GLEE

Hi, Guys!,

Thanks a lot, I love when you talk to me about new American sitcoms, I love them!!!
Have you ever seen GLEE? Well, don't waste time and watch one of its funny episodes!

This is a musical comedy drama (I thought: Awesome!!!), there is a brilliant mixture of choreography and songs. At first, the sitcom could remind you of High School Musical. As a matter of fact, one of the directors spent some time on Broadway to cast many people who could sing, dance and with some theatrical experience.

The most striking point is that these teenagers are very special, I mean they are rather odd, one is crippled, other is cheerleader, other plays football, ... they can't find their place at High School, but above all, they love singing and dancing!

Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan have created this TV serie for FOX. The last one became a member of the Prospect High School choir in Illinois. For this reason, we could state that this sitcom is based on a previous experience.

At last, what's the meaning of GLEE, non-native speakers?

1. Great merriment
2. Malicious satisfaction
3. A type of song originated in 18th century in England, sung by three or more unaccompanied voices.

B I G B E N

Hi, Guys!,

Why is the London Clock Tower called BIG BEN? Although it is popularly believed that Big Ben is the name of the four faced clock which rises above the Houses of Parliament, this is not true. Big Ben is the name of the BELL which strikes every quarter of an hour.

However, it is also believed that Big Ben nickname comes from a small man who oversaw the installation of the Great Bell. the clock and whose name was Sir Benjamin Hall. So, from that moment onwards, the Clock Tower was called Big Ben.

This international British symbol rises above the Houses of Parliament. This clock tower was built at Westminster in 1288. In 1367, the first tower was replaced, and this became the first public shimming clock in England.

In 1834, the 16th October, there was a fire, a new present clock, Big Ben, was raise in a neo-gothic style.In 1840, the architect Charles Barry, started the construction of the new Palace of Westminster.

Its height: 96.3 metres and the bottom: 61 metres.

The Clock Tower is a focus of New Year celebrations in the United Kingdom. Last year, Big Ben celebrated its 150th anniversary.

If you want to go on reading about the history of the BIG BEN, you can watch the following videos.






Houses of Parliament and The Big Ben
Cargado por GiftTours. - Divertidos y exóticos vídeos de viaje.

If you are more interested or you'd like to visit this inside, please, click on: http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/bigben/

The Notting Hill Carnival

Hi, Guys!,

Last 29th and 30th August, the Notting Hill Carnival took place. This started in 1964 because of the Afro-caribbean communities who wanted to celebrate their customs, traditions in UK too. So, if you've visited London these days, you could have seen many African dances, Caribbean music, food as if you were in Rio de Janeiro. There is a large colourful parade in Notting Hill (West London), there are many people disguised, stalls, ... It's really entertaining!!!

Notting Hill Carnival 2009 Photo / stop motion from Mark Rigler on Vimeo.

Ghost Whisperer

Hi, Guys!,


Today, I'd like to write about one of my favourite American sitcoms, GHOST WHISPERER, starred by Jennifer Love Hewitt, in the TV serie MELINDA. She has a special ability, she can communicate with dead people, she actually helps them to find and cross over into the LIGHT or spirit world.

There are many thrilling exciting moments along the episodes because helping these people to find the Light is a difficult task.

Melinda sometimes has to struggle with the spirits or other people who do not believe her. However, she is not alone, her husband Jim, Delia, Professor Rick Payne and other characters always stand by her.

This TV serie is setting in an unreal town called Grandview, she has an antique shop called "Same As It Never Was".

The Invisible Woman

Hi, there!,

Thanks to Island Gal http://www.nycislandgal.com/, I could see one of the best video that I've ever watched, I'm talking about The Invisible Woman. I strongly recommend you to watch it, it's really worthwhile!!! Don't worry if you cry.

Besides, I wanted to know more about this woman and her speech, so surfing on the internet, I found that this video is part of an American association. But above all, we could appreciate their wonderful messages, methapors, ... Therefore, I've just decided to post other videos taken from this Christian American organisation called Women of Faith. This group of women have been holding conferences in USA since 1996. In these videos, you can find hopeful messages in American style, so they're really motivating and helpful. Now, why don't you watch them? Amazing!!!

To my mum, to all women and mothers, you are not invisible, THANKS A MILLION for your generosity, work, support, ... you are not alone, we'll always stand by you!

If you are more interested, click on here: http://www.womenoffaith.com/

Céline Dion

Hi, there!,

First of all, I'd like to say that CÉLINE DION is one of my favourite singer, I love singing "I'm Your Angel" or "A New Day Has Come", because of its beautiful lyrics, because of her great voice. So, I encourage you to listen to one of her wonderful songs, they are simply gorgeous! Céline Dion was born in Quebec (Canada) on 30th March in 1968. She was actually a French teen star until her manager and future husband René Angélil helped her to release her album Unison. Thanks to this, she became well-known in many English-speaking countries.

It was followed by the albums "The Colour of My Love" (1993) and "Deux" (1995).

In 1996 the Grammy-winning album "Falling Into You" made her more popular. In 1998, she became more famous due to her album "Let's Talk About Love" including "My Heart Will Go On," the soaring theme to romantic drama Titanic. After being retired, somehow imposed, somehow voluntary, Dion released "A New Day" including great songs such as "I'm alive".

In 2001, she gave birth her first son. Now, she is going to have twins, and agian, she is retired in Florida. It is expected that she will appear again in Las Vegas (15th March 2011).

To Juanmi, good luck and I hope your dreams will come true! "No mountains too high for you to climb..."

Scottish Kilts and Tartans, an old tradition

Hi, Guys!,
When I was studying English, I had two Scottish teachers who told me about the Scottish kilt, specially because one of them was going to get married in Edimburgh and her husband, as Scottish, wanted to wear this. They said that every clan had, and have, their own tartan or kilt.

The Gaelic word `clann´ means “family” or “descendants” and the great clans of the 16th and 17th centuries were indeed very similar to enormous families, ruled by powerful chiets. Sometimes there were fierce battles between different clans but nowadays the McDonalds and the McHenzies, the Campbells and the Lindsays all live in peace with each other.

The wearing of tartans or coloured checks was common in the Highlands before the defeat by the English in 1745. Originally, the tartan was worn as a single piece of cloth, drawn in at the waist and thrown over the shoulders. The kilt did not become popular until the beginning of the 18th century.

Every clan has its own tartan and, since the first international gathering of the clans in 1972, many more people have become interested in traditional forms of Scottish dress. Tartans are now part of international fashion. However, many visitors to Scotland are keen to find out if they have historical connections with any particular clan so that they may proudly wear the correct tartan, such as my teacher's husband. (I hope she is doing well). Another day, I'll write about the Scottish second names and bagpipes. I love this type of music.

At last, you can watch this video with a detailed description on how to wear the Scottish kilt and folk dress.