HERE'S SOME FUN FOR YOU!!!

There's a BBC movie production based on the book "My family and other animals" written by Gerald Durrell. Great story! Here's the trailer of the first 10 minutes. Sit back and enjoy it!!! Then, answer the questions below (but not as a blog comment).
Good luck with the listening! I hope you find it funny!

Answer the questions or provide the information required.

1- Where’s the family in the first scene?
2- What’s wrong with: * Margo
* Leslie
* Gerald ?
3- Time of the year:
4- Where does Larry get the idea of moving to Corfu from?
5- Mother’s comments about moving to Corfu:
6- Comment on the customs scene.
7- What’s the dog’s name?
8- What’s the customs officer’s excuse for not giving mother her suitcase?
9- Why does Margo get upset at the table?
10- What explanation does Larry give for the taxi drivers behaving in such a crazy way?
11- How come the taxi driver, Spiro, speaks English? Characterize his driving. What’s his attitude once he gets to know the family?
12- Why do they move to another villa?
13- What do Larry and Leslie think of mother?
14- Why do they look at her feet?
15- How old is mother?
16- Find at least 5 phrasal verbs used by the characters.

Deadline: June 15
Do not post your answers. We'll discuss them in class!

AWESOME IMAGES!!! ENJOY THE UNIVERSE!!

Task: after looking at all the photos and enjoying them, choose the one you like most and write a comment explaining why it's your favourite. Also include two words you don't know with their definition.

You have to wonder,what else is out there that we are not aware of? Also, in the scheme of things, could it be that we are just a very small Bleep? Who knows!!

Astronomers Select Top Ten Most Amazing Pictures Taken by Hubble Space Telescope in Last 16 Years "...they illustrate that our universe is not only deeply strange, but also almost impossibly beautiful."

After correcting an initial problem with the lens, when the Hubble Space Telescope was first launched in 1990, the floating astro-observatory began to relay back to Earth, incredible snapshots of the "final frontier" it was perusing.

The Sombrero Galaxy - 28 million light years from Earth - was voted best picture taken by the Hubble telescope. The dimensions of the galaxy, officially called M104, are asspectacular as its appearance It has 800 billion suns and is 50,000 light years across.

The Ant Nebula, a cloud of dust and gas whose technical name is Mz3, resembles an ant when observed using ground-based telescopes... The nebula lies within our galaxy between 3,000 and 6,000 light years from Earth.

In third place is Nebula NGC 2392, called "Eskimo" because it looks like a face surrounded by a furry hood. The hood is, in fact, a ring of comet-shaped objects flying away from a dying star. Eskimo is 5,000 light years from Earth.

At four is the Cat's Eye Nebula.

The Hourglass Nebula, 8,000 light years away, has a "pinched-in-the-middle" look because the winds that shape it are weaker at the centre.

In sixth place is the Cone Nebula. The part pictured here is 2.5 light years in length (the equivalent of 23 million return trips to the Moon).

The Perfect Storm, a small region in the Swan Nebula, 5,500 light years away, described as 'a bubbly ocean of hydrogen and small amounts of oxygen, sulphur and other elements'.

Starry Night, so named because it reminded astronomers of the Van Gogh painting. It is a halo of light around a star in the Milky Way.

The glowering eyes from 114 million light years away are the swirling cores of two merging galaxies called NGC 2207 and IC 2163 in the distant Canis Major constellation.

The Trifid Nebula. A 'stellar nursery', 9,000 light years from here, it is where new stars are being born.

"Little girl in the park" by Bibiana and Ignacio

"GIRL IN A FIELD" by Tsuguharu Foujita

Little girl in the park.

The loud, continuous murmur of the people gathered at the park started to fade from Richard’s mind. His daily walk across the place was being observed by the faraway look of a pretty little girl, wearing a pink dress and a hat, who was standing in the middle of the rose bush, beyond the small wooden railings. The bluish-gray cat she was holding in her arms seemed to have his eyes set on the horizon, and her eyes were fixed on Richard in a sweet, yet slightly unnerving way. The man approached the girl with awkward steps, and made an attempt at talking.

“H-hello, little girl, um… you’re… like, this… staring at me, is that… is… um…why?”

Stroking her kitty, the little girl answered, “You have a remarkable way of walking, sir. Of moving… You actually behave much like my cat does. Aren’t cats just marvelous? They are soft, and fuzzy, and lovely and so nice…”

“Um… yeah,… right… um… uh…” Something was bothering Richard, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

“ I’ll show you”, said the girl.

“Huh?” mumbled Richard with a confused expression.

“Come, come, I’ll show you.” The little girl was starting to show the white pearly teeth beyond her mischievous grin. The cat started to act as if he was very uncomfortable. “It’s a really enjoyable experience… you won’t regret it”, said the girl.

“I’ve… I’ve got to get going, little girl, you’ll show it to me another day…”

“Please, sir. You haven’t even asked what it is… Oh, don’t be afraid to ask, sir. No, don’t be afraid, James.”

“M-my name is not James, little girl. You must have mistaken me for another person.”

“It is now, James. Oh, yes it is.” She giggled, and the cat suddenly stopped moving.

“I… should go now. Bye-bye, little girl.”

Catching the cat’s nose with her index finger and thumb, the little girl started suffocating it, and the man started to suffocate as well. After some seconds of agony, Richard was “freed” and started gasping for air.

Then he meowed and ran away.

The cat looked up at the girl and stared at her as she stroked him.

“It’s all right, it’s all right James. Let’s go home.”


The author of the painting, Leonard Tsugouhara Foujita (1886-1968) was born in Tokyo, Japan. He studied in the Art and Music University of Tokyo and then he moved to Paris in 1913. He travelled to different countries even to America. He made paintings and art expositions in France. He went back to Tokyo. There, he made several paintings about the World War II. In 1950, he went back to Paris, he took the French nationality and turned to Catholicism, he was baptized "Leonard". He travelled through out Europe. In 1968, he died in Zurich, Germany.

Here's what you've been waiting for... the photo!Sorry I'm posting only one but I got carried away by the performance and forgot I was the photograper!! Promise to do better next time!

"IN YOUR HEART FOREVER" by Cintia and Omar

"MORNING PEASANT COUPLE GOING TO WORK" By Vincent Van Gogh

In your heart forever
It was in 1809 that a bloody war between Prussia and France was coming to an end because the French seemed to have no possibilities to win the battle against the Tsar’s soldiers in the cold Prussian winter. Desperation and gloomy was spread all over Paris when they got to know that the Napoleonic Empire would inevitably collapse. The Lenoirs, a married couple, felt emotionally stressful since their son was one of the innocent young soldiers who joined the army.
Feeling extremely concerned, the elderly couple woke up from a terrible nightmare. As the day was downing, the Lenoirs went to work to their isolated little farm. The upset woman, whose name was Janette, rode her mule so as to help Gerard, her husband, carrying a packet of wheat seeds they were going to sow.
As soon as Janette held a photograph of his beloved son, a strange feeling of sadness came over her heart, which was pounding faster and faster. The old woman stared at her husband for a long time and then, she burst into tears exclaiming, “Oh Gerard, why is this happening to us. I can not help thinking what an awful time our son is having. I want him back, my dearest!”
Her husband kissed gently on her forehead and said seriously, “You have to be proud of him. Our James is defending the nation against the enemies no matter how much he will suffer. What I’m sure is that he’ll soon be back.” Janette answered, “I burst with pride, my love. He is our only child. I love him so much. That’s why I know that he needs me more than ever. I have a feeling that something horrible will happen to him. I’m so scared!” “Take it easy, darling. Everything will be just fine,” whispered Gerard in her ears softly.
When they arrived home, the couple sat silently in the living room swiping their sweet lemonade. Suddenly Janette saw a light that shot past one of the windows. The lady yelled desperately, “Honey, our son is at home!” Gerard ran towards the room but nobody was there. He looked at her thinking that the whole situation was driving his lovely wife mad. Afterwards, a cold hand touched his shoulder and said loudly, “I’m James, dad. I’m here to tell you that I’ll be alive in your heart forever and ever and I’ll take care of you two until we meet at heaven” The amazed woman put her head on her husband`s shoulder and cried bitterly as the spirit disappeared from sight.

Vincent Van Gogh!!! What a life he had!!! Do you want to learn something about him? Here's his biography.

Vincent was born on March 30, 1853 in Groot-Zundest, a small Dutch village in southern Holland, near the Belgian border. His father was a pastor and two of his uncles were art dealers. At sixteen, Vincent began working in The Hague as an art salesman for Goupil & Cie, an international art dealer. He began writing to his beloved younger brother, Theo. This correspondence would last all their lives. He immersed himself in the art in the great museums and galleries of these cities. Daily contact with works of art kindled his appreciation of paintings and drawings. Gradually he lost interest in his work at Groupil's and turned to the Bible. His work performance continued to deteriorate until 1876, when he is dismissed. By May 1890 Vincent seemed much better and it was decided that he go to Auvers-sur-Oise, near Paris, to be watched over by Dr. Gachet. Although this relationship was a good one and Vincent's works at Auvers were remarkably fine, his mind deteriorated still further. Theo was now married and had a family to support. Worried about the financial burden he placed on Theo, Vincent walked into a wheatfield on July 27, 1890 and shot himself in the chest. He stumbled back to his lodging, where he died two days later, with Theo at his side. Vincent was buried in the small church at Auvers-sur-Oise. Six months later, in January 1891, Theo also died and was buried next to his brother.

This is Van Gogh by Van Gogh. He did many self portraits. Enjoy his marvellous way of painting!

And... ladies and gentlemen... here's the actors!

"Ramona waits" by Gisela and Candela

"RAMONA ESPERA" by Antonio Berni

Ramona Waits
It’s twelve o’clock at night. Two women are together in a room. One of them is a young girl of dark skin; her eyes are a mixture of panic and hope. She’s not the one in the mirror, that’s the disguise, that’s the packaging that sells well.

(MN gives R the mirror)
MN: You look great! Change that attitude! You’re going to call nobody’s attention.
R: I don’t know what to do. I was supposed to do other things. My mother always told me that I was special. I’ve never done this before. This is my first time!
N: Sweetheart, you ARE special, that’s why you’re going to make the dreams of lots of men come true. This is a special thing to do! Look at me. I’m very special. (Looking at Ramona’s insecurity expression) Ok, this is what we’ll do. We are going to make a toast for the debutant! This is your first night and you have to be confident and cheerful. (Looks for a bottle of alcoholic drink inside one of her silver high-healed boots) Here it is! (Pours some liquid in a plastic glass and gives it to Ramona) Cheers! (Drinks)
R: (Unconfidently) For me! (Drinks)
R: (Yells in desperation) No! Nocturna! You don’t understand me! This is not me! I’m not like you!
N: What do you mean ‘I’m not like you’? (Miss Nocturna sits down – tired of Ramona’s attitude) Don’t be ungrateful! (Hits her on the neck) I’ve picked you out from the streets and this is how you pay me! Look at you! You’re as thin as a pin! You know that women like us have a fix position in the world. And you can’t change that. We were born like this and we will die like this.
R: (stands up and tries to walk with difficulty)
N: Don’t worry, you’ll get used to them.

That moonless night, Ramona became an old lady who killed mercilessly all her little girl’s innocence. As many dark nights passed, she was seen in different corners, waiting. She still thought luck was going to visit her sometime.


Berni... a great painter! Read about him.
Antonio Berni was born in Rosario in 1905 and died in Buenos Aires in 1981. He devoted to painting during 60 years and, thus, he became one of the most important artists in Argentina as well as in Latin America. Engraving, drawing and murals were among their finest works of art also. In 1925, Berni received a scholarship for studying in Paris. Thus, he got acquainted with the latest western artistic movements and learnt from renowned masters. When he came back to Argentina with his French wife (the artist Paule Cazenave) and daughter (Lilí), his painting became more politically committed. Now, his paintings and murals depicted, for example, middle class people, working class people and provinces people. Thus, social issues became the most important topics of his works.


And now... the actresses!!!! Don't they look cute?

"ETERNAL LOVE" by: Belén Schierano & Celina Hassan

“Harmony” by Remedios Varo

ETERNAL LOVE

She was staring at him dazzled, paying detailed attention to every movement he did. Music was the link between them. He was an outstanding music composer and professor. She, a rebellious student in her teens. Privacy had led to the perfect atmosphere. Without hesitating, Madeleine approached him. Anthony felt his heart pounding strongly.
- “No, Madie, no, wait! We can’t do this! You’re too young for me, honey!,” exclaimed Anthony with guilt.
- “Don’t say that! We both know what we feel, why don’t you just let yourself go?,” she asked.
There was nothing but silence; it made Madeleine realize she was not as important for him as he was for her. She left the room leaving all her stuff and without caring about the heavy rain and the strong winds. When crossing the street, she noticed that it was really late. The lights of the car approached her very fast and in one second all her memories came up to her mind.
Two weeks had passed by, and Anthony had not recovered from the terrible loss. He felt the house so empty and cold without Madie’s voice, without her presence. The only place he felt safe was near his piano which made him remember every moment spent with his Madeleine.
One day, Anthony was composing the last notes of a special song; special because it was the one he and Madie had started to play together some time before. The music made him feel relieved and relaxed. Suddenly, something, a strange image appeared above the piano, levitating. Anthony thought it was an optical illusion, a result of his imagination. So he did not pay attention to it. After dinner, he sat again at the piano to enjoy music. He again concentrated on that particular song, but this time it was different. He shivered at the thought of an odd presence. Anthony realized he was not alone and panic seized his body. As soon as he got out of the room, a soft sweet voice whispered “Anthony, Anthony”. He could not believe his eyes when he saw a shining light coming from the room where the piano remained.
- “It is my Madie! She came to say goodbye”, exclaimed Anthony with his eyes filled with tears, “Madie, I just…”
- Shhh! Don’t say anything, please!, “ said Madie’s spirit in a low voice.
- “I just want you to know I’m sorry, “ Anthony said with a sympathetic mood.
- “Oh! I’m sorry too my love, I didn’t want to leave you. I was so stubborn. I love you so much, and that’s why I came here, “ claimed Madeleine, “I really want to know if you…”
- “Yes!, yes!, I love you too. I always did it and I will always do,” interrupted him, “I realised I was a coward but I’m ready to change things”.
- “But, what are you gonna do? I don’t understand, “ asked her excitedly.
- “ Trust me, this time I won’t leave you”
Approaching her, he tried to hold Madie’s hand but her figure dissolved into the air. Now, more than ever, he knew he had to go with her.

Read about the painter.
Remedios Varo was born in Angles, Spain, in 1908 and travelled when young with her father throughout Spain and North Africa. She acquired an early interest in mathematics, mechanical drawing, and fantastic locomotive vehicles from her father, a hydraulic engineer.
Varo attended the Academia de San Fernando in Madrid where she learned about Surrealism. Varo was attracted to the idea of expressing her emotions using figures and symbols. Later in Barcelona, she met the Surrealist poet Benjamin Peret and together they moved to Paris, joining the Surrealist movement. In Paris, Varo's work matured into a personal voice that was original and provocative.
Varo and Peret moved to Mexico to escape the war in 1942 and Varo settled there for the rest of her life. In 1956, Varo had her first one woman exhibition at the Galeria Diana in Mexico City. She had a retrospective at the Museo de Arte Moderno in 1971. Many of Varo's paintings reflect her early fascination with science and instruments. They embrace a fascination with the workings of the universe and the inner world of fantasy, invention, and dreams.
Remedios Varo (1908-1963)

Let's celebrate art and creativity!!!

To tell you the truth, I just loooooove this activity! To take a painting and write a story based on it is ART that inspires more creative power. You all did a great job. Congrats!! Now it's time to read your classmates'work, enjoy it again, change the end of the stories and laugh at the pictures I took!!!
Have fun!
P.S. This first time, your writings are posted without corrections, just as you wrote them. However, next time you'll have to work on edition!!! Get ready!

Funny but real and up-to-date too!!!

Hi guys! Here's a good one for you. Watch this video and make a comment about it. Doesn't it look familiar to some of you? It does to me at least!!

WELCOME EVERYBODY!!!

I can't think of a better way to start this blog than by sharing this thought with you:

"Don't worry about failure. Worry about the chances you miss when you don't even try!!

So... don't be afraid to participate, to explore your thoughts, to expand your creativity, to write ... to share your experience with people visiting this blog!!
I hope it will be a chance for us all to interact and practise English in a different way.

Liliana