Love and Time

Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others, including Love. One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all constructed boats and left. Except for Love.Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment.When the island had almost sunk, Love decided to ask for help.Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, "Richness, can you take me with you?"Richness answered (ansuar), "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you."Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. "Vanity, please help me!""I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered.Sadness was close by so Love asked, "Sadness, let me go with you.""Oh . . . Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!"Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her. Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come, Love, I will take you." It was an elder. So blessed and overjoyed, Love even forgot to ask the elder where they were going. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way. Realizing how much was owed the elder, Love asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who Helped me?""It was Time," Knowledge answered."Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?"Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love is."ANA FONSECA

Telling stories

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World Consumer Rights Day 2010

MARCH 8: INTERATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Image Credit: Women in London
Annually on March 8, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire and celebrate women's achievements. Organisations, governments and women's groups around the world choose different themes each year that reflect global and local gender issues.

Below are some of the global United Nation themes used for International Women's Day to date:

- 2010: Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all;

- 2009:Women and men united to end Violence against women and girls;

-2008: Investing in Women and Girls;

-2007: Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls;

- 2006: Women in decision-making;

- 2005: Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a More Secure Future;

- 2004: Women and HIV/AIDS;

- 2003: Gender Equality and the Millenium Development Goals;

- 2002: Afghan Women Today: Realities and Opportunities;

- 2001: Women and Peace: Women Managing Conflicts;

- 2000: Women Uniting for Peace.

AH! THE SWEET TASTE OF CHOCOLATE...

Ah! The sweet taste of chocolate... But... What ingredient shouldn't be there?

To find out follow:

THE BITTERNESS OF CHOCOLATE

46664

Photo credit: life

Can you imagine what it would be like to spend 27 years in prison? To have to labour in a quarry, to be inadequately dressed, to sleep on a thin straw matt on the stone floor, or to be confined, year after year, in a very tiny cell? Only an indomitable will, an «unbowed head» and an «unconquerable soul» could resist and then, when finally freed, be ready to serve his people and help to build the rainbow nation.

Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment in June 1964 and sent to Robben Island maximum security prison. He was the 466th prisoner to arrive that year. According to the prison's administration's scheme, the prisoners were numbered following the sequence number of the prisoner (466 in his case), with the last two digits of the year (64). Thus, his prisoner number was 46664. Mandela was held on Robben Island until April 1982 when he was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town. In December 1988 he was moved to Victor Verster Prison near Paarl and held there until his release on February 11th 1990. The twentieth anniversary of his release from prison was celebrated some days ago.

Mandela's prisoner number continues to be used as a reverential title for him, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation uses 46664.com as its website address.

If you want to learn more about Nelson Mandela, you might like to visit his page at the ANC website or his foundation.

A FILM: «INVICTUS»

Last week my English classes went to watch the new Clinton Eastwood film, Invictus, at a movie theater. This movie tells the true story of President Mandela's quest to unite South Africans after his election in a still divided nation. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa's rugby team as they make an unlikely run for the 1995 World Cup Championship. Expertly mixing an unconventional political biopic and an underdog sports drama, the film is an inspiring history lesson about quality leadership, the power of forgiveness and the universal language of sports.

What are your thoughts on this film? Did any scene(s) strike you in particular? If so,which one(s) and why?
You might also enjoy a visit to the official site of Invictus to learn more about the film.

«INVICTUS», AN INSPIRING POEM

The poem that gives its name to the film "Invictus" was a source of inspiration to Nelson Mandela during his captivity. He wrote out a copy by hand for the captain of the rugby team, François Pienaar, to inspire him to lead the Springbok to the world championship in 1995. The poet, William Ernest Henley (1849-1903), wrote it at the age of 25 from his hospital bed at Edinburgh. His indomitable spirit led him to triumph over the amputation of his leg.


What message does the poem convey? What are your feelings after reading the poem?

CARNIVAL AND FOOD: «PANCAKE DAY»

In the United Kingdom and many other countries, Shrove Tuesday is often known as Pancake Day. Making and eating such foods was considered a last feast before the ritual fasting of Lent, when the consumption of ingredients such as sugar, fat, meat and eggs was traditionally restricted.

Did you eat feijoada for Carnival?

CARNIVAL: «ENTRUDO CHOCALHEIRO»

Carnival season is over but memories will keep the fun we had. I spent Shrove Tuesday in Podence, a little village in Trás-os-Montes. There the main attraction are the Caretos, roguish and mysterious creatures that wear curious garments and ornaments and come from nowhere in large noisy groups, causing fear, excitement and laughter. You can watch a small video of the Caretos here.

What about you? Did you do anything special for Carnival? Did you dress up? And wear a mask?