All posts have to be written in English, they have to follow an acceptable level of grammar and the vocabulary used must be appropriate and polite. Posts without the author's name will not be published.
We are sure you have heard these words every year when Halloween is near. It is also more than possible that you have said their Spanish equivalents ("¡Truco o Trato!" ) while going from house to house in your neighbourhood asking for candy.
This is one of the most popular traditions related to Halloween or All Hallows'Eve, a celebration that takes place in many countries every October 31, the eve of the Christian feast of All Saints (or All Hallows).
Trick or treating is not the only custom associated to this celebration. We are making a summary of the most important ones:
-Attending costume parties. People dress up in costumes modeled after supernatural figures such as ghosts, skeletons, monsters, witches and devils.
-Carving pumpkins into jack-o´-lanterns.
-Lighting bonfires.
-Visiting haunted attractions.
-Playing pranks (mischievous jokes).
-Telling scary stories.
-Watching horror movies.
Have you ever seen most of them? We think you have, since Halloween has extended to places where it had never existed, like Spain.
We wish you have a frightening and scary Halloween. Enjoy the videos! They can help you to feel its atmosphere.
Here we show you some videos of two famous Tim Burton's movies: "Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Corpse Bride"
Do you remember the idioms we saw last year realted to animals? we give you now a new series of idioms, but in this case they make reference to parts of the body.
An idiom is a combination of words that has a meaning that is different from the meaning of the words themselves. To refresh your memory, we give you an example:
To sit on the fence can literally mean that one is sitting on a fence: "I sat on the fence and watched the game".
However, the idiomatic meaning of to sit on the fence is to not clearly choose a side regarding an issue: "The politician sat on the fence and did not clearly state his opinion about the tax issue".
Well, now that we have reminded you what an idiom is, you can look at the body idioms list below. We hope it will be some use for you.
-AS DRY AS A BONE
Very dry.
"The river bed was as dry as a bone at the end of the summer".
-BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER
Family members are closer to one another than to others.
"Blood is thicker than water and people usually support and help their family in times of trouble."
-CAN´T STOMACH (SOMEONE or SOMETHING)
To dislike someone or something very much.
"I can´t stomach the new man I work with."
-EYES ARE BIGGER THAN ONE´S STOMACH
Taking more food than one can eat.
"My eyes were bigger than my stomach when I went to the buffet table and took too much food."
-GET A FROG IN ONE´S THROAT
To get soreness in your throat that prevents you from talking well.
"I got a frog in my throat just as I answered the phone to talk to my professor."
-GET BUTTERFLIES IN ONE´S STOMACH
To get a feeling of fear or anxiety in one´s stomach.
"I got butterflies in my stomach just before I took the exam."
-GIVE SOMEONE THE COLD SHOULDER
To ignore someone, to reject someone
"The office staff gave the man the cold shoulder when he did not go to the farewell party."
-HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE (SOMEONE or SOMETHING)
To be superior to someone or something.
"Our soccer coach is head and shoulders above the other coaches in the city."
-JOINED AT THE HIP
Two people spending all their time together.
"The two boys are joined at the hip and never spend any time apart."
-A PAIN IN THE NECK
An annoying or bothersome person or event.
"This customer is a pain in the neck and is always complaining about something"
Hyde Park is probably the best-known of central London parks. Well, we must start by saying that it is really two parks joined into one (Hyde Park, 142 hectares; and Kensington Gardens, 111 hectares). Its 253 hectares in total make it one of the greatest urban parks in the world and it can even make you forget that you are in the middle of one of the biggest cities all over the world.
In Hyde Park, you can do lots of different things: It offers various recreational activities including open waterswimming, boating, cycling, tennis and horse riding.
Not everybody knows that the origin of Peter Pan´s story has its roots very near this park. But in fact, Peter Pan´s author, J.M. Barrie, lived close to Kensington Gardens and used the park for inspiration. He even chose the spot where the statue now stands.
Last but not least, the park has been and still is an important venue for events like concerts. Last July, the Rolling Stones played two concerts in the park to commemorate a famous one they held there in July 1969. But the park has been the venue for many other famous rock concerts: Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, Queen, Elton John or Bruce Springsteen.
Hyde Park is home to a number of famous landmarks including the Serpentine Lake, Speaker´s Corner and Princess Diana´s Memorial.
THE SERPENTINE LAKE
Taking its name from its snakelike shape, this recreational lake was a venue for triathlon events in the London 2012 Olympics.
SPEAKER´S CORNER
If you want people to know your ideas about any subject or if you want to listen to the most eccentric opinions you can imagine, you must go to the north-east corner of the park. It´s a very special place.
PRINCESS DIANA´S MEMORIAL
It was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2004 and it´s now one of the most visited places in the park.
Here there are images of the two Rolling Stones´ concerts.
To finish with, we want you to see a video clip by Cooper, the band from León, which takes as its setting Hyde Park. It´s in Spanish but we consider that it is worthwhile.
You may have listened to a song called "Let Her Go" without even knowing the name of the singer. You are not to blame! He is not the most famous artist in the world, not even in Britain-at least for the moment being.
His name is Mike Rosemberg and he is called "Passenger" since he chose to keep the name of his previous folk-rock band. He was born in Brighton (England) in 1984. There he founded "Passenger" with Andrew Philips in 2003. The band only released an album, Wicked Man´s Rest, before separating.
As a solo artist, he has produced three albums: Wide Eyes Blind Love (2009), Flight of the Crow (2010) and All The Little Lights (2012).
It would be with that song from this album (Let Her Go) that he became successful, topping the charts in at least 16 countries all over the world. It´s one of those few cases when a fantastic song finds its way into the most popular musical radio programmes (nobody knows how).
Let´s hope that this unexpected success doesn´t have a counterproductive effect on his career. We want to show you that there is much more about Passenger than a song (no matter how good it can be!)
There is a curious anecdote about him and Spain: Some months ago, he started to play the guitar and sing in Preciados Street in Madrid, to many people´s amazement, when suddenly he was asked to stop singing by the police, who had no idea who that man could be. They might have listened and enjoyed his music from then on.
A new schoolyear is just about to begin. The long summer is now behind us and the difficult time to start again to work or to study has already come.
Yes, we know that the first days will be hard but we are also sure that in the next few weeks we won´t even remember the last holidays. This is going to be a schoolyear like many others but don´t forget that it is also going to be different to all the other you have lived through.
The English Department will go on with this blog. You know that all your contributions will be welcome since the main goal of it is to share with you many cultural or linguistic aspects related to English language and the culture of the countries where it is spoken.
Come with us! To start with, listen to Chuck Berry´s famous School Days. We have a cover of the song by AC/DC for those of you who love hard rock. Enjoy them both!
The school year is just about to finish. Yes, many of you thought that this moment was never going to arrive, but you were wrong. Now it´s time to remember all the bad and, above all, the good moments we have lived through.
From the English Department of the Alvaro Yañez High School we wish you all a long and relaxing summer and we hope to see you here again in some weeks. We count on you!
You know him. He wears a blue, red and yellow costume, complete with cape, with a stylized "S" shield on his chest.
These are the actors who have played the role of "Superman"
Yes, the latest American superhero film is upcoming to Spain on June, 21st, only one week after being released in the United States. The title of the new movie is Man of Steel and it will be a reboot of the Superman film series, showing the character´s origin story. Directed by Zack Snyder, the film stars Henry Cavill in the title role, Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Michael Shannon or Kevin Costner.
Henry Cavill is the new "Superman"
You know the story surely enough: Clark Kent is a journalist in his twenties who was rocketed to Earth from the dying planet of Krypton. He is discovered and adopted by Jonathan and Martha Kent (farmers in Kansas), who raise him with a series of strong moral values.
He soon starts to feel alienated because of his unique super powers and struggles to find his place in life. When the world is attacked, he becomes the hero Superman to protect the Earth and its people. In the meanwhile, he meets Lois Lane, his workmate and the girl who he inevitably falls in love with.
Clark Kent lives a love story with Lois Lane
Superman was created first as a comic superhero by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster in June1938 for DC Comics, one of the main comics publishing houses in the world. He became such a popular figure that he subsequently appeared in radio serials, TV programmes, films, newspapers strips and videogames.
The first number of Superman was published in 1938
In these 75 years, Superman has come to be seen as both an American cultural icon and the first comic book superhero and that´s why he has served as an inspiration for many other artists. Maybe the best known adaptation of the comic superhero came with Richard Donner´s film Superman(1978), starring Christopher Reeves. It would be followed by three sequels.
Christopher Reeves is probably the most famous Superman actor
You have also probably seen later versions of this character in TV series like Lois & Clark, in the nineties or more recently Smallville, where action focused on the adventures of Clark Kent as a teenager before he becomes Superman.
"Superman" is a cultural icon that you can find anywhere
Therefore, no matter the years he is, Superman is still, as the Man of Steel movie shows, the greatest superhero of all time. Although he is a fictional character, we are sure that many people have thought on some occasions that Superman should be called to save the Earth from all the villains who want to destroy it in real life. You may think about it when you go to the cinema to enjoy his new adventures.
Being considered almost unanimously as one of the best guitarists of all time ( Rolling Stone magazine ranked him only behind Jimmy Hendrix), this British musician, singer, songwriter and of course, guitarist has already become a rock legend.
He started his music career playing the guitar for some bands like The Yardbirds (1963-1965) where he forged his distinctive style playing blues-influenced rock and roll or The Bluesbreakers (1965-1966), period in which the famous grafitti "Clapton is God" appeared spray-painted on a wall at Islington Underground station. In 1966, he joined Cream (1966-1969), where he began to develop as a singer and a songwriter too.
Clapton started his career with The Yardbirds
Although Cream became a commercial success both in Britain and the USA, with hit singles such as "Sunshine of Your Love" or "Crossroads", the supergroup was short-lived and they finally disbanded in 1968.
This is the famous grafitti that made Clapton a God
He started his solo career in 1970. With his new band, Derek and The Dominos, he recorded his album "Layla and Other Assorted Songs", including his most famous song, "Layla". Other successful albums were 461 Ocean Boulevard (1974), There´s One in Every Crowd (1975) or Slowhand (1976), which featured important single hits like "Cocaine" or "Wonderful Tonight".
"Slowhand", 1976
His career successes were in stark contrast with his personal life, troubled by romantic affairs, and drug and alcohol addition. After recovering from his addictions, he produced new albums like Behind The Sun (1985) and August (1986).
Clapton and the Beatle George Harrison had a great friendship.
The 1990s saw Clapton´s resurgence, as his album Unplugged and his song "Tears in Heaven" received six Grammy awards and sold millions of copies all over the world. This song had been composed to show his grief following the death of his son Connor in 1991.
His album "Unplugged" was a great success
Eric Clapton has never stopped playing in concerts and releasing new albums as it can be seen with his new album Old Sock (released on 12 March 2013), and in the world tour he is starting next 12 April.
His new album, Old Sock
If you can, listen to some of the songs we present here. You´ll enjoy listening to how "Slowhand" or if you prefer "God" plays the guitar.
One of the most faithful followers of our blog suggested us publishing a post about love songs in English and we have picked up the gauntlet, that is to say, we have accepted the challenge.
It seemed to be very easy, but it has been the most controversial topic we have dealt with so far. The reasons are quite obvious. Everybody in the department has his/her own favourite love songs and lots of examples come to our minds at every moment.
So, you have here our list. We are sure that we have forgotten many "unforgettable" songs. Help us to remember them. Maybe we can publish a new post with the songs you tell us.
Let´s stop talking! It´s time to listen to the music! Enjoy it!
Fly Me To The Moon
This song written in 1954 was originally known as "In Other Words" and although it has been recorded by many artists over the years, it is most closely associated with Frank Sinatra.
Someone Like You
This popular romantic ballad was written by Northern irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison and recorded in his 1987 album, Poetic Champions Compose. Since then, it has become a movie classic that has appeared in films like French Kiss or Bridget Jones´ Diary.
The Way You Look Tonight
This Oscar-winning song in 1936 was originally sung by Fred Astaire in the film "Swing Time". There have been many covers since that moment, some of them by Tony Bennet, Ella Fitzgerald, Rod Stewart or Michael Bublé (the one we include).
Bed of Roses
Bon Jovi wrote this song in 1993 in a hotel room while suffering from a hangover and the lyrics reflect his feelings at the time. Its power ballad style made it a worldwide hit.
You´re In My Heart
Written and recorded by Rod Stewart in 1977, the song proved a popular single, reaching the top ten of many national charts. The lyrics mention the two Stewart´s favourite football teams: Celtic Glasgow and Manchester United.
I Was Born To Love You
Written by Freddie Mercury in 1985, this song was released as a single and on the Mr. Bad Guy album. It has been on of the greatest hits of Queen.
Too Much Heaven
The Australian band, the Bee Gees, contributed with this song for the "Music for UNICEF" fund in 1979. The song later became a success in many countries around the world.
Love Is All Around
This song was composed and originally performed by The Troggs in 1967. However, it became an international hit when it was sung by the Scottish band Wet Wet Wet for the soundtrack of the 1994 film Four Weddings and a Funeral
Heroes
Written by David Bowie and Brian Eno in 1977, it was a product of Bowie´s fertile "Berlin period". The song tells the story of two lovers who come together in the shadow of the "Wall of Shame". It is one of the greatest Bowie´s hits of all time.
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?
Carole King made a fantastic cover for this song originally performed by The Shirelles in the sixties. It has been recorded by many artists since then, most notably by artists like Bryan Ferry or Amy Winehouse.
And last, but not least, we offer you a recommendation that a friend has made to us.
It´s well worth listening to it! It may even be one of the best love songs you can ever listen to!
Another season has just finished in the English Premier League. We want here to make a summary of this exciting football year. Come with us to see the best of the 2012-2013 season.
These are the 20 teams taking part in the Premier League this season
WINNERS
Manchester United became champions as soon as 22 April 2013 after defeating Aston Villa 3-0 at Old Trafford. It is their 13th Premier League title and 20th English title overall. This has been the last season in charge for Sir Alex Ferguson, after 26 years serving the team. Among the main players we can highlight the Spanish goalkeeper De Gea, defenders Evra, Rafael or Ferdinand, midfielders Carrick or the everlasting Ryan Giggs and forwards Van Persie and Rooney.
United won their 20th league title
A tribute to the champions
HONOUR POSITIONS
Last champions Manchester City qualified along with United for next Champions League. The season has been, however, disappointing for the Citizens, as expectations were really great for this year. In addition, their defeat against Wigan in the FA Cup final has added to make it a year to forget.
Manchester City couldn´t repeat their previous year´s success
Last Champions League winners Chelsea and Arsenal also qualified for the main European competition. Chelsea had quite a disappointing domestic campaign which resulted in the mid-season arrival of manager Rafa Benítez. The "SpanishConnection" between Juan Mata and Fernando Torres finally saved the season for the Blues, when they decisively helped the team to win the Europa League for the first time, defeating Benfica 2-1 in the final.
The Chelsea Spanish Connection
was essential to their European success
Arsenal added another modest season and they got their European ticket only in the last match winning 0-2 at Newcastle United. It was just a new trophyless campaign for Arsene wenger´s team.
The teams which qualified for the Europa League were Tottenham Hotspur, commanded by an outstanding Gareth Bale; Swansea City (after winning the League Cup) and Wigan Athletic (winners of the FA Cup)
Gareth Bale was the best player of the season
TOP SCORERS
Dutch forward Robin Van Persie scored 26 goals to top this list for the second year in a row, this time with Manchester United. Luis Suárez from Liverpool (23) and Gareth Bale (Tottenham-20) were placed on the other two honour positions. We must not forget the fantastic season of Spanish Swansea City forward Michu, who scored 18 goals to get the fifth position in the final chart.
Robin Van Persie was the top scorer
for the second consecutive year
BEST PLAYERS
Tottenham Hotspur´s left winger Gareth Bale has been chosen as the best player of the season for the second time. We must highlight the fact that two Spanish players, goalkeeper De Gea and miedfielder JuanMata are in the best eleven, together with so important players like Rio Ferdinand, Bale, Van Persie or Luis Suárez.
This is the top 11 of the season
RELEGATION AND PROMOTION
Queen´s Park Rangers and Reading were both relegated some days before the final day and they would be joined by Wigan Athletic, which put an end to their eight-year stay in the Premier League.
On the other way round, Cardiff City achieved promotion to the top flight for the first time since 1960 and became the second Welsh club to play in the Premier League (after Swansea). The second automatic promotion spot was won by Hull City on the final day of the season.
Cardiff City won the Championship to become
the second Welsh team in the Premier League
Last but not least, the third place to go up into the Premiership will be for the winners of the play-off between Watford (trained by Gianfranco Zola) and Crystal Palace. It will be played next May 27 at 3 p.m. at Wembley. Let us declare our preference for Palace, as we are fans of this South London team since our former conversation assistant Aidan Reeves "infected" us with love for them. We hope they will be a Premier League team next season.
One of the best moments in Crystal Palace history,
defeating Chelsea in the 1976 FA Cup
Crystal Palace is now a Premier League team
FA CUP
Wigan United, trained by Spanish coach Roberto Martínez, won the FA Cup for the first time in its history after defeating Manchester City 1-0. Ben Watson´s injury-time goal gave the "Latics" their first ever major trophy and a place in the group stage of the next Europa League. Wigan is the first team to win the Fa Cup and be relegated in the same season.
Ben Watson celebrates after scoring the winning goal in the Cup final
CURIOUS FACTS -The number of matches played has been 380 and the number of goals 1.062 (2.79 per match)
-The biggest win was Chelsea 8-Aston Villa 0
-The highest scoring in a match was 10 goals ( Arsenal 7-Newcastle 3 and West Brom 5-Manchester United 5)
-The average attendance has been 35.903.
-Manchester City was the team with most clean sheets (not receiving any goals): 18
-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson received the Manager of the Season Award for the 11th time.
-The Barclays Golden Glove Award was for Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart.
These are the two videos Aidan told us about. You´re right, Aidan. These two matches had really dramatic ends. It´s almost impossible not to love football after watching them. I had already seen the Watford-Leicester images since Watford´s goalkeeper is Almunia. Thank you very much for your contribution. It´s a real pleasure. GO... EAGLES!!!!!
