Hi Andi!!! Sorry, but I couldn't go to your party yesterday. I wish you had enjoyed it! I wish you enjoyed the time you were in Argentina and the time we spent together as well. It was a pleassure to met you. I hope we can keep in contact. Thank you very much for everything. Best wishes,
Melisa

Language & Politics

This one goes out to the ladies of Language IV in particular, but anyone interested in the following videos is more than welcome to take a look. As I mentioned in class, I've been wanting to share these clips with you, both of which display American political humor in action. So here goes.

• The first link features Stephen Colbert, host of "The Colbert Report" (pronounced without the final "t," perhaps to sound pretentious...who knows). Here Stephen interviews Andrew Sullivan, a British journalist and blogger, about Obama's achievements regarding foreign policy, health care reform and bipartisanship. I thought of this video during our discussion on written vs. oral language. I think it's a fun and witty example of the ways in which language can be manipulated to bolster an argument. It also offers a glimpse into differing opinions on Obama's presidency, a hot topic nowadays in the U.S.

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/254667/november-03-2009/andrew-sullivan

• The second clip, this time from CNN, shows a mix of political impersonations from the popular show "Saturday Night Live" (aka SNL). These caricatures and skits were wildly popular during the 2008 Presidential Campaign and were talked about just as much (if not more) than the candidates themselves and their actual interviews and debates. Search online for more--you can view a myriad of skits or even videos that have been edited to compare the actual candidate next to the comedian impersonating said politician. For now, here's the segment from CNN:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tb1mk-dixk&feature=related


I wish we could've watched these clips together, but if you get the chance--leave me a comment and let me know what you think! Best of luck with studying :)

Paper or Plastic?

The Today Show investigates plastic and paper bag waste and offers an alternative:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/22839753#22839753

David Suzuki's Nature Challenge:

http://www.davidsuzuki.org/NatureChallenge/

Some pictures!

Festival Latino Americano de Video

You only have a night and a day left to check it out, but here's a link to info on the film festival I mentioned in class (Thursday, Language I):

http://deltiempodelcubomagico.blogspot.com/2009/09/flvr.html

More to come soon about the online version of Apples to Apples... including a link to the template (so you can design your own Argentine cards!). I'm pumped.

This is a video about eating disorders

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSqtVDIwnHo

"Los Cafres" last concert in Rosario

Everyone who likes Reggae music knows "Los Cafres" and also knows that all the concerts are unique and marvellous. It's also well-know that there is a great difference between listening to them in a live concert tan in a CD.

It’s well-worth to stress the excellent performance of the trumpet player and, of course, of Guillermo Bonetto, the vocalist, who since the band was created in 1987, in every show he passes on a lot of feelings only through his songs and voice.

In the last concert in Rosario they made wonderful covers of Bob Marley’s songs, and sang the best songs of all their CDs. that show exceeded all expectations. When I was there I felt like I was in another planet or something like that.

So, if you like Reggae music, go and see them. They will wonder you.

Don't think twice

Have you ever heard Oasis in a live performance?. If you don't, don't miss last show they're giving next week at River Plate Stadium after their tour in our contry.



The British band Oasis was formed in 1991 in Manchester. Liam Gallagher, who is the leader of the band, composes the songs. This group, has recorded 8 albums and has sold more than 50 millons of copies all around the world in the last five years.



As the show begun the crowd at River started to shout and jump in the darkness. Suddenly, the lights switched on and Liam was on the stage singing his first hit "Don't go away". Both the performance with fireworks and special effects, and, the sound were amazig. The sound quality was so high that I could follow the lyrics of each song!



Nevertheless, I must admit that the show was shorter than their last one in Argentina. Moreover, the band didn't seem to be very pleased with the audience during the concert.



To sum up, I really recommend you this fantastic and incredible international performance in which you can enjoy the best music while you improve your English. So; if I were you, I wouldn't wait to buy my ticket!

The teenagers + Discos + Alcohol

I have chosen to comment on this article because I think it´s worrying how teenagers loose control of themselves when they go to discos and drink too much alcohol.
I´ve read on El Dia newspaper that the last weekend three people were send to hospital after violent riots which have taken place in different discos in La Plata, Province of Buenos Aires.
The first event happened at noon last Saturday at a famous disco and ended in one of the most crowded avenues of the city, resulting in two injured teens.
According to the news, there were twenty minutes of punches, kicks and runs at the exit of the disco registered by a security camara. Then they continue fighting in the middle of the avenue dangerously avoiding the cars which were passing through.
One of the injured is still at the hospital while the other has scaped!
The second event was in other disco of the same city. A security guard was severely hit on his head and face after he didn´t allowed ten young rugbiers to get into it due to he suspected they were drunk. The aggressors were send to prison.

Review: "P.S I love you"

"P.S I love you" is an American drama, directed by Richard Lagravenese. It is set in the lower east side of Manhattan. The main characters are Holly, played by Hilary Swank, and Gerry, played by Gerard Butter.





In the film, they are a happily married couple. The story begins with a dramatic climax when Gerry is diagnosed a terminal brain tumor. Knowing he only has a short time to live, Gerry writes Holly a series of letter that will help her cope with grief and will accompany her in her new future. Besides, he always sings off each letter with the phrase: "P.S I love you"

Despite the fact that Holly's mother and friends think these humorous messages are keeping Holly bound to the past, the truth is that she learns to enjoy life again after the death of her husband.

This is definitely a chick flick that will make you not only cry but also laugh. Gerard was excellent in his part and Hilary did a fine job as well. She makes you feel her pain. Her acting is outstanding. You shold definitely see it!





In my personal opinion it is the best romantic comedy in a very long time because of its originality and the touching story.





Florencia Di Martino

Singapore!!!

I chose an article about Singapore, in which the author explains that this place has a stunning landscape which can take your breath away. Every block has trees and flowers, and the island's entire east coast is a string of parks and beaches.

No litter mars a walk through Singapore's streets, because a litterbug must pay a fine and undergo counselling.

People who live in Singapore believe taht the government loves to make rules. The walls of buildings are plastered with rules, telling people what they can't do and how much they have to pay if they dare to try it. The fines represent considerably more than a slap on the wrist, and they're enforced often enough to make miscreants think twice.

To conclude, the Prime Minister was interviewed about the rules and fines in Singapore and said that he hope to move into a position where people don't need to have all those fines put up.

Sedentary Life!

I looked for an article and it is about the effects of sedentary life on people´s health.
When people are inactive they can get older genetically faster. A recent study has proved that people who were physically active appeared biologically younger than sedentary ones.
Telomeres, that are key pieces of D.N.A., can get reduced more quickly in inactive people causing faster cellular ageing.
Beside, people doing regular exercise have less probabilities of suffering from cardiovascular deseases, diabetes and cancer.
People´s telomeres become shorter while getting older. Cells are more susceptible to damage and death but if a person is active the telomeres last longer in the D.N.A.
It is advisable to do about two hundred minutes a week of physical activities such as running, tennis or aerobics.
Furthemore, active people under high levels of stress can reduce its impact and damage better and faster.

This is a writing prompt

Some direction for those easing back into the blogging world after a long winter break!

Step 1) Comment on one of the two August posts (found directly below this one!).

Respond with a few sentences or a chain of paragraphs—just click on the comment link at the bottom of the post and write whatever floats your boat (that’s whatever you desire or feel like typing).

Step 2) Create your own post! (Seek me out if you need assistance).

Here are a few ideas to inspire you. Pick one and write about it, or come up with a topic of your own. Either way, your published post should include a title and a body of text with a minimum of two paragraphs. See me if you have any questions or if you want me to read over your composition before you click “publish post.”

A few ideas to help get you started:

Write a Review—Have you seen any movies recently? Eaten in any nice (or not so nice) restaurants? Tell me about it. Describe a movie/restaurant/book/music/hotel, describe its positive and negative points, and write whether or not you would recommend it.

Write about the News—Has something interesting happened in Rosario (or anywhere in the world) recently? Do you have a strong opinion on a current event? Write about it!

Tell a Story—Did something funny or exciting happen to you or a friend over the break? Do you have something you’re really looking forward to in the future (for instance, the Argentina-Brazil game?) Tell me all about it, whatever it is.

So there you have it. Still stuck for ideas? Talk through possible options with a friend or seek me out for assistance. Remember, this is a chance to practice your writing, relax, and have fun. No need to stress.

Alsooo! The next time you find yourself browsing the internet, don’t forget to return to this blog! Read some of your classmates’ posts and comment on the ones that move you. I will be reading and commenting on all of your posts, in case that motivates you in any way. So go for it!

Bagels & more

If you weren’t in Language II today, you missed a bagel party. Plain and cinnamon raisin, with cream cheese and all. Here’s a picture of a variety of bagels so you know what you could have had (just rubbing it in—I’ll bring them again. As long as they’re fresh). You can order your own (24 hours in advance) and have them delivered to you in Buenos Aires by checking out http://elbagelazo.blogspot.com/. Sooo close to the real thing without traveling back to the States.

As promised, here’s a link to investigate Fulbright opportunities for Argentines: http://www.fulbright.edu.ar/esp/becas_1_3.asp. That should bring you directly to a page which outlines the language assistant scholarship program (the reverse of mine! Note: you will be a Spanish language assistant). Look around the site to learn about specific requirements, scholarship duration, application requirements and who to contact and when. Let me know what you find out. I’d be happy to help you work on the application when it comes time.

That's all for now, or at least until I receive a sign that someone is reading (hint hint)! In any case, it was so nice to see some of you today! It's good to be back.

Anyone out there??

Chicos! How’s it goin? It’s been so long since I’ve seen you (well, most of you)! I hope that your hard work is paying off and that you’re able to strike a healthy balance between studying hard and relaxing during such an intense exam period. I’d love to hear how you’re doing and what you’ve been up to over the past month. You can wait until we return to classes… or you can write to me here! (Which would obviously thrill me, as you can guess). Also, let me know if you need help or just want to get back into the swing of things by practicing English. Avisame!

I thought I’d leave you with a picture from my July journey to the north. I took advantage of the school closings and winter break to explore Tucuman, Salta, Jujuy and Iguazu. This picture shows my friend Fareed and me running through the salt fields of Salinas Grandes. We rented a car (along with my boyfriend, Andrew, and Fareed’s sister, Sheeva) to drive through Salta and Jujuy and stop at the towns of Humahuaca, Tilcara and Pumamarca. Quite a dangerous drive full of twists and turns along the curves of the mountains (and of course the occasional horse and cow blocking the way), but the view was—to say the least—incredible. The rest of the trip involved bike rides to wineries and cheese factories, wine ice cream, humita en plato AND chala, folklore dancing, a hike to cave drawings, 3 different gargantas del diablo, and, well, you’ll have to wait to hear more.

In the meantime, write to me! Tell me what’s new. Can’t wait to see you again!

A few ladies from Language I (as promised...)

Che, Bart & More

http://www.cartoonbank.com/


Follow the above link to access The New Yorker Cartoon Bank. There you'll find political humor and other amusing images & captions.

For Language I students, please post your captions for the "Che wearing a t-shirt of Bart Simpson" cartoon (see the picture above...).

Language II & III (and hey, why not IV if you read this!), let's see what you can do, too.

Susan Boyle...

(For Language I)

Check her out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-FBtoMHmjY

On Conversation... otra vez

A little while back... pre-Obama posting that is... I wrote about the possibility of starting up a conversation group (see the May 7th entry entitled "Comments vs. Posting... & Conversation"). Anyway, I didn't receive any answers. So, I ask again. What do you think about meeting in a park or in a bar every once in awhile to practice English? Or Spanish? Or just to talk? Let me know! Talk to you soon! Besos, Andi

Obama[ the first black president of USA

At some point during the political campaign of the last election in the U.S.A. Obama was clearly beating Hillary within his party and then the polls also showed that he was ahead the opponent party. But some people close to me kept saying that he was not going to win the election, that it was impossible for a black man to become the president of the USA, that somehow Americans were not going to allow that. Fortunately my friends were wrong. Evidently the election´s results showed that the voters didn´t take account of the colour of his skin. I think that fact was really a great step in the struggle against racial discrimination in American´s society.