's ex-husband? What does it mean that he calls the man 'Rico Suave'?

5. How does Manny's father charm and manipulate people?

6. Gloria explains that Colombians can be very persuasive. Please give an example of a Colombian character who is persuasive, 'getting others to agree to something without even realizing it.'

7. The gay couple are trying to 'Ferberize' their baby, what does that mean? What makes the process difficult for Cam? What makes the process difficult for Mitchell?

8. What is your opinion about the Ferber method?

9. Phil is having a health problem, describe the symptoms. BONUS: What medical condition does he have precisely?

10. Why is Phil so upset that Claire changed her outfit?

11. Why does Gloria joke that Jay is being seduced by her ex-husband?

12. Why does Phil consider Claire's mess-up to be his golden ticket? How does he lose that 'get-out-of-jail-free ticket'?

13. Alex says her parents annoy her when they ask her to act like an adult. Why doesn't she think that seems very hard?

Modern Family Season 1 Episode 10 “Undeck the halls”

http://watch-series.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e10.html

practical jokes: (noun) tricks, jokes that make a fool of someone

inocente: innocent (spanish), fool

pactical joke: a trick.joke in which someone is surprised or made a fool of.

Back down: to admit defeat, to give up to another force or competitor

caroler: (noun) a singer of Christmas songs (Christmas Carols)

lackluster: (adjective) without shine or special quality, boring or average

pronouncement: (noun) a statement/demand or official ruling

1. What ruins the call between Claire and Phil's family and Phil's parents?

2. Describe the 'Inocente' tradition. Who is the 'inocente'?

3. What does Phil threaten to do because the children won't explain the damage to the furniture? Have these pronouncements occurred in the past>

4. What happens when Cam and Mitchell take Lily to see Santa Clause at the mall?

5. Why does Cam become very upset when he sees the carolers? He calls the performance lackluster—explain this critique.

6. What do Cam and Mitchell do because of their feelings of guilt?

7. What does Manny want to do on Christmas night because it is Colombian tradition? (2 possible answers)

8. Why does Manny feel upset about the way Jay wants to control Christmas?

9. What trick do the two older girls use to regain Christmas?

10. Why are Phil and Claire afraid to back down?

11. How does Santa help Cam with his caroler problem? What does this have to do with the tradition of Santa deciding if children are naughty or nice. Is that part of Korean Christmas tradition?

12. Who/what damaged the couch?

Modern Family Season 1 Episode 9 “Fizbo”

http://watch-series.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e9.html

 

Vocabulary

Sheath: a holder for something (usually a weapon of some kind)

secret-identity: a secret personality taken up sometimes in secret

mess with: to trick or tease

phobia: an extreme, nearly paralyzing fear causing strong physical reactions

man of action: someone who is courageous in crisis, a person who acts

smothering: causing an inability to breathe through excessive closeness

 

1. Why do Phil and Claire feel guilty about Luke's birthdays of the past?

2. Phil and Claire have different ideas about how to plan Luke's birthday, which party idea looked like more fun to you?

3. What is Cams not-so-secret identity? 

4. How does Mitchell feel about Fizbo?

5. Is Cam passionate about his 'art'? 

6. Describe the incident at the gas station.

7. How does the middle sister mess with/manipulate the older sister in this episode?

8. What does the older sister do as a reaction?

9. What is Phil's fear, has he shared that fear with his family? Would you call it a phobia?

10. BONUS: How are Mitchell and Claire attracted to similar people?

11. How did Manny react when his crush was in danger? What does it mean to be a man of action?

12. What does Luke say was the best gift of his birthday? How did the chain of disasters lead to an awesome birthday?

13. How does Manny feel after he gets his crush's attention?

 

Modern Family Season 1 Episode 8 “Great Expectations”

http://watch-series.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e8.html

Vocabulary

Wish list: a list of things you would like to have/receive as a gift

inhibitions: social/personal boundaries involving polite well mannered behavior

sloppy joe: a very juicy stew-like ground beef dish served on a bun

outing: a short trip out of the house

first child syndrome: https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/child-development/birth_order/ 'see first child'

pajama party: an event where everyone wears PJs

rekindle: to restart or ignite a light/fire

steal (someone) away: to pull a person away from some other commitment and take them somewhere

1. Which of of the pair, Phil or Claire is more romantic/successful on their anniversary? How?

2. What is Claire's general problem with Christmas, birthdays, and anniversaries?

3. Is Phil impossible to buy gifts for as Claire claims? Bonus: Name one thing on his wish list.

4. Who is Cam and Michael's best friend? Why do they love her (Hint: "Wilder than a Saturday in Amsterdam..." "She has no inhibitions")?

5. What causes problems between them their first friend outing as new parents? How is this related to first child syndrome?

6. How do Cam and Mitchell deal with the problem?

7. What events is the Jay, the grandfather, holding at his house? Why is he feeling especially sentimental and nostalgic?

8. Why have things recently become awkward between Haley and Manny and where does Haley want to go?

9. The musician is happy his song 'True' "rekindled fires of a dying passion" between Phil an Claire. Is this actually what happened?

10. What happens when Dillon comes to steal Haley away to party?

 

Modern Family Season 1 Episode 7 “En Garde”

http://watch-series.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e7.html

Episode Summary: The whole family comes out to support Manny's newfound interest - fencing. It turns out he's quite masterful in the sport, but Jay's proud enthusiasm triggers an old childhood wound for Mitchell. Meanwhile Phil is determined to find where Luke's hidden talents lie.

Vocabulary:

Fencing: (noun) the sport of swordsmanship

En Garde: On Guard, 'prepare to fight' signal

nerd: an uncool/unpopular person, often bookish

trophy wife: a young, very good-looking wife usually of an older/richer man

to steal (someone else's) moment: to take someones special time and overshadow or prevent it from happening

to be a pill: to be a jerk or asshole

mortified: seriously embarrassed

1. What type of sporting event is occuring in this video?

2. What used to bug Jay? (Hint: “I used to go to the houses of my friends, I used to see their trophies and it used to bug me because there was never a trophy in my house... not until this one”)

3. Do Phil and Claire's children have many trophies? Which child are they most worried about?

4. What sport did Claire and Mitchell used to do together?BONUA: Why is Mitchell holding resentment for her?

5. How did Alex trick her sister?

6. What does Manny decide to do right before finals?

7. How is Luke surprisingly helpful to Phil? What is Phil's job?

8. Cam wants Mitchell to clear the air with his sister? What does it mean to 'clear the air'?

9. Who feels that their moment was stolen?

10. Mitchell apologizes for being such a pill, what does that mean?

 

Modern Family Season 1, Episode 6: Run for your Wife

http://thewatchseries.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e6.html

Shutterbug: a person who really likes to take pictures

Undermining: damaging or eroding the foundation

Spontaneous: able to do things in an unplanned way, surprising

Crush someone's spirit: to ruin someone's sense of confidence and passion

Pep talk: a talk to make someone feel confident, courageous, or enthusiastic

Pancho: a special hispanic style 'sweater' type clothing item that can also function like a blanket (basic folded rectangle shape with a hole for the head and neck)

 

1. What does Manny wear on the first day of school? Why? What does his step-father say about this?

2. What does Cam like to do when he is home alone with the baby?

3. What happens when Mitchell tries to relax with the baby?

4. What does Jay hope to do now that Manny is at school?

5. What does Phil do for his wife on the first day of school?

6. How does Phil exercise each day? How does Claire exercise?

7. Gloria feels that Jay crushes Manny's spirit he makes fun of his clothing selections, what does she mean by this?

8. What does the doctor say when the two new parents come in? How do they offend the woman? 

9. What are the different strengths of the two new parents? What happens while they are having a pep-talk? How is it resolved?

10. Who wins the race? Why?

11. What happens when they return to the driveway?

Man charged after 12 girls found in his home...

http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/18/us/pennsylvania-girls-found-man-charged/index.html

Vocabulary:

Assault: (verb/noun) to hurt or abuse with violence/sexual violence, the act of hurting or abusing

Minor: (noun) someone less than 18

Fathered: (verb) was the father of

Range: (verb) to vary from one side/type/number to another

A stones throw: (expression) near, not far away

Motherly instinct: (expression) a basic, unlearned behavior typical of mothers

Deeply disturbing: (expression) very sad, terrible, and worrying

repayment: (noun) money paid back, payment of debt

1. What is the main idea of the video and article?

2. How many people were involved?

3. Where did this occur?

4. Were the neighbors aware of this?

5. BONUS: What does it mean to say that it was happening right under neighbors noses?

6. What type of assault occurred?

7. How did the man obtain access to 10 of the girls?

8. Who might be considered the hero of the story?

5. How was motherly instinct involved?

6. Who is/are the villain(s) of the story?

 

 

http://thewatchseries.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e5.html

Tension between people: stress and angry feelings

Gold-digger: a person who has a romantic connection for economic purposes

Pissed: very angry 

1. What sports event is occurring during this episode?

2. Why is there conflict between the families? 

3.  What is causing tension between two women in the family? (Hint: the term coal digger was mentioned)

4. What hobby do the grandfather and gay son-in-law share? Why does this seem surprising?

5. Gloria is pissed, is it understandable? Why does this also make the grandfather feel insecure?

6. What does Claire do to show Gloria her apology is sincere?

7. What is the red-headed partner trying to block out?

 

 

 

 

 

http://thewatchseries.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e4.html

to fit in: (verb phrase) to be socially acccepted, to get along with others

incident: a unfortunate situation/accident

get past: to get over something, to no longer think/care about something

pave the way for: to make the process easy for, to prepare for and help something happen

clean up mess: (metaphor) fix the problem caused by someone/something else

 

1. A Colombian woman is worried that her son won't fit in, why? What did they discover on the boys face after the sleepover?

2. Everything is going very well when Claire and Mitchell's mother comes to visit. Then what happens?

3. The mother wants to get past an incident, describe the incident. What does it mean to get past something?

4. what is causing conflict between the traditional parents and their teenage daughter?

5. Mitchell's mother wants him to pave the way to her apology. What do you think it means to pave the way for someone?

6. Claire says that her brother always cleans up their mothers messes, what does that mean?

7. Do the traditional parents change their mind about their daughter's boyfriend? Why or why not?

 

 

 

------------------------------------------------

Modern Family: Season 1, Episode 3

http://thewatchseries.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e3.html

Vocabulary

third base: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=base

techniques: methods, ways of doing something

plump: somewhat fat, chubby, rounded

charades: a game in which people act out movie title or other words without making any sounds

step-(family relative): by marriage [not blood]-( )

questionable: (adjective) able to/should be questioned, doubtful

1. Why does Claire (the blonde mother) seem frustrated?

2. Phil's conversation with his daughters boyfriend seems to be about baseball, he says that a player "should not try to steal third (base)" because it is a "terrible, terrible idea." This is a joke or play on words because third base signifies certain romantic.' Do you think his techniques to intimidate the boyfriend are working?

3. Does Phil seem to be comfortable/friendly with his wife's father?

4. Do Manny (plump Columbian boy) and his half-nephew 'Luke' (crazy youngest son in traditional family) get along well at first? How about at the end?

5. What activity are Phil and the older character doing together? Whose hobby is it?

6. Describe what happens when they take the airplane outside?

7. Can the plump homosexual man takes his partner to Costco? How does the partner, react?

8. What is the Colombian woman taking her 'step-granddaughter' to do?

9. How is Manny different from most children?

10. BONUS: Describe the meeting story of the two gay dads. (Hint--they were playing a game...)

11. What is Claire's father's major complaint about Phil?

12. BONUS: What story does the Colombian woman tell at the end of the episode about when Manny was a baby? Why was this parenting choice questionable?

 

 

 

Modern Family: Season 1 Episode 2 “The Bicycle Thief”

http://thewatchseries.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e2.html

The key to ____: (expression) the best answer to ______ / the most important factor to _____

interaction: (noun) a meeting or communication between two or more people

grounded: (adjective) humble and well-balanced, sensible / (adjective) forced to stay on the ground

 

1. The episode opens with the question: “What is the key to being a good father? Did the different fathers answer the question differently?

2. What do you think is the key to being a good father?

3. The traditional couple meet a new neighbor, describe the interaction.

4. Describe what happens with the father and the bicycle that he bought his son. Who learns a lesson?

5. The Hispanic mother says that her son Manny keeps them (she and her new/old husband) grounded. The stepfather comments "[grounded] like fog at an airport." What is he trying to say by using this similie, and how is grounded being used in two ways?

6. The mother wants Manny and his stepfather to bond. What does bonding refer to?

7. What are the gay couple doing for the first time with their daughter? How are they behaving, please give one example.

8. One family member says 90% of being a good father is just showing up. Which family members says that and what does it mean? What makes him realize this?

 

Modern Family: Episode 1 Season 1

Several Options: http://thewatchseries.to/episode/modern_family_s1_e1.html

1 Option: http://gorillavid.in/5fgkvhb2m66p

Vocabulary:

take it outside: go outside for aggressiveness, physical fighting

LOL: laugh out loud

judgmental: acting superior and as if you are judging others

make a fool of self/other: to make the self/other look silly and foolish

verbal: of speech

freshman: the first of 4 high school/university years

senior: the last of 4 high school/university years

intimidate: to scare/overpower by showing ones greater power and strength

 

1. What does the mother complain about in terms of her older daughter's clothing choice?

2. How long have the older man and his young Colombian wife? BONUS: What is her village number one for?

3. Gloria, the Colombian woman has a son, is he skilled at soccer? Does she cheer for him?

4. What purpose are the two gay men traveling for? BONUS: Do they talk about lesbians negatively or positively?

5. Describe the family.

6. The mother asks the two younger children to “take it outside” what does that usually mean? Do you think she is referring to physical or verbal fighting?

7. What kind of friend has the teenage daughter invited?

8. Does the father of the traditional family think he is cool? Does he text message? Do his children seem to think he is cool?

9. What rule has the younger boy broken regarding his middle sister? What does the family schedule? Does this punishment seem appropriate?

10. Manny, the Colombian woman's son is in love with a 16 year old who works at the mall, what advice does the grandfatherly character give him?

11. One of the non-traditional gay couple is having weight problems, what does the camera show him doing late at night? How does he explain his weight gain in connection with the adoption?

12. Why didn't the red-headed gay character want to tell his family? Why does he worry his family will have a judgmental attitude?

13. Describe Dylan, the senior boy who the freshman daughter has invited over. Does the father try to intimidate the boy? Does he succeed?

14. The romantic boy, Manny, goes to make his big move on the 16 year old he loves, the mother calls him a bull-fighter. What does she mean by that? The older man is worried he will make a fool of himself? What happens?

15. Gloria asks that the older male character to “be the wind in his [Manny] back, not the spit in his face” and says it is beautiful in Spanish. What do you think it could mean?

16. The father has decided to shoot the son as punishment? Is he able to do it? Describe the incident.

17. The mother tries to act cool about the teenage daughter's guest, is she? What does she want to do with the door?

18. The red-headed new father “My dad, well my dad still isn't completely comfortable with this... He-he still does this thing... it's been 5 years now, and he still does this thing where he announces himself before walking into any room we're in just to make sure he doesn't ever have to see us kiss.” Does the man feel accepted for his non-traditional relationship by his father?

19. What announcement does the red-haired, bearded man, Mitchell, make? What longing did they have? What does the father say about the idea of adopting a child?

20. Mitchell says his boyfriend/partner is not that dramatic, at that moment his partner walks in--is the entrance dramatic?

21. What does the older man say at the end of the episode? Does he feel bad about criticizing the idea of adopting? Does he seem to be trying to accept his gay son, the partner and their new daughter?

22. Describe the relationship between the traditional father [Phil Dunphy] and his curly-haired son.

 

 

 

John Oliver: Cicadas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5E7cG54VoA
Vocabulary
cicadas: a large grasshopper like (but winged) insect that occurs in regular periods in large numbers
naturalist: an expert in natural history
reproductive cycle: a cycle of reproduction and birth
conceived: fertilized egg produced
agony: extreme pain
get (someone) up to speed: to explain the events that were missed to someone
batch: an amount of something produced at the same time
insufferable: very annoying or insulting, intolerable, arrogant and conceited, difficult to bear
emerging: coming out
1. What is the main idea of the video? Where do naturalists predict this occurrence?
2. How does John Oliver make fun of his show?
3. What could be irritating about cicadas?
4. How long have the latest batch been in the ground (i.e. when were they conceived)?
5. Describe two of the things that John Oliver brings up as he gets the cicadas up to speed.
6. What change does the Oliver describe in the quality of the internet?
7. What is John Oliver's opinion about Boston Red Socks Baseball fans (Hint: He says they are "somehow even more insufferable."
8. What does John Oliver say he does not have time to explain to the emerging cicadas?

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sherlock: Season 1 Episode 10

Leviathan: a mythic monster, is a sea monster referenced in the Tanakh, or the Old Testament. This word has become synonymous with any large sea monster or creature.

Impregnable: unable to be broken

Tread water: to swim not from ocean but to stay floating, to remain healthy/sane through effort

Put (person) under microscope: to analyze a person carefully 

Entail: to include, to contain as part

Idle chit chat: chatter, unimportant talk 

Transcript: a writing that contains all the speaking and possibly actions of an event

Inside man: a person who helps conduct a crime from inside an organization (such as a banker/thief)

In the wind: gone, unable to be found due to an escaped (usually after a crime)

Windbag: and overly talkative self important person

Transplant: to put a living thing from a different environment into a new environment for function/growth

Bone marrow: The soft inner core of bones that produces blood cells

1. What crime takes place at the beginning of the episode? 
2. What is in impregnable safe, is the Leviathan impregnable?
3. What was the value of the stones that were stolen?
4. Does Sherlock's new client want him to solve who stole the stones or how they were stolen?
5. What does Sherlock believe is the secret to how the Leviathan was broken into for a second time?
6. A family member of Watson is coming into town, who?
7. What can you guess about the relationship between Johnson and Oren?Why is La Chevalier a legendary thief?
8. Who does Sherlock conclude La Chevelier is, and how does he know?
9. Why can't La Chevalier be the diamond thief?
10. Why does Sherlock think the court transcripts of the first robbery could be helpful? Are they?
11. Why does Joan Watson think Sherlock wants to meet her family?
12. What does it mean to put someone under a microscope?
13. What does Sherlock discover when he goes to visit a suspect from the jury?
14. How does the crime evolve from robbery to murder?
15. Bonus: Where did the thief hide the diamonds in his apartment?
16. What does Joan's job entail? Does her family seem to approve of her change of career from doctor to sober companion?Does Sherlock make it seem as if Watson's job is important?
17. What does Sherlock mean when he says the jurors were handed the recipe to make millions of dollars?
18. Who was the 'inside man'?
19. One of the jurors seems to be 'in the wind,' what does that mean?
20. When Joan quotes Sherlock, Sherlock says it sounds like the speech of a windbag. What is a windbag? 
21. What is a side effect of a bone marrow transplant, and why does that affect the DNA information at the murder scene?
22. Describe the murderer/thief. 

 

 

Elementary Season 1 Episode 9 “You Do It to Yourself”

http://thewatchseries.to/episode/elementary_s1_e9.html

Vocabulary:

Hit and run: a crime where one car hits another car or person  and does not stop and take responsibility according to the law

Underground: black market, illegal and/or secret 

Kill two birds with one stone: (hunting metaphor) to achieve two goals by one action

Sadist: someone who feels pleasure when they cause another person pain

Pervert: someone who is sexually odd/unusual, a person who is sexually immoral

Tie the knot: get married

1. Describe Sherlock physical condition at the beginning of the episode?
2. What does Sherlock mean when he says boredom is far worse for his health then any fever? What is he worried he will do if he doesn't keep busy and solve cases?
3. What was the profession of the victim?
4. Sherlock discovers that the victim was addicted to underground gambling, what does the word 'underground' imply about the type of gambling he did? 
5. One of Joan's old clients is being accused of a hit-and-run crime, what is that? 
6. The underground gambling parlor has video footage of the crime, but they try to hide it. Why? Bonus: Describe the gambling parlor owner and how he disguises himself. How does Sherlock know the boss' identity immediately?
7. When they find the killer what does he offer them?
8. The killer calls robbing the Chinese gambling parlor and killing the professor at one time "two birds with one stone." Explain how this is an example of the expression "killing two birds with one stone"?
9. Joan gives Sherlock a traditional Chinese remedy, does it seem to work? Have you used traditional Korean and/or Chinese medicine in the past.
10. The victim's wife said her husband was a sadist and a pervert. This gives her motivation. Did she murder her husband? 
11. How does the photograph reveal the professors cancer?
12. Who hired the shooter and why did he try to frame the wife and teachers aid (TA)?
13. The TA and the wife immediately 'tied the knot' after learning about the murder, why? Explain the expression. Does the metaphor make sense to you?

 

Vocabulary:

delegation: an official group of politicians or workers that can act as representatives 

snub: to show dislike or lack of respect by ignoring or acting disdainfully

show up: to come

intentionally: done with intention, done with purpose and planning

smooth over: (2nd meaning) to make things smooth and easy in a relationship (1st meaning) ?

1. What is the main idea of the video?

2. Who was the most important person in the "lower level delegation" that greeted Obama? What position does he/she occupy in the government?

3. What is a snub? Who was snubbed?

4. What did the King's delegation do earlier on the day Obama was snubbed?

5. What metaphor does John Oliver say to describe the way Saudi Arabia snubbed Obama?

5. How does Saudi Arabia seem to feel about Obama/relationship between the USA and SA under Obama's Presidency? "They believe that only the next President, whether it's Hillary Clinton, or even Donald Trump, will be able to restore Saudi Arabia's status as America's key ally in the Middle East"

6. Would SA welcome either Donald Trump or Hilary Clinton?

7. What did Obama say to try to smooth things over? What does it mean to smooth things over? Why does John Oliver suggest the Saudi Arabia media was uninterested in Obama's speaking and efforts to smooth things over?

8.  Compare Obama's greeting in Saudi Arabia with his greeting during a recent visit to the UK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za3XYa8wkxY

 

VIDEO QUESTIONS:

Caliphate: a government led by Islamic law

State: a government/nation

Sovereignty: supreme power, the highest authority

Govern: to rule over and control

Divide: to break into parts or pieces

territory: a land area

wilayat: a province, country, or region with a border

province: a divided part of a country or empire

ministries: government departments led by ministers

bureaucracy: a system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives

sharia: traditional and historic Islamic Law based on the teaching of the Koran (Islamic bible)

war-torn: [a land] broken or damaged by war

1.     What is the main idea of the video?

2.     BONUS: According to the video, what does ISIS see itself as? What is ISIS’ ambition?

3.     How does ISIS control the large area it has taken from Iraq and Syria? Is the government large and complex?

4.     Are everyday services and government works continuing in these areas?

5.     What is a ‘wilayat’ and what do they call their regional leaders?

6.     Have the provinces stayed within the older country boundary between Iraq and Syria?

7.     The video calls ISIS’ organization a “surprisingly modern bureaucracy

8.     Were you surprised by the medical care ISIS operates in its large territory? Describe one thing that is true about their medical care system?

9.     There is a court system in the area? How is theft punished? What is Sharia?

10.  Are girls educated under ISIS? What subjects are taught?

11. What does ISIS hope to prove it is doing in war-torn Syria?

READING:

Civilians: regular people/citizens

Attributed to: given responsibility/ownership for, blamed for

Approximately: about, around

Genocide: a mass killing of a large group of people, especially those of a specific ethnicity, nationality, or religion

1.     How many civilians were killed in Iraq between January 2014 and October 2015?

2.     To which group is much of the suffering attributed?

3.     What is happening to approximately 3,500 people according to the report? Why are the Yazidi people a large portion of the group?

4.     What is genocide? Do you think ISIS is responsible for genocide if this article is true?

Sherlock: Season 1 Episode 5 “Lesser Evils”
http://vidzi.tv/iu9hmfekp91l.html
http://movpod.in/krd9vdkkysgw
http://gorillavid.in/x5dl8yrfpha4
http://thewatchseries.to/episode/elementary_s1_e5.html (full list links)
attending: (noun—hospital staff) a regular staff member at a hospital 
choke-hold: a hold around the neck that reduces or stops breathing
post-mortem: (expression) past death
disgraced: (verb, p.p) totally shamed
induced: (verb, p.p.) caused, made/forced to happen
epinephrine: (noun) [always applied when patients hearts stop beating]
freeze-up: (verb) to freeze/stop and be unable to move forward
barista: (noun) a person who serves coffee 
confounding: (verb, gerund) confusing, befuddling
formative stage: (expression) an early step or stage
Angel of Death: (serial killer type) a bringer of death to those fated to die
Wheelhouse: (noun) a task/situation in which someone is comfortable and experienced, a set of well practiced abilities [use preposition ‘in’ with this word]
1. What is Sherlock doing when the episode begins? BONUS: How did he get access to the hospital morgue?
2. Watson seems uncomfortable, why does Sherlock think this is?
3. BONUS: Why is using epinephrine as a ‘poison’ untraceable? How does Sherlock discover it was used this way?
4. Are the hospital staff unhappy about Sherlock and Watson locking themselves in?
5. Joan says “it’s hard to be a surgeon when you freeze up every time someone hands you a scalpel, I just don’t trust myself anymore.” Based on this quote, what does freeze up mean?
6. BONUS: Why did the barista think the woman who visited the recently murdered man was a doctor? What do you think her profession actually is? KEY TERM QUESTION: What does Sherlock mean when he says the lab coat was ‘confounding’?
7. After interviewing the woman, who does Sherlock believe may be the murderer?
8. Sherlock dislikes sharing “a theory in its formative stages” what is a formative stage?  
9. Why does Sherlock think this killer could be categorized as an “Angel of death”?
10. Watson says that she should help Sherlock since they are in her ‘wheelhouse’? What is a wheelhouse, and are hospital records within Watson’s wheelhouse?
11. How many people did this ‘Angel of Death’ kill?
12.  Who was the true killer?
13. BONUS: How did the chief of Surgery (a top Doctor) use the Angel of Death killer to try to save his career? Why did he have to do this?
14. Let’s discuss some episode themes (terminal illness, death, euthanasia, surgery, medical ethics).