January 2009

January 1st

Happy New Year to you!

May every great new day

Bring you sweet surprises-­

A happiness buffet.

Happy New Year to you,

And when the new year's done,

May the next year be even better,

Full of pleasure, joy and fun.

By Joanna Fuchs

***

Another year, another chance

To start our lives anew;

This time we'll leap old barriers

To have a real breakthrough.

We'll take one little step

And then we'll take one more,

Our unlimited potential

We'll totally explore.

We'll give up all bad habits;

We'll read and learn a lot,

All our goals will be accomplished,

Sigh ... or maybe not.

Oh well, Happy New Year anyway!

By Joanna Fuchs

***

This year I am gonna fly.

Reach up and touch the sky.

Love all and live in peace.

And each moment I shall seize.

This year I am gonna achieve.

Bad habits I shall leave.

Fulfil what I believe.

Give hand to ones in grief.

By Lost Soul

Actually, this is not mine, but taken - yet again - from the latest issue of the free newspaper Gratis, as well as the other attachment you will find if you check your mail, called Resolutions you can act

ually keep - though hopefully none of you will!
Anyway, a new year, a new entry on our blog. And I thought it came handy to scan the Gratis feature yet again (I should phone Lost Soul and thank him personally or acknowledge his invaluable "help" on this blog, lest he sues me for stealing copyrighted material!)

All is quiet on New Year's Day
A world in white gets underway
I want to be with you (be with you) night and day
Nothing changes on New Year's Day ...

This stuff is not mine, either, but I'd like to treat you to something of my choice: probably the most famous song about this day and one of my all-time favourites by this Irish band (br

ings back so many happy memories!). Yes, some of you might have guessed right: U2's New Year's day.
I can tell you some stuff related to the song: It was U2's first UK top ten and their first single to chart in the US. But more importantly, the lyrics refer to the movement for solidarity led by Polish trade unionist Lech Walesa in the late 70s, early 80s. After the song was recorded, the Communist government in Poland announced they would abolish martial law, coincidentally, on New Year's Day 1983. So turn on your speakers and enjoy!

New Year's Day Lyrics

I decided to upload it on GOear.com since, unfortunately, I cannot embed the Youtube feature on the blog (oddly enough, Bono and the rest of the guys won't let me). But you can still watch the original cl

ip on the famous web by clicking here. Actually, it was the first U2 video to get massive airplay on MTV.

That's all my dear bunch. HAPPY NEW YEAR'S DAY!


January 4th

Hi everyone! How's life? You know, the three Kings are on their way for the final Xmas treat on the so-called Twelfth Night (our Dia de Reyes) so you must all be very thrilled awaiting your hard-earned presents.
I've taken a few days' rest before editing a new entry on our blog. I know many of you are studying hard for your January exams at university so I hope you're not that stressed ou

t and still have some free time to visit this blog, YOUR blog. By the way, I want to sincerely thank those of you who have made comments or written me emails these days, which keeps me going. Also those of you who were gullible enough (my dear December fools) to "swallow" my inocentada but still wrote in support of this modest blog. However little your contribution may be, it means the world to me. And I just hope it does some good to your English. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
This evening I'm going to the pictures with my wife to see a film, Australia. Unfortunately, it's dubbed into Spanish, of course, but we need some entertainment away from the kids and the rest of the family after so many meals, drinks and stuff!
Before I leave you, I'd like to send you a link I'm sure you'll enjoy. You see, early this afternoon I talked on the phone to a couple of Irish friends and one of them, Brendan, told me that a few days ago he had read this interesting article on the Sunday supplement of the Irish Independent about our lovely town. Right away I started googling for it, to no avail unfortunately, but instead, quite by chance, I found this great 10-minute video in its British counterpart, The Independent on Sunday courtesy of famed UK travel writer and BBC broadcaster, Simon Calder. It's only a shame I cannot embed it here, but no worries, you can watch it on the Net just by clicking on this link. It's called "48 hours in Salamanca" and I'm sure you'll unders

tand Simon very well, as he's got this eloquent, lively manner of speech with a truly standard English accent. I bet you'll find it all very appealing and, who knows, there might even be a shot of yourselves roaming some familiar location!
Keep clicking!

January 5th

Well, here I go again, this time to briefly talk about Australia, Baz Luhrman's (remember Moulin Rouge?) latest epic (click on the title for a quick trailer and some interesting extra features from the official web). A good story set against the backdrop of the 2nd World War, great cinematography

highlighting the Australian Outback's spectacular landscape, action and drama and, of course, on-screeen chemistry between modern sex symbols Nicole and Hugh (Kidman and Jackman, that is). So, does the film have the ingredients to become a masterpiece epic? Well ... not quite. It's definitely a good film, but not a great one, or that's my modest opinion. At nearly three hours long, modelled on classics like "Gone with the wind", the film needs more than a good cast (the pleasant surprise is the young Brandon Walters in the role of Nullah) and a compelling story to make it unforgettable. You see, there are great moments, specially during the first half, but the flick fades in intensity towards the end as it is too "happy" and predictable and definitely lacks originality, but obvi

ously I won't give much detail in case you want to see it. The performances are OK, but to me Nicole Kidman (one of my favourites) fails to deliver at times as the character is sometimes thinly drawn. Hugh Jackman is more credible in the role of the strong-willed cowboy (you could hear some ladies in the audience literally sighing for him, as he is said to be the sexiest man alive), but I definitely favour the lovable young Aborigine. But all in all, despite its flaws, good entertainment and the kind of film you need to see on the huge screen of a theatre to enjoy its visual grandeur fully rather than download it from the Net.
Now

, have you seen the film too and completely disagree with my review? Why not send in your comments onto this blog? It should be great fun to hear from you guys!
Besides, the holiday is coming to an end and you want to practice your English again before going back to school, don't you? Have you seen any other flicks this Xmas season? Will you share your opinions with us? And, of course, don't forget that the quiz is still on until midnight!

Anyway, happy Noche de Reyes to all of you!

January 6th

Hi everybody and a happy "Twelfth Day"! Should be, because you must have gotten lots of presents surely? The 3 Kings have been fairly good to me and my family, but I am never too demanding anyway.
Well, t

his is only to announce that we have a winner of the 2008 quiz competition: Alberto, who scored 46 out of a total 60 questions. Well done, mate! I really want to thank both him and Ana, who have been the only entrants, but no, I won't sulk this time, I suppose that's the way things are ...
Fair enough. I'm going for lunch to my bro-in-law's (perhaps more presents there?) so beofre I leave you I just want to wish you again a happy day and hope you enjoy your presents as you deserve. I'll get back to you tonight if I can ... Cheerio!


Hiya again! Well, Dia de Reyes is over, the holidays are coming to an end, so kind of mixed feelings, aren't there? But the show must go on and things will get back to normal

.
I don't know why but I needed to send you a kind of present and I remembered a song (music is always the nicest of gifts, isn't it?) that could come in handy with this day. Not particularly because of the song itself, which indeed is really nice and I'm sure you must have heard before (remember the film Pretty Woman?), featuring the lovely voices of soul legend Randy Crawford and our own Sole Gimenez, but because of the photomontage that comes with it on this YouTube clip. Today it was meant to be, above all, a day for kids, and the images in the song very much reflect that. Anyway, I hope you like it, it's my humble regalo de Reyes to you all.
You know, it's been a long day for me and I'm kind of drained, so I will close now, but tomorrow morning I'll email you with the answers to the 2008 quiz and some other stuff.

Sweet dreams!






January 8th

"Back-to-school" day, which is always tough, so let's make it a bit more merry and fun. Since my last entry was a song, I wish to continue on the same wavelength, this time with something not so musical, but equally creative, courtesy of Ana, whose email you've probably read by now. Yes, that's right, it's Uncle Jay's year review, much lighter than the serious EP quiz, and cleverly sung to the sound of Xmas tunes. Mind you, it's American-based, so some of the faces, especially politicians, may be unfamiliar (for me too), but no worries, just listen to it for the sake of the English rhymes.
Well, it's only a few hours before we meet again - or not, since I guess many of you are so "snowed under" by the pressure to do well in the coming final exams that you don't even have time to think of your language school duties - so I can only say: Good luck mates and cheer up!

January 10th

Hello guys!

I'm starting to think that Ana reads my mind. You know, I was about to edit this blog by adding a new entry when I saw that there was a brand new comment, by Ana - yet again. And this is what she wrote:

"Have you seen the news? Aretha Franklin the best singer in the History, according to Rolling Stones Magazine.... and I agree with them, of course"

Well, I couldn't believe it. I mean, I bought the latest issue of the Spanish edition of RS (see

cover) a few days ago, which I do once in a blue moon, because this headline caught my attention: LOS 100 MEJORES CANTANTES de todos los tiempos. And since Aretha Franklin, who else, is top of the list and you know how much I love her, or rather, worship her, I thought I should send you the original RS article - in English of course - written by American singer Mary J. Blige, who literally showers Lady Soul with praise, and then post a video of my favourite Aretha's song, (You make me Feel) Like a Natural Woman, a milestone in the history of soul music. So thank you so much, dear Ana, because you had the same idea ahead of me. Anyway, this is what Mary J. Blige wrote in support of Aretha as the best singer of all time. And at the end there ¡s this great 1968 videoclip (this time taken from another fantastic music website, dailymotion.com), which is sheer magic. Now folks, who is your favourite singer? Why not write a comment expressing your preferences?

You know a force from heaven. You know something that God made. And Aretha is a gift from God.

When it comes to expressing yourself through song, there is no one who can touch her. She is the reason why women want to sing.

Aretha has everything — the power, the technique. She is honest with everything she says. Everything she's thinking or dealing with is all in the music, from "Chain of Fools" to "Respect" to her live performances. And she has total confidence; she does not waver at all. I think her gospel base brings that confidence, because in gospel they do not play around — they're all about chops, who has the vocal runs. This is no game to her.

As a child, I used to listen to Aretha's music because my mom played "Do Right Woman" and "Ain't No Way" every single day. I would see my mother cry when she listened to those songs, and I'd cry too. Then I discovered her on my own with the Sparkle soundtrack. I must have played "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" 30 times in a row; eventually, I connected the dots to that voice my mom was listening to.

Even the way she pronounces words is amazing: In "Giving Him Something He Can Feel," when she sings, "Many say that I'm too young" — the way she says "I'm," you can almost see her saying it, like she's all in your face, but you're still right with her. You can really visualize her hands when she sings, "You're tying both of my hands," on "Ain't No Way" — it's the powerful way she hits the word "both."

When you watch her work, you can see why Aretha is who she is. When we did the song "Don't Waste Your Time" on my album Mary, she just went in there and ate that record like Pac-Man. She could be doing a church vocal run, and it would turn into some jazz-space thing, something I never encountered before. You'd say, "Where did that come from? Where did she find that note?"

It's beautiful to see, because it helps people with a lack of confidence in their ability, like myself. I look at her and think, "I need a piece of that. Whatever that is."

Aretha Franklin
Uploaded by alternativa

(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman Lyrics

January 12th

Hello there!

Well, it wasn't to be. Pe and Ja (Cruz and Bardem, that is) couldn't win the Golden Globes on their way to the Oscars. Unfortunately, Kate Winslet and Collin Farrell respectively stole the accolades from our compatriots, but at least Vicky Cristina Barcelona triumphed over its rivals as best comedy. Apparently Woody Allen's Spanish extravaganza has had a warmer reception in the US than here in our own country, as I feel it came and went almost unnoticed in our cinemas. You know, I haven't seen the film myself so maybe some of you would like to review it on this blog, wouldn't you?

But it was an underdog, so to speak, Slumdog millionaire, a little film with a mere $15m budget, that swept the board with four awards, including best drama, best director (Danny Boyle) and best screenplay. The story of a poverty-raised orphan who goes on the Indian version of quiz show "Who wants to be a millionaire", its success was completely unexpected, which is OK because occasionally the foreign press in America acknowledges talent beyond excessive Hollywood hype. I downloaded the film this afternoon (original version, English and Hindi) and though I haven't finished seeing it (in fact I'm half-way through) I can only say I do like the powerful script and the credible performances. Needless to say you can borrow it from me just by bringing your pen drives.

Also worth mentioning is the posthumous award to Heath Ledger for his role as the sinister Joker in Batman's The Dark Knight. Anyway, if you want to see the BBC highlights on the event, click on this link. See you tomorrow!

January 13th

Wow, what a fabulous masterpiece! That's the least I can say after watching the full length of Slumdog Millionaire, possibly the best film I've seen in the last ten years, and I promise I'm not exaggerating the slightest bit. Not only the plot is excellent, the cinematography is mind-blowing, the music out of this world, the characters totally engaging and the ending ties up everything beautifully. Remember the famous lines in Gone with the Wind: "Rhett, where shall I go, what shall I do?" "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn!" Well, after watching Slumdog, the final dialogue between Jamal and Latika will likewise stick in your mind for a long time to come. As a caption from Time magazine in the official Foxsearchlight trailer (see right down below) reads, this is "a movie to celebrate". Listen guys, I cannot recommend this flick enough! To say this is a must-see film is the understatement of the year. If you enjoyed Danny Boyle's terrifying depiction of the crude reality of drugs (not my favourite movie, I should say) in Trainspotting or the atmospheric suspense of 28 weeks later - I've got them both by the way - don't miss the British director's latest work.
Anyway, you know what we say in Spain: 13 y martes ... well, I hope you embark on this little adventure of ours this afternoon. See you then!

January 15th

Welcome back! Today I'd like to share with you guys something I watched on TV (La 2) late last night. No, it wasn't a film this time, but a documentary you might have heard of before as it stirred a good deal of controversy in Spain when it was premiered at the San Sebastian Film Festival, if I'm not wrong, amidst heated mixed reviews. It's called (beautiful title) La pelota vasca. La piel contra la piedra and it features countless short interviews with social, political, cultural figures in the Basque Country and out. I'm not going to get into politics, you know, as the thing that drew my attention was a short excerpt at the beginning of the programme of an old travelogue directed by screen giant and American director Orson Welles (remember Citizen Kane?), who I've always felt a kind of weird fascination for. Such an enigmatic personality! Anyway, the travelogue I'm talking about was made in the mid 50s within a series produced by the BBC called Around the world with Orson Wells, which focused on different European locations from Vienna to Madrid and the Basque Country. Apparently, Welles was hooked on Spain (like Hemingway before him) and as a matter of fact his ashes are buried in the former property of legendary Spanish bullfighter Antonio Ordoñez, who he befriended in the 50s. Obviously the programme is in English and its content, though rather strange at times - and arguably not totally accurate - tries to reflect the idiosincracy of the Basque people, their language, pride and traditions, even if the highlight is more on the northern French territory.
Fair enough. I have embedded the Youtube clip - amazing how you can find literally everything on this web - for you all to see. Hope you enjoy it! Mind you, it's subtitled in French ...



Now, a couple of things before I say goodbye: Firstly, earlier today the nominations to the BAFTAs (kind of the British Oscars) were announced, and guess which film leads the way with a staggering 11 nominations: spot on, the brilliant Slumdog Millionaire! (even more than in the Golden Globes, these British people recognize a good movie when they see it, but we shouldn't forget that the director, the producers and part of the cast are British!) Whatever, so many critics and film buffs can't be wrong if they shower the film with praise, so what are you waiting for? Hey mates, bring your "pinchos" righ today!
And second, I wonder if you have made up your mind to write emails to each other to practice the things we learned on Tuesday. C'mon guys, don't be lazy!
See you later ...


January 18th

Happy Sunday everyone!
From the sublime to the ridiculous. This is how I can put down in words my "transition", so to speak", from the awesome experience of Slumdog to watching a film like Get Smart (Superagente 86). Mind you, a rather funny comedy for the whole family, with the ever so charming Anne Hathaway and the effective Steve Carell, who are on a mission to thwart the latest plot for world domination by an evil crime syndicate. Honestly I watched it not only for the sake of the kids but also for the memories. I mean, as I young boy I used to watch the original TV series (those were the days of black and white!) created by Mel Brooks, which hilariously satirized the figure of secret agents. It starred the unforgettable Don Adams, walking through endless armoured doors on his way to the Headquarters and holding the infamous shoe phone (see photo). Nothing to do with the current remake, packed with special effects and digital sound editing, but definitely lacking the charm. It is good fun, though, and Carell's impassive expression will draw a laugh or two.

Fair enough. Talking about "transitions" it's only a couple of days before Obama's historic inauguration in Washington. History in the making, analysts say, and I quite agree. By the way, guess who is singing for Obama at the event: Who else? Lady Soul, the best pop singer of all time, Miss Aretha Franklin. Now in her mid 60s, I wonder what it would have been like to hear her unleash her powerful voice on the steps of the Capitol at the peak of her career. Surely it would have made Obama's hair stand on end. I mean, she's still a great singer, but way past her prime. Now that I come to think of it, Obama's swearing-in ceremony might coincide with our lessons so who knows, perhaps we will watch it live!
Finally, more history in the making. Perfumerias Avenida has won 12 games in a row in the domestic league, which is a new record for the club so hats off to the girls before the historic clash with Russian giants CSKA in barely two weeks. By the way, I bumped into Teresa"Ana Montañana" Pérez at the match and then Javi (Becerro) at the Cipreses shopping mall.
That's all folks. Have fun and keep clicking!

PS: Latest download? Brad Pitt's The curious case of Benjamin Button, which is an Oscar favourite this year. I'll bring it to class on Tuesday, so get your "pinchos" ready, OK?

January 19th

Something funny to watch I've just found on CNN during the run-up to Obama's inauguration. Let's say it loud and clear: PISS OFF GEORGE!


"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God"

And more than God's help he will need, as a huge task lies ahead of him. I mean, he oozes charm and charisma and he's created such an atmosphere of great expectation, not only in America but across the world, that if he fails to deliver the goods there will be worldwide disappointment. Because we cannot deny, can we, that the odds are against him: a global recession, deeply-rooted tension in the Middle East, huge pressure to withdraw the US troops from Irak and Afghanistan, you name it. So I just wish him (and his lovely wife) well and keep my fingers crossed that nothing wrong happens to him just like it did to JFK and MLK before him. You know, I don't want to sound ominous (=agorero) but I've got this nasty feeling that someone in his own country or overseas (say Al Qaeda) may attempt to assassinate him. Hopefully not!
Anyway, talking about MLK (Martin Luther King, that is) the CNN showed today in its entirety the civil rights leaders's historic 1963 speech,"I have a dream", and as I was listening to it I thought how his words are still powerful and wished he had lived to see an African-American President take office. So I want to pay a humble tribute to the great man that fought hard for that dream by inserting the Youtube Clip that remembers the event. And before I close I'd like to write down some key excerpts of MLK's speech:

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood. This is our hope"

Well, that's all guys. My daughter is back from her basketball training so it's dinner time now. See you tomorrow.

January 21st

Have you seen Pepsi's latest advertising campaign? It's called "Refresh everything". But I hear the actual ad in the media will be aired to the music of The Who's My Generation. Awesome song!

Well, apparently Ana cannot watch the ad, which is weird because I can alright. I'll play it tomorrow, no worries Ana. Anyway, it's shocking to think that Obama is being used already for marketing purposes, isn't it? You can even upload your own domestic videos asking Mr President what you would like him to achieve during his term in office. Surely Obama's going to see'em all!

But let's not forget yesterday's event. Down below you can see him take the Oath and deliver his inaugural address, courtesy - yet again - of YouTube. And if you open your mail you will find the PDF file containing the full transcript. I felt a bit upset that some of you couldn't understand much so this is the chance to make up for it.

I've found the Pepsi commercial ... and in HQ! A masterpiece depiction of the passage of generations to the sound of one of the greatest R'n'B bands of all time, the Who: "People try to put us down, talking 'bout my generation", they used to sing. Enjoy!

January 26th

Hi again! I'd given myself a break this weekend to see if that way you'd be more "tempted", so to speak, to write in. But apparently not!

Anyway, I guess some of you might have already seen the new entry, which is aimed at music lovers, and I hope you will all like.

So, how's life going? I want to believe that most (if not all) of you are over and done with your exams and hopefully will be back in class tomorrow and attend lessons more regularly. By the way, we have to agree on the date for the "prueba de progreso" which is scheduled within the first fortnight of February. But we'll talk it over tomorrow, won't we?

Latest cinema news: Slumdog continues its irresistible rise, this time with another two accolades: the Producers Guild Award for best feature film and the Screens Actors Guild Award for best ensemble cast. Moreover, it remains top of the UK box office, beating Hollywood big-budget rivals like Benjamin Button and the much-hyped Nazi drama Valkyrie Tom Cruise's latest offering.

Talking about films, I'll bring VC Barcelona to class tomorrow in case anyone wants to watch it. Not that I am impressed by it nor do I understand, to be honest with you, what the members of the academy have seen in Penelope's shrill - to my modest unskilled judgement- performance so as to nominate her for the best supporting actress category. The thing I really liked about the flick was the use of a voice-over, which makes it kind of a modern fairytale. But all in all, I was pretty disappointed. Want to disagree with me? This is your space to do it!

Well, I have to close now, but not without previously thanking Antonio for his first effort in contributing this blog and suggesting the book website. Cheers everyone!

January 27th

Forget about Slumdog. Forget about Aretha. If only for a few hours, my heart belongs to Perfumerias Avenida. What a fantastic match I've just seen! They played 24-carat basketball against one of the best teams in Europe, if not in the world, and, needless to say, won 80-69. And what can I say about us, the afición? Team and supporters beating like one. In a football-oriented country it's good to feel that there's more to sports than "the opium of the people". An incredibly fast-paced game, great tactics, highly-skilled players ... and true team spirit. Believe me, I've played both sports, watched both sports, and barely can football compare to basketball. So more history in the making for our local squad. And in the worst-case scenario there'll be a third showdown next Wednesday in this three-match playoff series. OK, enough basketball, but just let me cry out, say loud and clear: GO AVENIDA, AUPA AVENIDA!!

Now, how disappointing it was not to find the way to play my home video this evening, with sound I mean. I really want to talk you into this video activity, but honestly I wouldn't like to push you too hard and make you uncomfortable. You know, I've done this before and, after the initial reluctance, most students end up feeling at ease with the camera and the mike. Besides, I assure you it can be good fun, and benefitial for your English. Fair enough, I'll make one more try next Thursday.
Good night everyone!

PS: Let me tell those of you who didn't come to school this evening that the Prueba de Progreso will be held on Thursday 5th, as everyone present agreed.