Saturday, December 11, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
HOW TO BE A GOOD LISTENER
Men vs women
Well, on a lighter tone, watch this fragment from friends and how differently men and women react to the same piece of information.
TALE OF TWO BRAINS Well, I had posted this video some time ago, but it's so good that I don't want you to miss it or try fo find it on the old posts. Watch, listen, think and enjoy!
Well, on a lighter tone, watch this fragment from friends and how differently men and women react to the same piece of information.
TALE OF TWO BRAINS Well, I had posted this video some time ago, but it's so good that I don't want you to miss it or try fo find it on the old posts. Watch, listen, think and enjoy!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Deborah Tannen
Deborah Tannen's offical website.
Watch this video from you Tube.
"Can't We Talk?" (condensed from: You Just Don't Understand)
Communication is a continual balancing act, juggling the conflicting needs for intimacy and independence. To survive in the world, we have to act in concert with others, but to survive as ourselves, rather than simply as cogs in a wheel, we have to act alone.
Deborah Tannen
Each person's life is lived as a series of conversations.
Deborah Tannen
Each underestimates her own power and overestimates the other's.
Deborah Tannen
For most women, the language of conversation is primarily a language of rapport: a way of establishing connections and negotiating relationships.
Deborah Tannen
Relationships are made of talk - and talk is for girls and women.
Deborah Tannen
The biggest mistake is believing there is one right way to listen, to talk, to have a conversation - or a relationship.
Deborah Tannen
We all know we are unique individuals, but we tend to see others as representatives of groups.
Deborah Tannen
We tend to look through language and not realize how much power language has.
Deborah Tannen
Watch this video from you Tube.
"Can't We Talk?" (condensed from: You Just Don't Understand)
Communication is a continual balancing act, juggling the conflicting needs for intimacy and independence. To survive in the world, we have to act in concert with others, but to survive as ourselves, rather than simply as cogs in a wheel, we have to act alone.
Deborah Tannen
Each person's life is lived as a series of conversations.
Deborah Tannen
Each underestimates her own power and overestimates the other's.
Deborah Tannen
For most women, the language of conversation is primarily a language of rapport: a way of establishing connections and negotiating relationships.
Deborah Tannen
Relationships are made of talk - and talk is for girls and women.
Deborah Tannen
The biggest mistake is believing there is one right way to listen, to talk, to have a conversation - or a relationship.
Deborah Tannen
We all know we are unique individuals, but we tend to see others as representatives of groups.
Deborah Tannen
We tend to look through language and not realize how much power language has.
Deborah Tannen
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
TELEVISION IS DUMBING DOWN OUR CULTURE
In today’s society, one of the biggest influences in life is television. Considering that most people have an average of 2.5 television sets in their homes and watch three or four hours of programming a day, television has made its way into our everyday life. So, can television change our lives? Many researches show that television viewing has a negative impact on people’s culture, especially children.
First of all, it is widely believed that each year children read less and less and watch television increasingly. Of course, they spend more time watching TV than they spend talking to parents, attending school or reading books. What is more, children wait impatiently for their favourite programme to start and most of them try to waste their time until it begins. On the other hand, as times are changing, television is also changing. It is producing shows with fewer moral values than before, therefore, with children watching tv more than we did as we were growing up, it is more important now than ever to see how they are reacting to what is being shown to them on TV.
Secondly, as I have said before, not only does TV influence children but it also causes adverse effects in the whole family. 60 % of families watch television during meals and a recent survey shows that 78% of the respondents indicated no conversation taking place while they eat. As a result, TV time takes over family time, play time and the reading time that could promote language development. Nevertheless, I have to admit that people even the most educated people in modern society like professors, need to watch TV as a way of relaxing, despite the fact that we live in the era of "reality TV programmes" such as "Big Brother" and so on.
In conclusion, TV keeps people occupied from more important things. Children, if not guided or monitored properly, may experience some adverse effect of watching TV and fail to keep up their academic work. I am convinced daily TV watching needs to be reduced so that people spend more time reading or enriching their minds in a more educational way. (A.G)
First of all, it is widely believed that each year children read less and less and watch television increasingly. Of course, they spend more time watching TV than they spend talking to parents, attending school or reading books. What is more, children wait impatiently for their favourite programme to start and most of them try to waste their time until it begins. On the other hand, as times are changing, television is also changing. It is producing shows with fewer moral values than before, therefore, with children watching tv more than we did as we were growing up, it is more important now than ever to see how they are reacting to what is being shown to them on TV.
Secondly, as I have said before, not only does TV influence children but it also causes adverse effects in the whole family. 60 % of families watch television during meals and a recent survey shows that 78% of the respondents indicated no conversation taking place while they eat. As a result, TV time takes over family time, play time and the reading time that could promote language development. Nevertheless, I have to admit that people even the most educated people in modern society like professors, need to watch TV as a way of relaxing, despite the fact that we live in the era of "reality TV programmes" such as "Big Brother" and so on.
In conclusion, TV keeps people occupied from more important things. Children, if not guided or monitored properly, may experience some adverse effect of watching TV and fail to keep up their academic work. I am convinced daily TV watching needs to be reduced so that people spend more time reading or enriching their minds in a more educational way. (A.G)
The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
This is the first book of a series of novels written by Alexander McCall Smith which are also adapted to television and have an enormous acceptance in the UK.
Mma Precious Ramostswe was an African woman with an especial talent to discover mysteries who decided to set up a detective agency in Botswana with the money she inherited from her death father. Her detective agency was the first one run by a woman in that country and she had to find her own place in a world of men. Fortunately, she had the unconditional support of her best friend Mr JLB Maketoni.
Reading through the book not only can you enjoy the way she dealt with the mysteries, but also you can discover the African culture. The stories in which Mma Ramostswe was involved in, do not have a very thrilling plot, they were based in more normal human aptitudes. However, I really like the way that she tried to solve them, sometimes by chance.
I recommend reading this funny book, or at least to browse the web and have a look at some episodes of the TV series.(E.A)
Mma Precious Ramostswe was an African woman with an especial talent to discover mysteries who decided to set up a detective agency in Botswana with the money she inherited from her death father. Her detective agency was the first one run by a woman in that country and she had to find her own place in a world of men. Fortunately, she had the unconditional support of her best friend Mr JLB Maketoni.
Reading through the book not only can you enjoy the way she dealt with the mysteries, but also you can discover the African culture. The stories in which Mma Ramostswe was involved in, do not have a very thrilling plot, they were based in more normal human aptitudes. However, I really like the way that she tried to solve them, sometimes by chance.
I recommend reading this funny book, or at least to browse the web and have a look at some episodes of the TV series.(E.A)
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS – JOHN BOYNE
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a thrilling story but at the same time it is about the friendship and the innocence of two young boys.
The novel begins when Bruno and his family have to move from Berlin to a cold place called “Out-with” because Bruno’s father starts a new job. Bruno feels very sad because of this change and because he is always alone and bored. In his new house there are certain places that are “Out of Bounds at all Times and no Exceptions”, but one day he found another young boy sitting on the other side of a fence. This boy (Shmuel) is different, he is wearing striped pyjamas and has no shoes. Bruno and Shmuel become close friends and spend time talking everyday about many different things. Bruno asks why there are so many people in that side of the fence and what they are doing there, and brings food and things to his new friend.
One day, Shmuel tells Bruno that his father is missing and asks him for help to find him. Then, Bruno passes through the fence and both Bruno and Shmuel look for Shmuel’s father, beginning a final adventure that …
And if you want to know more about this fantastic story, you should read this book I am recommending because the end of this tale is really unexpected… Are you going to miss it?
Oh! And if you are so lazy to read the book, it’s a good thing that there is a movie based on this book so you only have to sit down on your sofa with some popcorn and switch on the television! (A.M)
The novel begins when Bruno and his family have to move from Berlin to a cold place called “Out-with” because Bruno’s father starts a new job. Bruno feels very sad because of this change and because he is always alone and bored. In his new house there are certain places that are “Out of Bounds at all Times and no Exceptions”, but one day he found another young boy sitting on the other side of a fence. This boy (Shmuel) is different, he is wearing striped pyjamas and has no shoes. Bruno and Shmuel become close friends and spend time talking everyday about many different things. Bruno asks why there are so many people in that side of the fence and what they are doing there, and brings food and things to his new friend.
One day, Shmuel tells Bruno that his father is missing and asks him for help to find him. Then, Bruno passes through the fence and both Bruno and Shmuel look for Shmuel’s father, beginning a final adventure that …
And if you want to know more about this fantastic story, you should read this book I am recommending because the end of this tale is really unexpected… Are you going to miss it?
Oh! And if you are so lazy to read the book, it’s a good thing that there is a movie based on this book so you only have to sit down on your sofa with some popcorn and switch on the television! (A.M)
Monday, May 31, 2010
writing task: an essay
DATING, MYTH OR REALITY?
Dating is a relatively modern term to describe an old tradition. Just to show how easy we forget the age of things, the word condom first appeared in 1706. Due to the vagueness of specific meaning and intent in the word "dating" it is a term that has become popular worldwide as the term of choice for meeting new people on a romantic basis. We do not begin dating to become friends; we date to become lovers, partners, boyfriends and girlfriends. We can argue that the word literally means that one has reserved this day or date for a particular person.
Of course dating in many countries is not the most common term. In areas of the UK we still see people using terms like "courting", "going out with", "stepping out with" or "seeing". All terms have the same function, which is to describe a higher level of meeting with a person than just friendship.
Modern generations are far more liberated than preceding post war generations and consequently, their priorities when dating are very different. The real change has taken place in recent years with the creation and development of a professional dating industry, from advisers and lifestyle experts to dating coaches and relationship counsellors and even to dating books and self-help videos. Then you have the plethora of dating agencies both on and off the Internet all aimed at help bringing people together. Dating has not gone anywhere. The desire for people to find soul mates is as strong as ever, and it has become international due to new communication methods. It is now possible for people in Washington DC and Kuala Lumpur to get chatting online in seconds and form some meaningful relationship within a few hours. So, all is not bad.
Like it or not, we are still the serious dating people we always were, and we still crave relationship stability. Sceptics can argue all they like that people do not want to marry anymore but I disagree. I think we just have different standards. It perhaps just takes more work in our dating lives, that is all.(K.G)
Dating is a relatively modern term to describe an old tradition. Just to show how easy we forget the age of things, the word condom first appeared in 1706. Due to the vagueness of specific meaning and intent in the word "dating" it is a term that has become popular worldwide as the term of choice for meeting new people on a romantic basis. We do not begin dating to become friends; we date to become lovers, partners, boyfriends and girlfriends. We can argue that the word literally means that one has reserved this day or date for a particular person.
Of course dating in many countries is not the most common term. In areas of the UK we still see people using terms like "courting", "going out with", "stepping out with" or "seeing". All terms have the same function, which is to describe a higher level of meeting with a person than just friendship.
Modern generations are far more liberated than preceding post war generations and consequently, their priorities when dating are very different. The real change has taken place in recent years with the creation and development of a professional dating industry, from advisers and lifestyle experts to dating coaches and relationship counsellors and even to dating books and self-help videos. Then you have the plethora of dating agencies both on and off the Internet all aimed at help bringing people together. Dating has not gone anywhere. The desire for people to find soul mates is as strong as ever, and it has become international due to new communication methods. It is now possible for people in Washington DC and Kuala Lumpur to get chatting online in seconds and form some meaningful relationship within a few hours. So, all is not bad.
Like it or not, we are still the serious dating people we always were, and we still crave relationship stability. Sceptics can argue all they like that people do not want to marry anymore but I disagree. I think we just have different standards. It perhaps just takes more work in our dating lives, that is all.(K.G)
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
writing task: an essay
LIVING IN DENMARK VS LIVING IN THE STATES
Many people believe that the USA is one of the best places in the world to live due to work opportunities, cultural mixtures and freedom. However, there are more countries apart from the States where life could be better or, at least, happier. This is the case of Denmark where the happiest people in the world live.
It is widely demonstrated that living in Denmark makes people feel better than in the States for a large number of reasons. First of all, public money is extensively used in social rights, especially in childcare, safety, health, education and unemployment benefits, although for that it is necessary to have huge taxes, which does not constitute a problem for the citizens. Secondly, Danish people do not usually waste money in needless things and they usually live in tiny and empty flats. They are not religious and they prefer to live with the person they love instead of celebrating glamorous weddings.
On the other hand, in the Sates there are those who complain about the high taxes, in fact there is not, up to now, health insurance or a quality public education, making the social gap bigger than in other parts of the world. There can be no doubt that consumerism is the lifestyle for the Americans and it is reflected in their enormous houses full of items. There is a great variety of religions and they consider marriage as a social event, not a matter of love; indeed, the USA is the country where more divorces take place.
In conclusion, living in Denmark versus living in the USA has a lot of advantages. Although there are people who overestimate the way of living there, and besides the stereotypes, from my point of view, a lot of countries, not only in Europe, but also all over the world, should follow the example of Denmark. (E.A)
Many people believe that the USA is one of the best places in the world to live due to work opportunities, cultural mixtures and freedom. However, there are more countries apart from the States where life could be better or, at least, happier. This is the case of Denmark where the happiest people in the world live.
It is widely demonstrated that living in Denmark makes people feel better than in the States for a large number of reasons. First of all, public money is extensively used in social rights, especially in childcare, safety, health, education and unemployment benefits, although for that it is necessary to have huge taxes, which does not constitute a problem for the citizens. Secondly, Danish people do not usually waste money in needless things and they usually live in tiny and empty flats. They are not religious and they prefer to live with the person they love instead of celebrating glamorous weddings.
On the other hand, in the Sates there are those who complain about the high taxes, in fact there is not, up to now, health insurance or a quality public education, making the social gap bigger than in other parts of the world. There can be no doubt that consumerism is the lifestyle for the Americans and it is reflected in their enormous houses full of items. There is a great variety of religions and they consider marriage as a social event, not a matter of love; indeed, the USA is the country where more divorces take place.
In conclusion, living in Denmark versus living in the USA has a lot of advantages. Although there are people who overestimate the way of living there, and besides the stereotypes, from my point of view, a lot of countries, not only in Europe, but also all over the world, should follow the example of Denmark. (E.A)
Monday, May 24, 2010
TASK: WRITING AN ESSAY EXPRESSING AN OPINION.
INNATE TALENT: REALITY OR MYTH ?
Is talent an innate gift? When we talk about talent we are speaking about abilities that are not just accessible to anyone. It is assumed that you are born with or without them. So, could it be that talent is this determination to pursuit a particular form of knowledge instead of an innate ability; or are we all generally born with this magic?
It is my view that some people are born with this kind of magic. If anyone pursuits a dream with their heart, will partially succeed, but the true genius is innate. First of all, coming from the theory of evolution we cannot ignore that certain people have a quicker and more natural aptitude to grasp something new.
In contrast, more and more psychologists and researchers are finding out that the brain is a lot less hardwired than we originally thought, so probably it is a long and complicated history and string of influences that lead people to be really good at something, or geniuses. I think it is unquestionable that, for some reason or other, some people are able to do things that other will not. This takes us to the second point: is craving for something really enough? I believe that talent is a strange thing we humans have. Certain things are surely innate. However, that is not what I would call talent. Being born with certain traits and abilities provides us with the basic tools to survive in this world. I do believe some people have some innate aptitude to do things, but for the most part I think that only when anyone is really interested in developing an ability will he eventually do it. The more interested you are in learning a thing, the better you get at it.
In conclusion, talent is a combination of abilities. And probably this combination dependens on the culture you live in. So, in the end, great things are only achieved if the right combination of factors come together. And to achieve that combination of factors, one must be able to dream and realize that dream against all odds. Because, if there is a will, there is a way!(M.U)
Is talent an innate gift? When we talk about talent we are speaking about abilities that are not just accessible to anyone. It is assumed that you are born with or without them. So, could it be that talent is this determination to pursuit a particular form of knowledge instead of an innate ability; or are we all generally born with this magic?
It is my view that some people are born with this kind of magic. If anyone pursuits a dream with their heart, will partially succeed, but the true genius is innate. First of all, coming from the theory of evolution we cannot ignore that certain people have a quicker and more natural aptitude to grasp something new.
In contrast, more and more psychologists and researchers are finding out that the brain is a lot less hardwired than we originally thought, so probably it is a long and complicated history and string of influences that lead people to be really good at something, or geniuses. I think it is unquestionable that, for some reason or other, some people are able to do things that other will not. This takes us to the second point: is craving for something really enough? I believe that talent is a strange thing we humans have. Certain things are surely innate. However, that is not what I would call talent. Being born with certain traits and abilities provides us with the basic tools to survive in this world. I do believe some people have some innate aptitude to do things, but for the most part I think that only when anyone is really interested in developing an ability will he eventually do it. The more interested you are in learning a thing, the better you get at it.
In conclusion, talent is a combination of abilities. And probably this combination dependens on the culture you live in. So, in the end, great things are only achieved if the right combination of factors come together. And to achieve that combination of factors, one must be able to dream and realize that dream against all odds. Because, if there is a will, there is a way!(M.U)
EDUCATION SYSTEMS OFTEN STIFLE CREATIVITY
The first matter that should be raised to make a proper approach to this statement is to clarify what the word “creativity” involves. Creativity can be defined as the ability to “create”, but not only is it a question of creating, but it also implies to create original, unusual and imaginative ideas. The question is: do education systems really contribute to achieve these mentioned characteristics? To my way of thinking the answer is definitely no, they do not.
The patterns used in the current education systems come from the past industrial societies, which required other kinds of knowledge.Nevertheless, the changes that our society has been suffering in the recent times such as technological revolution, scientific development and so on have not been mirrored in the systems used to teach at schools and universities,which often avoid everything concerned to the called ”lateral thinking”.
It is often alleged that the students use computers and other kind of media to learn, but it is my firm belief that it is not enough and that C.I.Ts are essential because they have become part of our life but they do not always help to use the two sides of their brain.Never will the success of our society and companies depend on a machine but on our ability to use imagination and a critical thought in order to solve our problems. As a result, it is only after having learnt to think, to take risks, to be flexible and open-minded that our students will be able to overcome all the obstacles that might appear in their personal and working life.
Taking everything into consideration all that is left to say is that the education systems should promote spaces and methodologies capable to make students aware of the importance of the innovative thinking as a key competence for their future.I subscribe to the words of an American poet who said:”when patterns are broken new worlds emerge”.(P.F)
The first matter that should be raised to make a proper approach to this statement is to clarify what the word “creativity” involves. Creativity can be defined as the ability to “create”, but not only is it a question of creating, but it also implies to create original, unusual and imaginative ideas. The question is: do education systems really contribute to achieve these mentioned characteristics? To my way of thinking the answer is definitely no, they do not.
The patterns used in the current education systems come from the past industrial societies, which required other kinds of knowledge.Nevertheless, the changes that our society has been suffering in the recent times such as technological revolution, scientific development and so on have not been mirrored in the systems used to teach at schools and universities,which often avoid everything concerned to the called ”lateral thinking”.
It is often alleged that the students use computers and other kind of media to learn, but it is my firm belief that it is not enough and that C.I.Ts are essential because they have become part of our life but they do not always help to use the two sides of their brain.Never will the success of our society and companies depend on a machine but on our ability to use imagination and a critical thought in order to solve our problems. As a result, it is only after having learnt to think, to take risks, to be flexible and open-minded that our students will be able to overcome all the obstacles that might appear in their personal and working life.
Taking everything into consideration all that is left to say is that the education systems should promote spaces and methodologies capable to make students aware of the importance of the innovative thinking as a key competence for their future.I subscribe to the words of an American poet who said:”when patterns are broken new worlds emerge”.(P.F)
TASK: WRITING AN ESSAY EXPRESSING AN OPINION.
FREE SPEECH VERSUS CENSORSHIP.
“Freedom of speech” is defined as the right to express certain concepts without fear or retribution from higher authorities, and the corresponding right to express your views and opinions without being reprimanded. On the contrary, we can define “censorship” as the institution, system or practice of examining in order to suppress or delete anything considered objectionable. The question is: Can we mix both concepts?
Advocates of free speech claim that censorship stifles debate. However, proponents of censorship suggest that it is necessary to prevent the broadcast and publication of obscene material which is considered offensive or harmful to public morals. For this reason, governments have the duty to impose certain restrictions on the mass media, such as the Internet, TV or radio by censoring films and texts which contain explicit scenes of sex, violence or foul language.
In contrast, opponents of censorship point out that when it is abused by governments, censorship becomes an instrument used to misinform society and maintain power. What is more, it is widely believed that repressive regimes try to put constraints on the media in order to control the flow of information which reaches the public. Thus, denying citizens the right to information it may lead them to seek greater freedom. In other words, censorship is like a wall which has been built to suppress the rights of some societies. Indeed, most people hold that freedom of speech is needed to create balance. Actually, the right we have to speak out on our own opinions and beliefs is useless without an outlet to make your voice heard, and consequently it represses debate.
Taking everything into account, I personally reckon that in our modern and global society we can mix two totally different concepts as free speech and censorship, in order to keep an objective debate. While on the one hand a certain degree of censorship is always necessary, freedom of speech is the way that we need to express our personal opinions. The best course of action would be to attempt to achieve a balance between the requirements of the governments and the society on the one hand, and individuals´ rights on the other. Needless to say that, not only do we have the right to express an objective and plural debate, but we also have the responsibility to do so.(C.T)
“Freedom of speech” is defined as the right to express certain concepts without fear or retribution from higher authorities, and the corresponding right to express your views and opinions without being reprimanded. On the contrary, we can define “censorship” as the institution, system or practice of examining in order to suppress or delete anything considered objectionable. The question is: Can we mix both concepts?
Advocates of free speech claim that censorship stifles debate. However, proponents of censorship suggest that it is necessary to prevent the broadcast and publication of obscene material which is considered offensive or harmful to public morals. For this reason, governments have the duty to impose certain restrictions on the mass media, such as the Internet, TV or radio by censoring films and texts which contain explicit scenes of sex, violence or foul language.
In contrast, opponents of censorship point out that when it is abused by governments, censorship becomes an instrument used to misinform society and maintain power. What is more, it is widely believed that repressive regimes try to put constraints on the media in order to control the flow of information which reaches the public. Thus, denying citizens the right to information it may lead them to seek greater freedom. In other words, censorship is like a wall which has been built to suppress the rights of some societies. Indeed, most people hold that freedom of speech is needed to create balance. Actually, the right we have to speak out on our own opinions and beliefs is useless without an outlet to make your voice heard, and consequently it represses debate.
Taking everything into account, I personally reckon that in our modern and global society we can mix two totally different concepts as free speech and censorship, in order to keep an objective debate. While on the one hand a certain degree of censorship is always necessary, freedom of speech is the way that we need to express our personal opinions. The best course of action would be to attempt to achieve a balance between the requirements of the governments and the society on the one hand, and individuals´ rights on the other. Needless to say that, not only do we have the right to express an objective and plural debate, but we also have the responsibility to do so.(C.T)
IS TELEVISION DUMBING DOWN OUR CULTURE?
If a child were asked to mention three important people in our society they probably would name some of those Big Brother's celebrities, or maybe some gorgeous men who go to those programmes in which they have to seduce a woman because they have not found their true love in real life. They are, however, unlikely to refer to a politician or a scientist. Then, can we claim that television is making our culture dumb? If so, can we do anything about it? Or are current trends just dominating our education without us being aware of the consequences?
It is my view that television does dominate us. The first and most serious problem is that we are not aware of it. It proves the point that generation gap problems are increasing. Another thing is that people are ashamed of what they do. For instance, people are at pains to deny that they watch television more than three hours a day. Furthermore, children mimic them. As a consequence, they make do with their failings at school. Another thing is that misbehaviour, swearwords and insults are the key of television nowadays. This happens due to the fact that there are fewer and fewer culture programmes, which are replaced by reality shows. And last, but not least, young people behave as if they were on television. Their only aim in life is to be famous so as to be rich without having to study, as their idols once did.
Of course, television has possitive effects on us. For example, we can have a rest watching that television series we like so much, or we can learn other languages by watching those international channels, and we can learn how to cook with that expert at lunch time, and so on. The thing is that we have to focus on programmes with which we can learn something, and not on those about strange people who show disrespect to their mates, or else we will have to face the music.
To draw a conclusion, and after thinking it over, I would rather read a book, whatever it is about, than watch television. You cannot even begin to compare your feelings after reading a book with those after watching television. Not only will you learn more with the book than with the programme, but you will also develope your imagination and make your brain work.
S.C.M.
If a child were asked to mention three important people in our society they probably would name some of those Big Brother's celebrities, or maybe some gorgeous men who go to those programmes in which they have to seduce a woman because they have not found their true love in real life. They are, however, unlikely to refer to a politician or a scientist. Then, can we claim that television is making our culture dumb? If so, can we do anything about it? Or are current trends just dominating our education without us being aware of the consequences?
It is my view that television does dominate us. The first and most serious problem is that we are not aware of it. It proves the point that generation gap problems are increasing. Another thing is that people are ashamed of what they do. For instance, people are at pains to deny that they watch television more than three hours a day. Furthermore, children mimic them. As a consequence, they make do with their failings at school. Another thing is that misbehaviour, swearwords and insults are the key of television nowadays. This happens due to the fact that there are fewer and fewer culture programmes, which are replaced by reality shows. And last, but not least, young people behave as if they were on television. Their only aim in life is to be famous so as to be rich without having to study, as their idols once did.
Of course, television has possitive effects on us. For example, we can have a rest watching that television series we like so much, or we can learn other languages by watching those international channels, and we can learn how to cook with that expert at lunch time, and so on. The thing is that we have to focus on programmes with which we can learn something, and not on those about strange people who show disrespect to their mates, or else we will have to face the music.
To draw a conclusion, and after thinking it over, I would rather read a book, whatever it is about, than watch television. You cannot even begin to compare your feelings after reading a book with those after watching television. Not only will you learn more with the book than with the programme, but you will also develope your imagination and make your brain work.
S.C.M.
Advertising and Consumerism
BY P.C.S
Advertising is a form of communication that tries to persuade an audience as big as possible to take some action. Commercial advertisers usually want to increase consumption of their products or services. However, in general, we should wonder if consumers really need to get all those goods.
One of the arguments that may be used for advertising is that it is an art, a very good way to create and maintain business and in consequence, jobs in a region or even in a country. Besides, good habits like driving in a proper way or helping people through NGOs can be known as well. Moreover, huge sports events are promoted by advertising and the tourism and local business in the area should raise their benefits by the event. What it is more, advertisements contribute to pay taxes, essential for paying services such as health or education.
On the other hand, advertisements could increase unreal needs. If people could not afford to spend money on some unnecessary products it would cause them frustration and anxiety. Even, someone could commit some crime like burglary or kidnapping in order to get money. In addition, the features of the products showed on the media are not always true. A good example is some toys. Only when children go to the toy shop do they realize what the item is and their disappointment is reflected on their faces.
To conclude, it must be said that although advertising has some benefits, people should decide if they want to live in a consumer society where your worth is measured by your bank account. In my view, the family and a right upbringing will give us the way to distinguish between the basic needs and the created ones and what is more important, we can make our own decisions.
BY P.C.S
Advertising is a form of communication that tries to persuade an audience as big as possible to take some action. Commercial advertisers usually want to increase consumption of their products or services. However, in general, we should wonder if consumers really need to get all those goods.
One of the arguments that may be used for advertising is that it is an art, a very good way to create and maintain business and in consequence, jobs in a region or even in a country. Besides, good habits like driving in a proper way or helping people through NGOs can be known as well. Moreover, huge sports events are promoted by advertising and the tourism and local business in the area should raise their benefits by the event. What it is more, advertisements contribute to pay taxes, essential for paying services such as health or education.
On the other hand, advertisements could increase unreal needs. If people could not afford to spend money on some unnecessary products it would cause them frustration and anxiety. Even, someone could commit some crime like burglary or kidnapping in order to get money. In addition, the features of the products showed on the media are not always true. A good example is some toys. Only when children go to the toy shop do they realize what the item is and their disappointment is reflected on their faces.
To conclude, it must be said that although advertising has some benefits, people should decide if they want to live in a consumer society where your worth is measured by your bank account. In my view, the family and a right upbringing will give us the way to distinguish between the basic needs and the created ones and what is more important, we can make our own decisions.
ESSAY
IT IS TRUE THAT POP MUSIC HAS A WIDER POPULAR APPEAL THAN CLASSICAL MUSIC. BUT EVERYBODY HAS HEARD A MOZART´S SONG AT LEAST ONCE IN THEIR LIFE.
Nowadays pop music is the most popular sort of music . Advertisements, television, TV series, radio and so on fill our ears with pop music. You do not usually listen to classical music. However, it is also true that it is present more frequently than we can imagine. For example, when you go to the cinema to watch a film, it has a soundtrack based on classical music. Films such as Chariots of fire, The madison bridges, The English patient or The mission were winners in the Oscar´s ceremony for the best original soundtrack.
It is my view that classical music should be a point of reference. It is the foundation of the rest of the music. When young people choose an instrument to play, the most popular item is the guitar, but think about this: If the legendary musicians had not played instruments like the violin or the piano, we would not have known the current chords. Mozart, Beethoven and Chopen "invented" modern music. It is known that you must study our classical musicians if you want to play some instrument in a professional way. I personally believe that classical music is very important to understand pop music.
On the other hand, there are a lot of people who do not like classical music. They only enjoy playing or listening to pop music, and they think that people who listen to classical music are old people or "crazy people". There can be no doubt that pop music is a new style of music with a lot of followers. When you go to the disco, you usually listen to hip hop, disco or pop music, not "The Swan Lake ", for example. Pop music is the sort of music in the music market. For that reason, record companies only launch albums full of pop music and they have forget the importance of our classics. But, when there is some Classical concert in a theater, tickets are sold out very quickly. Why? Think about it carefully.
To sum up, we must not forget the importance of classical music. A wise person is someone who chooses an option when they know the range of possibilities, and after that they make a choice. We must give an oppotunity to classical music, and then we will have a wide knwoledge about music in general.(L.M)
Nowadays pop music is the most popular sort of music . Advertisements, television, TV series, radio and so on fill our ears with pop music. You do not usually listen to classical music. However, it is also true that it is present more frequently than we can imagine. For example, when you go to the cinema to watch a film, it has a soundtrack based on classical music. Films such as Chariots of fire, The madison bridges, The English patient or The mission were winners in the Oscar´s ceremony for the best original soundtrack.
It is my view that classical music should be a point of reference. It is the foundation of the rest of the music. When young people choose an instrument to play, the most popular item is the guitar, but think about this: If the legendary musicians had not played instruments like the violin or the piano, we would not have known the current chords. Mozart, Beethoven and Chopen "invented" modern music. It is known that you must study our classical musicians if you want to play some instrument in a professional way. I personally believe that classical music is very important to understand pop music.
On the other hand, there are a lot of people who do not like classical music. They only enjoy playing or listening to pop music, and they think that people who listen to classical music are old people or "crazy people". There can be no doubt that pop music is a new style of music with a lot of followers. When you go to the disco, you usually listen to hip hop, disco or pop music, not "The Swan Lake ", for example. Pop music is the sort of music in the music market. For that reason, record companies only launch albums full of pop music and they have forget the importance of our classics. But, when there is some Classical concert in a theater, tickets are sold out very quickly. Why? Think about it carefully.
To sum up, we must not forget the importance of classical music. A wise person is someone who chooses an option when they know the range of possibilities, and after that they make a choice. We must give an oppotunity to classical music, and then we will have a wide knwoledge about music in general.(L.M)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
LETTERS OF COMPLAINT
J.L. Smith
10 Apple Street
245121 Dublin
The Valley Hotel
17 Maple Avenue
021521 London
3rd January 2010
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my disappointment with aspects of my recent business trip at your hotel. During the week I stayed there I discovered a number of problems with the accommodation. Having complained about them to the receptionist and having got no answer or solution, I am writing to you to express my concerns.
The most serious problem was the noise. The irritating dripping tap of the bathroom made it impossible to sleep and when I managed to get asleep, suddenly, in the middle of the night I was woken up by people talking out loud and a noise that seemed to be a vacuum-cleaner in the corridor. As a result, I was so weary that I did not look as neat as you could expect from a high-executive.
I am also concerned about the fact that the thermostat and timer of the central heating did not work properly, which constituted a health hazard, considering it was winter time and outside the temperature was around 0º.
As you will appreciate, these problems caused me some inconveniences. What is more, it makes me feel really disappointed since I have stayed in your hotel several times and I have always felt comfortable.
Ignoring costumer's requests is not the best way to keep them up, so what I am asking you is a complete refund as well as improving the hotel's facilities and the staff's behaviour.
Yours faithfully,
J.L. Smith
23 2ºB, Vencejo Street
47012 Valladolid,
Spain.
March 28, 2010
NH Hotel
14, See Avenue,
37005 Barcelona,
Spain.
Dear Sir / Madam,
I am writing to express my dissapointment with some aspects of my recent holiday. I was very much expecting these relaxing days, but to my disappointment they turned into a nightmare.
The first problem happened when I booked a room in your hotel. I had been promised a beautiful room with impressive views to the beach, and when I arrived at the room, the first and only thing that I could see was “a beautiful and impressive wall”. For that reason, the room was dark and very wet. It was depressive.
I am also concerned about the swimming pool. In your brochure, you said that I could enjoy myself in your Olympic swimming pool. As it turned out, I found a pool for children. I am very dissapointed with it because I love swimming and I could not even take a dip.
Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the service´s restaurant was very bad. The buffet was very poor and your waiters were very unpleasant, wich was extremely disagreeable. One day, when I asked for a glass of wine, one of your waiters spilt the wine on my new dress. As a result, I needed to have my dress cleaned at the dry cleaner´s, wich was very expensive. (I enclose the bill for the laundry)
I would therefore be grateful if you could contact me on the above address to solve these problems as a matter of urgency, and let me know how you propose to solve them, as they have been causing me a great deal of distress and waste of money. Unless I receive a satisfactory reply, I will write to the Consumer Association. Having received this unsatisfactory treatment, I should receive a complete refund.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Laura Moncada Sánchez
4, Oak St.
Newcastle
England
20 March.2010
The Manager
The Grand Hotel
12, Jasmine Road,
Sydney (Australia)
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my disappointment with aspects of my recent holidays. I am sorry to inform you that the holidays just did not match up to the promises made to me in the brochure. First of all, I had been promised a four-star accommodation. However, on arrival I ended up being put up in a hotel which was no better than a boarding-house. When I asked the receptionist if I could be moved, she refused and avoided me for the rest of the holidays.
Furthermore, there were considerable problems on arrival. The shower and the air conditioning did not work at all, the cleanliness and decoration was very poor and there was no room service available. A further source of irritation was that the windows in the living room were broken and I could not sleep during all my holidays because of the noise.
Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the beach was a long way from the hotel and not behind the building, as you say in the brochure, and I had to take the bus every day.
As you will appreciate, these problems have caused me a great deal of inconvenience and distress.
As the price for these holidays was at the top of your price range, I would like a complete refund. I enclose some photographs which I think show clearly the low standard and specific faults. Unless I receive a satisfactory reply, I will write to the Consumer Association.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully
Silvia Rioja
8 Democracia Street
47355 Valladolid
Spain
March 26, 2010.
Customer Service,
NH Hotel,
3 Station Street,
6128 Brighton.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing with regard to the recent holiday I spent with my family in your hotel. Unfortunately, since we arrived there three weeks ago, we discovered a number of problems with the accommodation. I have left several messages on your answering machine but as I have not yet received a reply, I am writing to you to express my concerns. Let me just go through some of the main problems we had.
First of all, we had been promised beautiful sea views. Your brochure claimed that the landscape and the views over the coast were breathtaking. However, on arrival it turned out that our room was at the back of the hotel looking over a huge wall.
A further source of irritation is that the TV set did not work at all. You can imagine my disappointment when on complaining at reception, I was told rather rudely that your hotel was short-staffed and that there was nothing that could be done about it.
I am also concerned about the fact that I was recommended your hotel by some friends who assured me that you had an excellent restaurant, but I learnt that the chef was off duty the time we were there and the quality of the food left much to be desired .Not only was not this what I expected, but it also was worse. Your advertisement said that you welcome children as your hotel offers a family atmosphere, but children were terrified of a large dog that was always barking at the reception.
To make matters worse, when we went to pay we were told we had to pay an extra spring supplement in spite of the fact that there were special offers for March. Had I known that you were so unreliable I would not have come to your hotel.
I am sure that you will understand the reason why I feel the need to write this letter. I look forward to receiving a letter of apology from an establishment of your reputation, as well as a full refund. I enclose the invoice. I have to say that if I do not receive prompt news from you, I will take legal actions.
Yours faithfully,
Marta Ubeda
45,Oxford St.,
Bath,
England
28th April, 2010
The Manager
Palace Hotel,
22, Green St.
Cambridge, England
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction with the poor service I was offered at your hotel on 12nd April.
The first and more serious problem is that having booked the Royal Suite 5 months in advance, on arriving at the hotel I was told that it was impossible to use that room because “very important people” wanted to keep using it for one more week. It was so unprofessional that I tried to speak to the Personnel Manager and the receptionist answered that she was really busy to solve “such a simple problem”.
Having asked for the Complaints Book I was addressed to speak to the Manager in person, who told me that nothing could be done. She explained that the people who were occupying the Royal Suite had paid a big amount of money to use it for more time.
Not only was it an unprofessional situation, but also it was not fair especially having booked such a long time ago. That is the reason why I would like my money to be refunded and also to be given an amount a of 250 euros as compensation. I hope to receive a satisfactory reply, otherwise I will take legal action.
I look forward to hearing from you soon,
Yours faithfully,
Paz Fernández de Vera
Calle Magallanes, 18 - 3º D
Valladolid - 47006
Spain
28th March, 2010
The Sun Hotel,
37, Spring Road,
London
England
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction with the service I received at your hotel last week. As you can see from my e-mail of 20th January (attached), my reservation was made with two months in advance and with all the details I needed.
To begin with, the receptionist could not find my reservation and I was made to wait for about one hour to have my room.
Also, there were considerable problems with the room. The TV, the internet and the flush were not working properly. Not to mention the fact that I was put on the smoking corridor when I had requested a non-smoking room. Last but not least, the swimming pool was absolutely filthy.
Asking for solutions at reception, I was told that there was nothing that could be done about the problems since the manager was not there that week. Unless I receive a satisfactory reply and a complete refund, I will write to the Consumer Association.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Katiuscia Mello.
Villarcayo nº3 3ºcentro Burgos
29th March 2010
Lasa Hotel, Magdalena Street nº15
London
Dear sir or madam,
I am writing to express my disappointment with some aspects of the acommodation in your hotel in my recent
honeymoon.
As you can see in the document I have sent you with this letter, my husband and I booked a shared room for a
couple and we did it three months before the date we wanted to go on holiday for our honeymoon. We believed
everything would be in order when we arrived, but everything was wrong.
The first and most serious problem is we have different rooms instead the shared room we had booked and
as a result we have been sleeping in separate rooms in our hooneymoon, which is very annoying for me. To make
matters worse, the rooms were not in the same floor, which means that we have been taking the lift all the time in
order to stay together.
In addition, when we arrived we discovered that our rooms were not prepared for us. They were not clean and
there were no sheets in our beds or towels in the bathroom so, we had to wait at least three hours at the recepcion with our
bags until someone came to clean the rooms. Finally, the last problem was that having paid for the restaurant room
service at the hotel we did not have it and we had to go to eat to other restaurants.
As you will apreciate, these problems have made a complete disaster of our honeymoon We are told that your hotel
is considered one of the best in London so, we hope that these problems are unusual and you know how to compensate
us.
I look foward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Noemí Grajera Izquierdo.
14 Spain Square,
Valladolid,
Spain
April 28, 2010
St Mark Hotel
22 Cannon Street,
London
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am writing to express my disappointment with some aspects of my recent holiday. Unfortunately, during our stay in London several problems came up. The room in the hotel was like a battlefield and the staff of the hotel did not contribute to solve the situation.
The first and most serious trouble was the fact that the electric light did not work properly, it was erratic. What it is more, a very expensive medicine, which had to be delivered the day after we arrived, could not reach its destination. It was ruined because the packet needed to be preserved cold; the fridge in the room was not working right due to the wrong electric power.
Apart from this, the room seemed as if it had not been cleaned for ages. The carpet was covered in dust, the pieces of the furniture did not be in the right place and the blankets did not look very clean. I would have been grateful if your person in charge had solved the situation, but he argued with us. Not only was he unable to solve our problems but he also questioned what we were saying.
I feel that I am entitled to a compensation for losing the medicine and the great distress that the situation has caused us. Holidays are supposed to be relaxing and the problems with your equipement and your personnel have not contributed to get any calm. I hope this matter will be dealt with as soon as possible because you are a very competent manager as you have shown us the previous times that we have used this hotel.
Yours sincerely,
Pilar Cotrina
Pº del Cauce Nº78, 3ºA
47005 Valladolid
March 31st, 2010
Alejandro Curiel,
Montesa Nº10, 4ºI
28006 Madrid
Dear Mr Curiel,
I am writing to you with regard to the apartment in Valladolid that I am renting from you. I have discovered a lot of problems since I moved in on January 16th, 2010. I have left you several messages on your answering machine but have not received any reply from you. Therefore, I am writing to you to express my concerns.
The first and most annoying problem is the fact that the electrical system of the apartment is faulty, causing the fuses to blow repeatedly even without overconsumption of power. As a result, I have had to spend many nights in total darkness and with no heaters on.
Another source of irritation is the washing machine. Since it was not correctly installed, water is not properly fed into the detergent and softener compartments, leaving the laundry unclean. As a temporary measure, I have had to do my laundry at a friend’s and at times take it to a dry cleaner’s, which constitutes an unnecessary expense for me.
As you will understand, these problems have been causing me a great deal of inconvenience and frustration. It would be highly appreciated if you could contact me on the telephone number I gave you upon signing the lease contract and let me know how you propose to resolve the problems.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Setapon Juengsanguansit
Here you are! Lots of examples of letters of complaint for you to read and learn from.
55 James St
25050 London
25th August 2010
Mr Jones Brown
75, L Street
25049 London
Dear Mr Brown,
My name is Cristina Sancho. As you might remember I rented a flat from you a couple of weeks ago. You can see the adress in the envelope. I am writing with regard to this flat so that I can express some problems I have found with my accomodation.
To start with, it has been two weeks now since I began to live in the flat and you assured me that the problem with the toilet would be repaired. However, it has not been repaired yet. As an urgency, I have had to hire a plumber so that the problem could be resolved. That is causing me a great deal of inconvenience as I must pay you for the flat and the expenses at the end of the month. I have been trying to phone you but there was no answer and that is why I decided to send you this letter. I think we both should face the costs of the plumber, so I would like to discuss that matter with you. I do not know if I will be able to pay you at the end of the month unless we find a solution as soon as posible. I have attached the plumber's bill so that you can take notice about it.
Moreover, I am sorry to tell you that a further source of irritation it is that the door from the lumber room is blocked. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that this affects the whole neighbourhood. As far as I'm concerned some of the neighbours are going to write to you too. I would like you to get in touch as a matter of urgency and let me know how you propose to resolve these problems.
I look foward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Cristina Sancho
10 Apple Street
245121 Dublin
The Valley Hotel
17 Maple Avenue
021521 London
3rd January 2010
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my disappointment with aspects of my recent business trip at your hotel. During the week I stayed there I discovered a number of problems with the accommodation. Having complained about them to the receptionist and having got no answer or solution, I am writing to you to express my concerns.
The most serious problem was the noise. The irritating dripping tap of the bathroom made it impossible to sleep and when I managed to get asleep, suddenly, in the middle of the night I was woken up by people talking out loud and a noise that seemed to be a vacuum-cleaner in the corridor. As a result, I was so weary that I did not look as neat as you could expect from a high-executive.
I am also concerned about the fact that the thermostat and timer of the central heating did not work properly, which constituted a health hazard, considering it was winter time and outside the temperature was around 0º.
As you will appreciate, these problems caused me some inconveniences. What is more, it makes me feel really disappointed since I have stayed in your hotel several times and I have always felt comfortable.
Ignoring costumer's requests is not the best way to keep them up, so what I am asking you is a complete refund as well as improving the hotel's facilities and the staff's behaviour.
Yours faithfully,
J.L. Smith
23 2ºB, Vencejo Street
47012 Valladolid,
Spain.
March 28, 2010
NH Hotel
14, See Avenue,
37005 Barcelona,
Spain.
Dear Sir / Madam,
I am writing to express my dissapointment with some aspects of my recent holiday. I was very much expecting these relaxing days, but to my disappointment they turned into a nightmare.
The first problem happened when I booked a room in your hotel. I had been promised a beautiful room with impressive views to the beach, and when I arrived at the room, the first and only thing that I could see was “a beautiful and impressive wall”. For that reason, the room was dark and very wet. It was depressive.
I am also concerned about the swimming pool. In your brochure, you said that I could enjoy myself in your Olympic swimming pool. As it turned out, I found a pool for children. I am very dissapointed with it because I love swimming and I could not even take a dip.
Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the service´s restaurant was very bad. The buffet was very poor and your waiters were very unpleasant, wich was extremely disagreeable. One day, when I asked for a glass of wine, one of your waiters spilt the wine on my new dress. As a result, I needed to have my dress cleaned at the dry cleaner´s, wich was very expensive. (I enclose the bill for the laundry)
I would therefore be grateful if you could contact me on the above address to solve these problems as a matter of urgency, and let me know how you propose to solve them, as they have been causing me a great deal of distress and waste of money. Unless I receive a satisfactory reply, I will write to the Consumer Association. Having received this unsatisfactory treatment, I should receive a complete refund.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Laura Moncada Sánchez
4, Oak St.
Newcastle
England
20 March.2010
The Manager
The Grand Hotel
12, Jasmine Road,
Sydney (Australia)
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my disappointment with aspects of my recent holidays. I am sorry to inform you that the holidays just did not match up to the promises made to me in the brochure. First of all, I had been promised a four-star accommodation. However, on arrival I ended up being put up in a hotel which was no better than a boarding-house. When I asked the receptionist if I could be moved, she refused and avoided me for the rest of the holidays.
Furthermore, there were considerable problems on arrival. The shower and the air conditioning did not work at all, the cleanliness and decoration was very poor and there was no room service available. A further source of irritation was that the windows in the living room were broken and I could not sleep during all my holidays because of the noise.
Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the beach was a long way from the hotel and not behind the building, as you say in the brochure, and I had to take the bus every day.
As you will appreciate, these problems have caused me a great deal of inconvenience and distress.
As the price for these holidays was at the top of your price range, I would like a complete refund. I enclose some photographs which I think show clearly the low standard and specific faults. Unless I receive a satisfactory reply, I will write to the Consumer Association.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully
Silvia Rioja
8 Democracia Street
47355 Valladolid
Spain
March 26, 2010.
Customer Service,
NH Hotel,
3 Station Street,
6128 Brighton.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing with regard to the recent holiday I spent with my family in your hotel. Unfortunately, since we arrived there three weeks ago, we discovered a number of problems with the accommodation. I have left several messages on your answering machine but as I have not yet received a reply, I am writing to you to express my concerns. Let me just go through some of the main problems we had.
First of all, we had been promised beautiful sea views. Your brochure claimed that the landscape and the views over the coast were breathtaking. However, on arrival it turned out that our room was at the back of the hotel looking over a huge wall.
A further source of irritation is that the TV set did not work at all. You can imagine my disappointment when on complaining at reception, I was told rather rudely that your hotel was short-staffed and that there was nothing that could be done about it.
I am also concerned about the fact that I was recommended your hotel by some friends who assured me that you had an excellent restaurant, but I learnt that the chef was off duty the time we were there and the quality of the food left much to be desired .Not only was not this what I expected, but it also was worse. Your advertisement said that you welcome children as your hotel offers a family atmosphere, but children were terrified of a large dog that was always barking at the reception.
To make matters worse, when we went to pay we were told we had to pay an extra spring supplement in spite of the fact that there were special offers for March. Had I known that you were so unreliable I would not have come to your hotel.
I am sure that you will understand the reason why I feel the need to write this letter. I look forward to receiving a letter of apology from an establishment of your reputation, as well as a full refund. I enclose the invoice. I have to say that if I do not receive prompt news from you, I will take legal actions.
Yours faithfully,
Marta Ubeda
45,Oxford St.,
Bath,
England
28th April, 2010
The Manager
Palace Hotel,
22, Green St.
Cambridge, England
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction with the poor service I was offered at your hotel on 12nd April.
The first and more serious problem is that having booked the Royal Suite 5 months in advance, on arriving at the hotel I was told that it was impossible to use that room because “very important people” wanted to keep using it for one more week. It was so unprofessional that I tried to speak to the Personnel Manager and the receptionist answered that she was really busy to solve “such a simple problem”.
Having asked for the Complaints Book I was addressed to speak to the Manager in person, who told me that nothing could be done. She explained that the people who were occupying the Royal Suite had paid a big amount of money to use it for more time.
Not only was it an unprofessional situation, but also it was not fair especially having booked such a long time ago. That is the reason why I would like my money to be refunded and also to be given an amount a of 250 euros as compensation. I hope to receive a satisfactory reply, otherwise I will take legal action.
I look forward to hearing from you soon,
Yours faithfully,
Paz Fernández de Vera
Calle Magallanes, 18 - 3º D
Valladolid - 47006
Spain
28th March, 2010
The Sun Hotel,
37, Spring Road,
London
England
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction with the service I received at your hotel last week. As you can see from my e-mail of 20th January (attached), my reservation was made with two months in advance and with all the details I needed.
To begin with, the receptionist could not find my reservation and I was made to wait for about one hour to have my room.
Also, there were considerable problems with the room. The TV, the internet and the flush were not working properly. Not to mention the fact that I was put on the smoking corridor when I had requested a non-smoking room. Last but not least, the swimming pool was absolutely filthy.
Asking for solutions at reception, I was told that there was nothing that could be done about the problems since the manager was not there that week. Unless I receive a satisfactory reply and a complete refund, I will write to the Consumer Association.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Katiuscia Mello.
Villarcayo nº3 3ºcentro Burgos
29th March 2010
Lasa Hotel, Magdalena Street nº15
London
Dear sir or madam,
I am writing to express my disappointment with some aspects of the acommodation in your hotel in my recent
honeymoon.
As you can see in the document I have sent you with this letter, my husband and I booked a shared room for a
couple and we did it three months before the date we wanted to go on holiday for our honeymoon. We believed
everything would be in order when we arrived, but everything was wrong.
The first and most serious problem is we have different rooms instead the shared room we had booked and
as a result we have been sleeping in separate rooms in our hooneymoon, which is very annoying for me. To make
matters worse, the rooms were not in the same floor, which means that we have been taking the lift all the time in
order to stay together.
In addition, when we arrived we discovered that our rooms were not prepared for us. They were not clean and
there were no sheets in our beds or towels in the bathroom so, we had to wait at least three hours at the recepcion with our
bags until someone came to clean the rooms. Finally, the last problem was that having paid for the restaurant room
service at the hotel we did not have it and we had to go to eat to other restaurants.
As you will apreciate, these problems have made a complete disaster of our honeymoon We are told that your hotel
is considered one of the best in London so, we hope that these problems are unusual and you know how to compensate
us.
I look foward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Noemí Grajera Izquierdo.
14 Spain Square,
Valladolid,
Spain
April 28, 2010
St Mark Hotel
22 Cannon Street,
London
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am writing to express my disappointment with some aspects of my recent holiday. Unfortunately, during our stay in London several problems came up. The room in the hotel was like a battlefield and the staff of the hotel did not contribute to solve the situation.
The first and most serious trouble was the fact that the electric light did not work properly, it was erratic. What it is more, a very expensive medicine, which had to be delivered the day after we arrived, could not reach its destination. It was ruined because the packet needed to be preserved cold; the fridge in the room was not working right due to the wrong electric power.
Apart from this, the room seemed as if it had not been cleaned for ages. The carpet was covered in dust, the pieces of the furniture did not be in the right place and the blankets did not look very clean. I would have been grateful if your person in charge had solved the situation, but he argued with us. Not only was he unable to solve our problems but he also questioned what we were saying.
I feel that I am entitled to a compensation for losing the medicine and the great distress that the situation has caused us. Holidays are supposed to be relaxing and the problems with your equipement and your personnel have not contributed to get any calm. I hope this matter will be dealt with as soon as possible because you are a very competent manager as you have shown us the previous times that we have used this hotel.
Yours sincerely,
Pilar Cotrina
Pº del Cauce Nº78, 3ºA
47005 Valladolid
March 31st, 2010
Alejandro Curiel,
Montesa Nº10, 4ºI
28006 Madrid
Dear Mr Curiel,
I am writing to you with regard to the apartment in Valladolid that I am renting from you. I have discovered a lot of problems since I moved in on January 16th, 2010. I have left you several messages on your answering machine but have not received any reply from you. Therefore, I am writing to you to express my concerns.
The first and most annoying problem is the fact that the electrical system of the apartment is faulty, causing the fuses to blow repeatedly even without overconsumption of power. As a result, I have had to spend many nights in total darkness and with no heaters on.
Another source of irritation is the washing machine. Since it was not correctly installed, water is not properly fed into the detergent and softener compartments, leaving the laundry unclean. As a temporary measure, I have had to do my laundry at a friend’s and at times take it to a dry cleaner’s, which constitutes an unnecessary expense for me.
As you will understand, these problems have been causing me a great deal of inconvenience and frustration. It would be highly appreciated if you could contact me on the telephone number I gave you upon signing the lease contract and let me know how you propose to resolve the problems.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Setapon Juengsanguansit
Here you are! Lots of examples of letters of complaint for you to read and learn from.
55 James St
25050 London
25th August 2010
Mr Jones Brown
75, L Street
25049 London
Dear Mr Brown,
My name is Cristina Sancho. As you might remember I rented a flat from you a couple of weeks ago. You can see the adress in the envelope. I am writing with regard to this flat so that I can express some problems I have found with my accomodation.
To start with, it has been two weeks now since I began to live in the flat and you assured me that the problem with the toilet would be repaired. However, it has not been repaired yet. As an urgency, I have had to hire a plumber so that the problem could be resolved. That is causing me a great deal of inconvenience as I must pay you for the flat and the expenses at the end of the month. I have been trying to phone you but there was no answer and that is why I decided to send you this letter. I think we both should face the costs of the plumber, so I would like to discuss that matter with you. I do not know if I will be able to pay you at the end of the month unless we find a solution as soon as posible. I have attached the plumber's bill so that you can take notice about it.
Moreover, I am sorry to tell you that a further source of irritation it is that the door from the lumber room is blocked. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that this affects the whole neighbourhood. As far as I'm concerned some of the neighbours are going to write to you too. I would like you to get in touch as a matter of urgency and let me know how you propose to resolve these problems.
I look foward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Cristina Sancho
BOOK REVIEW
"INVICTUS" (previously published as" Playing the Enemy")
by John Carlin
Had I not felt so impressed by the film "Invictus", I would never have discovered this overwhelming book which the film is based on.The author,who lived in South Africa during the interesting period of the transition from Apartheid to Democracy,tries to reflect how Mandela used the World Championship of rugby in 1995 as a political instrument to unite the nation.
It is through conversations with the real-life protagonists that Carling makes us aware of the superhuman effort that Nelson made to put his strategy into action with the slogan"One team one country".What I find most enriching about this book is that although he frames it around this sporting event, the story spans ten years: from 1985 to 1995.It contains extraordinary anecdotes about this not less extraordinary man:how he promoted the secret conversations with the Government to be released from prison,how he befriended his prison guards or how he convinced Francois Pienaar-the captain of the rugby team-that not only was the final an ordinary match,but it also was an opportunity to bond the whole society around the same target.
To conclude I will say that this is a story about freedom,about life and about a man whose charisma, leadership and capacity to forgive after 27 years in prison have moved me. (P.F)
by John Carlin
Had I not felt so impressed by the film "Invictus", I would never have discovered this overwhelming book which the film is based on.The author,who lived in South Africa during the interesting period of the transition from Apartheid to Democracy,tries to reflect how Mandela used the World Championship of rugby in 1995 as a political instrument to unite the nation.
It is through conversations with the real-life protagonists that Carling makes us aware of the superhuman effort that Nelson made to put his strategy into action with the slogan"One team one country".What I find most enriching about this book is that although he frames it around this sporting event, the story spans ten years: from 1985 to 1995.It contains extraordinary anecdotes about this not less extraordinary man:how he promoted the secret conversations with the Government to be released from prison,how he befriended his prison guards or how he convinced Francois Pienaar-the captain of the rugby team-that not only was the final an ordinary match,but it also was an opportunity to bond the whole society around the same target.
To conclude I will say that this is a story about freedom,about life and about a man whose charisma, leadership and capacity to forgive after 27 years in prison have moved me. (P.F)
Monday, May 3, 2010
FEELING DOWN?
Well, if you ever feel like giving up, don't. Watch this video instead!
Thanks for this link, Sandra.
Well, and then watch this one too, just to cheer you up! Thanks, Sara. Click here.
Thanks for this link, Sandra.
Well, and then watch this one too, just to cheer you up! Thanks, Sara. Click here.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
BOOK REVIEW
MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA by Arthur Golden
This novel is an engaging story about the life of a geisha from 1929 to the post World War II in Japan. Not only is it a gripping and beautifully placed story, but it also makes you reflect about the difficult life of a geisha.
Chiyo-san is the fisherman´s daughter from a little town called Yoroido on the Sea of Japan and she has strange coloured eyes. The biggest turning point in her life comes after being sold by her father to an Okiya in Gion - the place where girls are taught how to be a geisha - . There she gets involved in a world of eroticism and enchantment, exploitation and degradation.
If you like ancient cultures you will enjoy this book as well as being captivated by the exotic and painful world of a geisha. This book leaves a mark. (M.U)
This novel is an engaging story about the life of a geisha from 1929 to the post World War II in Japan. Not only is it a gripping and beautifully placed story, but it also makes you reflect about the difficult life of a geisha.
Chiyo-san is the fisherman´s daughter from a little town called Yoroido on the Sea of Japan and she has strange coloured eyes. The biggest turning point in her life comes after being sold by her father to an Okiya in Gion - the place where girls are taught how to be a geisha - . There she gets involved in a world of eroticism and enchantment, exploitation and degradation.
If you like ancient cultures you will enjoy this book as well as being captivated by the exotic and painful world of a geisha. This book leaves a mark. (M.U)
Sunday, March 14, 2010
REVIEWS
NORTHANGER ABBEY (Jane Austen)
This novel , written by the English writer Jane Austen, is a perfect portrait of the Victorian ages.She presents a society where the hypocresy,the importance of social manners and the excessive sentimentalism might be at the root of the social problems.What is most remarkable about this story is that she describes characters and places in such an abundant detail that the reader does feel as if they were living in the 19th century.However,it may be boring for those who enjoy fast stories.
Catherine Morland ,the main character of this book,is a young girl who has always lived in the country,but an invitation to spend some weeks in the city of Bath will mark a major turning point for her.It is during this period that she discovers a new world of balls,dresses and social life,but it is only when she meets the sensible and sarcastic Mr.Tilney that she becomes aware of the fact that she cannot confuse her gothic novels with the real life.
If classics attract your attention not only will you enjoy this original story, but you will also be led to the 19th century.
THE LOST SYMBOL (Dan Brown)
This vibrating thriller leads the reader to a fascinating world of mystery ,ancient traditions and secret societies. Not only is it an exciting story but it also makes you reflect on interesting questions as some connections between Science and the spiritual world or the existence of lots of symbols in historical buildings in Washigton D.C.
Robert Langdon ,a renowned symbologist at the University of Harvard , is summoned to deliver a conference in the Capitol building.When he arrives everything turns horrific because he finds out that his friend Peter Solomon is thought to have been brutally kidnapped.Despite the fact that a severed hand with Peter´s masonic ring is discovered in the building, Mr. Salomon is thought to still be alive. Professor Langdon gets involved in a trepidant race through most of the famous buildings in Washington D.C .Only after having deciphered a secret code will he be able to save his good old friend.
If you enjoyed "The Da Vinci Code" this novel will grip you from the first to the last page. (P.F)
This novel , written by the English writer Jane Austen, is a perfect portrait of the Victorian ages.She presents a society where the hypocresy,the importance of social manners and the excessive sentimentalism might be at the root of the social problems.What is most remarkable about this story is that she describes characters and places in such an abundant detail that the reader does feel as if they were living in the 19th century.However,it may be boring for those who enjoy fast stories.
Catherine Morland ,the main character of this book,is a young girl who has always lived in the country,but an invitation to spend some weeks in the city of Bath will mark a major turning point for her.It is during this period that she discovers a new world of balls,dresses and social life,but it is only when she meets the sensible and sarcastic Mr.Tilney that she becomes aware of the fact that she cannot confuse her gothic novels with the real life.
If classics attract your attention not only will you enjoy this original story, but you will also be led to the 19th century.
THE LOST SYMBOL (Dan Brown)
This vibrating thriller leads the reader to a fascinating world of mystery ,ancient traditions and secret societies. Not only is it an exciting story but it also makes you reflect on interesting questions as some connections between Science and the spiritual world or the existence of lots of symbols in historical buildings in Washigton D.C.
Robert Langdon ,a renowned symbologist at the University of Harvard , is summoned to deliver a conference in the Capitol building.When he arrives everything turns horrific because he finds out that his friend Peter Solomon is thought to have been brutally kidnapped.Despite the fact that a severed hand with Peter´s masonic ring is discovered in the building, Mr. Salomon is thought to still be alive. Professor Langdon gets involved in a trepidant race through most of the famous buildings in Washington D.C .Only after having deciphered a secret code will he be able to save his good old friend.
If you enjoyed "The Da Vinci Code" this novel will grip you from the first to the last page. (P.F)
Saturday, March 13, 2010
HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES
An easy and delicious recipe not only for chocaholics and those with a sweet tooth but for everybody else as well. Click here to watch video.
Friday, March 12, 2010
ARTICLE
ARTICLE: ARE YOU A TELEVISION ADDICT?
Have you ever had the feeling of not moving from the sofa and not being able to close your eyes while you are watching television? Do you remember Caroline, the main character in Poltergeist? She was a lovely but disturbing girl; kind and innocent... However, she was absorbed by television. Can you imagine that anything similar could happen to you?
If you have this profile, maybe you are a television addict. This kind of people are anxious to watch just anything on television, no matter what. Even when they are out in the street they keep searching for those shop windows where they can find a TV set on in order to calm down. Another sympton is to have their thumb ready to press the on-button of their remote control and avoid all kinds of communication when they arrive home. Communication is one of the lacks that television addicts have. In my opinion, television addicts usually show apathy and physical passivity as if they were mesmericed. It can be very dangerous; they depend on an electric machine that, in many occasions, misinforms or turns you into a vegetable. It makes us behave like stereotypes.
So what can you do if you are a television addict? As in the other addictions, the most important clue is to be aware of it and demonstrate a strong attitude to change it. One alternative activity is to enjoy going out, such as going for a walk up the mountains, the beach or the country -the view is amazing! Reading is another recommended way of using leisure time. It is vey important to recover your brain and also your imagination. And what about talking? Most of the time, our brains do not receive any interesting information when we watch television. If you talk to people, it will make you forget this diabolic machine and they will consider you less weird.
To sum up, and, of course, if you are not able to cope with this addiction, the best option is to ask a doctor, although you can always throw the television out of the window- do not forget to open it before! (S.A)
Have you ever had the feeling of not moving from the sofa and not being able to close your eyes while you are watching television? Do you remember Caroline, the main character in Poltergeist? She was a lovely but disturbing girl; kind and innocent... However, she was absorbed by television. Can you imagine that anything similar could happen to you?
If you have this profile, maybe you are a television addict. This kind of people are anxious to watch just anything on television, no matter what. Even when they are out in the street they keep searching for those shop windows where they can find a TV set on in order to calm down. Another sympton is to have their thumb ready to press the on-button of their remote control and avoid all kinds of communication when they arrive home. Communication is one of the lacks that television addicts have. In my opinion, television addicts usually show apathy and physical passivity as if they were mesmericed. It can be very dangerous; they depend on an electric machine that, in many occasions, misinforms or turns you into a vegetable. It makes us behave like stereotypes.
So what can you do if you are a television addict? As in the other addictions, the most important clue is to be aware of it and demonstrate a strong attitude to change it. One alternative activity is to enjoy going out, such as going for a walk up the mountains, the beach or the country -the view is amazing! Reading is another recommended way of using leisure time. It is vey important to recover your brain and also your imagination. And what about talking? Most of the time, our brains do not receive any interesting information when we watch television. If you talk to people, it will make you forget this diabolic machine and they will consider you less weird.
To sum up, and, of course, if you are not able to cope with this addiction, the best option is to ask a doctor, although you can always throw the television out of the window- do not forget to open it before! (S.A)
Review
REVIEW: GOING SOLO, BY ROAL DAHL
I chose this book because I had read other ones written by Dahl and he is a very interesting writer from my point of view. I enjoy the way he tells the stories and how he shows us the characters from the very beginning.
Roal Dahl reveals his life to us, and it starts with a trip to Africa. It is there where he has his first job as an employee of the Shell Company in Dar-es-Saalam (Tanzania). The company provides him with a house and some assistants from Tanzania, so he has a very happy beginning of his new life. The assistants serve him with loyalty and kindness, and it makes him find his life as the best he had ever imagined. During this stunning experience we can see some pictures he himself took, and some letters he wrote to his mother, telling her about his experiences, specially the good ones.
Unfortunately, the Second World War is coming and will make a huge change in Dahl's life. He has to give up his fantastic job, his house, his assistants and his happiness to follow the duties of his Country and participate in the war, even if he does not understand anything about it. He endures a hard period of training to become a pilot. His optimistic point of view makes the training enjoyable. However, one day he has to fly to the real war, a big step for this young boy. All these new experiences will have an influence on how he will solve future problems.
I have found this amazing story easy to read, specially the moment when he settles in Dar-es-Saalam, because he describes his personal feelings and thoughts. I also gathered up some interesting and useful expressions, such as "give it another week", "do something in ones", "how on earth did I manage that?", "it shook us all" and "without a sight of another human being for a full day and night".
However, I lost some interest when he starts the training; from my point of view there are too many descriptions of the war (planes, camps, weapons, etc.) and they make the reading difficult to follow. By contrast, the moment when he copes with the real world and begins to describe his feelings instead of how a plane is made, my interest raised until the end. My attention grows as much as I discover the character's mind.
Dahl's writing is amazing because the problems are not exposed with morbidity, they are shown as first-hand experience from the character's point of view. He also makes me imagine an unreal world, I guess the pictures are in the book as evidence of a true-life story.
Finally,I would recommend this book because it shows us the World War from an interesting and different point of view and it teaches us a boy's strength of mind when he is alone and when his only way of communication is to write some letters that are never replied. (S.A)
I chose this book because I had read other ones written by Dahl and he is a very interesting writer from my point of view. I enjoy the way he tells the stories and how he shows us the characters from the very beginning.
Roal Dahl reveals his life to us, and it starts with a trip to Africa. It is there where he has his first job as an employee of the Shell Company in Dar-es-Saalam (Tanzania). The company provides him with a house and some assistants from Tanzania, so he has a very happy beginning of his new life. The assistants serve him with loyalty and kindness, and it makes him find his life as the best he had ever imagined. During this stunning experience we can see some pictures he himself took, and some letters he wrote to his mother, telling her about his experiences, specially the good ones.
Unfortunately, the Second World War is coming and will make a huge change in Dahl's life. He has to give up his fantastic job, his house, his assistants and his happiness to follow the duties of his Country and participate in the war, even if he does not understand anything about it. He endures a hard period of training to become a pilot. His optimistic point of view makes the training enjoyable. However, one day he has to fly to the real war, a big step for this young boy. All these new experiences will have an influence on how he will solve future problems.
I have found this amazing story easy to read, specially the moment when he settles in Dar-es-Saalam, because he describes his personal feelings and thoughts. I also gathered up some interesting and useful expressions, such as "give it another week", "do something in ones", "how on earth did I manage that?", "it shook us all" and "without a sight of another human being for a full day and night".
However, I lost some interest when he starts the training; from my point of view there are too many descriptions of the war (planes, camps, weapons, etc.) and they make the reading difficult to follow. By contrast, the moment when he copes with the real world and begins to describe his feelings instead of how a plane is made, my interest raised until the end. My attention grows as much as I discover the character's mind.
Dahl's writing is amazing because the problems are not exposed with morbidity, they are shown as first-hand experience from the character's point of view. He also makes me imagine an unreal world, I guess the pictures are in the book as evidence of a true-life story.
Finally,I would recommend this book because it shows us the World War from an interesting and different point of view and it teaches us a boy's strength of mind when he is alone and when his only way of communication is to write some letters that are never replied. (S.A)
RIDDLES AND A TONGUE TWISTER
FROM KATIUSKA:
Three Swedish witches watch three Swiss Swatch watch switches. Which Swedish witch watch ... which Swiss Swatch watch switch?¡¡¡¡
What do you get if you cross a stereo with a refrigerator???.... COOL MUSIC!!!
What did the big phone say to the little phone???.... YOU?RE TOO YOUNG TO BE ENGAGED!!!
What do you call a woman who stands between two goalposts???... ANNETTE!!!
What gets bigger the more you take away???... A HOLE!!!!
Who writes the most letters???... A FISHERMAN, HE ALWAYS DROPS A LINE!!!
Three Swedish witches watch three Swiss Swatch watch switches. Which Swedish witch watch ... which Swiss Swatch watch switch?¡¡¡¡
What do you get if you cross a stereo with a refrigerator???.... COOL MUSIC!!!
What did the big phone say to the little phone???.... YOU?RE TOO YOUNG TO BE ENGAGED!!!
What do you call a woman who stands between two goalposts???... ANNETTE!!!
What gets bigger the more you take away???... A HOLE!!!!
Who writes the most letters???... A FISHERMAN, HE ALWAYS DROPS A LINE!!!
Babysitting
Some activities to listen to on the topic we're discussing in class: Babysitting. click here.
Monday, March 8, 2010
BOOK REVIEW
NORTHANGER ABBEY (Jane Austen)
This novel , written by the English writer Jane Austen, is a perfect portrait of the Victorian ages.She presents a society where the hypocresy,the importance of social manners and the excessive sentimentalism might be at the root of the social problems.What is most remarkable about this story is that she describes characters and places in such an abundant detail that the reader does feel as if they were living in the 19th century.However,it may be boring for those who enjoy fast stories.
Catherine Morland ,the main character of this book,is a young girl who has always lived in the country,but an invitation to spend some weeks in the city of Bath will mark a major turning point for her.It is during this period that she discovers a new world of balls,dresses and social life,but it is only when she meets the sensible and sarcastic Mr.Tilney that she becomes aware of the fact that she cannot confuse her gothic novels with the real life.
If classics attract your attention not only will you enjoy this original story, but you will also be led to the 19th century. (P.F)
This novel , written by the English writer Jane Austen, is a perfect portrait of the Victorian ages.She presents a society where the hypocresy,the importance of social manners and the excessive sentimentalism might be at the root of the social problems.What is most remarkable about this story is that she describes characters and places in such an abundant detail that the reader does feel as if they were living in the 19th century.However,it may be boring for those who enjoy fast stories.
Catherine Morland ,the main character of this book,is a young girl who has always lived in the country,but an invitation to spend some weeks in the city of Bath will mark a major turning point for her.It is during this period that she discovers a new world of balls,dresses and social life,but it is only when she meets the sensible and sarcastic Mr.Tilney that she becomes aware of the fact that she cannot confuse her gothic novels with the real life.
If classics attract your attention not only will you enjoy this original story, but you will also be led to the 19th century. (P.F)
Thursday, March 4, 2010
BOOK REVIEW
Book Review: Jared Diamond "COLLAPSE: HOW SOCIETIES CHOOSE TO FAIL OR TO SUCCEED".
In his book COLLAPSE: HOW SOCIETIES CHOOSE TO FAIL OR TO SUCCEED Jared Diamond examines why ancient societies, like the Anasazi of the American South West, the Viking Colonies of Greenland, the Polynesian society of the Eastern Islands or the Maya Civilization have collapsed and draws parallels to modern societies such as the ones in Rwanda or Haiti and the Dominican Republic. According to his exposition not every collapse has an environmental origin, but an eco-meltdown is often the main catalyst, particularly when combined with society's response to (or disregard for) the coming disaster. On the one hand, the author makes clear that this cannot be the mere case of an environmentalist's condemnation, in fact giving also examples of how environmental concerns are tackled successfully to the profit of all sides (such as the oil fields in Papua New Guinea exploited by Chevron). On the other hand, he makes it plain, why societies sometimes are not willing (or cannot be willing) to face the problems.
He begins by setting the book's main question in the small communities of present-day Montana, where they have to face a decline in living standards and a depletion of natural ressources and goes on to deal with issues like the leak of toxins into the soil, logging, wildfires etc. among others in the course of his argumentation. Diamond provides good and well-reasoned historical and current examples, making the case that many times economic and environmental concerns are one and the same.
I found this book most interesting because the author's explanations and arguments are very convincing and the issues he deals with in his book are of vital importance for the survival of our planet in a way that it might be worthwhile living on it. Moreover, it provides a lot of interesting vocabulary of very different areas, may it be geographical, historical, biological, economical etc.. To cut a long story short: this book is highly recommendable
Mariette Lebrun, 10.30. am
In his book COLLAPSE: HOW SOCIETIES CHOOSE TO FAIL OR TO SUCCEED Jared Diamond examines why ancient societies, like the Anasazi of the American South West, the Viking Colonies of Greenland, the Polynesian society of the Eastern Islands or the Maya Civilization have collapsed and draws parallels to modern societies such as the ones in Rwanda or Haiti and the Dominican Republic. According to his exposition not every collapse has an environmental origin, but an eco-meltdown is often the main catalyst, particularly when combined with society's response to (or disregard for) the coming disaster. On the one hand, the author makes clear that this cannot be the mere case of an environmentalist's condemnation, in fact giving also examples of how environmental concerns are tackled successfully to the profit of all sides (such as the oil fields in Papua New Guinea exploited by Chevron). On the other hand, he makes it plain, why societies sometimes are not willing (or cannot be willing) to face the problems.
He begins by setting the book's main question in the small communities of present-day Montana, where they have to face a decline in living standards and a depletion of natural ressources and goes on to deal with issues like the leak of toxins into the soil, logging, wildfires etc. among others in the course of his argumentation. Diamond provides good and well-reasoned historical and current examples, making the case that many times economic and environmental concerns are one and the same.
I found this book most interesting because the author's explanations and arguments are very convincing and the issues he deals with in his book are of vital importance for the survival of our planet in a way that it might be worthwhile living on it. Moreover, it provides a lot of interesting vocabulary of very different areas, may it be geographical, historical, biological, economical etc.. To cut a long story short: this book is highly recommendable
Mariette Lebrun, 10.30. am
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
ARTICLE ON ADDICTIONS
Smoking addiction
BY P.C
If you see a warning notice on a board: “Danger, keep out”, your usual reaction is to leave the place as soon as it is possible. But, when smokers read or listen to this type of warning about smoking they do not pay any attention to it. Why do smokers smoke nonstop? The answers could be very different. If the smoker has begun smoking as a teenager, it could be only a game and when they know that it is a dangerous habit it might already be too late for them to stop. However, what kind of reasons could smokers use? Sometimes they explain that cigarettes allow them to calm down or even sleep better. What it is more, some smokers say that smoke helps them to breathe better.
After all, this is a lifestyle that smokers have chosen; in fact, smoking is the first activity in the morning, as their bodies are so used to nicotine that they demand an early intake. If they have a coffee, they need to smoke a cigarette as well, if they are stressed, or depressed, happy or sad. And if they want to practise some sport they could play parcheesi, as they are not able to get enough oxygen into their lungs. And, in addition, if the nicotine level drops dramatically and the smoker cannot light one cigarette after another, they will suffer from withdrawal symptoms.
In spite of all those problems, smokers can change this situation. But, not until they are aware of the problem will smoking addiction be solve. A useful suggestion would be to ask for help, it is really hard to be alone. It would be a good idea if they put in writing the reasons why they want to quit smoking. It could also help them if they get support; people whose friends or family help them achieve their aim. Finally, ex-smokers must always remember that they are addicted to cigarettes for the rest of his life in order not to smoke again.
BY P.C
If you see a warning notice on a board: “Danger, keep out”, your usual reaction is to leave the place as soon as it is possible. But, when smokers read or listen to this type of warning about smoking they do not pay any attention to it. Why do smokers smoke nonstop? The answers could be very different. If the smoker has begun smoking as a teenager, it could be only a game and when they know that it is a dangerous habit it might already be too late for them to stop. However, what kind of reasons could smokers use? Sometimes they explain that cigarettes allow them to calm down or even sleep better. What it is more, some smokers say that smoke helps them to breathe better.
After all, this is a lifestyle that smokers have chosen; in fact, smoking is the first activity in the morning, as their bodies are so used to nicotine that they demand an early intake. If they have a coffee, they need to smoke a cigarette as well, if they are stressed, or depressed, happy or sad. And if they want to practise some sport they could play parcheesi, as they are not able to get enough oxygen into their lungs. And, in addition, if the nicotine level drops dramatically and the smoker cannot light one cigarette after another, they will suffer from withdrawal symptoms.
In spite of all those problems, smokers can change this situation. But, not until they are aware of the problem will smoking addiction be solve. A useful suggestion would be to ask for help, it is really hard to be alone. It would be a good idea if they put in writing the reasons why they want to quit smoking. It could also help them if they get support; people whose friends or family help them achieve their aim. Finally, ex-smokers must always remember that they are addicted to cigarettes for the rest of his life in order not to smoke again.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
ARTICLE ON ADDICTIONS
Are you a workaholic?
Do you feel that your working day never ends? Are you still phoning your clients and suppliers even though you have already left work? Do you find it difficult to sleep because you are not able to stop thinking about lots of tasks you have to do the next day?
If the answer to all these questions is yes, then you certainly are a workaholic, which means you are addicted to work. A workaholic can be defined as someone who is obsessed with their job, so they have a craving for working all the time. They suffer from anxiety, helplessness, frustation and insomnia, not to mention the fact that they are always angry. This type of addiction can be dangerous due to the fact that overwork often leads to severe stress, which may result in high blood pressure and this is actually a risk factor in heart disease.
Therefore, my piece of advice is very simple: RELAX!. You are not superman, so do not try to do three day's work in just one and make sure you switch off the moment you close your office door. I would also advise you to exercise at least twenty minutes three times a week. I could not tell you enough how important this is. During exercise endorphins- also known as 'happy hormones'- are released and, consequently, not only will you feel more cheerful but you will also sleep much better. Besides, make time to be with your family and friends and, last but not least, consider taking a holiday as frequently as necessary. Remember, you must work in order to live, not live in order to work.(A.B)
Do you feel that your working day never ends? Are you still phoning your clients and suppliers even though you have already left work? Do you find it difficult to sleep because you are not able to stop thinking about lots of tasks you have to do the next day?
If the answer to all these questions is yes, then you certainly are a workaholic, which means you are addicted to work. A workaholic can be defined as someone who is obsessed with their job, so they have a craving for working all the time. They suffer from anxiety, helplessness, frustation and insomnia, not to mention the fact that they are always angry. This type of addiction can be dangerous due to the fact that overwork often leads to severe stress, which may result in high blood pressure and this is actually a risk factor in heart disease.
Therefore, my piece of advice is very simple: RELAX!. You are not superman, so do not try to do three day's work in just one and make sure you switch off the moment you close your office door. I would also advise you to exercise at least twenty minutes three times a week. I could not tell you enough how important this is. During exercise endorphins- also known as 'happy hormones'- are released and, consequently, not only will you feel more cheerful but you will also sleep much better. Besides, make time to be with your family and friends and, last but not least, consider taking a holiday as frequently as necessary. Remember, you must work in order to live, not live in order to work.(A.B)
Saturday, February 27, 2010
ARTICLE ON ADDICTIONS
Television Addiction by E.V
Do you spend a great deal of time watching television more often than you intend? Do you sense that you ought not to watch as much as you do and yet find yourself unable to cut down on the amount of hours you spend in front of the TV ?
If the answer is '' Yes '' you could be a television addict. This term can apply to people who watch a lot of television. That does not mean that television cannot teach and amuse: not only can it provide a much needed distraction but also an escape from stress or daily routine problems. The difficulty arises when people stop watching it and TV addicts start suffering from withdrawal symptoms leading to agitation and anxiety.To make matters worse, scientists,who have studied the effects of television, warn that watching violence on TV correlates with being violent in real life.
Would you like to overcome your addiction? Most importantly, you should be aware of your problem and recognize that the habit interferes with the ability to lead an active life. Consider taking part in outdoor and indoor sports or you can just go for a walk so as to relieve your anxiety. If you do not like doing physical exercise, you may attend some art classes in order to relax or lessons to brush up your knowledge to name but a few. As with many addictions, if you are not able to tackle it by yourself, you should ask a psychologist for help because TV addiction does constitute a kind of dependence and should be taken seriously.
Do you spend a great deal of time watching television more often than you intend? Do you sense that you ought not to watch as much as you do and yet find yourself unable to cut down on the amount of hours you spend in front of the TV ?
If the answer is '' Yes '' you could be a television addict. This term can apply to people who watch a lot of television. That does not mean that television cannot teach and amuse: not only can it provide a much needed distraction but also an escape from stress or daily routine problems. The difficulty arises when people stop watching it and TV addicts start suffering from withdrawal symptoms leading to agitation and anxiety.To make matters worse, scientists,who have studied the effects of television, warn that watching violence on TV correlates with being violent in real life.
Would you like to overcome your addiction? Most importantly, you should be aware of your problem and recognize that the habit interferes with the ability to lead an active life. Consider taking part in outdoor and indoor sports or you can just go for a walk so as to relieve your anxiety. If you do not like doing physical exercise, you may attend some art classes in order to relax or lessons to brush up your knowledge to name but a few. As with many addictions, if you are not able to tackle it by yourself, you should ask a psychologist for help because TV addiction does constitute a kind of dependence and should be taken seriously.
ARTICLE ON ADDICTIONS
T.V SHOPAHOLIC
Do you feel over the moon when you buy the last gadget sold on T.V which will “change your life”? Do you watch the T.V Shopping Channel for long hours? Do you pick up the phone every time you hear:”if you call now you will get a 50%off”? And finally, do you find yourself buying things you do not really want?
If so, then the chances are that you are a T.V Shopaholic. This kind of addict feels moody and frustrated if they cannot get the latest gadgets as “The Body shaper”, which transforms your figure, ”The Nicer Dicer” ,which helps you to cook faster, or “The Easy-painter”, which helps you to paint your walls in a very easy way. They think that not only will it be useful but it will also make them as happy as the people in the advert seem to be.
The root of the problem might be a depression that can result in this compulsive shopping. Another possibility is to consider this behaviour as a defense mechanism to avoid feelings of loneliness, lack of self-esteem or even the empty nest syndrome.
The first step to solve this situation is to admit that you do have a problem. Once you become aware of this, you should try to discover the feelings you are trying to avoid. You can ask your family or friends for help. You can also try to spend quality time. If it does not work you should ask for professional assistance. It is after trying all this that everything will fall back into place. (P.V)
Do you feel over the moon when you buy the last gadget sold on T.V which will “change your life”? Do you watch the T.V Shopping Channel for long hours? Do you pick up the phone every time you hear:”if you call now you will get a 50%off”? And finally, do you find yourself buying things you do not really want?
If so, then the chances are that you are a T.V Shopaholic. This kind of addict feels moody and frustrated if they cannot get the latest gadgets as “The Body shaper”, which transforms your figure, ”The Nicer Dicer” ,which helps you to cook faster, or “The Easy-painter”, which helps you to paint your walls in a very easy way. They think that not only will it be useful but it will also make them as happy as the people in the advert seem to be.
The root of the problem might be a depression that can result in this compulsive shopping. Another possibility is to consider this behaviour as a defense mechanism to avoid feelings of loneliness, lack of self-esteem or even the empty nest syndrome.
The first step to solve this situation is to admit that you do have a problem. Once you become aware of this, you should try to discover the feelings you are trying to avoid. You can ask your family or friends for help. You can also try to spend quality time. If it does not work you should ask for professional assistance. It is after trying all this that everything will fall back into place. (P.V)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
ARTICLE: INTERNET ADDICTION
ARE YOU AN INTERNET ADDICT?
Do you spend more than three hours a day surfing the net? Do you use the internet as your main way of being informed? Do you usually read e-books instead of real ones? Do you send e-mails to your friends to keep in touch with them? Are you hooked on Messenger and Facebook? Are you a computer geek?
Take time to think about it. If you cannot live without doing these things above, you could be an internet addict. An internet addict can be defined as someone who suffers from a compulsion to check their email more than twice a day and to visit just about twenty websites while they are chatting with ten friends at the same time. Not only do they have a craving for surfing the net each time they are near a computer, but they also take their laptop everywhere. What is more, internet addicts probably have a mobile phone with access to the internet. What could be interesting is to chat with strangers and with people all over the world. However, those who chat with their neighbours, friends or workmates instead of having a coffee with them and talking face-to-face could have a big communication problem. Other symptoms include insomnia, eye strain and headache due to spending long hours in front of the screen visiting websites you do not really need. How a terrible dependence on computers they have!
So, what can you do if you consider yourself an internet addict? I recommend not wasting your time on the internet, make sure you only use it when you really need it. Most importantly, learn how to use it in an appropriate way. Only when you use it properly will you be aware how useful it could be without hurting yourself and wasting your time. (E.A)
Do you spend more than three hours a day surfing the net? Do you use the internet as your main way of being informed? Do you usually read e-books instead of real ones? Do you send e-mails to your friends to keep in touch with them? Are you hooked on Messenger and Facebook? Are you a computer geek?
Take time to think about it. If you cannot live without doing these things above, you could be an internet addict. An internet addict can be defined as someone who suffers from a compulsion to check their email more than twice a day and to visit just about twenty websites while they are chatting with ten friends at the same time. Not only do they have a craving for surfing the net each time they are near a computer, but they also take their laptop everywhere. What is more, internet addicts probably have a mobile phone with access to the internet. What could be interesting is to chat with strangers and with people all over the world. However, those who chat with their neighbours, friends or workmates instead of having a coffee with them and talking face-to-face could have a big communication problem. Other symptoms include insomnia, eye strain and headache due to spending long hours in front of the screen visiting websites you do not really need. How a terrible dependence on computers they have!
So, what can you do if you consider yourself an internet addict? I recommend not wasting your time on the internet, make sure you only use it when you really need it. Most importantly, learn how to use it in an appropriate way. Only when you use it properly will you be aware how useful it could be without hurting yourself and wasting your time. (E.A)
ARTICLE ON ADDICTIONS: BEING A SHOPAHOLIC
ARE YOU A SHOPAHOLIC?
Do you spend most of your spare time in the shops of your city? Can you stay for more than five minutes in front of a show window? Do you usually examine every dummy you see so as to buy the clothes it has on? Do you feel the urge to buy something whenever you go to a shop? Are you the kind of person who cannot help wasting all the saved money, if any? Do you think you live beyond your means? Do you usually go on a shopping binge?
If your answers are positive, then there is no doubt that you are addicted to shopping. In fact, a shopaholic can be defined as a person whose compulsion to buy unnecessary things leads them to be in the red. The main characteristics of this kind of people are an addiction to looking for any bargains, an obsession with purchasing stuff that they may already have at home, and withdrawal symptoms if they do not have any money left to buy that trendy and unique shirt! The underlying causes of this kind of addiction are psychological.
Then what can I suggest to a potential shopaholic? First of all, you need to be aware of your dependence to purchasing, as well as be willing to get rid of your problem. To get to grips to this situation, make sure you leave your credit cards behind when you are likely to go past a shop. Having a nest egg could be a good goal you could set yourself. Hardly ever will you go on holiday if you do not have money for a rainy day! However, you should not forget to give yourself a treat from time to time. So, the sooner you start following this tips, the better off you will feel. Not only will you have more quality time for yourself, but you may also prevent your husband from being that furious with you!
S.C
Do you spend most of your spare time in the shops of your city? Can you stay for more than five minutes in front of a show window? Do you usually examine every dummy you see so as to buy the clothes it has on? Do you feel the urge to buy something whenever you go to a shop? Are you the kind of person who cannot help wasting all the saved money, if any? Do you think you live beyond your means? Do you usually go on a shopping binge?
If your answers are positive, then there is no doubt that you are addicted to shopping. In fact, a shopaholic can be defined as a person whose compulsion to buy unnecessary things leads them to be in the red. The main characteristics of this kind of people are an addiction to looking for any bargains, an obsession with purchasing stuff that they may already have at home, and withdrawal symptoms if they do not have any money left to buy that trendy and unique shirt! The underlying causes of this kind of addiction are psychological.
Then what can I suggest to a potential shopaholic? First of all, you need to be aware of your dependence to purchasing, as well as be willing to get rid of your problem. To get to grips to this situation, make sure you leave your credit cards behind when you are likely to go past a shop. Having a nest egg could be a good goal you could set yourself. Hardly ever will you go on holiday if you do not have money for a rainy day! However, you should not forget to give yourself a treat from time to time. So, the sooner you start following this tips, the better off you will feel. Not only will you have more quality time for yourself, but you may also prevent your husband from being that furious with you!
S.C
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Book review: Felicia's journey.
Review
Felicia's journey is the story of a young girl from Ireland who goes to England in order to find
Jonny, her loved one, because she is pregnant. At first, when you realize what the story is about, you think
that it is the typical book with the typical love story. But it is not!
In her journey she meets Mr Hitdich, a strange man. The main story is the relationship between
Felicia and this man who is "obsessed" with her. He pretends he is helping her to find Jonny
but he lies to her and steals her money so that she stays with him longer. But, at the end of the book, she discovers
that it is all a lie and she escapes from him. He acts as if nothing had happened but he gets
more obsessed.
It is a book which keeps your curiosity until the final pages. It is not difficult to understand the main plot, but sometimes there are
some chapters that are difficult to understand because the story back down in time a llot of times, and you do not
realize it at first. It is a good book, I have enjoyed it!
N.G
Felicia's journey is the story of a young girl from Ireland who goes to England in order to find
Jonny, her loved one, because she is pregnant. At first, when you realize what the story is about, you think
that it is the typical book with the typical love story. But it is not!
In her journey she meets Mr Hitdich, a strange man. The main story is the relationship between
Felicia and this man who is "obsessed" with her. He pretends he is helping her to find Jonny
but he lies to her and steals her money so that she stays with him longer. But, at the end of the book, she discovers
that it is all a lie and she escapes from him. He acts as if nothing had happened but he gets
more obsessed.
It is a book which keeps your curiosity until the final pages. It is not difficult to understand the main plot, but sometimes there are
some chapters that are difficult to understand because the story back down in time a llot of times, and you do not
realize it at first. It is a good book, I have enjoyed it!
N.G
ARTICLE ON ADDICTIONS: BEING BULIMIC
Are you bulimic?
Do you frequently feel the urge to devour whatever food within your reach? And afterwards, when you cannot tolerate such a huge amount of food in your stomach, do you put a finger in your throat to provoke vomiting? Or do you work out until you are exhausted?
If your answers to these questions are positive, then it is highly probable that you are suffering from bulimia. That is an eating disorder which is characterized by recurrent binge eating. People (mostly women) who suffer from bulimia do not have any control over what they gobble during the episode of binge eating. They are not able to stop it or control what or how much they are wolfing down. In order to prevent weight gain, they fall back upon inappropriate compensatory behaviour, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or other medication, excessive exercise etc.. Bulimia can be triggered off by periods of stress, traumatic events or a lack of self-confidence. It is rather difficult to detect because bulimics tend to be of average or slightly above or below average weight. Severe physical consequences might result from bulimia like chronic gastoric reflux, dehydration and dental health problems due to the acid passed through the mouth from frequent vomiting or the electrolyte imbalance that might provoke a cardiac arrest.
So, how can a bulimic be helped? First of all, the person affected has to get aware of the problem. Then, it is only professional aid what can remedy it. As bulimia is related to depression or general anxiety disorder, make a point of going to a psychotherapist (in the best cases) or getting hospitalized in a specialized centre (in the severe cases), where they not only deal with this kind of addiction, but also attend to the physical health problems related to it. (M.L)
Do you frequently feel the urge to devour whatever food within your reach? And afterwards, when you cannot tolerate such a huge amount of food in your stomach, do you put a finger in your throat to provoke vomiting? Or do you work out until you are exhausted?
If your answers to these questions are positive, then it is highly probable that you are suffering from bulimia. That is an eating disorder which is characterized by recurrent binge eating. People (mostly women) who suffer from bulimia do not have any control over what they gobble during the episode of binge eating. They are not able to stop it or control what or how much they are wolfing down. In order to prevent weight gain, they fall back upon inappropriate compensatory behaviour, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or other medication, excessive exercise etc.. Bulimia can be triggered off by periods of stress, traumatic events or a lack of self-confidence. It is rather difficult to detect because bulimics tend to be of average or slightly above or below average weight. Severe physical consequences might result from bulimia like chronic gastoric reflux, dehydration and dental health problems due to the acid passed through the mouth from frequent vomiting or the electrolyte imbalance that might provoke a cardiac arrest.
So, how can a bulimic be helped? First of all, the person affected has to get aware of the problem. Then, it is only professional aid what can remedy it. As bulimia is related to depression or general anxiety disorder, make a point of going to a psychotherapist (in the best cases) or getting hospitalized in a specialized centre (in the severe cases), where they not only deal with this kind of addiction, but also attend to the physical health problems related to it. (M.L)
ARTICLE: INTERNET ADDICTION
(IAD) INTERNET ADDICTION DISORDER
Are you an Internet addict? Do you have problems with spending too much time online? Do you frequently neglect family, friendships, and social activities to surf the Net? Are you moody and irritable if you are separated from your computer?
If the first thing you do every day is to switch on your laptop, you could be an Internet addict. An Internet addict can be defined as someone who has a compulsive over-use of the Internet. The main symptoms are an anti-social behaviour and a compulsion to be online, which takes precedence over everything else. In addition, not only can you have problems of insomnia and eye strain due to constant reading the screen, but you also will have problems of communication because of the voluntary isolation. Internet addiction is one of the most common forms of addiction nowadays.
What makes the Internet so addictive? The root of the problem is the desire to spend the greatest amount of time online – whether it is via e-mail, a discussion forum, chat, or a game online – exchanging information, support, and chit-chat with other people like themselves.
So, what can you do if you think you may be an Internet addict? The key is to find out the cause of your problems and then look for solutions. Get your life back in balance and analyse your priorities making a point of spending quality time with your family and friends and making time face-to-face conversations. You will rediscover the pleasure of true relationships. If it does not work, please hire the services of a psychologist.
(M.U)
Are you an Internet addict? Do you have problems with spending too much time online? Do you frequently neglect family, friendships, and social activities to surf the Net? Are you moody and irritable if you are separated from your computer?
If the first thing you do every day is to switch on your laptop, you could be an Internet addict. An Internet addict can be defined as someone who has a compulsive over-use of the Internet. The main symptoms are an anti-social behaviour and a compulsion to be online, which takes precedence over everything else. In addition, not only can you have problems of insomnia and eye strain due to constant reading the screen, but you also will have problems of communication because of the voluntary isolation. Internet addiction is one of the most common forms of addiction nowadays.
What makes the Internet so addictive? The root of the problem is the desire to spend the greatest amount of time online – whether it is via e-mail, a discussion forum, chat, or a game online – exchanging information, support, and chit-chat with other people like themselves.
So, what can you do if you think you may be an Internet addict? The key is to find out the cause of your problems and then look for solutions. Get your life back in balance and analyse your priorities making a point of spending quality time with your family and friends and making time face-to-face conversations. You will rediscover the pleasure of true relationships. If it does not work, please hire the services of a psychologist.
(M.U)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
St Valentine's Day
If you want to know a bit about the history of St. Valentine's day, whether you love or hate this date, you can watch this video.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
SHROVE TUESDAY
Well, next Tuesday, Feb 16, is called Shrove Tuesday or pancake Tuesday. It's the day just before Ash Wednesday, when, traditionally, fasting begins and you have to give up eating altogether or at least certain things. So in the past people used to cook pancakes to avoid throwing away eggs and milk. If you want to enjoy Shrove Tuesday and cook some delicious pancakes, follow this easy recipe.
If you want to know a bit more about this tradition and how it's celebrated in England, you can watch this video of a pancake race in London.
Happy Carnival!!!
If you want to know a bit more about this tradition and how it's celebrated in England, you can watch this video of a pancake race in London.
Happy Carnival!!!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
E-mails
Very easy listening piece on e-mails. You're going to love it because you're going to understand everything. Great website to practise listening and other skills. I've posted the link next to the others on the right-hand side of the blog. Click here.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
BOOK REVIEW: "DEATH OF A SALESMAN"
REVIEW “DEATH OF A SALESMAN”
BY PILAR COTRINA SALAZAR
I have read “Death of a salesman” by Arthur Miller and although I admit that it is a very well written play and undoubtedly a classic one, I don’t like the atmosphere and the plot of this play. The book transmitted the desperation of a man who is a failure and is constantly tormented not only by his very bleak future, facing being fired, but he is also obsessed with a moment in his past; the moment when his own beloved elder son found out he had a lover, which resulted in losing all respect for him as a father. This became a turning point in the story.
Life is sad enough and this is a very blue drama to read. We can see as the main character thinks that he is worth more death than alive- a very dark thought, indeed.
BY PILAR COTRINA SALAZAR
I have read “Death of a salesman” by Arthur Miller and although I admit that it is a very well written play and undoubtedly a classic one, I don’t like the atmosphere and the plot of this play. The book transmitted the desperation of a man who is a failure and is constantly tormented not only by his very bleak future, facing being fired, but he is also obsessed with a moment in his past; the moment when his own beloved elder son found out he had a lover, which resulted in losing all respect for him as a father. This became a turning point in the story.
Life is sad enough and this is a very blue drama to read. We can see as the main character thinks that he is worth more death than alive- a very dark thought, indeed.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
MOBILE PHONES AND TEXTMESSAGING
Listen to this article on the topic we've been discussing in class. Click here
TEXT MESSAGES
We've been talking about text messages and this new language. Test yourselves through a crossword. click here
You can learn some abbreviations here.
You can also check some more vocabulary and facts about texting here.
You can learn some abbreviations here.
You can also check some more vocabulary and facts about texting here.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
An Autobiography
My name is M. I was born on March 21st 1961, here in Valladolid. I am the third of five siblings. My father worked long hours in his own building supply store. My Mother looked after us and my grandfather. I went to a primary school run by nuns and when I look back on my childhood I remember it as a happy period in which I played with my sister and brothers in a house full of joy and fun.
At school I started to make friends and nowadays we are still in touch. I think that school friends are the best in life. It was during this period that I developed an interest in drawing and painting, in fact in my memories I was always with a pencil case crammed with pencil colours and watercolours, and I used to win prizes in school drawing competitions. This skill was probably the most important thing to earn a living.
After leaving school I went to university where I graduated as an architect and then got a place as a teacher at the Architectural School of Valladolid. At the same time I set up my own studio of architecture with a colleague. But one of my most important turning points was when I met Paco, a salesman. We kept in touch after that, and to cut a long story short, we got married a year later and settled in Santovenia de Pisuerga, a village near Valladolid.
Upon our arrival I did my doctoral thesis and after that we did the most important thing in our lives, we went to China to adopt two little girls, our daughters, the most beautiful princesses in the world and then I became a super mother forever. Now, my long-term plan is to bring our children up and learn English and Chinese in order to help them in their studies, and of course, to continue teaching young people how to enjoy drawing.
At school I started to make friends and nowadays we are still in touch. I think that school friends are the best in life. It was during this period that I developed an interest in drawing and painting, in fact in my memories I was always with a pencil case crammed with pencil colours and watercolours, and I used to win prizes in school drawing competitions. This skill was probably the most important thing to earn a living.
After leaving school I went to university where I graduated as an architect and then got a place as a teacher at the Architectural School of Valladolid. At the same time I set up my own studio of architecture with a colleague. But one of my most important turning points was when I met Paco, a salesman. We kept in touch after that, and to cut a long story short, we got married a year later and settled in Santovenia de Pisuerga, a village near Valladolid.
Upon our arrival I did my doctoral thesis and after that we did the most important thing in our lives, we went to China to adopt two little girls, our daughters, the most beautiful princesses in the world and then I became a super mother forever. Now, my long-term plan is to bring our children up and learn English and Chinese in order to help them in their studies, and of course, to continue teaching young people how to enjoy drawing.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
English
English. The new disease?
It pours out of television speakers and computer screens
Disregarding Babel with its very cocky fluency
Sticking on its labellings at every opportunity.
Nothing’s safe; it won’t stop when it begins to spread
it dominates the airwaves and reigns/rains on the internet
leaving cultures altered and confused as to what’s what
turns the dialecting of the youths to a hotch-potch
rag-tag scrabble bag; everyone’s affected
the little languages will not survive unprotected.
So hold your own, but get a firm hold of English
and every last one of us shall be a multilinguist …”
It pours out of television speakers and computer screens
Disregarding Babel with its very cocky fluency
Sticking on its labellings at every opportunity.
Nothing’s safe; it won’t stop when it begins to spread
it dominates the airwaves and reigns/rains on the internet
leaving cultures altered and confused as to what’s what
turns the dialecting of the youths to a hotch-potch
rag-tag scrabble bag; everyone’s affected
the little languages will not survive unprotected.
So hold your own, but get a firm hold of English
and every last one of us shall be a multilinguist …”
Saturday, January 16, 2010
New Year's resolutions
You know every year we start the New Year in January feeling guilty about something we didn't do last year, or something we did wrong, that is to say, feeling guilty about something we would like to change. That's the reason why we make New Year's resolutions, promises that we'll probably break very soon. Listen to this BBC radio programme about the subject. Click here.
Superstar Kesha
Do you know Kesha and her latest song? Here there's a radio interview for you to listen to. Listen and read the article.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The curious incident of the dog in th...
The curious incident of the dog in the night time tells us the story of a very special boy with autism who does not know anything about emotions. Really surprising it is when he achieves everything he wants, because he is a really clever child, and he demonstrates it whenever he talks about maths, some planets, or whatever it comes to his mind.
This book is amusing and really interesting. I must confess that it is kind of tedious at the beginning, since nothing really interesting happens there, and the little boy always tells the same things. But as you go through its pages, you realise that you have got hooked! Then, there is a sad part of the book which touches your heart (at least it has certainly touched mine) and ever since that moment our emotions get compromised.
So, if I were you, I would not miss the oportunity of reading it, definitely.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
My
AUTOBIOGRAPHY
I was born in a rainy morning on the twelfth of October 1986. One of my mother’s sisters gave my mum the idea of calling me Cristina. When I think about it I feel happy that she was there, I really like my name! My childhood was quite ordinary, even though I still have bad memories about school because it was hard for me to make friends. When I had to attend high school at the age of twelve I found myself shy and not talkative at all. I was pretty afraid of meeting new people but year after year I became more sociable and I learnt that there are also good people out of my family.
Later on, when I began my last year at highschool, before I graduated; things went better. I met some of my current friends and I myself changed a lot beacause I realized that things are not so difficult if you work hard and you truly believe in your possibilities.That way my goal was about to come. In the last year in high school I failed two subjects. I found myself so sick and tired that I decided to drop out . As a result, my family was not exactly happy and proud of me so I was rather uncomfortable at home; I argued too often with my parents and things like that. I felt I was the odd-one out. But I was not wasting my time, of course, I started to work really hard on my music in order to improve it because it had been very neglected and that was all my fault. After a year working on dead-end jobs I realized that I was going nowhere, just trapping myself in a vicious circle of getting money but not being happy and satisfied with my life. I did not want to continue like that.
However, I had to make a very difficult decision, my music was improving and my English too but I had to continue working. What of these three things did I have to give up? The correct answer was music, the hardest one for me, but I did . I promised myself to take it up again after I graduated from high school. Despite the fact that it was hard, it was at the same time the best and most grown-up decision I have ever made in my whole life. A new chapter of my life was beginning, but I was not aware of it back then. In my new high school I met really nice people and I made a new friend whose name is Cristina, as anybody could guess, this fact turned out to be a funny situation the day we were introduced to each other. Besides, we both hit it off immediately.
Naturally, I passed my language and final exams at high school. Nowadays, I am working hard to improve my performance in music and my foreing languages. I do not know if I will get my goal in a few years’ time but at the very least I am trying my best! (C.S)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
CHILDHOOD
Quiz on childhood and vocabulary related. Some of those useful phrasal verbs which can be a bit confusing at times! From BBC Learning English.
autobiographies to be published on January 2010
I was born on December 16th 1989 in the city where I still live: Valladolid. I have a sister who is five years older than me. But there are five of us in my family: my parents, my elder sister and my grandmother from my mother’s side, who is living with us. My parents used to work when I was a child, so it was my grandparents who brought my sister and me up. It was them who walked us to school too. Looking back on my childhood I remember it as a blissful period of my life.
***************
A few months ago I finally got my Ph degree in Organic Chemistry, which is undoubtedly the highlight of my university career. In six months’ time I will sit an examination for secondary school teacher. I am hoping that in one years’ time I will teach secondary-school pupils and, who knows, maybe I might be able to arouse their interest in science after all! (A.M)
I hope, that in four years´
time I will finish my degree, and I would like to marry and to have a
child. It would be very interesting to get a well-paid satisfying job,
but , nowadays, that is very difficult. However, I hope that in four years´ time the world will have changed for the better in the job market. If that does not happen, I would like to go abroad to improve my English, and this way, my chances of employment will improve. (L.M)
At the age of eight, my family was given an exceptional dog,
Seper. At first, I was frightened of it because it was much bigger than
me and, as any puppy, it did not stop playing. As time went on,
however, I became very fond of it, needless to say how sad I was when
it died eleven years later.
I am currently doing some training in a company and when I finish
it in three months' time I would like to get a job related to the
Environment. What is more, in just a few years'
time I might even start a family with my boyfriend, three children plus
a dog sound like a dream come true! (A.B)
To conclude, my whises for the future whould be on one hand set on my children’s health and happiness and on the other hand I would like to go on with my routine, for instance, giving my first class in English in the very near future. In the long term, I would like to share many grandchildren with my husband, see them running around as we age and, from time to time, travel and relax together. (P.C)
However, all of a sudden, almost everything in my life changed. When I was eleven, my grandfather underwent an operation which left him paralyzed down one side. I had to come to terms with that and look after him. Really difficult it was to adapt to that new but awkward situation at the same time. As time went by, I could live with it. It was then when I realised that I was growing up faster than anyone else of my same age. Nonetheless, the turning point of my life was his death. It took me as much as two years to get over it.
But regardless of that dramatic experience I had to go through, my feeling is that I have always been a very happy and lucky person. The main reason why I think that is because my family are a close-knit one, and I have always been fulfilled in each field of my life. If I happen to have children someday, I will definitely bring them up as I have been. (S.C)
***************
I was born as the middle child between two sisters and was raised in a very small village in the east of Thailand. My father used to work abroad as a chef and my mother, apart from running a beauty salon, had other sideline jobs. As a result, they did not have much time to spend with us and the memories of the five of us together are very vague and rare. I went to a local Christian-run elementary school, which, like many other religious schools in the country, organized a lot of extracurricular activities for its students. They kept me busy and far from feeling lonely and abandoned. In fact, looking back on my childhood, I remember it as the happiest and most carefree chapter of my life.
At the age of 12, I started attending secondary school in Amphur Muang, which was the most important city in my province. It was during this period that I learned to be more responsible and self-reliant. As my parents continued to be wrapped up in their work, my sisters and I had to take care of all the household chores. Besides, we all got our first job as waiters at a local restaurant in order to earn some extra pocket money. At school, I made a few friends, and would follow them around like a puppy and let them make decisions for me. I entered the sciences program with them while my true interest lay in languages and arts. I did not have a mind of my own. Nevertheless, I came to my senses in my final year of high school, which, come to think of it, marked a major turning point for me. I took control of my life and learned French on my own, so I could have a shot at getting a place to study humanities at a state university.
The year 1996 meant a big change in my social life. I moved to Bangkok for my university studies and lived in a dormitory, sharing a room with three other students. It was there that I learned to live with other people, compromise and be more tolerant. At school, I was very self-conscious at first, fearing that my classmates would think of me as a “hick” but as time went by, we grew to accept one another exactly as we were. In fact, most of my bosom friends now are those I met at university. Soon after my graduation, I started to work as a sales clerk at a small jewelry store. It was definitely the most difficult time for me as I was struggling to make ends meet with an overly underpaid job. After a couple of years, I finally caught a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel and things started to turn around when I was offered a job as a research assistant at a university in Bangkok. I worked there for almost a year and in 2005 I was awarded a scholarship to do a Master’s Degree in Translation in Spain.
During my first few weeks here, I felt very gloomy as I could barely get by with my broken Spanish, let alone understand what was being said in class, so I decided to take it more seriously. A few months later, my Spanish improved substantially and I began to feel happier. However, shortlyafter finishing my MA two years ago, I fell into a deep depression, torn between going back to Thailand to start a career and staying on a little longer to master my Spanish skills. Luckily, things fell right into place when a couple of weeks afterward I happened to find a part-time job, which helped convince me to stay. I enrolled in a PhD program in the same field that week and I am currently working on my thesis. Although I do not know what the future has in store for me, I try to live my life optimistically while pursuing my dream of becoming a lecturer of Spanish at a Thai university one day. (S.J)
******************
I was born in Oviedo, Asturias, on 16th October 1978, at the same time as John Paul II was named Pope. I am the eldest of two siblings and part of a close-knit family. When I look back on my childhood I remember it as a happy period. I have fond memories of my first school, where I spent the first twelve years as a schoolgirl, weekends at my grandparents’ and endless summers with my cousins in a fishing village in Galicia.
However, all that changed abruptly when at the age of fifteen we had to move to Valladolid. The first year was chaotic. We moved home three times and I started to attend higher secondary-education course in a cold and elitist school, very different from the old one. At first I was longing for my previous life in Asturias. As time went on, however, I slowly started to make friends and I got used to living here.
After leaving school I got a place to study Chemistry at university and gained my degree five years later. In my final year I got in touch with a research group and I started to train in their laboratory. It was during that period I developed an interest on research work and got a scholarship for the PhD. Around this time I had the chance of giving lessons and talks to other students, and was then when I realized that what really fascinated me was teaching.
A few months ago I finally got my Ph degree in Organic Chemistry, which is undoubtedly the highlight of my university career. In six months’ time I will sit an examination for secondary school teacher. I am hoping that in one years’ time I will teach secondary-school pupils and, who knows, maybe I might be able to arouse their interest in science after all! (A.M)
********************
I was born on January 13th 1962 in Cologne/Germany and I have two elder brothers. My childhood was marked by the fact that both parents were traumatized by what they had experienced during World War II. I knew my father only as a sick person and I remember him always sitting in his armchair, wrapped in a blanket and reading some book, whereas my mother was haunted by nightmares and therefore used to take sleeping pills. On holiday we always went to Belgium and France to visit my grandparents and other relatives.
Although I had been really keen on attending primary school, after a while it turned out to be a bit boring. Nevertheless, in 1983 I finished secondary school and started to study history, politics and hispanism at Cologne University. Two years later I was granted a scholarship to do two years of field studies in Argentina and Chile and eventually graduated at Cologne University in 1990.
My first job was teaching German to foreign students at Cologne University. After a year I changed my job and started to work in a NGO that was aimed to help children in need in the so called Third World. However, since my suggestions for improvements remained futile, I then decided to make an another change. While I went on working there, I did the required pedagogical studies in order to become a teacher. From 1999 onwards I worked at the European School of Bornheim/Germany.
In 1994 I got married. But, six years later, my husband lost his health due to a stroke, and since the doctors told us he would be better off in his home country, in 2003 we moved to Spain. For several reasons, I have not been able to re-establish my professional life here. So, I have made a training as a translator, hoping to be able to establish soon as a freelance, translating and teaching languages. (M.L)
********************
I
was born on August 11th 1990 in the city of Burgos. My parents already
lived in Valladolid when this happened but my mother wanted me to be
born in Burgos so, to her amazement, her desire came true. Most of my relatives live there and my parents had to move here because of my father’s job. There are four of us living in Valladolid , including me. I live with my mother, my father, and my brother, who is older than me.
Here in Valladolid is where I have grown up. At the age of six I started school and I finished when I was eleven. But I did not study in the same school all that period; I changed to another one when I was nine. This event was
a big step because in that new school I met some of the most important
people in my life right now. When I was nine years old I started learning how to play the guitar and after some years I started playing the piano and then the violin for the last two years. Unfortunately, I gave them up when I was seventeen. I wish I had not had to do it but I had to choose between my studies and music so I went for the more important choice from my point of view.
After leaving school I went to high
school for six years. I finished at the age of eighteen and I started
university. In my first year there, I was accepted in Chemistry but I realized that I did not like it at all so the next year I applied for another degree. Fortunately,
I was accepted in Speech Therapy. Now I am in the first year of this
degree and I like it very much, so I expect to finish it successfully. (C.S)
*****************************
My name is Laura Moncada. I was born on December 15th 1982 in Valladolid. I am an only child. I did not have
any brothers or sisters to play with, but I had a happy childhood
because I had a very big family, and a lot of cousins to play with. When
I was a child, my father travelled a lot around the world and I was
looked after by my mother, but when my father returned from his trips,
we enjoyed doing a lot of activities together.
any brothers or sisters to play with, but I had a happy childhood
because I had a very big family, and a lot of cousins to play with. When
I was a child, my father travelled a lot around the world and I was
looked after by my mother, but when my father returned from his trips,
we enjoyed doing a lot of activities together.
I studied in a convent school called "Hijas de
Jesús". I had a lot of friends, and this period of time was one of the
happiest periods in my life. Nowadays, I still have the same friends
from my school. We keep in touch and go out at the weekends. One of
these friends is "my special friend". I say "special friend" because I do not
like the word "boyfriend". His name is Javi and I have known him since
we were 5 years old. We started going out togheter 8 years ago.
Jesús". I had a lot of friends, and this period of time was one of the
happiest periods in my life. Nowadays, I still have the same friends
from my school. We keep in touch and go out at the weekends. One of
these friends is "my special friend". I say "special friend" because I do not
like the word "boyfriend". His name is Javi and I have known him since
we were 5 years old. We started going out togheter 8 years ago.
After leaving school, I decided to study Industrial engineering, and I am still studying it now. It is a very
difficult degree, but I like it a lot. Last year, while I was studying,
I applied for a scholarship in a construction company. I had an
interview and was hired. Now, I am working in this firm and I am learning a lot. I think that this experience will be very good for my future.
difficult degree, but I like it a lot. Last year, while I was studying,
I applied for a scholarship in a construction company. I had an
interview and was hired. Now, I am working in this firm and I am learning a lot. I think that this experience will be very good for my future.
I hope, that in four years´
time I will finish my degree, and I would like to marry and to have a
child. It would be very interesting to get a well-paid satisfying job,
but , nowadays, that is very difficult. However, I hope that in four years´ time the world will have changed for the better in the job market. If that does not happen, I would like to go abroad to improve my English, and this way, my chances of employment will improve. (L.M)
*******************************
But life is sometimes unpredictable, and love was the reason that made me move to Valladolid. To cut a long story short, I will say that I married Pedro, my teenage sweetheart and I have lived here in Valladolid ever since. (P.F)
When I look back on my childhood, in my birth place, Oviedo
, I remember it as a very happy period of my life. One of my first
memories leads me to my nursery school. It was a heavenly place for a
child : an ancient stone building surrounded by a land full of old and
gorgeous trees. But, unfortunately as many things in our lives , it didn´t last for ever.
At the age of five I began attending the school I would go to for almost thirteen years. It is quite difficult to summarize those years in a few words. In retrospect,
I consider that my upbringing was quite good. I am the second of five
siblings, and my home was always full of people. My parents tried to
teach us the importance of honesty, generosity, and, especially, the
importance of facing problems with a positive attitude .I believe that
they can be proud of having brought up a very close-knit family.
After getting a degree in Law at the University of Oviedo I studied hard to pass the State exams. Eighteen months later I started working as a teacher in Alicante.
It marked a major turning point for me. In spite of my first fears, all
I can say about this period is that it was a very enriching
experience.
But life is sometimes unpredictable, and love was the reason that made me move to Valladolid. To cut a long story short, I will say that I married Pedro, my teenage sweetheart and I have lived here in Valladolid ever since. (P.F)
*************************************
I was born on October 24th 1979 in a quaint seacoast town in the south-west of Cuba. I was the joy of a close-knit and incredibly never-ending family. I had three brothers, all of them older than me. My parents used to work long hours, thus since the very first days of my life I was sent to a child-day-care centre where ,unlike others, I spent a delightful and pleasant time. I was very active and whenever I look back on those years I remember the early and nevermore, reciter, actress, singer, group leader, contestant child I was; always surrounded by relatives, friends and childminders. On the whole ,I had a happy childhood.
Nonetheless, those sweet and memorable days soon passed away. At the turn of primary school my parents got divorced. That was a real bitter pill for me and I completely ran out of steam. As a result I lost all interest in my studies, lowered the bar, kept away from friends and cried my eyes out every single night. But time puts things to rights so after several months I began to be my old self again. It was then when I decided to take exams to get into senior high and later into university where, after five long years of self-sacrifice, I graduated with honours which was by all accounts the highlight of my career.
After graduating I moved to Havana City and ran my own business as a private teacher to underwrite living costs. Four years later, I came over to Spain and settled down in Valladolid. Since my arrival I have been taking courses of all kinds and I have desperately also been looking for a job with no results. At present I am studying both English and Chinese which I hope will help me to find the most suitable way out to reach my goals. (K.G)
*********************************
On
graduating, I have continued at Valladolid University doing my thesis,
which I hope to finish in some years’ time. I don’t have a clear idea
about my future. Even
though I would obviously like to get a job related to my studies, I
might take a gap year in a foreign country before that; and in due time
I will hopefully have my own family. (E.A)
I was born in Burgos and at the age of one my parents and I came to Valladolid. It was here, four and a half years later, where I stopped being an only child because of the birth of my younger brother. Looking back on my early childhood, I remember living in different villages of my region because my mother works as a secondary school teacher and in those days she had to travel a lot. So, until my mother got a steady place, my brother and I were brougth up mainly by her and we only saw my father at weekends and holidays. Ever since, the four of us have been living together and we are a close-knit family.
I used to be a good student at primary and secondary school where I met good classmates, some of them are still my friends to date. I will never forget going to Italy in my final year, before graduating from High Shool, I really enjoyed that trip a lot. It was such a beautiful country that I would like to go again in the future.
After
leaving High School I got a place at University to study Chemistry. I
consider myself a hard-working person, but at first it was quite hard,
however, as time went on, I started to like it more and to discover how
useful chemistry could be. During this period I also worked as a private teacher, I studied English, I met good friends and these have been by far the happiest years of my life up to now.
On
graduating, I have continued at Valladolid University doing my thesis,
which I hope to finish in some years’ time. I don’t have a clear idea
about my future. Even
though I would obviously like to get a job related to my studies, I
might take a gap year in a foreign country before that; and in due time
I will hopefully have my own family. (E.A)
*****************************
Since my arrival I have been working in
a phone company, but last June I decided to leave my job and look for
something totally different. Maybe I have to start from scratch , I am
on the dole now. I have no cares in the world
and I usually do everything with enthusiasm. Now I am able to spend
much time with my family, specially with my darling daughters, and
friends. I always try to arrange something special for the weekends
such as a drive in the country with the whole family. I believe that
taking care of my family is a job in itself and one that I take great
pride in. Anyway, I hope to achieve one of my dreams one day which is
to own a contryside hotel. (A. G)
My name is A. I was born on the ninth of March 1971 in Madrid. I have two siblings.
My father worked in a factory, he is retired now, and my mother works
as a houswife. We lived in a block of flats and I went to a primary
school opposite my house. So I used to wake up fifteen minutes before
lessons started. I remember my childhood as a wonderful period in my
life. However, when I attended seconday school I had to take the bus at
five past eight in order to be on time. It is easy for me to make
friends , so I enjoyed those years very much, too.
My father worked in a factory, he is retired now, and my mother works
as a houswife. We lived in a block of flats and I went to a primary
school opposite my house. So I used to wake up fifteen minutes before
lessons started. I remember my childhood as a wonderful period in my
life. However, when I attended seconday school I had to take the bus at
five past eight in order to be on time. It is easy for me to make
friends , so I enjoyed those years very much, too.
After leaving school I studied Bussiness
at university and I worked at the weekends in order to pay for my
expenses. I took my degree in 1994. On graduating , I obtained a grant
to colaborate in an international firm. Then I stayed there for three
odd years and worked as a controller in the Budget Department where I
developed my analythical thought, numerancy and ability to manage
projects. I dedicated my life to my job. I worked very hard because I
wanted to be promoted. It was around this time that I met Frank, who meant a major turning point for me. He lived in Valladolid. After four years we got married and I moved to Valladolid with him.
at university and I worked at the weekends in order to pay for my
expenses. I took my degree in 1994. On graduating , I obtained a grant
to colaborate in an international firm. Then I stayed there for three
odd years and worked as a controller in the Budget Department where I
developed my analythical thought, numerancy and ability to manage
projects. I dedicated my life to my job. I worked very hard because I
wanted to be promoted. It was around this time that I met Frank, who meant a major turning point for me. He lived in Valladolid. After four years we got married and I moved to Valladolid with him.
Since my arrival I have been working in
a phone company, but last June I decided to leave my job and look for
something totally different. Maybe I have to start from scratch , I am
on the dole now. I have no cares in the world
and I usually do everything with enthusiasm. Now I am able to spend
much time with my family, specially with my darling daughters, and
friends. I always try to arrange something special for the weekends
such as a drive in the country with the whole family. I believe that
taking care of my family is a job in itself and one that I take great
pride in. Anyway, I hope to achieve one of my dreams one day which is
to own a contryside hotel. (A. G)
*********************************
I was born almost twenty eight years ago on the most important day in the whole year- at least for Christians- 25th December.Ever since I
came into existence, my brother, who had been an only child for three
and a half years, became the typical jealous elder brother. As my
parents both worked, we were brought up by several nannies. I guess we gave all those girls a lot of hassle, because none of them spent more than two months in our house.
came into existence, my brother, who had been an only child for three
and a half years, became the typical jealous elder brother. As my
parents both worked, we were brought up by several nannies. I guess we gave all those girls a lot of hassle, because none of them spent more than two months in our house.
At the age of eight, my family was given an exceptional dog,
Seper. At first, I was frightened of it because it was much bigger than
me and, as any puppy, it did not stop playing. As time went on,
however, I became very fond of it, needless to say how sad I was when
it died eleven years later.
At the age of eighteen, I got a place at university after having
received both primary and secondary education in the same private
convent school. I started to do a Chemistry degree which I am about to
finish. It has taken me a long time, partly because I have been working
all these years but largely because I did not like it much. I would
rather have studied Environmental Science but in those days this degree
did not exist in Valladolid and I did not dare to go away from home.
Looking back, it was the most stupid decision I have ever made.
Nevertheless, owning to my degree, I have met my boyfriend as he is a
private Chemistry tutor.
received both primary and secondary education in the same private
convent school. I started to do a Chemistry degree which I am about to
finish. It has taken me a long time, partly because I have been working
all these years but largely because I did not like it much. I would
rather have studied Environmental Science but in those days this degree
did not exist in Valladolid and I did not dare to go away from home.
Looking back, it was the most stupid decision I have ever made.
Nevertheless, owning to my degree, I have met my boyfriend as he is a
private Chemistry tutor.
I am currently doing some training in a company and when I finish
it in three months' time I would like to get a job related to the
Environment. What is more, in just a few years'
time I might even start a family with my boyfriend, three children plus
a dog sound like a dream come true! (A.B)
************************
I was born in a medium size city called Valladolid. I’m an only child, I have no siblings but many cousins and I remember there were
always some of them at home, spending their holidays or even working in
my father’s office. But looking back, when I was nine years old, I really enjoyed myself. I spent nearly a month of my holidays on the beach with my grandparents, very near my grandmother’s sister's cottage, which was always full of children, so I felt at home and it was a marvellous experience.
During the next years, I was happy too, although I had to work harder than before. I was growing up and the homework and the responsibilities were increasing too. On finishing my physics degree my first turning point took place: my mother passed away in a car accident. I suddenly became an adult.
Several years after I got married, I had my four children. And then I had my worst turning point when one night I had to face these words uttered by an emergency doctor: “Your child has a cancer and we cannot practise any surgery on him ”. It was as if the world as I had known it had come to an end. To cut a long story short, fortunately, he could be treated and finally his illness was cured. But things are not the same now. We are worried about him just in case the cancer comes back, although I am nearly convinced that it will not turn over, but you are not the owner of your fears.
To conclude, my whises for the future whould be on one hand set on my children’s health and happiness and on the other hand I would like to go on with my routine, for instance, giving my first class in English in the very near future. In the long term, I would like to share many grandchildren with my husband, see them running around as we age and, from time to time, travel and relax together. (P.C)
*************************
I was born on November 8th
in a city called Burgos, in the north of Spain. I lived with my parents
and my brother, who was two years younger than me. I was brought up by my parents because they spent a lot of time with my brother and me trying to turn us into good people. At the age of three I started to go to primary school in Río Arlanzon, a school near my house. There I met some of my current friends. When I think about my childhood, I remember it as a very happy period.
Then, nine years later, I finished primary school and I had to change to another school in order to start secondary school. There I made new friends and I also kept in touch with my childhood friends because some of them came with me to the same secondary school. In this period
I started to go out, I had my first love, I made a lot of friends and I
also started to think about becoming a journalist. I tried my best at school getting good marks in order to apply for university, and I graduated in 2007.
After leaving secondary
school, I took a gap year with my group of friends. We did something
called "interrail" which involves travelling by train or bus to a lot of countries at a very low cost. After the gap year, I applied for a place in journalism at Valladolid Univesity. I was offered the place, so I moved to a student residence in Valladolid.
Alhough I live in Valladolid now, I visit my family, friends and my boyfriend, a guy I met three years ago, every weekend in Burgos. Currently, I am studying the second year of journalism and I love it. I hope some day I will be an important journalist. (N.G)
in a city called Burgos, in the north of Spain. I lived with my parents
and my brother, who was two years younger than me. I was brought up by my parents because they spent a lot of time with my brother and me trying to turn us into good people. At the age of three I started to go to primary school in Río Arlanzon, a school near my house. There I met some of my current friends. When I think about my childhood, I remember it as a very happy period.
Then, nine years later, I finished primary school and I had to change to another school in order to start secondary school. There I made new friends and I also kept in touch with my childhood friends because some of them came with me to the same secondary school. In this period
I started to go out, I had my first love, I made a lot of friends and I
also started to think about becoming a journalist. I tried my best at school getting good marks in order to apply for university, and I graduated in 2007.
After leaving secondary
school, I took a gap year with my group of friends. We did something
called "interrail" which involves travelling by train or bus to a lot of countries at a very low cost. After the gap year, I applied for a place in journalism at Valladolid Univesity. I was offered the place, so I moved to a student residence in Valladolid.
Alhough I live in Valladolid now, I visit my family, friends and my boyfriend, a guy I met three years ago, every weekend in Burgos. Currently, I am studying the second year of journalism and I love it. I hope some day I will be an important journalist. (N.G)
************************
After finishing my studies, in June of this year, I got a grant to work in the Spanish news agency Efe for a year. Nowadays, I am working and studying English and Italian and I got a work placement for one year. I hope to find a job because, some day, I would like to rent a flat and live with my boyfriend. (S.R)
My name is S. R. and I was born on January 27th
1985 in a city in the north west of Spain called Valladolid. I was the
oldest of two siblings and part of a close-knit family. My father
worked as a bus driver and my mother was unemployed. I was not brought
up by my granparents, like a lot of friends of mine, because my mother
spent all day with me and my brother, Álvaro. My happiest moments as a
child were when I played with him at home and when we went on holidays
to Torrevieja every summer.
At
the age of five I went to primary school and I remember it as a happy
period. However, things changed when I started secondary school, at
fourteen. I loathed it, but as time went on, I started to make friends
and, three years later met my current boyfriend. It was during this
period that I developed an interest in languages and journalism.
When
I finished secondary school I got a place at the University of
Valladolid. I started to study Chemical Engineering because I thought
that those studies could help me to find a good job in which I earned a
lot of money. However, one year later, I realized that I did not want
to work as an engineer and I dropped out my studies. At the age of
nineteen I started Journalism and two years later I worked in a
newspaper of my region, “El Norte de Castilla”, and in a local
television channel.
After finishing my studies, in June of this year, I got a grant to work in the Spanish news agency Efe for a year. Nowadays, I am working and studying English and Italian and I got a work placement for one year. I hope to find a job because, some day, I would like to rent a flat and live with my boyfriend. (S.R)
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When I look back on
my childhood I remember that I belonged to a traditional Spanish family
where I was the second of four siblings and I was the only girl, so I was very spoilt by my family, especially by my father.
However, all this ended abruptly when at the age of seven my father died and it was a dramatic change in my life because on my father's death, we moved to my grandma's place in a different area. To make matters worse I was sent away to another school; therefore it took me some time to adapt to the change in those days, nevertherless, I attended this place for five years. Fortunately, I finished my Primary school studies in a new one next to my house and it marked a major turning point for me because I had a teacher who infused me with the passion for the English language.
After leaving school I did vocational training but on my second year I dropped out of my technical college to take a gap year in order to work as a babysitter, in a cleaning company and shop assistant
in a supermarket which ended up closing down so I became a
seventeen-year-old unemployed girl who did not want to work for
peanuts so I followed my mother`s advice and I finished my management studies.
On graduating, to cut a long story short, I got engaged to
my boyfriend and we got married two years later. Subsequently, and
according to my strong sense of family, I had my two wonderful children in the following five years but in spite of having a couple of good apportunities to work out of home, I turned them down because I decided to look after my children and bring them up myself and , to be honest, I have never regretted having made that decision. (E.V)
my childhood I remember that I belonged to a traditional Spanish family
where I was the second of four siblings and I was the only girl, so I was very spoilt by my family, especially by my father.
However, all this ended abruptly when at the age of seven my father died and it was a dramatic change in my life because on my father's death, we moved to my grandma's place in a different area. To make matters worse I was sent away to another school; therefore it took me some time to adapt to the change in those days, nevertherless, I attended this place for five years. Fortunately, I finished my Primary school studies in a new one next to my house and it marked a major turning point for me because I had a teacher who infused me with the passion for the English language.
After leaving school I did vocational training but on my second year I dropped out of my technical college to take a gap year in order to work as a babysitter, in a cleaning company and shop assistant
in a supermarket which ended up closing down so I became a
seventeen-year-old unemployed girl who did not want to work for
peanuts so I followed my mother`s advice and I finished my management studies.
On graduating, to cut a long story short, I got engaged to
my boyfriend and we got married two years later. Subsequently, and
according to my strong sense of family, I had my two wonderful children in the following five years but in spite of having a couple of good apportunities to work out of home, I turned them down because I decided to look after my children and bring them up myself and , to be honest, I have never regretted having made that decision. (E.V)
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