Any Bengali speakers out there?

A long shot, I know … but does anyone know the English word for “lota” ?  It’s a long, green, stringy vegetable used in Bengali cuisine.
Can’t seem to find the answer on the web and my students need to know for a guide they are writing about East London markets.
All ideas appreciated – thank you!  [...]

Football and stuff

I was feeling pretty apathetic about the football until I got home from work and L. announced he would be commandeering the remote control from 7 till 10pm this evening.  He almost had a seizure when I mentioned that The Apprentice was on at 9 o’clock and that I was rather keen on watching that.  So now I am [...]

Classroom cannibalism

I am really pleased with the progress my students have made since they started their course.  However, after marking their latest lot of homework (writing about what they did at the weekend), I wonder whether I should actually be reporting one of them to the police …
“On Saturday I went to Sainsbury.  After I came back home.  After [...]