Confessions of a Shopaholic

Here we go again, ladies, this time to the cinema!
Consumerism / shops / shopping is our new topic so, what are we waiting for? Although you are beginners, I'm sure you will understand most of the film because... there's some work to do on it afterwards (as usual!).
But... don't worry (be happy): entertainment comes first!

Let's start by watching the trailer.

Earth Day - 22nd April

There are many simple actions to be taken individually or in a group to get involved and help protect the environment.
Have a look at what you can do at home, at school / work and with kids:

http://ww2.earthday.net/files/greenyourhome.pdf
http://ww2.earthday.net/greenyourschool4.pdf
http://ww2.earthday.net/files/greenyouroffice.pdf
http://www.earthday.net/files/getactivewithyourkids.pdf

British Council also has many ideas / activities for kids (and adults):
http://www.britishcouncil.org/kids-topics-environment.htm
http://www.britishcouncil.org/kids-games-environment.htm

or click on
http://epa.gov/climatechange/kids/global_warming_version2.html
http://epa.gov/climatechange/kids/quiz_global_warming.html

GET INVOLVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love the world

What about you? Do you love your world? Then do something to preserve it!

Earth Day - 22nd April

Have a look at this video suggested by a student last year. It calls our attention for the need to save energy and water. Proper education is to teach / learn to save our Planet!!!

HAPPY EASTER

To all who have already had access to this blog my sincerest wishes of a HAPPY EASTER!

It is a time though when I can't forget the Italian people / my Italian friends. Especially for the victims' families who are mourning the death of so many loved ones, a word of comfort - if there can be any... we all know it is a quake-prone region that has had at least nine smaller jolts since the beginning of April but who would expect this??? The official death toll has reached 287 which means the earth quake of last April 6th was the deadliest to hit Italy in almost 30 years.

Try to cheer up if you (Simo, Ben, Sonia and Francesca) can! My / Our thoughts are with you.

HAPPY EASTER!

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is a happy day for Christians because they believe that Jesus rose from the dead on this day. They believe that Jesus' resurrection or coming alive shows that death is not the end of everything. Many go to church to thank God for Jesus' life. Church bells are rung and churches are decorated with flowers such as white lilies which are associated with Easter. The colours in the church change to white or gold which are thought to be the best colours.

There are many customs associated with Easter Day which involve eggs. For this reason Easter Day used to be known as Egg Sunday. For the last two hundred years in Britain the custom of giving children chocolate eggs has been popular while in Europe and America parents hide chocolate eggs in the garden for children to find. In many countries children are given hard boiled eggs and it is also a custom for children to decorate these by painting or dyeing them in bright colours.
Eggs were always thought to be special even before Jesus was born. It is because they are associated with new life when the chick breaks from the egg. After Jesus had risen from the dead it was easy to think of eggs as a sign of new life. So eggs have always been part of celebrations at Easter.

What about your Easter traditions? How do you celebrate Easter?????

Good Friday

Good Friday

On Good Friday Christians remember the day that Jesus was killed on the cross. He was nailed to a wooden cross by Roman soldiers. This is the reason why the cross is an important sign for Christians today. There are crosses in churches and many Christians wear a cross on a chain. At Easter people eat hot cross buns which have a cross shape on the top.
Good Friday is a sad day and churches never have flowers or decorations on this day. The church is left dark and there is just a simple cross on the altar. It is known as Good Friday because Christians believe that Jesus gave up his life for the good of everyone.

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday
On the night before his death Jesus had a final meal with his friends. This meal was one of the festival meals for Passover. Before the meal Jesus did something which surprised his friends. He washed the feet of every person, a task which was normally done by a servant. By doing this he wanted to show his followers that they should love one another in humble ways. Later in the meal which is known to Christians as 'The Last Supper', Jesus passed round bread and wine. He said the bread was his body broken for them and the wine was his blood shed for them. He was telling them that he was going to die and that when they share bread and wine they should remember him.

Today, in England, Queen Elisabeth II does not wash feet or give clothing. Instead she gives out something called Maundy money, which is specially made for the occasion. In 2009 this is given to 83 male and 83 female pensioners, because she is 83 years old this year. The coins are given in special white and red leather purses. The white purse contains silver Maundy coins matching the Queen's age in pence - 83p, while the red purse contains ordinary money. The service takes place at a different cathedral or abbey each year and people are chosen to receive the money because of good work they have done in their community.

What is Easter?

What is Easter?
Easter is the most important Christian festival. Christians are followers of Jesus Christ who lived about 2000 years ago in a country called Palestine. They believe that Jesus was the son of God. At Easter time Christians remember the last week of Jesus' life.

How did Easter get its name?
One belief is that Easter got its name from the Goddess of Spring called Eostre who some people worshipped long before Jesus was born. At that time it was thought that the sun died in winter and was born again in spring when days would lengthen and the sun’s power would return. In Europe, Eostre was honoured as the bringer of spring.

When and how long is Easter?
Easter Day is always on a Sunday, but the date varies from year to year unlike Christmas which is always on December 25. Many years ago Christians decided that Easter Day should be always be on the Sunday following the first full moon after the first day of Spring on March 21. This means that Easter can be as early as 22 March or as late as 25 April. For this reason Easter is called a movable feast. This year, for example, Easter Sunday is on the 12th April.

If you are curious about the next Easter dates, have a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter.