Vocabulary

A 40-member choir sings a song written from the sequence of each person's DNA in a monument to our similarities and differences. How do codes work? From the notation of music to the mapping of genetic code.

The Passion Play in Oberammergau originated in the 1630s, when villagers promised to re-enact the Passion of Christ if people stopped dying of the plague. They did, and they do, once a decade. How to talk about local history and tradition.

The managers at BP have made every mistake in the book in handling the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. We look at the details of these gaffes and discuss cultural differences in the behaviour expected in the US and the UK.

Danny Jordaan, CEO of the 2010 World Cup committee, brought the world's biggest sporting event to South Africa (Spotlight 6/2010). We take you to the South African football stadiums to quiz you on the culture, economy and politics of the Rainbow Nation.

The euro is saved, but not safe. As Europe creates a reserve fund to bail out its financially irresponsible member states, the euro loses stability. Describing the ups and downs of our common currency.

If the Expo pavilions could talk, they'd tell of innovations for "Better Cities, Better Lives". The spectacular UK pavilion showcases one aspect of the Expo theme. Review verbs you can use to present innovative projects and products.

In May, Spotlight magazine presents five classic film genres, along with the best film from each. Online, we review the one genre that is impossible to narrow down to just one selection: the comedy. Watch three of the best scenes in classic comedy and test your comprehension.

Oh, no! It's hay fever season again! We look at the language of allergies and find out about therapies that aim to reduce them.

Eton College has a long list of distinguished former pupils, including 18 former prime ministers — and possibly a future one. Meet Tory candidate David Cameron, who is again making class an issue in British politics.

If you see a two-headed pig, are you seeing a ghost or have you had a glass too many? Come explore the Irish world of beliefs as we look at popular idioms involving ghosts and spirits and all things superstitious.