2002

A new musical, based on songs by one of Britain's best-loved rock groups, Queen, opened at the Dominion Theatre, London, on May 14. Part of the 10 million dollars for the production has been paid for by Hollywood screen legend Robert de Niro. Theatre critics are calling it a "futuristic extravaganza". The success of the musical is proof, 11 years after the death of Freddie Mercury, that Queen are still the champions.

Have you ever used the Internet to teach yourself something? The World Wide Web has many teach-yourself sites on all sorts of topics - from how to build yourself a house, to how to build yourself a bomb! There are also many teach-yourself English language sites. But which are the good ones and which should you not waste your time with? English teacher and WoE's resident computer genius, Deji Akala, takes a look at some of the best on the net.

Dear Readers,

The year 2001 was the first year of the new decade, new century and new millennium, but our magazine has only just completed its first decade of writing for students and teachers of English as "the universal second language." We began operations in 1992, but only two issues were published that year, so it is 2003 that really marks our 10th birthday. In today's fast-paced times, 1993 may now seem like ancient history. For the benefit of those too young to be with us then, let's recall what things were like back then.

Planning a trip to London in March? Make sure you're there on St Patrick's Day, March 17th, when everyone (well, almost) claims Irish ancestry. But wherever you are around the globe, if you really are Irish you can't fail to be popular; and if you haven't got green blood in you, you still can't fail to have a fantastic time.

His album The Eminem Show has been one of the best selling records around the world this summer. But the white rapper from East Detroit has as many enemies and critics as he has fans. Is Eminem, as his detractors claim, homophobic and sexist? Are rap musicians like him a dangerous influence on kids everywhere, or are they just misunderstood geniuses? The answers to these questions, of course, can be found in their lyrics.

The origins of Royal Jubilees date back to the days of Ancient Egypt. Pharaohs were obliged to take part in various ceremonies to demonstrate their continuing virility and competence to rule. The word Jubilee is Hebrew and comes from Yobel, which refers to the ram's horn that was used in those days to proclaim that celebrations were about to begin.

Austin Powers 3: Goldmember opens in Polish cinemas on September 13. The film stars Mike Myers and Polish-American actress and rising star in Hollywood, Nina Kaczorowski. When she was in Poland recently Nina talked to journalist Monika Jaworska for The World of English. She tells us about her Polish origins, working in Hollywood, and what Tom Cruise and Ben Affleck are really like!

The two best selling genres of popular music in the U.S. are country music and Hip-Hop. Consequently, MTV is full of videos by C&W and rap artists. Nobody seems to get very upset about the former, but the latter certainly seems to divide the record buying public. Are these videos degrading to females?

Don't love too deeply,and be mindful of how you display your affections! Wise advice,for jealousy lies in the heartof many and jealousy's victimsare often the innocent.