Invest in (very) faraway land

It's no secret that it's a buyer's market right now, meaning that property and land prices have plummeted (=gone down), mainly because few people can afford to buy.

So what better time to spend your lottery winnings on a plot of land on...a distant planet!

Yes, a nice unspoilt unpolluted planet, apparently life-sustainable if it actually exists, and only 2 light years away. Not to mention that it's a real bargain: plots are going for as little as 20$!

Don't believe me? It's true! Check out the Ebay ad:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gliese-581-g-Zarminas-World-Extrasolar-Planet-Property-/150536510033?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item230cacda51

PS. Read all the small print and if I were you I would check with a reliable astronomical source before parting with your hard-earned cash.

The 12 Days of Christmas

As I managed to get out of doing Christmas carols in class this year, again, I've decided to put one here.

This is probably my favourite one, maybe because it's just about presents. :D No, seriously, I like the tune and the "5 golden rings bit".

There are many many versions and some variations, mostly humourous, and while I was searching through Youtube for an embeddable one I liked, my daughter actually got to learn a bit, and now sings it around the house. Unfortunately the one she likes is the last one.

The 12 days of Christmas, traditional version with the original lyrics:

One of many traditional sarcastic responses to the 12 days of Christmas song:

Ther are countless humourous versions of the song itself, but I thought this Indian version was particularly cute.

Lyrics:

The 12 days of Christmas - Boy Mongoose

On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me a totally insufficient dowry.

On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me two nosey in-laws and a totally insufficient dowry.

On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me three butter chickens, two nosey in-laws and a totally insufficient dowry.

On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me four Hare Krishnas (is that Indian?), three butter chickens, two nosey two in-laws and a totally insufficient dowry.

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me five Indian games (I want to be the cowboy) Four Hare Krishnas, three butter chickens, two nosey two in-laws and a totally insufficient dowry.

On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me six IT graduates, five Indian games. Four Hare Krishnas, three butter chickens, two nosey in-laws and a totally insufficient dowry.

On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me seven/eleven workers, six IT graduates, five Indian games. Four Hare Krishnas, three butter chickens, two nosey in-laws and a totally insufficient dowry.

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me eight Bollywood films, seven/eleven workers, six IT graduates, five Indian games. Four Hare Krishnas, three butter chickens, two nosey two in-laws and a totally insufficient dowry.

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me nine telemarketers (good day ...(?) this is Colin Jones. Are you wanting greater coverage?), eight Bollywood films, seven/eleven workers, six IT graduates, five Indian games. Four Hare Krishnas, three butter chickens, two nosey in-laws and a totally insufficient dowry.

On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me ten minute yoga (think the lotus, feel the lotus, drive the Lotus) nine telemarketers (hello this is Colin Jones. Are you wanting greater coverage?) eight Bollywood films, seven/eleven workers, six IT graduates, five Indian games. Four Hare Krishnas, three butter chickens, two nosey in-laws and a totally insufficient dowry.

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me eleven syllable names, ten minute yoga (think the lotus, fell the lotus, drive the Lotus) nine telemarketers (hello this is Colin Jones. Are you wanting greater coverage?) eight Bollywood films, seven/eleven workers, six IT graduates, five Indian games. Four Hare Krishnas, three butter chickens, two nosey in-laws and a totally insufficient dowry.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me twelve cricket ball tamperers (I was simply correcting the stitching), eleven syllable names, ten minute yoga (think the lotus, fell the lotus, drive the Lotus) nine telemarketers (hello this is Colin Jones. Are you wanting greater coverage?) eight Bollywood films, seven/eleven workers, six IT graduates, five minutes of fame. Four Hare Krishnas, three butter chickens, two nosey in-laws and a totally insufficient dowry.

How to cook a turkey

On this typical Christmas morning I'm but one of millions (?) of people putting the traditional turkey in the oven to roast, although maybe later than most. I'm sure people in England get up early to do stuff like that.

I don't.

So, following the aforementioned tradition, the first thing I did this morning was go straight to the computer to google cooking times and temperatures.

The American pages (they have theirs on Thanksgiving) are no use as they don't contemplate turkeys of less than 4 kg, so I focused on British pages, comparing one and another until I found this:

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/knowhow/glossary/turkey/

It's so complete! Not only do they give all the necessary info about times, temperatures, how to carve it (watch the video) etc, but hilariously I discover that there actually exists a British Turkey Information Service, with a helpline! Ok, it only works at Christmas, but still. :D

Well I hope that those of you who have never tried roast turkey decide to try it one day: you have all the info, and a mouth-watering photo here to tempt you. The one in the photo isn't mine, as mine's still in the oven, but if we're not too hungry when it's ready and we don't fall on it like a pack of ravenous wolves, I'll try to remember to take a pic.

Hope you're enjoying whatever food you're making, the traditional Escudella, maybe? I could have seriously used a helpline whan I was making that yesterday by the way. Maybe TV3 or Gencat have one, come to think of it. But the end result was edible and tasty at least. :)

Happy Christmas everybody

Hiya students! Thanks to those of you who came to the party yesterday; I hope you had a good time. :)

Me, I've spent part of the morning making this lovely card for you.

I'm sure you'll all be able to appreciate the art and sheer beauty of it, as well as the best wishes for these special days and promise for the coming year...

Merry Christmas and Happy new Year, everyone! Take care, and see you soon!

A great advert

I've nicked this video from a colleague's blog. I'm sure he/she won't mind!

Watch the video, and whan you have to, choose one of the two options. You have the chance to change the story: just type in a word.

Make sure you have your language preferences set to English on the YouTube page.

Digital Christmas - Times change

Lyrics training

Laura from 5A has recommended this brilliant page for doing song lyrics fill-ins: http://www.lyricstraining.com/index.php

Don't be put off by the Backstreet Boys, Avril Lavigne and co. on the home page: search for your favourite artists, choose a video, then a level, and start filling in the missing words.

I did the only Sex Pistols one, God Save the Queen, just for fun, and I had trouble. Mind you, they don't exactly pronounce properly: there's my excuse.

EOI Xmas party

Don't forget that this Wednesday, our last day at IES Mallafré, is also the day of the traditional EOI Christmas party.

Here's the invite with the info, in case you haven't been to class lately or whatever. Remember, you're all welcome (you can bring a friend or relative too), and it's a great occasion to talk to other people you probably wouldn't have the chance to talk to because of levels, timetables, etc.

Even if you're busy and have better things to do (which I doubt), do pop in for a (free) drink and to wish everybody Happy Christmas.

As I've already mentioned in class, I particularly recommend the German Glühwein (I don't know if I've spelt that right): this lovely warm spicy wine which is perfect for this chilly weather.

Hope to see you all there!

Stephen Fry and Catalan Xmas

We talked about this video, which a colleague sent me some time ago, in I can't remember which class.

I love their faces! I'm not a great fan of scatology myself, and I can well understand their incredulity.

Company vs. Enterprise

This subject comes up in class quite a lot.

The usual translation for the word "empresa" in English is "company" (or "firm"). See http://www.wordreference.com/es/en/translation.asp?spen=empresa

The word "enterprise" does exist, but in a larger more general meaning, in the sense of a project, or an iniciative. See http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=enterprise It can be used to refer to a particularly large company with many departments and far-reaching activities, for example,. It is also a more sophisticated and flashy-sounding word that some people may use instead of "company" just to sound more important...

Basically, the meaning of "enterprise" is what you would imagine for the action or effect of the verb "emprender", more than the entity itself.

My knowledge on this subject reaches no further. :P

English Central

Some while ago, Maite (5A) recommended EnglishCentral.com for listening and pronunciation practice. It was already recommended somewhere in this blog, and Maite's right: it IS very good.

The only problem with it is that, although it's free, you have to register, and for some reason the hassle of registering puts a lot of people off. You know, clicking things is soooo tiring...

You also need a mike, which is also unfathomably off-putting: look, you've probably got one lying around the house somewhere without realising, and even if you haven't, they're really inexpensive and are extremely useful for language learning, for obvious reasons.

So, basically, in order to convince you of its usefulness, I've put together this not-very-good video about how to use English Central (not to mention that Sheldon Cooper is also one of my favourite sitcom characters).

Your feedback demanded appreciated, PLEASE.

PS. Wow, what does Blogger do to videos to make them so blurry and squashy-looking?

Look, I've uploaded it here - it's not so bad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J9lQCQK514

Idioms and sayings

I've found this German page which has a good collection of sayings and idiomatic expressions:

http://www.learnenglish.de/idiompage.htm

Sometimes it's difficult to know when to use idioms or not, but it's always good to understand them.

More about intonation

This lady insists that the key to being understood in English is slowing down.

I agree up to a point: speaking too slowly sounds silly - in fact I had an argument about that with a Mexican Movistar operator just the other day- but on the other hand, if you're having trouble being understood, slowing down does enable you to pronounce and use intonation properly.

I know when you know a lot of English there's a great temptation to speak more quickly because it sounds more "native" and more natural. But unfortunately, the lady is right: in a lot of cases, speaking fast = speaking unintelligibly, and that way, all the English you know just goes to waste.

So, do try this at home, people! We'll also practise in class, reading aloud, like the other day. It's a bit boring, and takes up time, but I think it helps a lot. What do you say?

PD. Some of the comments on the YouTube page are funny: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ttDTszXG4M&feature=related

Extreme sheep herding

You may have already seen it, as it's been going round the internet: Extreme sheep herding in Wales. All you need is some sheep, a few Border Collies and some LED lights. Simple!

On Sky News:

The original video going round (ok, well not the original as the original has an advert stuck before it, and I don't know about you but I don't like being forced to watch adverts. The original with the advert is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2FX9rviEhw) :

CUUUUUTE!!! I love sheep! :)

English intonation

Ricard Cuberes from 5A has sent me this video, which gives examples of intonation in English.



I have the feeling it's unfinished, but parts of it are interesting. Thanks Ricard!

Time traveller in Chaplin film

Fabricio (5B) sent me this video where this man from Belfast is stumped by something he caught in a Charlie Chaplin film. He introduces his video like this (then watch for yourselves):

This short film is about a piece of footage I (George Clarke) found behind the scenes in Charlie Chaplins film 'The Circus'. Attending the premiere at Manns Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, CA - the scene shows a large woman dressed in black with a hat hiding most of her face, with what can only be described as a mobile phone device - talking as she walks alone.

I have studied this film for over a year now - showing it to over 100 people and at a film festival, yet no-one can give any explanation as to what she is doing.

My only theory - as well as many others - is simple... a time traveler on a mobile phone. See for yourself and feel free to leave a comment on your own explanation or thoughts about it.

George - 20th October 2010




Personally I think that firstly, it's not a woman but a man. And what do you see in his/her hand? Really a mobile? Or what? What do you think? Time traveller or something else?

If you Google "chaplin time traveller" you'll find a lot of people giving their ideas in forums, etc.

Economy

On a more serious note, I found these two news articles last week. One's Australian and the other one's American. I imagine that we can assume it's a general trend, though.

On one hand, the minimum wage is apparently proportionately lower now than 40 years ago: http://lifeinc.todayshow.com/_news/2010/11/19/5495013-good-graph-friday-minimum-wage-is-worth-less-than-in-1968?gt1=43001

But if you're a high-flying executive, you don't need to get depressed, as THEY're earning even more than before, yay: http://content.mycareer.com.au/advice-research/salary/ceo-salaries.aspx?s_rid=smh:rainbowstrip:box2:campaign2:content2:22-11:xx-05_searchfinancialservicesjobs:ceospaid100timesmorethanworkers

So hey, basically, it's not all bad news.

Andrew Marshall

Hey, people!

I'd be interested to get your feedback about yesterday's performance from those who came to see it.

This is the only footage there is, as Andrew thought it was a photo I wanted, and so stopped the video that was already filming when he pressed the button, thus saving us from a watery death on film.

I admit I was trying to get out of taking an active part in the procedure, not to mention drowning, but as you saw, we were all doomed in the end.

You all looked as if you were having fun, but as I say, your feedback will be appreciated.






PS. Wow, I hadn't noticed how big my jelly-belly was getting. Time to go on a diet!

Homeopathy

Comedians David Mitchell and Robert Webb take a look at the world of homeopathy.

Same video with subtitles in Spanish:

Times have changed

More on the subject:

Terrorist Threat

Oh, no, sorry: false alarm!

Dance troupe suspected of being a terrorist group. Well, it could happen to any of us, especially if you start dancing about verb patterns, I suppose.

They were running to make a very important appointment on TV which could have changed their lives.

But the dance troupe made two big mistakes - they were wearing camouflage shorts and vests and should never have ditched their cars in New York's Lincoln Tunnel.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1331554/FBI-pulled-guns-dance-troupe-spark-terror-alert-dressed-camouflage.html#ixzz165xzXUsv





The dance troupe: dangerous-looking people

Don't trust your granny?

Pensioner crime* is on the rise, according to several reports from different countries.

"It is being dubbed the "grey crimewave" (...): new statistics reveal that ever higher numbers of pensioners are being arrested and ending up in Britain's jails.

The prison system, already struggling to cope with the demands of its own ageing population of lifers and long-term inmates, is struggling to cope with a new wave of elderly crooks. But experts are divided over whether or not the growing trend is due to people on low pensions turning to crime through necessity, or simply a tougher attitude by the courts to the elderly in the dock.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/nov/21/pensioner-crimewave-saga-lout



Is this the face of a criminal?

It looks like you can't trust anyone nowadays.











*remember that "crime" in English refers to any kind of illegal activity

Conjugation

English speakers learning Spanish have their own problems.

Exercises for 1st level

Hello first year students!

This time, the exercises are for you:

Andrew Marshall

On Thursday 25th of November at 7.30 pm, Andrew Marshall will be performing his version of Titanic.

Free, and only for levels 3, 4 and 5, so exercise your privileges and DON'T MISS IT !

I've seen this man several times already, and he's always made me laugh, so I'm really looking forward to it myself.

Tim Minchin - Fat Children

The song we did/are doing in class, for those of you who wanted it, or missed it.

Lyrics (if I get round to it I'll put the apostrophes in, but don't hold your breath):

Tim Minchin - Fat Children

Do not feed doughnuts to your obese children
You will regret it when they're in their teens
Macca's might shut them up now that they're seven
But they wont forgive you
When they're getting picked last for PE
Dont you see?

Boombalada motherfucker
Have you noticed that your kids are fat?
What you gonna do about that?
What you gonna do?

So you're telling me that your family
Has a history of obesity
You got a polycystic ovary
You say "its just the way God made me"

Its unlikely, statistically
To be a physical thing
But either way it dont explain why you
Are in the queue at Burger King

You can blame it on biology
You can blame your physiology
You can point to genealogy
And your social anthropology

You can say you are an ectomorph
That you just cant get the kilos off
Well you can be what you wanna be
But stop feeding your boy KFC

He weighs 40 kilos and hes only three
He looks like a clean-shaven Pavarotti

Ordering Diet Coke is not the way back
Boombalada kiddie-stuffer
Your kids are fat, have you noticed that?
And you oughta be ashamed
For you only have yourself to blame.
Your 5 year old princess in her size 14 tutu
Only eats pizza like that because you do

She'll be dead of a heart attack
Before your grandchildren are ten
Perhaps you'll consider
A cut-back on extra fries then

Boombalada kiddie-stuffer
Your kids are fat, have you noticed that?
What are you gonna do about that?
What are you gonna do?

So youre telling me that your family
Has a history of obesity
You got a polycystic ovary
Your mum had childhood diabetes

But, and in your case
Theres a reasonably big butt
Do you think its an appropriate treat
The all-you-can-eat at Pizza Hut?

Theres no excuse you silly goose
For a child with a caboose
Like a moose whos eaten too much mousse
Its tantamount to child abuse

Kick them off the fucking couch
Unplug the Playstation
Send them down to the park
If they dont wanna go, make em

Tell them they have to jog
Until their jogging shorts fit em
If they hesitate, ask firmly
If they still resist, hit em

Is this what you want for your little girl and guy?
These chips off the pork chop, for the toffee apples of your eye?
Six Packs of Kit Kats are not the way back
Boombalada Kiddie Stuffer
Your kids are fat, have you noticed that?

And you, oughta be ashamed
For you only have yourself to blame
Your 6 year old miniature Jabba the Hut
Eating half melted Mars Bars from the folds of his gut
He'll be dead of an aneurysm
Before his own children ism ten
Perhaps you'll consider
A cut-back on Taco Bell then
Perhaps you'll consider
A cut-back on Krispy Kreme doughnuts
And Popcorn in bucket-sized boxes
And microwave pizzas or drive through McDonalds
For weeknightly dinners in front of the TV
And notes to the phys-ed instructor saying
Timmy has asthma but he really just gets short of breath
Cos hes 35 kilos above the ideal weight
Of 35 kilos for a nine year old boy

Education and economy

This video was sent to me by Jaume Safont from 5A (Thanks, Jaume!). It's pretty long but it's worth it, not only for the message but also the drawing.

You should be able to follow it without the subtitles, but I've posted both versions just in case.

Version without subtitles:

Version with subtitles in Spainish:

Qantas

Our suspicions were right: it's pronounced as if there was a "u" after the "a", even if there isn't.

Cute plane, eh, the A380. I prefer fighter planes myself, but there's something majestic about the A380, the largest passenger plane in the world. And it's European. :)

Visual Thesaurus

This is the mind map page/programme that I told you about in class.

It's not free, however, so you only get a limited number of tries free.

But if you're rolling in money, maybe you're interested in paying for it. It's really cute. :)


www.visualthesaurus.com

Mozart cuts crime in New Zealand city

MOZART played over speakers in a pedestrian mall in the inner city of Christchurch, New Zealand has cut crime dramatically, according to figures published by The Press. The classical tactic was introduced to the City Mall in New Zealand's second largest city in June 2009.
The number of anti-social incidents recorded by security guards in the area fell from 77 a week in October 2008 to just two for the same time this year. Police agreed the music, played during the day time, had transformed the area and created a calmer environment.

Central City Business Association manager Paul Lonsdale said the classical music was soothing to the ear. "Classical music is known for reducing anti-social behavior," he said.

More details: http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch/4318074/Mozart-quells-mall-violence

I can understand that classical music would have that soothing effect, but Barry Manilow?!! What on earth were they thinking of? I would definitely start getting violent in a shopping mall if they started playing Barry Manilow, and I would encourage other people to get antisocial too. Some things should just not be allowed.

For those Friends fans among you, you may remember Rachel singing Barry's most popular song, Copacabana, at her ex-boyfriend Barry's wedding.

Sing along with the audio and lyrics if you want, and you probably do:

← Barry Manilow, the man himself.

Rachel's attempt here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN11j2tEpk4&feature=related (video embedding disabled by request)

British vs. American English

The German page http://www.englisch-hilfen.de has a some practice exercises on the difference between proper British English and what passes for English on the other side of the Atlantic American English:

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/alle_words.htm

Vocabulary (5th year)

Hey, I recently found this vocabulary page: http://www.word-power.us/

Apart from the words and definitions, it has exercises to help you remember them.

And another page with vocabulary and expressions is this one: http://www.english-daily.com/, which also has a lots of other links to explore, like telephoning English, proverbs, idioms, etc.

Both these pages are ideal for helping you make those semantic maps...

Online dictation

Hi again, and please note that I'm doing this on a Sunday morning. Yes, I was going to dig out some witch-looking clothes for tonight, but I got distracted by my teacher's blog.

Well, this is just to say that I've added a new subgroup in the links in the column on the right: Online Dictations, just below Listening or Watching.

I'd like to thank Toni Corella from 5A (currently AWOL), for the first link on the list: http://www.listen-and-write.com/, which got me hunting for more.

There aren't many, and there's a great deal of disparity of levels, quality, etc, between the different pages, but all of them are useful in some way or another.

If you know of others, or better ones, please let us know.

PS. I've also added a new link to the listening/watching list: http://www.real-english.com/new-lessons.asp

Clocks back: sorry for repeating a video

Hiya people and good morning! I've just enjoyed a nice breakfast on the terrace, with trees and plants still moving a bit after last night. I wonder if the wind and rain have affected the Mir, not having a roof and that. After that thought I frown a little, because it's not funny.

Well, apart from freaky weather conditions, I got home last night just before 5, only to discover that the clocks had gone back while I was out having fun.

I've googled videos on the subject, but believe me, the most educational and informative is still the one that I posted last year. Sooooo, if you watched it then, just skip it, but if not, here you are. Having said that, I've watched it before, and I don't mind watching it again, so maybe you're weird like me.

Transcript:

This weekend the UK changes, from British Summer Time to Greenwich Mean Time.

Now this often leads to some some confusion, which is why we've made this simple educational film for you and your friends.

Now the first point to make is that the clocks will actually be going backwards rather than forwards. The easiest way to remember that is that it's Autumn, or "Fall" as the Americans call it, as in to fall back rather than spring forward.

Now what this means is that at 2 am on Sunday morning, old time, it's actually going to be 1 am Sunday morning, new time.

So that means for one day only you have a whole extra hour to do... well, whatever you want with.

So be selfish. Why waste it on anybody else?

Brought to you by Radox, official sponsors of the clocks going back.

Well, hope you enjoyed that (again). Now if you'll excuse me I have to start going through my cupboard to dig out something I can wear tonight at the punk halloween party I'm going to. I suppose the easiest thing would be to go as a witch. Luckily, that look isn't difficult for me.

My new toy

I am in my twenties, ha ha

Well, I must say I was pleased with this result: it's just how I feel.

You are in your twenties

You can still hear reasonably well and you can play this without my old fart colleagues hearing it which makes you feel kinda good. The highest pitched ultrasonic mosquito ringtone that I can hear is 15.8kHz

Find out which ultrasonic ringtones you can hear!

Want to try?

Test your hearing and see how old/young you are with the ultrasonic ringtone test. Is it reliable? I don't know. I don't care! I'm in my twenties!

Arianespace launch

I don't know about you, but I'm a great fan of Arianespace and watch the launches whenever I can/remember.

If you enjoy watching launches, don't miss the one tomorrow:

Live 197th Ariane launch from Kourou, October 28th 2010. Live webcasting starts at 9:36 pm (Universal Time).

As far as I can make out, Universal Time is GMT, so we're 2 hours ahead and for us the launch will start at 23.36. But don't trust me; check out the countdown here: http://www.videocorner.tv/index.htm

And watch the live video of the launch here: http://www.videocorner.tv/videocorner2/live_flv/index.php?langue=en

You can choose to hear the running commentary either in English or French, but hey, choose English.

Pearls Before Swine

When I remember, or when a friend reminds me, I read this comic strip. Actually, I think I may have posted one before.

I should have taken photos

I forgot to take photos.

For those of you who haven't come to class yet, a bit about IES Mallafré:

Bad points:

• My students tell me it's more difficult to park, although I didn't have a problem at 16.15 of course.
• It's a bit dark outside when we finish.
• It's further away and more difficult to get to for those poor souls who have to take public transport.
• No nice Granja Neus opposite :(

Good points:

• The building is more modern and pleasant to be in, unlike the Overlook Mir.
• The windows actually open and close
• It's quieter: no traffic or sirens or heart-attack-inducing bells
• No "cicle" students: we're on our own there
• The acoustics inside the classroom are better
• The classrooms are better equipped. I mean, the classes ARE equipped.
• You don't have to walk up stairs.
• It's not so cold as the Overlook Mir
• The architect didn't design it to look like a top security prison
• It has a roof

How about coming and seeing it for yourself, if you haven't already?

See you!

Rumours confirmed

We're moving to IES Dolors Mallafré, presumably until the work on the school roof is finished.

www.eoigarraf.com

Rumours rumours rumours

Today there are the beginnings of rumours that I can't repeat, at least not without a substantial amount of money being slipped my way, ha ha. Only joking!

It looks like something will definitely be decided this week. I'll let you know as soon as I can, but as usual, stay tuned to www.eoigarraf.com for official information.

Well, now, time for some music with lyrics for listening practice:

Still nothing.

Nothing new today.

People are working on the roof, but no new information. Sorry.

Still no solutions

Again, lots of speculation but still no solutions.

Today they were doing SOMETHING:

The institute is trying to relocate their own students to other classes on the ground and 1st floor. But we don't know if they'll be enough room for us. Maybe not. ???

Well, all I can say is: 5th years, read as much as you can these days, and 1st years, revise everything and work on the CD*.

Have a good weekend everyone!

*els de 1er, repaseu molt i feu servir el CD.

IES Joaquim Mir and the ... tornado?

Was it a bird, was it a plane? Or was it a tornado that tore the roof off our beloved EOI, lodged in IES Joaquim Mir? Some people claim to have seen waterspouts at sea (="mànegues". I didn't know that word) that day.

Looking at the damage it definitely must have been something pretty powerful to lift practically the whole roof off the building.

Yesterday we all went to work and had a look around, and then a meeting. As architects and technicians are still assessing the damage, no decisions can be made for the moment, although there's a lot of speculating going on.

For the moment classes have been cancelled for all this week. It also seems unlikely that they will be able to continue next week, but who knows: official notifications will be on the EOI's webpage, so keep checking.

Several newspapers and tv channels have covered the news:

http://www.lamalla.cat/infolocal/noticies/article?id=411640

http://www.tv3.cat/videos/3146850/Escola-sense-teulada

http://www.acn.cat/acn/ResultatsCerca.acn?cid=2543

http://www.europapress.es/videos/video-temporal-arranca-tejado-colegio-20101013194726.html

http://www.elpais.com/articulo/cataluna/techo/volo/instituto/estaba/vacio/elpepiespcat/20101014elpcat_2/Tes

But I would say that this one is the best and most complete: http://www.tdtgarraf.com/video/31069/migdia-13102010?a7eca8862593b770ffa28e0532e39562 (minute 9.30+)

Well, I leave you with some photos. As I say, keep checking the school webpage for more information. I don't know when or where, but see you !

Who's suing who?

Welcome to the fascinating world of mobile phone lawsuits. I hadn't really been following this, but apparently Microsoft sueing Motorola over Android was just the latest in a long line of mobile-related lawsuits, which The Guardian represented like this:

Too confusing? A clearer (and prettier) representation here: http://news.designlanguage.com/post/1252039209

PS. They seem to have patched it all up in the end, by the way. At least between Microsoft and Motorola...

The White Stripes - We're going be friends

Today I was re-listening to the White Stripes, and I thought I'd post this cute song about the beginning of the school year.

How old do you think the kids are in the song? What clues are there to their ages?





Lyrics:

The White Stripes - We're going be friends

Fall is here, hear the yell
back to school, ring the bell
brand new shoes, walking blues
climb the fence, book and pens
I can tell that we are gonna be friends

Walk with me, Suzy Lee
through the park, by the tree
we will rest upon the ground
and look at all the bugs we've found
then safely walk to school
without a sound

Well here we are, no one else
we walked to school all by ourselves
there's dirt on our uniforms
from chasing all the ants and worms
we clean up and now it's time to learn


Numbers, letters, learn to spell
nouns, and books, and show-and-tell
at playtime we will throw the ball
back to class, through the hall
teacher marks our height against the wall

And we don't notice any time pass
we don't notice anything
we sit side by side in every class
teacher thinks that I sound funny
but she likes the way you sing

Tonight I'll dream while I'm in bed
when silly thoughts go through my head
about the bugs and alphabet
and when I wake tomorrow I'll bet
that you and I will walk together again
cause I can tell that we
are going to be friends

PS. Remember that "I can tell" also means something like "I can see/distinguish, etc".

Shweeb

What do we need? We need Shweeb! :D

What do you think? The revolutionary new ecological public transportation system. Look!

I especially love the happy girl's face in seconds 37-38. Of course we'd all be happy, travelling by Shweeb! We could imagine that we're in Futurama, except that we'd actually be... doing exercise, pedaling like mad and probably sweating like pigs.

But that's what everybody really wants to do, isn't it?

Well, the people at Google must think so, because they've invested in it, and they do tend to make lots and lots of money.

This won't be like the segway, which was also going to revolutionise transport and is now only used by American millionaires, rich tourists and security guards at Carrefour. Of course, unfortunate accidents won't help the segway's cause.

Shweeb looks pretty safe, though, if even blondes can use it. ;)

Read more about it here: http://shweeb.com

Can you imagine the traffic jams?

It's Friday!!!

Friday

FRIDAY

FRIDAY!!!! :D

Have a good weekend everybody!

Today is the day

Classes start today! You're probably all just as happy as me!

New faces in class, old faces in the corridor; well, and some old faces in class too.

Well, looking forward to seeing everyone again. :)

PS. Also regards too to those brilliant students that passed 5th year and so have "finished learning English forever". :P

"International" banks

My brother sent me this, with the comment "well, they try, don't they?".

More NatGeo photos

Click on the link for some amazing photos:

Photo Gallery: Grasslands, Prairies, and Savannas (National Geographic).

Space, planets, meteorology, etc

"Is there intelligent life on Earth?"

"No, I'm just visiting"...

...says the classic joke.

And for those of us who have hope for at least extraterrestrial intelligence will be pleased by the discovery of a solar system quite similar to ours, with at least five planets, and maybe seven:

"Astronomers using ESO’s world-leading HARPS instrument have discovered a planetary system containing at least five planets, orbiting the Sun-like star HD 10180. The researchers also have tantalising evidence that two other planets may be present, one of which would have the lowest mass ever found. This would make the system similar to our Solar System in terms of the number of planets (seven as compared to the Solar System’s eight planets). Furthermore, the team also found evidence that the distances of the planets from their star follow a regular pattern, as also seen in our Solar System." (Read more)

On the subject of space-related things, did you catch the Perseid meteor shower in the middle of August? I didn't. For the first time in many years I actually remembered to look, and went up to the terrace with a glass of cava in my hand (I had visitors at the time), with the intention of enjoying nature's show - only to find that it had clouded over during the night and practically no bits of clear sky were visible.

Other people in different locations, and with very good photographic equipment, were luckier: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/1008/PerseidStorm_arn.jpg Come to think of it, do you think the photo's 100% real, or touched up a little?

And again, on the subject of nice photos, how about this one:

Doesn't it remind you a bit of the Windows default desktop image, but a bit more dramatic?

But it's not. Apparently (I've just googled this) the actual "Windows" hill was later planted with grapevines, which is nice.

"Windows" Hill

4 super romantic ways to break up with your girlfriend

http://thegloss.com/sex-and-dating/allie-brosh-presents-4-super-romantic-ways-to-break-up-with-your-girlfriend/

Tiger in the luggage

You've probably been tempted to do the same at some time or other, but remember, people: smuggling wild animals is a criminal offence, even when they're as cute as this.

Read about it: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/26/thailand-airport-tiger-cub-luggage

Is it a darling? ♥

I want one!!

Love for ugly people

They say "beauty is only skin deep" and that real beauty is "on the inside", but the truth is that less-than-beautiful people seem to find it harder to find a date, at least on the internet, where an attractive profile photo can mean the difference between tons of messages and none at all.

With this in mind, these people have come up with the idea of a dating service ONLY for UGLY people.

If you're not sure if you're ugly enough to join, don't worry, they'll tell you! If you're too attractive you won't be allowed. Good-looking people are not accepted.

Sounds like your kind of thing? Read more here: http://swns.com/worlds-first-dating-site-for-ugly-people-launched-201141.html

It's probably limited to the UK to start with, but who knows if the idea won't catch on if it's successful?

Traffic jams

Personally I don't mind traffic jams much; one, because with my work timetable I don't usually get them, and two, because I enjoy sitting in the car listening to music, but I know most people hate them.

Well, how about this one in China? How long would you wait in a traffic jam before GOING COMPLETELY MAD? An hour? Two hours? Five? No, too impatient.

Read about it here: http://tinyurl.com/23lmmu2

(Nine WHAT?!!!)

The summer holidays are almost over

I'm sure you're all dying to get back to class... just to discover that you've forgotten almost all the English you learnt last year.

So that doesn't happen to you, now is a good time to revise a little bit. You've probably got the notes you took in class, and your last year's books and MultiRom.

However, if you've already lost the books/notes, or you used them to start the barbecue, remember that you can also do a bit of revision online: links in the right column, or the English File Page directly.

Well, I hope you've all done your registration correctly, given in all the necessary documents (there are always last minute panics, mistakes and disappointments so make sure) and that you've checked the starting dates. For further info, visit the school's webpage.

See you!

Women drivers

After reading this article, the only conclusion I reached was that men are scaredy-cats.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/7899600/One-in-three-men-frightened-by-their-partners-driving.html

The dangers of learning foreign languages

Careful, it could happen to you!

http://www.elmundotoday.com/2009/11/un-anciana-invoca-al-demonio-en-un-curso-de-ingles/

Parking tickets

You're probably familiar with these videos, that take a humourous look at traffic wardens' activities.

Unfortunately, it seems that the real situation is actually worse:

Workmen move car to paint yellow lines underneath it

The success of Mercadona, analysed by Harvard Business School

I'm personally a big fan of Mercadona, but I had no idea the "Mercadona case" was so interesting.

The article is a bit complicated to understand, but maybe you'd like to read a few parts of it:

http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/6440.html?wknews=071910

Hans Rosling talks about population growth

Interesting, and also easy to understand. Subtitles available.

Twisit Jordania

If you like making videos, and you've always wanted to visit Jordan, this is the competition for you.

Queen Rania tells you all about it here: http://www.twitvid.com/queenrania

Zombies crash car

As if a car crash wasn't bad enough anyway.

http://www.kgw.com/news/local/Car-accident-victims-dressed-like-zombies-confuse-crash-witnesses-98157894.html

Dropped food

How to decide whether to eat food that you've dropped on the floor or not.