Football is back....life good!

Last weekend saw the start of the new football season both in Spain and England. The usual suspects of Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona are all expected to continue their successes both domestically and in Europe.

Perhaps it’s the battles for the places in the Europa League or to avoid relegation that provide more excitement? Anyway nine months of excitement ahead!

One footballer who didn’t start the new season last weekend was ex Newcastle United player Joey Barton. Barton, now with London club QPR, is currently banned for 12 games for violent conduct (see youtube video below) and has become somewhat of a hate figure in the English game. 

Joey Barton has some ideas on Grammar............

However, Joey always gave 100% effort in the black and white shirt of Newcastle and opinion is split, about him, amongst the Magpies (urracas) support. Joey even tweeted the other day how much he misses playing for the Geordies (people from Newcastle). “Proper proper football fans, stadium, city…..” was his tweet as he watched Newcastle’s live televised game, from St. James’ Park, against Tottenham.

Barton has a long record of trouble dating back to his days with Manchester City and during his time at Newcastle he even served a 77 day jail term for his part in a late night fight in his home city of Liverpool.

Although recently (prior to his latest outburst) Joey has tried hard to get rid of his bad boy tag and has become somewhat of a philosopher via his Twitter account and articles for the homeless peoples charity magazine The Big Issue. Problem is some of his “tweets” have led to on-line clashes with various people including leading British journalists. All of this has led to Joey publishing his own web-site so that he can express himself more and I have to say I found it very interesting. Joey Barton Official site 

One article in particular “caught my eye” (idiom) , in it he discusses the complexity and development of English grammar and to be fair he has made some great points. I posted this on facebook the other day, but if you missed it here it is again. Joey Barton - Who's in charge of grammar?

Another football story of note is that it is great to see Caravaca FC back in business and hopefully pushing for promotion to the third tier of Spanish football. I think most people reading this will know the recent history of the club and hopefully this is a new era for football in Caravaca. So good luck to the team “we’re with Curro!”

Tony Higgins (August 2012)

Enjoying the games?

After almost two years I have just finished working in London and whilst it is great to be back in Caravaca, with the family, a small part of me wishes I was still in London and going to some of the Olympic events. I have especially enjoyed watching, on TV, the boxing, football and the triumphs of Bradley Wiggins, in the cycling, so soon after him winning the Tour de France. Bradley appears to be such a nice guy and so cool in victory.  

Everyone seems to be enjoying the games and Team GB is picking up lots of medals of all colours, the atmosphere appears to be amazing and even the weather seems to be good! Team GB basketball team even pushed the mighty Spanish team to the wire losing by only one point. Unfortunately and surprisingly Spain at the moment doesn’t seem to be doing so well; maybe it’s something to do with that Olympic team kit??

Bradley Wiggins- Worthy Champion!

No gold medal for the designer of this kit

Not only is the capital London benefiting from the games but our home town of Newcastle has been playing host to the men’s and women’s football tournaments. The Spanish and Brazilian men’s teams both have played matches on the hallowed turf of St. James’ Park, home of Newcastle United. The Tyne Bridge looks amazing bedecked in the Olympic rings.

Geordie Pride! The Tyne Bridge adorned with the Olympic Rings.

It’s a great time to be in the UK and we are happy to report that we have broken our own records. This year we have organised more study trips than ever before. We have people in Newcastle and Edinburgh and looking at the International House Face Book page everyone seems to be having a great time especially in North East England. https://www.facebook.com/pages/International-House-Newcastle/111269662246547?ref=ts

Let’s hope that the games continue to be a success and more medals are won by Team GB and Spain.

Written by Tony Higgins (August 2012)

A precarious brilliance - The Economist

A great article, about London, for practising reading skills. Also a video to practise listening. I suggest you read the comments left by the people who have read the article, you could even comment yourself? Great subject matter for a conversational class.

A precarious brilliance - The Economist

The interactive guide with videos is really good too!

http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2012/06/london-figures-interactive-guide

London Calling.......Solonegocio!

El Centro de Inglés (Caravaca) has embarked on a business relationship with London based Solonegocio. Solenegocio was set up to assist Spanish people who want to start and develop a UK business. The company helps Spanish people with thinking through their business strategy for the UK market and with the legal and practical processes of setting up as either self-employed or a limited company . They can be found on the internet (www.solonegocio.com Spanish) and have a Facebook page. Later this year, with the assistance of Solonegocio, we hope to investigate ways businesses around Caravaca and the rest of Murcia can develop stronger links with the UK. Hopefully this will give Murcian companies and products greater exposure to the British market place. If you want further information please contact us in the usual way.
Article in Spanish about Solonegocio: http://www.eliberico.com/actualidad/actualidad/reinounido/3344-pon-en-marcha-tu-idea-con-solonegocio.html

London.....Guirilandia??

Visiting London this summer? Here are a few handy web-sites for Spanish people who are living or visiting England´s capital city....

http://www.guirilandia.com/about/ Info about Giri land in Spanish...

http://www.elryans.com/ Pub close to St. Paul´s cathedral. Watch all Euro 12 games on a big screen etc.

http://www.eliberico.com/ Free Spanish language newspaper (London)

Universal Language?

English may be the universal language, but there are just some words that cannot be translated. Have a read of this article that appeared in the Metro newspaper yesterday ......

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/899451-25-words-you-should-know-if-only-they-existed-in-english

NEW Books about Spanish football in English

Interested in Spanish football? Interested in practising reading in English? Well the last few weeks has been a bonanza for you!

Firstly Graham Hunter, Sky Sports journalist (amongst other things) released his book about the rise of the current Barcelona team.

Its a great read and I was at the recent book launch in London where I had the pleasure of interviewing Graham for the True Faith football fanzine.

Practice your listening skills with these short videos of Graham talking about the book, Graham is from Aberdeen in NE Scotland.

Next up Jimmy Burns new book "La Roja". Jimmy Burns was born in Madrid in 1953 and contributes Spanish language media outlets and publishes his books in Spanish translation as Jimmy Burns Maranon.
Jimmy's book is a really good read too all about the history of Spanish football, fascinating stuff.

I was at this book launch in London too, read all about it here........ Book launch article - La Roja

Also listen to Jimmy talking about the book......Jimmy talks about his book here (pod-cast) Jimmy although born in Madrid he grew up in London and Lancashire. Good pod-cast to practice your listening.

You can also read Jimmy's blog here...... Jimmy Burns Blog

You can buy both books on Amazon.Both books on Amazon..click here

Tony Higgins (May 2012)