December 26, 2009

24 GRANA


Dear All,

Santa's been home and has told me to be a grateful boy.If you're not interested in listening to the king,you might be interested in one of my favourite bands,24 grana.It's an Italian band I discovered ten years ago.Listen to some of my favourite songs clicking on some of their titles like ACCIREME , SCUGNIZZI or STAI MAI CCA. If you don't like it...well...let me tell you that you're a bunch of rednecks, airheads and some other names I'm not allowed to include in this fine educational blog,dudes. Enjoy.

December 23, 2009

SEE YOU IN JANUARY

SEE YOU IN JANUARY.GUYS.THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO VISIT THIS PLACE OFTEN...PABLO(X2) AND........AND......LET ME THINK ABOUT IT........YES,WHAT'S HIS NAME.........IT'S ON THE TIP OF MY TONGUE......AND....UHMMMM.....

December 21, 2009

THE END OF THE WORLD




Dear all,


It's all gonna be over...for good.It's not about the movie at all,guys.The NASA has supported the scientific evidence behind the movie and says that something definitely not cool will happen on December 21st,2012. The North and South Poles might even exchange positions,rotating vertically instead of horizontally,which would undoubtedly originate tsunamis of an unprecedented magnitude. I don't know about you,guys,but all this scares the shhhhh out of me. I've looked into (=investigated) it on the net and seen all the youtube videos available on the subject and believe me...it's creepy...very creepy.Now...if all this were true...what would you do???Would you keep on (=continue) attending class?Would I keep on working? I don't know.Anyway, I don't want to freak you out (=make you panic).If all this is a hoax (=lie), the Earth will go on (=keep on) spinning around and humans will keep on doing what we do on a daily basis.Practice your 2nd conditional clauses and let me know what you would do if you knew it was all over.

December 17, 2009

PASSIVE BOYS


Dear All,

Elvis Presley is said to be the best artist ever. He has been both praised and criticized over the years,but I don't think enough recognition has been given to him yet.Little is known about the reasons why he never performed outside the U.S., he adored America and portrayed America like no other singer or artist has ever done. His home, Graceland,is visited by millions of tourists every year and his gravestone will forever be stoned with flowers by fans from all over the world. Please,don't be as passive as this text and check out some of his songs.I personally recommend "An American Trilogy" or "Proud Mary".This post is dedicated to the loving memory of Elvis Aaron Presley.May he rest in Peace.



December 15, 2009

GEE...THIS BLOG'S BETTER THAN MINE!!!


Hi,guys...I just found this on the internet.It's another blog...and it's much better than mine.I thought nobody could improve the fine,superior quality that this blog offers,yet I just happened to find this witty and truly educational blog on the net.Check it ot HERE.

December 14, 2009

LEARNING TO READ


Dear All,

I just want to mention how obnoxious and filthy a commercial seems to me.It is the christmas campaign for one of the most popular (if not the most popular) department stores in Spain.C'mon...you know what I'm talking about...green and black triangles on their bags...lights...."nameofthedepartmentstore-ylandia"...yeah,that's right. Their latest commercial features a girl in a car.The girl can't read the Spainsh word "pasteleria",she can read it,but baby-talking,so we think she's presently learning to read.Well, the family passes by one of these department stores,and just by looking at the Christmas Lights the girl says the name of the department store as if she had been able to read ever since the very day she was born.Thus,we are told that we learn to pronounce the name of that Department Store before we can actually read...ain't it smart????

December 10, 2009

THE TIME HAS COME




This is not a fund-raising show,guys,this is for real. Three brave teachers are running 21 km next Sunday 13th. Another one is running 10.5 km. Many of them said they'd join in....most of them chickened out.Only three of us have endured the pain and hardship of the trainings under the cold rain: Pablo Canabal,your teacher of Economics and BA; Gabriel, a teacher from IES Arcipreste de Hita and me, Mr.Tight, will go for the 21km, whereas Ana Buendía will take a shot at 10.5km. This is pretty much like "the good, the bad and the ugly", whose final scene features the three protagonists facing each other in an oval deadly duel...who will make it alive???That's for you to find out.By the way,don't dare ask who the ugly is!!!!

December 05, 2009

WHO IS SHE???



Today I start a more educational section of my blog.I have called it:

"Wow, I didn't know that!!!!". I include a link and you look into the video,find out why I posted that video and investigate on the character or story of the video.
Click HERE to watch the video.Post your investigations in the comments.

December 03, 2009

A NEW LIGHT ON MY DASH


what are the odds that this wrench on my dash is the "everything is working just fine" light???

December 02, 2009

SITTIN' ON THE TOILET


Many times we find pleasure in the littlest things.It is the simplest things that make us happy.In my case,watching the washing machine spinnin' around,scratching my armpit while sneezing,having a nice plate of capelletti with tomato sauce,getting the hairdryer on full blast to dry my hands off,adding some cinnamon to my yoghurt,you know the simplest things are the best ones.C'mon,don't be lazy and look up all the new vocabulary!!!!As an example,watch a friend of mine improvising a rap in the toilet HERE

Isn't she awesome????Tell me about the simple things that make you happy!!!

December 01, 2009

A TURNING POINT

Dear all,
I've changed my mind.I can see it.I'm going to stop ranting.I'm going to start teaching.This blog is declared hereinafter a place to learn.If it hasn't been a place to learn up to the present moment is because you didn't want to,little brats.I've introduced a thousand useful verbs,nouns and adjectives which you didn't bother to look up in a friggin' dictionary...but it's all gonna be different now.It'll be the most boring piece of blog you'll ever see.
Wait and see....

November 26, 2009

MR.TIGHT vs MR.CLOVERDALE


Dear all,
Yesterday Elena C.,a colleague of mine,asked me about my ex-boss.Prior to working in state-run schools I used to teach English to hairgreased guys with tie,suit and all the company perks you might think of.that reminded me of the low,pathetic level of English that our politicians have.The least I expect from someone who represents me in a meeting in the white house is that they speak English decently.One of the few politicians who speaks good English is the president of the "madrileños", as she herself says.In addition,another colleague of mine,Pablo C.,taught me how to insert a link in a post,so the best way of saying thank you is proving that I've learned how to do it.
Click HERE to check Mrs. Hope's level of English

November 25, 2009

CAN THIS BE HEALTHY????

I was checking the net out looking for new ideas to surprise my small intestine when I came across this lady and her maccaroni salad.There's only one word that pops into my mind: WOW
Check it out HERE

November 23, 2009

BASED ON A TRUE STORY


No,I'm not Brad Pitt,I know.Two students have reminded me that I'm not Orlando Bloom,thanks for reminding me,guys.I really thought I was handsome until you told me I'm not.
I was in class,talking about the comparatives and superlatives.Just to get the attention of my students,I said I was the most handsome teacher at school,and I might have said I am the most intelligent too.Ten seconds later I see one student giving a small piece of paper to another student.I ask her to give it to me,which she reluctantly does.The note read:

-Has the teacher ever looked at himself in a mirror?
-Not since he was born,I think.

Really???Are you kidding???I thought I was handsome!!!!
There's only one thing I can say:
Learn things,guys

November 17, 2009

CREEP


This is one of my favourite tunes, Radiohead's "creep".Check it out on youtube and take a minute to read the lyrics.Hope you enjoy it.


When you were here before,
Couldn't look you in the eye
You're just like an angel,
Your skin makes me cry

You float like a feather
In a beautiful world
I wish I was special
You're so fuckin' special

But I'm a creep,
I'm a weirdo
What the hell am I doin' here?
I don't belong here

I don't care if it hurts,
I wanna have control
I want a perfect body
I want a perfect soul

I want you to notice
when I'm not around
You're so fuckin' special
I wish I was special

But I'm a creep
I'm a weirdo
What the hell am I doin' here?
I don't belong here, ohhhh, ohhhh

She's running out again
She's running out
She run run run run...
run... run...

Whatever makes you happy
Whatever you want
You're so fuckin' special
I wish I was special

But I'm a creep,
I'm a weirdo
What the hell am I doin' here?
I don't belong here

I don't belong here...

November 16, 2009

Cool Hand Tight


When I was 23 me and my friends got together on a cold and frosty night.We got together in my house. I had bought the film 'Cool hand Luke',a movie where Paul Newman eats 50 boiled eggs. My friends and I got carried away and bought 50 frozen piccolini's,50 donettes and 50 green plums. Each of us had to choose what to eat. I chose the 50 plums; since it was fruit, I thought it was the healthiest of the three possible choices.By the way,guys,which would you have chosen???I did eat the 50 green plums and my friend did eat the 50 piccolinnis,but the other guy didn't eat the 50 donettes.Obviously,I couldn't sleep all night and I had serious problems in my digestive system.Believe it or not,one week after that night I had lost three kilograms.
Anyway,I don't know why I'm telling you this...I guess it's for you to learn what you shouldn't do if you ever watch that movie.By the way,Julio's chickened out already!!!!

November 13, 2009

D-13


That's the day,folks.It's official now.The fittest teachers at IES Profesor Dominguez Ortiz will fight in a 21 Kilometer race.Some of them will probably quit.I won't.This is a formal declaration of war.I won't quit.I've done it before.I know I can endure pain and suffering.I've run 21 kilometers.I'm not the fastest.I may not win...but I won't quit.What about you,Pablo?What about you,Julio?What about you,Graciela?What about you,Gabriel???Have you yet learnt to suffer?Have you learnt to lick your wounds and keep on fighting??What about the department of P.E.?Cubas?Juanjo?Olga?You are supposed to be there.I'll tell you about my training,the feelings and all that,dudes.I'm looking forward to it,I'm looking forward to suffering.BE READY!!!

November 09, 2009

FERMAT VS COPPER



In order to overcome the creeps that the weirdo I ran into last Saturday had given me,I borrowed a movie from the public library (really,you get the movie and you pay nothing!!!), La Habitación de Fermat. For those of you who detest, hate and loathe Spanish cinema (wink,wink) you should watch this one,moreover if you are interested in Maths (double wink). The movie's about four (or five??)guys who are invited to a meeting of Maths geniuses and get into trouble.It's a very challenging movie,you feel as if you were bieng tested constantly,you have to think...and you have to think fast.

I truly recommend that you watch the movie,you won't regret it.i mean,seriously,it's much better than the stinky and redneckish movies where a copper blows up and people become robots that are produced in this place...what's its name...it's on the tip of my tongue...Oh,yes,Hollywood!!!

November 08, 2009

WHY?????


Why do I have to deal with all the freaks and weirdos in this country???Why do they all come up to me???Leave me alone!!!!Believe it or not, yesterday I had a paranormal situation. I was walking down the streets of Guadalajara, enjoying a sad and dim fall evening,enjoying every single wave of chill air on my face and my nostrils.Well, I walk into a café for a hot coffee (Good Lord,people in Guadalajara smoke a lot!!!I quit two months ago and I could barely breathe) and this waiter comes up to me and takes my order. Nice, I'd never been to that bar and despite the cloud of Virginia smoke I almost got to enjoy my time there...but suddenly this FREAK comes up to me,as if the world was about to blow up any given minute and yells at me:

"Que muera el PP, me ha quitado cuatro apartamentos en Nueva York y ha secuestrado a mi hija!!" and repeats the same thing a couple of times!!!I told him to stay calm, I told him that I had lost six apartments in New York and three sons.That seemed to calm him down a little bit. I told the waiter to serve him another drink and I offered to pay for it.

November 05, 2009

RANTING AT THE DENTIST'S


Yesterday afternoon, I was at the dentist's waiting to get a filling done. The thing is that I was on my own at the waiting room, and the background music was pretty much like the background music you get in every single posh elevator....relaxing,calming and cool instrumental versions of "I wanna know what love is....I want you to show me..." so on and so forth if you know what I mean, little brats.So, I kept on waiting for the dude to come out, or for the assistant to offer a coffee or a pop while I had to hear the drill inside the consult, picturing how that drill penetrated inside the dental cavities of some innocent client.

I started to feel uneasy as I saw that nobody was coming out of the consult nor was anybody getting in, just me,myself and the noise from the drill...what a bore. I suddenly started to worry and asked for the receptionist who had welcomed me about 30 minutes ago.Nobody answered.I went up to the reception and realized that she was gone!!!I headed to the dentist's consult...opened the door and saw that both the dentist and the client had been ruthlessly assassinated by that drill.

Oh,I was just nodding off after lunch and thought that some fiction would do good to me.

November 03, 2009

ANY GIVEN DAY


Any given day, the wheel of fortune will spin backwards, and the goddess will retire or else, apply for unemployment subsidy.Any given day, we'll all control the wheel, we'll be able to stop it at any moment and everything will be fine.Any given day, I'll learn how to use computers and I'll get along with them. Any given day, everybody'll be able to express their feelings freely, and the middle point won't be anymore the most respected opinion...God...it's so easy to be liked...being liked is totally overrated....and expressing our emotions and feeling is underrated. Any given day I'll tell one of my friends how much I hate his new hairstyle and, most importantly, he'll still like me...I won't have to remain silent.
Any given day, people will like us the way we are and not the way they want us to be.

November 02, 2009

LENTILS



Last weekend I was having dinner with friends.A couple I hadn't met joined us too. They were friends of one of my friends,if you know what I mean.The boy was tall and stocky,and most of the time we were talking about food.This young fellow took pride in being able to cook "deconstructed Spanish omelette with decomposed apple pie", which he had apparently first eaten at Ferran Adria's Bulli. He then continued stating that he couldn't understand people who didn't even want to try nouvelle cuisine, he said they were "narrow-minded hicks".
After a couple of hours listening to him I raised my cup and said:

"Honestly,I prefer a nice plate of lentils with pork-sausage,It has no Nitrogen or Oxygen,it tastes great and I don't understand those pompous and prepotent rednecks like you who prefer to eat a frozen criket"

October 28, 2009

MY HOMETOWN


Dear All,

Today I'll talk about soccer,I don't feel like coming down on you. I grew up in a town on the fringes of the city, I grew up in Alcorcon.Today's the first time Alcorcón is in the news,it's everywhere!!!!!We used to be in the news exclusively when a politician inaugurated a hospital, or when there was a murder, etc...yet it's a pretty peaceful and quiet town. Yesterday we kicked Real Madrid's rear and defeated them in an unprecedented match where a team which has a 1.2 million budget won a team that spent this summer over 250 million signing up the best european players.

Why or how did it happen?I don't know,guys,I'm not too interested in soccer.I like to play,but watching is dull (unless it's a good match).I didn't watch yesterday's game,yet I wish I had.Of course,I'm not saying Atletico is better,We would've lost 6 or 7 nil!!!!I'm aware of the fact that atletico sucks...but as a famous Spanish songwriter says:

"It's just those little things..."

October 22, 2009

TEARIN' MY HAIR OUT



Sorry for comin' down on you,boys.Sorry for shouting at you...sorry for yellin' at you...but...let me think about it...YOU DESERVED WHAT YOU GOT!!!!!!!!!!

Really,you should by now know where you are and what you're doing...but....you know nothin' at all, you think this is a dog n' pony show where we inflate balloons, eat some candy, exchange presents, blow out candles, play ludo, or whatever...THIS IS YOUR FUTURE AND MOST OF YOU ACT AS IF YOU WERE AT A BIRTHDAY PARTY....STOP IT!!!!!!

October 21, 2009

LOST IN TRANSLATION


One of my best friends asked me last saturday night what I liked most and least about teaching.That's a difficult question I still don't have an answer for,and that's exactly what I told him.I guess someone can't accurately explain why they like lentils...'coz they taste damn good,right?I definitely hate all the paperwork I have to deal with everyday,and I also hate to see how many of my students don't get to understand how privileged they should feel for being able to study, many of our parents didn't have the chance,and sometimes I see my students there,with little or no interest in what I'm trying to tell them.

But some other days...ha!!!!there are other days when...everything comes out right,and things work out the way they're supposed to work out,days where students ask questions,answer questions,raise their hands to prove they've assimilated the concepts,days where students let you do your job instead of aggraviating with impolite remarks...ha!!!these days...my friend then suggested that we go back home...

October 19, 2009

MY NEW HERO


Dear All,

Forget waht i just wrote in my previous post.I have a hero...his name's Bob....Sponge Bob.This TV series has captured me for the last two months, I can't do without it,I'm hooked and whenever I spend two days out I get the cold turkey.God,I think I'll only write posts from now on about Bob.He's so generous...so giving,loving and his moral and ethic codes are really outstanding.

You can see him in a cartoon TV series,but you must ask for parental permission to watch it, since it's a series rated for adults only...or at least I think It's not suitable for kids.Anyway, watch it and tell me waht you think about him...you'll like him the very first episode you watch, wait n' see.

THE DUDE AND I


Dear All,

I don't have any heroes, I walked away from them the day I turned 17. It's better not to expect anything from anyone or anything. If you want something, come n' get it. 'The dude' doesn't expect anything, so nobody or nothing lets him down. No disappointments, no misunderstandings, no frustration. You can live without frustration if you want.Frustration is, by far, the greatest mass murderer contemporary life has seen, and believe it or not, I can teach you how to get rid of it. All it takes is self-confidence, all it takes is being aware that you gotta fight for what you want, expecting nothing from no one. It's a rather simple prescription.

October 13, 2009

AGORAphobia



Dear All,


Last Saturday I watched the latest Amenabar movie,Agora.I've seen all of his movies,not that I specially like his movies,but because I like to be updated on what's going on in the scenario of Spanish cinema.I didn't like the movie at all,honestly.The only good thing about it is that it resembles an American production, and that's a positive thing to it. But the plot is dull,the actress sucks and the love story is exclusively mentioned at the beginning and the end of the movie. If you're not interested in Astrology or History, you won't like the movie,really.Actually,it's definitely the worst movie Amenabar has ever made and probably one of the most boring movies I've ever seen.I know criticizing is easy and movie-making is difficult, but my job is teaching,I'm not a director.The worst thing is the high amount of money that has been invested in making such a bore...God...anyway, I think I'd better go to the library and borrow a Sergio Leone or a Woody Allen...tomorrow'll be a better day.

October 09, 2009

NO WAY, JOSE

Does Barack Obama deserve the nobel prize for Peace?


Post your comments.

October 07, 2009

CHARLES BUKOWSKI


Let me tell you about Charles Bukowski. He was an American poet who became famous at the end of his career,a perfect example of what we call 'an indian summer', someone who achieves success late in thier career. Prior to becoming famous, he worked as a postman,getting constantly hired & fired in and out of different blue collar jobs.
He was a nihilist who spent most part of his life writing fiction and poetry.He never cared for fame or success and looked down on those writers who made it to the top.Strange as it may seem,when he made it and achieved money and fame,the first thing he bought was a blue BMW,but he kept on living the way he had all along.
He led a one-way life and left a legacy of beautiful poems.He's best remembered for his short fiction,but it is in his poems that we will find the true Charles Bukowski.

October 04, 2009

ROOTIN' FOR THE UNDERDOGS



Dear All,

You all know what team I support...yeah,that's right,the losers...the underdogs...Atletico de Madrid.After five games where we had only got 2 points and were right next to the bottom part of the stands,we won a game yesterday.The reason why I'm posting this is not because I'm glad they won...no way,Jose.I'm actually sick and tired of this team.What I'm actually writing about is people.
Believe it or not,the game yesterday was broadcast on public TV (even in two different channels!!) and the stadium was almost packed.People still believed in them,they had faith and went there,spent their hard-earned money and cheered and sang,despite the fact that they could've seen the match warm and comfortable at home.The bottom line is faith.
By the way,I'd like to know what would've happened if Real Madrid had been in such a risky situation...

October 01, 2009

POLITENESS


Dear All,

You know what I'll talk about today. I'm aware I'm a picky person, but this is 2nd course of bachillerato,guys. I shouldn't be calling your mommy or your daddy to tell them how naughty you are. You're far too grown-up for that..and you should know better. It wasn't a big deal,I know, you were talking, maybe even whispering to each other while we were reading a text or talking about a certain connector of contrast.Nevertheless, it really bothered me,'coz I don't talk when you talk,'coz it's not the same scolding 12 year old kids than scolding you.Don't force me to do it,'coz I don't like to...but I will if i have to...and you'll regret if I do.
In order to learn,you need to be humble...respect your instructor...by talking in class you show no respect to your teachers,and now i'm not talking about me,I'm talking about the rest of your teachers.Respect our work.Imagine you're working,doing whatever you do and someone comes up to you and starts bothering you...ask your parents how they'd feel if someone didn't let them do their job right.I'm sorry if you feel aggraviated on account of my post, but it's the way I feel about it and I want to make sure there are no further misunderstandings between us.

September 30, 2009

BRIDGE THE GAP



Dear All,


I think it is about time to stop,take a deep breath and face the facts.


Fact#1: Nobody knows everything.

Fact#2: Some of us have fallen behind the rest of the class and we should be aware of our strengths and weaknesses.

Fact#3: There's a hell of an important exam we have to take in June.

Fact#4: We have to do something to bridge the gap between us and the rest of the class...it doesn't take a scientist to figure out that we need an extra effort to overcome our difficulties.

It's up to you to decide wether you need that extra effort or not.Be realistic.Succeed.

It's your call.

September 27, 2009

ON BEANS AND CHICKPEAS



Morning everyone...

It was a dim and cloudy day...I guess it was pretty much like today.I took a taxi from Heathrow airport to Hackney,a shitty neighbourhood in London.I got into my bedroom and didn't know what to do.I went to Tesco,one of the most popular supermarket chains in England.I remember perfectly I bought a bottle of Sunny Delight,a product that somehow resembles orange juice.I was heading to the aisle of chips when a man dropped in fron of me.He had had a heart attack,and there's little that could be done for him.He passed away in a matter of seconds.They covered him with a blanket of tinfoil paper...I bought a bag of chips...cheese and onion,I think it was.When I woke up this morning and looked out the window I thought of that day and the feeling I got when I saw that man lying on the floor...right next to the beans and chickpeas.
Whenever I'm at the market and walk next to the beans and chickpeas I can't help thinking that I could be that man lying on the floor to a foreigner who passes by on their first day in Spain.

September 24, 2009

EVEN


My students often ask me why I prefer even numbers over odd ones.It's a question of balance...I don't know.Even though I was born in an odd-numbered year,I still think odd numbers won't ever reach the perfection and completion even numbers have.God created the world in seven days, yes, I know that...but he used the seventh day to rest,so he actually created the world in six days...and He saw it was good.

Even numbers are even,that's why they're called Even...I'd know even numbers are perfect even if I were dumb.D'you wanna fight me??Take this!!!Now we're even!!!!Whenever I proofread your tests, I try to be even-handed and unbiased,which makes sense.Just as much sense as even numbers...and I saw it was good....

September 18, 2009

Mr.Tight's Fight


Dear all,

There's this website I've heard of.They promise to deposit in your bank account 300.000 Euros.All you have to do is stroll.Choose a park,one that's near your home. Walk around the park for two hours everyday. Everyday with no exception,rain or shine!!!Repeat the same process for three years and they'll deposit 300.000 euros in your bank account. Are you in? Of course you are...Let me tell you something,guys. If you study English everyday for the next three years,it's gotta pay off...300.000 euros,that's how much more you'll earn by the end of your career if you can speak English well.You may think I'm talking bull, that's your call.There are no miracles,d'you really want something???Come n' get it!!!Otherwise,well...good luck.

September 09, 2009

Muffin Makin'


So here I am,in my kitchen...making home-made muffins. I'm listening to Dire Strait's 'you and your friend', you're probably too young to know what I'm talking about,but anyway,boys,you've missed too much by now.It is never too late to catch up on what you missed,though. I guess it's also too late for me to catch up on what I've missed from your generation,but anyway,I hope I can live without a rapper or two.
I'm actually writing this post to let you know that you CAN'T survive without Elvis,'The good,the bad and the ugly', Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Magnolia',Mickey Rourke's movies,Menorca,Michael Jordan's performance in the first game of the 1993 NBA play-offs against Portland Trail Blazers,Matias Prats' slip-up at the world cup,Taco Bell,Eastwood's 'Mystic River', and so many other things you've missed.So, wisen up and catch up,boys.

September 07, 2009

A TRIBUTE TO MAGDALENA

Dear all,
Magdalena,one of my colleagues in the department of English Language, is leaving.Just a foreword to say that no matter who steps in,we will all miss her. We actually went to college together in Alcala de Henares,and I personally hope to keep in touch.Touch base,Magda!!!!!
Best of lucks n' a big hug,
Mr.Tight

September 03, 2009

BACK HOME


Hi everyone!!
I hope we're all back home safe and sound.It's been real hot this summer and I guess some of us had some trouble getting a wink. You may have realized I'm not translating a bit into Spanish,since I'm sick n' tired of Spanish.I've had enough already and need to get back to what really gives me the thrills. This way, you'll be able to look up all the words you don't understand and I won't have to chew it all up for you.If you're lucky enough,I'll be your teacher this year,if I'm not...we'll see each other around.gotta go now. write to you soon,

Mr.Tight

June 26, 2009

ON PICKLES,JACKO N' AMERICA






Dear all.With this post I want to say goodbye,at least until next Spetember.This blog was born in...February???January???I actually don't remember.Many things have happened during these four or five months, Barcelona FC (congrats,Pablo) won many championships,Atletico didn't win any (we rock, Sergio),Michael Jackson passed away (=died) yesterday and I found out that pickles(=pepinillos) don't match very well my home made hamburguers,but with hot dogs...yum...I'm hungry now. I also found out (=averigué) that I can't do without (=no puedo vivir sin)a sandwich grill, I told you many personal experiences and I bolded many new expressions. If you remember at least (=al menos) one of those expressions,I can sleep six feet under. If you don't...never mind (=no importa), maybe next year I'll keep on posting these mind-numbing and dull posts. Have a nice summer,guys!!!!

June 21, 2009

LAMBS


Last week,I ran into (=me topé con) an old friend of mine,Dan.Dan holds duals nationality (=tiene doble nacionalidad),since he was born in the America military base at Torrejón de Ardoz.Consequently,he's American and Spanish.He's got a rock band, 'The Chips',and give concerts around Spain. Dan and I agreed to (=acordamos)go for a coffee,and we were talking about state-run schools (=colegios públicos) in Spain. He asked me if the situation was as bad as they pictured it(=tan mala como lo pintaban) on TV.I told him that it was far better (=mucho mejor) than what he saw on TV.
"what you see on TV is just the few bad exceptions to the rule,Dan"-I said.I then explained to him how sensationalist it was to talk about 'classroom violence', because most of the people don't work as teachers and don't know what it's like to be inside a classroom.
'They're all a fold of lambs, Dan'(=son todos una manada de corderos)-I said. 'But it is also true that even lambs need a good sheperd to take care of them.Otherwise,those lambs turn into (=se convierten en) wildhogs(=jabalíes)' Don't you agree,boys???

June 18, 2009

A TRIBUTE TO LOLA PÉREZ

Dear all,I would also like to make use of this blog to pay honours to Lola Pérez,our teacher of Latin & Greek.You may not know her,since you don't study Latin or Greek...yet.She's leaving our school,too.A good teacher's gone,boys.

June 16, 2009

A TRIBUTE TO PABLO DE LAS HERAS



Dear students.If you take a look at the latest EQ magazine you'll see a farewell letter (=carta de despedida) from Pablo de las Heras, your Maths teacher.I'd like to use this blog today to pay a personal tribute to him. I don't like farewell moments very much,that's why I'm writing this post.
All of you have always told me he's your favourite teacher,and that shows that he does his job very well.I can tell (=lo noto) when I walk up & down the corridors,how you stop to talk to him.Even though (=a pesar de que) I've only known him for two years,he's become one of my favourite colleagues at profesor Domínguez Ortiz.Thank you for being such a positive energy at all times.Using your language, you always added and never substracted.
Thank You and See you soon,buddy

June 14, 2009

GOD BLESS AMERICA(=que Dios bendiga a América)



God bless America,little brats.It's the land of opportunities,the American dream,the seven articles of the constitution,Elvis,W.Allen,MJ,Philip Roth,a drunken David Hasselhof eating a burger next to his daughter...but it's the land of contradictions too.Injustice also exists in America...the land of hope.Last night,as you were sleeping,a spaniard conquered America.For one day, America will praise, worship, and look at him.Most probably,nobody will care much for him the day after tomorrow,when all americans go back to work in their combos sipping coffee from a sturbucks mug and have a greasy doughnut from 'Doughnut's palace'. Hypocrites...
God bless the United States of America and all the Americans.May we all resemble them one day.May we all learn the principles and values of their society.They don't look at us and we keep on worshipping them...there's gotta be a reason,kiddos.America is our home,sweet home.May the Lord bless that soil.

June 12, 2009

MJ



You're too young to know what I'm talking about,dudes.When I was 10 or 11,on saturdays I would go to bed (=me iba a la cama) at about 3am or 4am because I loved to stay up (=quedarme despierto) late just to see the NBA match of the week. The show was called 'cerca de las estrellas',and the TV host(=el presentador) was Ramón Trecet. What I liked most (=lo que más me gustaba) was to watch 'MJ', a.k.a. (=also known as=también conocido como) 'Air',a.k.a. 'Air Jordan', Michael Jeffrey Jordan,the human being (=el ser humano) who has played basketball best ever. He won six NBA championships with his team, the Chicago Bulls. He holds many NBA records (=tiene muchos records de la NBA) and believe me(=creedme),there's no one,and I said NO ONE, who will ever play basketball like he did. Sometimes,when I'm at home and there's nothing interesting on TV (which is most of the time), I watch that second quarter (=ese segundo cuarto del partido) of the NBA finals against (=contra) Portland Trail Blazers...dudes(=chavales)...you have to see that...

June 07, 2009

CULT MOVIES



I was wondering (=me preguntaba) yesterday why/ how a movie becomes a 'cult movie'. It's not because of the box office figures (=los números en taquilla),Al Pacino's Scarface was a real failure(=fracaso) in the box office and Titanic broke all the box office records and it is not a cult movie. Not all cult movies talk about mafia and not all mafia movies are cult movies either...think about casino,with Robert de Niro and Sharon Stone,it sucks (=es un coñazo)!!!It definitely helps when the movie talks about mafia (The Godfather,Good Fellas),but some other cult movies do not talk about mafia.Think of De Niro's Taxi Driver...it's very violent,but violence is not the magic ingredient either.Saving Private Ryan is a really violent film about world war II (=la segunda guerra mundial) and is not a cult movie.On the other hand, Donnie Darko is neither a violent nor a mafia movie and it is a cult movie,so...what do you think it is???

June 05, 2009

EXAMINATION FUNNY BITS

When I was your age (=cuando yo tenía vuestra edad) I was an average student.I was neither the most brilliant nor the laziest (=ni el más brillante ni el más vaguillo). I used to put off (=solía posponer) the hard work until (=hasta) three days before the exams. I also flunked (=cateaba) some subjects, especially Maths (Sorry, Pablo) and Chemistry. I'll never forget a History exam, the Russian Revolt...Oh,God. I wrote a 5-page essay on the revolt,but since (=dado que) I hadn't had (=no había tenido) enough time I wrote the 5 pages but didn't mention a date,name or place that could locate (=situar) such a conflict (=dicho conflicto) in a History book. Of course, I flunked. The worst thing was that the teacher read my exam out loud (=leyó mi examen en alto) to the rest of the class as an example of what should never be done(=de lo que nunca debe hacerse) in an exam. Well, that summer of 1994 was the summer I carried my History book all around.

June 02, 2009

THE TIME HAS COME



Dear all,
the time has come.As we are approaching (=a medida que nos acercamos) the end of this school year 2008/2009,I would like to remind you(=recordaros) the fact that gladiator had to fight hard to earn (=para ganarse) his retreat (=su descanso,su retiro). Well up (=acumulad) as much energy as you have in your veins(=venas) to face (=afrontar) the challenges and final exams.During the summer time you will have plenty of time (=tiempo de sobra) to play with your PSPs,X-Boxes,Wiis,Bees,Wows,Boohs,Poohs and all the available(=disponibles) game systems in the market. And don't forget that your teachers are not Caesars,we will NEVER use unfair (=injustas) tactics to measure your effort (=para medir vuestro esfuerzo),believe me,we have better things to do.(=tenemos mejores cosas que hacer)

May 12, 2009

SOMETHING YOU DIDN'T KNOW

I bet (=apuesto que) you didn't know that your teacher is an awesome(=excelente) football player. On May 23rd I'll be playing a football match against Ajax FC.
I'm not pulling your legs(=no os estoy tomando el pelo),this is 100% true.The match will be held (=tendrá lugar) in Amsterdam.The head of studies (=el jefe de estudios) knows that I'm an excellent player, so he has allowed me to (=me ha dado permiso) take a few days off (=tomarme unos días libre). I'll tell you about the match when I'm back (=cuando vuelva).I'll take pictures and post them in this blog. Needless to say (=sobra decir) that I expect you to show your best behaviour with whoever(=con quienquiera) comes to replace me.

LUCHA DE GIGANTES

Antonio Vega,one of the best Spanish singers ever,and one of my favourites ever, passed away (=died) this morning.You're too young to know who he was,but you must have heard (=seguro que habreis oído) some of his songs,especially "chica de ayer".My favourite,though,was "lucha de gigantes", one of my favourite songs ever.I highly recommend that you listen to it,guys.Here's my tribute.

SMART INVENTION




hi,(un)dear students!!!I can't believe my ears!!!(=no puedo creer lo que oigo),I have heard that someone has come up with (=se le ha ocurrido) a device (=un aparato) where you can look up (=buscar) the meaning of an English word!!!Amazing, isn't it??? All you have to do is go to a bookshop (=librería) and ask for: "un diccionario,por favor").They'll give you a thick book. Such a device (=dicho armatoste) comes in handy (=viene que ni al pelo) when you don't know how to say a word in English.I already bought one and it's true!!!I looked up(=busqué) the word "sobaco" and the translation given was "armpit". It all comes in alphabetical order. For those of you who still have trouble with(=les cuesta) the alphabet, I will remind you the order to use such a complex device:
A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N.O,P,Q,R,S,T,U,V.W,X,Y,Z

May 10, 2009

ALFRESCO!!!



Did you guys know that Spain once was in control of part of today's USA?One of the consequences was the introduction of Spanish words into the language.Americans adapted the Spanish vocabulary to their phonetic system,resulting in funny examples.One of them is the word 'alfresco',meaning "in the open air", as in: "We had an alfresco dinner".Words like 'parasol' , an umbrella used to give shade, or other funny examples like the word 'hoosegow', a phonetic adaptation of the Spanish word "juzgado", meaning "prison". Another funny example is the word 'lasso', another phonetic adaptation of the Spanish word "lazo", a rope(=soga) with a noose(=nudo corredizo) at one end(=cabo), used to catch cattle(=ganado). But Americans have also influenced our vocabulary greatly, introducing words in our vocabulary...but we will deal with that phenomenon some other day.