Constance Jablonski Balmain

Constance Jablonski is a French supermodel deemed as one of the most important stars in the world of fashion. Amongst other renowned brands she works for deluxe fashion brand Balmain as you can guess right now. 

Constance Jablonski Balmain

Jose Bautista Toronto Blue Jays

Professional baseball player Jose Bautista from Dominican Republic who belongs to Toronto Blue Jays was the star of one of the best moments of last year on NorthAmerican Baseball league, last October 14th, 2015 he rendered such an impressive Three Run Shot that not only Toronto Blue Jays won that match, they defeated the baseball team from Texas. Likewise, they became the favorite team to win Baseball World Series. Jose Bautista was the star all over Toronto and he inspired tattoos, t-shirts owing to his cogent reaction as you can discover right now. 

Jose Bautista Toronto Blue Jays

Jose Bautista Blue Jays Toronto Three Run Shot

Jose Bautista Toronto Blue Jays

BBC article by Inka Piegsa about Trasmoz

It was more than a privilege to be part of a BBC article (indirectly) penned by German writer Inka Piegsa about the only one municipality in Southern Europe that is cursed by Catholic Church, Trasmoz. I visited this place with the author writer Inka Piegsa and the result is this astonishing article that has been translated to many different languages Trasmoz. Taking advantage of this opportunity I wrote my own version of what took place both in Spanish Trasmoz and English Trasmoz  What is more, Inka Piegsa conveyed his vision on her personal blog about Tarazona and the villages that are all around El Moncayo mountain and Trasmoz, something that can be discovered right now Trasmoz Inka Piegsa and on this other article Moncayo Tarazona.  

Trasmoz with my new friend Lola and Writer Inka Piegsa

Inka Piegsa has kept herself travelling and discovering new places. Accordingly, she has just published a new article about a hidden and remote place in rural Aragon as you can read now Inka Piegsa Do rate, share and comment Trasmoz

Deaf World

Deaf people, an unknown world of our society.

Are you enjoying that television series on your television? Turn the voice off, wait a little bit, study the situation, look around. How do you feel? Strange, doesn´t it?. This is how deaf people feel in society, isolation, inequality, marginalization can be easily followed. Perhaps you can infer that they can add subtitles on the telly in order to comprehend what it has being conveyed or perhaps you remonstrate about the new reality it has been hidden for you until this moment uttering that deaf people can read lips. The truth is notwithstanding, deaf people have been taught for centuries under the notion they are inferior to the rest of humans hence they do always assent in order to cause no troubles at all. As a matter of fact, only people who are extremely good at languages can read lips properly. What is more, as deaf people do not talk, cannot understand fully (no much in real terms) what you are saying. After having talked to a deaf person a hearer one will probably say that he or she was really nice albeit the deaf person would have not understood anything at all. Likewise, the subtitles do not always work, and most of the times only cover a short amount of programs that have been previously recorded. 

Deaf

DEAF PEOPLE

Given the little opportunities they are offered to study do not expect deaf people to read as good as you can or in other words, they are mostly illiterate. In fact, deaf people have always lived an underrated life, they were not able to inherit for example and they were treated horribly, religious institutions were often the only ones that taught deaf people how to behave, no matter deaf did not understand anything it was said by a priest, they believed in god nonetheless. A deaf person works as hard as or harder than a hearer one, yet they know there are boundaries impossible to cross, a hearer person will always be above them. Without going any further, deaf people are not usually allowed to compete in a professional level in sports, they can only compete to other deaf people. The problem is the way in which deafness is addressed as most of the people do not have this disability nor know a deaf person their situation (although improved in an historical level until recently) was going to be worse than the rest, but they are obliged to pay the same amount of taxes than everybody else albeit they are always going to be worse-treated. What would happen if in a country 95% of the people were deaf and only 5% were speakers?. People are unaware of the difficulties of deaf people, 3 kinds of attitude we ought to point out as far as deaf people are concerned. Firstly, the majority of them feel inferior resulting in not using the sign language all the time, recurring to relatives, interpreters if they live in a big city and trying to speak the best they can so that everybody (hearers I mean of course the ones who rule) can feel good ignoring the reality thus, other, young ones from wealthy families who have had the opportunity to study do not use their lips and feel sign language is a proper language and the only difference between a hearer person and a deaf one is the peculiarity of their language thereby an interpreter can make the conversation.  Others, refuse to sign believing is not a language and try to speak as well as they can. This is a thorny issue; there are some private medical procedures (plenty of money involved) that are aimed at improving the hearing of a deaf person ignoring on purpose the natural nature of sign language. All of a sudden, a mum whose family is strange to deafness give birth to a deaf human, she may be misled, feeling horribly the parents could think their children may talk and hear as good as the rest because deafness is a disability that should be eradicate, private medical institutions will help them therefore… Nevertheless, there are some deaf people who feel sign language is not so good trying to ignore it, they accept the superiority of hearers no matter how the situation or the experience has been. These are the 3 ways in which deaf people behave. On the other hand, how must we approach ourselves to a deaf person? Are them less than us? Are different or just speak another language?. If you are from Europe for instance and you encounter yourself to a Chinese person and you have a deaf person from your neighbourhood who has been living next to you for 40 years, is there a real difference between the Asian person who is in Europe for the first time and only talk Chinese and the deaf person who has been living in your country studying with a sign language interpreter at school and can say (in a funny way for most of us of course) many words or expressions in your language?. This is the key factor, society do not fully recognize deaf people have a language of their own, thereby try imagining you are with a foreign tourist who has not a command of your native tongue at all. A deaf person does not have a problem in their head nor a physical one, they can run as good as you can or work as good as you can and if a deaf person goes to a good school and the institution understands the situation a deaf student with good interpreters could pass a degree just like you or even with better marks. Deaf people are different but we must embrace the difference with fairness, as long as a deaf person has an interpreter alongside the reality between a deaf person and a speaker one changes and there is no discrimination and they are just the same, but of course is impossible that a deaf person could live 24 hours with an interpreter in a daily sound world. 

Deaf

Yet, if a wonderful striker speaks a foreign language and does no talk the mother tongue of their team, fans would forget it as they will see him as a hero since he scores a hat-trick every Sunday, they will wait to see the translation from the interpreter with a smile on their face. However, I bet the same will not happen if an ordinary deaf person with an interpreter is surrounded by 30 hearers in a street. It is high time consequently we at least waited as patiently as we would wait for the translation of the interpreter of the footballer. Deaf people have a different culture but they are integrated in our society and these kind of differences are good indeed, try learning sign language and a new window in your brain will be opened, they have developed an unique visual capacity, you will see things differently. One of the most common mistakes people do is that they got used to believe sign language is an universal one, it is not, every country has one, dissimilar one to each other. There is something called International Sign language that was created to facilitate the conversation when two deaf people from different countries talk to each other. Similarly, this international sign language is used in international events; if you are from France or United States you have an advantage as International Sign Language pick the majority of their terms form these two sign languages. Why? There was a pioneer called Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet who thought deaf people were special no inferior, he went to France and learned French Sign Language and their methods, he developed their techniques throughout North America. As a result, there is now a University called Gallaudet Washington D.C. that is like a heaven for deaf people inasmuch as all the teachers and students are deaf. With regards to deafness every country has its laws, sign language is not fully recognize in many parts of the world, imagine your language is not official and you have to learn a new one even though you do not have the skills required to master it. All in all, understanding that minoritites have their peculiarities and cultural differences make a whole society to function better will make our lives to be improved or do you still feel you are better than a deaf person hence you do not deem sign language to be at the same level than English?. Do rate, share and comment.

2016 US Olympic Basketball Team

Two biggest NBA stars Lebron James and Stephen Curry have decided not to play for 2016 United States Olympic Basketball Team. Lebron James wants to rest, he has already played for United States Olympic Basketball Team on Athens, Beijing and London winning two golden medals and a bronze one. Stephen Curry suffered from an injury at the beginning of last playoffs and he does want to recover from it. Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors have played one of the finest NBA finals ever, even one of the most outstanding insofar as Cavaliers were losing 3-1, something Warriors did even attained playing against Oklahoma City Thunder on Western Conference Finals. What is more, Golden State Warriors had surmounted the historical record of Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls on 1996. Michael Jordan and his teammates had 73 victories and 9 losses. Golden State Warriors have won 73 games losing only 9, yet Chicago Bulls were the champions that year. Lebron James Read this in Spanish NBA Now you can enjoy the best moments of the last game between Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers

Final Game Season 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Even so, no one should be worried at all as the players selected to play for 2016 US Olympic Basketball Team are excellent albeit Westbrook, Griffin, Davis and Harden can no play either we have on this US team the best partner of Curry on Golden State Warriors Klay Thompson. Similarly, the best partner of Lebron James, Irving. Likewise, we see the star of New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony, the star of Indiana Pacers Paul George or the best two players of Toronto Raptors DeRozan and Lowry.

2016 US OLYMPIC BASKETBALL TEAM

2016 US Olympic Basketball Team

2016 US OLYMPIC BASKETBALL TEAM

1. Carmelo Anthony. New York Knicks
2. Harrison Barnes. Golden State Warriors
3. Jimmy Butler. Chicago Bulls
4. DeMarcus Cousins Sacramento Kings
5. DeMar DeRozan Toronto Raptors
6. Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Thunder
7. Paul George Indiana Pacers
8. Draymond Green Golden State Warriors
9. Kyrie Irving Cleveland Cavaliers
10. DeAndre Jordan. Los Angeles Clippers
11. Kyle Lowry. Toronto Raptors
12. Klay Thompson. Golden State Warriors

John Milton Paradise lost

We are to talk today about one of the greatest masterpieces written in English, Paradise Lost by one of the greatest English poets ever John Milton. The figure of John Milton was defined as "the greatest English revolutionary who is also a poet, the greatest English poet who is also a revolutionary". John Milton

Nonetheless, there is some controversy over his legacy. For instance, Leavis says his way of writing does not follow English tradition. By contrast, Ricks defends originality of Paradise Lost. There are no full stops until the verse 16 inside poem Paradise Lost by John Milton, his language technique is deemed as Grand Style.

JOHN MILTON PARADISE LOST

John Milton Paradise Lost

After some years of English Republic, Monarchy was introduced again in the year 1660. Oliver Cromwell passed away, John Milton had to pay a fine in order to be free, he had already lost some members of his family, plays by John Milton are thrown to a bonfire, John Milton was detained but he subsequently was free thanks to a fine he paid. John Milton married again, broke, he started writing Paradise Lost even though he was almost blind.

Paradise Lost John Milton

John Milton read classic authors such as Homer, Ovid, Spenser and also the Bible. Paradise Lost is the story of humanity with mankind as main protagonist albeit there is also the subject of English revolution.

Paradise Lost John Milton 

JOHN MILTON 1608-1671.

John Milton was born in London on a very cultural environment, he inherited from his dad a musical taste and the love for poetry. John Milton studied in the School of the Cathedral of Saint Paul and in a private way with a tutor. Subsequently, John Milton studied at Christ´s College, in the University of Cambridge and he also considered being a priest. John Milton was able to write in Latin, Italian and also in English with a peculiar Latin style. 

Abide by his strong character he had to leave University for a brief period of time. He was called The lady of Christ´s as he had good looks. John Milton went to Horton, a house in the countryside in order to read and keep studying so that develop other languages such as Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French, Italian and Spanish.

John Milton Paradise Lost

Do share this post about the figure of John Milton and his masterpiece Paradise Lost. John Milton

Cavalier Poets

Such was the horrendous situation of the state of England in XVII century (something you are able to discover reading this last post (Oliver Cromwell English Civil War) literature as a consequence was overlaid with that sense. On this post we are to talk of those who were supportive of the English Crown Cavalier poets also known as The Tribe of Ben Jonson or The sons of Ben. Ben Jonson (analysed here Ben Jonson) was so relevant that Cavalier Poets were his imitators. Cavalier poets reunited themselves in pubs such as The Mermaid or The Devil or in a place known as The Apollo Room for instance, forming a literary assembly reading poetry and talking about politics. Aristocrazy enjoyed poetry, a longing note or a letter written in verse served as propaganda. Influence of the ladies on Court was remarkable, there are some poems dedicated to influential women. For instance, Countess of Bedford. Writers and Court members shared readings and a cultural background. Without going any further, these Cavalier Poets used the epigram, a short, satirical poem imitating Catulo and Martial. Ode, a medium poem about love or celebration as Pindar or Horatio did. Elegy like the ones Ovid wrote. The best ever Cavalier poet was Robert Herrick.

Cavalier Poets

Oliver Cromwell English Civil War.

Poetry and politics are interconnected and highly dependent upon on English XVII century. On the one hand we have Cavalier Poets who are close to the Crown. Oliver Cromwell

On the other hand we ought to mention the figure of John Milton as poet of the English Revolution, an advocate for English Republicanism. Charles I son of James I (1603-1625) inherited the English throne in 1625, he shared like his father the believe in Absolutism as a gift by the grace of god as his dad firmly defended but Charles I was not possessed of the skills required to dialogue nor the capacity of agreement and compromise his dad epitomized, many disputes were established with Parliament in a constant basis. 

Furthermore, Charles I did want to marry Henrietta Maria, the Catholic daughter of Luis XIII who was an enemy of Protestantism. The marriage took place in Paris and subsequently it was celebrated in Canterbury one more time, official arrangements were fulfilled without the Queen.

Soon thereafter, 30 years war commenced. Charles I decided to rule without the Parliament. As a consequence, an absolute government was formed lasting from 1629 to 1640, a period known as Personal Rule or The Eleven Year´s tyranny, some taxes were reintroduced, anguish in the popular segment of the population was created hence. 

Similarly, some religious conflicts were produced as a result of the puritan distrust of those who were in charge of monitoring Anglican Church in a traditional way something it was not supported. 

Some literary plays such as Julius Caesar, Richard II, Henry V and Henry VI conveyed a strong statement, it purported the idea of killing a king as something that should be attainable when deserved, little by little it gained plenty of support. A Bishop´s war which took place in Scotland brought a military and economic crisis as well. 

English Civil War

ENGLISH CIVIL WAR OLIVER CROMWELL

English Civil War lasted from 1642 to 1649, Oliver Cromwell was the proper strategist of the key battles Marston Moor (1644) and Naseby (1645) on English Civil War which was won by Oliver Cromwell (1642-1649) 

What is more, he participated on the military campaigns of Ireland (1649-1650) being awarded with the title of Lord General.  Likewise, he participated in a military campaign in Scotland (1650-1651) thus he was honoured with the title of Lord Commander in 1653, a lifelong position. 

He was offered the Crown something he refused to accept. Oliver Cromwell was a firmly religious believer. He represented Cambridge in the Parliament but he ended being the most important person on the English Republic, his role was decisive to kill Charles I, the first English king to be decapitated to date. Oliver Cromwell was a Parliament member representing Cambridge, he was chosen colonel of the Revolutionary Army his role was decisive in order to execute Charles I, to abolish monarchy and establishing English Republic. 

Oliver Cromwell

OLIVER CROMWELL

Oliver Cromwell divided the country in military districts, people from the army were in charge and the only person to with they were obliged to take issue was Oliver Cromwell. 

In 1658 Oliver Cromwell died, his son followed him on his post but it was such a despair when it came to the state of the country that monarchy was reintroduced again. Oliver Cromwell was beheaded and his head was exposed on Westminster Hall. 

English Civil War

In Ireland, the country was tearing itself apart as there was a transference with regards to the land ownership between catholic and protestants an Irish revolution followed in 1941. 

A document called "Grand Remonstrance" was signed at House of Commons. The King requested the presence of five of these people, yet they were gone though, as a consequence, the Parliament made London theirs hence the king established the court in Oxford.

In 1642 English Civil War started, theatres were closed officially, The king Charles I was killed on January 30th, 1649. Never before a king was killed on British history nor was accused of treason. 

Notwithstanding all of the facts given on this post, English monarchy was reintroduced in 1660 in the person of Charles II son of Charles I who came from Paris. Cavalier poets were close to the Monarchy and a poet like John Milton defended the English Republic about them we are going to talk very soon. Read this in Spanish English Civil War.

Joan Smalls Givenchy

Seems normal to discover Puerto Rican supermodel starring the best fashion campaigns on earth and working with the best on the fashion Industry. Yet, it was a time when Joan Smalls was no renowned hence her career was only a figment of her imagination. You can see right now the first fashion campaign Joan Smalls did for French Label Givenchy some years ago. The rest is history.

Joan Smalls Givenchy

Joan Smalls Givenchy

Ben Jonson

Appropriate is to mention the figure of Ben Jonson author of both masques and urban comedy. It is impossible to discover the personality of William Shakespeare on his plays. By contrast, with Ben Jonson we see just the contrary, all his production have a personal scent. His personality was exuberant with great vitality and energy, he was possessed of a huge capacity with regards to social observation and psychological perception that was added to his extraordinary comical talent. He was exigent and  impulsive something that can be discovered on his poem "My picture left in Scotland" included on the collection "The Underwood". His father was a religious person, his mum married again to a bricklayer and he had to work as one for some time. Despite not being able to attend University both Cambridge and Oxford gave him a  diploma in consequence of such a nice detail he dedicated his masterpiece Volpone to the beforementioned institutions; Cambridge and Oxford. 

Ben Jonson

In order to avoid the profession of bricklayer he enrolled himself on the army to fight in Flandes. In 1598 he killed another actor in a duel hence he spent some time in prison. He became a Catholic and later on he embraced the Anglican confession again twelve years later, his life was overlaid with prosperity and poverty. He wrote masques for the Court.  As he was accused of being on Gundpowder´s plot he worked as a spy for the monarchy. Ben Jonson was an avid reader of classic plays, he strongly believed one should know in depth the profession of writer to become one, a sentence of him was

  "A good poet´s make as well as born". Ben Jonson

He would read and would imitate classic authors with a constant exercise of improving the language and the style so that reaching clarity and precision, something relevant for Ben Jonson. The main aim of Ben Jonson was to confer literature with a professional status. Ben Jonson wrote: poetry, theatre and reviews.

BEN JONSON POETRY

Inside poesy of Ben Jonson we ought to praise the play "Epigrams", poems which are models of brevity, conciseness, cleverness and social satire. Ben Jonson criticises political institutions, colleagues or authors. Being an admirer of Horatio he expressed like him 

"The impossibility of any man´s being the good poet, without first being a good man" Ben Jonson

Ben Jonson

He censures mistakes made by Shakespeare on Titus Andronicus, Thomas Kyd on The Spanish Tragedy or character Prospero main protagonist of The Tempest because fiction ought to imitate real life.

BEN JONSON MASQUES

We have to differentiate between comedies written for the commercial eye and masques for the Court. Masques were a widely popular act, an allegory of an important happening for the Monarchy. Ben Jonson wrote a lot of masques for the court, they were a lavish spectacle with special effects, music or dancing. Masques must praise the king otherwise you could end up in prison. Nevertheless, the masterpiece of Ben Jonson is Volpone Ben Jonson