jueves, 23 de abril de 2015

Día del libro

Hoy es el Día Internacional del Libro, una conmemoración celebrada a nivel mundial con el objetivo de fomentar la lectura, la industria editorial y la protección de la propiedad intelectual por medio del derecho de autor.
El día 23 de abril fue elegido como Día Internacional del Libro y del Derecho de Autor, pues corresponde al fallecimiento de los escritores Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare e Inca Garcilaso de la Vega en la misma fecha en el año 1616 (aunque realmente no es así: Cervantes falleció el 22 y fue enterrado el 23, mientras que Shakespeare murió el 23 de abril) del calendario juliano, que corresponde al 3 de mayo del calendario gregoriano. En esta fecha también fallecieron William Wordsworth (en 1850) y Josep Pla (en 1981).
La Unión Internacional de Editores propuso esta fecha a la Unesco, con el objetivo de fomentar la cultura y la protección de la propiedad intelectual por medio del derecho de autor. La Conferencia General de la Unesco la aprobó en París el 15 de noviembre de 1995, por lo que a partir de dicha fecha el 23 de abril es el "Día Internacional del Libro y del Derecho de Autor".

"Según la tradición, la villa de Montblanc estaba siendo aterrorizada por un colosal dragón. La bestia se había instalado a las afueras del pueblo, infectando el aire y el agua con su aliento apestoso y causando estragos entre el ganado. En su búsqueda de alimento, cada vez se aproximaba más a las murallas, por lo que los vecinos tuvieron que buscar una forma de mantenerlo apartado. Empezaron dándole de comer ovejas; cuando éstas se acabaron, siguieron con los bueyes, y luego con los caballos. Y por fin no tuvieron más remedio que sacrificar a los propios habitantes. Se metieron los nombres de todos en un puchero, también el del rey, y el de su hija la princesa, y cada día una mano inocente decidía quien moriría la mañana siguiente. Y una tarde la escogida fue la princesa. Dicen unos que el rey lloró y suplicó a sus súbditos por la vida de su hija, pero que de nada le sirvió, ya que no era el único padre desconsolado. Cuentan otros que el rey entregó a su hija con valentía y entereza. Sea como fuere, la joven salió de las murallas y se dirigió hacia su triste destino.

Cuando el terrible dragón avanzaba hacia ella, surgió entre la bruma un hermoso caballero vestido de blanco sobre un caballo blanco que arremetió contra la bestia. El animal, herido, se sometió al caballero, que le ató al cuello un extremo del cinturón de la princesa. La dama tomó el otro extremo del cinturón y, para pasmo de los pobladores de Montblanc, condujo al dragón como a un perrito hasta la puerta de la ciudad. Allí, a la vista de todos, el caballero remató a la bestia de un certero golpe de lanza. Dicen unos que el dragón se fundió y fue absorbido por la tierra. Cuentan otros que un gran charco de sangre se formó a los pies del caballero.

Sea como fuere, en aquel mismo instante creció un rosal y de sus ramas brotaron rojas rosas. Jorge, o Jordi, o George, o Giorgios, que es como se llamaba el caballero, obsequió a la princesa con una de esas rosas. Semejante gesta hizo que el santo caballero alcanzase fama y popularidad durante la Edad media, y que fuera escogido patrón de la caballería y la nobleza."


A partir de la siguiente viñeta de Cronicas PSN, he empezado a pensar en una historia alternativa con la que comenzar una partida de rol con mis alumnos, en la cual iremos conociendo a más personajes literarios y muchas más historias. Porque el rol no es sólo un juego, es una forma de aprendizaje.

Y para terminar... este año me ha caído Buenas noches, Darth Vader de Jeffrey Brown. Tan chulo como los otros dos que tengo: Darth Vader e hijo, y Darth Vader y su princesita.


Fuente: Crónicas PSN

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viernes, 17 de abril de 2015

Functional language

A BOLT FROM THE BLUE
To refer to something as a bolt from the blue means that it happened completely unexpectedly.
The chairman's resignation came as a bolt from the blue!

A TURN UP FOR THE BOOKS
An unexpected piece of good fortune.
Well, that's a turn-up for the books - I never thought he'd get the job.

APOLOGISING
I would like to apologise for (any inconvenience this may cause/ this caused).
I am very sorry about...
How stupid / careless / thoughtless of me.
That's my fault.
Please don't be mad at me.
Please accept my (sincerest) apologies.

ASKING FOR INFORMATION
Could you please tell me about…?
It would be possible to know... ?
I wonder if you could tell me...
I'd like to know..(Got / Have you) any idea...? 
I don't suppose you (would) know...? 
I wonder if someone could tell me...?

BE STILL, MY BEATING HEART
Expression of excitement when seeing the object of one's romantic affections.
Originally used with the swooning earnestness of women's poetry of the Romantic period. Now more often used ironically, about suitors who are indisputably unsuitable.

BUDGET
A total amount you have for any activity

CAUGHT UNAWARES
If someone is caught unawares, they are surprised and unprepared for what happens.
The security guard moved so silently that the thief was caught unawares

CLOSING LINE
If you need any further information/ details/ If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me / please do not hesitate to contact me (at any time)
Formal letters: I look forward to hearing more from you
Should you need any further information, please do no hesitate to contact me

COMPLAINING
Unfortunately,… / I was surprised to find that

DEBT
Assumption to pay some money

DOUBLE TAKE
Someone who does a double take looks again in surprise at something unexpected.
He did a double take when he saw his wife in a restaurant with another man.

DROP A BOMBSHELL
If someone makes an unexpected or shocking announcement, they drop a bombshell.
Her new husband dropped a bombshell when he announced that he was already the father of three children!

GIVING BAD NEWS
We regret to inform you that…
Unfortunately...
I´m very sorry to tell you..

GIVING INFORMATION
In reply to your questions,… / In reply to your first/ second/ last question,…

GLOBALIZATION
The process where the Economy and the Comunications are around the world

INFLUENZA
A disease caused by virus

IT BEATS ME!
This expression is used to express surprise at something that you find difficult to understand,
It beats me how he can live in that horrible apartment!

IT'S BEYOND ME
The expression "it's beyond me" means: "it's impossible for me to understand"
It's beyond me why Mary wants to marry John.

JAW DROPS
If someone's jaw drops, they show total amazement.
When the prize was announced, the winner's jaw dropped.

JUMP OUT OF YOUR SKIN
If you jump out of your skin, you are extremely surprised or shocked. 
Jane nearly jumped out of her skin when the horse put its head through the window!

KNOCK SOMEBODY WITH A FEATHER
To say "you could have knocked me down with a feather" emphasizes the fact that you were extremely surprised.
When I heard the name of the winner, you could have knocked me down with a feather!

KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF
If something amazes you, or impresses you greatly, it knocks your socks off.
The magnitude of the project will knock the socks off everyone in the office.

LIKELY STORY
This expression is used to say that you do not believe what has just been said.
He said he'd found the money on the street - that's a likely story!

LO AND BEHOLD
This term is used to express surprise, especially at a sudden or unexpected appearance.
I was watering the flowers, when lo and behold, there was the watch I'd lost!

LOAN
The act of lending, for example money

MAKING ARRANGEMENTS
I am free on the fifteenth, if that is convenient with you
Shall we meet at the Theatre's door on Friday?
Can we make it this Saturday?

MENTIONING OTHER PEOPLE
Give my regards to…

MIND BOGGLES
The expression "the mind boggles" is used as a reaction to something you find amazing or difficult to understand. It is very difficult to understand or imagine
The mind boggles at the thought of what you could do with all that money.

MORTGAGE
The money is lent by a Bank for buying a house

NINE-DAY WONDER
An event which is a nine-day wonder causes interest, surprise or excitement for a short time, but it doesn't last.
His sudden departure was a nine-day wonder but he was soon forgotten.

OPENING GREETING
To whom it may concern, 
Dear John/ Mr Smith/ Mrs Smith/ Ms Smith/ Miss Smith/ Dr Smith, Hi John,

OPENING LINE
I’m writing to you about/ in connection with/ to…
With reference to your letter of....
I am writing with regard to...

ORDERING/DEMANDING ACTION
Please get back to me as soon as you can

OUT OF THE BLUE
If something happens out of the blue, it happens unexpectedly.
An epilepsy seizure can take place out of the blue

PIGS MIGHT FLY
To say pigs might fly expresses disbelief, or the idea that miracles might happen but are extremely unlikely. 
My grandmother buying a computer? ...Yeah! ...and pigs might fly!

PROMISING FUTURE ACTION
We’ll send you the original documents by courier.

RAISE YOUR EYEBROWS
If you raise your eyebrows at something, you show surprise or disapproval by the expression on your face. 
When the boss arrived in jeans, there were a lot of raised eyebrows.

RATE
At business means the money you can loose or earn in a contract

RESOURCES
At Economical way the money you can have for a business

ROOTED TO THE SPOT
If you are so shocked, surprised or scared that you are rooted to the spot, your reaction is so strong that you are unable to move.
Joe stood rooted to the spot as the plane landed on the water.

SEEING IS BELIEVING
This expression means that when you see something, you can be sure it exists, or that what you have been told is really true.
Mark says bananas grow in his garden, but seeing is believing!

SIGNING OFF - FINAL GREETING
CU (See you) / Yours faithfully / Yours sincerely / Sincerely yours

SMALL WORLD
This expression is used by someone who is surprised to meet familiar people, events or situations in unexpected places.
Wow! It's a small world. I never expected to meet a neighbour on a transatlantic flight!

STOP DEAD IN YOUR TRACKS
If you stop dead in your tracks, you stop suddenly because you are frightened or surprised. 
When Steve saw the snake, he stopped dead in his tracks.

STRUCK DUMB
If someone is struck dumb, they are unable to speak because they are so surprised, shocked or frightened by something.
The accused was struck dumb when the verdict was announced.

TALKING ABOUT DOCUMENTS
Please see the attachment for further details

THERE'S NO ACCOUNTING FOR TASTE
This expression is used to indicate surprise at another person's likes or dislikes
She fell in love with a guy who's short, fat, bald and poor ... well, there's no accounting for taste!

UPPER CLASS
A class of rich people

WONDERS WILL NEVER CEASE
This saying is used to express pleasure or surprise at something.
Idioms are increasingly popular with learners of English. Wonders will never cease!

WORDS FAIL ME
This expression is often used when someone is so shocked, surprised or touched by something that they don't know what to say.
What do you think of Bob's attitude?" "Words fail me!

jueves, 16 de abril de 2015

A bolt from the blue

To refer to something as a bolt from the blue means that it happened completely unexpectedly.
"The chairman's resignation came as a bolt from the blue!"


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miércoles, 15 de abril de 2015

Describing clothes

Small: pequeño/pequeña
medium: mediano/mediana
Large: grande
Striped: a rayas
Checked: a cuadrados
Plaid: tartán
Floral: floral
Wool: de lana
Cotton: de algodón
Silk: de seda
Linen: de lino
Nylon: de nylon
Leather: de cuero
Turtleneck: de cuello alto
New : nuevo/nueva
Old: viejo/vieja
Long: largo/larga
Short: corto/corta
Formal: formal
Casual: casual
Plain: simple
Fancy: elegante
Light: ligero/ligera
Heavy: pesado/pesada
Loose: suelto/suelta
Tight: apretado/apretada
Wide: ancho/ancha
Narrow: estrecho/estrecha
Low: bajo/baja
High: alto/alta

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martes, 14 de abril de 2015

Describing an Emotion

POSITIVE EMOTIONS

Happy
Joyful
Loving
Liking
Lusting
Sweet
Pride
Appreciative
Hope
Faith
Thrilled
Overcome
Overjoyed
Respectful
Supportive
Serene

NEGATIVE EMOTIONS

Sad
Angry
Mad
Grumpy
Tearful
Devastated
Horrified
Disgruntled
Hurt
Annoyed
Aggravated
Hating
Despise
Sour
Depressed
Sick
Fear
Guilt
Jealousy
Self-pity
Anxiety
Frustration
Envy
Longing
Shame
Selfish
Overwhelmed

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lunes, 13 de abril de 2015

Describing a Feeling

POSITIVE FEELINGS

Happy
Well
OK
Very well
Clean
Strong
Beautiful
Excited
Attracted
Handsome
Gorgeous
Attractive
Empowered
Intelligent
Smart
Better
Agreeable
Brave
Calm
Delightful
Eager
Gentle
Jolly
Joyful
Kind
Nice
Sweet
Proud
Relieved
Hope
Faith
Optimistic
Loving
Open
Understanding
Reliable
Amazed
Great
Lucky
Fortunate
Festive
Cheerful
Moody
Playful
Animated
Wonderful
Thrilled
Supportive
Serene
Free
Engrossed
Involved

NEGATIVE FEELINGS

Angry
Sad
Hungry
Cold
Hot
Warm
Chilly
Thirsty
Sick
Tired
Weak
Disgruntled
Terrible
Dreadful
Dirty
Ugly
Defeated
Embarrassed
Stupid
Dumb
Foolish
Silly
Hurt
Nervous
Scared
Evil
Bashful
Pessimistic
Sadistic
Hating
Taken aback

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domingo, 12 de abril de 2015

Describing a tone

POSITIVE TONES

Fresh
Bold
Happy
Devoted
Loving
Sympathetic
Believing
Supportive
Enlightened
Clever
Involved
Intent

NEGATIVE TONES

Sarcastic
Narcissistic
Sardonic
Mysterious
Obnoxious
Foolish
Disgruntled
Hurtful
Hating
Irritated
Outraged
Alarmed
Startled
Horrified
Annoyed
Secretive
Quizzical
Guilty
Disbelieving
Not supportive
Cautious
Calculated
Purposeful
Sad
Bitter
Angry
Resentful
Remorseful
Dull
Dreary

OTHER TONES

Light
Heavy
Intelligent
Religious
Political
Secular
Social
Democratic
Republican
Liberal
Conservative

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