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Cricketology
What did we learn this week?
I think it was Tuesday when Mandar stumped me. He sent me a series of WhatsApp messages, and the final one was, “May Shri Ganesh bless our Brida Community!” The preceding ones referred to Shri Ganesh, the God of Intelligence. How does one reply to such a message, and wish the sender likewise…without implying that he is not intelligent? It’s now Saturday late morning and I have spoken at length about this topic with both Ritesh and Mandar…and am none the wiser.
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We learned that a single word can have enormous consequences. In our Tuesday Get Together, Ismar invited us to think 500 years into the future. On the subject of water, Mandar mentioned a water pill, saying that this product exists to drink water. Afterwards, I researched it and found the opposite. I had to write a cautionary note, only to be bowled back a ball saying, that instead of “pill” he meant “capsule” and there it was, a water capsule designed to be used to drink water.
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It’s interesting to observe what new community members bring when they join the community. Suddenly, the game of cricket is beginning to make an appearance. It’s a game which is easy to play, but difficult to explain. So, for the uninitiated here, see if you can win the toss, choose to bat and win the match.
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We were all batting nicely about “Procrastination” when Nathalie bowled a ball which seemed to hit the wicket during Mandar’s innings. He was bowled out. But I suppose he will react later.Julia bowled the next over, but we had to break for tea.
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Niki came to the crease and hit a six with her post about Elon Musk’s latest attention-grabbing escapades. Everybody in the field has been invited to share their opinions…with quick runs being scored. I hope she continues batting the ball back with her thoughts on the comments being thrown to the wicketkeeper, without being caught too early in her innings.
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Continuing with the cricket analogy, I could witness the difference between the IPL T20 and the old Test Cricket game in the Café Conversations. Café Conversations are old Test Cricket. It’s slower, paced and there is attention to detail. The problem is when you come with an IPL mentality into the Brida Café T20. Translated, it means, that in the Get-Togethers, the conversations are designed to flow, the pace is quick and the “game” is over in an hour. But in the Café Conversations, the match is played over several days, the balls are bowled and the runs slowly accumulate. Much more relaxed and where the learning really takes place because several skills are united. Poor Ritesh had to be cautioned by the umpire when he and Cléa shared an innings together.
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Test cricket breaks for lunch, so it was fitting that Sarah and I spent an amusing hour, putting YouTube shorts to Mandar’s description of Indian geography and food. I think she needs to develop an affinity for Indian food, and perhaps cooking a Chicken Biryani will do its magic.
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So, what did we learn this week? Using English is relatively easy and incredibly rich. But explaining it takes time and can be incomprehensible. Just like cricket. If you don’t understand the terminology here, ask Mandar and Ritesh. They will gladly explain, but it will be in an IPL T20 environment.
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I am looking forward to seeing you next week.
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On our list of topics at the moment.
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Mandar offers practical advice
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Hello Everyone,
What do you do when you procrastinate?
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2-minute rule – When I catch myself procrastinating.......
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Ismar's 2523 Question
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HOW CAN THE WORLD BE IN THE YEAR OF 2523?
The journalist João Pereira Coutinho of Folha de São Paulo (Brazil’s largest newspaper) asked readers: “How do you imagine the world in the year 2523?”
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Armchair Travelling
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Hello Ritesh, Frank told me you live in Bengaluru. If I visit your city, what will you show me? What will we eat? Can you tell me about cricket? Can you share some pictures?
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Niki wants to know.
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Hello everyone, I’d like to share this news with you and most of you have probably heard it.
“Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain implant startup, set to begin human trials” New York
CNN
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Other Lands, Other Beliefs
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Recently we celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi where we celebrated God Ganesh who symbolizes prosperity and good luck.
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Latest Podcasts
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HOW CAN THE WORLD BE IN THE YEAR OF 2523?
Hosted by Ismar, Igor in LA, Ritesh in Bengaluru and Mandar in Kampala gaze into their crystal balls and reveal some interesting insights.
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New "Sip'n'Study" in the
Brida Learning Lounge
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How the Brida Community Members spent their summers.
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Are you eager to improve your English while making a meaningful impact? Welcome to Brida Get Togethers, where the motto is 'Talk Global, Inspire Local.' As a member of the Brida Community, you're invited to join us at the Brida Café, a unique space where you can engage in conversations with like-minded individuals from around the globe. Here, you won't just practice English; you'll absorb diverse perspectives that empower you to inspire developments at home. Browse the upcoming meetings and choose one that resonates with you. Come talk, come inspire—both globally and locally.
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Tuesday Get-together.
18h UTC / 19h CET (Duration 60 minutes)
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Hosted by me in France, meet Ismar from Brazil, Igor in Los Angeles, Sebastian in Germany, and other people from other places. The level of English is upper-intermediate.
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Mondays
14.00h UTC / 16.00h CEST
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Brazil and Europe are connected. What do we have in common? Let's find out.
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The level of English is upper-intermediate.
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Wednesdays
17.00h UTC / 19.00h CEST
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"Life Unboxed" is a vibrant podcast that dives into the uncharted territories of international work, life, and open-mindedness. Join Igor, originally from Brazil but now thriving in Los Angeles, and Mandar, who hails from Mumbai but currently calls Kampala home, as they explore life across borders.
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Become a member of the community.
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Would you like to practise and improve your English? You can do so by joining the Brida Community. I offer a 30-day free trial and then if you like it, become a member.
With your membership, you can:
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1. Have regular meetings with me and other community members to practise and improve your English. Meeting times are flexible to suit your routines.
2. Participate in and contribute to the community conversation.
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3. Read our conversations when you want.
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4. Collaborate in global projects.
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5. Read and contribute to the Brida Journal.
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Contact me for more information or :
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