ALISA WEILERSTEIN PLAYS ELGAR

British composer Edward Elgar wrote his cello concert in 1919, the End of the First World War and the Edwardian Era. it is noteworthy how tragedy and nostalgia would reach its most famous interpreter as well: Barenboim's late wife, Jacqueline du Pre. For nearly four decades he didn't perform the concert with another female cellist until Alisa Weilerstein, who grew up listening to her recordings. Worth checking out this moving story at a blog called deceptive cadence.

TEA ETIQUETTE: TO MIF OR NOT TO MIF

                                                                      PIC by P. ÁLVARO

Samuel Twining theorised that milk in first prevented early china from cracking in reaction to boiling water; thus, back in 1760s those able to afford the latest china demonstrated their social supperiority by adding the tea in first versus the MIFs, common people. There after, is it only a question of snobbery? 

Hundreds of articles have been published about how to make the perfect cup of tea (Check out Fortnum and Mason's site)

WHAT IS THIS?

    PIC BY P. ÁLVARO (2009)

Probably one of the most photographed animals in the Highlands of Scotland, this 'hairy coo' is called a Hamish. Could you name other cultural icons of Scotland apart from Haggis, tartan, bagpipes or the Loch Ness Monster? What do you know about Scotland's independence referendum?

TREASUE ISLAND: BRITISH ART FROM HOLBEIN TO HOCKNEY

'Treasure Island' portrays the artistic evolution of the British Isles, from religious sculptures - damaged by the Puritans during the Reformation - to Pop Art pieces by Blake and Hamilton and Toni Cragg's emblematic 1981 sculpture `Britain Seen from the North´.

According to the organizers, its title 'invokes the eponymous novel by the British writer R. L. Stevenson, showing how the island has a treasure -its art, painting and sculpture- which, like almost every treasure, remains half-hidden, waiting to be discovered.' Very impressive.

FUNDACION JUAN MARCH, MADRID.

CITYBREAKS IN BRITAIN

Most people know about London, but aside from that they are not really sure where else to visit in Britain. Brighton is just an hour away and great for a day trip. Enjoy some fish and chips at the Victorian pier, walk along the pebble beach, and visit the Royal Pavilion. Great shopping and nightlife. At Bath, the spa town famous for its Roman baths, you can enjoy a day of pampering, or walk past the beautiful Georgian houses. It was the home of author Jane Austen.

11 NOVEMBER, REMEMBRANCE DAY

Armistice Day or Remembrance Day  is known because we wear a red poppy in memory of those who gave their lives in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. If you visit London, bear in mind that Poppy Day may result in road closures due to parades and special events.

HALLOWHAT?

Are you travelling to Spain for the first time in November? There are tons of local alternatives to Halloween. Spanish remember their dearly departed on All Saints' Day bringing flowers to their graves, but you may also taste a few traditional sweets, such as 'Huesos de Santo' (literally 'Saint's bones'), made of marzipan, or 'Buñuelos', quite similar to 'Churros'. If you can get to see a performance of Don Juan Tenorio to end up the day, seize the opportunity. Alcalá de Henares could be the perfect place.

COUPLING UP AND DOWN

Zoe William's article on the experience of three couples over the class divide is worth reading for further debate. Comments range from bitter to hilarious. (October, 19, The Guardian). Leave yours.

WEAR SHERLOCK

I am constantly amazing at the number of curiosities you may come across. Like this blog on the wardrobe and props of the BBC show, or The Baker Street Babes Podcast: cosplay competitions included.

NATIONAL POETRY DAY, OCTOBER, 5.

The Scottish Poetry Library produces a set of poem postcards for the National Poetry Day. You can read the poems featured on this year's cards and leave a comment. Worth visiting.

BLACK MIRROR

I would encourage everyone to watch Black Mirror, Channel 4. It is  a neo-Victorian dystopia in three chapters that will leave you breathless. El primero le hubiera encantado al Welles de Sed de Mal por su arranque. El segundo es berlusconiano. El tercero es casi Paprika de Tsusui + Philip K. Dick. En la línea de Huxley y Orwell. Muy darwincotidiano.