Word of the week (4)

This week, we are putting our thumb on a phrasal verb to widen our range of expression.

 

FIGURE something OUT

 

Definition:

to calculate or reckon

to understand

 

Pronunciation:

/ˈfɪɡə(r)/ /aʊt/

 

Synonims:

solve, deduce, work out

 

In use:

I need to figure out how to fit the piano and the bookshelf in this room.

He finally figured out why his car wouldn't start.

How did you figure out that math problem?
You can figure out some people's behavior by observing them closely.

In image:

If you want to suggest a phrasal verb for this section because it's difficult for you to find the right context for it or because you just love the sweet thing, feel free to leave a comment! WORD OF THE WEEK is here just for you.

 

Be curious. Be smart.

Riddles: food for thought

A riddle is something that makes your think to find a hidden answer. Do you think you are up to the challenge? Let's find out, shall we?

1. What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries?
2. What goes up and down the stairs without moving?
3. The man who invented it doesn't want it. The man who bought it doesn't need it. The man who needs it doesn't know it. What is it?
4. Give me food and I will live. Give me water and I will die.
5. Throw it off the highest building, and I'll not break. But put me in the ocean, and I will. What am I?
6. No sooner spoken than broken. What is it?
7. A certain crime is punishable if attempted but not punishable if committed. What is it?
8. I'm light as a feather, yet the strongest man can't hold me for much more than a minute. What am I?
9. At night they come without being fetched, and by day they are lost without being stolen. What are they?
10. What jumps when it walks and sits when it stands? 

 

answers are hidden here:

a towel / a rug / a coffin / fire / a tissue or paper / silence / suicide or a coup d'etat / breath / stars or dreams / a kangaroo

 

Did you enjoy the brain teasing? How many did you guess?

 

Be a thinker. Be you.

 

 

Cinema: films to see

Let's not forget about the experience of going to the cinema, be it with friends or family or sweetheart. It's not the same as staying home all comfy with your favourite blanket. It's not the same as watching a film on your computer. All of those methods lack glamour. Yes, it's all right to stay home but it doesn't beat the exciting quality of getting dressed up, arriving at the chosen place and buying a huge amount of popcorn to gobble up nicely while the film is going on. So... here we are today. Smelling hot, salty popcorn in the air and wishing for a film to share.

 

The first one is a horror film about two girls who have been living alone in a forest cabin for years. When they are taken away by their uncle, something follows them out of the forest. Something not entirely human. The second film is a teenager story about growing up with a bit of humour.

 

 

The famous film director is portrayed in Hitchcok which tells how he shot the popular horror film Psycho, whereas The Last Stand is the back-to-business appearance of former California mayor Arnold Swarzenegger on screen.

 

Have you seen any of these films? Which one would you recommend? On the other hand, what about films to come? Did you know that these films are scheduled for 2013?

 

Alien 5, Frankenstein, God of War, Pirates of the Caribbean 5, Matrix 4, Beautiful Creatures, Warm Bodies, Haunted Mansion, The Host, Call of Duty, Vlad, Hawkman, The Chronicles of Narnia, Elysium, Annie...

 

So many chances to dress up for popcorn ;o)

 

Be watchful. Be free.

 

Amazing world

Today, we start a new section, phew, arey they growing, to fill in the need to share pictures of those places that mesmerize us, of technology that takes our breath away, and of instants in the world that should be remembered. In truth, all those amazing moments that should be shared.

 

 

This is a spiral cloud over the Himalaya. Can you imagine to be there while it was happening? Amazing!

 

Have you ever seen anything quite like it? If you want to share your personal amount of amazingness, just send us a photo or leave a comment.

 

Be amazed. Be amazing.

 

Inspiration: good things in life

Good things in life... What are they exactly? Money, time, friends? What would be a good thing in your life?

Be open. Be happy.

A taste from India in Madrid

Flipping throught the pages of InMadrid, I've found an article on a Hindu restaurant right here in Madrid. I've always had a penchant for sauces and rich flavours, so this review immediately caught my eye. Would you care for some Tikka Masala? I'll let you decide for yourselves:

 

Jeff Wiseman says: The first thing that draws a visitor's attention to Madrid's Swagat Indian restaurant is its shiny brass doors. We are greeted by the owner, and on her recommendation, opt to try the menu degustación, which offers a wide selection of specialties over three courses. Three sauces -picante, mint and mango- accompany the starters, and the distinct flavour of each points towards the quality of what is to follow.

 

 

The starters are crispy vegetable samosas, sizzling onion bhajis, portions of Malai tikka (pieces of chicken breast marinated in a creamy cheese sauce with almonds and cashews), and Chicken tikka (tandoori with ginger, lemon and yoghurt). All four are deliciously succulent and fresh, and with the sauces plus a delicious semi-sweet peshwari naan (pistachio bread with mixed nuts and fruit), it's hard to distinguish a favourite dish.

 

 

The main courses, served in dishes placed above small table candles to maintain their temperature, are Murgh Makhani (buter chicken -pices of chicken breast in a butter, tomato and cream sauce), Ghost Rogan Josh (pieces of lamb with onion, tomato and aromatic spices) and Swagat Malai Kofta (fresh cheeseballs, with a herb centre, served in a house sauce), together with basmati rice. We are also presented with a naan, light and thin, yet filled with a delicious melted cheese. Quality is maintained throughout, with pleasantly strong but never overwhelming favlour, whilst the lamb, my partern's favourite, has its fine texture brought out by the sauce.

 

 

Having enjoyed the balance of quality and quantity, enough appetite remains for the desserts to be an appreciated delight rather than squeezed in. There's a fried milk ball, orange flavoured pistachio ice cream, and cubes of mango ice cream too.

 

 

The pistachio holds a firm, creamy texture, not too sweet, which ends the meal well. Then we are ready to leave, to face a cold day, feeling warm and satisfied.

 

Web

Where: Núñez de Balboa, 29

Tube station: Velazquez

Contact: 91 577 95 66

 

Don't you find it appetizing? I do! And if you'd like to recommend a restaurant, feel free to leave us a comment.

 

Be curious. Be hungry.

 

The Finest Age

Growing up is a bittersweet experience for most people. Here is a tribute to motherhood and what is gained and lost when time goes by.

The Finest Age
When he was only nine months old,
And plump and round and pink of cheek,
A joy to tickle and to hold,
Before he'd even learned to speak,
His gentle mother used to say:
"It is too bad that he must grow.
If I could only have my way
His baby ways we'd always know."

And then the year was turned, and he
Began to toddle round the floor
And name the things that he could see
And soil the dresses that he wore.
Then many a night she whispered low:
"Our baby now is such a joy
I hate to think that he must grow
To be a wild and heedless boy."

But on he went and sweeter grew,
And then his mother, I recall,
Wished she could keep him always two,
For that's the finest age of all.
She thought the selfsame thing at three,
And now that he is four, she sighs
To think he cannot always be
The youngster with the laughing eyes.

Oh, little boy, my wish is not
Always to keep you four years old.
Each night I stand beside your cot
And think of what the years may hold;
And looking down on you I pray
That when we've lost our baby small,
The mother of our man will say
"This is the finest age of all."

Edgar A. Guest

 

 

Edgar Albert Guest (August 20, 1881, Birmingham, England – August 5, 1959, Detroit,Michigan) (aka Eddie Guest) was a prolific English-born American poet who was popular in the first half of the 20th century and became known as the People's Poet. (Wikipedia)

 

Be a thinker. Be open to feeling.

 

Difficult words

It's useless to deny it. We know they exist. Those words that defy memory or understanding. Do you have a pet hateful word? The one you never seem to master? Leave a comment or send us an email and we will devote the next post to your least favourite word.

 

 

Today, let's focus on... BEREAVED.

/bɪˈriːvd/

 

This profound adjective refers to a feeling of having been deprived of someone or something very valuable, especially through death. Therefore, it is not to be taken lightly. Parents who have lost their children are bereaved. A child who has lost her pet feels bereaved. A bereaved family suffers the loss of a loved one. It can also be used as a noun. The bereaved were comforted by their friends. Can you imagine the scope of feeling behind this word? Can you think of a situation when you would be bereaved? You would feel the same way if you were bereft.

 

Now, be happy. Be free. 

 

Valentine food forever

Hello again. As promised, I bring with all my heart (hehe) the perfect recipes for this sweetest of all days.

 

Above you can see the picture of an incredible recipe for Petit Four. Surprisingly, it is made with Oreo biscuits. You will also need some fondant, a rolling pin and food colouring. Find out every detail at I Am Baker.

 

 

At Yumsugar, there is a decadent and tempting dessert to end a perfect meal. It's the deliciously heart-shaped Panna Cotta with raspberry sauce. You can't miss it!

 

 

As enchanting as it is easy, this Cupid's Arrow will delight your eyes as much as your stomach. And it's healthy to boon! All the easy steps can be found here.

 

Have you ever seen anything so mouthwatering? This French Toast with Strawberry Butter  looks elegant, though solid enough. And gorgeous. And romantic. And I stop now, but you go on to the recipe here.

 

 

If you're still hungry, why not try these original Cranberry Biscuits? Easy and quick to make as they say at Play Restaurant For One Day.

 

Or you can indulge in these beautifully decorated Sweet Swirl Biscuits. All the yummy details here.

 

In case you're just looking for a hearty but simple main course to forget all that sugary excess, here is an example of what can be achieved with a little wit.

 

 

Have a wonderful day and if you happen to make any of these recipes, just leave us a comment or send us a photo. We'd love to hear from you!

 

Be lovely. Be loving.

 

I love Valentine's Food

Today is that special day when we can share love out loud without feeling cheesy. It's the perfect day to smile at your siblings, hug your parents without any suspicious side glances, coo your pet with abandon, forget petty enmities or simply enjoy the pure pinkiness of it all.

 

Let me share some love with you...

 

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to the ancient Roman celebration of Lupercalia. Held on February 15, Lupercalia honored the gods Lupercus and Faunus, as well as the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.

In addition to a bountiful feast, Lupercalia festivities are purported to have included the pairing of young women and men. Men would draw women's names from a box, and each couple would be paired until next year's celebration.

While this pairing of couples set the tone for today's holiday, it wasn't called "Valentine's Day" until a priest named Valentine came along. Valentine, a romantic at heart, disobeyed Emperor Claudius II's decree that soldiers remain bachelors. Claudius handed down this decree believing that soldiers would be distracted and unable to concentrate on fighting if they were married or engaged. Valentine defied the emperor and secretly performed marriage ceremonies. As a result of his defiance, Valentine was put to death on February 14.

After Valentine's death, he was named a saint. As Christianity spread through Rome, the priests moved Lupercalia from February 15 to February 14 and renamed it St. Valentine's Day to honour the man himself. (source)

 

 

  SOME CUTE VALENTINE IDEAS

TO SET THE MOOD

 

Watch a romantic comedy -> Valentine's Day

 

 

Prepare a heart-shaped breakfast

 

 

Spice up your relationship with

something new and unexpected

 

 

 

Go somewhere that inspires you

 

 

 

Don't forget about ALL the people you love

 

 

And remember it's...

 

 

THINGS WE LOVE

Summer, rain, English, music, animals,

friends, books, family, sunshine,

TV, landscapes, eyesight, fast cars,

forests, the moon, teachers, ideas,

bad jokes, painted nails, lipstick,

sunset, running water, central heating,

river beds, canopy beds, bed at 6 a.m.,

open-air cinemas, blue icecream,

travelling, coming back home,

and food

always food

 

Later on I will bring some ideas for recipes. Stay tuned!

KIDS SHOW: goal accomplished

And the wonderful talent show has come to an end but with a bang, or should I say with a goal and a song? Despite some initial shyness, every student was up to the challenge. They all danced, sang, performed every task of drama and comic relief. And they enjoyed themselves in the process!

 

Thank you everyone and congratulations!

 

Hope to see you in the next edition of the Kids' Show.

 

Kids Show: it's all songs and fun

This week we are hosting The Great Kids' Show once more. A staggering total of 17 groups are taking part in songs, dancing, dialogues, tongue twisters, drama and great fun in English. It's all about enthusiasm. And we have plenty of that.

 

More coming tomorrow. Stay tuned!

 

Mardi Gras: a carnival tradition with a taste for pancakes

Mardi Gras is music, parades, picnics, floats, excitement...and one big holiday in New Orleans! Everyone is wearing purple, green, and gold, and adorned with long beads caught from the beautiful floats. They sit on the ground throwing balls, playing music, having a picnic, and watching the crowds walk by between parades.

During Mardi Gras, all of the businesses and roads are practically shut down--people walk everywhere and meet new friends. People are dressed in crazy costumes, kids are everywhere, and they love it!

 

It's also a wonderful time to indulge in something tasty because what can be better than food and fun together?

 

Apple-pecan pancakes

Serves 9, yields 3 dozen pancakes

Source

 

Dry ingredients:

•  2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup oat-meal
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Liquids:

•  2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 eggs

And:

•  2 cups finely-chopped apples
• 1/2 cup golden raisin, chopped
• 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• optional additional milk

Directions:

1. Mix dry ingredients together thoroughly.
2. Add lemon juice to cream and let sit for 2 minutes.
3. While cream sits, beat eggs into the milk. Combine with cream and vanilla.
4. Toss appples, raisins, pecans, and lemon zest with the dry mix.
5. Preheat lightly-greased griddle medium to medium-high.
6. Pour liquid mix into dry mix and stir together well to make a thick but fluid batter. Do not overmix or pancakes will not be as light.
7. Ladle batter onto griddle to make pancakes about 4 inches in diameter. Turn when bubbles appear all over the pancake.
8. Cook until done in the middle - adjusting heat if necessary to avoid burning.
9. Continue, greasing griddle as necessary, until all pancakes are cooked.
10. Batter may thicken as it stands. It may be necessary to think it with a little additional milk if gets so thick that the pancakes don't cook properly in the center.
 

Mardi Gras Cupcakes

Yields 2 dozen cupackes

Source

 

 Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs, room temperature
• the seeds of 2 Madagascar vanilla beans
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups Buttermilk
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 3 cups cake flour
• 3 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• Green, Purple and Yellow food coloring gel (I used Wilton brand)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. Line cupcake pans with white liners.
2. In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar for 3-4 minutes.
3. While that is creaming, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
4. In another medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the buttermilk, vanilla beans, vanilla extract and sour cream. Whisk until combined. It will look lumpy, which is okay.
5. Add the wet mixture to the butter/sugar and mix on medium speed. Scrape the sides of the bowl and make sure everything is incorporated. NOTE: It will look curdled. DO NOT FRET! It will smooth out once you add the flour.
6. Add all the flour at once and mix on low to medium speed until smooth. Don't over mix!!
7. Separate batter evenly into three bowls.
8. Add food coloring and mix until uniform in color.
9. Using a tablespoon, scoop one color into the liner against one edge. Quickly, scoop the second color next to/overlapping the first color. Finally, add the third color. NOTE: By the time you get to scooping the third color, you should still be able to see a 1/3 of the bottom of the liner.
10. Add another smaller scoop of each color until the liners are 1/2-2/3 full. NOTE: Do not fill these more than 2/3 full. They puff up nicely and you don't want overflow!
11. Bake 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Rotate pan after 12 minutes.
12. Cool in pans for 7-8 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting and decorating.

 

 If you happen to cook any of these yummy recipes, don't forget to send us a photo or a comment. We'd like to know!

Be good. Be creative.

Carnival in Madrid

Carnival joy and freedom have conquered the streets of Madrid. If you want to join in the fun, here is what's going on these days.

 

Music is paramount in Carnival, so this year Verdi and Wagner are coming along. Afther the opening speech on Saturday, the city's huge key will be handed over to this year's herald. Then a parade will be taking the streets. Floats of all kinds will tour the city while actors recreate Goya's famous painting of The Burial of the Sardine. It's remarkable the custom of women wearing two masks, one on the face and one on the back of their heads. Many theatrical companies will be paying homage to music and both composers with fire, opera, buffoons, and the most popular characters of the Commedia dell'arte. The traditional meeting of murgas and chirigotas will take place on the stage located at the Plaza de la Villa on Sunday at noon.

 

 

Four renowned groups present the Musical Carnival for Children at 6 pm on Sunday. This interactive show includes games and celebrates the love for animals. On Monday, the Symphonic Band will offer a concert at plaza de Colón at 7 pm.

 

CentroCentro houses the carnival wardrobe bequeathed by the Menkes family where you can see the costumes of the most popular characters of Verdi's operas: Violeta, Rigoletto, Amneris, Manrico...

 

The origins of the Merry Brotherhood of the Burial of the Sardine can be traced to the reign of King Charles III of Spain in the 18th century. They are entrusted every year with returning the costumes to the trunk, silencing the fanfare and burying the humble fish with full honours. Finally, the carnivel has come to an end, so we must get ready for Lent.

 

Be joyful. Be extravagant.

Beautiful Animals

I've always been drawn to beauty. It is also true that sentient beings have a special kind of beauty that appeals to the spirit and the mind of those seeking something to admire in the world.

 

 

What animal draws the poet out of you?

 

Be loving. Be inspired.

 

I bet you didn't know: useless but curious facts

Today we are going to set our mind to reviewing facts that may not seem too useful, but can amaze and mesmerize the curious and the never-bored.

 

Ready?

 

There are more ways of arranging a pack of ordinary playing cards than there have been seconds since the universe began.

*

A black hole the size of a baseball has a mass approximately 5 times that of Earth

 

*

There are more possible games of chess lasting 40 moves than there are atoms in the entire universe.

 

*

 

The tongue of a mature blue whale has approximately the same mass as that of an entire elephant.

 

*

 

Half of the human genome is identical to that of the banana.

 *

A single Tree in Amazonian Peru may contain more than 40 species of ants, equal to the number on the whole of the British Isles.

 *

 

Franklin Delano Roosevelt suffered from Triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13).

 *

 

In 1752 eleven days were skipped when the Julian Calendar was replaced by the Gregorian calendar. The anger people felt at losing eleven days from their lives resulted in a riot in London.

 *

Oysters are transexuals - they change from one sex to another and back again depending on which is best for mating.

 

*

The 10 Commandments contain 297 words. The Bill of Rights is stated in 463 words. Lincon's Gettysburg Address contains 266 words. A recent federal directive to regulate the price of cabbage contains 26,911 words.

 

Mmm, interesting way to wrap up today's post. And remember, my friends, be interested. Be curious.

Source: Curious