Today, The Windsors & The Grandma have visited LochNess to spend a goodtime with Nessie, an old friend, that hasbecome a great legend.
Before visiting Nessie, the family hasstudied some English grammar with Countable & Uncountable, and theyhave written a recipe about a Blue Soupto invite Osama and Bridget to eat it.
The Loch Ness Monster, in Scottish Gaelic UilebheistLoch Nis, affectionately known as Nessie, is a mythical creature in Scottish folklore that is said to inhabit Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands.
It is often described as large, long-necked, and with one or more humps
protruding from the water. Popular interest and belief in the creature
has varied since it was brought to worldwide attention in 1933. Evidence
of its existence is anecdotal with a number of disputed photographs and
sonar readings.
The scientific community explains alleged sightings of the Loch Ness Monster
as hoaxes, wishful thinking, and the misidentification of mundane
objects. The pseudoscience and subculture of cryptozoology has placed
particular emphasis on the creature.
In
August 1933, the Courier published the account of George Spicer's
alleged sighting. Public interest skyrocketed, with countless letters
being sent in detailing different sightings describing a monster fish, sea serpent, or dragon, with the final name ultimately settling on Loch Ness monster. Since the 1940s, the creature has been affectionately called Nessie, in Scottish Gaelic Niseag.
A
number of explanations have been suggested to account for sightings of
the creature. According to Ronald Binns, a former member of the Loch Ness Phenomena Investigation Bureau, there is probably no single explanation of the monster. Binns wrote two sceptical books, the 1983 The Loch Ness Mystery Solved, and his 2017 The Loch Ness Mystery Reloaded. In these he contends that an aspect of human psychology is the ability of the eye to see what it wants, and expects, to see.
They
may be categorised as misidentifications of known animals,
misidentifications of inanimate objects or effects, reinterpretations of
Scottish folklore, hoaxes, and exotic species of large animals. A reviewer wrote that Binns had evolved into the author of the definitive, skeptical book on the subject. Binns does not call the sightings a hoax, but a myth in the true sense of the term and states that the monster is a sociological phenomenon. After
1983 the search (for the) possibility that there just might be
continues to enthrall a small number for whom eye-witness evidence
outweighs all other considerations".
In 1980 Swedish naturalist and author Bengt Sjögren wrote that present beliefs in lake monsters such as the Loch Ness Monster
are associated with kelpie legends. According to Sjögren, accounts of
loch monsters have changed over time; originally describing horse-like
creatures, they were intended to keep children away from the loch.
Sjögren wrote that the kelpie legends have developed into descriptions
reflecting a modern awareness of plesiosaurs.
The kelpie as a water horse in Loch Ness was mentioned in an 1879 Scottish newspaper, and inspired Tim Dinsdale's Project Water Horse. A study of pre-1933 Highland folklore references to kelpies, water horses and water bulls indicated that Ness was the loch most frequently cited.
Today, The Grandma has visited Loch Ness to spend a good time with Nessie, an old friend, that has become a great legend.
The Loch Ness Monster, in Scottish Gaelic UilebheistLoch Nis, affectionately known as Nessie, is a mythical creature in Scottish folklore that is said to inhabit Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. It is often described as large, long-necked, and with one or more humps protruding from the water. Popular interest and belief in the creature has varied since it was brought to worldwide attention in 1933. Evidence of its existence is anecdotal with a number of disputed photographs and sonar readings.
The scientific community explains alleged sightings of the Loch Ness Monster as hoaxes, wishful thinking, and the misidentification of mundane objects. The pseudoscience and subculture of cryptozoology has placed particular emphasis on the creature.
In August 1933, the Courier published the account of George Spicer's alleged sighting. Public interest skyrocketed, with countless letters being sent in detailing different sightings describing a monster fish, sea serpent, or dragon, with the final name ultimately settling on Loch Ness monster. Since the 1940s, the creature has been affectionately called Nessie, in Scottish Gaelic Niseag.
A number of explanations have been suggested to account for sightings of the creature. According to Ronald Binns, a former member of the Loch Ness Phenomena Investigation Bureau, there is probably no single explanation of the monster. Binns wrote two sceptical books, the 1983 The Loch Ness Mystery Solved, and his 2017 The Loch Ness Mystery Reloaded. In these he contends that an aspect of human psychology is the ability of the eye to see what it wants, and expects, to see.
They may be categorised as misidentifications of known animals, misidentifications of inanimate objects or effects, reinterpretations of Scottish folklore, hoaxes, and exotic species of large animals. A reviewer wrote that Binns had evolved into the author of the definitive, skeptical book on the subject. Binns does not call the sightings a hoax, but a myth in the true sense of the term and states that the monster is a sociological phenomenon. After 1983 the search (for the) possibility that there just might be continues to enthrall a small number for whom eye-witness evidence outweighs all other considerations".
In 1980 Swedish naturalist and author Bengt Sjögren wrote that present beliefs in lake monsters such as the Loch Ness Monster are associated with kelpie legends. According to Sjögren, accounts of loch monsters have changed over time; originally describing horse-like creatures, they were intended to keep children away from the loch. Sjögren wrote that the kelpie legends have developed into descriptions reflecting a modern awareness of plesiosaurs.
The kelpie as a water horse in Loch Ness was mentioned in an 1879 Scottish newspaper, and inspired Tim Dinsdale's Project Water Horse. A study of pre-1933 Highland folklore references to kelpies, water horses and water bulls indicated that Ness was the loch most frequently cited.
Today, The Jones have continued their trip across the Highlands. After meeting Nessie and spending a wonderful day with him yesterday, this morning the family has revised some Social English. Later, they have practised PresentSimple vs. Present Continuous and the Adjectives of Equality.
The Grandma has explained to her family that she had bought a new propierty in the island: a beautiful Scottish castle next to the Loch Ness.
The family has talked about which residence to choose to spend their summer holidays. The selection is easy: or S'Estaca in Majorca Island or Urquhart Castle in Loch Ness.
Finally, The Jones have played some word games to improve their vocabulary and enjoy good moments together before having lunch with their last guests: Sean Connery, Annie Lennox and Amy Macdonald.
This afternoon, the family is meeting William Wallace, an old Grandma's friend, a local hero, who has a very beautiful story of bravery and honour to explain. After this visit, The Jones are preparing their suitcases again because Paris is waiting for them.
William Wallace
Sir William Wallace, in Scottish Gaelic UilleamUallas, is a Scottish knight who became one of the main leaders during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Along with Andrew Moray, Wallace defeated an English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September 1297. He was appointed Guardian of Scotland and served until his defeat at the Battle of Falkirk in July 1298. In August 1305, Wallace was captured in Robroyston, near Glasgow, and handed over to King Edward I of England, who had him hanged, drawn, and quartered for high treason and crimes against English civilians.
Since his death, Wallace has obtained an iconic status far beyond his homeland. He is the protagonist of Blind Harry's 15th-century epic poem The Wallace and the subject of literary works by Sir Walter Scott and Jane Porter, and of the Academy Award-winning film Braveheart.
William Wallace
William Wallace was a member of the lesser nobility, but little is definitely known of his family history or even his parentage. When Wallace was growing up, King Alexander III ruled Scotland. His reign had seen a period of peace and economic stability. On 19 March 1286, however, Alexander died after falling from his horse.
The heir to the throne was Alexander's granddaughter, Margaret, Maid of Norway. As she was still a child and in Norway, the Scottish lords set up a government of guardians. Margaret fell ill on the voyage to Scotland and died in Orkney on 26 September 1290. The lack of a clear heir led to a period known as the Great Cause, with several families laying claim to the throne.
With Scotland threatening to descend into civil war, King Edward I of England was invited in by the Scottish nobility to arbitrate. Before the process could begin, he insisted that all of the contenders recognize him as Lord Paramount of Scotland. In early November 1292, at a great feudal court held in the castle at Berwick-upon-Tweed, judgment was given in favour of John Balliol having the strongest claim in law.
William Wallace
Edward proceeded to reverse the rulings of the Scottish Lords and even summoned King John Balliol to stand before the English court as a common plaintiff. John was a weak king, known as Toom Tabard or Empty Coat. John renounced his homage in March 1296 and by the end of the month Edward stormed Berwick-upon-Tweed, sacking the then-Scottish border town. In April, the Scots were defeated at the Battle of Dunbar in East Lothian and by July, Edward had forced John to abdicate. Edward then instructed his officers to receive formal homage from some 1,800 Scottish nobles, many of the rest being prisoners of war at that time.
On 11 September 1297, an army jointly led by Wallace and Andrew Moray won the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Although vastly outnumbered, the Scottish army routed the English army. John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey's feudal army of 3,000 cavalry and 8,000 to 10,000 infantry met disaster as they crossed over to the north side of the river.
In April 1298, Edward ordered a second invasion of Scotland. Two days prior to the battle 25,781 foot soldiers were paid. More than half of them would have been Welsh. There are no clear cut sources for the presence of cavalry, but it is safe to assume that Edward had roughly 1500 horse under his command. They plundered Lothian and regained some castles, but failed to bring William Wallace to combat; the Scots shadowed the English army, intending to avoid battle until shortages of supplies and money forced Edward to withdraw, at which point the Scots would harass his retreat.
The English quartermasters' failure to prepare for the expedition left morale and food supplies low, and a resulting riot within Edward's own army had to be put down by his cavalry. In July, while planning a return to Edinburgh for supplies, Edward received intelligence that the Scots were encamped nearby at Falkirk, and he moved quickly to engage them in the pitched battle he had long hoped for.
William Wallace
By September 1298, Wallace resigned as Guardian of Scotland in favour of Robert the Bruce, Earl of Carrick and future king, and John III Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, King John Balliol's nephew.
Wallace evaded capture by the English until 5 August 1305 when John de Menteith, a Scottish knight loyal to Edward, turned Wallace over to English soldiers at Robroyston near Glasgow. The site is commemorated by a small monument in the form of a Celtic cross. Letters of safe conduct from Haakon V of Norway, Philip IV of France, and John Balliol, along with other documents, were found in Wallace's possession and delivered to Edward by John de Segrave.
Wallace was transported to London, lodged in the house of William de Leyrer, then taken to Westminster Hall, where he was tried for treason and for atrocities against civilians in war, sparing neither age nor sex, monk nor nun. He was crowned with a garland of oak to suggest he was the king of outlaws. He responded to the treason charge, I could not be a traitor to Edward, for I was never his subject.
Today, The Jones have continued their English classes. They have revised The Comparative of Superiority and Shall.
After working some Social English, the family has created some writings about their Hogwarts' friends, who they miss a lot, although Harry Potter has joined to them in their trip.
The family has been talking about Ireland, its kind people and its generosity and about how to work there and learning English at the same time. Later, The Grandma has been talking about Easter in Naples and Les Caramelles an ancient Catalan tradition. Both events are celebrated during Easter Sunday.
Finally, The Jones have created a story to practise the three most important elements in a composition: adequation, cohesion and coherence. Before, The Grandma had explained the story of the bagpipe, the most popular instrument in Scotland, as important as the Loch Ness, cradle of one of the most wonderful legends: Nessie.
Noelia Jones inside Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness
This afternoon, the family is visiting Loch Ness because they want to meet Nessie and enjoy one of the most beautiful places of the world: the Highlands.
Fifty years ago, in a day like today, The Grandma was visiting Loch Ness for first time in her life. It was an experience impossible to forget for two reasons: because of the beauty of the place and because that day Martin Luther King was killed in Memphis. It was a senseless tragedy like everybody that someone use violence or force to shut up opinions and freedoms. The history shows us that you can kill a person but not his/her ideology meanwhile other people continue his/her struggle: We shall overcome!
Loch Ness, in Scottish Gaelic Loch Nis, is a large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extending for approximately 37 kilometres southwest of Inverness. Its surface is 16 metres above sea level. It is connected at the southern end by the River Oich and a section of the Caledonian Canal to Loch Oich.
At the northern end there is the Bona Narrows which opens out into Loch Dochfour, which feeds the River Ness and a further section of canal to Inverness, ultimately leading to the North Sea via the Moray Firth. It is one of a series of interconnected, murky bodies of water in Scotland; its water visibility is exceptionally low due to a high peat content in the surrounding soil.
Paqui Jones inside Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness
At Drumnadrochit is the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition which examines the natural history and legend of Loch Ness. Urquhart Castle is located on the western shore, 2 km east of Drumnadrochit and lighthouses are located at Lochend (Bona Lighthouse) and Fort Augustus.
Loch Ness is known as the home of the Loch Ness Monster, also known as Nessie, a cryptid, reputedly a large unknown animal. It is similar to other supposed lake monsters in Scotland and elsewhere, though its description varies from one account to the next. Popular interest and belief in the animal's existence has varied since it was first brought to the world's attention in 1933.
In Scottish folklore, the Loch Ness Monster or Nessie, is an aquatic being which reputedly inhabits Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. It is similar to other supposed lake monsters in Scotland and elsewhere, and is often described as being large in size, with a long neck and one or more humps protruding from the water. Popular interest and belief in the creature has varied since it was brought to worldwide attention in 1933. Evidence of its existence is anecdotal, with a few disputed photographs and sonar readings.
The Jones at Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness
The creature commonly appears in Western media where it manifests in a variety of ways. The scientific community regards the Loch Ness Monster as a phenomenon without biological basis, explaining sightings as hoaxes, wishful thinking, and the misidentification of mundane objects.
The creature has been affectionately called Nessie, in Scottish Gaelic: Niseag, since the 1940s.
The word monster was reportedly applied for the first time to the creature on 2 May 1933 by Alex Campbell, water bailiff for Loch Ness and a part-time journalist, in an Inverness Courier report.
On 4 August 1933 the Courier published a report by Londoner George Spicer that several weeks earlier, while they were driving around the loch, he and his wife saw the nearest approach to a dragon or pre-historic animal that I have ever seen in my life trundling across the road toward the loch with an animal in its mouth. Letters began appearing in the Courier, often anonymously, claiming land or water sightings by the writer, their family or acquaintances or remembered stories. The accounts reached the media, which described a monster fish, sea serpent, or dragon and eventually settled on Loch Ness monster.
The Grandma with Niseag in Loch Ness, 1968
On 6 December 1933 the first purported photograph of the monster, taken by Hugh Gray, was published in the Daily Express; the Secretary of State for Scotland soon ordered police to prevent any attacks on it. In 1934, interest was further piqued by the surgeon's photograph.
That year, R. T. Gould published an account of the author's investigation and a record of reports predating 1933. Other authors have claimed sightings of the monster dating to the sixth century AD.
The earliest report of a monster in the vicinity of Loch Ness appears in the Life of St. Columba by Adomnán, written in the sixth century AD.
According to Adomnán, writing about a century after the events described, Irish monk Saint Columba was staying in the land of the Picts with his companions when he encountered local residents burying a man by the River Ness. They explained that the man was swimming in the river when he was attacked by a water beast which mauled him and dragged him underwater.
Although they tried to rescue him in a boat, he was dead. Columba sent a follower, Luigne moccu Min, to swim across the river. The beast approached him, but Columba made the sign of the cross and said: Go no further. Do not touch the man. Go back at once. The creature stopped as if it had been "pulled back with ropes" and fled, and Columba's men and the Picts gave thanks for what they perceived as a miracle.
Believers in the monster point to this story, set in the River Ness rather than the loch itself, as evidence for the creature's existence as early as the sixth century.
Sceptics question the narrative's reliability, noting that water-beast stories were extremely common in medieval hagiographies and Adomnán's tale probably recycles a common motif attached to a local landmark. According to sceptics, Adomnán's story may be independent of the modern Loch Ness Monster legend and became attached to it by believers seeking to bolster their claims.
Today, The Poppins have studied more aspects of English grammar: some Social English, First Conditional and the modals Should and Can. The family is still in Scotland enjoying the country and its people. Today, they’ve written some postcards and they’ve read another chapter of OscarWilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray.
They’ve received the visit of MJ, who has travelled from Barcelona to The Highlands to talk about the PET Exam. Finally, they’ve been playing some games after talking about the origin of Catalan and Scottish Guards and how important have been Mount Etna (Sicily) and Eyjafjallajökull (Iceland) volcanoes in our past History.
After centuries of duelling to survive against others like him, an
immortal Scottish swordsman faces his final opponent: a bloodthirsty barbarian
who has chased him across time to 1985 New York City, where they fight for the
Prize: the spiritual ability to know everything.
The Grandma has been visiting Scotland these last days. Homeland of Sean Connery, Robert Louis
Stevenson, Arthur Conan Doyle, a special person for The Holmes, Walter Scott, Annie Lennox, Rod Stewart
or Amy MacDonald, Scotland is a country where History and
Tradition are mixed creating an incredible atmosphere.
She has had a
meeting with Connor MacLeod, an old
friend of her. After talking about the beauty of Scottish Highlands and the last studies about the existence of Nessie, they were to a bagpipe
concert.
Today, The Grandma is in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.
She’s enjoying Scottish hospitality and buying tonnes of Scottish herbs, her
favourite drink.
Despite of
this travel, The Grandma continues in
her search of new material to The Holmes. In
this case, again, to prepare the listening part, some audios about Express English.
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