MARTIN LUTHER KING

 MARTHIN LUTHER KING JR.

Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929– April 4, 1968) was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement.He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, using nonviolent methods following the teachings of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.King has become a national icon in the history of modern American liberalism.

A Baptist minister, King became a civil rights activist early in his career.He led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957, serving as its first president. King's efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. There, he established his reputation as one of the greatest orators in American history.

In 1964, King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other nonviolent means. By the time of his death in 1968, he had refocused his efforts on ending poverty and stopping the Vietnam War.

King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and Congressional Gold Medal in 2004; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a U.S. federal holiday in 1986.

Heal the world

VIDEO AND LYRICS

There's A Place In Your Heart
And I Know That It Is Love
And This Place Could Be Much Brighter Than Tomorrow
And If You Really Try
You'll Find There's No Need To 

Cry
In This Place You'll Feel There's No Hurt Or Sorrow

There Are Ways To Get ThereIf You Care Enough For The Living
Make A Little Space Make A Better Place...

Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying 

If You Care Enough For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

If You Want To Know Why
There's A Love That Cannot Lie
Love Is Strong
It Only Cares For Joyful Giving
If We Try We Shall See
In This Bliss We Cannot Feel
Fear Or Dread
We Stop Existing And Start Living

Then It Feels That Always
Love's Enough For Us Growing
So Make A Better World
Make A Better World...

Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

And The Dream We Were Conceived In
Will Reveal A Joyful Face
And The World We Once Believed In
Will Shine Again In Grace
Then Why Do We Keep Strangling Life
Wound This Earth Crucify Its Soul
Though It's Plain To See
This World Is Heavenly
Be God's Glow

We Could Fly So High

Let Our Spirits Never Die In My Heart
I Feel You Are All My Brothers

Create A World With No Fear
Together We'll Cry Happy Tears
See The Nations Turn
Their Swords Into Plowshares

We Could Really Get There 

If You Cared Enough For The Living

Make A Little Space To Make A Better Place...

Heal The World

Make It A Better Place

For You And For Me

And The Entire Human Race

There Are People Dying

If You Care Enough For The Living

Make A Better Place

For You And For Me (x3)

 VOCABULARI

Brighter- més brillant
Hurt- ferir
Sorrow- pena
Heal- curar
Joyful- alegre
Bliss- felicitat
Dread- terror
Grace- gràcia
Heavenly- celestial
Glow- brillantor
Tears- llàgrimes

MPs call on the UK to commit more cash to Global Fund

MPs are urging the UK to give more money to the Global Fund which fights AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria.

The International Development Committee has expressed concern that extra funding - pledged by ministers over a year ago - has not yet materialised.
The Fund has faced allegations of fraud, a shortfall from donors and a change of leadership.
Ministers say they will increase donations once they are convinced by the Fund's reform programme.
The MPs' report describes how the Global Fund has approved grants worth £14.1bn in 150 countries since it began work a decade ago.
It currently provides about 65% of all international financing to combat TB and malaria - and 21% of the money used against AIDS.

Difficult year

But the committee points out that the Global Fund has had a difficult year. It had to cancel its latest round of new grants.

The UK government's current pledge is to give the Fund £384m up to 2015.
Ministers have said they will increase the commitment - but the MPs are concerned that this money has not yet been delivered, nor the amount of the increase confirmed.
The committee chair, the Liberal Democrat MP Malcolm Bruce, said: "The UK has been a reliable partner to the Global Fund but we are concerned at the continued delay in providing additional funds.
"We strongly urge the Department for International Development to do all possible to commit funds earlier than 2013.
"A significant increase by the UK could help to catalyse contributions from other donors."
The MPs suggest the G20 meeting in Mexico next month could provide a good opportunity for the UK to make such an announcement - if ministers can be reassured that taxpayers' money is adequately safeguarded.
The committee heard evidence from the Global Fund's new general manager, Gabriel Jaramillo.
He recently announced new funds worth £630m. Japan has made its largest contribution to date.

Value for money for taxpayers The international development secretary, Andrew Mitchell, said: "The committee is right to recognise the lifesaving impact the Global Fund can have.
"The past two years have been difficult for the Fund but I am encouraged that strong leadership is now in place.
"The UK is prepared to agree a significant increase in our contribution to the Global Fund - but it must show that the reform programme remains on track and is having an impact.
"We will need to be absolutely clear that British taxpayers are getting value for money for their support to the Fund."
Oxfam's head of development finance, Anna Marriott, said: "We urge the UK government to listen to the findings of this report and commit to doubling the amount of money they give to the Global Fund.
"The Global Fund is a crucial lifeline, providing treatment for millions of TB cases, distributing millions of mosquito nets to help prevent malaria and giving millions of people access to life-prolonging HIV medicines."

Launch success for SpaceX mission

SpaceX mission control celebrates a successful ascent to orbit for Falcon and Dragon

California's SpaceX has launched on a mission to re-supply the space station - the first cargo delivery to the orbiting outpost by a private company.

The firm's Falcon rocket, topped by an unmanned Dragon freight capsule, lifted clear of its Florida pad at 03:44 EDT (07:44 GMT; 08:44 BST).
The initial climb to an altitude some 340km above the Earth lasted a little under 10 minutes.
Within moments of being ejected, Dragon opened its solar panels.
It will take a couple of days to reach the station. The plan currently is for the vessel to demonstrate its guidance, control and communications systems on Thursday, at a distance of 2.5km from the International Space Station (ISS).
If those practice proximity manoeuvres go well, Dragon will be allowed to drive to within 10m of the station on Friday. Astronauts inside the platform will then grab the ship with a robotic arm and berth it to the 400km-high structure.
They will empty Dragon of its 500kg of food, water and equipment, before releasing it for a return to Earth at the end of the month.
The mission has major significance because it marks a big change in the way the US wants to conduct its space operations.
Nasa is attempting to offload routine human spaceflight operations in low-Earth orbit to commercial industry in a way similar to how some large organisations contract out their IT or payroll.
The carriage of freight will be the first service to be bought in from external suppliers; the transport of astronauts to and from the station will be the second, later this decade.
The US agency hopes these changes will save it money that can then be invested in exploration missions far beyond Earth, at destinations such as asteroids and Mars.
SpaceX has many new systems it has to demonstrate in the coming days, and has tried to lower expectations ahead of the mission.
Nasa has set the California company a series of development milestones. Only when those have been met fully will a $1.6bn ISS re-supply contract kick in.
The agency is also looking to engage a second cargo partner. Orbital Sciences Corporation of Virginia is slightly behind SpaceX in its development schedule, although it started work on its Antares rocket and Cygnus capsule system later. Orbital expects to fly a first mission to the vicinity of the ISS later this year or early in 2013.

How to: express doubt and persuade

Adam: Hey, Francesc, what on earth is that?

Francesc: Oh, I got it this evening. What do you think? Do you like it?

Adam: Mmm... I'm not convinced.

Francesc: Don't you think it's interesting?

Adam: Er, sort of, but I?m not sure about the face, it'sa bit mad.

Francesc: Oh, come on! It isn't that bad. It's really colorful. It's good to have a new picture, anyway.

Adam: I suppose so.

Francesc: Don't worry, it'll be fine. It'll grow on you.

Adam: Ok. We'll see

How to: recommend and express preferences

Adam: Hey, Francesc, have you read any good books recently?
Francesc: Yes, one or two. Have you?
Adam: No. What about this one? Is it any good?
Francesc: I'd only recommend that if you like really the horror
Adam: No, I don't fancy that
Francesc: Here you are. You might prefer this
Adam: What's that? The Invisible Man? No, I'm not a big fan of science fiction. I'd prefer a really funny plot. I think you'll like it.
Francesc: A comedy...er...OK, well, try this one. It's got a really funny plot. I think you'll like it.
Adam: OK. I'll trust you. Thanks, Caitlin.
Francesc: No problem.

How to: talk about plans and arrangements

Francesc: Hi, Mr Adam. Have you got a minute?
Mr Adam: Hello, Francesc. What can I do for you?
Francesc: I'm doing a ten-kilometre swim for charity next week, and I'm looking for sponsors
Mr Adam: That's very good, Francesc. What's it for?
Francesc: I'ts for a poor charity
Mr Adam: And when are you swimming?
Francesc: I'm swimming next Saturday. I'm hoping to rais about 200€. Will you sponsor me?
Mr Adam: Yes, OK. It sounds like a good cause. I hope you finish it!
Francesc: I'm going to try! Some friends are going to do it too.
Mr Adam: Good luck, Francesc.
Francesc: Thanks

How to: Write a review of a book or film

I'd like to recommend a book wich I read last summer, called Land of Dragons. The autors are Guillem Bou and Carme Trinidad. Land of Dragons is a saga of 3 books, but in this case I would only talk about the first one.

The fury of the demon 

The authors, William and Carmen Trinidad, go into this fantasy world, Land of Dragons, in the hands of Xiribelles, the protagonist of this story, a demon that, incomprehensibly, becoming human. When Xiribelles before outsmart the demon world, returns to his home after a hellish assignment of five hundred years, he is all upside: the forest where he lived is populated by fierce dragons, men have a fortress city and thousands of demons have become army. The goblins and other fantastical creatures they do not know anything... and, even worse, it seems that it will not exist anymore its estimated hell
The things I liked most about the book were the characters and the relation between them. Also, I liked this book because it's about the fantasy, the mitology and also there are a lot of adventures in it. Probably it's a bit long, but if you begin reading you couldn't stop as you finished it. It begins with strong and ends with a lot of mistery. This is the fact that made me read the novels that follow this.

American Pie Reunion

Thirteen years after graduating high school, Jim Levenstein (Jason Biggs), Chris "Oz" Ostreicher (Chris Klein), Kevin Myers (Thomas Ian Nicholas), Paul Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas), and Steve Stifler (Seann William Scott) have moved on with adult life and responsibilities. Jim is married to Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) and they have a two-year-old son. Oz is an NFL sportscaster living in Los Angeles with his supermodel girlfriend Mia (Katrina Bowden). Kevin is married to Ellie and works from home as an architect. Finch has supposedly gone missing, and Stifler works as a temp at an investment firm.

They decide to do a reunion with the "class of 1999" to talk about their lifes, have some fun and be together. During the film a lot of things pass...
I think it's a fantastic film and it's the American Pie film that I liked most. I say that because the past weekend I went with my friends to the cinema and enjoyed this amazing comedy film

Ancient virus DNA thrives in us

A history of exposure to infection has marked our genomes

Traces of ancient viruses which infected our ancestors millions of years ago are more widespread in us than previously thought. A study shows how extensively viruses from as far back as the dinosaur era still thrive in our genetic material. It sheds light on the origins of a big proportion of our genetic material, much of which is still not understood. The scientists investigated the genomes of 38 mammals including humans, mice, rats, elephants and dolphins. The research was carried out at Oxford University, the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Centre in New York and the Rega Institute in Belgium. One of the viruses was found to have invaded the genome of a common ancestor around 100 million years ago with its remnants discovered in almost every mammal in the study. Another infected an early primate with the result that it was found in apes, humans and other primates as well. The work established that many of these viruses lost the ability to transfer from one cell to another. Instead they evolved to stay within their host cell where they have profilerated very effectively - spending their entire life cycle within the cell
  
Forced choice The researchers found evidence of the viruses multiplying so extensively within mammals' genomes that they have been compared to an outbreak of disease. The senior author of the study, Dr Robert Belshaw from Oxford University's Zoology Department, said: "This is the story of an epidemic within every animal's genome, a story which has been going on for 100 million years and which continues today. "We suspect that these viruses are forced to make a choice: either to keep their 'viral' essence and spread between animals and species. Or to commit to one genome and then spread massively within it." The study shows that the viruses involved have lost a gene called envwhich is responsible for transmission between cells. Known as endogenous retroviruses, these micro-organisms have gone on to become 30 times more abundant in their host cells. The study is one of many attempting to understand the full complexity of the human genome. Astonishingly, only 1.5% of the genetic material in our cells codes for human life. Half of the rest is sometimes described as "junk DNA" with no known function, and the other half consist of genes introduced by viruses and other parasites.  

Positive services According to the lead author, Dr Gkikas Magiorkinis, "much of the dark matter in our genome plays by its own rules, in the same way as an epidemic of an infectious disease but operating over millions of years. "Learning the rules of this ancient game will help us understand their role in health and disease." This raises the extraordinary scenario of our DNA serving as an environment in which viruses can evolve - a micro-ecology within the double-helix of our genetic material. There is evidence that they can provide positive services. For example the protein syncytin - derived from a virus - helps develop the placenta. Dr Belshaw says that endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are not known to have any obvious or direct health effects. "But there could be effects we're not picking up on or things we could even take advantage of if we detect ERVs moving around or expressing proteins as a result of cancer or infection." The study was supported by the Wellcome Trust and the Royal Society.

In my opinion I think this notice is very interesting. I belive to play with the science and the DNA could be dangerous in the future. In my opinion we must take a lot of care doing that, because it can cause a lot of problems.
I liked a lot reading this post because I like a lot the science.

Comfort food

This sleeping bag is ideal for hamburguer fans. The bag, wich was designed by American artist, Brook Abboud, comes with five toppings that can be detached and used as cushinons. There's broccoli, olives, mushrooms, pepperoni and sausage. It's perfect for a delicious night's sleep.

Film of the month

The Pirates! 3D
Band of misfits

Forget Jack Sparrow, this is Pirate Captain, a plasticina pirate from British film studios Aardman. But to do this, he must defeat his rivals Black Bellamy and Cutlass Liz, who also want the Award. Thye adventure takes the Captain and his crew from Blood Island to the streets of London, where they fight Queen Victoria.

This is the trailer:

A biography of a celebrity

EUGENE LEVY

Eugene Levy (born December 17, 1946) is a Canadian actor, comedian, television director, producer, musician, and writer. He is known for his work in Canadian television series, American movies, and television movies. He is the only actor to have appeared in all eight of the American Pie films, as Noah Levenstein.
Levy was born to a Jewish family in Hamilton, Ontario. His father was a foreman in an automobile plant. He went to Westdale Secondary School, and attended McMaster University. He was vice-president of the McMaster Film Board, a student film group where he met moviemaker Ivan Reitman.
He began his career as a comedian in the sketch comedy series Second City Television. An alumn of both Second City Toronto and the sketch comedy series SCTV, Levy often plays unusual supporting characters with nerdish streaks. Perhaps his best known role on SCTV was as the dimwitted Earl Camembert.
He is the co-writer and frequent cast member of Christopher Guest’s mockumentary features, particularly A Mighty Wind, where his sympathetic performance as brain-damaged folksinger Mitch Cohen won kudos; his accolades included a Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor - Musical or Comedy and the prestigious New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actor. In the 1980s and 1990s, he appeared in Splash, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Club Paradise, Stay Tuned, Multiplicity, and other comedies. Levy was the creator of Maniac Mansion, a television sitcom based on the LucasArts video game of the same name. He was also seriously considered for the role of Toby Ziegler on The West Wing, a role that went to actor Richard Schiff.

American Pie series
Levy's career received a tremendous boost in 1999, when he was cast as the clueless but loving dad in the sleeper blockbuster American Pie. Reprising the role in two film sequels and starring in four straight-to-video sequels made him something of a cult hero. In 2002, following the success of the American Pie film series, Levy signed a contract to make an additional three American Pie movies for a combined ten thousand dollars, forgoing an originally large, six figures salary. Levy has been quoted as saying the American Pie series was particular turning point in his career, affording him "a new perspective on his career at the time". Since working on the first two American Pie movies, Levy has worked with Steve Martin and Queen Latifah in Bringing Down the House, and most recently appeared with Martin in Cheaper by the Dozen 2.

Shakespeare

SHAKESPEARE TIMES

1. ANSWER THE QUESTIONS :
1. Who were the Shakespeares and the Ardens, and what was each family's place in local society? His father was John Shakespeare, made and sold gloves, and was an important person in Stratford. His mather was Mary Arden, came from quite a rich family. Jhon and Mary had eight children. So the Shakespeares are the family of the William's father, and the Ardens the family of the mother.

2. When do historians think that Shakespeare arrived in London? What is the reason he may have had to leave Stratford?

The historians say that Shakespeare arrived in London in 1592 and works as a playwrigth and actor. One of the reasons to went to London could be the death of his son.

3. What was the population of London during Shakespeare's time? Can you briefly describe what the city was like at the time? How did it smell like?

In the 16th century William Shakespeare and his contemporaries lived in London at a time of hostility to the development of the theatre. By the end of the Tudor period in 1603, London was still very compact. There was an assassination attempt on James I in Westminster, through the Gunpowder Plot on 5 November 1605.London was plagued by disease in the early 17th/ref century,culminating in the Great Plague of 1665–1666, which killed up to 100,000 people, or a fifth of the population

4. Who was the ruler when Shakespeare first came to London? Who were her parents? Was she a good queen? Why?

The queen of England was Queen Elisabeth I. Her parents were King Henry VIII but her mother, Anne Boleyn, was executed two and a half years after her birth, and Elizabeth was declared illegitimate.

5. What was the established religion in England during Shakespeare times? Who was Henry VIII? How did he and his daughter influence religion in England?

6. Who was Cristopher Marlowe? Which kind of relationship did he have with Shakespeare? How did he die? What might have been suspicious circumstances surrounding his death?

7. How many sonnets did Shakespeare write? Who is believed to be the "Dark Lady" of the sonnets? Who else, other than Shakespeare, is believed to have written his plays?

8. Who were the Puritans? What were some of their beliefs? What did they think of the theatre and the actors in Shakespeare's time?

9. What were the main theatres in Shakespeare's times? Where did Shakespeare use to act? What are the names of the acting companies with which Shakespeare was associated?

How to: ask for and give advice

Francesc: You look upset, Adam. What's the matter?
Adam: Nothing. I don't want to talk about it.
Francesc: Come on. What's up?
Adam: Well, I've just got this amazing text message from a girl in my class. What should I do, Lucy?
Francesc: Well, watever you do, reply. That's for sure
Adam: Right.
Francesc: And I think you shouldn't show to anyone
Adam: Yes, of course.
Francesc: Yes, definitely. Be happy, I'm sure you will begin a relationship.
Adam: Yes, you're right. Thanks, Lucy.

The Holiday

IRIS PERSPECTIVE

My name is Iris and I live in London. I was at the work when I gave a present to a boy who I liked called Jasper, but he married another girl! I were very sad so after that I thought I needed a holiday. I went to the computer looking for the best place. As by chance I found a very good offer from a girl called Amanda and we decided to exchange our houses.
When I arrived there I I thought it was a very good place. The house was enormous and luxurios, so I decided to enjoy my holidays.
I was having a good and quiet holidays until someone knocked on the door. It was Miles, a person who works with Amanda in a film. When I saw him I fell in love inmediately, but he had a girlfriend. One day later he returned to my home and asked me if I want to have a date with him. Of course I said yes. We went to rent a film to watch together, but Miles saw Maggie outside with another boy. I was very surprised. Maggie said sorry to Miles, but Miles didn't listen to her. I fact I was happy tht Miles didn't have a firlfirend again.
Finally I invited Miles if he wanted to come with me. He said ok and we spent a happy evening in my old home with Amanda and Graham
Probably it was the best holidays I've ever had.

Jack and Jill

This comic film is sure to make you laugh Adam Sandler plays Jack Sadelstein AND his twin sister, Jill. Jack is a successful executive in Los Angeles with a beautiful wife (Katie Holmes) and kids. His sister Jill visits every year for Thanksgiving... and always causes stress for Jack!

Trailer

How to talk about your news

Adam: Hi, Francesc! I haven't seen you for a while.
Francesc: Hi, Adam.
Adam: You look very happy.
Francesc: Oh, yes, I've just go to a party.
Adam: Really? Tell me about It. What happened?
Francesc: Well, it was really good. There were ten or twelve other people there, but I think that they liked me best.
Adam: That's not bad news. I'm glad to hear it. I hope it works out well for you.
Francesc: We'll see. What about you? How have you been?
Adam: OK. No news, really. So, maybe see you soon on the radio.
Francesc: Yes, maybe! See you around.
Adam: Bye bye, Francesc. Good luck

How to: apoligize and explain

Francesc Adam! What's going on?
Adam What's the matter? What have I done?
Francesc Look at the time. Have you been up all night?
Adam Sorry, Francesc. I didn't mean to I didn't realize that it was morning
Francesc Adam you know it's bad to spend so much time at the laptop
Adam Will, it hasn't happened before.
Francesc Adam! It's the second time that you've spent up all night
Adam OK. Listen, I'm really sorry. Don't worry. It won't happen again, I promise
Francesc I hope you're right. We'll see.

The Holiday

Amanda's perspective

My name is Amanda and I live in the USA. One day I splited up with my boyfriend and I was very sad. After that I thought I needed a holiday, so I went to the computer looking for the best place. As by chance I found a very good offer from a girl called Iris and we decided to exchange our houses.
when I arrived here I thought it was a bad place, but there weren't any boys.
I was having a good and quiet holidays since someone knocked on the door. It was Iris' brother, his name was Graham. When I saw him I fell in love inmediately and he too, so he invited me to his home. In his home, he presented me his two little daughters. I asked him if she was married and he said he mas a widower.
The next day he told me he was in love with me and I was very surprised.
Finally I had to return home at New Year's Eve, but when I was outside I dicided to turn back to invite Graham if I wanted to go with me. He said ok and we spent a happy evening. Probably it was the best holidays I've ever had.