Thursday, 24 March 2011

Reading Inspires Kids!



'A noun is a person, place or thing. A verb is an action word...Max, something to share the class? Come on! Thanks.'

'How tired I am of this unbearable distance between us. How I long for the toll of the recess bell. Have you forgotten me? Grown mindless of me? Tell me I am not riding into an abyss. Or that is what will become all my heart.'

Every year I cannot avoid showing you this video, only a good reader could write this. Inspiring, isn't it?

Tuesday, 22 March 2011

London Icons

(click on the image to enlarge)

I've just discovered this so-called Londonist logo. This intricate design from Nick Patchitt of Nick Prints does contain a selection of London icons. Everything from the boat race to Del Boy’s van, and The Clash (twice). See how many you can pick out and, more importantly, what’s missing?


If you want to discover some enter Icons at a Glance or Visit London.

Thursday, 17 March 2011

St Patrick' Day


St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by the Irish and Irish at Heart in big cities and small towns alike with parades, "wearing of the green," music and songs, Irish food and drink, and activities for kids such as crafts, coloring and games. Its a time for fun. Some communities even go so far as to dye rivers or streams green! See all the Parades & Events going on around the World to celebrate St Patrick's Day March 17th 2011, or click here to find your nearest Irish Pubs!
Well now St. Patrick's Day wouldn't exist if not for the man himself! But how much do we know about him? Did you know that he spent six years of slavery in Ireland until he escaped and undertook religious training abroad? Read more about this great man or if you prefer watch a video about him!

And if you want to enjoy more why don't you try this treasure hunt about St Patrick?
(Thanks to Francisco Carmona)

Wednesday, 2 March 2011

Human Planet

Human Planet is an awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping, heart-stopping landmark series that marvels at mankind's incredible relationship with nature in the world today.



Uniquely in the animal kingdom, humans have managed to adapt and thrive in every environment on Earth. Each episode takes you to the extremes of our planet: the arctic, mountains, oceans, jungles, grasslands, deserts, rivers and even the urban jungle. Here you will meet people who survive by building complex, exciting and often mutually beneficial relationships with their animal neighbours and the hostile elements of the natural world.

Human Planet crews have filmed in around 80 locations, bringing you many stories that have never been told on television before. The team has trekked with HD cameras and state of the art gear to film from the air, from the ground and underwater. The result: a "cinematic experience" created by world-class natural history and documentary camera crews and programme makers.

If you want to see some more videos like this, subscribe BBC Human Planet Explorer

Monday, 21 February 2011

Mardi Gras

"Mardi Gras" is French for “Fat Tuesday”. It is the name of a celebration that takes place on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the 40-day period of Lent. Mardi Gras is the final day of a three-day period, which starts on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. In Catholic countries, people fast during lent. People eat well the day before Ash Wednesday and hold celebrations. These can be wonderful, colourful carnivals all over the world. The most famous are those in Rio de Janeiro, New Orleans and Venice. The tradition of Mardis Gras goes back hundreds of years in Catholic Europe. Explorers, settlers and missionaries exported the tradition worldwide.

Today, Mardi Gras is a riot of colour, street carnivals, marching bands, dancing and all-night partying in the streets. Many people dress up in spectacular costumes and wear beautiful masks. The biggest Mardis Gras carnivals are in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and New Orleans, Louisiana. Thousands of people from all over the world visit these cities to join in the fun. Venice is home to one of the oldest carnivals in the world, called Carnevale di Venezia. This dates back to 1268. Thousands of mask-wearing revelers fill the Venetian streets and attend special masked balls. In Sydney, Australia, Mardis Gras is celebrated by the city’s gay and lesbian community with street parades and costumes.

Follow the link above to practise what you have read or enjoy other links below:

BBC Programma about Notting Hill Carnival
The Official Notting Hill Carnival Website
Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Mardi Gras History
Carnival Practice One-Stop-English
Mardi Gras Quiz from My English Page