2004: Thousands die in Asian tsunami

Massive sea surges triggered by an earthquake under the Indian Ocean have killed over 10,000 people in southern Asia, with many more feared dead.

An 8.9 magnitude earthquake under the sea near Aceh, north Indonesia, at 0759 local time (0059 GMT) generated the biggest tsunami the world has seen for at least 40 years.

The wall of water fanned out across the Indian Ocean at high speed and slammed into coastal areas with little or no warning.

(BBC On This Day)

Studying with news in English class is useful

New research from the BreakingNewsEnglish.com website suggests that news is good for students. A researcher asked many teachers and students in an online class their opinions on using the news to learn English. Almost everyone said it was very important. One student said he enjoyed studying using news because the story is real. He said he remembered many times when the teacher put a headline on the whiteboard and he was surprised that it was that day's breaking news. Another student said she thought news was a lot more interesting than other types of topics in her lessons. She said she felt good when she understood the news in English. She also learnt a lot of useful "international vocabulary".

Teachers were also enthusiastic about using news in the classroom. Many said students had problems with listening, so they made the recording slower to help their students. Teachers also liked news stories because they encouraged conversation. Many teachers said their students talked non-stop about news of their own country or city. Teachers also said news was useful because students already had a lot of background knowledge from listening to or reading about a news item in their own language. Teachers also liked the fact that they could do many kinds of activities, such as role plays, debates, surveys, quizzes and language games. One teacher said he thought listening to news was "unhealthy for students". (Breaking News English)

THE DIGITAL STORY OF THE NATIVITY

Merry Xmas!

Bergen - Norway

Bergen is "The Gateway to the Fjords of Norway" and a well-established cruise port. Bergen is an international city packed with history and tradition, a big city with small-town charm and atmosphere. Bergen likes visitors. And Bergen is worth a visit. Welcome!

Bergen is surrounded by one of the world's most spectacular tourist attractions - The Norwegian Fjords, which have now been included on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Bergen is great to explore on foot. Strolling around old streets and alleyways where people have lived for centuries is like a fairy-tale. You will see small wooden houses, cobbled streets with stone steps in the steepest parts and flowers everywhere. Stop off at the Fish Market to mingle with the crowds. Visit the Bergen Aquarium and see the fish, penguins and seals in their natural element, as well as crocodiles, snakes and spiders.

Stroll along the listed wooden buildings at Bryggen to the old fortress at Bergenhus, or call in at one of Bergen’s many museums and galleries. And it’s not far from the city centre to Mt. Fløyen, Mt. Ulriken or another of the seven mountains that form the backdrop to the city. The panoramic views of the city, the fjord and the ocean are breathtaking.

Bergen was also the birthplace of the hugely popular composer Edvard Grieg and you can visit his home at Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen. (visitBergen.com)

The Whispering Palms