The negative side of positive thinking

There's a version with Spanish subtitles here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVMBljP80-4

How to wrap a bottle

Some practical advice for those of you who are just as bad as me at wrapping presents, especially those difficult bottles.

Christmas recipes and the Christmas party

Remember the Xmas party is on Thursday the 22nd of December. Don't miss it!

Also remember that although food and drink will be provided at the party, those of you with enough spare time, willingness and skill, are welcome to bring your own HOMEMADE Xmas biscuits, cakes, etc.

If you don't know where to look, this page has a wealth of mouth-watering pictures and recipes:

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Holiday---Celebration-Recipes/Christmas-Recipes/Christmas-Candy-Recipes






















Another good page for recipes is Epicurious.

You can use Epicurious's advanced search page in order to narrow down the type of recipe you're looking for, using one or more of the options.

For example:

• cuisine= American/English/Irish, etc
• occasion= Christmas
• type of dish=cookie/cake/candy, etc 

50% of Americans don't believe in evolution

I wonder what the percentage of Europeans would be. Surely a lot higher, don't you think?

In this case it's a school superintendent protesting that the school biology exam doesn't refer to how the world was created according to the Bible (= creationism), but instead just refers to Evolution. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2011/12/kentucky-evolution-challenge.html.

Apparently it's an ongoing controversy in the US.

Scary? Worrying?

Cold shoulder for Spanish Royal in corruption scandal

I found this article funny. What about you?

http://my.telegraph.co.uk/expat/annanicholas/10145550/cold-shoulder-for-spanish-royal-in-corruption-scandal/

Aren't they lovely?

London's Famous Red Buses Go Hybrid

Read about it here: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1070393_londons-famous-red-buses-going-hybrid-thanks-to-volvo

Improve your fluency

Just in case you haven't received the email from the school, here is the information about the course the EOI will be offering from January onwards.

It is targetted at ex-students who have already passed 5th year (B2), or for students who are currently doing 5th year and wish to improve their fluency (as speaking time in class is always limited).

Price, dates and times are included in the information, but if you have other questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Scotland Shut Down By Icy 165mph Blasts

Listen to the latest report on the situation today in Scotland ( not very strong Scottish accent).

Read about it here: http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16125967

Spanish eggs

As Federico Trillo would say "manda huevos!"

As if the Spanish cucumber scare wasn't enough, the UK is debating whether to ban Spanish eggs. Why? The hens' welfare, apparently.

Read about it: UK could ban Spanish eggs

What is it with the cucumbers, hens and eggs?

Little Red Riding Hood

A different version of the fairy tale you probably all know and love.

November Rain

A pretty song for depressing and melancholy autumn.

It's good to bear in mind that there's only one month left until the days start lengthening again.

Lyrics:

November Rain - Guns'n'Roses

When I look into your eyes I can see a love restrained
But darlin' when I hold you, don't you know I feel the same
'Cause nothin' lasts forever and we both know hearts can change
And it's hard to hold a candle in the cold November rain

We've been through this such a long long time
Just tryin' to kill the pain, yeahh..
But lovers always come and lovers always go
And no one's really sure who's lettin' go today
Walking away
If we could take the time to lay it on the line
I could rest my head just knowin' that you were mine
All mine

So if you want to love me then darlin' don't refrain
Or I'll just end up walkin' in the cold November rain

Do you need some time on your own
Do you need some time all alone
Everybody needs some time on their own
Don't you know you need some time all alone

I know it's hard to keep an open heart
When even friends seem out to harm you
But if you could heal a broken heart
Wouldn't time be out to charm you

Sometimes I need some time on my own
Sometimes I need some time all alone
Everybody needs some time on their own
Don't you know you need some time all alone

And when your fears subside and shadows still remain
I know that you can love me when there's no one left to blame
So never mind the darkness we still can find a way
'Cause nothin' lasts forever, even cold November rain

Don't ya think that you need somebody
Don't ya think that you need someone
Everybody needs somebody
You're not the only one
You're not the only one...

Immigrant workers leave struggling Spain

An alternative to Germany? CNN covers the situation of Argentinian immigrants who have decided to go back to Argentina due to the European crisis, as well as that of Spaniards who have decided to try their luck over there.

American accent. Slow-ish, so easy to understand.

The written article here: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/18/world/americas/spain-argentina-workers/index.html

Won't get fooled again

A good song for before the elections. :P

I recommended THIS video, which has "embedding disabled by request", meaning that you have to click on the link and go to YouTube to watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgubG-MOPT4

It's worth it though, believe me; not to mention that the clothes and hairstyles are more entertaining.

This video is more recent, but in my opinion it's not as good as the other one:

Lyrics:

The Who - Won't get fooled again

We'll be fighting in the streets
With our children at our feet
And the morals that they worship will be gone
And the men who spurred us on
Sit in judgment of all wrong
They decide and the shotgun sings the song

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around me
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
Don't get fooled again

Change, it had to come
We knew it all along
We were liberated from the fall, that's all
But the world looks just the same
And history ain't changed
'Cause the banners, they all flown in the last war

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around me
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
And I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
Don't get fooled again
No, no!

I'll move myself and my family aside
If we happen to be left half alive
I'll get all my papers and smile at the sky
For I know that the hypnotized never lie

Do ya?


There's nothing in the street
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are replaced, by-the-by
And the parting on the left
Is now a parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around me
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
Don't get fooled again
No, no!

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss

The Euro Crisis Song

My colleague Carlos sent me this link.

Ok, maybe it's not the most optimistic of songs just before Christmas time is coming, but you have to admit it's a catchy tune.

Cuuuuuuuuuuute ♥

Dog and dolphin friends.

I knew Labradors liked swimming, but I hadn't realised they were such strong swimmers.