Listening

Other issues: Sports and values

Would you be able to write a composition comparing Iván Fernández and Lance Amstrong? Knowing Ivánś stance towards sport and Lanceś....what could you write about? How many paragraphs could you use? How would you relate the information given in the introduction to the other paragraphs?

Honesty of the long-distance runner

         Is winning all that counts? Are you absolutely sure about that? Two weeks ago, on December 2, Spanish athlete Iván Fernández Anaya was competing in a cross-country race in Burlada, Navarre. He was running second, some distance behind race leader Abel Mutai - bronze medalist in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the London Olympics. As they entered the finishing straight, he saw the Kenyan runner - the certain winner of the race - mistakenly pull up about 10 meters before the finish, thinking he had already crossed the line.

Fernández Anaya quickly caught up with him, but instead of exploiting Mutai's mistake to speed past and claim an unlikely victory, he stayed behind and, using gestures, guided the Kenyan to the line and let him cross first.

     "I didn't deserve to win it," says 24-year-old Fernández Anaya. "I did what I had to do. He was the rightful winner. He created a gap that I couldn't have closed if he hadn't made a mistake. As soon as I saw he was stopping, I knew I wasn't going to pass him." Fernández Anaya is coached in Vitoria by former Spanish distance runner Martín Fiz in the same place, the Prado Park, where he clocked up kilometers and kilometers of training to become European marathon champion in 1994 and world marathon champion in 1995.

     "It was a very good gesture of honesty," says Fiz. "A gesture of the kind that isn't made any more. Or rather, of the kind that has never been made. A gesture that I myself wouldn't have made. I certainly would have taken advantage of it to win."

      Fiz says his pupil's action does him credit in human if not athletic terms. "The gesture has made him a better person but not a better athlete. He has wasted an occasion. Winning always makes you more of an athlete. You have to go out to win."

     Fiz recalls that at the 1997 World Championships in Athens he was followed by his countryman Abel Antón the whole way. In the final meters Antón attacked and easily won the race, having exploited all Fiz's hard work. "I knew that was going to happen. [...] But competition is like that. It wouldn't have been logical for Antón to let me win."

       Fernández Anaya trains in the Prado every day, putting in double sessions three times a week - when his vocational studies allow. Experts say he is one step away from entering the elite of Spanish cross-country running. His goal this year is to at least make the Spanish team for the world cross-country champions.

But according to his coach, the pressure gets to him. "He doesn't know how to overcome the pressure, which is what differentiates champions. If he did, he would have been at the recent European championships," Fiz notes.

       "In the Burlada cross-country race there was hardly anything at stake [...] apart from being able to say that you had beaten an Olympic medalist," says Fernández Anaya.

       "But even if they had told me that winning would have earned me a place in the Spanish team for the European championships, I wouldn't have done it either. Of course it would be another thing if there was a world or European medal at stake. Then, I think that, yes, I would have exploited it to win... But I also think that I have earned more of a name having done what I did than if I had won. And that is very important, because today, with the way things are in all circles, in soccer, in society, in politics, where it seems anything goes, a gesture of honesty goes down well."

Armstrong banned for life

         Lance Armstrong has "no place in cycling," Pat McQuaid said Monday after the American rider was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned from the sport for life.
         McQuaid, president of the International Cycling Union (UCI), the world governing body that ratified the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA)'s charges against Armstrong, added that the Texan "deserves to be forgotten in cycling."
"The UCI wishes to begin the journey on that path forward today by confirming that it will not appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and that it will recognize the sanction that USADA has imposed. I was sickened by what I read in the USADA report," said McQuaid. USADA's sanctions against Armstrong were the culmination of a years-long investigation — which the cyclist has labeled a witch-hunt — into the alleged doping practices employed by Armstrong and other members of the US Postal Service team. On October 10, USADA published a report accusing Armstrong of being embroiled in "the most sophisticated, professional and successful doping program that sport has ever seen."
         Armstrong, who has always denied any wrongdoing, did not contest the charges on this occasion because, he said, "there comes a point in every man's life when he has to say 'enough is enough'."

        With scandal after scandal, the outcome of the USADA investigation has thrown the entire future of the sport into question. Last week, Rabobank, which had sponsored the eponymous team for 17 years, withdrew from professional cycling amid concerns the sport is incapable of cleaning itself up. In the wake of Armstrong's life ban, demands for McQuaid and the entire UCI board to resign gathered pace.
      "Cycling has a future. This is not the first time cycling has reached a crossroads or that it has had to begin anew," McQuaid told a press conference. "When I took over in 2005 I made the fight against doping my priority. I acknowledged cycling had a culture of doping. Cycling has come a long way. I have no intention of resigning."
         Oscar Pereiro, who was handed the 2006 Tour de France title after Floyd Landis was disqualified for doping, said the decision to ban Armstrong was "understandable, but also sad."
         "The sport that gave so much to me is making me very sad," Pereiro said. "I hope a line can be drawn under it now and cycling can move on, but with the resignation of the entire UCI."
Pereiro suggested that the evidence against Armstrong was less than convincing. "After so many years and with more than 10 million euros spent they sanction him on the strength of testimony from his teammates and not by evidence of their own."
         Samuel Sánchez, the 2008 Olympic road race gold medalist, said the UCI's decision to ban Armstrong was incorrect. "What's happened to Armstrong is unfair, he has never tested positive. Somebody accuses you of doping and anything goes."
        The UCI said it had tested Armstrong on 218 occasions and that he had "beaten the system." The governing body said the World Anti-Doping Agency should also assume responsibility for the scourge of doping. The UCI will decide on Friday what to do with the titles that have been stripped from Armstrong. Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme said the history book should remain blank: "This period must be marked by a lack of victors. This is a crisis for cycling that affects not just France, but the whole world." The UCI has the final decision in the matter.
         Asked if he thought the sport would ever be completely clean, McQuaid answered: "No."

Extra class

Today´s class will be put off till next Monday, at 4:30.

General guidelines for writing an essay

Writing an Essay

Very interesting exercises

PARAGRAPH WRITING

More on the hamburger

More on writing

Check list for paragraph writing

CHECKING PARAGRAPHS

Paragraphs may be evaluated and improved using the following checklist.

Topic Sentences

• What is the topic sentence of each paragraph, and is it stated or implied?
• Where in the paragraph does it fall?
• Should it come at some other point?
• Would any paragraph be improved by deleting or adding a topic sentence?
• What is the most general sentence in each paragraph?
• If the most general sentence is not the topic sentence, should it remain or be omitted?

Supporting Details

• Which sentences, if any, do not relate in some way to the topic sentence?
• Is there any way to justify their inclusion?

Organization

• Is each paragraph organized in a way that is easy for readers to follow?
• By what means are sentences linked in each paragraph?
• Do any more links need to be added?
• Do any of the transitional expressions try to create links that do not really exist between ideas?

Development

• How completely does each paragraph develop its topic sentence?
• What methods of development are used, and are they effective?
• What other methods might be used?
• Does the paragraph need more material?

Length and Variety

• How long is each paragraph?
• Are paragraphs varied in length?
• Does any paragraph seem too long [e.g. an entire page] or too short [e.g. one sentence]?
• Is there anything that might be given strong emphasis by a one-sentence paragraph?

Cohesion

• By what means are paragraphs linked together?
• Do any more links need to be added?
• Do any of the transitional expressions try to create links that do not really exist between ideas?

First Paragraph

• How does the introductory paragraph catch the interest of the readers?
• How exactly does it open – with a quotation? an anecdote? a question? a strong statement?
• How else might it open?

Last Paragraph

• How does the last paragraph draw the essay to a conclusion?
• What lasting impression will it leave with readers?
• How exactly does it close- with a question? a quotation? a vivid image? a warning or call to action
• How else might this essay conclude?

---

For you to remember!

Well, we had a very nice class today. I hope you´ve learnt how to write a paragraph correctly. In case you haven´t, I paste this drawing for you to remember!

Boy Bands

Boy Bands had their success in the 80`s, with groups like New Kinds on the Block. This group paved the way for the appearance of other ones like Back Street Boys. However, their origin may be traced back to, say, the Beatles or even the Jackson´s Five. Here you have a video of the former´s hit. I hope you enjoy it.

More on paragraph writing

Just in case it is not entirely clear that this aspect is very important, I would like to include more information about how to write a paragraph well. Remember how important writing a composition is in the test that you will have to face.

Some hints on paragraph writing

You may find problems when writing a paragraph. Along with the material I have already handed in, I would like you to have a look at this link. I hope it is useful.

How to write a paragraph

Fame and addictions

                    

Does Fame Fuel Celebrities' Addiction?

 (Source: ABCNews)

                         

         Baseball legend Darryl Strawberry — in court today to explain his recent absence from a drug treatment center — is part of a long, lamentable legacy of celebrities unable to escape the grip of addiction.

        Judy Garland, jazz great Charlie Parker and actor Robert Downey Jr. are other stars who've battled with drugs and alcohol. Some doctors believe their fame and success factored into their addictions. "Entertainment, rock stars, pilots, race car drivers; these kinds of environments tend to have a high predisposition for addiction," says Dr. Drew Pinsky, an addiction specialist who has treated stars such as Scott Weiland of the rock group Stone Temple Pilots.

         Pinsky says this is, in part, an issue of genetics: some people are biologically more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. And these people are often drawn to thrilling environments.

          Strawberry was in court because he was absent from St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, Fla., where he was under house arrest. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence for Strawberry, saying he has several times violated the terms of his 1999 sentence on drug possession and solicitation of prostitution.

Recipe for Relapse Pinsky also says that celebrities face special barriers to recovery. For one, success may make them feel invincible.

         "Humility is one of the first principles of recovery. And someone who doesn't have such a humble position in life — it's very difficult for them not to expect special treatment," he says. That can prevent the famous from taking the responsibility that all addicts must take for their own recovery.

           Add to all this the stress of media scrutiny and the ready availability of drugs from fawning hangers-on, and you have a recipe for relapse, say doctors. Furthermore, there is often no professional penalty for stars with addictions. Doctors or pilots can lose their licenses, but performers often benefit from a perverse sort of publicity buzz.

          When Downey was released from prison last summer after serving two years on drug charges, he was offered acting roles almost immediately.

Taking Measures

The sports and entertainment worlds are now doing more to fight drugs and alcohol. Television and movie producers allow Alcoholics Anonymous meetings on set. The National Basketball Association has a rigorous program of testing, penalties and treatment.

The music industry has organizations that fund rehabilitation for addicted performers. Wayne Kramer, who played in the 1960s rock band the MC5, was in a spiral of drugs and crime until he received help. "By hitting that bottom, I was able to realize that I needed help. When I reached out for help, help was there. And for that, I'm really grateful," he says.

Compositions

Compositions should be sent today. Mind the use of linkers and organization of the text into paragraphs. Do a copy of it in a written form.

European driving license on the way!

A single new European driving licence has just been released! Have a look at the link! As always, put down all the words you don´t know, for they may appear in the exam! I paste two articles

New Article 1     Article 2

  

Next exams!

• Selectividad test: February, 22nd
• Class test: February, 26th
• Speaking test: March, 5th

The dark side of fame

Read this article from Psychology Today

The dark side of fame

7 tips to be successful

Which are the 7 secrets to success Steve Jobs mentions in this video? Could you think of 7 tips to become famous?



Vocabulary

 

THE MEDIA

media	medios de comunicación
mass media	medios de comunicación masivos
television	televisión
program (US)	programa
programme (GB)	programa
broadcasting	transmisión
soap opera	telenovela
sitcom	comedia
drama	drama, obra de teatro
series	serie
serial	miniserie
film (GB)	película
movie (US)	película
documentary	documental
news broadcast	noticiero, noticioso
current affairs programme	programa de temas actuales
music programme	programa musical
sports programme	programa de deportes
weather forecast	pronóstico del tiempo
variety show	programa de variedades
talk show	programa de entrevistas
game show, quiz show	programa de entretenimientos
reality show	programa reality
commercial	comercial, publicidad
episode	episodio, capítulo
character	personaje
newsreader	presentador de las noticias
host	presentador
hostess	presentadora
actor	actor
actress	actriz
aerial	antena
satellite	satélite
satellite dish	antena satelital
radio	radio
radio antenna	antena de radio
TV set	televisor
cable box	conversor de cable
headset	auriculares
headphones	auriculares
VCR	videograbadora
DVD	reproductor de DVD
home theatre	home theatre
speakers	hablantes, altavoces
remote control	control remoto
newspaper, paper	periódico
daily newspaper	diario
weekly newspaper	semanario
press	prensa
headlines	titulares
editorial	editorial
article	artículo
business news	noticias de economía, finanzas
sports reports	noticias de deportes
cinema review	críticas de cine
book review	críticas de libros
the letters page	correo de lectores
cartoons	chistes, viñetas
crossword	crucigrama
ad, advertisement	aviso, anuncio
classified ads	avisos clasificados
tabloid	tabloide, periódico de formato más pequeño
broadsheet	periódico de formato más grande
popular newspaper	periódico popular (de formato más pequeño)
quality newspaper	periódico de calidad (de formato más grande)
supplement	suplemento
journal	periódico
magazine	revista
comic	revista de historietas

US=American English GB=British English

Celebrities and media

Do you know what a "tabloid" is? Do you know where the term "yellow press" comes from?

Being a celebrity or simply being famous has its own advantages and disadvantages. The common perception is that celebrities and famous personalities have everything in life. After all, the grass is always greener on the other side, isn't it? The truth is that there are as many downsides and disadvantages of being a celebrity as there are the number of benefits. Who said being famous was always fun? Decide for yourself – read on for 5 advantages and disadvantages of being a celebrity.

5 major advantages of being a celebrity

1) Celebrities get special treatment wherever they go

It is a no-brainer to assume that someone like Selena Gomez or Justin Bieber will get preferential treatment over other customers at a restaurant, don't you think? From special seats at theatres to special tables at restaurants, celebrities are given the advantage of being the preferred customers everywhere they go. Wouldn't you love it if you were given preferential entry at nightclubs or given first row seats at award functions? Of course you would, and that is exactly why this perk of being famous is just too tempting.

2) Being famous generally means being richer

One of the very obvious advantages of being famous is that fame generally brings with it lots of fortune. Celebrities and other famous people are generally richer than the average joe. Luxurious homes and cars, fancy gifts, expensive clothes and other such materialistic pleasures of life convert from a dream to a reality when people become famous. Forget homes, celebrities are also known to own entire islands. If you have a single ounce of doubt whether celebrities are actually rich, go watch episodes of MTV Cribs and all your doubts will magically disappear. In particular, watch the episode which showcases the home, cars and lifestyle of 50 Cent.

3) Celebrities are recognized everywhere they go
Celebrities are recognized everywhere they go. This is an advantage because people often draw a massive ego boost when random bystanders recognize them. It can be a great opportunity to boast to a friend and say "Gee, I'm so famous. Everyone recognizes me" While most seasoned celebrities get over this initial ego boost quickly, being recognized, spotted and pictured is quite a rush and a massage to the egos of some famous people.
4) Celebrities and famous people have fans
Fans are the people who adore their celebrity idols. They can have celebrity crushes or even real life admiration for their idols. Fan mail and other forms of appreciation that celebrities receive can be inspirational, motivational and very humbling. After all, who wouldn't like to have their own fans, followers and worshipers?
5) Many opportunities arise when people become famous
When people become famous, more opportunities arise in life whether career related or not. For example, someone like Michael Jordan made a living not only from playing ball. He was the face of Nike and promotes many other brands. Someone like Kim Kardashian can afford to dwell into newer businesses like fashion apparel and perfumes simply because she is famous and can afford to sustain and promote them. Being famous definitely opens many doors in life which would have remained shut if fame had not been achieved. Many celebrities embark upon the entrepreneurship path as soon as they achieve stardom. After all, if Kim Kardashian can reportedly charge in upwards of $8,000 for doing nothing but sending one tweet from her twitter account, anything is possible!

5 major disadvantages of being a celebrity

1) Famous people can't do things that the average person can
What do you think would happen if Paris Hilton walked down to the supermarket on a regular day? She would be mobbed and hounded for autographs and pictures. Celebrities and other famous people cannot lead lives of a normal person. They will have to live in their own little secluded world and will generally be unable to do things that the average joe can. This disadvantage of being famous can stop celebrities from indulging in the little pleasures of life, which can be very frustrating indeed. Some of these simple pleasures of life are.

• Playing ball at the neighborhood playground
• Going shopping to the supermarket
• Going for an uninterrupted walk or a bicycle ride on the beach
• Lying on the beach without being mobbed on a sunny day
• Sitting on the park bench and reading a book without being asked "Can I take a picture of you?
• Have a quiet dinner with family at the local restaurant

2) Being famous or a celebrity can attract stalkers
We've all heard about those nasty cases of celebrity stalking that have gone out of control. Famous people are often followed or harassed by phone, email or messages by fans or followers who cross the line and become obsessed. Obsession can turn into threats and even physical harm.

3) A celebrity status can attract too many fake friends

From a celebrity's perspective, it'd become very hard to spot a genuine person who wants to be friends as opposed to many of the million wannabe friends who may want to befriend them for personal gain. As one would imagine, it'd be a nerve-wracking experience to scrutinize each and every individual that comes into their lives. It would literally translate to being on-guard every single hour, minute and second of the day.

4) People constantly judge celebrities

Tabloids, magazines, newspapers, blogs and other form of media constantly judge celebrities on their personalities, habits, bodies and a lot more. Reading demeaning, rude, nasty, insulting, derogatory and lies about one's own self is a part and parcel of a celebrity's daily routine. From a lay person's point of view, it's like having a million people talk behind your back on a daily basis. Imagine how hard hitting would it be if a tabloid talked about how fat you are or how sleazy you are.

5) Celebrities have no privacy

If Kim Kardashian wears a bikini and steps out on the beaches of Miami to catch some sun, the entire world is going to know about it. If Arnold Schwarzenegger heads out for a ride on his motorcycle on a sunny day, pictures of him are going to be splashed in the tabloids. If Paris Hilton and her beau have an argument or a fight in a night club, the whole world will know about it. Get the point? Lack of privacy is one of the biggest disadvantages of being a celebrity.

Example of composition on fame and celebrities

Stresses of Being a Celebrity

         Some people dream of starring roles, their name in lights and their picture on the cover of magazines. However, the cost is far too high. Despite the glittering lifestyles on the surface, it is not so nice to be a celebrity who is always in public eye. Celebrities lead very stressful lives, for no matter how glamorous or powerful they are, they have too little privacy and too much pressure.

         For one thing, celebrities do not have the privacy that an ordinary person has. The most personal details of their lives are splashed all over the front pages of newspapers and magazines. Even a celebrity’s family is hauled into spotlight. A teenage son’s arrest a wife’s drinking problem becomes the subject of glaring headlines. Photographers hound celebrities at their homes, in restaurants and on the street, hoping to get a picture. When celebrities try to do the things that normal people do, like eating out or attending a football game, they run the risk of being interrupted by thoughtless autograph hounds or mobbed by aggressive fans.

          In addition to the loss of privacy, celebrities must cope with the constant pressure of having to look great and act right. Their physical appearance is always under observation. Famous women, especially, suffer from the spotlight, drawing remarks on their age or weight. Unflattering pictures of celebrities are photographers’ prize to be sold to the highest bidder; thus, this increases the pressure on celebrities to look good at all times. Famous people are also under pressure to act calm and collected under any circumstances. Because they are constantly observed, they have no freedom to blow off steam or to do something just a little crazy.

          In conclusion, a famous person gives up private life and feels pressured to look and act certain ways all the time which make his / her stressed. Although many people desire to be famous, an ordinary, calm life is far saner than a life of fame.

Adapted from  John Langan, College Writing Skills with Readings, Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2008

Compositions and comments

Dear students: This term we will be doing even more compositions since "Production" is an important part of the Selectividad test. So that English becomes "second nature" to us, I encourage you to write comments on the blog so that we can interact and you use this language as much as possible.

Are celebrities a help or hindrance to charities?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jun/26/celebrity-ambassadors-charities-debate

150th anniversary of London tube

Fame and success

Another article!: http://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/27/arts/jean-michel-basquiat-hazards-of-sudden-success-and-fame.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

Cells that read minds!

Here you have a very interesting article about the topic we dealt with in class: mirror neurons. Have a look at it: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/10/science/10mirr.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Reality Shows and Children

The degree to which reality television shows have spread through across broadcast and cable channels leaves little doubt that our children are likely to come across multiple examples of this type of programming --- even those with casual viewing habits. Any cultural phenomenon tends to become widely known, but not all raise the same questions of potential impact that reality shows do. Examining what is already known about reality shows and their influence on children can help parents make informed decisions about how to handle the issue in their own home. What is Reality TV?: Reality television consists of programs which purport to showcase people appearing as themselves in a variety of different contexts. Many reality programs revolve around competitions; others feature celebrities in their everyday lives. There are also shows that center on small groups of otherwise unknown people, probing their interactions with one another. Whatever form they take, reality shows seek to create entertainment from the uncertainty of unscripted moments and events. They also look to present shocking, awkward or otherwise inflammatory situations --- a consistent characteristic of most reality programming. Children as Viewers: Children who view reality programs have been shown to suffer ill effects from the content of such programming. One Australian study revealed that children who watched reality programming were significantly more likely to associate wealth, popularity and beauty as factors that contribute to happiness. It's no surprise that these are values frequently held in high esteem by many participants of reality shows. What's more, certain other reality programs such as "Fear Factor" that feature participants involved in disgusting or dangerous behavior inspired attempts to duplicate these acts by some younger viewers. Children as Participants: Although not all reality programming involves underage participants, some do. These have also been shown to have a negative impact on the children involved. An environment in which kids find themselves surrounded by cameras much of the time has the tendency to make the challenges of growing up that much more difficult. Additionally, when competitive reality shows incorporate children, there is an added pressure and sense of rejection when things don't work out. The Canadian newspaper "The Globe and Mail" reported in 2009 on a program called "The Next Star," which focused on kids under 15, placing some contestants in embarrassing situations and leveling criticism (albeit constructive) at them on national television. The MTV Experience: Much of the programming offered on the MTV family of networks as of 2010 falls into the reality category. These shows are specifically geared toward younger viewers. Due to the target audience, kids are more likely to hear or see these shows referenced during interactions with their peers, increasing the likelihood that they'll watch. Inadvertently, these shows can present young viewers with role models. Given that kids are less capable of distinguishing decidedly undesirable behavior unless it's specifically placed in that context, the offerings from MTV have the potential to set a standard for teens in this area whether they intend to or not. Combating the Influence: Needless to say, focusing on limiting the exposure your kids have to television is a good start to prevent reality TV from "taking over" in your house. Additionally, psychologists Brent Ludwig recommends that you focus upon the fact that reality shows are decidedly not reality. That stipulation goes a long way toward setting boundaries of behavior. Moreover, Ludwig suggests on the Genesis Health System website, it's important that you or your children don't become passive recipients of the shows' messages. He feels it's crucial to identify the values presented by each show and discuss those in depth with your kids to maintain a balanced view of what's important.

Can fame change one´s life? Have a look at this case!

Can money bring happiness?

Do you think money brings happiness? Why? Why not? Have a look at the next article: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=can-money-buy-happiness