Birds of a Feather… BLOG Together!!

Over the wall

2010-05-05T11:14:00.003+01:00

The theatre group of the English department at the EOI Sagunt performed this play for the first time on the 30th of March, 2010 at Centro Cívico del Puerto de Sagunto. After this première a couple of performances followed in the school as one of the activities included on our open day on the 21st April. The students worked really hard to learn a lenghty and difficult text, but they made it! and here's the result for you to enjoy. The play was written by James Saunders, a British playwright considered to be one of the leading British exponents of the Theatre of the Absurd.
If you are a student at the EOI and would like to take part in this activity, you'll have the chance to do so next year. You'll surely have great fun and learn a lot!!
Enjoy

I Chase the Devil

2010-04-01T20:02:00.003+01:00

How about a bit of reggae? With lyrics fit to grace the script of The Exorcist, too. As the title suggests, "I Chase the Devil" (aka "Iron Shirt") fantasises on the possibility of getting rid of the Prince of Darkness and sending him to another planet. The performers are Max Romeo, who appears on the video clip, and the Upsetters, and the song originally appeared on their 1976 album War ina Babylon. A very apocalyptic title for extremely relaxing music.

And now the ska version that Madness included in their 2005 cover album The Dangermen Sessions, Vol. 1. The title's changed, though. Now it's "I Chase the Devil, aka Ironshit." Those English vowels, they just keep on shifting.

New Material for April 2010

2010-03-25T18:54:00.011+01:00

Here is the material due to be registered and appear on the bookshelves soon.

DVDs

Rumble Fish (1983) directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Mickey Rouke amd Matt Dillon. An avant-garde rendition of the old, old story of the troubled young boy who tries to live up to the reputation of his elder brother.

The Navigators (2002), directed by Ken Loach and starring Dean Andrews, Tom Craig and Joe Duttine. Set in the 1995 privatisation of British Rail, this gritty, hard-hitting black comedy exposes greed and venality that lies beneath the neoliberal discourse of "productivity" and "efficiency," and the disastrous consequences it has for working-class communal values.

Now for something a little less dramatic and more irreverend. Team America, World Police (2004), directed by Trey Parker, of South Park fame. A satirical take on big-budget action movies and the gung-ho spirit of the post-11/09 noughties featuring puppets.

If you think that, and we quote, "strong language, violence and sex all involving puppets" is a bit over the top, then have a look at Derek Jarman's Jubilee (1977). Starring Toyah Willcox and Adam Ant (who also provides some of the music on the soundtrack), "Britain's first official punk movie" tells the story of how Queen Elizabeth I is transported to 20th century England, to a Buckingham Palace transformed into a recording studio for punk musicians.

And finally a bit of comedy, namely The Catherine Tate Show (2007), containing sketches for BBC TV by "Britain's queen of comedy on three DVDs.

Series One

Series Two

Series Three

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

2010-03-16T17:12:00.003+01:00

If "Heard it through the Grapevine" is about a guy who suspects his girl's about to leave him, the song we've selected is about a toy-boy who's decided to leave his sugar mommy (or daddy). Considered by many to be his best song, Elton John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," from the 1973 album of the same name, deals with the sense of freedom gained from breaking off a relationship that one has come to feel as too constraining.

And here's the cover the Ray Conniff Singers did of the song.

Finally, we have the version by Keane. Do you think he's in the same league as Sir John (Even with the pretty-pretty photos)?

Heard Through The Grapevine

2010-02-28T21:12:00.004+01:00

St Valentine's well and truly behind us now -at least that's the gist of "Heard through the Grapevine," the song about the guy who's just found out his girl's about to dump him. Although associated with Marvin Gaye, the song was in fact first recorded in 1966 by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. And here it is, the genuine Motown article.

A year later Gladys Knight and the Pips did the soul version of the song, which you can listen to in the clip below (Man, just dig those Afro hairstyles!)

Now we just couldn't cover this song without Marvin, could we? Also, in this clip we have the lyrics so you can sing along as well. So what are you waiting for, Caruso?

Here's definitely the longest version, by Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1970. Most of it's instrumental, though.

Shouldn't be posting this up really, but we'll go ahead all the same -just out of curiosity. Here's the song in Spanish, roughly translated to "Las malas lenguas" by Santiago and Luis Anserón in 2006.

Let Me Kiss You

2010-02-19T13:55:00.004+01:00

Still haven't quite got St Valentine out of our system. Here's Morrissey singing "Let Me Kiss You," from the 2004 album You Are The Quarry.

Nancy Sinatra released her version of the song in the same year, with Morrissey himself. Here the song is accompanied by scenes from Jean Cocteau's La Belle et la Bête. Choice inspired by the line "But then you open your eyes and you see someone that you physically despise" perhaps?

New Material for February 2010

2010-02-19T13:10:00.007+01:00

Here are the items soon to appear on the English Department shelves of the school library.

Audio Books

Seven stories with a twist in Further Tales of the Unexpected by Roald Dahl.

A modern-day defence of poetry persuavively made by Stephen Fry in The Ode Less Travelled

An overview of the English language wittily given by Stephen Fry in Fry's English Delight

DVD

Man Friday (1975),directed by Jack Gold and starring Peter O'Toole and Richard Roundtree. A critical post-colonial look at the classic by Daniel Defoe.

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992), directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins and Keanu Reeves. If you want to know why the Count never drinks wine, watch the movie and find out.

Baby, I Love You

2010-02-09T19:24:00.002+01:00

With St Valentine's Day just round the corner we thought "Baby, I Love You" would be appropriate. First, we have the original version by a sixties girl group the Ronettes, released in 1964, the same year as the previous song, "Where Did Our Love?" Listen and enjoy the slideshow, especially the hairstyles sported by the singers.

In 1980 Phil Spector, the man who produced the Ronettes' version, got the Ramones to do a cover of the same song. Here they are on the BBC's Top of the Pops. Same song, different haircut.

Requests

2010-02-03T16:37:00.005+01:00

Are there any postings you would like to see on the blog? Have you been to the library only not to find what you were looking for? Do you think there is anything missing on the blog? From now on you can make suggestions to help improve this site. How? Just send us a mail to englisheoisagunt@gmail.com. Don't forget your suggestions must be related to the English-speaking world or English language, for example, literature, music, hyperlinks to interesting sites, or stuff you have produced that you would like to see posted.

Where did our Love Go?

2010-01-31T15:55:00.002+01:00

After the excess testosterone of "Hey Joe!" something a little more romantic. The first clip, in black and white, is a performance of Diana Ross and the Supremes singing their 1964 hit "Where did our Love Go?"

Too mournful for your taste? How about the 1981 synthpop cover by Soft Cell, originally blended into another classic, "Tainted Love"?

Or you might prefer the slightly jazzed up version by Declan Galbraith, from his 2006album "Thank You." (Sorry about the tacky photographs)

Material Soon to Arrive at the Library in January 2010

2010-01-26T18:19:00.006+01:00

Look here if you want to know the new stuff you'll soon find on the shelves in the English section of the library.

Audiobooks:

Abridged version of Charles Dickens's "Great Expectations" read by Hugh Laurie (of "House" fame)

Unabridged version of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol" read Anton Lesser (a bit late now, we're afraid)

A Selection of Oscar Wilde's Short Stories read by Stephen Fry (good for the kids)

DVD:

"For Queen and Country" starring Denzel Washington as an ex-soldier returning to a far from hero's welcome to the gritty London inner-city district he grew up in (English with Dutch subtitles (Sorry about that, folks))

"Life on Mars, Series Two" the sequel to the immensely popular sci-fi police procedural drama set in Manchester in the '70s (Head and shoulders above "La chica de ayer")

Hey, Joe!

2010-01-21T19:42:00.006+01:00

From Jesus to Joe. "Hey Joe" is a traditional ballad, though it's associated with the legendary Jimi Hendrix. We've uploaded a clip of one of the numerous versions the guitar-playing genius recorded of the song, with him plucking the chords with his teeth and all. With the clip we've included Willy Deville's mariachi version, together with Franco Battiato's mournful rendition, transformed into a damning indictment of domestic violence. Which one do you like best?

Personal Jesus

2010-01-11T19:08:00.003+01:00

Here's a video of "Personal Jesus" as originally sung by Depeche Mode with the lyrics so you can amaze your friends with your singing skills at the Karaoke. We've included a couple of cover versions of the same song so you can vote for the one you think's the best. Listen, sing, enjoy - and tell us what your favourite version is!

Dido

2009-11-12T19:08:00.003+01:00

Hi, there! This time I'll try to get you all to sing. Here's a video of Dido, a popular British singer.
I'm sure you'll love the song and will be willing to learn the lyrics! So here they are. Don't miss the opportunity to sing along with Dido, while you learn and have fun!
Hope you enjoy it!

Guy Fawkes Answers to the Webquest

2009-11-12T18:43:00.004+01:00

As it was promised last week, here come the answers to the webquest about Guy Fawkes.
Hope you enjoyed learning about the plot and its characters.
And don't forget to leave your comments about the activity!

Guy Fawkes
Webquest Answers

1 - What happens all over Britain on the night of November 5th?

On the night of November 5th, throughout Britain, people commemorate the capture of Guy Fawkes with bonfires and fireworks, and by burning an effigy of Guy

2 - Who do people commemorate that way?

Guy Fawkes. Britain’s most notorious traitor.

3 - What did Guy Fawkes, together with a group of men, try to do?

They tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

4 - What were English Catholics hoping when Queen Elisabeth I died in 1603?

After Queen Elizabeth I died in 1603, English Catholics who had been persecuted under her rule had hoped that her successor, James I, would be more tolerant of their religion.

5 - Why were they disappointed?

As the group worked on the plot, it became clear that innocent people would be hurt or killed in the attack, including some people who even fought for more rights for Catholics. Some of the plotters started having second thoughts.

6 - What would people like Fawkes and his fellow conspirators be called now?

Today they would be known as extremists, or terrorists.

7 - How did they try to put their murderous plan into practice?

To carry out their plan, the conspirators got hold of 36 barrels of gunpowder - and stored them in a cellar, just under the House of Lords.

8 - At what moment did some conspirators start questioning what they were doing?

Yes, they did. Some of them started having second thoughts because it seemed apparent that innocent people would be hurt or killed.

9 - How did one conspirator try to warn a friend of his?

By sending a letter to him. The addressee was Lord Monteagle, a Member of Parliament.

10 - Who was that letter even shown to?

It was even shown to the King, James I.

11 - What happened to Guy Fawkes when the authorities searched the cellar of the parliament?

He was caught, tortured and executed.

12 - Why might the conspirators' plans have failed anyway?

Some have suggested that the gunpowder was so old as to be useless.

13 - What other term is often used to refer to Guy Fawkes Day?

Bonfire Night.
14 - What might some Englishmen be celebrating rather than the traitor's execution?

Some people might be honouring his attempt to do away with the government.

15 - How many conspirators were there altogether?

It was a group of thirteen young men.

16 - Who was their leader?

It was Robert Catesby.

17 - Why did Guy Fawkes become famous even though he wasn't the leader?

Because he was found in the cellar of the Parliament with 36 barrels of gunpowder and was later executed.

18 - Why wasn't Jeremy Tresham executed like all the others?

Because he fell sick and died in prison.

19 - What did the authorities use the conspirators' confessions for?

The government used the Gunpowder Plot to justify further anti-Catholic repression, including executing at least two Jesuits leaders they felt were threatening to their authority.

20 - How were the traitors executed?

All imprisoned plotters were executed publicly in March 1607. They were "hanged, drawn, and quartered"

21 - Why was that method of public execution chosen?

Because authorities hoped it would instil terror in other potential traitors.

22 - Who might the letter have been 'fabricated' by?

The letter warning one of the members of government to stay away from Parliament is believed today to have been fabricated by the king's officials.

23 - What do some historians believe concerning the letter?

Historians suggest that the King's officials already knew about the plot, that one of the plotters in fact revealed the key points of the plot to the authorities.

24 - Which of the traitors is suspected of telling the authorities about their plans?

Francis Tresham

25 - In what year did the tradition of lighting bonfires start?

1605

26 - Whose effigy is sometimes burned along with the guy dummy?

The effigy of Fawkes

27 - How do children collect money? What do they use it for?

Children walk down the street trying to collect money for fireworks and they ask for "a penny for the guy”.

28 - Which town in South East England attracts thousands of visitors for its festivities?

Lewes

29 - Where has the custom spread to?

The custom spread to the British colonies for centuries. It was actively celebrated in New England as "Pope Day" as late as the 18th century. Today, November 5th bonfires still light up in far out places like New Zealand and Newfoundland in Canada.

Guy Fawkes

2009-11-04T01:56:00.007+01:00

Who the heck was Guy Fawkes?

Have you heard about this British tradition? It'll take place tomorrow, on the 5th of November.

Remember, remember the fifth of November

The Gunpowder Treason and plot
I know of no reason why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.

Would you like to learn what is behind these lines? Take the following webquest.
You have to visit this website to answer the questions.
Next week the answers to the webquest will be published and you'll have the chance to correct your exercise!

WEBQUEST - GUY FAWKES

Go to http://www.bonefire.org/guy/index.php and answer the questions:

1 - What happens all over Britain on the night of November 5th?

2 - Who do people commemorate that way?

3 - What did Guy Fawkes, together with a group of men, try to do?

4 - What were English Catholics hoping when Queen Elisabeth I died in 1603?

5 - Why were they disappointed?

6 - What would people like Fawkes and his fellow conspirators be called now?

7 - How did they try to put their murderous plan into practice?

8 - At what moment did some conspirators start questioning what they were doing?

9 - How did one conspirator try to warn a friend of his?

10 - Who was that letter even shown to?

11 - What happened to Guy Fawkes when the authorities searched the cellar of the parliament?

12 - Why might the conspirators' plans have failed anyway?

13 - What other term is often used to refer to Guy Fawkes Day?

14 - What might some Englishmen be celebrating rather than the traitor's execution?

15 - How many conspirators were there altogether?

16 - Who was their leader?

17 - Why did Guy Fawkes become famous even though he wasn't the leader?

18 - Why wasn't Jeremy Tresham executed like all the others?

19 - What did the authorities use the conspirators' confessions for?

20 - How were the traitors executed?

21 - Why was that method of public execution chosen?

22 - Who might the letter have been 'fabricated' by?

23 - What do some historians believe concerning the letter?

24 - Which of the traitors is suspected of telling the authorities about their plans?

25 - In what year did the tradition of lighting bonfires start?

26 - Whose effigy is sometimes burned along with the guy dummy?

27 - How do children collect money? What do they use it for?

28 - Which town in South East England attracts thousands of visitors for its festivities?

29 - Where has the custom spread to?

___________________________________________________________________________

Take a look at this video to find out about the real ringleader of the Gunpowder Plot and his fellow conspirators.

Good luck with your webquest and enjoy!

videoclips

2009-10-30T15:16:00.001+01:00

Hello! This is for all 1st year students! Enjoy it

What's the most offensive swearword in this office?

2009-10-28T00:39:00.005+01:00

What's the most offensive swearword in your workplace? Catherine's colleague names a few, but does she guess the right one? Watch this hilarious video and find out! For advanced students.
Enjoy!

Pronunciation

2009-10-27T00:24:00.004+01:00

This is a good choice for a laugh. English pronunciation is not an easy subject, as we all know, but Steve Martin is determined to succeed!
Enjoy!

Body parts

2009-10-26T13:13:00.001+01:00

We have not forgotten about our elementary students. Here is a video that will help you revise the parts of the body in a very amusing way! You're gonna have fun!

Food for thought

2009-10-26T13:04:00.003+01:00

Hello back! Our first post this year goes to advanced students, particularly those who are interested in new technologies. Here is a video that will make you think of the advantages and drawbacks of those gadgets which have become so essential in our lives that we could not possibly live without most of them. But, what of those days when we also went to the cinema, hung around with friends, did sport and were not hooked on a screen?

You're fired

2009-04-23T21:42:00.003+01:00

English has many ways of beating about the bush, of not saying straightforward what it really means to say. On this ocassion, we recommend this text in which you can learn fifty ways for a boss to tell their staff that they're fired. Hope you enjoy it!

St Patrick's Day

2009-04-21T17:12:00.003+01:00

Rafael's contribution explains the Irish day and saint, St. Patrick, to the last detail.

She doesn't wake up

2009-04-21T17:01:00.005+01:00

Revise your daily routine activities by naming the actions shown in this video:

Students' corner

2009-04-21T16:58:00.005+01:00

Tania has found a text about Slow Cities. You may need a dictionary to fully understand it.

A rainy day's inspiration

2009-03-30T19:33:00.005+01:00

Mario Benedetti has to be heard with his original Argentinian accent. You can't buy a bed like his, but you can operate it mentally! It works!!
Listen and see If you can't fly...

Students' Choice: Gerardo

2009-03-28T21:01:00.005+01:00

That old classic song 'Stand by Me' sung by people around the world.

1st NI Students' Choice: Tania

2009-03-06T21:35:00.009+01:00

To check out Tania's contribution enter here and you'll find 66 essential phrasal verbs, 50 very useful expressions, Internet-related words, football-related words, Church-related words and other interesting tools for Spanish speaking learners of English.

24 hours with an American mom

2009-03-03T20:48:00.008+01:00

Rita, a will-be-mother of three, has chosen this video so we can all have our mothers in mind for a few minutes. Go to lyrics, if you want to read them at your own pace.

Learning English with Hector

2009-02-25T11:56:00.004+01:00

This is Patricia Escorza's contribution. Go to Aprende Ingles; it's Hector's story

Alfred Hitchcock shows you around Psycho's sinister house

2009-02-25T11:27:00.005+01:00

This is Monica's contribution

1st NI Students' Choice: Gema del Rey

2009-02-05T17:05:00.005+01:00

Examples of self-determination in Beijing 2008: Natalia Partyka y Natalie DuToit

2nd Cinema Outing

2009-02-05T13:13:00.005+01:00

This is the poster for our second cinema outing. This time, we'll be going to Albatros, which is the only cinema that shows a film in English at seven on Friday!! Well, at least we'll have the chance to watch this film we couldn't see on our first outing!
Remember to sign your name beneath the poster that will be put up on the white board at the school entrance. We need to have at least 15 people coming to benefit from the discount, and this time you have plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements. So don't miss this opportunity to meet school students and get in touch with English!
If you have any questions, you can ask your teacher, or else you can leave your comment to this post.
See you on 13th Friday!

Crisis antidote

2009-02-03T17:50:00.002+01:00

Icons of England

2009-02-02T17:34:00.006+01:00

Have you ever wondered why the English drink so much tea? Why are they so keen on queuing? Why do they talk so much about the weather? There are certain icons that are undeniably English, like Cheddar Cheese or the Monty Python. Others, like Chicken Tikka Masala, are not originally English but have become so widespread in the English culture, that are now an inseparable part of it. Here is a website that can help you learn about all these facts of the English culture and, if you’re particularly keen on any of them and you feel like learning as much as you can on it, you can test your knowledge by doing a quiz here. If you are an expert, you can even win a prize! It can be real fun and a good way to practise your English and learn a lot about its culture!
Hope you enjoy it!

Up Helly Aa festival

2009-01-28T22:46:00.007+01:00

(Source: the Internet)

This is a picture of the Up Helly-Aa festival which has been celebrated on the Shetland islands (North of Scotland) for over 100 years. They claim it to be the largest fire festival in Europe! (Have they heard of 'Falles' in Valencia?).
It is a fire festival of unknown origin to celebrate the end of the Yule season. Up to a thousand guizers march in procession holding torches which they later throw into a replica Viking ship and set it on fire.
To learn more visit this site.

Directgov

2008-11-18T12:32:00.005+01:00

Hi there! Work? Education? Money? Health and well-being? You name it! I'd like to recommend a site where you can learn all that there is to learn about services in the UK. Click here to watch a video that will tell you everything about how it works. You can click on the subtitles to read and watch at the same time!

Once you've watched the video, you can click here to get to the website and enjoy!

Warwick Castle

2008-11-14T18:00:00.002+01:00

A View of Warwick Castle from the river Avon

2008-11-14T13:34:00.006+01:00

At last the day has come when we've decided to breathe life into this long forgotten blog. Here you'll find news of the school, news of the English world and news of interest to everyone. On the right hand side of this blog you'll find plenty of links and gadgets to have fun and learn at the same time.
We hope that you and I can make the most of this blog and it becomes a site of reference to everyone.
More to come and.... Long live this blog!

International Philosophy

2007-06-12T18:27:00.000+01:00

Queen Elizabeth

2007-06-12T18:22:00.001+01:00

The First Queen Elizabeth.

Mary Shelley

2007-06-12T18:20:00.001+01:00

Mary Shelley, author of "Frankenstein".

International Woman's Day Poster 2007

2007-06-12T18:10:00.001+01:00

The first Englishwoman to qualify as a doctor.

Ministry of Silly Walks

2007-06-12T17:50:00.000+01:00

Vintage Monty Python

International Women's Day Posters

2007-04-25T17:55:00.001+01:00

A selection of the posters created by English students to commemorate International Women's Day

4º and 5º Quiz: Chemical Brothers!!

2007-03-25T20:05:00.001+01:00

Would you like to win a prize? Go to the "Videoclips" section of our Blog and choose the Chemical Brothers videoclip. Answer the questions related to the videoclip and send them to our blog-related email address: englisheoisagunt@gmail.com.

Quick!! You've got until Tuesday at 21:00 to send your answers. Don't forget to write your name and year. Make it as attractive as possible (photos, colours,...). The first one to send the answers correctly will win a prize. The winner will be announced on the Blog. Good Luck!!

1º, 2º and 3º Quiz: Tour the USA and win!!

2007-03-25T19:00:00.000+01:00

What do you know about the USA? How many states does it have? Where would you go if you were a tourist in such a big country? "Birds of a Feather" suggests a trip around Uncle Sam's country:

Take a look at the two maps of the USA above: one of them has the name of each state, and the other is divided into six main regions. You have to find information about three states (each of the three states must belong to a different region). Your report must include:

Location
Famous People
Interesting Facts
Description of state attractions
A Special City's special attractions

Links:
http://www.ipl.org/youth/stateknow/skhome.html
http://www.epd86.org/carlson/sregions.html
http://www.50states.com/
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/

Quick!! Send your answers to our blog-related email address: englisheoisagunt@gmail.com. Don't forget to write your name and the year you are studying. You've got until Tuesday at 21:00 to send your answer. Make it as attractive as possible: photos, colours,... The winner will be announced on the blog and s/he will win a prize!!

mean??

2007-03-22T17:57:00.000+01:00

What does "mean" mean? Think about these sentences: "I didn´t mean to wake you up but..." " He´s the meanest man I know, he doesn´t even invite his friends to a coffee!" "It´s 19.00 hours, Greenwich Mean Time." " If you contradict him, he gets mean." " They have got to the means to do it." "What do you mean by that?" "Mean Woman Blues"

Popular British Sayings

2007-03-20T20:15:00.001+01:00

"Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor,..." How does it continue? There are four more "occupations".

unforgettable utterances

2007-03-20T20:12:00.000+01:00

" You can live happily with any woman..." was, as usual, Oscar Wilde.

English? Impossible is Nothing (Part II)

2007-03-15T16:15:00.000+01:00

Tribute to the "Weaker Sex?" on Woman's Day

2007-03-08T11:57:00.001+01:00

This is a tribute to those wives, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters... who silently strive to make our lives easier every day. Thanks to all of them.

Looking Verbs: Answers

2007-03-07T17:29:00.000+01:00

Ten House Words and a Hidden Message: Answers

2007-03-01T12:05:00.000+01:00

Cupboard
Armchair
Rug
Curtain
Study
Desk
Bathroom
Fireplace
Cooker
Lamp

Hidden Message: Amunt Sagunt!!

Eight Looking Words!!

2007-02-26T19:56:00.000+01:00

Answers to Feelings Wordsearch

2007-02-26T19:43:00.000+01:00

unforgettable utterances

2007-02-22T11:40:00.000+01:00

Who said this? - "A man can live happily with any woman, as long as he does not love her".
Was it-

a)Arthur Schopenhauer?
b)John Lennon?
c)Oscar Wilde?

tacky

2007-02-20T17:58:00.000+01:00

If your written work is "tacky": Is it- a) done very quickly? b) shabby and below standard? c)covered in blue tack?

Clash of Ideas in Tony Blair

2007-02-20T16:11:00.001+01:00

George Bush Imagines While Walking on the Wild Side

2007-02-20T16:06:00.001+01:00

Golden Oldies Quiz

2007-02-19T18:52:00.001+01:00

Name a glorious song by Van Morrison with versions by, among others, The Doors and Patti Smith.

2007-02-19T18:52:00.000+01:00

Name a glorious song by Van Morrison with versions by, among others, The Doors and Patti Smith.

Are you in the Mood? Ten Feeling-related Words!!

2007-02-19T11:35:00.000+01:00

I´m "constipated". A false friend?

2007-02-18T22:03:00.000+01:00

Is this something you would tell your teacher to explain away your not-so-brilliant performance during the class? Or would you rather keep it to yourself?

Unforgettable Utterances: Answer to"Kiss me Hardy"

2007-02-18T21:49:00.000+01:00

This was said by Admiral Lord Nelson to his Flag Captain Thomas Hardy.There are no homosexual overtones to this utterance: it was socially quite acceptable in Nelson´s times for men to kiss in situations where strong emotions were involved.

Don't sail drunk!!

2007-02-16T19:15:00.000+01:00

An Australian man reportedly attacked a shark with his bare hands after drinking copious amounts of vodka and deciding to turn the tables on one of nature's deadliest predators.
Kerkhof became annoyed when the shark began chasing his squid lures and said he climbed down a ladder into the water and silently stalked the 1.3 metre (4.3 foot) predator.
"I just snuck up behind him and eventually I went for the big grab and I fluked it and got him," he said.
"He's just thrashing around in the water but then he was starting to turn around and try to bite me and I thought 'well, it's amazing what vodka does'."
Kerkhof emerged from the fray unscathed, although his jeans were ripped by the shark's razor-sharp teeth.
"It's not something I'd recommend to do. When I sobered up I thought about it and I said, 'I'm a bit of an idiot doing it'," he said.
Conclusion: "Don't sail drunk!!"

Ten House Words and a Hidden Message!!

2007-02-16T17:55:00.000+01:00

SPEAK with students from Sagunt on the Net!!

2007-02-16T12:20:00.000+01:00

Would you like to SPEAK in English on Internet with other students from the school? Here’s what you can do:

0.- You need a pair of speakers and a microphone (not too difficult, is it?)

1.- First you have to create a yahoo email account

2.- Next, you have to download the Yahoo Messenger Voice Chat Programme

3.- Then, go to our blog and come to THIS entry (it has the label "Voice Chat"). Go to Comments and write:
1.- Your yahoo email address
2.- A nick
3.- Your level (1º, 2º, etc) so that others of the same level can contact you.

Once you've done this, you can start contacting other students. Good Luck!!

Golden Oldies Quiz

2007-02-14T20:50:00.000+01:00

Which character appears in David Bowie's "Space Oddity" and reappears years later in "Ashes to Ashes"?

British Isles Answer

2007-02-08T14:17:00.000+01:00

A student from 1st year has answered the "British Isles" entry. This was her answer:

1.- Explain the difference between:
a) The British Isles: they are a European archipelago of islands. They comprise Great Britain (the biggest island), Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (the second biggest island) and other smaller islands (Man Island, etc)

b) Great Britain: it is made up of England, Scotland and Wales. It’s the biggest island of the British Isles.

c) The UK: The United Kingdom comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern of Ireland.

2.-Design a touristic route stopping in:

1.- England:
You can visit Buckingham Palace in London. It’s the official residence of the British Monarchy’s. Inside, you can see the biggest private garden in London.
You should visit The British Museum too. It’s the oldest state museum in the world.

2.- Wales:
You should visit the Castle of Cardiff (in the city of Cardiff). It’s inside Butter’s Park and it’s very beautiful. It looks like a child tale’s castle.
You will enjoy a great game if you go to The Millenium Stadium, the biggest covered stadium of England.

3.- Scotland:
There is a great place with a curious animal, Nessie. It’s The Loch Ness. Fort William has mountainous areas of great beauty where you can explore and walk.

4.- Northern Ireland: Belfast is a great city. You can see The Belfast City Hall. It’s an example of classical renaissance style.
If you love nature, you must visit the Giant’s Causeway. It’s a landscape with formations of unusual basalt columns

5.- Ireland: There, if you like beer, you can visit the Guiness Storehouse (Dublin).The city of Cork is very interesting. Do you have children? You can visit the Chuckies Playzone, in Wilton. You can visit the Dungeons of Cork too.

Great answer! Congratulations!

My own, my love, my prrrecious... English Throne!!

2007-02-07T20:21:00.000+01:00

Hundreds of people have stepped forward to claim the throne of England after a worldwide quest by genealogists to find a rightful heir.
After rooting through their family trees, legions of French, Italian, Norwegian, Dutch, Swedish and Canadian would-be royals bid for the monarchy.
The ads, asking people to supply documentary proof on www.english-heritage.org.uk/hastings, asked "Can you trace your family tree back to 1066? Might your ancestors have claimed the English throne?"
Edgar Aetheling was named heir apparent by his great uncle King Edward the Confessor but was not crowned when the King died in 1066 because he was too young. Harold II was crowned instead. William the Conqueror crossed over from Normandy, defeating Harold at the Battle of Hastings. The teenage Aetheling later submitted to William.
"We had a chap from Arizona who tracked himself back to St Margaret. A lady from California could trace herself back to Edgar and William the Conqueror and says she has a pair of handsome sons who would make perfect princes. One Australian tied himself in with assorted 11th century royal families. A number of Scandinavians claimed Norse and Danish noble ties. We had many English claims from families called Ashling and Avling, suggesting a derivation of Aetheling."

Wouldn't you like to get the English Throne? Do you know the ancestors of your family? Do you think this is really important? Send your opinions!!

Unforgetable Utterances

2007-02-06T18:16:00.000+01:00

Which famous Englishman, in his dying moments, said the words," Kiss me Hardy".

a) Freddy Mercury?
b) Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson?
c) Lord Byron?

Golden Oldies Quiz

2007-02-05T20:51:00.000+01:00

Name the two songs by Iggy Pop included on the soundtrack of the movie "Trainspotting".

garrulous

2007-02-05T18:01:00.000+01:00

Is it the Russian word for "Charles"? If you are a garrulous person, do you barge into places like a bull into a china shop? Or do you simply not respect the local customs? Or perhaps it´s just that you´re in the habit of talking or writing too profusely? - Warning: it´s a false friend for Spanish speakers!

Unforgetable Utterances:Answers.

2007-02-01T15:49:00.000+01:00

The sentence, "We are not amused," was majestatically uttered by Queen Victoria.The words, "Sir, you are intoxicated..." although often wrongly attributed to Sir Winston Churchill, were actually pronounced by Benjamin Disraeli, later made Earl of Beaconsfield by Queen Victoria.

English? Impossible is Nothing!!

2007-02-01T14:52:00.000+01:00

Golden Oldies Quiz

2007-01-31T20:46:00.000+01:00

One of the songs of the soundtrack is by Siouxie and the Banshees and its title is like the name of a Chinese restaurant. What's the title?

JEOPARDY

2007-01-30T14:32:00.000+01:00

What is it? A hairy feline? A jungle predator? If your livelihood is in jeopardy, could it be you are in trouble with the fat cats? Send in your answers with an example sentence.

Golden Oldies Quiz

2007-01-29T18:41:00.000+01:00

Complete the title of the 1977 album "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's _____"

Demonstration!!

2007-01-29T17:53:00.000+01:00

Teacher jokes

2007-01-28T22:04:00.000+01:00

Why are English teachers being used for laboratory experiments instead of white mice?

There are three reasons:

One-Availability: White mice are hard to come by, whereas English teachers are a penny a dozen.
Two- Higiene: White mice are dirty, untidy animals. Conversely, English teachers rarely fail to clean up their own"mess".
Three- Disposition: There are certain things which white mice simply refuse to do...

An Australian man sells his life on Ebay!!

2007-01-26T18:27:00.000+01:00

An Australian man has sold his life on eBay for US$5,875.

Nicael Holt posted his life for sale on the Internet auction site, saying the deal included his name, phone number and all of his belongings. His entry on EBay was "New life for sale!!" He said he would also introduce the buyer to all his friends and "potential lovers (around eight which I have been flirting with)." The buyer would also "have access to a cruisy job in March delivering fruit." Part of the sale was also a "collection" of six jokes, a broken relationship with an ex-girlfriend and a four-week training course in becoming Holt.

Bidding for Holt's life started at US$3.90 and ended on Tuesday at US$5,875. Holt, a philosophy student from New South Wales state, said he was prepared to complete the sale, and make a documentary about the process, if any of the top five bidders turn out to be genuine: "If any of them are real I'll definitely do it and do this documentary because I think it would be really interesting," he said. The auction site did not comment on the sale, but allowed it to run its course.

How do you think this piece of news should be taken? As a joke? As a weird example of the dangers of the Internet? Or do you just think it is an eccentric way of saying "Live and let live"? Leave your comments!!

Mad Cow Disease!!

2007-01-26T14:12:00.000+01:00

How can you tell a healthy cow from a cow suffering from Mad Cow Disease? Check it here!!

Thanks, Carlos, for your suggestion. Hope you'll like this one!!

Unforgettable Utterances

2007-01-26T09:42:00.000+01:00

Which member of the Royal Family once said, " We are not amused"

a) Lady Jane Grey?
b) Queen Victoria?
c) Lady Diana Spencer?

Which aristocratic British statesman uttered the words, " Sir, you are intoxicated with the exuberance of your own verbosity!"

a) Benjamin Disraeli?(Lord Beaconsfield)
b) Sir Winston Churchill?
c) Harold Wilson?( The working man´s peer)

(Answers next week with ten Typhoo tea coupons)

Golden Oldies Quiz

2007-01-25T18:50:00.000+01:00

Name the African American singer who wants "some hot stuff tonite"

Chemical Brothers: "Galvanize!!"

2007-01-25T13:07:00.001+01:00

Chemical Brothers are back! Take a look at "Galvanize!!", their new videoclip, and surf the Net for these questions:
a.- Why are the teens wearing that clownfaced makeup?
b.- What is the name of the dance they perform?
c.- In your opinion, what message are Chemical Brothers trying to send with the word "Galvanize!!"? What is the literary meaning of this word?
d.- Extra question: in which city was this videoclip shot? Take a close look at the last scene...

If you can't play the video here, click on this link

You can use the following links:
http://www.absolutelyrics.com/lyrics/view/the_chemical_brothers/galvanize/
http://cliptip.blogspot.com/2005/02/chemical-brothers-galvanize.html
http://journal.davidbyrne.com/2005/07/rize_lyrebird.html
http://duckduckgooseandthensome.blogspot.com/2007/01/dancing.html

Send your answers in an attached word file to our blog-related email address before Tuesday at 21:00. Good luck!!

Welcome to Oz!!

2007-01-24T13:34:00.000+01:00

G'Day Mates! Pack up your "port" (suitcase) and get ready to go "back of bourke" (a very long way away) to the exciting "Land of Oz" (Australia). No need to bring any "moolah" (money); the trip is free! We have planned two tours for you featuring many aspects of Australian culture and geography. Are you ready? "Ace" (excellent)!

General Information
Australia is composed of ………………… states and …………………territories
What is the capital city of Australia?
Which are the largest cities?
How many people are there in Australia?
What is the nickname of Australia? Why?

The Aborigines
Who are they?
What's a "didgeridoo"?
What's a boomerang used for?
Ayers Rock
What is its aboriginal name?
Why is it so important for the aborigines?
How high, how old and how long is it?

Language
The Australians speak English but some words or expresssions can be different: it’s Australian slang. Can you find the Australian slang words for these English words? Australian Slang

English / Australian:
friend:
good day:
work:
toilet:
girl:

Australian / English:
Arvo:
Brickies:
Hoon:
Oz:
Sticky beak:
Durry:

You can use the following links: www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/continents/Australia/label/labelausanswers.shtml
http://www.effect.net.au/lukastan/oz/Aborigines.htm
http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/australia/2.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/28994/places.html
http://www.crystalinks.com/ayersrock.html
http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/australia/english.htm

Send your answers to our blog-related email address: englisheoisagunt@gmail.com

Blog Title

2007-01-24T11:37:00.000+01:00

Rosa has answered our question about the blog title correctly. Let's include it in our entries:
"Birds of a Feather... Flock together.(God willing). Somebody began this blog and it is gathering us... People with similar ideas tend to be together."

Excellent! So now we can change the title of the blog and write the whole saying... with a slight change!

Birds of a Feather?

2007-01-21T17:32:00.000+01:00

By the way, do you know why our blog has the strange title of "Birds of a Feather..."? Leave a comment completing the sentence and explain its meaning

Golden Oldies Quiz

2007-01-19T18:50:00.000+01:00

"a mark, a yen, a buck or a pound, a buck or a pound" Complete the lyric.

Let's meet the British Isles

2007-01-17T19:34:00.000+01:00

What do you know about Northern Ireland? And about Wales? Would you like to travel around the British Isles on the Web? Do the following tasks:
1.- Explain the difference between:
a) The British Isles; b) Great Britain; and c) the UK.
1.- Design a touristic route stopping in 1.- England, 2.- Wales, 3.- Scotland, 4.- Northern Ireland and 5.- Ireland. Mention two places to visit in each region and briefly explain why that place is attractive.

You can use these links: England's Top Attractions Visit Britain Northern Ireland Visit Highlands Travel Scotland Visit Wales Stay in Wales Tourism in Ireland Travel Ireland

You've got until Wednesday to send your answers in an attached word file to our blog-related email address: englisheoisagunt@gmail.com. You can add a couple of photos, if you feel like. Good luck!!

TIC & languages

2006-02-15T12:35:00.000+01:00

Sagunto's Cefire is organizing an English teaching refresher course which is full of ready-made class activities. Give a fresher touch to your lessons with Tim Herdon's brilliant ideas. To see some examples click here.

Oxford University Press has its own webpage with extra materials for both students and teachers. It's another ICT (Information and Communication Technology Tool).

Welcome

2006-02-03T13:24:00.000+01:00

"You can check out any time you want but you can never leave".
What's the song?

In the near future this will be a resource page to help you with your progress learning English.
We are the English Department of the EOI Sagunt. Welcome to all.

Here's the first useful link which will take you to the vast field of the British Council.

Answer: Hotel California by The Eagles