Dracula

Bram Stoker:

Mysterious and tormented: that's what we know about Bram Stoker, the creator of Dracula. And, indeed, that is how he must have been to imagine such a bloodthirsty creature. 104 years later, the author is perhaps not so well rembembered but Dracula is certainly still as famous as ever. It's a cae of character that has "eliminated" its author!

1847: Bram Stoker is born in Clontarf (Dublin).

1867: He goes to uniuversity

1876: He meets the actor Henry Irving in the Royal Theatre in Dublin

1878: He marries Florence Balcomb, whom he meets at the home of the parents of the famous writer Oscar Wilde. He starts working as a stage manager in the Lyceum Theater in London.

1882: Publicitation of this first book of stories.

1883: Lyceum Theatre American tour. He meets the American poet, Walt Whitman.

1890: He meets professor Arminius Vambery, and joins a secret society. Publication of his first novel, The Snake Pass.

1894: Publication of stories.

1895: Publication of the novel The Shoulder of Shasta

1897: Pulbication of Dracula. First and only representation of the theatrical adaptation of Dracula.

1905: Henry Irving dies

1911: Publication of the novel The Lair of the White Worm.

1912: He dies on the 21st of April.

1915: Publication of short posthumous novels, amongst wich we can find Dracula's Guest. 

Solar eclipse projects 'ring of fire' across Asia and U.S.

The shadow of the moon swept across the globe from Hong Kong to the Texas Panhandle as a rare annular solar eclipse began Monday morning in Asia and traversed the Pacific.

The sun appeared as a thin ring behind the moon to people in a narrow path along the center of the track, which began in southern China. Heavy clouds obscured the view in Hong Kong, but residents of Tokyo and other cities were able to get a spectacular view for about four minutes around 7:32 a.m. Monday (6:32 p.m. ET Sunday).

Britney Spears and Demi Lovato to judge X Factor USA

Britney Spears and Demi Lovato have signed up as judges for the US version of the X Factor.

The singers will join Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid on the judging panel when the show returns in the autumn.
Fox confirmed earlier this year that Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger would not be returning.
The programme's creator Simon Cowell had promised to shake up the show after ratings failed to match his predictions.
Speaking as the new judges were presented in New York, he said: "We're going to make this the best series we've ever made.
"We started off well last year but we are going to seriously kick butt with the addition of these guys."

Three meters adove the sky

I'd like to recommend a book which I read last summer, called Three Meters  Adove the Sky. The author of the book is Federico Moccia.

The book is a drama of live and the setting is nowadays Italy. The main characters are two teenagers. Babi is a daughter of a rich family. She is a good student and a good girl, Step is the opposite.

The things I liked most about the book were the kind of relationship between Babi and Step. Some of the scenes are about fighting or careers of motorbikes so there is violence.

All in all, I really liked the novel, although it hasn't got a happy ending, but I wouldn't change it. Also ther is the film, with Spanish actors: Mario Casas and Maria Valverde. It's great too, but I prefere the book.

Express doubt and presuade

Gemma - Hey Cristina! Where is the landscape of this picture from? 

Cris- Of this picture? Its in a natural park in Canada, I took this photo in my last summer holidays. Do you like it? 

Gemma- mmm.. I'm not convinced. 

Cris- Don't you think its a beautiful landscape? In my opinion I think it's amazing. 

Gemma- Yes, I agree you with your opinion of the landscape, but I'm not sure of that yellow bus you can see in the left! 

Cristina- Oh, come on! It isn't bad... You've to look really carfully to see it! Gemma- Thats true! Anyone will see it! 

 Cristina- Ok, thanks Gemma for your opinion! 

Gemma- You're welcome!

Recommend and express preferences

Cris: Hey, Gemma, have you seen any good films recently?

Gemma: Yes one or two. Have you?

Cris: No, what about this one? Is it any good?

Gemma: I can only recommend that if you like really bad musical

Cris: No, I don't fancy that

Gemma: I think you will enjoy more this one.

Cris: What's that? THE OTHERS? No, I don't like the mistery and horror films! I'd prefere a romantic one!

Gemma: A romantic... eeer.... Ok, well, try this one! The Last Song! You'll enjoy it.

Cris: Ok, Thanks.

Talk about plans and arrangements

Cris: Hi Gemma. Have you got a minute? 

Gemma: Hello, Cris. What can I do for you? 

Cris: I'm doing a concert for charity next week, and I'm looking for a volunteer. 

Gemma: that's very good. What's it for? 

Cris: It's for a hospital charity 

Gemma: And when are you singing? 

Cris: I'm singing next Sunday. I'm hoping to raise about 150 pounds. Will you helped me? 

Gemma: Yes, of course! I hope you raise it. 

Cris: I'm going to try! Some friends are going to do it too. 

Gemma: Good luck, Cris! 

Cris: Thanks