INTRODUCING THE MORGANS (VI), JOSE MORGAN

Hi, I'm Jose Morgan. I was born in Kyoto, Japan and I am an acrobat. 

A few months ago, I discovered that the famous Welsh pirate Henry Morgan was an ancestor of mine and that I had brothers and sisters to meet. Thanks to The Grandma, an Andorran grandmother, who made every effort to locate us, today I know them all and to celebrate this meeting we decided to spend two months together travelling and reviewing our level of English because we have all decided to retire to Kingston, Jamaica, to enjoy the Morgan fortune, and English is its official language.

-What's your full name?

-My name is Jose Morgan Tanaka.

-How do you spell your second surname?

-T-A-N-A-K-A

-Are you a student? What are you studying?

-No, I'm not a student. I completed my professional training in acrobatics and performing arts several years ago.

-Are you working? What is your job?

-Yes, I am. I'm a circus acrobat. I perform in circus shows and live events, where I do acrobatic routines, aerial performances, and balancing acts.

-Do you like your job? Why?

-Yes, I love my job because it combines athletic skills, creativity, and entertainment. Every performance is exciting, and I enjoy making people smile.

-Where are you from?

-I'm from Kyoto, Japan.

-How long have you lived there?

-I lived in Kyoto for most of my life before travelling internationally with different circus companies. I still visit my hometown whenever I have the opportunity.

-Why are you studying English?

-I'm studying English because I often work with performers from different countries. English helps me communicate with my colleagues and audiences around the world.

-How long have you been studying English?

-I've been studying English for two months with The Morgans. I didn't study it at school.

-Tell me about your city.

-Kyoto is one of the most famous cities in Japan. It is known for its temples, traditional gardens, and cultural heritage. Many visitors come to experience its history and beautiful scenery.

-What music do you like?

-I enjoy many kinds of music, including classical music, Japanese traditional music, and modern pop. Music is very important when preparing for performances.

-Can you play any instrument?

-Yes, I can play the shamisen a little. It is a traditional Japanese string instrument. I enjoy practising it in my free time.

-Tell me about your favourite place.

-My favourite place is Fushimi Inari Taisha. I love walking through the thousands of red torii gates and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

-What do you like doing in your free time?

-In my free time, I enjoy training, visiting historical sites, reading, and taking photographs. I also like spending time with friends and family when I'm not travelling.

-Do you practise any sport? Which?

-Yes, I do. Acrobatics requires a lot of physical training. I also practise gymnastics, stretching, and running to stay fit and improve my performance.

-How did you become interested in acrobatics?

-I became interested in acrobatics when I was a child. I watched circus performances on television and was amazed by the athletes' skills and discipline.

-What is the most difficult part of your job?

-The most difficult part is maintaining excellent physical condition. Acrobatics requires strength, flexibility, balance, and constant practice.

-Have you ever performed in another country?

-Yes, I have. I've performed in several countries across Europe and Asia. Travelling for work has allowed me to experience different cultures and meet many interesting people.

-What do you enjoy most about performing?

-I enjoy the connection with the audience. It's rewarding to see people surprised, excited, and happy during a performance.

-Would you like to teach acrobatics in the future?

-Yes, I would. I would like to share my experience with younger performers and help them develop their skills safely and confidently.

-What qualities should a good acrobat have?

-A good acrobat should be disciplined, patient, physically fit, and willing to work hard. Confidence and teamwork are also very important in circus performances.

-How is a normal day with The Morgans?

-We haven't got similar days. Every day is different and this is something very important because it offers to you the possibility of living fantastic experiences every day and you can enjoy them with all your heart because you know that next day you're going to put the score to zero and we're going to start again. It's a non-stopping life.

-Which is your best memory with The Morgans?

-It's difficult to choose only one. I remember when we travelled back in time to the Kingdom of Camelot. It was a fantastic experience to meet King Arthur and the members of his court.

-Which is your favourite song?

-I love 'The Sheltering Sky' by Ryūichi Sakamoto. The piano is an instrument that gives me calm, concentration and introspection, which is what I need most in my work, but also in my life, but I want to choose 'Life in Mars?' by David Bowie sung by Jessica Lange in American Horror Story: Freak Show.

 But the film is a saddening bore
For she's lived it ten times or more
She could spit in the eyes of fools
As they ask her to focus on.

David Bowie 

THE MORGANS & THE GOBLET OF FIRE'S TOURNAMENT

Today, The Morgans have started to prepare their participation in The Goblet of Fire, an interesting tournament that it is going to be celebrated in Hogwarts. The Morgans have been invited by Albus Dumbledore and it has been a great honour for them to have this chance. The rivals are very powerful and strong but The Morgans are going to offer their best result. 

 

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a fantasy book written by British author J. K. Rowling and the fourth novel in the Harry Potter series.

It follows Harry Potter, a wizard in his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the mystery surrounding the entry of Harry's name into the Triwizard Tournament, in which he is forced to compete.

The book was published in the United Kingdom by Bloomsbury and in the United States by Scholastic. In both countries, the release date was 8 July 2000. This was the first time a book in the series was published in both countries at the same time.

The novel won a Hugo Award, the only Harry Potter novel to do so, in 2001. The book was adapted into a film, released worldwide on 18 November 2005, and a video game by Electronic Arts.

More information: Wizarding World

Throughout the three previous novels in the Harry Potter series, the main character, Harry Potter, has struggled with the difficulties of growing up and the added challenge of being a famed wizard.

When Harry was a baby, Lord Voldemort, the most powerful dark wizard in history, killed Harry's parents but was mysteriously defeated after unsuccessfully trying to kill Harry, though his attempt left a lightning-shaped scar on Harry's forehead.

This results in Harry's immediate fame and his being placed in the care of his abusive Muggle, non-magical, aunt and uncle, Petunia and Vernon Dursley, who have a son named Dudley.

On Harry's eleventh birthday, he learns he is a wizard from Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and enrols in Hogwarts. He befriends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger and confronts Lord Voldemort, who is trying to regain power.

In Harry's first year, he has to protect the Philosopher's Stone from Voldemort and one of his faithful followers at Hogwarts.

After returning to school after summer break, students at Hogwarts are attacked by the legendary monster of the Chamber of Secrets after the Chamber is opened. Harry ends the attacks by killing a Basilisk and thwarting another attempt by Lord Voldemort to return to full strength.

The following year, Harry hears he has been targeted by escaped mass murderer Sirius Black. Despite stringent security measures at Hogwarts, Harry encounters Black at the end of his third year and learns Black was framed and is actually Harry's godfather. He also learns that it was his father's old school friend Peter Pettigrew who betrayed his parents.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the fourth book in the Harry Potter series. The first, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was published by Bloomsbury on 26 June 1997.

The second, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, was published on 2 July 1998. The third, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, followed on 8 July 1999. Goblet of Fire is almost twice the size of the first three books, the paperback edition was 636 pages.

More information: Wizarding World

Rowling stated that she knew from the beginning it would be the biggest of the first four. She said there needed to be a proper run-up for the conclusion and rushing the complex plot could confuse readers. She also stated that everything is on a bigger scale, which was symbolic, as Harry's horizons widened both literally and metaphorically as he grew up. She also wanted to explore more of the magical world.

Until the official title's announcement on 27 June 2000, the book was called by its working title, Harry Potter IV. Previously, in April, the publisher had listed it as Harry Potter and the Doomspell Tournament.

However, J. K. Rowling expressed her indecision about the title in an Entertainment Weekly interview. I changed my mind twice on what the title was. The working title had got out -Harry Potter and the Doomspell Tournament. Then I changed Doomspell to Triwizard Tournament. Then I was teetering between Goblet of Fire and Triwizard Tournament. In the end, I preferred Goblet of Fire because it's got that kind of cup of destiny feel about it, which is the theme of the book.

Rowling mentioned that she originally wrote a Weasley relative named Malfalda, who, according to Rowling, was the daughter of the second cousin who's a stockbroker mentioned in Philosopher's Stone. This stockbroker had been very rude to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley in the past, but now he and his (Muggle) wife had inconveniently produced a witch, they came back to the Weasleys asking for their help in introducing her to wizarding society before she starts at Hogwarts.

More information: Wizarding World

Malfalda was supposed to be a Slytherin and was to fill in the Rita Skeeter subplot, but she was eventually removed because there were obvious limitations to what an eleven year old closeted at school could discover.

Rowling considered Rita Skeeter to be much more flexible. Rowling also admitted that the fourth book was the most difficult to write at the time because she noticed a giant plot hole halfway through writing. In particular, Rowling had trouble with the ninth chapter, The Dark Mark, which she rewrote 13 times.

It was pointed out that bigotry is a big theme in the Harry Potter novels and Goblet of Fire in particular. it was mentioned how Voldemort and his followers are prejudiced against Muggles and how, in Goblet of Fire, Hermione forms a group to liberate Hogwarts' house-elves who have been indentured servants so long they lack desire for anything else.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was adapted into a film, released worldwide on 18 November 2005, which was directed by Mike Newell and written by Steve Kloves.

More information: Screen Rant

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Dark and difficult times lie ahead.

Soon we must all face the choice between

what is right and what is easy.

Albus Dumbledore

INTRODUCING THE MORGANS (V), JORDI MORGAN

Hi, I'm Jordi Morgan. I was born in Trondheim, Trondelag and from a very young age I was fascinated by snakes.

A few months ago, I discovered that the famous Welsh pirate Henry Morgan was an ancestor of mine and that I had brothers and sisters to meet. Thanks to The Grandma, an Andorran grandmother, who made every effort to locate us, today I know them all and to celebrate this meeting we decided to spend two months together travelling and reviewing our level of English because we have all decided to retire to Kingston, Jamaica, to enjoy the Morgan fortune, and English is its official language.

-What's your name?

-My name is Jordi Morgan Jacobsen.

-How do you spell your second surname?

-J-A-C-O-B-S-E-N

-Are you a student? What are you studying?

-No, I'm not a student. I completed my studies several years ago and now I work full-time.

-Are you working? What is your job?

-Yes, I am. I work as a snake charmer. I participate in educational shows and cultural events where I teach people about snakes and other reptiles.

-Do you like your job? Why?

-Yes, I do. I find it fascinating because every animal has a different personality. I also enjoy helping people overcome their fear of snakes and learn more about nature.

-Where are you from?

-I'm from Trondheim, a city in the Trøndelag region of Norway.

-How long have you lived there?

-I lived there for most of my life. Although I travel frequently for work, Trondheim will always feel like home to me.

-Why are you studying English?

-I'm studying English because I often meet tourists and participate in international events. English allows me to communicate with people from many different countries.

-How long have you been studying English?

-I've been studying English for two months with The Morgans. I started learning it at school when I was a child and continue to practise it with my family.

-Tell me about your city.

-Trondheim is one of the oldest cities in Norway. It is known for its rich history, beautiful waterfront, and impressive Nidaros Cathedral. It is also an important centre for education and technology.

-What music do you like?

-I enjoy folk music, classical music, and some modern Scandinavian pop. Music helps me relax after a busy day.

-Can you play any instrument?

-Yes, I can play the guitar. I'm not a professional musician, but I enjoy playing traditional Norwegian songs.

-Tell me about your favourite place.

-My favourite place is the area around the Trondheim Fjord. I love the peaceful scenery and the opportunity to spend time outdoors.

-What do you like doing in your free time?

-In my free time, I enjoy hiking, fishing, reading books about wildlife, and taking care of reptiles. I also enjoy photography.

-Do you practise any sport? Which?

-Yes, I do. I enjoy hiking and cross-country skiing. They are very popular activities in Norway and help me stay healthy.

-How did you become interested in snakes?

-I became interested in snakes when I was a child. I enjoyed watching wildlife documentaries and learning about different animal species.

-Are snakes dangerous?

-Some snakes can be dangerous, but most are not aggressive. They usually prefer to avoid humans. Understanding their behaviour is very important.

-What is the most challenging part of your job?

-The most challenging part is ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals during public events. It requires a lot of preparation and responsibility.

-What do people usually think about your job?

-Most people are surprised when they hear what I do. Some are curious, while others are a little nervous at first. However, they usually become more comfortable after learning about the animals.

-Would you like to continue doing this job in the future?

-Yes, I would. I enjoy educating people about wildlife and helping them appreciate animals that are often misunderstood.

-How is a normal day with The Morgans?

-We haven't got similar days. Every day is different and this is something very important because it offers to you the possibility of living fantastic experiences every day and you can enjoy them with all your heart because you know that next day you're going to put the score to zero and we're going to start again. It's a non-stopping life.

-Which is your best memory with The Morgans?

-It's difficult to choose only one. I remembered when we played together and I was always the winner. It was very special for me because tha family has a high level of knowledge and being the first is not easy. I'm very proud of my family and of my work.

-Which is your favourite song?

I'm a Norwegian. Sissel Kyrkjebø is the greatest. She sang 'Titanic Theme' for first time before Céline Dion did it and 'Liten fuggel' by Vamp is an anthem for us, but I'm going to choose a-ha and 'Take on me' because it was something really different when it was premiered.

So needless to say
I'm odds and ends
But I'll be stumblin' away
Slowly learnin' that life is okay
Say after me
It's no better to be safe than sorry.

a-ha

THE MORGANS MEET & HELP THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN

Today, The Morgans have received uncomfortable news in Hogwarts. A dangerous man has escaped from Azkaban prison, a fortress on an island in the middle of the North Sea, for convicted criminals built in the 15th century. 

Azkaban is one of the darkest places of the magic world. But they do not believe this story and have decided to meet and help this supposed criminal.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a fantasy novel written by British author J.K. Rowling and is the third in the Harry Potter series. 

The book follows Harry Potter, a young wizard, in his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Along with friends Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry investigates Sirius Black, an escaped prisoner from Azkaban, the wizard prison, believed to be one of Lord Voldemort's old allies.

The book was published in the United Kingdom on 8 July 1999 by Bloomsbury and in the United States on 8 September 1999 by Scholastic, Inc. Rowling found the book easy to write, finishing it just a year after she began writing it. The book sold 68,000 copies in just three days after its release in the United Kingdom and since has sold over three million in the country. The book won the 1999 Whitbread Children's Book Award, the Bram Stoker Award, and the 2000 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel and was short-listed for other awards, including the Hugo.

The film adaptation of the novel was released in 2004, grossing more than $796 million and earning critical acclaim. Video games loosely based on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban were also released for several platforms, and most obtained favourable reviews.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third book in the Harry Potter series. The first, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the US, was published by Bloomsbury on 26 June 1997 and the second, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, was published on 2 July 1998.

Rowling started to write the Prisoner of Azkaban the day after she finished The Chamber of Secrets.

Rowling's favorite aspect of this book was introducing the character Remus Lupin, Rowling additionally said in 2004 that Prisoner of Azkaban was the best writing experience I ever had... I was in a very comfortable place writing number three. Immediate financial worries were over, and press attention wasn't yet by any means excessive.

The New York Times said, So far, in terms of plot, the books do nothing new, but they do it brilliantly...so far, so good.

In a newspaper review in The New York Times, it was said that The Prisoner of Azkaban may be the best Harry Potter book yet. A reviewer for KidsReads said, This crisply-paced fantasy will leave you hungry for the four additional Harry books that J.K. Rowling is working on. Harry's third year is a charm. Don't miss it. Kirkus Reviews did not give a starred review but said, a properly pulse-pounding climax... The main characters and the continuing story both come along so smartly... that the book seems shorter than its page count: have readers clear their calendars if they are fans, or get out of the way if they are not.

More information: Wizarding World

The Horn Book Magazine said that it is quite a good book. In addition, a Publishers Weekly review said, Rowling's wit never flags, whether constructing the workings of the wizard world... or tossing off quick jokes... The Potter spell is holding strong.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was released in hardcover in the UK on 8 July 1999 and in the US on 8 September. The British paperback edition was released on 1 April 2000, while the US paperback was released 2 October 2001.
 

The film version of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was released in 2004 and was directed by Alfonso Cuarón from a screenplay by Steve Kloves. The film débuted at number one at the box office and held that position for two weeks. It made a total of $796.7 million worldwide, which made it the second highest-grossing film of 2004 behind Shrek 2.

However, among all eight entries in the Harry Potter franchise, Prisoner of Azkaban grossed the lowest, yet among critics and fans, the film is said to be one of the best in the franchise. The film ranks at number 471 in Empire magazine's 2008 list of the 500 greatest movies of all time.

More information: Collider

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Happiness can be found,

even in the darkest of times,

if one only remembers to turn on the light.

Albus Dumbledore 

INTRODUCING THE MORGANS (IV), JOAN MORGAN

Hi, I'm Joan Morgan. I was born in Paraty, Ilha Grande and I am a forger.

 

A few months ago, I discovered that the famous Welsh pirate Henry Morgan was an ancestor of mine and that I had brothers and sisters to meet. Thanks to The Grandma, an Andorran grandmother, who made every effort to locate us, today I know them all and to celebrate this meeting we decided to spend two months together travelling and reviewing our level of English because we have all decided to retire to Kingston, Jamaica, to enjoy the Morgan fortune, and English is its official language.

-What's your name?

-My name is Joan Morgan Carvalho-Silva. My parents call me João and The Morgans call me John.

-How do you spell your surname?

-C-A-R-V-A-L-H-O    S-I-L-V-A

-Are you a student? What are you studying?

-No, I'm not a student. I finished my vocational training a few years ago and now I work full-time.

-Are you working? What is your job?

-Yes, I am. I'm a forger. I create and repair metal objects such as gates, tools, decorative pieces, and custom-made ironwork.

-Do you like your job? Why?

-Yes, I do. I enjoy working with my hands and creating strong and beautiful objects from metal. Every project is different, so my work is always interesting.

-Where are you from?

-I'm from Paraty, a historic coastal town in Brazil, near Ilha Grande.

-How long have you lived there?

-I lived there all through my childhood and most of my adult life. It's a wonderful place, and I still spend a lot of time there whenever I can.

-Why are you studying English?

-I'm studying English because I would like to communicate with international customers and learn more about traditional metalworking techniques from other countries.

-How long have you been studying English?

-I have been studying English for two months with The Morgans. I didn't study it at school and now I practise it through books, videos, and conversations.

-Tell me about your town.

-Paraty is a beautiful colonial town on the Brazilian coast. It is famous for its historic centre, colourful buildings, beaches, and nearby islands. Many tourists visit it throughout the year.

-What music do you like?

-I enjoy Brazilian music, especially samba and bossa nova. I also like folk music because it reminds me of local traditions.

-Can you play any instrument?

-Yes, I can play the guitar a little. I often play with friends during local festivals and family gatherings.

-Tell me about your favourite place.

-My favourite place is Ilha Grande. I love its beaches, forests, and peaceful atmosphere. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.

-What do you like doing in your free time?

-In my free time, I enjoy fishing, hiking, spending time outdoors, and working on small metalcraft projects. I also like meeting friends and listening to live music.

-Do you practise any sport? Which?

-Yes, I do. I enjoy swimming and kayaking because I live near the coast. They help me stay fit and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

-What skills are important for a blacksmith?

-A forger needs patience, strength, and attention to detail. It's also important to be creative and understand how different metals behave when they are heated.

-What is the most challenging part of your job?

-The most challenging part is making complex designs by hand. It takes a lot of concentration and precision to achieve the desired result.

-What do you enjoy most about your work?

-I enjoy transforming a simple piece of metal into something useful or artistic. It's very satisfying to see the finished product.

-Would you like to teach your craft to younger people?

-Yes, definitely. Traditional forging is an important craft, and I would like to help preserve it for future generations.

-Do you think traditional crafts are still important today?

-Yes, I do. Traditional crafts connect us with our history and culture. They also produce unique, handmade products that many people appreciate.

-How is a normal day with The Morgans?

-We haven't got similar days. Every day is different and this is something very important because it offers to you the possibility of living fantastic experiences every day and you can enjoy them with all your heart because you know that next day you're going to put the score to zero and we're going to start again. It's a non-stopping life.

-Which is your best memory with The Morgans?

-It's difficult to choose only one. I remember when we played Scattergories, a game in which I used to be the most original. I am a very creative person.

-Which is your favourite song?

Maria Bethânia is one of the greatest of all time and Adriana Calcanhotto one of the best nowadays, then 'Depois de ter você' with this duo.

Depois de ter você
Poetas para quê?
Os deuses, as dúvidas
Pra que amendoeiras pelas ruas?
Para que servem as ruas?

After having you
What are poets for?
The gods, the doubts
What are almond trees for in the streets?
What are streets for?

Adriana Calcanhotto

THE MORGANS & GRYFFINDOR, 'FORTI ANIMO ESTOTE'

Today, The Morgans have continued visiting Hogwarts guided by Professor Albus Dumbledore, its Headmaster and Professor Rubeus Hagrid, its Guard. 

They have been talking about its four Houses, their history, members, values and rooms. It has been an amazing interesting day.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is divided into four houses: Gryffindor, founded by Godric Gryffindor; Hufflepuff, founded by Helga Hufflepuff; Ravenclaw, founded by Rowena Ravenclaw; and Slytherin, founded by Salazar Slytherin.

Before the visit, the family has been practising some A2 Cambridge Tests.

Download Cambridge KET Exam Model & Key

Gryffindor is one of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and was founded by Godric Gryffindor.

Gryffindor instructed the Sorting Hat to choose students possessing characteristics he most valued, such as courage, chivalry, and determination, to be sorted into his house. Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, also known as Nearly Headless Nick is the House ghost.

Gryffindor corresponds roughly to the element of fire, and it is for this reason that the colours scarlet and gold were chosen to represent the house. The colour of fire corresponds to that of a lion as well, with scarlet representing the mane and tail and gold representing the coat.

The emblematic animal is a lion, and its colours are scarlet and gold.

 

More information: Wizarding World

Gryffindors and Slytherins have shared a fierce house rivalry since their founders, Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin, respectively, had a severe falling out over Slytherin's emphasis on blood purity. There might also be an element of feeling wronged, as Harry and his fellow Gryffindors tend to win in a lot of circumstances which, when viewed from a neutral point of view, may be considered unfair.

The Gryffindor Common Room is located in one of the castle's towers (Gryffindor Tower), the entrance to which is located on the seventh floor and is guarded by an oil painting of the Fat Lady, who is garbed in a pink silk dress. She permits entry only after being given the correct (regularly changing) password. Behind her painting is a large common room, with a fireplace, and two staircases leading up to the girls' and boys' dormitories. There is a spell on the girls' staircase that prevents boys from using it; however, there is no such enchantment on the staircase to the boys' dormitory, allowing girls to use it whenever they wish, due to the founders' belief that girls were more trustworthy. The common room is very comfortable, and members of the Gryffindor house meet there for study groups, celebrations, or relaxation. The walls are lined with portraits, each one depicting a previous or current Head of Gryffindor.

The head of house before and during Harry Potter's time was Minerva McGonagall. Minerva became the head of house possibly in 1956, when she was appointed Transfiguration professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, taking over Albus Dumbledore's previous teaching position when he became Headmaster. It is unknown who later became the head of house when she was made Headmistress in 1998 following the end of the Second Wizarding War.

More information: Wizarding World

 

 

You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry,
Set Gryffindors apart...