Writing your own obituary

Let me direct your interest to the post published on 29th April by South of Watford (one of the blogs I'm following) about Javier Ortiz's decease, a Spanish jounalist.

http://southofwatford.blogspot.com/2009/04/javier-ortiz.html

The obituary was written by the deceased himself. One can't help shivering when reading and realising that this person has already passed away. His wit and sense of humour simply honour him.

My apologies to those that cannot read Spanish.

How about sharing a coffee while practising English

It simply sounds a great idea: http://www.leafcup.com/english/index.htm

A cosy welcoming place where you can have a coffee, or a tea, while having a chance to practise English with other people.

It may not have been your aim at first, but I'm sure getting to know people from other countries will become an even more rewarding experience.

It's a pity this coffee place is in Japan :o(

News featured in main Spanish newspapers

Just a reminder!!!

If you want to read about what's been featured in the main Spanish newspapers, don't forget to click on the site Typically SPANISH.com (also found in my Useful links list.

Allow me to direct you :O)

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_21162.shtml

Swine flu case confirmed in Spain

My 17-year-old son (well, almost!, his birthday is tomorrow ;O) spent the whole afternoon/evening yesterday browsing on the Internet for more news on this flu outbreak. He even contacted an old school Mexican friend, who's now living in Mexico, and was glad to know that he was doing fine. I am happy to know, too!

If you want to read more:

http://www.emgonline.co.uk/news.php?news=4818

Learning is fun with RAW Skills for everyday life :O)

RAW Skills for everyday life http://www.bbc.co.uk/raw/ is a brilliant website that teaches you how to move around in everyday issues like Money, Bills, Family, Computers, work, etc., the list is long: http://www.bbc.co.uk/raw/help/topics_list.shtml

The explanations are clear, humorous and illustrative plus the added feature of subtitles for those of you who would like to do some extra listening focusing on vocabulary.

I've been watching Computer basics http://www.bbc.co.uk/raw/computers/yourcomputer/computerbasics.shtml

and Baby's arrival http://www.bbc.co.uk/raw/money/family/index.shtml

They are fun and instructive.

Have a go!!!

STUDY PAGES 4 EVERYONE

An interesting webpage with lots of activities for BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED learners to practise English:

http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/study%20pages.php

DON'T MISS THE "SONGS" PAGE!!! VERY ENJOYABLE!!!

http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/lyrics%20and%20songs.php

How about a toast this weekend?!

The news on unemployment in Spain are rather gloomy, to say the least, so surely not many people would feel like celebrating. Still, it's spring time and the warm sun here in Madrid feeds us with optimism and nice plans for the weekend.

Although this wine report on Spanish wine phrases and proverbs is addressed to English speakers to help them mix at ease in Spanish bars, as a learner of English, you can certainly reverse it and impress your "guiri" friends when performing as a cicerone (or impress your English teacher and fellow students ;O)

http://www.notesinspanish.com/reports/spanish-wine-report.pdf

DON'T miss the first link suggested at the end of the report:

Learn To Interpret The Spanish Wine Label, at Catavino.net:
http://www.catavino.net/blog/interpreting-the-spanish-wine-label/