English Lesson Library
Party’s over: Big streamers cut budgets, raise prices, and pull content
Streaming giants of all kinds have spent lavishly on expensive new productions and large content libraries, hoping to win new customers. But the services have often lost money and investors are growing impatient. As streamers focus on profitability, consumes are set to lose out. Plus, learn the English expression “all of a sudden.”
Streaming platforms with huge budgets changed our TV-watching habits
Television changed forever when streaming services like Netflix started producing more (and better) series. Today, we look at three categories of streamers and why they’re spending so much. On Thursday, we’ll talk about why the age of big spending on series may be about to end. Plus, learn the English expression “big deal.”
Cold beer in hot water: Bud Light controversy over influencer video
Can any one product be for all Americans in an age of polarization? Bud Light is the country’s most popular beer brand. But now people from both sides of the cultural divide are protesting the brand. It all started when Bud Light partnered with a trans influencer and congratulated her one year after her transition. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb “blow over.”
Ed Sheeran wins copyright infringement trial over hit song ‘Thinking Out Loud’
Ed Sheeran’s 2014 song “Thinking Out Loud” has similar musical chords to the 1973 Marvin Gaye hit “Let’s Get It On.” Sheeran was sued in New York for copyright infringement, but prevailed at his trial. He played his guitar on the witness stand in his defense. Plus, learn the English expression “building blocks.”
How to use (and how not to use) ChatGPT
ChatGPT, the new artificial intelligence model that has captured the imagination of millions, has strengths and weaknesses. Like any tool, it’s good for some things and not good for others. The trick is to know what and how to use it. Plus, learn the English expression write (someone or something) off.
What you need to know about ChatGPT, the AI tool that answers your questions
ChatGPT is artificial intelligence for the masses. It’s the first widely-adopted consumer application of a Large Language Model, which uses billions of inputs to answer questions (often correctly). Consumer companies like Grammarly and LinkedIn have rushed to incorporate LLMs in their own products. Plus, learn the English expression “hit home.”
Can a ‘smart gun’ prevent accidental shooting deaths?
A Colorado startup has developed a gun that only fires when an authorized user is holding it. The purpose is to provide owners with the self-defense, but also prevent accidental shootings from children and from unauthorized users. But who would buy this gun? Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ‘hold up.’
Jerry Springer pioneered on-air trash, precursor to today’s reality TV
Jerry Springer, a politician-turned-talk-show-host, invented a new genre of television: daytime trash. On his show, guests threw food, punches, and expletives, all while a bemused Springer egged them on. It was a precursor to reality TV shows of today. Springer died recently at age 79. Plus, learn the English expression “push the boundaries.”
Curtain falls on ‘Phantom of the Opera’ after a 35-year run on Broadway
“The Phantom of the Opera” played its final show at the Majestic Theater in New York, ending its 35-year run on Broadway. The story is based on a novel by Gaston Leroux. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber made it legendary with the musical adaptation, which has been performed in 182 cities in 17 languages. Plus, learn the English expression “set the stage.”