What is Boxing Day?

Crazy Xmas shopping starts on Boxing Day, but the origin of this festivity has little to do with today's spending and abundance....
Happy Boxing day and Happy sales and deals :)
Boxing Day: THE BUSINESS
Boxing Day:  The History of its ORIGIN

Christmas Crackers!!!

They definitely are  as British and christmassy as mince pies and Christmas pudding, to mention a few examples. I suggest this funny article by Smitten by Britain describing THE TRADITION OF THE CHRISTMAS CRACKER to learn more about this unique tradition.
I also invite you to listen to this family introducing the fun of Christmas crackers ;)

The Berlin Wall 25 years later.

I was only 11 years old when the news were all over the press. Despite my early age, I could sense the magnitude of what was happening... To be honest, 1989 is a year I can distinctly remember for an unknown reason. Funny thing....These days, with time and perspective, I get very much moved by the powerful images and the freedom, the courage and the beauty they reveal....

In my opinion, there are too many walls erected in this world, They are not necessarily physical and more often than not, they are clearly unnecesary or useless. That is the reason why I adore the words by Tilda Swinton in "The Invisible Frame"(2009), a feature just 21 years after her "Cycling the Frame" (1988) movie was released. After her special relationship with the wall (it fell just 9 months after the filming mentioned above), Tilda states this beautiful reflection about what has happened: "Open  doors, open eyes, open ears, open air, open country, open season, open fields, open hearts, open minds, open locks, open borders, open future, open sky, open arms, open sesame". Beautiful description of a once future and now present time.

"It is a fearful heart that builds a wall. It is a fearless heart that can live without it"  

The Berlin Wall fell 25 years ago and thousands of Germans are gathering in the city to commemorate the anniversary. Nowadays, Germans are obviously happy about the end of their physical Iron Curtain. Berlin has seen the upcoming of a cosmopolitan and entrepeneurial scenece. The city boasts universities, museums, entertainment venues, festivals, sporting events, you name it. It is commonly agreed that it has turned into a reference cultural beehive. However, some local people complain about the amount of tourism invading the area, the rocketing house prices and growing filth as a result of that. Probably, a high price to pay but worth it, though.

To see the exact moment when the Berlin Wall fell dow, click here and read all about the end of the absurd separation of a nation. 

Red Phone Boxes to turn into Solar Boxes!!!

A couple of college students wanting a second life for these popular Phone Boxes came up with this super cool project. Nowadays, phone boxes are clearly less useful due to the rise of, formerly, mobile phones and, now, smartphones. What to do with the red icons then???

The solution they proposed really makes the past embrace the future as the phone boxes will become solar powered phone charging stations!!!! CLEVER!

Obviously, the "green" idea has also taken over the whole place ;)

Scottish Independence Referendum 2014 (I know I am late...)

We know the feelings of the citizens, the intense debate held the last few weeks and the result of the much applauded referendum. But do you know the history behind Scottish independence wish? This short video summarises and simplifies it a bit. The articles following it, explain the consequences of the democratic referendum as well as social and political implications after it.

 BBC News article 

The Guardian article

GOV.UK site

Books Should be Free

http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/

Here you are a very catching name for a website that offers audiobooks for FREE. Just click on your genre, age and language and a wide selection of titles will come up. You can either listen to the book online or download the chapters' audioclips. Handy and right what you need while still on holidays!!!!
Happy listening :)

This is not a "Silly the Bean" post!!!

Good morning! It is a beautiful summer day and that is no reason why we shouldn't go on with the challenging and amazing task of learning English. More often than not, you will hear people saying that it is vocabulary that shows your level of English. It is partially true. Once you have reached an intermediate level of grammar, more vocabulary is definitely the thing to make the difference, as you will find it easier to express yourself!

I have to suggest my "Silly the Bean" blog for those who would like to learn idoms and funny expressions to sound more native-like wearing a smile :D

The following video by Daniel Welsh, @MadridESL, explains some English proverbs and sayings. 

On top of that, if you were left wanting more and more, your wish is my command ;)

We Live in the UK: an activity for beginners

I tend to post activities for intermetdiate and advanced learners, but I guess that I should try and balance my proposals by including more basic English for those with an elementary level.

Click here to start

I found this listening excercise about the UK for those willing to do some practice!

WE LIVE IN THE UK was designed and posted by the British Council. You'll have to watch a short clip and then answer some questions. After that, vocabulary and grammar related to this topic will be delivered.

  

Ready for the challenge?  

Video Lessons to learn English, a classic

They were the hit some years ago as they came to replace the sad audiotapes. Obviously, we have so many other options nowadays to learn English, that we may find video lessons a bit old fashioned. I remember that when I was a child I used to watch Muzzy at school and I absolutely loved it!  

If you feel brave and resolved to start your Video Language Course today, here you are some proposals: "Let's Talk in English" is a popular DVD language course. Watch the first DVD and if you like it, you'll only have to continue the series with the link provided below the the image. Keep Calm and Speak English ;) 

Other options available are English Today (with subtitles), New English File (with beginner, elementary, (pre)intermediate, upper-intermediate levels. I have linked here the intermediate level videos) and BBC DVD English course "Follow Me", a widely popular, yet a much older, option. 

The idea behind the present post is to stay in touch with oral English. Exposure to the language is paramount for a better pronunciation and a progresive tunning into the different accents, the right intonation and a more natural English with daily used expresssions. 

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE VIDEO LESSONS VIA AGENDAWEB

Kings and Queens in the 21st Century

The King of Spain, Juan Carlos I, abdicated this morning in favour of Crown Prince Felipe, causing a wide range of mixed opinions and reactions. You can read about this piece of news in the world leading newspapers: The New York Times, The Guardian, BBC News...

More often than not, I have come across more Britons happy about their royal family and monarchy in general than Spaniards being content with their respective counterpart. The formers appreciated or respected the institution and what is more, considered it an interesting economic revenue for the country, while the latters always complained about having never been asked whether they wanted a king or not. It simply came imposed, unelected, at the end of Franco's dictatorship and that was it.

However, I was delighted to find this clever video about British monarchy, which I considered interesting enough for sharing a balanced exposition about pros and cons regarding the royal institution. It is like posting typical Spanish debate thoughts, but expressed in English and referring to British monarchy, although applicable to any. Worth watching indeed....

How the Giant's Causeway and Game of Thrones are related in my opinion.

Cliffs of Moher

Last April, I travelled to Dublin and as a result of a fast visit I had to leave without enjoying two nearby wonderful natural sights from Emerald Isle: Cliffs of Moher (Republic of Ireland) and The Giant's Causeway (Northen Ireland). After I browsed a few brochures and read about the legends behind the latter, my imagination started to run wild as I pictured giants in the country as they are described in Game of Thrones behind "The Wall". 

Personally, I seriously believe there is a strong paralelism between this fictional world and the real one. The shapes of the two isles are pretty similar, and "The Wall" in the book could perfectly be a frozen version of Hadrian's Wall, the savages could stand for the much feared Celts (also called "ladies from hell" by Roman troops), while the Giants could be a fusion of reality with myths and legends. Am I going too far? Probably! But that is my stream of consciousness for you.

Now, What is the Giant's Cause way for real? 

The National Trust (UK) website uses the following description to refer to the location of this oustanding natural wonder "Flanked by the North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, for centuries the Giant's Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate and captured the imagination of all who see it". These basalt columns resulting from a volcanic eruption leave no one indiferent beacuse of their unique, impressive and geometrical beauty. Please, watch this video offering the human and divine perspectives of one geological jewel to be treasured.

I know for a fact that many scenes from Game of Thrones have actually been filmed at the Giant's Causeway. It was the scenery for The Iron Isles (House Greyjoy). But here, is it just me or this Westeros map could be related to a pair of inverted British Isles? I'll leave you with that deep thought...

Westeros map from Game of Thrones (source).

Poem-Shaped Pronunciation Challenge

"The Chaos", by Gerard Nolst Trenité (1870-1946), is a poem that reached me a few days ago via facebook. I have to admit that it was an interesting activity although too long a task to fulfill! If you are able to complete the reading until the very end and without a mistake, consider yourself a champion in phonectics!!!! I'll leave you with your task, which has the incredible and challenging statistics of not being correctly pronounced by 90% of native speakers!!!

Click to read the Pronunciation Challenge Poem

So....How was that??? Now you can listen to the correct pronunciation and double check your performance by clicking HERE. I didn't embed the link to avoid the temptation of easy cheating ;)

Have you heard about Threading?

If I had to enumerate the different uses some cotton thread could have, this would certainly not be it!!!

Unbelievable but true, eyebrow threading is quite the thing in India and it is getting more and more popular around the world. It is an ancient technique devoted to hair revomal and the good news are it causes no pain while respecting all skin types. Indeed, it is time to have a go at this interesting and useful beauty treatment !

Spain has little salons offering this service, such as Sundara ("beautiful" in Sanskrit) in Madrid, Barcelona and Seville....

Summertime: Wales (Cymru)

Definitely, the least popular destination touristwise in the UK, but not for that, the less interesting place to visit. It is true that we are often unfair with Wales, a country of rich culture and history, known for their gifted singing skills and breathtaking scenery, by not praising the country as it really deserves. Not in vain, 9 million people visit Wales every year and enjoy 641 castles, three National Parks, plenty of gorgeous "blue flag" beaches and a welcoming population of 3 million inhabitants, very much outnumbered by the 11 million sheep :D

Car Boot Sale, the other market.

I have previously devoted some posts to London Markets in the blog, but never to a different and funky type of market such as Car boot Sales. They are not exclusive from the capital, I know! As a matter of fact, you can find them in places ranging from tiny villages to big cities. But as I have just said, the topic of London markets led me here today.

By their name, I bet you have already guessed it out. Yes! They are markets on wheels and run by private sellers. They very much look like spanish "mercadillos", with two main differences: the seller profile and the stuff sold. In Car boot sales, you will find proud (or tired) owners of a wide selection of products such as houseware, antiques, collectables, books, toys, shoes, music...you name it!. This is also intimately connected to a common practice in the UK: charity / second-hand shopping. You can find a considerable amount of second-hand shops in the high street of even the smallest village you can think of. It is a cultural thing and there is a great business niche based on ethical, social and environmental grounds.

As for where to go to participate in this kind of "open air recycling-based shopping", the sales take place in particular places and under particular permissions. Actually, there are some directories guiding your options when considering this type of purchase: Car boot junction  is a general UK directory, while Time out is a more specific site devoted to London. 

I'll leave you with an example of what a car boot sale is like. You'll have the chance to have a close-up experience by examining the items sold, the venue aspect as well as listening to some of the sellers' stories :)

The Science Behind Romanticism

When we feel attracted to another person, there is much more science involved in that actual moment than we think. This video can help understand how our body really behaves and tests a potential partner when we set an eye on someone ;)

You can read more on the subject in this article by TEDEd Lessons Worth Sharing link.

Saint George and the Dragon

I can't think of a sweeter way to get to know about this legend but by means of a four-year-old girl's voice.
Listen to her enthusiastic telling of the story and find out why Saint George is England's patron saint, celebrated on 23rd April. 

Happy Earth Day!!!!

It is a well deserved celebration! What are we without our planet?
NASA has had a fantastic initiative to combine Earth Day activities and people's beloved hobby: selfies!!!
You can still participate and join the initiative by uploading your own selfie :)

Do you feel like listening to inspiring talks about EARTH? Click on this TED TALKS LINK and enjoy the special playlist offered and compiled on the topic.

Culture Mania by OUP

Oxford boasts this attractive Culture site, CULTURE MANIA, in which to read about interesting facts and assorted topic articles, and what is more!, you can filter content by course level or difficulty. Pretty useful!
You can start having a taste by reading this article about a year in Spain told by a foreigner. If you find an expression in green on the way, put your mouse over it and you will get a definition so that you try and guess the meaning before cheking it up in the dictionary :)

Click here to go to the site

Nelson Mandela and the Apartheid

For 27 years, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for believing and fighting for a free and equal society. When he was released in 1990, he led the charge for a multi-racial democracy. He became South Africa's first black president and a world leader in peace and social change. He was able to put an end to the apartheid. His death in Johannesburg last Dec. 5, 2013 meant a great loss for the world.

Apartheid was the name given to South Africa's brutal policy of segregation that lasted from 1948 to 1994. Under Apartheid, mixed marriages were prohibited, and every individual was classified by race. There were separate beaches, separate buses, separate toilets, separate schools and even separate park benches. THIS VIDEO will explain what Apartheid was in detail and the following one will show you the history of Apartheid, its harsh legacy and its abolition. 46 years of history in 90 seconds!

TED's Talks: Jamie Oliver

It is not a secret how interesteing and appealing TED's talks are! There are a myriad of different speakers and subjects covered. This post is to show you one I especially like. I am a fan of British Chef Jamie Oliver and have followed his cooking-related adventures, which include a fight for healthy and nutritious food not only at a family level, but also in schools and similar institututions.
Truth is that he has recently won a more than noteworthy case against McDonalds (read article here) for using "pink slime" in its burgers. You can learn about "pink slime" in this shocking video filmed during Jamie's Food Revolution show in America and that EVERYBODY should watch. I hope you enjoy Jamie's talk about teaching kids to eat wise :)

6 Minute English article: When does adulthood start?

Do you remember 6 minute English clips?
I told you about it some months ago, but yes...memory tends to play tricks on us :P
I'll play conscience here by suggesting this section's last post under the title WHEN DOES ADULTHOOD START?  Don't you have 6 minutes to listen to some English today?
Click here to have access to the 6 Minute English BBC page.

Celtic Heritage in Southern England

One of the many interesting sights the South of England has to offer are chalk figures from Celtic times, a very interesting local heritage indeed. Personally, I was extremely and pleasantly shocked when I saw them on different hills for the first time. No one had ever told me about their existence. Impressive figures such as Cerne Abbas Giant or  The White Horse truly surprise the traveller as he or she enjoys a visit around the south of England. Click here for more information.
You can watch them in the following youtube clip

New Year, New Life?

So how is 2014 treating you????
Well, erm....we all try to start the new year in the best possible way. It is like the omen of good things to come...More often than not, we ideally design how to change and improve those things we are not happy with everytime the new year comes closer. Unfortunately, they tend to be along list of wishy-washy good intentions rather than real resolutions we end up committing to.
Thanks to a collegue in a forum, Yolanda Gimenez Ballesteros, this video was posted and I thought of sharing it :)