Gibraltar, British colony in the South of Spain

 

Mexico

https://www.canva.com/design/DAF9XkuuIMw/EEq8OvFdBVfzqrjXRw7v1g/edit 

International Women's Day

 

Flamenco projects: FlamenColoma

 

Doñana

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFkmeW62AQ/Z-3qaGNsWqtr9na5kmtmCw/edit?utm_content=DAFkmeW62AQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton 

India

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1WfVJDRg2SuwBTuKArKtUFaP7FN_ZL0DOi_o6DBg0atg/edit?usp=drivesdk 

NATURE with D Attenborough

 

Englishl lesson in Berlin

 

Seville

 

Gender Equality

 

St. Valentine's Day

 

Happy Valentine's Day

 

THE COMMONWEALTH

 INTRODUCTION

About one third of the world’s population lives in the member countries of the Commonwealth, or Commonwealth of Nations. The organization was formerly known as the British Commonwealth of Nations. Almost all the member countries, more than 50 of them, were at one time associated with the British Empire. 

ORGANIZATION

The Commonwealth includes the United Kingdom and most of its former dependencies and dominions. The sovereign, or independent, member countries are free and equal partners with Great Britain in the association. When a dependency becomes a sovereign country, it can choose whether or not to be a member. The Commonwealth has no written constitution and the members have no legal obligation towards one another.

Instead of ambassadors to each other’s governments, Commonwealth countries have representatives called High Commissioners. A Commonwealth Secretariat was established in 1965 in London. This organizes consultations between governments and runs programs of cooperation. 

The Commonwealth countries share certain beliefs, or principles. In 1971 they issued a statement of these principles. The statement indicated that they all support international peace and understanding; liberty of the individual; equal rights for all citizens; and the removal of poverty, ignorance, and disease.

All Commonwealth countries accept Charles IV as the head of the Commonwealth. The Queen is head of state in the United Kingdom and in 15 other member monarchies. A Governor-General in each of these states represents her. In the remaining monarchies, the traditional monarch is head of state. The member countries that are republics have their own heads of state.

The British Empire once ruled colonies throughout the world. The empire reached its greatest size and strength in the 1800s. But eventually the colonies began to gain independence. Canada became a dominion, meaning that it had the right to govern itself, in the 1860s. Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa became dominions before World War I.

When World War I broke out in 1914, the United Kingdom declared war on behalf of the Empire without consulting the dominions. After the end of the war, in 1919, the dominions signed the peace treaty and were accepted as full members of the newly created League of Nations.

The new countries wanted to remain a part of the British Empire, but they wanted to be considered equal members. In 1931 the British accepted their special status in a new law. The law referred specifically to a “British Commonwealth of Nations.” The adjective British was dropped from official use in 1946. The modern Commonwealth began with the entry of India and Pakistan in 1947 and Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) in 1948.

GROWTH

Commonwealth membership continued to grow as former dependencies became independent. Members could also choose to resign from the association. The Irish Republic did so in 1948, South Africa in 1961, and Pakistan in 1972. Pakistan rejoined the Commonwealth in 1989 and South Africa in 1994. Countries are occasionally suspended for adopting military rule. In 1995 Mozambique became the first country to join the Commonwealth that had never been part of the British Empire or under the control of any member.

2024 The Year of the Dragon

Chinese  New Year starts on the 10th February 2024 and concludes on January 28th, 2025 (Chinese New Year's Eve). The Dragon is also associated with the years 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, and 1952. People born in Dragon years usually possess natural courage, tenacity, and intelligence, often displaying enthusiasm and confidence.

In Chinese culture, the Dragon holds a significant place as an auspicious and extraordinary creature, unparalleled in talent and excellence. It symbolizes power, nobility, honor, luck, and success. Consequently, 2024 is forecasted to bring about opportunities, changes, and challenges. If you're seeking a shift in your current lives, this year might offer a chance.

According to the Chinese horoscope, the luckiest zodiac signs in 2024 are Monkeys, Roosters, and Pigs. Following closely behind are Tigers, Rabbits, Snakes, Monkeys, Roosters, and Dogs. However, if you're born in the Year of the Rat, Ox, Dragon, Horse, Goat, or Dog, you might need to brace yourself for various challenges and make more effort than in 2023 to achieve your goals.

Why is the Dragon the most popular sign in the Chinese zodiac? The video below unveils the secret .

Chinese Zodiac Dragon Years

The Dragon is the fifth animal sign in the Chinese zodiac cycle. If you were born in 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, then your Chinese zodiac sign is Dragon.

The Chinese zodiac year is usually said to start from Chinese New Year, whose date ranges from late January to mid-February. Therefore, if you were born in January or February in one of the above years, you might be a Dragon, or possibly a Rabbit

Dates for Dragon Years

Dragon Years	Dates	Element
2024	February 10, 2024 – January 28, 2025	Wood Dragon
2012	January 23, 2012 – February 9, 2013	Water Dragon
2000	February 5, 2000 – January 23, 2001	Gold Dragon
1988	February 17, 1988 – February 5, 1989	Earth Dragon
1976	January 31, 1976 – February 17, 1977	Fire Dragon
1964	February 13, 1964 – February 1, 1965	Wood Dragon
1952	January 27, 1952 – February 13, 1953	Water Dragon
1940	February 8, 1940 – January 26, 1941	Gold Dragon

Zodiac Dragons' Personality: Confident, Intelligent...

Among the Chinese zodiac animals, the dragon stands out as a special mythical creature. In Chinese zodiac, the dragon holds great significance as the most majestic and powerful beast. In ancient times, Chinese people thought that Dragons possessed the qualities required to lead the world due to their dominant nature and ambitious spirit.

Gifted with innate courage, tenacity, and intelligence, Dragons are enthusiastic and confident. They are not afraid of challenges, and willing to take risks.

At times, dragons may be perceived as aggressive, and when they're angry, they might not be open to criticism. However, it's important to note that dragons see themselves as neither irritating nor arrogant. Instead, they strive to break away from traditional norms and pave the way for a brighter future.

Wood, Fire, Earth, Gold, and Water Dragons

It is theorized that a person's characteristics are decided by their birth year's zodiac animal sign and element. So there are five types of Dragons, each with different characteristics:

In Chinese element theory, each zodiac sign is associated with one of five elements: Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire, or Earth, which means that a Wood Dragon, for example, comes once in a 60-year cycle.

Type of Dragon	Personality
Wood Dragon (1964, 2024)	Introverted, less enthusiastic, and lacking in good relationships
Fire Dragon (1916, 1976)	Smart and easygoing, agile and flexible
Earth Dragon (1928, 1988)	Smart, ambitious, and hardworking
Gold Dragon (1940, 2000)	Natural and straightforward, talent and desire to be seen
Water Dragon (1952, 2012)	Persevering, farsighted, and vigorous

• Rat
• OX
• Tiger
• Rabbit
• Dragon
• Snake
• Horse
• Goat
• Monkey
• Rooster
• Dog
• Pig

S. Fitzgerald

https://newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/when-scott-and-zelda-fitzgerald-honeymooned-and-partied-in-westport-conn/ 

El Rocío by The NY Times

 THE WORLD THROUGH A LENS

Flamenco and Fervor: Inside Spain’s El Rocío Pilgrimage

The annual spectacle, featuring fanciful caravans and riders on horseback, is arguably the most potent visual representation of Andalusian culture.

In our The World Through a Lens column, photojournalists help transport you, virtually, to some of our planet’s most compelling places. This week, Kevin Faingnaert and Anna Hart share an essay from Southern Spain.

“You can’t wear that flamenco dress for the El Rocío pilgrimage, Bonita,” Maria Cárdenas, our Airbnb host, said with a laugh. “You’ll die in the heat.”

She pinched the thick red fabric between her thumb and held it up to my face like a specimen. “You see? Heavy tight dresses like this are made for the festivals at the bullring in Seville city,” she explained. “You need lightweight stretchy polyester for pilgrimages — for riding, walking, dancing, siestas in the grass.”

Image

The Hermandad del Rocío de Sevilla 

The World Through a Lens

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, we’re turning to photojournalists who can help transport you, virtually, to some of our planet’s most beautiful and compelling places

Your tracker settings

Prince William's moving speech

 

Coronation Day: Charles III

 Buckingham Palace is pleased to announce further details on the celebratory events that will take place over the Coronation Weekend between Saturday 6th and Monday 8th May 2023. The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May, 2023. The Service will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Across the Coronation Weekend, there will be further opportunities for people to come together in celebration of the historic occasion. On Sunday, 7th May 2023, a special Coronation Concert will be staged and broadcast live at Windsor Castle by the BBC and BBC Studios, with several thousand pairs of tickets to be made available via public ballot. The Coronation Big Lunch, at which neighbours and communities are invited to share food and fun together, will take place across the country on the same date. On Monday, 8th May 2023, members of the public will be invited to take part in The Big Help Out, which will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas. Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort hope the Coronation Weekend will provide an opportunity to spend time and celebrate with friends, families and communities across the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth. Saturday 6th May 2023 Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort will arrive at Westminster Abbey in procession from Buckingham Palace, known as ‘The King’s Procession’. After the Service, Their Majesties will return to Buckingham Palace in a larger ceremonial procession, known as ‘The Coronation Procession’. Their Majesties will be joined in this procession by other Members of the Royal Family. At Buckingham Palace, The King and The Queen Consort, accompanied by Members of the Royal Family, will appear on the balcony to conclude the day’s ceremonial events. Sunday 7th May 2023 The Coronation Concert will bring global music icons and contemporary stars together in celebration of the historic occasion. The concert will see a world-class orchestra play interpretations of musical favourites fronted by some of the world’s biggest entertainers, alongside performers from the world of dance. The performances will be supported by staging and effects located on the Castle’s East Lawn and will also feature a selection of spoken word sequences delivered by stars of stage and screen. Coronation Weekend plans announced buckingham palace has announced its plans for the coronation. read carefully and answer the questions. Through a national ballot held by the BBC, several thousand members of the public will be selected to receive a pair of free tickets for the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle. Alongside the stars of the concert, the show will also see an exclusive appearance from The Coronation Choir. This diverse group will be created from the nation’s keenest community choirs and amateur singers from across the United Kingdom, such as Refugee choirs, NHS choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups and deaf signing choirs. The centrepiece of the Coronation Concert, ‘Lighting up the Nation’, will see the country join together in celebration as iconic locations across the United Kingdom are lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations. Neighbours and communities across the United Kingdom are invited to share food and fun together at Coronation Big Lunches on Sunday 7th May 2023, in a nationwide act of celebration and friendship. From a cup of tea with a neighbour to a street party, a Coronation Big Lunch brings the celebrations to your neighbourhood and is a great way to get to know your community a little better. Thousands of events are expected to take place in every corner of the United Kingdom this May as people take to their streets, gardens, parks and community spaces to join the Coronation celebrations and mark this historic occasion. Monday 8th May 2023 The Big Help Out is being organised by The Together Coalition and a wide range of partners such as The Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service and faith groups from across the United Kingdom. The Big Help Out will highlight the positive impact volunteering has on communities across the nation. The aim of The Big Help Out is to use volunteering to bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the Coronation Weekend. Coronation Weekend plans announced buckingham palace has announced its plans for the coronation. read carefully and answer the questions.

Doñana National Park

 

Shakespeare's 400 anniversary Folio edition

https://www.christies.com/features/christies-celebrates-four-centuries-of-shakespeares-first-folio-12738-3.aspx?sc_lang=en#fid-12738&cid=EM_SM_O_FB_Inc_CON______Shakespeare_BKS____