jueves, 14 de marzo de 2024

martes, 12 de marzo de 2024

Arts and Crafts

Tomorrow we have the opportunity to listen to Luis expound upon William Morris, a person he admires greatly.

In fact not long ago Luis was our guide in the wonderful exhibition on William Morris in Fundación Juan March here in Madrid.

Tomorrow in our talks he will tell us about the Art of book binding too.

Wednesday 13th March 2024

Universidad Popular

San Sebastián De Los Reyes

18:30h

See you there!

"If I were asked to say what is at once the most important production of Art and the thing most to be longed for; I should answer; A beautiful house; and if I were further asked to name the production next in importance to be longed for; I should answer; A beautiful book."

William Morris (1834 - 1896)


viernes, 12 de enero de 2024

 

Ver un Mundo en un Grano de Arena

y un Cielo en una Flor Silvestre;

tener el Infinito en la palma de tu mano

y la Eternidad en una hora.

Un Petirrojo en una Jaula

pone furioso a todo el Cielo

 

Augurios de Inocencia

https://web.seducoahuila.gob.mx/biblioweb/upload/AUGURIOS.pdf 

 William Blake 1757 – 1827 was a poet, a painter and a visionary. 

At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to a master engraver.

At the age of twenty one he earned his living as an engraver.

Booksellers employed him to engrave illustrations for publications such as Don Quixote.



Don Quixote: ‘I fight against three giants: fear, injustice and ignorance.’

Blake used the written word to highlight beauty, humanity and life.

Cervantes in the seventeenth century, Blake in the eighteenth century, Oscar Wilde in the nineteenth century. A treasure trove of Literature.


Auguries of innocence by William Blake

 To see A World in a Grain of Sand

And a Heaven in a Wild Flower

Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand

And Eternity in an hour

A Robin Red breast in a Cage

Puts all Heaven in a Rage

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43650/auguries-of-innocence

 

jueves, 7 de diciembre de 2023

A Touching Christmas Gift

A remarkable couple, Graham and Susana decided to  retire in San Sebastian De Los Reyes. They spread good cheer wherever they went and not just during the season of good cheer that is Christmas, but all year round.



Graham came to one of our gatherings quite recently. He was not quite sure what to expect of us, but he introduced himself to the group. Soon the conversation flowed and he regaled us with lots of stories. 

He had been  looking forward to discussing Oscar Wilde as his students of English had performed The Importance Of Being Earnest in Nebrija University in the Nineties and it was warmly received. We did, in fact, start reading Wilde's clever play the following week.

Graham met Susana in Sweden where both worked as professors of Hispanic studies. Graham, an English gentleman and Susana, an extrovert Argentinian lady from  Mendoza, the land of  sunshine and good wine got to know one another at the meetings of mother language teachers in Sweden. 

Here in San Sebasián De los Reyes they  joined local cultural associations including the French workshops of la Universidad Popular.

Graham wrote a beautiful short story that recounted his commitment to Spain and its democracy. He entered it in the Certamen de Relato Corto Sobre Memoria Histórica Democrática where he won the Accésit award.

Sadly, Graham passed away on the 7th October this year at the age of 87.

Susana, who reads in Spanish, Swedish and French offered to donate his superb collection of books in English to this association.

We are tremendously happy and proud to accept her generous offer and to be able to take care of and share them with you, our good friends.

 

IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE, PLAY ON.

The opening lines of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

Leonard Cohen singing Anthem

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic2CySkEAlg

Van Morrison singing Days like this. Backing vocals Brian Kennedy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UUWkr4FUlo

Just sharing some music from a recent get together

 

jueves, 23 de noviembre de 2023

The Planet First

 Nobody’s problem

Carl Sagan talks about the greenhouse effect in 1985!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MResexA9Rg

Many thanks to Belino who shared this video and reminded us of the COP28 climate change summit that will be held from November 30th to December 12th in  the United Arab Emirates.

In 1985 Carl Sagan said the only way forward was together through amity and consensus. Thirty eight years later at least the fact that 198 states and parties are taking part indicates a measure of interest, which is just as well. Time is running out. 

As Greta Thornburg says, ‘Our house is on fire!’

To attend our conversations you  can contact us at asedow@gmail.com

miércoles, 15 de noviembre de 2023

November 15th

 BBC Learning English - 6 Minute English / Plants fighting pollution

Today we will be looking at nature to help us solve the big issues of waste and pollution.

Thanks for the suggestion, Mayca. 


martes, 26 de septiembre de 2023

September 27th 2023

 Happily, we have  just received confirmation that we will have the use of the same room on the first floor in La Universidad Popular,  Av Bauatal 18, San Sebastián De Los Reyes, Metro Baunatal.

There we await you on Wednesdays at 18:30.

If you are looking for a place to have a conversation in English in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere while improving your listening and speaking skills, please come along. Bring your ideas and we will be happy to accommodate them.

See you there.

miércoles, 2 de agosto de 2023

A quote from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

 “What's in a name? that which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet.” 

We also  use the adage: A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.  


The Rainbow comes and goes, And lovely is the Rose


jueves, 29 de junio de 2023

Being free to be yourself

 A person who does not feel safe is not free. The world is very diverse, thank goodness and one day we will stop using labels but in the year 2023 the   LGTBIQ+ community still has to struggle despite the enormous and invaluable contribution to to the arts, music, fun, literature, life and colour.

And so to celebrate gay pride day here is the chance to listen and see this wonderful song from Queen to all of us. I want to break free. 😊💝

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4Mc-NYPHaQ