English in Madrid

Viewpoint Adverbs These adverbs indicate whose opinion or perspective is being presented. They often limit or define the scope of a statement. Examples of Viewpoint Adverbs: Scientifically speaking , this method is not reliable . (From a scientific perspective) Legally , you are required to pay taxes. (From a legal standpoint ) Politically , the decision was controversial. (From a political perspective) Financially , the project was a disaster. (From a financial standpoint) Other Viewpoint Adverbs: Ethically, theoretically, historically, medically, personally, officially, technically, logically, linguistically, architecturally, economically, technologically, objectively, philosophically, strategically, aesthetically. Read about Comment Adverbs . Here is a continuation of the list from the previous post in the above link: 26. Evidently ,  he had been lying all along .  – Suggests something is apparent based on the evidence.  27. Regrettably , we can’t...

Remind yourselves of what happened to the Sycamore Gap tree and then read the latest : Foto de Andrew Masters en Unsplash Pair guilty of cutting down Sycamore Gap tree Two men have been found guilty of the " mindless destruction" of the world famous Sycamore Gap tree, the felling of which sparked international outrage . The tree had grown in a dip on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland for more than 100 years before it was cut down in a "moronic mission" in the early hours of 28 September 2023, Newcastle Crown Court heard. Daniel Michael Graham, 39, from Carlisle, and Adam Carruthers, 32, from Wigton in Cumbria, were each convicted of two counts of criminal damage . Prosecutors said the pair carried out the "mindless thuggery " as a "bit of a laugh " but, when they realised the public's fury, they were too cowardly to confess. Jurors took about five hours to reach their verdicts with both men remanded into custody for thei...

Image generated by Chat GPT Pope Gregory I ("Gregory the Great") (590–604) Inventor of Gregorian Chant , which still influences Western music. Helped define the role of the papacy as a moral and political leader , not just a religious one. Sent missionaries (like Augustine of Canterbury) to convert Anglo-Saxons in England. Pope Urban II (1088–1099) Launched the First Crusade in 1095 with the rallying cry Deus vult! ("God wills it!"). His speech at the Council of Clermont changed the course of European and Middle Eastern history. Pope Innocent III (1198–1216) Considered one of the most powerful medieval Popes . Asserted papal supremacy over kings (famously clashing with King John of England). Convened the Fourth Lateran Council , which defined key doctrines like transubstantiation. Lost the Papal States when Italy unified, becoming a "prisoner of the Vatican." Pope Celestine V (1294) A hermit-monk who didn’t want to...

Image generated by Chat GPT Who is Robert Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV? Even before his name was announced from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, the crowds below were chanting "Viva il Papa" - Long live the Pope. Robert Prevost, 69, will be the 267th occupant of the throne of St Peter and he will be known as Leo XIV. He is the first American to fill the role of Pope, although he is considered as much a cardinal from Latin America because of the many years he spent as a missionary in Peru, before becoming a bishop there. Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, Prevost served as an altar boy and was ordained as a priest in 1982. Although he moved to Peru three years later, he returned regularly to the US to serve as a pastor and a prior in his home city. He has Peruvian nationality and is fondly remembered as a figure who worked with marginalised communities and helped build bridges. He spent 10 years as a local parish pastor and ...

Image generated by Chat GPT The 2nd of May (Dos de Mayo) is a significant public holiday in Madrid, Spain, commemorating the uprising of the people of Madrid against French occupation on May 2, 1808. This rebellion marked the beginning of the Peninsular War (also called the Spanish War of Independence), in which Spanish forces fought Napoleon’s army . Historical Significance: On May 2, 1808, citizens of Madrid rose up against the French troops stationed in the city. Although the rebellion was brutally suppressed , it sparked a nationwide resistance movement. The event is especially remembered for the heroism of ordinary Madrileños, including the famous Daoíz and Velarde, two Spanish army officers who resisted the French at the Monteleón Artillery Barracks . Spanish painter Francisco de Goya famously depicted the brutality of the events in works like The Second of May 1808 and The Third of May 1808. Celebrations: The Community of Madrid (Comunidad de Madrid) observes this day a...