To improve your analytical skills the very best thing you can do is, without a doubt, read, read, and then read some more. And a variety of news articles brings a wealth of vocabulary in all areas.
Besides books, newspapers and magazines are just the place to do it.
THE NEW YORK TIMES
Of course the Times is only for the heavies. For people in the know, it's the place to go! Though their site is almost a skeleton with just the basics, it's always worth checking out.
The average number of papers sold daily is 1,086,000, making it the third most read in the U.S.
THE LOS ANGELES TIMES
It's practically the only newspaper in LA and can be purchased at almost any corner of the metropolis. It gives a lot of importance to the movie business, selling about 1,078,000 papers daily.
THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE
For those who want the latest from Chicago, this is your choice. Their site is the second best, though difficult to access at peak times. They have complete sports coverage and four writers whose columns no serious sports fan should ever miss.
USA TODAY
This Mcnewspaper has turned into the most popular choice of people on the go. You'll find a little bit of everything although these bits and pieces might not be enough to be of value.
It sells about 1,672,000 papers per day, losing only to The Wall Street Journal, with sales of 1,753,000, as the most read in North America.
THE WASHINGTON POST
It's by far the very best choice for online reading, the maximum in good news coverage. They've invested a lot and bring the whole works to you, no short cuts, no summaries. Check out stories by Wm Buckley assigned to Rio.
The newspaper's daily circulation is 763,000 compared to 441,000 of Folha de São Paulo, Brazil's top paper.
TIME
Time is the weekly magazine read by most people around the world. It differs from other periodicals mainly because the writers use extensive vocabulary. The editor is conservative, though.
NEWSWEEK
It presents a critical view of the different economic and social events around the world. Because of its objective use of English, it's a great source of information for intermediate level students.
- NEWS & WORLD REPORT
Regarding international issues U.S. News is not as comprehensive as Time and Newsweek, focusing on the American society instead. It is, first of all, a magazine for the consumer who seeks a better standard of living.
THE ECONOMIST
Published by the British, it is the most complete weekly periodical in the world. However, the editorial line is a let-down because it's too pro-business.
10-28-2003
Aoccdring to a rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by itslef but the wrod as a wlohe.
*****
Articles from U.S. News & World Report:
LIFE IS SHORT
There aren't enough hours in a day. Time is a valuable, and limited, resource. Many of us would like to make more time. We can't. But we can learn to spend our time more wisely. Each day is filled with decisions: Do I take my dog to the vet or call my sister? Do I see a movie or buy groceries? On its own, none of these decisions may be critical. But together, the choices we make will determine the shape of our lives.
Most people spend a lot of time waiting. We get put on hold. We wait for appointments. We stand in line. But waiting time doesn't have to be wasted time. Here are some ideas: read a book, magazine, newspaper or a printed internet article. Read e-mail you've printed. Make a list of all the things you have to do and decide when you're going to do them. Listen to books on tape or music, driving or walking on the street. Review class notes. Memorize some new vocabulary.
FUEL-CELL CAR MAY BE READY IN 2004
DaimlerChrysler unveiled its latest fuel-cell car in Washington, D.C. last month. The NECAR 4 brings the automaker one step closer to selling a pollution-free vehicle.
The NECAR 4 is the first driveable passenger car in the U.S. that is powered by fuel cells. It's based on the Mercedes A-Class small car.
The NECAR solves many problems of DaimlerChrysler's earlier fuel-cell cars. In the NECAR 3, the back seat was filled with plumbing needed to run the car. That meant the car could hold only two people.
Now, the fuel cells are much smaller. The cells are stacked under the car's floorboards. The NECAR 4 can fit five passengers. It can also travel 280 miles before refueling. That is 340 miles more than the older model could travel.
A fuel-cell car uses electric power to run its motor. The electricity is created when elements such as hydrogen and oxygen combine in the cell. The vehicle drives like a regular car.
A mass-produced fuel-cell car would now cost about $30,000 for the fuel-cell hardware alone. Today's engines cost $3,000, or one-tenth as much.
