Dylan Scott - Hooked (Lyrics | Lyric Video)

It's the second time I post this song, but I think listening and reading the lyrics at the same time will help.

This is for my Twitter friends as a thank you for their kindness.

 

THE COLLECTOR (A short story by Maria Garcia)

The beach was almost deserted. Behind some rocks, a solitary crab enjoyed the peace  and quiet left behind by the tourists and their kids. Mostly the kids. Why did they have to pick him up, dangle him upside down, carry him in a bucket? Just thinking about it made the poor little guy shiver.

In the distance, the crab saw an old man, but he was not afraid. He knew him. The old man came to the beach every day. He always wore the same old tweed jacket and corduroy trousers, even when it was hot. The seasons didn't change for him. The crab guessed that, at his age, cold had become part of his whole body and reached even his creaky bones.

Hurry! Let's get out of the crab's tiny head now and follow the old man as he slowly walks towards his home. His name is Richard, something the little crustacean doesn't know. Richard has lived alone since his wife died five years ago.

His house isn't the most beautiful in the village, but it's the quaintest. The one the tourists always point at. Thatched roof, pinkish walls and so many untended rose bushes in the garden that it looks like a multicoloured jungle.

When his Lina died, Richard's life changed overnight. It wasn't just the oppressive sadness and the silence you could almost touch. It was also the fact that he felt lost. They had been a traditional couple. He worked a nine to five job and Lina looked after the house and the garden. Keeping things beautiful and tidy had always made her happy. Richard also appreciated beauty, but of a different kind.

In case you haven't noticed, we are inside Richard's home now. The kitchen looks dark because he doesn't usually bother to open the shutters or just opens them half-way.

'We should go to the doctor's, Dad', his daughter, Joy, said every Saturday when she visited. 'You're depressed.'

'I'm not depressed, young lady. I'm perfectly okay.'

You should know that Joy was already sixty-three, but she didn't resent the fact that her dad thought she was still a little girl. In fact, she found it kind of endearing. Her father had always been her favourite parent, but as she was extremely discreet and considerate, she had never told anybody. Not even herself.

But I digress. Remember this story is called 'The Collector'? Remember at the beginning the crab was wondering what Richard looked for at the beach every day? Or maybe I forgot to tell you. My memory isn't what it used to be.

It was Saturday and Joy had just arrived. She had her own key. Just in case.

'What did you find today?' she asked her dad. She sounded weary, bone-tired, the way she always did when she spent time with Richard these days.

'Come to my study and I'll show you.'

They walked into the stone-walled, lopsided room and Richard sat at his desk.

In front of him, Joy saw several assorted pebbles of various sizes and colours. They weren't even pretty this time around and there were no cute little shells like there used to be.

'This is gossamer,' Richard told Joy, picking up one of the smallest pebbles.'

'And this is seren, seren...'

'Serendipity, Daddy.'

'That's it, darling. You're a life saver. Why don't you go to the kitchen and tell Mum to come and see my collection? Im sure she'll love the new ones.'

'In a while. Show me a few more first,'

Richard's shaky hand picked up one more chunk of beach. It was blackish and irregular.

'This is ebony.'

Joy sat on the carpet and kept on listening to her father. From time to time, she helped him out. After an hour or so, they had gone over all the week's findings.

'Which one is your favourite, Daddy?'

Richard thought for a while. His grey eyes looked momentarily haunted, as if he had suddenly seen or felt something that frightened him.

'I think I like hibiscus best. And you?'

'They're all beautiful, but I think I'll go with besotted'.

A pause. Some silence.

'Why don't I make us some tea?'

'Don't worry. I'll do it. Stay here and arrange your collection,' Joy told Richard.

She closed the study door behind herself. Once in the kitchen, she leaned against the wall and started crying. Her father's dementia was getting worse and worse.

She thought of her childhood. Of the many hours Richard spent in his study reading and writing. If her mum hadn't reminded him, he'd have forgotten to eat.

Joy's dad had been a well-known poet. People stopped him in the street to talk to him and there were always writers and other artists at her home. When their discussions got heated, Lina and Joy would look at each other and smile.

But time had robbed Richard of what he loved the most: his poems, his beloved words. He couldn't write anymore, so he did the next best thing: he collected all the words that he found on the beach.

While she chose the nicest mugs she could find in the cupboard, Joy wondered what there was left in her father's once brilliant brain. Maybe just gossamer.

Life was like that. Mere serendipity. Some got lucky and others had to walk the ebony path of hell. However, not everything was bad: there was a purple hibiscus bush in the distance. And Richard could see it when he closed his eyes.

During the time Richard played with his words, Joy thought of why she still called him Daddy. Probably because of the many hours she had spent sitting on his lap while he read aloud. Poems that glided smoothly into her ears and she couldn't understand.

Head hopping? So? I'm the narrator and I can do what I want.

P.S. I have edited this very quickly and kind of sleepily so there might be mistakes and typos.

Talk in English in Madrid. Letter from Susan, who used to work in the EOI.

Dear All,

 I´m delighted to tell you about our next talk on Tuesday 1^st March - in one week´s time.

Our speaker will be Elizabeth Wise, an excellent speaker who once gave us an informal and amusing talk on Mallorca where she spent much of her childhood and youth.

Elizabeth is one of The Daughters of the American Revolution, which may sound pretty daunting but she will explain how the group was founded, who they are and what they do in the present.

She will be talking about the 13 Colonies and the Revolutionary War against the British which led to independence and what we now know as the United States of America. She will be mentioning too a little-known aspect of that struggle.  which was the support of the Spanish!

It will be an entertaining and instructive half hour and will, no doubt, invite a lot of questions.

Please join us at 10.30 for coffee and the talk at 11 o'clock. Everyone is welcome.

St. George's Church, Núñez de Balboa, 43. Metro Velázquez

News

1. There's more information about verbs followed by infinitive with to, without to or gerund in the virtual classroom. You can find it both in the News section and in the Grammar section. Thanks again, Daphne. 

2. Below you can read the instructions for the next composition. I'll also upload them to the virtual classroom.

 

Dear all,

Our next written exercise is going to be a review of one of the books you have read or are reading this course. All the same, we'll have a book club to talk about the second one on the first day after the  Easter holidays.

In case you don't remember, these are the novels I'm talking about:
B2.2:
Other Words For Home
The Thursday Murder Club

C2.1: 

The One Plus One
Every Note Played

As usual your composition should have 200 words (10 per cent leeway).
And I know I'm repetitive, but if you all do this, you'll save me loads of time:
Send me a Word or Pages document. Not a PDF or handwritten text. Please. Pretty please.
The name of your document should be only your name and first surname. Nothing else. It's easier to organise them in alphabetical order like that.
And don't forget to send the exercise to my educamadrid email address. Let's forget about the Google one for the time being.

You can send it to me from March 1st to March 14th both inclusive.

Thanks so much,

Maria

Perfect English Grammar

Several students have asked me when to use infinitive with to, without to or gerund after another verb. The problem is that in most cases there is no explanation. It's just because.

Of course, we know we mustn't use to after auxiliary verbs (with the exception of ought to), but that's about it.

Besides, there are verbs that can be followed by both infinitive and gerund, and in some cases the meaning changes. Look at the examples below:

- I remembered to do my homework and the teacher was very pleased. (I didn't forget)

- I remember playing with my sister when we were little. (a memory)

And one more thing: remember that to let and to make are followed by infinitive without to:

- My parents don't let me go out after ten. I'm so fed up!

- She made me tell her what I knew about George and when I did she started crying.

The link below will take you to some exercises, but there are more on the same page:

https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/gerunds-and-infinitives-exercise-1.html

 

I hope this helps.

 

Listening Comprehension Exercise. C2.1

Please answer the questions below in the comment section. I'll post the correct answers in a few days.

 

1. Why do astronauts find it difficult to communicate without words?

2. According to Hank, what could happen to you if you used the 'come here' gesture in the Philippines ?

3. What have scientific studies proved about life expectancy?

4. What do most psychologists think about facial expressions?

5. What does Hank say about Botox?

6. How many human emotions are there according to Izard? Can you name some of them?

7. What superlative of angry does Hank use?

8. What three stressors does he mention?

9. Is stress always bad?

10. What happened to the 40 accountants in the study?

 

It goes without saying, but please watch it without subtitles.

 

If you like this kind of video (there are lots on many different topics) go to: https://thecrashcourse.com/ 

It's totally free.

 

And one final question: do you know what famous person Hank is related to?

 

The blog

Dear all,

I know some of you write on the blog regularly, some others from time to time and some of you just look at it for various reasons (technical problems, you don't have time, you think you won't do it well enough...) However,  whether you use or don't use the blog, I respect it, of course.

As most of you have never had me as a teacher before, I want to explain a few things.

Well, basically this:

My answers are not always the same:

- sometimes I correct all your mistakes

- sometimes only the most important

- other times I simply interact with you 

- and finally, there are times when I answer several students at the same time.

The reasons for this are twofold, as I told Cristina yesterday. Methodologically speaking, I am of the opinion that correcting students constantly is not the best way to teach a language because it might reduce fluency and diminish self-confidence in some people. And the second part is more prosaic: I'm being selfish. I have no time. I need 72-hour days, at least.

Thanks for your understanding. I will keep on doing my best to offer you varied materials that will hopefully be useful for you.

Enjoy the long weekend,

MJ

In the news. Thanks again, Kevin.

 How much do you know about this?

Can you explain the meaning of the sentence below?

I said yes to humour my parents. 

 

The Greatest haka EVER? I love it. Do you?

 

Question: what is the meaning of haka?

Instagram wisdom... once again.

1. Do you already do all or some of these things?

2. What would you like to change this year?
 

A bit of fun for this cloudy morning. (Warning: contains strong language).

1. What do you know about NSP? If you don't know anything, google away.

2. What do you think of this kind of song?

3. Is it easy to understand?

4. You can read the lyrics below. If you find any words you don't understand, ask me or look them up, pls.

Once upon a morning dawn
Ninja Brian and I happened upon a gold pond
In a forest enchanted where we both gazed upon
A bold sight so fair, see there
Beneath the blue waterfall, a mermaid was swimming
And my heart enthralled became lost
In the beautiful lines of her face
For every life movement was exquisite grace

I trembled in silence at the love of my life
Such a delicate moment, I must play this just right

"Hey, do you want pizza?" I screamed loud as shit
Then I grabbed a whole pizza, threw the fuck out of it
It soared through the air like some pizza-ass doves
Now marvel and witness the glory of love

Here comes the pizza

The mermaid looked off with her hair in the breeze
For she'd noticed not my love letter of cheese
I don't see how I make it her soul to listen
Like sunlight she shines, like crystals, she glistens
I need to dream an ingenious new scheme
So this angel shall open her heart to me

"My pizza Brian" with onions and ham too
Now coat me in pizza and throw me, goddamn you
As choirs of angels sing out to the sky
In cheese crust of passion, my true love shall fly

God, my legs
God, I definitely broke 'em
Oh no, a handsome mermaid has just appeared
He's brought the mermaid fillet mignon, Brian
That's a clearly superior dish
Now they're boning, wow, that was fast
Hold on, I'm gonna try to hop over and tell her I love her
Ah!
Can one of you angels fly me to a hospital, please
No? Cool
Fuck you guys

 

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Brian Alexander Wecht / Leigh Daniel Avidan

Courtship of the Mermaid lyrics © Songtrust Ave

Can you summarize the content of the video below? Let's say five lines tops.

Another sexist joke? Is there a grain of truth in it? Please share your opinions below.

 30K Words

He: "This article says women use about 30,000 words a day, whereas men only use 15,000 words."

She: "That's probably because a woman has to say everything twice."

He: "What?"

 

 

 

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) Official Trailer

I'm watching a film based on a real story. It's a few years old, but, in my opinion, worth watching. Will Smith is great as usual, or at least I think so.

Just one question; Is there anything strange about the title?

I wish I had written this myself.

Did you ever write on a dirty car/van when you were little/a teenager?

 

Do you believe in the effectiveness of positive affirmations? Can you explain why or why not?

Whitney Houston - Star Spangled-Banner. One of my favourite versions. Do you have one? Can you name other famous singers who've sung the National Anthem at the Super Bowl?

Kevin sent me this joke.

A Dublin man sees a sign outside a Kerry farmhouse:
'Talking Dog For Sale'....He rings the bell, the owner appears and tells him the dog can be viewed in the back garden.
The man sees a very nice looking Black Labrador Retriever sitting there.
"Do you really talk?" He asks the dog.
"Yes!" The Labrador replies.
After recovering from the shock of hearing the dog talk, the man asks, "So, tell me your story!"
The Labrador looks up and says, "Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I joined  the Garda.
"In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world drug lords, because no one imagined that a dog would be eavesdropping.
I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years, But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at Dublin airport to do some undercover security work, wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded several medals. I got married, had a few puppies, and now I've just retired!"
The man is amazed. He goes back into the house and asks the Kerryman how much he wants for the dog.
"Ten quid!" The owner says.
“A tenner??But this dog is absolutely amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheaply?"
"Because he's a lying cunt. He's never been out of the garden!"

 

Cristina recommends this movie.

What is the meaning of feisty?

a) funny, humorous

b) bright, colourful

c) energetic, spirited 

 

Source: OWAD

The Star Spangled Banner. Some interesting information.

Tell me the story behind these two pictures.

 

What can you tell me about the Super Bowl? Whatever you say, I'll believe you. You are aware of the fact that I know nothing about sports.

 

Black History Month

1. Do you like this poem?

2. What is it about?

3. What can you tell me about the poet?

Source: https://www.poetryfoundation.org 

Who is this man? Why is he famous? If you don't know, please ask for clues.

 

Just wondering

Do you think having something like this in your study, room, office would cheer you up? Why/why not?

Iconic pictures

Have you seen this photograph before?

Where was it taken?

When was it taken?

What do you know about it?

Do you think it's good?

 

 

Instagram Wisdom

 What does this mean? Do you agree?

Expression. Source: English Club.

put your own house in order | get your own house in order

If you say to someone "put your own house in order", or "get your own house in order", you think they should solve their own problems before telling someone else how to solve theirs.

Read the example sentences 

Try the quiz with answers

 

 

 

What's your opinion of street art? And of the example below?

 

Did you and your friends play with this when you were little? What is it called?

 

Vocabulary: What are these? What are they for?

 

Fatal Attraction

If you watch this video, you'll understand the meaning of the expression 'bunny boiler'. In fact, I'd say this film is the origin of the expression.

So what does it mean?

Did you watch this film?

Did you like it?

Thanks, Kevin.

Stars & Synapses by Maria Garcia

She hates the stars in her brain,

But knows they are there to stay.

How long have they been up inside?

Were they born with her?

No-one knows for sure.

It's difficult to tell.

They speak of genes, trauma and upbringing.

She thinks of bullying, suffering and pain.

Being an outsider hurts.

It does hurt.

Those who love her say she's like everyone else,

'No,' she answers. 'You can't understand. You're lucky.

There aren't stars in YOUR brain.'

Sometimes she thinks of the twinkling night and day.

Sometimes only from time to time.

Sometimes the dreaded stars feed on her soul and eat at her brain.

Still, she thinks she's lucky.

Others are much worse off.

Their stars don't have a switch.

They are forever on.

And on, and on, and on

Till...

Exercise: Summarise the poem above in as much detail as possible and in prose (unless you want to write a similar poem).

How To Make Meringue Nests

This is my favourite English sweet. I always buy it at the supermarket, but it's very easy to make at home (or so Debra says, I don't have the patience).

Holy Mass - Our Lady of Mercy Madrid

I'm not trying to convert anybody. I'm just sharing this in case you want to see what an American/International Mass looks like.

This is my parish church and the people are great, the music lively and beautiful and our priest incredibly charismatic.

TATTOOS

- Do you like tattoos? Why/why not?

- Where would you go to get a tattoo?

- Do you prefer black and white ones or colour ones?

- Are tattoos only for young people?

- Would you tattoo your face/neck?

- Do you have any tattoos?

- Is one tattoo enough?

- Can tattoos be removed? How?

- If you could have only one tattoo, what would you choose?

- Would you use a boyfriend/girlfriend's name?

Jokes and acronyms.

A conversation between a modern grandpa and his favourite grandson:

Grandpa: I've just signed up for Facebook.

Grandson: Seriously?

Grandpa: Yeah, but I have a question. What does WTF mean?

Grandson: Welcome to FB.

SABATON - The Unkillable Soldier

1. What historical period is the song based on?

2. Why are the men queuing?

3. Who was the unkillable soldier?

Always remember: Google can help. ;)

And this is the lyrics video.

The Irish Rover. Colm R. McGuinness.

Another gorgeous YouTuber. You'll like this if you're fond of Celtic music. And I bet you remember him because of  the Hallelujah song we listened to in class.

 

Riddle: who's the speaker?

Here

In the dark

I feel nothing. No fear.

I spot something bright in the corner.

Could it be a gold goblet, or a sapphire ring?

I'm not hungry. I'm not thirsty. No more wine for me. 

I wonder why I've been feeling so sleepy, why I feel heavy.

I can't hear my heart. I can't feel my breath. Next to me, my wife lies still.

And farther away I see two or three girls. They're crying their eyes out. I want to ask why. 

But all of a sudden, I see Black, my cat. He's not meowing. He's not chasing mice. Weird...

Written by: Maria Garcia

Is English a tricky language? Or are all languages equallly difficult to learn? Read the poem and share your opinion in the comment section.

 

 

Thanks, Kevin.

Iris likes this song. Do you? What is it about?

 

Give me love like her
'Cause lately I've been waking up alone
Paint splattered teardrops on my shirt
Told you I'd let them go
And that I'll fight my corner
Maybe tonight I'll call ya
After my blood turns into alcohol
No, I just wanna hold ya

Give a little time to me or burn this out
We'll play hide and seek to turn this around
All I want is the taste that your lips allow
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My, my, my, my, oh give me love

Give me love like never before
'Cause lately I've been craving more
And it's been a while but I still feel the same
Maybe I should let you go
You know I'll fight my corner
And that tonight I'll call ya
After my blood is drowning in alcohol
No I just wanna hold ya

Give a little time to me or burn this out
We'll play hide and seek to turn this around
All I want is the taste that your lips allow
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
Give a little time to me, or burn this out
We'll play hide and seek to turn this around
All I want is the taste that your lips allow
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My my, my, my, oh give me love

Of all the money that e'er I had
I've spent it in good company
And all the harm that e'er I've done
Alas it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of width
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

Of all the comrades that ever I had
They are sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that ever I had
They would wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and I'll softly call
Good night and joy be with you all

A man may drink and not be drunk
A man may fight and not be slain
A man may court a pretty girl
And perhaps be welcomed back again
But since it has so ought to be
By a time to rise and a time to fall
Come fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all
Good night and joy be with you all

Thanks for sharing, Marian. You made me smile.

 

Riddle

COLOURFUL CHARACTERS by Maria Garcia

Ron was furious. Red in the face as usual.

'Can you stop pushing?' 

'Sorry, not my fault,' answered Yasmine, who was always happy.

Just then Bob arrived. A bit too fast.

'Ouch, I didn't mean to hurt you, Yasmine.'

'Don't worry. I'm okay.'

For a millisecond there was silence. Then Ron started complaining again. 

'It's boiling in here.'

'The radiator is on,' George said. He had just arrived and didn't seem to be bothered by the heat himself .

'Look out,' George said, 'Another one is coming!'

'Do they have to jump like that? I wish they were more gentle.' Ron again.

Questions

1. Where does the story take place?

2. Who are the characters?

3. Do their names mean anything?

Vocabulary

 

Can you look for the word fad in the text and tell me what it means? Before you look it up, try to guess.

Do you know what book this is? Maybe Mr Google will be able to help you.

What do you think of this? Can you share your opinion?

 

Can you fill in the blanks?

 February is Black ______________    _______________

 

 

About drinking.

 

They put St Patrick's in the middle of ..............................

Why?

What is a fluke?

What does Jesus say?

Let's write a dribble.

A dribble is a very short form of flash fiction: you have to tell a story using just 50 words. 48 to 52 is also okay.

Mine has 51 words.

In class we'll write one each, but you can also post yours in the comments below

My  tiny story:

Shawn had been married for ten years. His life wasn't extraordinary, but he was content.

When he met Miri, everything changed. The world became bright, glittery.

They started an affair. He was so much in love, he didn't notice the cliff he was standing next to till it was too late.

Can you explain what it means using your own words?

We'll watch this in class.

Why sitting is bad for you. Class activity. I'll explain at the school.

The teacher doesn't take responsibility for the content below. ;)

 

Watch the video and answer the questions below. Please remove the subtitles.

1. What is the largest nutritional component of the brain?

2. Give me two examples of the effects of food on your brain.

3. Which foods contain fatty acids?

4. Other fats might.................... brain health.

5. What do neurotransmitters do?

6. What is the best way to keep your mood stable?

7. Which micronutrients does the narrator mention?

8. What percentage of our energy resources does our brain use?

9. What is lumped into just one group in food labels?

10. What is the final recommendation we hear in the video?

Vocabulary

 What's the meaning of the expression 'What's your poison?'?

This is my take on Adrian Mitchell's poem (see below). Different words, same story.

Reds and blues

In a corner

Of the playground

Stands a  skinny girl

Munching on her hair,

Gazing blindly into the football court.

She's pretty, she's cute, she's clever,

But she does not know.

She's leaning on a dark red brick wall, 

One of her legs against the building

Like a disillusioned flamingo's.

There's a huge scab on her right knee, 

But soon it will fall off, leaving a pink spot.

Soft and delicate.

I wish my hair was like Linda's,

I wish I was taller.

I wish boys liked me or at least noticed me.

I wish I was invisible or maybe I wish the opposite.

There's an untouched sandwich in her hand

Wrapped in kitchen foil.

She doesn't want to open it.

I bet it's the same as every day:

A soggy hot dog heated hurriedly in the microwave.

Not even at home. Not even there. 

I'm a nobody everywhere.

Shouts in the distance and cruel laughs.

Josh is lying in the middle of the playground 

While the usual thugs kick him just for fun.

Where are the teachers? Where are the parents?

Aren't they supposed to protect us?

To know what's going on?

But I guess they have other things on their minds

And the suffering of a little boy and a little girl

Has no space in their busy brains. 

Shame on them! 

Written by: Maria Garcia