Real Madrid is back!

Last night, Real Madrid won the Spanish Royal Cup against F.C. Barcelona. It was an amazing match with 30 minutes extra-time. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal of the game and gave Real Madrid the 18th Spanish Cup title, a title that breaks the hegemony of Barcelona during the last years.

Now there still remain two more mouth-watering matches between the two rivals in the Champions League on April 27 and May 3. Last weekend we saw the first of the four matches that they are playing in a month. I bet the next two matches are not suitable for the fainthearted.

The anecdote of the final is the fall of the cup from the top of a double-decker bus, which in addition ran over it. The cup slipped from Sergio Ramos' hands when they were approaching the Cibeles fountain, the place where Real Madrid followers gather to celebrate their victories. An identical replica of the cup has been given to Real Madrid so that it can be shown to the fans.

Congratulations Real Madrid!!!

Eurovision Song Contest Oslo 2010

Here we are again devoting a blog post to the Eurovision Song Contest. This year it takes place in Oslo, Norway. There are two previous semi-finals on Tuesday, 25th May and on Thursday, 27th May and the final, which will be held on Saturday, 29th May at 21.00 CET.

If you want to know the 39 participants to this edition of the festival, you can click on this link.

The singer who will represent Spain in Oslo is Daniel Diges with the song "Algo pequeñito" (Something Tiny).

Aid for Haiti quake relief

I am still shocked after seeing the terrible images of the effects of the earthquake in Haiti, which is said to be the most devastating in 200 years. Fortunately, if this word can be used in a situation like this, the response of the different institutions and organizations all over the world is being focused and swift. Organizations are requesting monetary donations; agencies have set up phone lines, Web pages and texting for donations, which will go toward medical and basic supplies.

"...We are trying to save as many lives as possible. A major
humanitarian effort is now well underway... the international community’s response has been generous and robust, and we are gearing up rapidly and effectively despite the challenging circumstances."

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in remarks to the press in New York, 15 Jan. '10

My thoughts are with the people and families of Haiti, and I really hope governments all over the world contribute to alleviate their suffering. Every little bit helps.
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Sesame Street

Sesame Street is an American educational children's TV series. It's a pioneer of the contemporary educational television standard, which combines both education and entertainment. Sesame Street is well known for its Muppets, characters created by Jim Henson. It premiered on November 10, 1969, and is the longest running children's program on US television. Thus, today we commemorate the 40th birthday of this popular TV series.

As author Malcolm Gladwell has stated, "Sesame Street was built around a single, breakthrough insight: that if you can hold the attention of children, you can educate them". Sesame Street uses a combination of animation, puppets, and live actors to stimulate young children's minds, improve their letter and word recognition, basic arithmetic, geometric forms, classification, simple problem solving, and socialization by showing children or people in their everyday lives.

Apart from the previously listed, further instructional goals have been basic life skills, such as how to cross the street safely, proper hygiene, healthy eating habits, and social skills; in addition, real-world situations are taught, such as death, divorce, pregnancy and birth, adoption, and even all of the human emotions such as happiness, love, anger, fear, sadness, and hatred.

This program is undoubtedly an example to follow, a guideline for producers to create less violent and more instructional series for children.

Happy 40th birthday, Sesame Street!!!

Source and more information: Wikipedia.

Here you can watch a video to learn the letter "B":

The Nobel Prize

Every year since 1901 the Nobel Prize has been awarded for achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and for peace.

The Nobel Prize is an international award administered by the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden. In 1968, Sveriges Riksbank established The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, founder of the Nobel Prize.

Each prize consists of a medal, personal diploma, and a cash award. These prizes are commonly regarded as the most prestigious award one can receive in any of these fields.

This year, Nobel Laureates in each of the fields are:

Physics:

- Charles K. Kao "for groundbreaking achievements concerning the transmission of light in fibers for optical communication".

- Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith "for the invention of an imaging semiconductor circuit – the CCD sensor".

Chemistry:

- Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, Thomas A. Steitz and Ada E. Yonath "for studies of the structure and function of the ribosome".

Physiology or Medicine:

- Elizabeth H. Blackburn, Carol W. Greider and Jack W. Szostak "for the discovery of how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase".

Literature:

- Herta Müller "who, with the concentration of poetry and the frankness of prose, depicts the landscape of the dispossessed".

Peace:

- Barack Obama "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples".

Prize in Economics:

- Elinor Ostrom "for her analysis of economic governance, especially the commons" and Oliver E. Williamson "for his analysis of economic governance, especially the boundaries of the firm".


The website "Nobelprize.org" offers a wide variety of educational games based on Nobel Prize-awarded achievements. These games will teach and inspire you while you are having fun! If you want to play, click on this link.
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The most famous of all meteor showers: the Perseids

The Perseids are a prolific meteor shower associated with the comet Swift-Tuttle. The Perseids are so called because the point they appear to come from, called the radiant, lies in the constellation Perseus.

Meteor showers occur when Earth moves through a meteor stream. The stream in this case is called the Perseid cloud and it stretches along the orbit of the Comet Swift-Tuttle. The cloud consists of particles ejected by the comet as it passed by the Sun.

The Perseid meteor shower has been observed for about 2000 years, with the first known information on this meteor shower coming from the Far East. In early medieval Europe, the Perseids came to be known as the "tears of St. Lawrence."

The shower is visible from mid-July each year, with the greatest activity between August 8 and 14, peaking about August 12. During the peak, the rate of meteors reaches 60 or more per hour. They can be seen all across the sky, but because of the path of Swift-Tuttle's orbit, Perseids are primarily visible in the northern hemisphere.

(Source: Wikipedia)

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So, if you are fond of astronomy or if you enjoy watching a natural phenomenon or if you just want to wish upon a star, don't hesitate to go out to the countryside or a place out of the city and lie down to observe this amazing show. It's worth it!

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Eurovision Song Contest winner: Norway

I want to congratulate Norway and the singer Alexander Rybak for winning the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Fairytale. Although his song is not my favourite, he has received the highest number of points from televoters and juries from the 42 countries participating in the contest. Norway managed to gather 387 points altogether - a new record! -, followed by Yohanna from Iceland (my favourite one) with 218 points and Azerbaijan's AySel & Arash who collected 207 points. You can find the full results of the Grand Final here.
(Source: Eurovision Official Site)

Eurovision Song Contest 2009: Second Semifinal Results

This is the list of countries that qualified in the order they were announced during the Second Semi-final of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest:

• Azerbaijan
• Croatia
• Ukraine
• Lithuania
• Albania
• Moldova
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Norway
• Greece

This video shows the official recap of all 19 songs competing at the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2009, in Moscow, Russia!

Eurovision Song Contest 2009: First Semifinal Results

The First Semi-final of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest is over and these are the ten countries qualifying for the Final:

• Turkey
• Sweden
• Israel
• Portugal
• Malta
• Finland
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Romania
• Armenia
• Iceland

This means that 15 out of 25 participants of the Final of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest are known. The remaining 10 finalists will be known after the Second Semi-Final, which will take place on May 14th at 21:00 CET!

Which is your favourite song to win the contest? Write and tell us!!! This is one of my favourite songs: Iceland's Is it true?

This video shows the official recap of all 18 songs competing at the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2009, in Moscow, Russia!

Barack Obama takes 44th Presidential Oath

The swearing-in of the President of the United States occurs upon the commencement of a new term of a President of the United States. The United States Constitution mandates that the President make the following oath or affirmation before he or she can "enter on the Execution" of the office of the presidency:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

The newly elected or re-elected President traditionally adds "so help me God" to the constitutionally mandated statement.

The theme of Obama's Inauguration is taken from a line in Lincoln's Gettysburg Address: "A New Birth of Freedom." "A New Birth of Freedom" commemorates the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The words, echoing across 200 years from Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg address, express Lincoln's hope that the sacrifice of those who died to preserve the United States would lead to "a new birth of freedom" for the nation. Obama took his oath on the same Bible Abraham Lincoln used at his 1861 inauguration, when he proclaimed the end of slavery.

25th November: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

By resolution 54/134 of 17 December 1999, the General Assembly designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and invited governments, international organizations and NGOs to organize activities designated to raise public awareness of the problem on that day. Women's activists have marked 25 November as a day against violence since 1981. This date came from the brutal assassination in 1960, of the three Mirabal sisters, political activists in the Dominican Republic, on orders of Dominican ruler Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961).

On 20 December 1993 the General Assembly adopted Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (A/RES/48/104).

Click here for the source.

"Change, we can believe in"

Finally, Barack Obama could do it, he is the new President-Elect of the United States. Obama will assume office in January 2009.

"I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you."

Barack Obama, Election Night 2008

This is a fragment of Obama's speech after winning the presidential election. To read and watch the video of the full speech, click on this link.

United States Presidential Election 2008

The United States presidential election of 2008, scheduled for Tuesday November 4, 2008, will be the 56th consecutive quadrennial United States presidential election and will select the President and the Vice President of the United States.

The Republican Party has chosen John McCain, the senior United States Senator from Arizona as its nominee; the Democratic Party has chosen Barack Obama, the junior United States Senator from Illinois, as its nominee. The Libertarian Party has nominated former Congressman Bob Barr, the Constitution Party has nominated pastor and radio talk show host Chuck Baldwin, and the Green Party has nominated former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. Ralph Nader declined to seek the Green Party nomination and is running as an independent candidate.

The 2008 election is particularly notable because it is the first time in U.S. history that two sitting senators will run against each other for president, and because it is the first time an African American is a presidential nominee for a major party, as well as the first time both major candidates were born outside the continental United States—Hawaii for Obama and the Panama Canal Zone for McCain. Since the Republican nominee for vice-president is a woman, Governor Sarah Heath Palin, the eventual winning ticket is very likely to be historic, as neither an African American nor a female has achieved either office. In addition, the Republican presidential candidate, John McCain, would be the oldest first-term president and the Democratic nominee for vice-president, Senator Joseph Biden, would be the first Roman Catholic vice president.

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Source and more information: Wikipedia.

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How much do you know about the 2008 US Presidential Election? Check your knowledge with this QUIZ.

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Paul Newman

Hollywood has been mourning the death of Oscar-winning film legend Paul Newman (Jan 26, 1925 - Sep 26, 2008), who died of cancer aged 83. Tributes have been pouring in for him:

Robert Redford, said: "I have lost a real friend" while Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey said Newman was a "great humble giant".

Former actor, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, called him "a generous but modest philanthropist".

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Former US president Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary described him as "an American icon, philanthropist and champion for children," in a statement.

The star's five daughters praised their father's "selfless humility and generosity" in a statement released to the press:
"Paul Newman played many unforgettable roles," they said.
"But the ones for which he was proudest never had top billing on the marquee: Devoted husband, loving father, adoring grandfather, dedicated philanthropist."

The actor starred in some 60 films in a career that spanned five decades.
He was nominated for an Academy Award 10 times - but it took him 33 years to win one, picking up the best actor trophy for The Color Of Money in 1987.
In May 2007, Newman said he was giving up acting because he could no longer perform to the best of his ability.
"I'm not able to work any more... at the level that I would want to," he told US broadcaster ABC.
"You start to lose your memory, you start to lose your confidence, you start to lose your invention."

In addition to his Academy Award for best actor, he was given an honorary Oscar in 1986 "in recognition of his many and memorable compelling screen performances and for his personal integrity and dedication to his craft".

In 1994, he picked up a third Oscar, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, for his charitable work.
His philanthropic efforts included the establishment of summer camps for children who suffered from life-threatening illnesses.
He also donated profits from his Newman's Own food range to a number of charitable organisations.

Source: BBC News.

I'd like to be remembered as a guy who tried — tried to be part of his times, tried to help people communicate with one another, tried to find some decency in his own life, tried to extend himself as a human being. Someone who isn't complacent, who doesn't cop out.

Terrible Plane Crash in Spain

More Than 150 Killed in Spain Plane Crash.

The deadliest plane crash in Spain in more than 20 years has taken the lives of at least 153 people and injured 19. As the Canary Islands-bound plane made its second attempt to take off from the Madrid airport, it careened off course, crashed in a nearby gully, and burst into flames. On a first take-off attempt, the pilot reported a mechanical problem and returned for repairs, delaying the flight by about an hour. A number of the crash survivors were flung into a nearby stream that protected them from more severe burns. An investigation will be launched in order to determine the cause of the terrible accident.

Source: In the News provided by The Free Dictionary.

With this post I want to show my condolences to the victims and their relatives of this terrible accident.

Nadal wins Wimbledon

Congratulations Nadal for the impressive match and victory last Sunday!

Nadal's epic five-set win over Roger Federer in Sunday's Wimbledon final saw him become the first Spaniard since 1966 to win the title.

Federer was gracious in defeat, but admitted that the fact he had played in what is already being spoken of as possibly the greatest final in Wimbledon history was little consolation for the pain of losing.

Former three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker said Nadal's win confirmed his status as the world's best player. "Whoever wins the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year for me is the number one in the world," he said. This year's final was the longest in history, beating the record set by John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors in 1982, and McEnroe said it was "the greatest match I have ever seen." And Wimbledon legend Bjorn Borg was also lavish in his praise. "I have just witnessed the greatest match I have ever seen. The drama, the quality and the way it ended when it seemed as though no more tennis could possibly be played was remarkable, to put it mildly."

For more information, read here. Click on this link if you want to listen to Nadal's interview after the match.

Nadal's championship-winning moment, here.

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Spain wins the Euro 2008

Congratulations Spain!!!
Spain claimed their first major title for 44 years after winning Euro 2008 with a deserved victory over Germany.
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was Spain's goal hero, striking after 33 minutes when he cleverly lifted Xavi's pass over Germany keeper Jens Lehmann.
Spain dominated the final throughout, with Torres heading against the post and Marcos Senna almost adding a second from close range after 80 minutes.
Spain have long had a reputation as under-achievers on the big occasions, but this was a richly-merited victory for veteran coach Luis Aragones and a team that played outstanding football throughout the tournament.

TRIVIA

Spain have won the European Championship for the second time. In 1964, they also lifted the trophy after beating the Soviet Union 2-1 in the final. In 1984, they also reached the final but lost 2-0 against France.
Just as Greece four years ago, Spain have kept clean sheets in all three knock-out rounds after the group phase.
As well as winning the European Championship three times (1972, 1980, 1996), Germany have now also lost three European Championship finals (1976, 1992, 2008).
With four goals, David Villa has become top scorer at Euro 2008 without having played in the final. That is the fewest goals for a European Championship top scorer since 1992, when Dennis Bergkamp, Tomas Brolin, Henrik Larsen and Karl-Heinz Riedle all scored three goals.
At the age of 38 years and 232 days, Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann became the oldest player ever to appear in the European Championship final, breaking the record set by Arnold Muhren (37 years, 23 days) in 1988.
At the age of 69 years and 337 days, winning coach Luis Aragones has become the oldest coach ever to appear in the final of a European Championship. Aragones is more than four years older than Otto Rehhagel (65 years, 327 days) was four years ago when Greece beat Portugal in the Euro 2004 final.

For more information, click here.
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UEFA Euro 2008 Austria-Switzerland

For football lovers again... Did you think that football was over this year with the end of our National Leagues or Championships? It wasn't, it isn't in fact. Yesterday the UEFA Euro 2008 was inaugurated!!! We now have nearly a month of interesting national teams football matches!!! So, get ready, steady and go!

Here you can see the four groups and the participating national teams.


For more information on the tournament, click here, the official Euro 2008 site.

If you want to read Alex Ferguson's team guides, click on this link. What is Ferguson's bet for the Euro 2008?

And what is yours? What team do you think will will the Euro 2008 Cup? Post your comments with your answers!!!

MANCHESTER UNITED'S heroes are returning home in glory today

Alex Ferguson's Double winners are set to touch down after winning the European Cup in Moscow last night.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co are basking in the spotlight after their epic victory over arch rivals Chelsea in the Champions League final.

United edged the Blues in a dramatic penalty shoot-out 6-5, leaving skipper John Terry and his players to fly back empty-handed into Gatwick today.

For more information, click here.

Manchester United wins the Premier League

CRISTIANO RONALDO has set his sights on the Double after Manchester United wrapped up the title.

The Red Devils pipped Chelsea to the Premier League crown by winning at Wigan yesterday.
And they have now turned their attentions to facing the Blues in the Champions League final in Moscow in nine days's time.

Ronaldo, who opened the scoring in the 2-0 win at the JJB Stadium, said: "This season has been good for me because I've scored many goals, the team have played fantastically to win the Premier League and we're in the final of the Champions League.

"It's going to be fantastic if we win the Champions League. The feeling is going to be amazing if we win."

"In the final you never know, it is 50-50. I'm very happy and proud to play in the final, this is my first time."

"I feel very excited, the lads have belief and it is a great opportunity for all of the players."

For more information, read today's article of THE SUN.

By the way, congratulations to Manchester United supporters!!!

Task: Turn Ronaldo's statements into Reported Speech.