Buy a bit of Scotland for Christmas

A couple of years ago I recommended everyone to buy a plot of land on a distant planet (http://quevienelateacher.blogspot.com.es/2010/12/invest-in-very-faraway-land.html) but this year, with the crisis, I'm being more practical and sensible: buy a piece of Scotland!

A small piece of Scotland makes the perfect Christmas present when you just don't know what to buy that special person in your life.

Also, Catalans identify quite strongly with Scottish nationalism, so do you really need any more reasons?

Buy a bit of Scotland now: http://www.highlandtitles.com/


You'd probably look great in a kilt, too. :D

←  This could be you.

Bubbl

One day in class I talked to you about mind maps and how they can help you learn and remember vocabulary fields.

Today I've discovered this webpage: https://bubbl.us, where they make it really easy to make mind maps of your own and save them. 

You need to register but it's free.

I did this in about 5-10 minutes just to see how it works:

Don't you think it's useful?

New librarian wanted

As you probably know, as there is no official librarian at the school, so every year the library is run by volunteers who receive a $ymbolic help with their language $tudie$.

This year for the moment there are no volunteers, so:

Are you interested in being the new EOI Vendrell school librarian?

If so, consult the conditions on the school webpage*, or just click here: http://www.xtec.cat/eoidelvendrell/BASES%20BECA%20EOIV.pdf

For the time being (= for the moment), the library will be open from the 16th of October onwards, on Tuesdays from 6.30pm to 7pm, and Wednesdays from 6pm to 6.30pm.

*Yes yes, the new school webpage will be ready soon. Patience!

Choose your librarian style:

Nasa and El Vendrell

Some people may be surprised to see El Vendrell on the list of towns and cities in Spain included on Nasa's Satellite Sighting Information page: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/cities/skywatch.cgi?country=Spain

So, if you've always wanted to see the International Space Station flying over your town, check out the dates, times, directions, angles, etc on this page: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/cities/view.cgi?country=Spain&region=None&city=El_Vendrell

If we remember to look as we're leaving class tomorrow, we may see it! :)

Basically, we're looking for this, but a lot smaller/further away.

10 Worst Drinks for Your Body

As a recreational drinker, I found this information most interesting.

The full original story: here.


The 10 worst drinks for your body:

1. Juice drinks – Most are loaded with sugar; choose only those labeled 100% juice.
2. Whipped coffee drinks – They can contain up to 800 calories and 170 grams of sugar. 
3. Flavored waters – Along with the vitamins, most also contain artificial sweeteners. Select those that only list water and natural flavors on the label.
4. Soda – The overconsumption of sodas has been linked to obesity. 
5. Frozen mixed drinks – The mixers are the culprit here, usually filled with artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners.
6. “Healthy” fruit smoothies – Premade fast-food smoothies don’t always have real fruit and are loaded with sugar. For a healthier option, make your own so you can control the ingredients.
7. Hard liquor – After 2 drinks, your risk of obesity and other health problems increases. If you’re going to drink, keep it limited.
8. Lemonade – Skip the ready-made lemonades and make your own, minus the preservatives and artificial coloring. Opt for either less sugar or try honey to sweeten.
9. Sports drinks – The electrolytes are good when you’ve sweating, but most drinks also have a lot of sugar and preservatives you don’t need.
10. Energy drinks –You may get an energy burst, but it will be a short-term fix because it’s from an overload of caffeine and sugar.

So, maybe it's a good momento to remind you that this week is the "Festa Major" in Vilafranca del Penedés, home to wines and cavas, that, you've probably noticed, are not on this list. 

More info here: Programació Festa Major (not in English, sorry!)

RIP Neil Armstrong

Although slightly late, I'd like to mention the passing of Neil Armstrong.

Many of the tributes published describe him as a "true American hero", and I don't know about you but for once, I agree.

Apparently Neil Armstrong was an unassuming* man, well-known for avoiding publicity and attempts to cash in* on his fame.

His family describe him as a "reluctant American hero [who] served his nation proudly as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut", and added "While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves. [...] For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink."

(More here)

A particularly creative tribute to him can be found here: Danish Artist's interactive tribute to Neil Armstrong

*Vocabulary:

unassuming (adj) = modest, unpretentious
cash in on sth. (v) = take financial advantage of sth.

Don't make up and drive

As I don't wear make up I had no idea that this was an actual problem.






I thought it particularly funny that she's a "blonde". :D

The goddam particle

I imagine we're all trying to follow the developments at Cern, with the alleged discovery of the famous and elusive Higg's boson, also known as the "god" particle.

What I didn't know is why they called it the God particle in the first place. I just thought it was because of all those creationists and other fundamentalists, but no, apparently it's because, no, wait! Read about it yourselves:

The Higg's Boson in 10 easy steps



There are lots of videos on the subject, but this one's Australian for a change:





Higg's boson pun/joke:

A Higgs boson walks into a church. 
 "We don't allow Higgs bosons in here!" shouts the priest. 
 The particle replies, "well, you can't have mass without me".

A couple of links for the summer

Ricard from 5A recommended this page: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/

And if you're feeling advanced, brave and adventurous (B2 level and good pronunciation necessary for some of them): try to understand some of these puns: http://www.punoftheday.com/cgi-bin/disppuns.pl?ord=F&cat=0&sub=0&page=1

(Pun = a joke based on a play on words).

For example:


Two fish in a tank.
One says to the other, "are you sure you can drive this thing?"

The laugh is based on the two meanings of tank: 1. A container for storing or holding water. 2. A military vehicle.

Another one:

I used to be a banker but I lost interest.

Or this:

A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was a nurse said 'No change yet'.

British summer

The Demise of guys?

A funny talk by Philip Zimbardo:

(There's a slight possibility of offending males, but as it's another male making fun of them it's ok.)

If you'd like the subtitle option and it doesn't appear in the embedded video, watch it on the TED website: http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/zimchallenge.html

Witches

Agustín, from 5A has sent me this for you to practise your pronunciation. In fact maybe I'll include it as part of the speaking exam. :P

By the way, there's a mistake. Can anyone spot it?

Spanish health cuts could create “humanitarian problem”

The Lancet reports on the current national health situation in Spain:


"Campaigners have warned that Spain's health cuts could cause serious public health problems as free medical care is reduced for older and immigrant populations. Gonzalo Casino reports." (Read more)

Stereotypes

I've been laughing my head off at these stereotyped maps of the world: http://alphadesigner.com/mapping-stereotypes/

WARNING: some people may find it offensive.

Here's an example of one map. There are a lot more.

Common mistakes

Don't feel bad if you make mistakes in English: us native speakers make some really bad ones:

Source: visually.visually.netdna-cdn.com via Leandro on Pinterest