LONDON 2012

This is Omar. He is a tourist who has just arrived in London for the Olympic games. He doesn't know much about London. Can you help him to travel safely and learn more about London and the Olympics on the way?

ATHLETICS

Learn about the history of athletics, test your athletics vocabulary and practice some general and business English idioms based on athletics.

WHAT IS TWITTER?

DOS AND DON'TS OF COMMUNICATION

EXPERIENCE LIFE

This commercial shows us how important it's the way we use our electronic devices, I mean we should use it only just enough, so we can open up to those around us and experience life.
Enjoy it!

WAY OF THE CROSS IN WYD 2011

Passion, art, and popular piety have had their place at World Youth Day (WYD).The setting for the act was the 700 meters that lie between Plaza de Cibeles and Plaza de Colón (Madrid), which was lined with 15 sculpture sets from the Spanish Holy Week tradition that made up the “Via Crucis” of WYD. Benedict XVI has presided this ceremony on August 19th.

The 15 Stations of the Cross are from 12 different cities and depict the various points in the Passion and Death of Christ. This event has been a unique example of how the Passion of Christ is lived in the host country. In most Spanish cities, Holy Week is lived in a very special way. Confraternities and religious organizations, with the goal of spreading devotion, have sculptures - the oldest dating back to the sixteenth century – that they carry in procession through the streets as a living reminder of the different moments of the Lord's Passion. Each of these 15 sculpture sets has depicted a Station of the Cross.

Christ of the Good Death Statue (Malaga) carried in Madrid 18th August.

The Pope and the Throne of Mena

SONG: EVERY TEARDROP IS A WATERFALL - Coldplay

Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall (often referred to as ETIAW), is the first track to be announced as part of Coldplay's fifth album era but is not known whether it is expected to be included on the fifth Coldplay album, Mylo Xyloto, that it will be released on 24 October 2011.




I TURN THE MUSIC UP, I GOT MY RECORDS ON
I SHUT THE WORLD OUTSIDE UNTIL THE LIGHTS COME ON
MAYBE THE STREETS ALIGHT, MAYBE THE TREES ARE GONE
I FEEL MY HEART START BEATING TO MY FAVOURITE SONG

AND ALL THE KIDS THEY DANCE, ALL THE KIDS ALL NIGHT
UNTIL MONDAY MORNING FEELS ANOTHER LIFE
I TURN THE MUSIC UP
I'M ON A ROLL THIS TIME
AND HEAVEN IS IN SIGHT

I TURN THE MUSIC UP, I GOT MY RECORDS ON
FROM UNDERNEATH THE RUBBLE SING A REBEL SONG
DON'T WANT TO SEE ANOTHER GENERATION DROP
I'D RATHER BE A COMMA THAN A FULL STOP

MAYBE I'M IN THE BLACK, MAYBE I'M ON MY KNEES
MAYBE I'M IN THE GAP BETWEEN THE TWO TRAPEZES
BUT MY HEART IS BEATING AND MY PULSES START
CATHEDRALS IN MY HEART

AND WE SAW OH THIS LIGHT I SWEAR YOU, EMERGE BLINKING INTO
TO TELL ME IT'S ALRIGHT
AS WE SOAR WALLS, EVERY SIREN IS A SYMPHONY


AND EVERY TEAR'S A WATERFALL
IS A WATERFALL
OH
IS A WATERFALL
OH OH OH
IS A IS A WATERFALL
EVERY TEAR
IS A WATERFALL
OH OH OH

SO YOU CAN HURT, HURT ME BAD
BUT STILL I'LL RAISE THE FLAG

OH
IT WAS A WA WA WA WA WA-ATERFALL
A WA WA WA WA WA-ATERFALL

EVERY TEAR
EVERY TEAR
EVERY TEARDROP IS A WATERFALL

EVERY TEAR
EVERY TEAR
EVERY TEARDROP IS A WATERFALL

LIVERPOOL

Liverpool. The very name conjures up images of a glorious maritime history, world-beating musical heritage, two of the Premiership’s biggest football teams and not one, but two majestically different Cathedrals.

Liverpool is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, like the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The city won the status in 2004 because of its impressive waterfront which, according to UNESCO, represents a ‘supreme example of a commercial port at the time of Britain’s greatest global significance’.

The World Heritage Site officially stretches from Albert Dock, which alone has the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings in the UK, along The Pier Head and up to Stanley Dock.

These icons of Liverpool heritage made Liverpool one of the centres of world trade in the 18th and 19th centuries and meant it played an important role in the growth of the British Empire and the industrial revolution beyond.

Liverpool is famous for its music, but if you think Liverpool, most people think the Beatles. The city is officially the World Capital of Pop, and the Fab Four are, of course, its most famous offspring.

Non-negotiable for Liverpool music fans is a trip to The Beatles Story at Albert Dock, a brilliant tour through the Beatles’ lives, with fascinating Fab Four memorabilia and insights from friends and family.

You should also pop into the Cavern Club on Mathew Street, where the Beatles began, for a lunchtime beer or some live music in the evening; or visit the childhood homes of John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney, Mendips and 20 Forthlin Road in Allerton, both of which are now National Trust properties.

The Liverpool music scene also includes the world-class Echo Arena Liverpool too, which has attracted such massive names as Bob Dylan, Beyonce and Dame Shirley Bassey in the past.

Liverpool shopping is world class, which is only fitting for a city that can shop till it drops. Shoppers are spoilt for choice between gleaming new city-centre shopping centres to boutique arcades, bohemian streets and farmers markets.

Liverpool ONE, right in the heart of the city, is the shiny new designer Liverpool shopping centre that is home to more than 160 famous high street names.

MALAGA FAIR 2011

The annual Fair in Malaga (Spain) begins on 12th August and ends on 20th August.

These dates in mid-August which historically refer to the celebration of the capture of Malaga by the Catholic Monarchs on August 18, 1491 belong to one of the most anticipated events of the year where thousands of locals and tourists enjoy a few days of amusement: Dancing, singing, drinking (in moderation!), eating all contribute to making this one of the most popular festivities in all of Andalucía, if not Spain.

The “Feria de Málaga” boasts an average yearly attendance of 3 million people!
The fair officially starts on Friday 12th August at midnight with the “Pregon” (opening speech) which is usually carried out by a famous personality; this year the honour falls on local singing sensation, Pablo Alborán. Following the “Pregon” there will be a firework display and a free concert with Pablo Alborán. All the above takes place on the La Malagueta beach.

“Feria de Dia” (Day Fair)

Saturday the 13th August is the first full “feria” day; the fun begins with the “Feria de día” or Day Fair which takes place in the city centre. The Calle Larios and surrounding streets are the place to be from around midday until the early evening (around 7pm). Expect lots of singing and dancing – you’ll probably end up joining in – as well as some great tapas, wines and sherry (referred to as “fino”).

Although you can expect warm temperatures – light clothing is highly recommended – the town hall has installed special canopies over the Calle Larios in order to provide some protection from the scorching August sun!
The Night Fair

After the madness of the day fair, the fun continues at the “Real dela Feria”, the main fairground located on the outskirts of the city, next to the Malaga Exhibition Centre. Here you’ll be able to enjoy the rides at the fun fair – a must-do if you have kids – and the traditional “casetas” where you will experience the best of flamenco singing and dancing. Throughout the whole week, the town hall has also organised over 200 free concerts which encompass a wide selection of musical styles and disciplines.
Not to be missed…

■The “Romería” – The traditional horse parade where hundreds of beautifully dressed fair-goers ride through the Malagueta area of the city on their horses and carriages, each decorated with beautifully coloured flowers and ribbons. This year, it takes place on Saturday the 13th August.

■Bullfighting – The Malaga Fair attracts some of the biggest names in the industry and every day, theLa Malaguetabullring hosts spectacular bull fights that will thrill all who attend. I understand it’s not for everyone but if you haven’t experienced a true bullfight, this might be your chance to see the real thing!

WORLD YOUTH DAY 2011 MADRID

World Youth Day is a great worldwide encounter with the Pope which is celebrated every three years in a different country. This time it will be celebrated in Madrid from August 16th to 21st, 2011.

In this video, of less than 4 minutes, you will see what WYD is.

The agenda for the event
During the week of World Youth Day, there will be a complete cultural agenda in addition to the events with the Pope. Check out the main events of WYD.

Royal sites and museums: free access for Young Pilgrims

THE LONDON 2012 MASCOTS: WENLOCK AND MANDEVILLE

They’re the official London 2012 mascots: Wenlock, the Olympic mascot and Mandeville, the Paralympic mascot.

They were created from the last two drops of British steel used for the London 2012 Olympic Stadium. That’s why they’re so shiny, reflecting the people, places and things they meet along the way as they travel around the UK. You might see yourself reflected if they meet you!

Wenlock, the official mascot for the London 2012 Olympic Games

Its name is inspired by Much Wenlock in Shropshire, a town that is at the heart of Olympic history. In the 19th century, Baron Pierre de Coubertin was invited there to watch the ‘Much Wenlock Games’ inspired by the Olympic Games of ancient Greece. De Coubertin was inspired by the Wenlock Games too, and went on to found the modern Olympic movement. The Much Wenlock Games are still held annually to this day!

Its most distinctive features

The light on its head is inspired by the lights on London’s iconic black taxis. The shape of the front of its head is based on the shape of the Olympic Stadium roof. Its eye is a camera lens, capturing everything It sees as It goes...

The three points on its head represent the places on the podium where successful athletes stand to receive their medals.

Mandeville, the official mascot for the London 2012 Paralympic Games

Its name is inspired by Stoke Mandeville in Buckinghamshire, the birthplace of the Paralympic Games. On the same day as the Opening Ceremony of the London 1948 Olympic Games, Sir Ludwig Guttmann held his own sport competition in Stoke Mandeville for World War II soldiers with spinal injuries. It was no coincidence – Sir Ludwig dreamed of a ‘parallel Olympics’ for athletes with disabilities. The Stoke Mandeville Games grew and grew until they became the Paralympic Games.

Its most distinctive features

Its eye is a camera lens, capturing everything It sees as It goes. On its head are three prongs – they represent the three parts of the Paralympic emblem.

The light on its head is inspired by the lights found on London’s iconic black taxis!

 THE LONDON 2012 MASCOTS WEBSITE: GAMES, VIDEOS, NEWS...

COUNTDOWN TO LONDON 2012

With one year to go until the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, preparations are on track and London’s vision to host a Games that inspires the world is set to become reality. 

The Games next year will mark the end of a decade-long project, after London won the bid in 2005 based on a vision to stage Games that would have athletes at its heart, inspire young people and be a catalyst for lasting change.

London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) Chair Seb Coe said: 'With a year to go we are inviting the athletes, spectators and visitors from around the world to come to the UK next summer – it’s ‘London Calling’. Waiting for them will be a spectacular festival of sport and culture in the world’s greatest city, which will be more magical and vibrant than ever.

Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis visits London City Airport to unveil a special British Airways aircraft celebrating the countdown to London 2012.

The Airbus A318 aircraft has been emblazoned with 'one year to go' on its belly, and will be operating on the British Airways London City service to New York.