Here is a very sad article and video (let it cherge up) about some of the families of those who died at Hillsborough twenty years ago who are still seeking the truth about the circumstances in which their loved ones died. It seems incredible to me that the authorities are still denying them the psychological closure they deserve and need. Twenty years have passed, most senior officers have retired, lessons have been learned (apparently) so why do the authorities insist on denying the obvious, that there was and is a cover up to disguise the criminal neglect of the relevant authorities on that day? People died who needn't have both as a result of the managment of events before the incident and after the incident. It's that easy.
Having had the odd architect in my classes, and I mean that in both senses of the word, I was amused by an article I read in El Periodico but followed up in the English language version of Das Spiegel. I really liked the cheekiness of certain young German architects when asked to submit proposals for the redevelopment of the old airport in Berlin. Have a look at the article here.
What is the purpose of education? In the following video, John Tagg draws a distinction between the espoused theory of education and theory in use (what really happens in education). I have some even stronger views on the subject myself (no surprise there) but this video is a highly enjoyable and intelligible critique of the modern university and, indeed, education generally. The video is also a lovely example of how to make an hour long presentation accessible and entertaining. Try it!!
Father's Day was rather unsuccessful for me, no cards, no presents, so I have decided to boost my popularity. As usual the incrediblly helpful videojug has come to the rescue with this masterpiece on how to be the best dad in the galaxy. Hopefully, with these tips I can now look forward to a more fruitful fathers' day next year.
Here at the International House Barcelona website you can hear some pretty funny language mistakes native English speakers have made here in Barcelona when trying to speak Spanish. It reminds me of when I told my German "Father-in-law" that "I was very beuatiful yesterday" (Ich war sehr schön gestern). Of course I meant to say it was very beautiful but the moment was lost.
As you know, I'm always searching for new ways and ideas to improve my teaching. You can imagine my delight, therefore, when I discovered this marvellous blend of Total Physical Response, Situational Language Teaching and Intercultural Exchange. Don't worry if you don't understand this jargon, just bring along your gym outfit next week and we are going to have fun, fun, fun. I am so very excited about this new method. I think I need to go to Japan to really study it. How do you say "take anything you want" in Japanese? Anybody know?
So what is the sound of one hand clapping? After all that sex and violence , donuts and the upper floors of a certain hospital (ask Rosa, I've never been there myself) it's time, at last, for some spirituality. Here is a fabulous story from the equally fabulous website "Zen Stories to tell your neighbour", which contains even more of these wonderful gems. "Banishing a ghost" just happens to be my favourite. Please leave your opinions on the story, i.e what you think it means, whether you enjoyed it or not, in comments below. You will find responses already posted on the Zen Stories website to help you decide personally what you thought the message of the story was. Enjoy.
and watch the the first episode through megavideo I recommend the first episode as it is extremely funny, a good introduction to the characters and the script is available here.Good luck.
Am I too cynical? Unlike most of Americans and British, Obama's letter to his daughters failed to move me. For me, the style of letter was not appropriate for the ages of his daughters and such sentiments are best told in person at the family meal table rather than published in a national magazine. If the comments were intended for his children, then they should have remained their personal property and were I to have read such sentiments published freely by the now adult children some years later, I'm sure I would have been impressed. Personally, I would have welcomed a letter from Obama to the children of Gaza. What do you think?
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