miércoles, 29 de abril de 2015
miércoles, 8 de abril de 2015
Power or mercy in France in 17th century
The
Man in the Iron Mask, is
an interesting book, that will keep you entertained from start to finish,
thanks to its variety in characters, or by the detailed and accurate
description of its situations and sceneries where the story take place, the
book is full of dangerous adventures which let the reader to enter the France
of the 17th century.
It is important to add that, the reader does not have
to face with a long and boring reading, by the contrary, with this
recommendation it is pretended provide to the reader a pleasant reading. For
these and other reasons that they will be described below is that we
recommended widely to the people the reading of this book. Now let’s talk about
the important facts in the story.
The plot is about how King Louis XIV through his poor
money management led to the French people to the chaos and poverty, and he
didn't care the lucky of men, women and children of his nation, they were
starving, while he and his collaborators had plenty of food, jewelry, gold,
expensive clothes, etc.
But then the Musketeers D'Artagnan, Aramis, Athos and
Porthos choose to fight against the crown to help people and make a fairer
distribution of wealth.
The musketeers thought the best option to save France
was replaced by King Louis XIV by another king, the musketeers knew that Louis
XIV had a twin brother who was born and raised outside the kingdom, in fact he
was imprisoned in Saint Marguerite by Sir Fouquet, had already 29 years and for
that its identity wasn't discovered, he was always wearing a huge iron mask.
Philippe was the twin brother and the musketeers
rescued him from the prison, in the birthday party of the Louis XIV, the
changed the brothers and Louis XIV was punished in the same jail as Philippe.
At first, Phillipe was an unexperienced in the art of government and he was a
very kind king. The musketeers taught him and showed him every art of the
swords and the muskets, after some years, king Philippe had changed a lot.
He turned ruthless and heartless. King Philippe began
to accumulate all the riches only for him and his family, but the musketeers couldn’t
do anything, because they had gotten older, and one by one were dying.
D'Artagnan had been betrayed by his girlfriend, she
had cheated him with the Philippe, he lived with a lot of sadness for that
reason and suddenly, someone killed him with a knife. By other side, Porthos
had died a cause of his excessive drinking and eating. Mary was his girlfriend
but she left him soon. Aramis had gotten power as a priest, and Philippe wasn't
agreed with such a power, Philippe made until impossible to finish with Aramis'
power, until he was died. Athos missed a lot his friends until he became a
crazy man of sadness and finally he died.
This was the sad version, but in my opinion I think it
was the most realistic final to the story, because the book offers two
alternative endings. The other one is a really, really pink ending, even full
of happiness, and in my opinion this ending isn't going with the story was
told, but you are the reader, and who will have the last word.
The Musketeers were only looking for a better life for
his people, but his mistake was trusting in the wrong person, believed that the
twin brother of King Louis XIV would be a better person with great feelings and
justice. They chose the wrong person and the consequences were fatal. For my part is everything and I hope that you are
interested to read this great story.
Finally, it is an audio book. It brings two compact
discs for listening each chapter. The book has 10 chapters in all and by the
way, It is beautifully illustrated the cover and the back cover as well as each
of the ten chapters that comprise the book.
martes, 7 de abril de 2015
Idiom: The apple doesn't fall far from the tree
Literal context: When the apple falls to the ground, it means that it cannot fall so far away from the tree.
Figurative context: Kids are like their
parents; a chip off the old block; like father, like son.
Origin
THE APPLE DOESN'T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE - "Apparently of
Eastern origin, it is frequently used to assert the continuity of family
characteristics. Quot. 1839 implies return to one's original home. Cf. 16th
century Ger. 'der Apfel fellt nicht gerne weit vom Baume,' the apple does not
usually fall far from the tree." From "The Concise Oxford Dictionary
of Proverbs" by John Simpson and Jennifer Speake (Oxford University Press,
Oxford and New York, Third Edition, 1998).
"Probably applied most often now to
someone with obvious failings, the saying asserts the problem was simply passed
along from parent to child. The notion is similar to the older 'Like father,
like son,' and 'Like mother, like daughter,' and seems to have appeared first
in German.
The American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson apparently was the
first to use it in English when in an 1839 letter, he wrote that 'the apple
never falls far from the stem.' But here Emerson used it in another sense, to
describe that tug that often brings us back to our childhood home.
Emerson's original profession was as a Unitarian minister, but he left the ministry to pursue a career in writing and public speaking and became one of America's best known 19th century figures.
A century
later, however, the saying appeared in its current form and connotation in
'Body, Boots, and Britches' by H. W. Thompson." From "Wise Words and
Wives' Tales: The Origins, Meanings and Time-Honored Wisdom of Proverbs and
Folk Sayings Olde and New" by Stuart Flexner and Doris Flexner (Avon
Books, New York, 1993).
The proverb also appears in
Russian, according to "Random House
Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings" by Gregory Y.
Titelman (Random House, New York, 1996). Mr. Titelman lists a similar proverb:
"It runs in the family.found in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's play 'The
School for Scandal'."
Meaning:
When the apple falls to the ground, it does
not fall far from a tree. But what does it mean if you say that about a person?
It means two people are very similar It means
a son, or daughter seems very similar to a parent If a friend has many of the
same qualities as one of his or her parents, you can say, “wow! The apple sure
didn’t fall far from the tree”
Examples:
I looked at the father, then at the son, and
I thought, The apple doesn't fall far from the
tree.
References:
domingo, 5 de abril de 2015
The Rubbish problem
The problem of the rubbish is very serious in the
entire world, and here in México is not the exception in the recent decades the
problem is incremented without control. Unfortunately, we have little progress
related with this huge problem.
By one side, the lack of the awareness of the people,
by the other, the lack of the compromise by the authorities, and maybe because
the quantity of garbage is really huge and that's why we cannot control it
easily.
Only in Mexico City 20 000 tons of garbage are
produced daily where of this total, 30% remains in ravines and vacant lots and
the 70% is collected by the public
system clean, and it will put in the large controlled dumps that exist in the
city.
Garbage is a source of local infection, attraction of
vermin and pollution landscape. Also large volumes of accumulated waste are
fermented, generating "leachate" or runoff who arrived by gravity
into groundwater contaminated water. This fermentation produces methane gas
important greenhouse gas that pollutes the atmosphere.
Finally, it’s time to work together for a cleaner
world and realize that the only solution to decrease the amount of solid waste
is recycling and reuse. According to statistics provided by the National Institute
of Ecology[1],
classified garbage is as follows:
40% is organic
15% paper and cardboard
8% glass
5% plastic
Various metals 6%
5% aluminum
4% different materials
4% rags and old clothes
Disposable diapers 3%
and 6% of all types of waste
Finally, it is everyone's duty to promote and practice
the habits of recycling and reuse of solid waste, implementing purchasing
products with the emblem of recycling, choose natural packaging, cardboard,
paper or glass, decrease the amount of plastic used.
True love
To explain since my point of view what is the true
love I want to share this quote, that it seems very illustrative.
"True love is not restricted to physical or
romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that the other is, what has been,
what will be, and what was".
Besides, I believe that this quote it is no
exclusively to love between a man and a woman. I think about the love, and to
me the true love is first of all the love of mother, in the second place I
would put the love of the partner and finally in the third place the love to
the life.
I consider that the true love is the love of the mother
for the following reasons:
1.- The love of a mother is endless and unconditional.
2.- The love of a mother has no time or space.
3.- The love of a mother always take care our steps.
4.- The love of a mother mitigates any pain.
5.- The love of a mother gives everything without
expecting anything in return.
6.- The love of a mother is tireless.
7.- The love of a mother is strong to cure the scars.
8.- The love of the mother implies comprehension.
9.- The love of the mother is sacrifice at any time.
10.- The love of the mother is honest and sincere.
I am sure that these are only some characteristics, and
I am not going to finish saying everything that I feel respect to the true love
of a mother.
Many singers have composed beautiful songs dedicated
to the mothers, here I am going to leave some links about the beautiful songs
that you are able to listen at any time that you want.
For all these reasons I believe that the love of the
mother is the best in the entire world.
Links:
1.- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyve99z0Kro (Amor de madre de Victor Manuel)
2.- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcH4hL0LVn8 ( Yo te esperaba de Alejandra Guzmán)
3.- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLLXPpqzDsM ( Señora, señora de Denise de Kalafe)
Vocabulary page 27.
1.- Remove the husk before you eat the peanuts.
2.- The primary boys frequently scratched their scalps, it can be because they have some lice in
their heads, because there were very hot days.
3.- The overriding consideration in this respect
is how the information needs of users can best be met.
4.- Next, so that you don't suffer from burnout by
overworking, take time to review and plan each move that you make toward your
leaner, meaner company.
5.- For as long as I can remember, he has looked like
an elephant, heavy and lumbering with big
ears and baggy wrinkled skin.
6.- Scientists at the University of York have made a
major breakthrough
in the fight against prostate cancer.
7.- But the former Cheam High School student who had
been one of the favorites to win the tournament was not too downhearted
by his defeat.
8.- By that measure, too,
Australia's recent performance looks dismal.
9.- It will have a knock-on effect on the local economy.
sábado, 4 de abril de 2015
The importance of the best invention in the year of 1800, called bicycle
Few times we ask about where things come from, what
their origin, or where were invented, we only care about our tools are very
useful, and we caring them as our more treasured things they do not suffer any
damage to continue helping us in our daily lives.
This particular invention was really a revolutionary
artefact that in nowadays is very important in our lives, It is called the
bicycle; in its time it this invention elicited many reactions some of them
were in favor while other were in against the new creation.
In our times the bicycle is object of much admiration,
we can find many styles of them, for all budgets, colors, sizes, and more and
of course, the horseman of the iron horse is indispensable because he gives the
life to this incredible metal structure.
The bicycle is very important around the world. The
bicycle is a very helpful transportation, it can help us to improve our health,
it is a very good instrument for competition of high performance in sports.
In 1800, the bicycle was seen as well as of many
positive and negative ways. For example, some positives ways were that with the
new transport the people of the towns could find a mate from miles away for
getting married.
Since that time, people recognized immediately that
they could lose weight and this it was really good for health. There were not
cars like today.
In this year competitions took place and the people
were very enthusiastic to assist to see them. Other important event that
brought the bicycle was the emancipation of the women around the world. The
bicycle changed everything, the women got much more strong and healthy, they
had beautiful and fit body, it was a greatly advantage for the women because
they felt more confident each time.
It is said that the bicycle inspired the building of
the first car, because much of the technology involved in making bicycles was
later used for making automobiles.
In addition to this, bicycles were used as transport
for the workers to arrive on time at work; also the bicycle helped the families
to save some money because they did not have to pay for the public
transportation at that time.
Now, let’s talk about some negative things with the
arrival of the bicycle, for example; It causes a public scandal, too. I know
that It results unbelievable, but believe me, it happened. All happened because
the women start to wear trousers to ride a bicycle well.
Finally, the invention of the bicycle brought many
benefits, as we have been commented. In many countries is valued. Currently, it
is an option for the obesity problems here in Mexico, because it has already
created a stationary bicycle to do some exercise and with this we can improve
our health.
Comments on page 21
How can we improve our brain skills?
Now a days it is very important to be careful with our
health because our style of live is really fast, stressful and our body
experiences many changes in short time, our body is constantly adapting to the
changes in diary life , thus as the weather, and schedules, etc. Currently the
summer schedule, for example.
Now, we need to adapt to these changes quickly, some
years ago our style of life it was less stressful and even we was had more
hours for a rest, but now it is another story very different that we have to
face.
That's why, we think about how to get a better health
for each part of our body, however in recent years the science is in very
advanced, before we thought that we can help our body with some food from the
crops.
Currently, it is not different, however, we have more technology
in our hands and our service and through it we can get the best benefits for
our body.
The science and the technology is paying close attention to the brain, the
point is that we are going to develop much better our performances if we know
well how to take care our brain and the way for getting this benefit is through
the some stimulating drugs that are going to provide a huge power for our
brain. This is what has been said lately.
It seems good news, because it is thought that these
kinds of drugs are more beneficial than to drink coffee for example or even
some different kind of food that provides some important vitamins.
The peak performance of our brain we are still for
watching it and the experts have been said that it is going to happen with
these new drugs.
Finally, the use of the drugs will be a good choice to
improve our quality of life and of course our peak performance in our job or
our school? The drugs can substitute the vitamins contained in food? It is
really possible? Only the time give us
the correct answer these questions.
My comment about page 17.
viernes, 3 de abril de 2015
Vocabulary from 121 to 140
121.- Word: mourned
Meaning: llorarla
Example:
And the birds came too, and mourned
for Snow white, first an owl, then a raven, and lastly, a dove.
Where I found the word:
In the tale titled Snow White and the seven dwarfs in the Grimm’s fairy tales
1812.
In the following website: http://pinkmonkey.com/dl/library1/story158.pdf
122.- Word: beseech
Meaning: suplicó
Example:
“I beseech you to give it me,…
Where I found the word:
In the tale titled Snow White and the seven dwarfs in the Grimm’s fairy tales
1812.
In the following website: http://pinkmonkey.com/dl/library1/story158.pdf
123.- Word: brethren
Meaning: hermanos
Example:
… and care for you as if you were my brethren.”
Where I found the word:
In the tale titled Snow White and the seven dwarfs in the Grimm’s fairy tales
1812.
In the following website: http://pinkmonkey.com/dl/library1/story158.pdf
124.- Word: bidden
Meaning: ofreció (invito)
Example:
But Snow-white’s wicked step-mother was also bidden
to the feast, …
Where I found the word:
In the tale titled Snow White and the seven dwarfs in the Grimm’s fairy tales
1812.
In the following website: http://pinkmonkey.com/dl/library1/story158.pdf
125.- Word: railed
Meaning: arremetió
Example:
Then she railed and …
Where I found the word:
In the tale titled Snow White and the seven dwarfs in the Grimm’s fairy tales
1812.
In the following website: http://pinkmonkey.com/dl/library1/story158.pdf
126.- Word: cursed,
Meaning: maldijo
Example:
… and cursed, and was beside
herself with disappointment and anger.
Where I found the word:
In the tale titled Snow White and the seven dwarfs in the Grimm’s fairy tales
1812.
In the following website: http://pinkmonkey.com/dl/library1/story158.pdf
127.- Word: stir
Meaning: moverse
Example:
and could not stir from the place
for anger and terror.
Where I found the word:
In the tale titled Snow White and the seven dwarfs in the Grimm’s fairy tales
1812.
In the following website: http://pinkmonkey.com/dl/library1/story158.pdf
128.- Word: fulfil
Meaning: cumplir
Example:
… she answered, “that I certainly can, but on one condition, and if you
do not fulfil that, you will never get
out of the forest and will die of hunger in it.”
Where I found the word:
In the tale title The Six Swans
of Jacob and Wilhelm
Grimm. Household
Tales.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
In the following
website: http://www.bartleby.com/17/2/21.html
129.- Word: anguish
Meaning: angustia
Example:
In the anguish of his heart the
King consented,…
Where I found the word:
In the tale title The Six Swans
of Jacob and Wilhelm
Grimm. Household
Tales.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
In the following
website: http://www.bartleby.com/17/2/21.html
130.- Word: betrayed
Meaning: traicionaron
Example:
She gave a great deal of money to his servants, and they betrayed the secret to her, and told her likewise
of the ball which alone could point out the way.
Where I found the word:
In the tale title The Six Swans
of Jacob and Wilhelm
Grimm. Household
Tales.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
In the following
website: http://www.bartleby.com/17/2/21.html
131.- Word: sewed
Meaning: cocía
Example:
she sewed a charm inside them.
Where I found the word:
In the tale title The Six Swans
of Jacob and Wilhelm
Grimm. Household
Tales.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
In the following
website: http://www.bartleby.com/17/2/21.html
132.- Word: delighted
Meaning: contenta
Example:
The Queen went home quite delighted,
and thought she had got rid of her step-children, …
Where I found the word:
In the tale title The Six Swans
of Jacob and Wilhelm
Grimm. Household
Tales.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
In the following
website: http://www.bartleby.com/17/2/21.html
133.- Word: mourned
Meaning: lloró
Example:
The King mourned, but he did not
think that the Queen had done this wicked deed,…
Where I found the word:
In the tale title The Six Swans
of Jacob and Wilhelm
Grimm. Household
Tales.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
In the following
website: http://www.bartleby.com/17/2/21.html
134.- Word: crept
Meaning: deslizó
Example:
but crept under one, and lay down
on the hard ground,…
Where I found the word:
In the tale title The Six Swans
of Jacob and Wilhelm
Grimm. Household
Tales.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
In the following
website: http://www.bartleby.com/17/2/21.html
135.- Word: rustling
Meaning: crujido
Example:
Just
before sunset, however, she heard a rustling, and saw six swans come flying in at the
window.
Where I found the word:
In the tale title The Six Swans
of Jacob and Wilhelm
Grimm. Household
Tales.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
In the following
website: http://www.bartleby.com/17/2/21.html
136.- Word: stripped off
Meaning: despojo
Example:
… and blew all the feathers off, and their swan’s skins stripped off like a
shirt.
Where I found the word:
In the tale title The Six Swans
of Jacob and Wilhelm
Grimm. Household
Tales.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
In the following
website: http://www.bartleby.com/17/2/21.html
137.- Word: further
Meaning: más, adicional
Example:
As they pressed her further with
questions she threw her golden necklace down to them, and thought to content them
thus.
Where I found the word:
In the tale title The Six Swans
of Jacob and Wilhelm
Grimm. Household
Tales.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
In the following
website: http://www.bartleby.com/17/2/21.html
138.- Word: fetched down
Meaning: bajó
Example:
but climbed the tree and fetched the maiden down
and led her before the King.
Where I found the word:
In the tale title The Six Swans
of Jacob and Wilhelm
Grimm. Household
Tales.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
In the following
website: http://www.bartleby.com/17/2/21.html
139.- Word: smitten with
Meaning: prendado (enamorarse)
Example:
… and he was smitten with a great love for her.
Where I found the word:
In the tale title The Six Swans
of Jacob and Wilhelm
Grimm. Household
Tales.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
In the following
website: http://www.bartleby.com/17/2/21.html
140.- Word: rich garments
Meaning: ropas de gala
Example:
Then he caused her to be dressed in rich
garments, and she shone in her beauty like bright daylight,…
Where I found the word:
In the tale title The Six Swans
of Jacob and Wilhelm
Grimm. Household
Tales.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
The Harvard Classics.1909–14.
In the following
website: http://www.bartleby.com/17/2/21.html
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