Today, the end of the world????

Some articles and videos to watch about the issue, just in case.

• Is the end of the world really nigh?   
• Mayan prophecies: Life after the (non) end of the world  
• Mayan Apocalypse: the end of the world - live!  

 

  The Mayan apocalypse: Guardian guide to the end of the world part 1 - video

And now listen to this song by The Cure: The end of the world   

OUR READERS' PROJECTS BY IES MEDITERRANEO STUDENTS

Here are the links to some projects our students have done about the readers we have to read (you can also find the revised versions in my site ( revised versions in my site  ):

• Cristóbal Tarifa (2º Bachillerato) A FOREIGNER IN NEW YORK >>>>  his blog     
• Elena De la O   (2º Bachillerato) A FOREIGNER IN NEW YORK >>>>   her blog  
• Patricia González  (2º Bachillerato) A FOREIGNER IN NEW YORK  >>>> her blog  
• María Rodríguez (2º Bachillerato) A FOREIGNER IN NEW YORK >>>> her blog   
• Pablo González (2º Bachillerato) A FOREIGNER IN NEW YORK >>>>>  his blog & his project     
• Mireia González 4º ESO C   >>>   Her project  
• Andrea Ligero 4º ESO C    >>>   Her project    
• Oscar Fernández   4º ESO C    >>>   His project   
• María Martín  4º ESO C  >>>> Her project    
• Anna Mª Rodríguez Pöhnlein  2º Bach A   >>>   Her project   

Christmas song for 2012.

CHRISTMAS IS JUST ROUND THE CORNER!!!!

What is your Christmas song for this year? Can you remember last year's suggestions? Click here.

AND DON'T FORGET TO START THINKING ABOUT YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS.

María Rguez 2º bach A 1 
María Martín 4º ESO C   1   2
Cristóbal tarifa 2º bach A   1
Elena De la O 2º bach A   1
Belén Pérez  1
Anna María   1  
Patricia  1

BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU

BIG BROTHER is a reality show that has been on many TV channels in many countries around the world, but what is its origine?

Read about the TV series , its original character and the novel by George Orwell 1984.

And now watch this video.

Just imagine that George Orwell wrote this novel in 1948, just after the Second World War.

Play it again, Sam!

Some days ago it was the 70th annicersary of a great film: CASABLANCA.

Here are some articles related to the topic:

The lessons of 'Casablanca' still apply, as time goes by

Casablanca piano goes up for auction

The housing problem in Spain

Read this article about the problems some Spanish families now have.

Wave of Evictions Leads to Homeless Crisis in Spain

What would be your solutions to the problem?  Whose fault is it?

Read these other articles about the issue:

• Real estate bubble
• United States housing bubble
• Spanish property bubble

TIRED OF POLITICIANS AND POLITICS

Some people are getting really tired of politicians and politics. We have some examples here in Spain, but here's another one of a 4-year-old American girl:

Ordinary people want to live, work, study, sleep... just ordinary lives full of ordinary goals, so let us be!!!!

Make any comments you wish about the issue and tell me about the lyrics of the song by John Lennon.
Some little questions:

1. What does 'wisdom' mean?
2. What is the adjective that comes from this noun?
3. Who are The Three Wise Men?
4. Can you give me a synonym of 'let'?
5. What does 'TO LET' mean?

RED ALERT: HURRICANE SANDY IS HERE!!!

 Here are some articles to read and a video to watch:

• Eastern U.S. braces for Hurricane Sandy

• Hurricane Sandy: New York mayor orders evacuation and school closures – video

• Coast Guard official: Hurricane Sandy 'could be bad, or it could be devastation'

•   Urgent Warnings as Hurricane Sandy Heads to Northeast

 

  Send me any articles you find about the topic.

A sports hero or a liar????

Here are some articles about American cyclist Lance Armstrong and all the latest news about his possible doping case:

• His biography 

• USADA releases massive evidence vs. Lance Armstrong

• Lance Armstrong: Usada report labels him 'a serial cheat'

• Lance Armstrong stripped of his seven Tour de France titles by UCI

•  Miguel Indurain still believes in Lance Armstrong's innocence

• Lance Armstrong: from Tour de France icon to drug user, trafficker, bully and cover-up artist

When kids' drawings reveal their ambitions

Read this article Ms. Leliugaite sent me and tell me about your ambitions and your opinion about it.

 

Super Skydive!!!!

Read some articles and watch some videos about this impressive record:

• Baumgartner makes test skydive ahead of record attempt

  • Skydiver Baumgartner lands safely on Earth after supersonic record

   
  

  I Jumped From Space (World Record Supersonic Freefall)

But who is Felix Baumgartner????


And send me please any other articles you may find.

CAMBRIDGE

        Long, long time ago in january 1982, when the Football World Cup was going to be held for the first time ever in Spain during the summer, your teacher went to Cambridge as a young university student. Now, 30 years later something incredible may be about to happen.
       
       What do you know about Cambridge? Tell me what you know, search for information or articles about this university city, send me any photos or videos you find about it. By the way, do you happen to know the origin of the toponym CAMBRIDGE?

Here are some pieces of news related to this city:

Will and Kate to Visit Cambridge!

 Visit Cambridge       and click here.

and finally.....

  how about going to Cambridge?

I can't tell you any more, but we are working on it. Further news will come up soon!!!!

Tragic floods in Spain

        Yesterday we had to cancel classes because of the high risks due to heavy rain and floods. Have a look at this piece of news appeared in the BBC and tell us if we did the right thing. By the way, do you know what the expression 'to rain cats and dogs' mean?

Spain floods: Seven die in Malaga, Murcia and Almeria

and here's another article:   Floods in Spain after heavy rains

 

German schools to teach online privacy

Read the article and write about the importance of internet in your lives.

Newly-released UFO files

Read this article and watch the video and give me an opinion about the issue. By the way, can you give a synonym of 'outer'? and what about an opposite?

UK government releases ‘X-Files’ UFO documents

FANTASTIC NEWS FOR THE COMING SCHOOL YEAR

WHAT A GOOD START AGAIN!!! ANOTHER SIX STUDENTS HAVE PASSED THE LANGUAGE SCHOOL EXAM (level B1)

The names of the students who have passed the exam are: Rocío González (4º ESO), José Manuel Romero Ortega (1º Bachillerato) Adrián Bustos, Noelia Fernández, Mireya González and Joaquín Utrabo (2º Bachillerato), three of whom were in our school trip to Edinburgh. (Let me know if there is someone else)

CONGRATULATIONS TO MEDITERRANEAN SEA SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS!!!!

but why????

• First, for the incredible results in the Language School Exam. 13 OF OUR STUDENTS (at least, tell me if there is someone else) have passed the exam and their names are: Marta Pretel (4º ESO), Pablo González, María González, Carlos López, Ana Peña, María Rodríguez, Ana Mª Rguez. Pöhnlein, Miguel Román (1º Bachillerato), Elisa Martín, Virginia Martín, José Luis Nocete, Carmen Presenta Prados, Julia Romero (2º Bachillerato), most of whom were in our school trip to Edinburgh.

• Secondly, for all those students who got grants to go abroad (although in the end they won't go because of the economical cuts) and those who got grants to go to special scientific courses in universities all around Spain.

• Thirdly, for the two groups of students who made a students' newspaper for El País.

• And, finally, we are just looking forward to having the results our students have obtained in the Selectivity exams.

ONCE AGAIN CONGRATULATIONS AND I WISH ALL THE BEST FOR THE COMING FUTURE!!!!

2012 Summer Paralympics

Spain, one of the best countries in the 2012 Summer Paralympics

Did you see the opening ceremony? Make any comments you wish and send me news about how our athletes are competing.

Hurricaine Isaac

Read these two articles about Hurricaine Isaac. Make your comments and send me any articles you may find about Hurricaine Katrina.

• Isaac's Dangerous Impacts Persist
• A Slow-moving Isaac Brings Flooding to Gulf States 

Spain, world and European football champion!!!

Euro 2012: which is the greatest international side of all time? (The Guardian)

 

Soccer Live: Spain vs. Italy

What were you doing at the time of the match? Did you enjoy? What are your expectations for our national team, especially for the next World Cup in Brazil 2014?

SUMMER IS HERE!!!

Albert's students have some recommendations for the summer, which you can have a look at in my site.

Summer holidays are just about to come. Get your sunglasses, towel, suntan lotion...! Listen to this song and give me recommendations about nice songs for the summer.

Come on, Rafa!!!!

RAFAEL NADAL

NADAL, VII OF FRANCE: KING OF CLAY

French Open: Rafael Nadal makes history with defeat of Novak Djokovic

French Open 2012: Rafael Nadal takes dim view after rain stops final (1st part)

 

Nadal also wins the Masters 1000 in Rome!!!!

Rafael Nadal beats Novak Djokovic in straight sets at Rome Masters 

LA GAZETTA DELLO SPORT:

Roma, trionfa Nadal: 6° centroDjokovic si inchina in due set

NADAL WON HIS EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE CHAMPIONSHIP AT MONTECARLO AND NOW FOR ROLAND GARROS:

• Djokovic awaits for Monte Carlo clay king Nadal
• Rafael Nadal eyes eighth straight Monte Carlo Masters crown 
  

NADAL, VI OF FRANCE: KING OF CLAY

Rafael Nadal: Anatomy of a champion

Come on, Rafa!!! you can do it for the sixth time in Roland Garros.

Read about RAFAEL NADAL and try to guess who he will have to play against. So far, at 19.50 Roger Federer is winning, but it is not finished yet.

Newspaper articles:

• Rafael Nadal into French Open final with victory over Andy Murray 

  • French Open 2011 men's final: Rafael Nadal v Roger Federer - as it happened

And in a few weeks' time, WIMBLEDON!!!!

 

If you wake up one day and don't want to smile...

If you wake up one day and don't want to smile....     HERE'S MY PIECE OF ADVICE!!!

Have a look at the lyrics.

By the way, do you know the country whose players have won Roland Garros the most times?

Rate the best song for travelling

When you are driving (well, in this case, when your parents are driving) or when you are riding your motorbike on a long journey, there are certain songs that are really catchy.

Here are some examples:

1. "Born to be wild", de Steppenwolf
2. "Born to Run", de Bruce Sprinsgteen
3.  "Highway to hell" de AC/DC
4.  "I can't drive 55" de Sammy Hagar
5.  "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A" de John Mellencamp
6.  "Panama" de Van Halen
7.  "Little Red Corvette" de Prince
8.  "Are you gonna go my way" de Lenny Kravitz
9.  "Legs" de ZZ TOP
10.  "Every day is a winding road" de Sheryl Crow

You can rate them, make comments on them or give me your own suggestions.

You have also got here an article to read:

France by the French

 

12 Year Old Explains How Banks Commit Fraud

12 year old Victoria Grant spells out the fraud the banks are committing against the people and explains why her homeland, Canada, and most of the world, is in debt.

People from here who have success in life!!!!

Some time ago we talked about José Callejón and there are other famous sportsmen whose origines are connected with our whereabouts. For instance, Pedrosa or Lobo Carrasco, who played for FC Barcelona some time ago.
However, it is not only sport where our fellow countrymen are famous.
Here are some examples:

• PORTY, electric guitar player and part of an incredible family of artists (Ramón Portillo, Aurora Oliva & Darío Portillo, painters)
• JUANJO GUARNIDO, a Spanish illustrator and the co-author of the comic book series Blacksad, whose sister (Lucía Guarnido) is also a famous flamenco dancer.

Tell me other famous people from our whereabouts and send me articles about them (in English, if possible).

The real story of HURRICANE CARTER

This is the real story of Hurricane Carter sung by Bob Dylan. Watch these videos, listen to song and read the lyrics. Then search articles about the issue and send me your comments.

Articles sent by you:  1    2   3   4   5

 

LISTEN TO THE SONG

READ THE LYRICS

1st May, Labour Day

Today is 1st May, a bank holiday to celebrate the Labour Day (the Workers' Day).
Here are some articles to read about the issue:   1   2 

NEW ARTICLES, NEW ISSUES... It is your turn!!

Now it is your turn to send me any articles in English you find interesting about the issue you like. I will upload them if I think they are suitable for you.

Then you can make comments about the articles uploaded by you or your classmates.

Thanks!

Julia: - Why English is important   

- Importance of English in International Business  

Ana Béjar:  Why is English language so important nowadays?

Laura Leliugaite: Listening for young learners

Juan José Rovira:Esa selects 1bn-euro Juice probe to Jupiter

Cristobal Tarifa:  

Proms 2012: a season of pleasant surprises

Proms 2012 celebrates best of Britain - youth, royalty, and Wallace & Gromit

Breakneck Beethoven with Daniel Barenboim

María Navas:  The importance of learning English

 

 

 

SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES IN LONDON, JULY 2012

This new entry will focus on articles connected withe the next summer Olympic Games to be held in London next summer:

• 2012 Summer Olympics      
• London 2012: Elbow compose BBC's Olympic theme
• London 2012: How new year fireworks dazzled   by J.J. Rovira (1º Bach A)
   

 Apart from your comments, send me any articles you find in English.

And what do you think of the our brand new soundtrack theme for the blog?

RAÚL, the number 7 of Real Madrid, Spain ....and of Schalke 04

IS RAÚL ALREADY RETIRED OR DEAD??? WATCH THIS.

Raúl's career is  coming to an end. One of the most talented Spanish players ever will probably play in Qatar.

 

    Raúl's top 10 goals   

 

Here are some facts about his life:

Raúl to leave Schalke 04


Manchester United almost signed Raúl


AND NOW WATCH HOW A GREAT PLAYER IS TREATED IN OTHER COUNTRIES:  1   2   3   4     5

 

1999: Manchester United 2- Real Madrid 3
Match report on the Guardian

And the latest  >>>

Football:  Football’s Greatest Players - Raúl González Blanco   

Obesity, a problem in the UK?

We have recently heard about this health problem in the United Kingdom and the paradox we find with brands such as McDonald ( a fast-food restaurant) or Coca-Cola that sponsor the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

 

Read these two articles and write a comment about what we could do.

• Obesity

• McDonald's Olympic plan to 'make children healthier'

RUSH FOR THE GOLD... OR THE GOLD RUSH??

To begin with, what is the difference between these two expressions?

Although we have the Olympic Games in London this summer, I don't mean that. Two groups of extremely brave students and two super-teachers have been preparing their projects for EL PAIS newspaper. Today is the deadline and we hope they'll manage to reach their goal. Good luck!  YOU CAN



Here you have got the link where you can have a look at the two newspapers.     

EL CLÁSICO

What is "el clásico"? Here are a few links to see what they think abroad about it:  1   2    3  

Do you like FORMULA 1 races????

Here are some articles about Formula 1, about the latest Grand Prix in Shanghai, China, and the next one in Barhain.

• THE OFFICIAL F1 WEBSITE
• What the drivers thought about the Chinese Grand Prix
• Dominant Nico Rosberg wins Chinese Grand Prix
• Is it safe to have the Barhain Grand Prix?

Who will win this year?

THE EDINBURGH EXPERIENCE EASTER 2012

We are back safe and sound!!!!

Last night we landed at Malaga airport at about 9 o'clock in the evening and then we took the bus to Salobreña, where we arrived at around 11 o'clock.
What an incredible experience we've had!!! Those who have participated in the experience can rate it here. We've been close to perfection (I would give it a 9 out of 10): with an incredible weather (record in temperatures and sunny almost everyday), super students managing to get around the city and using public transport as if they had been in Edinburgh all their lives, our super MARIOLA (the 24-hour monitor from Active Global English House), who was always there to solve any problems that came up, super friendly and helpful Scottish people (especially at Mackenzie School of English), super host families trying to do their best at any moment so as to make students feel like at home... Well, for further details you can check STUDY TRIP TO THE UK & VIAJE DE ESTUDIOS A EDIMBURGO (Información para padres).
Well, I guess we can have another try after this experience and the German machine is already thinking about somewhere nice around London. We'll see.

What is the Maginot Line?

Every now and then Albert comes into the classroom, especially in 1º Bachillerato A, and makes reference to the MAGINOT LINE. As most students are always wondering what on earth this elderly teacher is talking about, he has just had the idea to make this entry. I hope you'll enjoy this piece of history.

MEC GRANTS

You can find all the information in my site.

SOME STUDENTS' FAVOURITE SONGS (part 2)

Here are some of your favourite songs:
- Christopher Tarifa:    1    2
- Janira:  1   2  
- María Rodríguez:   1
- Laura Leliugaite:   1    2
- Ray Look:   1   2   3   4   5
- Ana Béjar:  1
- María Rodríguez:  1
- Pablo González:  1  2   3
- Álvaro Rodríguez  1   2   3
- Miguel Román  1   2
- Fermín  1   2
- Enrique   1   2
- Rovira   1
- Julia  1   2   3
- Ignacio Castilla   1   2  

When the moors ruled Europe

Travelling tip   >>>  The Alhambra Palace and the city of Granada.

 

Watch the documentary Julia sent me about "when the moors ruled Europe" with wonderful scenes of the Alhambra Palace in Granada.

 Visiting Granada with Rick Steves   >>>

Alhambra - Granada, Andalusia, Spain

Can you, please, send me any other videos about the Alhambra and Granada in English?

TOP 10: Things To Do In Granada

 

 

ZARA, a Spanish success story

Read this interesting article about this successful clothing company and you will how useful it is for your preparation for the Selectivity exam: "Zara, a Spanish success story".

The success story of ZARA

LABOR REFORMS IN SPAIN

Read these articles about the issue:
- Spain approves labor reforms to boost sick economy
- Labor reform shows Spain's seriousness, says Germany
-  protests against the labor reforms to come in Spain.

Are we ready to work in Europe or is it just a strategy of the employers to make their employees work more for less money?

Has it ever happened to you?

Have you ever been in a situation like this where you could not stop laughing? Watch the video and tell me.