The Beatles, one feeling

Elena Herrero says:

Love, love me do 

You know I love you 

I'll always be true 

So please 

Love me do 

Yes, it was 1962 and this is the way a group of four Liverpudlians sounded for the first time in the British radio stations; at that time, they were trying to get into the world of music while people were already starting to think: where the heck did these long-haired boys come from with that sound that had never been listened to before? But what people did not know yet was that those four youngsters were going to change their lives, their state of mind, their way of thinking and dressing, or even the way of combing themselves. After the hardships of the Second World War, The Beatles were going to change everything, to raise a great smile on each face of every inhabitant of the world through their wonderful songs, by penning some excellent lyrics. They were the band who wrote sad love lyrics, like in “For No One”, which doesn't end up sounding completely sappy.

 

I can almost say that they conquered the world without realizing, and the following generations were - and still are - marked by them, since they wrote the new "laws" of music, by revolutionizing it and creating their own style while shaping people’s way of thinking in every corner of our planet. But how? By changing their styles, always experimenting on new things ... other singers and bands went mad whenever The Beatles produced something new. My parents got me into their music, so I daresay that I have loved the famous group since I was three. You may say I´m a dreamer, but I would give anything to travel back in time, just to see and listen to the greatest band live! Songs like Hey Jude, Let It Be, All you need is love or Something mean something very special to me.

I am so pleased to know that this feeling will last a lot longer, I mean, being a fan of the “Fab Four”, transmitting a message of peace and love. All you need is love, this is the best influence they left in our hearts.

No doubt, The Beatles are one of the greatest rock groups in history *; I really believe they are. No music band will manage to reach them … EVER. What they represent only happens once ..., and it already happened.

This is my "Beatles' 50th anniversary" small tribute. I hope you folks enjoy it!

Rosa Cuesta says:

My first memories of The Beatles go back to the late sixties, when I was only a little girl aged five or six. At the time I loved going to the facilities of the telephone company, where some operators sitting in a row answered whoever picked up a phone. I really enjoyed listening to those ladies say “What number, please?” while they played with the telephone wires. At the same time the operators used a radio with The Beatles’ songs and I learned to hum some of them, like “A hard day’s night” or “Yellow submarine”. 

I was fifteen or sixteen when some Beatles’ records were revived. I remember listening to them for most of the day so I became a big enthusiast of the Fab Four. I greatly enjoyed singing the lyrics, even if I did not understand them. I was a teenager, the time of my first love and my romantic feelings arose thanks to their music. My favorite songs were “And I love her”, “Yesterday”,” Michelle” “In my life”…, which, even if you did not understand, made you feel a lot of emotions. 

The Beatles wanted to change the world, firstly by fighting against the conventions of the time, showing a great joie de vivre, and later by declaring themselves against war and for freedom.

Eventually, I lost the habit of listening to their music, but maybe this Beatles’ anniversary and these wonderful memories have made me recover the pleasure of listening to the amazing band again. Not only were The Beatles incredible but also an icon of a generation that wanted to change everything.

Rosa sent this pic: The Beatles in Spain back in '65 ... Ole!

Great stuff, girls! I cannot think of a better way to kind of say goodbye to summer on our blog. Now, I'd just like to add one more thing, a 15-minute excerpt (subtitled in Spanish) of a fantastic DVD collection which I recommend if you're a lifelong Beatlemaniac, called "The Beatles Anthology". This is part 1, how it all began 50 years ago. You know, to me it's just "moving" to listen to their voices (those lovely mild Scouse accents!) reminiscing the early years, especially when you realise that John and George are not around any longer ...

My Advanced students' favourite films (part 1)

Elena Herrero says:
Yes, who doesn´t remember the famous words "I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills ..." at the beginning of this magic movie? 

Unforgettable, moving, awesome … this masterpiece is a beautiful song to Africa through human feelings. In the film you´re transported to wonderful landscapes through its soundtrack, delightful I daresay, and the breathtaking light and photography, as if you´re were taking part in the scene. There is no doubt that this is my favourite film of all time, or at least the one that has made the deepest impression on me, since I´m so fond of Africa.

NORTH BY NORTHWEST (Con la muerte en los talones) by A. HITCHCOCK (1959)

Hitchcock is always the master of suspense, in the way in which he develops tension, and this MGM film is not an exception. With music scored by Bernard Herrmann again, Cary Grant is faced with various memorable situations, punctuated by the magnitude of the images: The pursuit by a light aircraft across a sowed field to kill Thornhill, the protagonist, or the scene filmed on Mount Rushmore, are fine examples of how Hitchock keeps the audience in suspense in nearly every scene.

Easily one of Hitchcock's most engaging films and, in my humble opinion, a must-see for everyone.

By the way, Elena also wants to include this link to the extraordinary performance by the famous “Cirque du Soleil” during the ceremony of the 84th Academy Awards in Hollywood this year, where, among other films, “NBNW” is recreated.

Juanjo Diego says:
I have been browsing through the Universal Web quickly, and soon I have found two films that I want to highlight (apart from Hitchcock’s, of course): The Blues Brothers and Back to the future (only the first one, really)
The Blues Brothers (ridiculously translated into Spanish as "Granujas a todo Ritmo") is a little carefree “thug movie”, with a lot of hilarious gags and unforgettable moments  (Do you remember the impossible car chase?), starring two brilliant, irreverent rogues. But I specially love the fantastic American soundtrack (above all, soul and rhythm and blues) with cameo appearances by Aretha Franklin or Ray Charles, among others. The song "Everybody needs somebody" is one of my favourite to start a party since it's full of energy and makes people feel better and willing to have fun (Actually, I always play this song in our family parties)

Then Zemeckis's comedy is probably less interesting, but I think the idea which the witty plot is based on is great and very intelligent (to meet the protagonist’s parents in the past and the mother falling in love with her own son!!!) and the way that the story is developed is truly successful, with characters perfectly drawn and inserted into an amazing story. This movie shows a different vision about time travel that, until it was released, had always been either a horror story or a thriller. The history of cinema would probably be the same without “Back to the Future”, but watching it, even today, is to ensure we are going to have a good time.

Besides these two fun films and Hitchcock's masterpieces, I could mention a lot of extraordinary movies produced by Universal Estudios. My own list could be this one (within the website's selection, of course, because on this site not all Universal films are featured): Foolish Wives (Stroheim), The Phantom of the Opera (Julian and Chaney), All Quiet on the Western Front (Milestone), Dracula (Browning), Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein (Whale), My Man Godfrey (La Cava), The Wolf Man (Waggner), Sullivan's Travel (Sturges), Double Indemnity and The Lost Weekend (Wilder), Winchester 73 (Mann), The Incredible Shrinking Man (Arnold), Touch of Evil (Welles), Spartacus (Kubrick), American Graffiti (Lucas), Jaws, E.T. and Schindler's List (Spielberg), The Jerk (Reiner), Scarface (De Palma), Babe (Noonan), Casino (Scorsese) and United 93 (Greengrass).

Mercedes Martin says:

When we were asked to write about our favourite films, I was afraid because somebody had already “slipped in” first with my favourite ones. I mean, the first title which always comes to my mind is “Out of Africa” and after that “To Kill a Mockingbird”. So, when Jose Luis told us it was not necessary to write a review but simply show our feelings, I saw my chance and felt relieved because I have treasured up, at the back of my mind, some films that might not be masterpieces but I will love forever.

First of all, I must mention “Hatari”, which is a romantic adventure film. It was shot in 1962 and it is set in Africa. Now, thinking about both its atmosphere and its plot, I have just realized that there is a strong resemblance between this film and “Out of Africa”: a love triangle, the game hunting, a wonderful soundtrack - in this case by Henry Mancini – and, furthermore, my favourite scene, which in this film is Elsa Martinelli showering the baby elephants (the one in “Out of Africa” Robert Redford washing Meryl Streep`s hair). All this proves that, over the years, people usually change but their early memories and tastes remain throughout their lives deep inside. 

Another film which is in my memory is “Trapeze”. Who could forget the stunning physical appearance of Burst Lancaster! How gorgeous Tony Curtis was, and indeed the beauty of Gina Lollobrigida, all of them in the middle of the glamorous atmosphere of the circus world. By the way, this reminds me of our dear classmate, Cuchi, whose dream was to become a trapeze artist.

I do not want to bore you. I am eager to know about your favourite films!

Elena Herrero: "Out of Africa" - Memoirs of Tanzania and Zanzibar

Talking about “magical places”, I would like to share with you one of the best experiences in my life. Well, some years ago, in 2006, one of my dreams came true: to visit Africa and, in this particular case, Tanzania. It seemed that it would never come and much less that it would finish. Lots of photos and infinite memories. Truly, it is impossible to forget Africa!

How to define my African experience? Surprisingly easy, really. It can be summarized in a single word, one that visitors will hear a dozen times daily, no matter where they travel in Tanzania, or how they go about it: the smiling, heartfelt Swahili greeting of “Karibu!” – Welcome!

Tanzania is known by its magic mountains, its vast extensions burned by the sun and splashed by the impressive baobabs (the trees of life), its volcanos that soar from the centre of the earth, its enormous prehistoric lakes surrounded by wild animals and, what is more important, its people full of mystery and ancient customs. The sights are spectacular and I say with sadness that I may not return so I would like to treasure this instant in some place where I could recall it and re-live it through these emotions …

Tanzania is where you’ll find Serengeti, Ngorongoro or Tarangire National Parks, Manyara Lake or Zanzibar – names that immediately conjure up the breathy tones of David Attenborough:

"I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills..."

Dou you remember Meryl Streep pronouncing this words in the film Out of Africa? Although I am not Karen Blixen (as you know, the writer of the book, and the main character in the movie), nor do I have some lands in the continent (although part of my soul is there), I will try to tell you my experience, even though I am sure that any of these words or pictures will convey the feelings and mental images that I keep.

To see the sunrise on this very special land is a unique moment …

The aboriginal look of the people or the intense colours of their lands were sinking into my deepest heart and, without being conscious, I was getting lost in this thought: the desire of dreaming Africa that was living in the deepest of my being and the company of the simbas (simba means "lion" in Swahili) made me feel that time had stopped.

In the loneliness and the silence I discovered a new country in my soul. I could see the life of the nomadic Maasai tribesmen in their manyaras (the typical huts), their women with their incredible adornments … this world that runs parallel to my own and that I ignore constantly … 

From the highest part of the old Ngorongoro volcano, it is possible to observe the whole crater, with its 22-km diameter. It is indeed a striking vision … in the centre there is a salty lake, the Magadi, which contributes to a spectacular beauty. A peaceful backwater that invites reflection and silence. During the day I saw the magnificent wildlife: zebras, giraffes, elephants, impalas, wildebeest, ostriches, monkeys, hyenas, big cats, crocs, buffalos, hippos, rhinos – as well as all sorts of apes and birds, like flamingos, and even a majestic lion. We were lucky to see a precious female leopard with her baby, resting on the branch of an acacia. I did not get tired of looking at it and the harmony of the image will never be captured by a photograph; it was amazing!  

Words cannot describe such grandeur; it has to be lived to experience these instants out of time. I have seen it often in documentaries, but on the spot it is impressive, the contemplation of the cycle of life.

Here finishes the first part of our adventures in this incredible country. But the journey doesn’t end here, what about the ultimate post-safari hangout, a magical place, the idyllic Spice Island? Yes, I am talking about Zanzibar. 

Zanzibar's capital (and the largest town) is Stone Town, located in the middle of the west coast of Unguja. The town was named after the coral stone buildings that were built there largely during the 19th century, and it is known for its narrow alleyways, large carved doors and covered balconies that are a part of the Swahili culture, influenced by both Arab and especially Indian motifs. 

One of the most important aspects of Zanzibar is that it has been a collage of different cultures since it was colonized by several civilizations for centuries, from Europe to Asia. The architectural styles reflect Arab, German, and British influence and occupation, as well as the rich long history of Tanzania, but also, sadly, it shows the remains of the East African slave trade. This famous city, Stone Town, is a home to lots of mosques, several Hindu temples and two Christian churches. Incredible, isn’t it?

Apart from that, The Zanzibar Islands have excellent locations for diving because living reefs surround many of the islands. In addition to the warm still waters, full of colorful fish, there are many challenging dives.

So if you are interested in knowing a bit more about this magical and incredible place called Tanzania here is the link to a brief excerpt of the clip that I made with many of my photos, related to Serengeti National Park.

This is a video produced by the Tanzanian Tourist Board with the aid of the European Union:

Hey, I've just forgotten, do you want to know a curiosity? Freddy Mercury was born in Zanzibar. In fact, a trace of Freddie's Zanzibari roots can be heard in one of the most famous Queen songs, "Bohemian Rhapsody": the Arabic word 'Bismillah' had a special political significance in Zanzibar for a brief period to a group who used it to express discontent. But Queen's use of words like 'Bismillah' or 'Beelzebub' was most likely related to the Koran; the blessed phrase Bismillah is a sign of Islam, meaning in the Name of God, and the beginning of all good things. You can now watch the original videoclip of the famous song:

Or also on one of our blog's entries written by José Luis last November, talking about this unforgettable rock star.

I hope you have enjoyed this post and maybe one day it will encourage you to visit these breathtaking places that I strongly recommend you.

Elena Herrero: GALILEO, WAS HE REALLY THE FIRST?

Hi folks! Do you want to know a bit more about Galileo?

In 1609, Galileo Galilei turned his own version of a kind of telescope towards the sky, using a magnification of just 30. He decided that the earth moved around the sun and not vice versa; as you know, as a result of this, he was accused of heresy by the Church, since they could not hold back science.

Galileo is supposed to have been the first human being to see the moon´s craters, as well as Venus, Jupiter or the stars of the Milky Way, but was Galileo really the first?

For centuries, the Italian scientist was considered the first man to have used a telescope to study the heavens, but nowadays new evidence has appeared which suggests that Galileo was actually the second person to achieve this scientific breakthrough. Research that has recently come to light shows that Thomas Harriot, an unknown English astronomer, had drawn some maps, never published before, with drafts of the moon, Jupiter´s satellites, sunspots and even Halley's Comet, five months earlier than Galileo´s drawings. 

But Galileo was also on the news some years ago because of another macabre reason: Some Italian scientists were trying to exhume Galileo´s body in order to access his DNA, in an attempt to understand how the astronomer was able to developed his revolutionary theories about the universe, bearing in mind that he was gradually going blind, because he suffered from a degenerative eye disease. It might explain some of the mistakes he made in his drawings.

Well, I´ve attached a couple of great YouTube clip related to Galileo. Enjoy them!

Thank you so much once again, dear Elena. Your post suitably supplements the reading about the famous Italian astronomer in unit 2. Very enlightening indeed!

Elena Herrero: IT´S TIME FOR HALLOWEEN! TRICK OR TREAT?

With Halloween just one day away, families throughout the world are prepared for the celebrations.

Halloween became an occasion to note on the Spanish family calendar around the year 2000, the onset of the Third Millenium. November 1, All Saints' Day, has been observed for centuries across Spain, with adults visiting cemeteries to sit at an ancestor's grave through the night.

October 31 is an increasingly recognizable day, along with Halloween parties and related events held throughout our country.

When I was younger, Halloween was not a big thing, but now it is not only foreigners who celebrate it, but also Spanish families. Pumpkins are for sale in local shops, even if this seems to be a tradition followed more by expatriate families. Spaniards are happy wearing fancy hats, make-up and masks, and young children enjoy going out to "Trick or Treat". What do you think about it? 

I have attached a video of the great song ´This is Halloween!´ from the movie ´The Nightmare Before Christmas'. Enjoy it!

Lyrics | Danny Elfman - This is Halloween lyrics

Well done, dear Elena! Now, would you like to learn a little more about the origins of Halloween and its importance in American society today? How about watching this nice short video on the History Channel?

 

Happy Halloween everyone!