A group of friends has established a museum dedicated to aliens, and they now plan to build a spaceship in Barcelona!
Have you heard about the fascinating museum dedicated to Alien in Barcelona? If you’re a fan of science fiction, this is a must-visit! Located in the vibrant Navas neighborhood, a group of passionate science fiction enthusiasts have created a unique space that truly pays tribute to the otherworldly. And guess what? They’re not stopping there! They have ambitious plans to expand and build an even larger museum that will celebrate aliens and science fiction in an epic way. We found their initiative so captivating that we couldn’t resist the chance to interview them at Tocat del Bolet (Nuts). Here’s what they had to say:
How did you meet, and what led you to open a museum about aliens?
Luis Nostromo, a great fan of the Alien saga, started by collecting objects related to those movies. This passion led him to transform a place in the Navas neighborhood of Barcelona into a space dedicated to recreating iconic scenes from the saga and exhibiting replicas and original pieces. The opening came as an extension of his love for science fiction cinema and the desire to share it with other fans. From this project, we all came together: Vicenç Botella (IT specialist and Dune collector), Octavi Pujades (actor and science fiction collector), and Carles Marsal (visual artist who has worked on science fiction productions).
Where did the idea of creating a spaceship reproduction inside the museum come from?
Luis always wanted to walk through the Nostromo spaceship and create a special place to house his collection and enjoy it with his friends. He bought a small place and, with the help of some friends, started building what is now the museum.
How long has your museum existed, and how has it evolved since its inception?
The Alien Museum opened four years ago and has evolved from a personal collection to a space with immersive recreations and interactive details. It now includes more than 100 replicas of objects from the movies and spaces set in different scenes from the saga. Initially, it was just to have his collection in a suitable place, but through social networks, he saw that many people were interested in visiting, and gradually he started offering tours. However, it has become too small for the number of people from all over the world who want to see it.
How much time and effort did building the spaceship reproduction inside the museum take?
Luis invested four years in transforming the place into a museum. He used recycled materials like wood, plastic, and electronic components to recreate panels and devices from the ships, working on almost everything by hand. Although he did a lot himself, his friend Marcos, among others, helped him as much as he could.
Do you consider yourselves “freaks” of science fiction and aliens? Why?
All four of us are lovers of science fiction. In the cinema, it is definitely all of us, and then each of us has other ways to enjoy it: literature, comics, video games, etc. The reason is hard to explain. Science fiction is a genre that not all authors can reach; it can encompass any story from other genres, but you have to go beyond; you can’t stay on the surface. Many science fiction works change the rules of reality, creating entire worlds and cultures where the story develops, and this greatly attracts our curious minds.
What are your favorite movies about aliens, and how have they influenced your project?
The Alien saga by Ridley Scott and James Cameron is obviously central. There are also mentions of other genre classics that have inspired the creation of elements and the collection’s expansion, such as Blade Runner, Predator, Dune, I, Robot, Interstellar, etc.
What type of visitors usually come to your museum?
Visitors are usually both local and international, especially science fiction fans. The variety of ages is surprising, from nostalgic people who saw the movies in the 80s to young people interested in the aesthetics and history of the saga. We can assure you that everyone leaves delighted and a little more in love with the saga.
What are your plans for the new museum, and how will it differ from the first one?
The four partners are planning a larger museum, 250 m², dedicated to science fiction in general, which will include an enhanced version of the Alien Museum. It will be more interactive and have an even broader collection, showing examples of many science fiction works, whether literary, cinematic, or video games.
Can you give us more details about the crowdfunding campaign you want to launch to finance the new spaceship?
Our savings have gone into buying a place to realize this dream, but the project we want to do is to build a new, more detailed, and interactive spaceship and other spaces related to the genre. We will launch the campaign through Verkami. Donations will offer exclusive benefits, such as early visits or access to special and exclusive material. >>> Crowdfunding page <<<
What is your main motivation for continuing to expand the project?
We want to create a museum dedicated to science fiction, a place where everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, can learn, explore, and dream—a tribute to the stories that inspire us and to promote the genre for future generations.
Dogs: Catalan Shepherd (Catalan sheepdog or Stop dog)
Did you know that one of the oldest and most beloved breeds of dogs in Catalonia is the Catalan sheepdog (also known as Catalan stop dog or Catalan shepherd)? These furry and faithful companions have amazing skills as both a shepherd and a companion dog. In this article, we’ll explore their origin, history, unique characteristics, and skills and discover how many of these wonderful dogs exist today. So, let’s jump right in!
Where does the Catalan sheepdog come from?
The origin of the Catalan stop dog is uncertain, but it is believed that it descended from dogs brought by the Roman conquerors to the Iberian Peninsula around 150 BC. These dogs crossed with the local dogs of the region and gave rise to different European breeds. In the Catalan Pyrenees, the type of dog that gave rise to the Catalan stop dog would have predominated.
The history of the Catalan sheepdog
For centuries, the Catalan sheepdog enjoyed much popularity in Catalonia thanks to its great virtues as a shepherd dog and guardian. It was the typical dog of Catalan shepherds, who used it to drive and protect sheep, goats, and cows. It was also the dog of the farmhouses, where it watched and defended the territory and the family.
However, after World War II, the breed lost much of its admirers, reaching the brink of extinction. Fortunately, in the 1970s, a group of breeders began a program to recover the breed. Today, this is a rare dog in most of the world, but the population of Catalan shepherds is increasing slowly but gradually.
The characteristics of the Catalan sheepdog
This dog’s body is slightly longer than tall, in a length ratio: height on the cross of 9:8. It is also strong and muscular, but not heavy. The general impression it gives is that of strength and agility. The legs are strong and muscular, suitable for trotting long distances.
The head is broad and slightly convex, with the skull and nose of the same length. The eyes are small, oval-shaped, and dark brown. The ears are triangular and medium-sized and have fallen or semi-erect covers. The tail is medium length, rolled on the back or hanging like a hook.
The hair is long, smooth, hard and thick, with an inner layer of fine and soft hair. The color can be fawn, gray, black, brown, or orange, with or without white marks. The hair forms a beard, a moustache, and eyebrows that partially cover the eyes, giving it a characteristic look.
Its cross height is 45 to 55 cm in males and 40 to 50 cm in females. Its weight is about 20 kg in males and about 15 kg in females2.
The skills of the Catalan sheepdog
The Catalan sheepdogis a work dog. The Catalan shepherds selected it based on their ability to work, which has made it an active dog that likes to please its owners. As a shepherd’s dog, it has an excellent instinct for herd protection and great intelligence to solve problems. It also has a good sense of orientation and great physical resistance.
As a pet dog, it has a stable and faithful character. It is endearing with family members, caring for children while distrusting strangers. It is a dog that adapts well to different environments, whether in a farmhouse or a flat in a large city. To be happy, it needs daily exercise, attention, and estimation.
As a helpful dog, it has great skills for other tasks, such as canotherapy, rescue, or agility. It is a dog that learns fast and enjoys physical and mental activity.
How many examples of Catalan sheepdogs are there today?
There is no official data on the number of Catalan sheepdogs. Still, it is estimated that there are around 10,000 registered in the Spanish Origins Book (LOE) and about 5,000 registered in the Catalan Origins Book (LOC). In addition, many other specimens are not officially registered but are recognized as Catalan shepherds by their owners and breeders.
The Catalan shepherd is such an incredible breed that deserves more recognition for its beauty, history, and impressive skills. If you’re an active person or a nature lover searching for an excellent companion, a Catalan shepherd dog could be a perfect match. However, before adopting one, it’s crucial to educate yourself on their care, health, and training requirements. To get started, we suggest reaching out to the Club del Gos d’Atura CatalĂ (Catalan Shepherd dog Club), where you’ll find all the information about the breed and exciting club activities.
Stoicism, Hedonism, Sophism, Existentialism… Humour. Philosophy and philosophers jokes and memes
Today we’ve got some funny stuff from philosophers like Socrates, Schopenhauer, Plato, Kant, Nietzsche, Sartre, Confucius, Lao Tzu, and Cioran that will have you cracking up like never before… and by the way: if you are interested in philosophy, or just a human being who sometimes gets lost, don’t miss this article on the meaning of life. Relax, life’s too brief for perpetual solemnity, so don’t take existence too gravely, it’s probably a one-way ticket.
“I agree with Sophocles: the greatest luck is not to have been born – but, as the joke goes on, very few people succeed in it”. — Slavoj Ĺ˝iĹľekÂ
A man dies and goes to heaven, where he meets God. The first question he asks is: — What is the meaning of life? And God says to him: — Man, if I explained it to you it would take all the fun out of the joke!
“The average person thinks he isn’t.” – Father Larry Lorenzoni
“Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig.” – Proverb
I am sitting with a philosopher in the garden; he says again and again “I know that that’s a tree,” pointing to a tree that is near us. Someone else arrives and hears this, and I tell him: “This fellow isn’t insane. We are only doing philosophy.”—Wittgenstein
How many marxists does it take to change a lightbulb? None. The lightbulb contains the seed of its own revolution.
What do you call a wolf who reads philosophy? AWAREWOLF
I’m in love with a philosophy major, and she doesn’t even know I exist and worse… she can prove it.
A renowned philosopher was held in high regard by his driver, who listened in awe as his boss lectured and answered difficult questions about the nature of things and the meaning of life. Then, one day, the driver approached the philosopher and asked if he was willing to switch roles for just one evening. The philosopher agreed, and, for a while, the driver handled himself remarkably well. However, when the time came for questions, someone at the back of the room asked him, “Is the epistemological meta-narrative that you seem to espouse compatible with a teleological account of the universe?” “That’s an extremely simple question,” he replied. “So simple, in fact, that even my driver could answer it.”
A newly discovered Greek Philosopher once said…”Meh,good enough”… which is my opinion on most of these jokes. ~Mediocrates
Thomas Hobbes
Two behaviorists have sex. One turns to the other and says, “That was good for you; how was it for me?”
Why do Marxists only ever drink horrible tea? Because all proper tea is theft.
As I stared into the refrigerator I realized I was finally using my philosophy degree. “Why am I here?”
An Irishman’s philosophy… there are only two things to worry about.. Either you are well, or you are sick. If you are well, then there is nothing to worry about. But if you’re sick, there are two things to worry about. Either you will get well, or you will die. If you get well, there is nothing to worry about. But if you die, there are only two things to worry about. Either you will go to heaven or hell.
All the great Greek philosophers died as they lived… A long time ago, and probably in Greece . (Keep calm! It’s just a joke!)
If you go to heaven, there is nothing to worry about. But if you go to hell, you’ll be so damn busy shaking hands with friends, you won’t have time to worry.
I have a really good Karl Popper joke but I can’t find any way to prove it’s not funny.
Advice: Don’t invite Arthur to your Birthday party.
I have a Schrodinger joke but it’s both funny and unfunny until I tell it.
Why shouldn’t you study French philosophy before Roman poetry? Because that would be putting Descarte before the Horace.
An angel appeared before a conference of philosophers. Everyone was shocked, especially considering many of them were atheists. At once, a debate raged about what to ask this supernatural entity. Seeing the commotion, in a booming voice, the angel said, “I will return in one hour, at which time I will answer any one question with 100% certainty.” And then- poof – he was gone. The debate intensified. It seemed every philosopher had a different question they wanted to ask the angel, but no one could be certain that their question was the best one to ask without wasting this incredible opportunity. Eventually, though, the attendees all put their heads together and came up with the question they would ask: “What is the ordered pair consisting first of the best question to ask in this scenario; and second, the answer to that question?” When the angel returned, exactly one hour later, he said, “It has been one hour. What is your question?” Trembling in anticipation and not a little fear, an old philosophy professor stepped forward and said: “What is the ordered pair consisting first of the best question to ask in this scenario; and second, the answer to that question?” In the same booming voice, the angel responded: “That ordered pair consists first of the question you just asked; and second, of the answer I am now giving.” And then he disappeared forever.
If Schopenhauer went to heaven, what would he do? Be disappointed.
They say reading is hot. So I started studying philosophy. Now all of my relationships are platonic.
I wanted to make a joke about Philosophy… But I just Kant.
Professor of Philosophy At the school-wide faculty meeting, an angel appeared suddenly. The angel said to the head of the philosophy department: “I can give you wisdom, beauty, or 10 million dollars, choose one of the three.” The professor chose wisdom without thinking. After a flash of lightning, the professor looked like he had changed to another person. But he sat there blankly, looking down at the table. A co-worker leaned to his ear and said: “Say something” The professor replied, “I should’ ha’ve asked for that money.”
What is the meaning of life? Does life have a purpose? Practical philosophy. Personal Growth.
If you have reached this post, you may have wondered one of the most fundamental questions: what is the meaning of life? Unlike other living beings on planet Earth, it is a doubt humans are obsessed about: Does life have a meaning? Does my life have any purpose at all? Or even… does life actually need to have meaning? Here, by life, we mean human life, all its organic, moral, philosophical, and ethical dimensions, to its fullest extent. Our purpose is to give a universally valid answer, in an apprehensible, practical way and using plain language. Great philosophers and thinkers such as Epicurus, the Hedonists, the Stoics, the Existentialists, Nietzsche, the Nihilists, the Tao, Bertrand Russell, Erich Fromm, Viktor Frankl… and monotheistic and polytheistic religions have offered their masterful proposals over time. But in this article, we want to offer a practical application that can be useful and helpful to everyone.
When are we aware of whether our life has had a purpose?
We consider that the critical moment, when faced with the question “Has my life had meaning?”, when we are more clairvoyant, is in the last stretchof our existence, when we are about to cross the line that separates life from death and, suddenly, it dawns on us. It is then that, when we look back, we know whether we have lived following our true nature, whether this one life we ​​have had on planet Earth, has been lived our way, following our dreams and longings, our vital drive, or we have lived a fake life, playing the role that our environment, or social pressure, expected —or, even worse, we thought it expected— of us. It is essential to reflect on that before reaching this final stretch (where it manifests itself with all its forcefulness), and we hope that this post can contribute a little to it.
What should you do for your life to have a purpose?
It’s not necessarily about doing great things, such as writing any best sellers, planting a tree, having children, nor going down in history as a hero or a heroine (which could also be the case as long as that is what our essence pushes us to do). If our nature is to seek tranquility and harmony, and we have lived a peaceful, stable life without conflicts or great scares, our life will have had meaning; if, on the other hand, our life drive is to experience adventures, to take risks, or to live in a constant flow of adrenaline, and we have lived this way —even if we have not lasted many years—, our existence has had meaning; if what makes us feel good is giving to others and we have dedicated ourselves to caring for or helping as many people as we can, this has been a meaningful life. Besides, this last type of vital drive has a very positive effect on society and people’s happiness. To live a life that contradicts your nature, your longings, and your vital drive is to live a fake life, a kind of living death, a tragedy that when one realizes it, is often too late.
How can you know what you really want in life?
Viktor E. Frankl said that ‘The meaning of life is to give life meaning’, but of course, it is not so simple to know what one wants in life. But of course, knowing what you want in life is complex. Sometimes, in such a challenging world, we get lost in a labyrinth. It seems almost impossible… but let’s do the following exercise: in front of others, we can put on a thousand masks, but all alone, in front of the mirror, we are not usually hypocrites with ourselves (true, we can deceive ourselves, but deep down we know it). We know perfectly well in which situations we feel good and in which not, what we like to do and what we don’t like at all. That said, write all those situations/activities/aspects that you don’t like. Then, as in the old photographic revelations, if we have the negative, it is much easier to take the positive out of it; that is to say, the photograph of what we do want in life, that situation that will lead us to a meaningful life. If you have a negative picture of everything we don’t like, then the truth will be revealed to you: if you don’t enjoy being alone at home, maybe you should start a family and have children; if you get bored quickly, you may need a fast-paced job, in which we have to do different tasks; if you can’t stand the idea of ​​being locked in an office executing mechanical orders, maybe you should be brave and go out to discover the world (if possible, a little better equipped than Christopher Johnson McCandless, on whom the book and movie Into the wild were based, and a person we deeply respect here); if you don’t like uncertainty at all, and it makes you suffer, then maybe you should just look for a stable job, take out a fixed interest mortgage and Bob’s your uncle. Unfelt life is an inert desert, it’s like living death; felt life is an oasis brimming with vegetation, fresh water, and trees that give us the tastiest fruits.
Do you need to have a purpose in life?
There is a very famous phrase that reads “The purpose of life is a life of purpose”. As we see it, having a purpose in life helps as long as that purpose is aligned with your life drive and values. That engine moves many people and gives meaning to their lives. But can you live a meaningful life without a purpose? We —and perhaps this will surprise you—think so. For many, finding a goal in their existence in such a complex world becomes a maze from which they can never escape, but a contemplative life, in which one lets oneself be carried away, or a life without a default path, the main incentive of which is precisely that every day surprises you, that every day is different, can be a life lived with significant meaning as long as it matches the vital drive of the one who is livingit.
Fear, our sworn enemy
Fear is our greatest enemy, a contumacious saboteur, a wizard of lies that is always ready not to let us live fully. You can always resort to ‘what if this happens,’ ‘what if that happens,’ ‘what if we lose everything,’ ‘what if I get hurt?’… The biggest risk we face is not living in accordance with our true nature, which can result in a loss or waste of our life. There will always be excuses for not doing what our soul pushes us to do, but there will always be people like Albert Casals i SerradĂł, who went around the world in a wheelchair, who will proof that nothing is impossible. Don’t let self-limiting beliefs ruin your life . Let’s not write our life in lowercase. Let’s dare to make the most of our existence.
Your biggest mistake is being afraid of being wrong
Oscar Wilde once said that ‘Most people die of a sort of creeping common sense and discover too late that the only things one never regrets are one’s mistakes’. Pursuing a full life, aligned with your values, with your nature, deserves each and every mistake you may make along the way, as long as you do not harm others (since your freedom ends where the freedom of others begins, with equal legitimacy). Therefore , we must not be afraid of making mistakes if we go in the direction we have set; what we do have to fear is not doing anything out of fear of making mistakes, since this, paradoxically, is the biggest mistake of all. Many remain paralyzed, postponing vital projects they are excited about, while life flashes by. We need to find a way to combat this nonsense that prevents us from fulfiling ourselves while being true to our nature.
So what can you do now?
Do this exercise of total and sincereintrospection, of profound penetration of human nature (let it flow; be yourself; you need to be brutally honest, no-one is judging you):
Sit in front of the mirror.
Take a sheet of paper and a pen.
Make a vertical line that separates the plane in two.
Think about all those situations and aspects that you don’t like
Write them on the left side of the sheet.
Give youself time. It is very important. If necessary, a whole day.
Once you’re done, write on the right-hand side the opposite of that aspect you noted on the left-hand side (for example, if you hate noise, write it on the left; on the right, write ‘silence’).
In the end, you will have the color photograph from the negative on the right. You must do this simple —but at the same time so momentous— exercise when you are quiet, keeping mood interference to a minimum. From there, every day, do things and make decisions that bring you closer to each of these points on the right, and avoid situations on the left as much as you can. You don’t have to do it all at once. Little by little, you will get closer to it … until one day, despite all the problems inherent in human existence, as if by magic, you will feel good, happy, because deep down you will know that you are living a meaningful life, a life not facing outwards, but facing inwards.
Does life really need to have meaning?
But, what if life has no meaning? Would it be a tragedy? Philosopher EM Cioran said, ‘The fact that life has no meaning is a reason to live —moreover, the only one“. The Cynics believed thatthe meaning of life is to live free or self-sufficient while eliminating dependence on something or someone, such as society or economy, and acting freely without basing your thoughts on something or someone. The brilliant French writer Albert Camus was clear about it: life has no meaning. He defined this philosophical theory as ‘absurdist’ and developed it thoroughly in works such as L’ Estranger and The Rebel, but especially in The Myth of Sisyphus. Other thinkers such us Jean-Paul Sartre or Arthur Schopenhauer and playwrights such like Samuel Becket, each in their own way, have also gone deeper into the void. *The Cynical school was founded in Ancient Greece in the second half of the fourth century a.C. The Greek Antisthenes was its founder, and Diogenes of Sinope was one of the most recognized and representative philosophers of his time. But the fact is that humans have an almost innate need to endow life with meaning, and if we perceive that it does not have any, we suffer from a kind of horror vacui (fear of emptiness), and we look for it in philosophy, religion, or spirituality. But in this post, we do not close the door to the fact that a life without transcendental meaning can be fully lived. Maybe we’ll talk about it in the future.
Conclusion
First of all, It is essential to read the entire article in order to understand this conclusion in its whole dimension. The meaning of life lies in leading a life aligned with our nature, life drive, and values. It is paramount to be genuine, free from barriers and external pressure. We have to be honest with ourselves. If it’s hard for us to visualize the lifestyle that suits us best, being clear about how we don’t want to live —much more approachable— will help us know what lifestyle fits our nature best. If we manage to lead a life that matches our personality, we can say that our lives will have a purpose before we cross the line that separates life from death. If we have reached this stage (whatever age we are), we will be able to leave in peace and with a smile, with the peace of mind that comes from having dared to live LIFE IN CAPITAL LETTERS.
We hope you found this post interesting. If you want to have your say, you can do so in the comments section below; if you think it might help someone you know, please share it. Thank you very much for visiting TDB (Nuts)!
(to) put two and two together translated to other languages.
idioms.
Meaning of (to) Put two and two together
“Put two and two togethers” is an expression that means “understanding different facts that seemed unrelated by establishing the relationships between them”. It is a way of saying that you have understood a situation or problem after connecting different dots or ideas that seemed to have nothing to do with each other.
Origin of Put two and two together
The idiom “Put two and two together” has been in use since the mid-1800s and is an abbreviation of a longer maxim that dates back to the 1600s: “The notion is as clear as that Two and Two makes four.” The phrase is used to describe the act of making an obvious deduction or conclusion by combining two pieces of information. It’s interesting to note that the phrase “two and two make four” was used as a paradigm of the obvious conclusion.
Examples of Put two and two together
Here are a few sentences with the expression put two and two together:
Peter put two and two togetherand understoond what had just happened. When she saw how the teacher and her husband looked at each other, Eva put two and two together. When you’re in an Escape Room, you have to put two and two together in order to get out. Ah, dammit… I’ve just put two and two together. Fancy that! The butler is the killer!
Put two and two together in Catalan
To say Put two and two together in Catalan you say ‘lligar cas (literally, to tie heads).
In Italian, the expression meaning put two and two together, is very similar to English: it is called ‘fare due piĂą due’ (literally, as in English, ‘Put two and two together’, or ‘add two and two’).
Put two and two together in Spanish
In Spanish, put two and two together is ‘atar cabos’ (literally, to tie ropes).
And so far today’s expression. We hope you found it interesting. If so, please share! In Tocat del Bolet (Nuts) you will find idioms, typical expressions, sayings and proverbs galore.. Just visit the section that interests you the most.
La Sagrada Familia (The Holy Family): A stunning expiatory temple designed by Antoni GaudĂ
La Sagrada Familia (which means ‘The holy Family’) is a stunning expiatory temple located in Barcelona, Catalonia. It was designed by the famous Spanish architect Antoni GaudĂ and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
Construction of La Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and is still ongoing. The basilica is known for its unique architecture, which combines Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. The building features intricate carvings, colorful stained glass windows, and towering spires.
Visitors to La Sagrada Familia can take a guided tour of the basilica and learn about its history and architecture. The building also features a museum with exhibits on GaudĂ and the history of the basilica.
Park GĂĽell: A beautiful park with colorful mosaics and stunning views of the city.
Park GĂĽell is a beautiful park located in Barcelona, Spain. It was designed by the famous Spanish architect Antoni GaudĂ and is known for its colorful mosaics and stunning views of the city.
The park features a number of unique architectural elements, including a large terrace with colorful mosaics and sculptures, a dragon fountain, and a winding bench covered in colorful tiles. Visitors to Park GĂĽell can take a guided tour of the park and learn about its history and architecture.
La Pedrera House
Have you heard of La Pedrera? It’s also known as Casa MilĂ , a really cool modernist building in Barcelona. Antoni GaudĂ designed it, and it was built between 1906 and 1910 in the Eixample district. It’s super iconic and definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area. You can even go inside and see the amazing terrace where GaudĂ put stone warriors.
Casa BatllĂł (Batllo House): A unique building designed by Antoni GaudĂ.
Casa BatllĂł (BatllĂł House) is a beautiful building located in Barcelona, Spain. It was designed by the famous Spanish architect Antoni GaudĂ and is known for its unique architecture and colorful facade.
The building features a number of unique architectural elements, including a colorful facade with intricate carvings and mosaics, a stunning rooftop terrace with views of the city, and a beautiful interior with curved walls and colorful stained glass windows.
Visitors to Casa BatllĂł can take a guided tour of the building and learn about its history and architecture. The building also features a museum with exhibits on GaudĂ and the history of Casa BatllĂł.
Gothic Quarter: A historic neighborhood with narrow streets and beautiful architecture.
The Gothic Quarter is the historic center of the old city of Barcelona. It stretches from La Rambla to Via Laietana, and from the Mediterranean seafront to the Ronda de Sant Pere. It is a part of Ciutat Vella district.
The Gothic Quarter is known for its narrow streets and medieval architecture. Visitors to the Gothic Quarter can explore the area’s many historic buildings and landmarks, including the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, also known as Barcelona Cathedral or La Seu Cathedral, which is a beautiful example of gothic architecture with soaring bell towers and detailed stonework.
There are also many shops, restaurants, and cafes in the Gothic Quarter, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
La Rambla: A famous street in the heart of Barcelona with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
La Rambla, also known as Las Ramblas, is an iconic promenade in the city of Barcelona that runs between the Plaza de Catalunya and the old port. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike and is filled with people day and night.
The promenade is lined with trees and features many shops, restaurants, cafes, and street performers. Visitors to La Rambla can explore the area’s many historic buildings and landmarks, including the Gran Teatre del Liceu opera house and the Boqueria Market.
Camp Nou: The home stadium of FC Barcelona.
Camp Nou, which means ‘New Field’ or ‘New Pitch’, is the home stadium of FC Barcelona and is located in the Les Corts neighborhood of Barcelona. The stadium was built in 1957 and has a seating capacity of 99,354. It is the largest stadium in Spain and the third-largest football stadium in the world.
Camp Nou has hosted many important football matches over the years, including several UEFA Champions League finals and the football competition at the 1992 Summer Olympics. The stadium also hosts concerts and other events throughout the year.
Barcelona beaches
If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, you definitely won’t want to miss out on its lively Barcelona beaches. The locals love them, and tourists do too! Some of the most popular beaches are Barceloneta Beach, Nova Icaria Beach, and Bogatell Beach. These beaches have everything you need, from showers and changing rooms to great restaurants and cafes.
Barceloneta Beach is a must-visit. It’s full of energy and great for people-watching. Nova Icaria Beach is another fantastic option, especially if you’re looking for calmer waters to swim in. It’s located near the Olympic Village and is definitely worth a visit!
Santa Maria del Mar
If you’re ever in EL Born, you absolutely have to check out Santa Maria del Mar! It’s maybe the most outstanding church in Barcelona. Built between 1329 and 1383, it’s the only church of pure Catalan Gothic style. The structure has three almost the same height naves, with tall columns every 13 meters apart. It’s been around for a long time and has seen much of Barcelona’s history. The architecture is a testament to the prosperity the city has experienced in the past. El Born is a fantastic neighborhood where you can find all sorts of cool stuff – from delicious food to unique shops selling everything from jewelry to shoes. And if you’re into fashion, you’ve got to check out Colette Barcelona, an artist that turns memory into a jewel. El Born is truly a special place where culture and creativity come together.
The Four Cats (Els quatre gats)
Did you know that Els Quatre Gats, a cafe in Barcelona, has a rich history dating back to 1897? This famous spot was a popular hangout for artists and intellectuals during the Modernisme movement. The architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch designed the cafe in the basement of Casa Marti, another building he designed. Some real heavyweights in the art world frequented the cafe, including Pablo Picasso and Ramon Casas.
The good news is that Els Quatre Gats still exists today and is open for business! You can grab a bite to eat or a drink there, and the cafe has been restored to its original design. It’s a great place to visit if you’re ever in Barcelona, especially if you’re a fan of history and art.
Boqueria Market
Have you heard of the Boqueria Market (or Mercat de la Boqueria, in Catalan) in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter? It’s a famous food market that’s actually built on a former monastery. Crazy, right?! This market has been around since the 13th century and has over 300 stalls selling fresh produce, meats, seafood, and other food items. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. You’ll find both locals and tourists browsing the stalls along the touristy La Rambla stretch. The market is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00am to 8:30pm, with an information point available from Monday to Saturday from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Hope you get a chance to check it out!
The Old Charms Market (Els encants Vells)
If you’re into unique and exciting finds like antiques and crafts, you can’t miss The Old Charms Market (in Catalan, Els Encants Vells) – a unique market in the world! Located in Barcelona, this flea market has been around for over seven hundred years and is definitely worth visiting. You can find all sorts of items like vintage clothing, second-hand objects, and of course, antiques. It’s a unique flea market.
Fun fact – the market was first located on La Rambla in 1808 before it was moved to a small hill in 1881 and renamed “Encants Vells” in 1822. If you want to check it out, the market is open from Monday to Saturday starting at 11:00am and closing at 10:00pm. But make sure beforehand if it is open, since there are days when they are not open. It is one of our favorite places. There is nothing like it in all of Europe.
Coin and stamp market
If you’re into numismatics like we are, we’ve got the perfect Sunday recommendation for you. Head over to Barcelona’s Plaça Reial (Royal Square) for the Numismatic Market where you’ll find a huge variety of coins, banknotes, stamps, and other collectibles like cava plates, pines, undergrowths, and sugar envelopes. The show’s real stars, though, are the coins, ranging from modern Euros to Roman, Greek, and medieval treasures. It’s a fantastic way to spend a Sunday morning if you’re a collector, with 36 licensed stands (26 for coins and 10 for stamps) open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Tibidabo Mountain and Amusement Park
Did you know that Tibidabo is a beautiful mountain that overlooks Barcelona? It’s the highest point of the Collserola mountain range and is 512 meters high. The mountain is home to Spain’s oldest amusement park, Tibidabo Amusement Park, which has been open since 1901. You can enjoy a magical experience at the park with a mix of classic and modern attractions like the Watchtower (Talaia), The plane, the Roller-coaster, or the Virtual Express. You won’t want to miss the unique shows like the KrĂĽeger Hotel or the Puppetarium (Marionetarium), and plenty of gastronomic spaces like Adventurers Club (Club dels Adventurers) keep you fueled up. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!
Tibidabo Mountain in Barcelona
Tibidabo Mountain in Barcelona
Gracia neighbourhood
If you happen to be in Barcelona, you absolutely must check out Gracia! GrĂ cia, which means ‘Joy,’ is a district of Barcelona that’s made up of several awesome neighborhoods like ‘Vila de GrĂ cia’ (Gracia’s village), Vallcarca and els Penitents, El Coll, La Salut, Camp d’en Grassot, and GrĂ cia Nova (New Gracia). Gracia is situated on top of the Passeig de Gracia area of ‘Eixample’, and it feels like a cozy little village right in the heart of Barcelona. It’s got such a cool vibe and is known for its vibrant artistic community and alternative scene. If you’re looking for a good time, why not check out Plaza del Sol (Sun square) or Plaza de la Vila de Gracia (Gracia town square)? There are so many interesting stores and bars to explore in the area – have you heard of the music bar Maria? It’s a hidden gem! And don’t forget to take a stroll through the charming streets – you never know what you might discover.
Plaça del Sol (Sun square) in Gracia
Have you heard of the Gracia Festival in Barcelona? It’s a super fun week-long street party in the Gracia neighborhood every August. One of the coolest things about the festival is its colorful and lively nature. The streets are decorated with incredible decorations made by the neighborhood’s residents. Plus, many parades, concerts, and other fun events happen throughout the week. It’s definitely a must-see if you’re ever in Barcelona in August!
The fairy forest (El bosc de les fades)
A very special bar. The Bosc de les Fades is a bar located at the end of the Rambla in Barcelona, next to the Columbus square and the Wax Museum. The bar decoration simulates a haunted forest with fairies and other fantastic creatures. There you can enjoy a wide selection of drinks and cocktails while relaxing in a magical and welcoming environment.
Horta Labyrinth
Have you heard of the Labyrinth of Horta? It’s a really cool historical garden in Barcelona! It’s actually the oldest garden in the city, built way back in the late 18th century. The estate used to belong to a super enlightened man named the Marquis of LlupiĂ , Poal, and AlfarrĂ s, who commissioned an Italian designer named Domenico Bagutti to work on it from 1791 to 1808. The park has a mix of neoclassical and romantic styles, and there are so many awesome features like a cypress maze, Tuscan columns, fountains, a terraced pavilion, and even a picnic area! If you’re ever in Barcelona, you should definitely check it out! The park is open every day from 10:00 – 19:00.
Labyrinth of Horta, Barcelona
We hope you found this information interesting and useful.This post will be updated soon with new places to visit in Barcelona. Feel free to leave your comments below.
Most important English sayings with their meaning
Most common English sayings. Most Usual English Sayings
Face it, if you’re here, it’s because you’re a bit of a language freak. That’s okay. So are we… But before getting into the nitty-gritty, let’s see what a saying is and how it differs from a proverb or an idiom. A saying is any concisely written or spoken expression that is especially memorable because of its meaning or style. Sayings are categorized as follows: Aphorism: a general, observational truth; “a pithy expression of wisdom or truth “. Some examples of popular sayings in English include “slow and steady wins the race,”” you can’t judge a book by its cover,” and “actions speak louder than words.”
What is the difference between a proverb, a saying, and an idiom?
A proverb is a short, traditional saying that offers advice or expresses a universal truth. A saying is a simple, often colloquial expression that memorably conveys a message. An idiom is a phrase or expression with a symbolic meaning that differs from the words’ literal meaning. While all three can be used to convey wisdom or insight, they each have their distinct characteristics and uses.
10 most common sayings in English
Having made the previous clarifications, let’s get down to business. Here are the 10 most used sayings in the English language along with their meaning:
Better late than never. – It’s better to do something late than not at all
Two wrongs don’t make a right – If someone does something bad to you, it doesn’t make it right for you to do something bad back
Birds of a feather flock together – Similar People tend to spend time together. A picture is worth a thousand words – A picture can convey more information than words alone.
There’s no such thing as a free lunch – Nothing is truly free; everything has a cost.
Beggars can’t be choosers – If you’re in a difficult situation and someone offers you help, you can’t be picky about what kind of help you receive.
A penny for your thoughts
Actions speak louder than words – What people do is more important than what they say.
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch – Don’t assume that something will happen before it actually does.
You can’t have your cake and eat it too – You can’t have everything you want; sometimes you must make choices
Other famous English sayings
Some of the most commonly used English sayings are also:
You can’t judge a book by its cover
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. – When things become difficult, strong people take action.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Add insult to injury; All good things must come to an end; All in good time; Curiosity killed the cat or Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
About this blog…
And this is the end of our publication. If you liked it, visit Most Common English Idioms, Most Common English Idioms II, Scottish Proverbs, Most Important Catalan Sayings and Proverbs Translated to English, Common British English expressions translated to Catalan II, and Common British English expressions translated to Catalan. You will find them all in this blog (take a look at the recent posts column on the left). So, if you like typical expressions, idioms, proverbs and sayings, see you here. You know what they say: birds of a feather flock together. We have no doubt that you will find surprising things on this blog. If you want to share more proverbs with us, please send them to us in the comments section below. Thanks for visiting our blog, and see you soon!
The rarest, most expensive and most coveted 50 pence coins. British coins. Most sought-after 50p.
What is numismatics?
Numismatics is the study of coins and related objects, such as medals, tokens, banknotes, etc. It is a complementary science to archaeology, as it allows to know the history of civilizations and the importance of ancient coins from a religious and political point of view. It also has to do with design, art, even cryptography and, needless to say, economics. Numismatics can also be a hobby for collectors who seek rare or valuable coins.
History of the 50 pence coin
The 50 pence coin is one of the most beautiful coins ever made in Britain and Europe. So much so that thousands of people collect them. You don’t need a big budget to collect these nice coins, and it is a very good way to get into the world of numismatics and coin collecting. Besides, as we will see later, there are some 50 pence coins that are especially appealing for kids. The 50 pence coin is a denomination of British currency worth half pound. It was introduced in 1969 as part of the decimalisation of the British currency system, replacing the old 10-shilling note.
50 pence coins replaced the old 10-shilling note
The 50 pence coin has a seven-sided shape, which makes it distinctive from other coins in circulation. It also has a plain edge, unlike the smaller coins which have milled edges.
The obverse of the 50 pence coin features the profile of the current monarch, who has changed five times since the coin’s introduction. The first portrait was of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Arnold Machin. It was followed by portraits by Raphael Maklouf (1985), Ian Rank-Broadley (1998), Jody Clark (2015) and Martin Jennings (2022). The last portrait is of King Charles III, who succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth II after her death in 2022.
The reverse of the 50 pence coin has changed many times over the years, featuring different designs to commemorate various events, people and organisations. Some of the most famous designs include:
The Britannia design by Christopher Ironside, which was used from 1969 to 2008. It shows a seated Britannia alongside a lion, symbolising Britain’s strength and heritage.
The Royal Shield design by Matthew Dent, which was used from 2008 to 2021. It shows a segment of the Royal Shield, which forms part of the coat of arms of the United Kingdom.
The Coronation design by Jody Clark, which was used from 2022 onwards. It shows a copy of the design used on the 1953 Crown struck to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. It includeshe four quarters of the Royal Arms depicted within a shield, and an emblem of each home nation between them.
A highly collectible coin
The 50 pence coin is one of the most popular and collectable coins in Britain, with many different designs issued over the years for both circulation and commemoration. Some of the rarest and most valuable designs include:
The most expensive 50p coins
The Kew Gardens design by Christopher Le Brun, which was issued in 2009 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Only 210,000 coins were minted, making it the scarcest and most expensive 50 pence coin in circulation. The kew Gardens 50p coin circulated (average condition) is worth ÂŁ65.00, in circulated excellent condition is worth ÂŁ115.00 and uncirculated is worth ÂŁ230.00.It is important to note that the value of coins varies according to demand and their state of preservation. You can find more information about the Kew Gardens coin on the Royal Mint website.
Kew Gardens 50p coin
The Olympic Games designs by various artists, which were issued from 2010 to 2011 to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. There were 29 different designs, each representing a different sport or discipline. Some of them are more sought-after than others, such as the football design by Neil Wolfson, which shows the offside rule.The Peter Rabbit design by Emma Noble, which was issued in 2016 to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Beatrix Potter.
It shows the famous character from her children’s books. It was part of a series of four coins featuring other characters such as Jemima Puddle-Duck and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle.
The 50 pence coin is legal tender for amounts up to ÂŁ10 when offered in repayment of a debt. However, this is not normally relevant for everyday transactions, as most shops and businesses accept any amount of coins as payment. There are approximately 920 million 50 pence coins in circulation as of March 2013.
Ranking
Here is the ranking of the most sought-after —and expensive— 50 pence coins:
Coin
Year
Design
Price in pounds
Price in euros
50p
2009
Kew Gardens
ÂŁ140
€164
50p
2011
Olympic Wrestling
ÂŁ13
€15
50p
2011
Olympic Football
ÂŁ13
€15
50p
2011
Olympic Judo
ÂŁ10
€12
50p
2011
Olympic Triathlon
ÂŁ10
€12
50p
2016
Jemima Puddle-Duck (Beatrix Potter)
ÂŁ8
€9
50p
2011
Olympic Weightlifting
ÂŁ8
€9
50p
2023*
Royal Shield (Charles III) Not issued yet
ÂŁ7
€8
We hope you found this post interesting. If you collect 50 pence coins and would like to share your experience with us or give your opinion, please do so in the comments box below. Thank you!
Robots. Social Security. Welfare State.
Universal Basic Income (UBI)
Taxes
Will robots ever pay taxes? It may sound like science fiction, but this debate is already on the table. Some people even go so far as to say that they will contribute decisively to the so-called Universal Basic Income (UBI).
The Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a socio-political policy proposal in which all citizens of a country receive a legally stipulated and equally established economic subsidy. A basic income can be implemented at a national, regional or local level.
It is worth saying that here we understand robots in their broadest sense: from computers equipped with artificial intelligence and powerful algorithms to androids such as Boston Dynamics or Honda’s Asimo.
During the industrial revolution, employees worked long hours on the assembly line, which was a dull and unskilled task. But does it make any sense in the 21st century?
In the future it is more than likely that many jobs will still require humans; specially those jobs that involve a human touch (teachers, social educators, therapists, psychologists…) or that have an artistic or creative aspect (designers, craftsmen, painters, writers, artists in general…).
In fact, there is a website that tells you what the chances are that your job will end up being replaced by a robot, namely, Will robots take my job?
To calm us all down a bit, new jobs and positions will emerge that don’t even exist yet.
However, robots with increasingly sophisticated algorithms will eventually replace more and more human workers to do any task that can be turned into algorithms. A cashpoint or ATM replaces an average of 6 workers in a bank branch; Wall Mart replaced its accountants with computers, algorithms rule finances, and we are used to seeing more robots than humans on assembly lines.
The crux of the matter is finding a win-win-win formula that works for everyone: workers who will be replaced by robots, the robots themselves, and the employers.
But is this even possible?
A groundbreaking proposal has emerged from the Blockchain community: What if robots paid taxes, our Social Security and UBI in cryptocurrencies?
The system would work like this:
The robots would do their work, for which they would receive a salary in digital currencies; 🤖🟡🟡🟡
It looks like a virtuous cycle: entrepreneurs can sell their products, citizens have an income every month and robots pay for their maintenance, UBI and Social Security. Those who want to have a higher standard of living can continue to work to supplement their UBI. Cryptocurrencies that generate the by-product known as ‘gas’ or other even other digital currencies or assets could also be used for this purpose.
It may take some getting used to, but we’re already used to vending machines, ATMs and talking to Siri or Cortana, our virtual assistants, not to mention Chat GPT.
It sounds like a brilliant win-win-win formula that could turn a future often seen as dystopian into an alternative one where people would enjoy more free time. After all, robots perform boring and repetitive tasks that we humans usually don’t like doing.
Robot drawn by Artificial Intelligence (AI)
It would be a great breakthrough in technology and a turning point in human history, both in social and technological terms. Whether this is just unfounded speculation or a serious proposal, it remains to be seen. Stranger things have happened.
Here is one of the most sought-after Catalan coins: the medieval Croats. The medieval croats and the banknotes issued by the Generalitat de Catalunya —the Government of Catalonia— during the Civil War —although the latter, to be more accurate, would fall into the world of note collecting known as notaphily— are the Holy Grail of Catalan numismatics. Yes, there is a great deal of interest in these pieces, and in recent years they have gone up in price at both auctions and numismatics.
History
The Quatern was a Catalan vellon coin created by Peter II in 1212. It was also known as Court coin. Its value was four silver marks and eight copper marks.
In 1346 Peter III the Ceremonious created a new coin: the gold Florin of Aragon , and established a mint in Perpignan for the minting of royal gold coins . It was minted imitating of those of Florence. In addition to Perpignan, it was also minted in Barcelona, Gerona, Valencia and Majorca, but never in Aragon.
The Croat was a Barcelona silver coin, minted from the time of Peter II (1177 – 1213) until Philip V (1683-1746). It was also called Barcelonese silver money, real silver money and thick white coin. Its name comes from the cross on the back. It was abolished in 1718 with the New Royal Decree .
The Counts of Barcelona gradually extended their dominion and currency throughout Catalonia. The seca (mint) in Barcelona minted coins called Diners and Obols, which had less and less silver content. It was in the time of James I, the Conqueror, that the stability of the numerarie was achieved. The numeraire is liquid or cash money, i.e. coins, banknotes and short-term current accounts. The numeraire also usually refers to the amount of circulating money (mainly coins and banknotes) that exists in a country at any given time.
The first attempt to make a strong silver coin struck in Barcelona dates back to 1268, but it could not be made due to the opposition of the nobles of Barcelona.
The famous Barcelona coin, called the Croat, was first struck in the first week of August 1285, and it was Peter II, the Great, son of James I, the Conqueror, who ordered it to be issued. The birth of the Catalan Croat is associated with the period of expansion of the Catalan-Aragonese Crown.
The obverse shows the bust of the king who decided to strike the coins, always looking to the left and with a crown on his head. The reverse of the coin shows the long-armed cross, which is the origin of the old name ‘crucesigneds’ and later the Croat.
The weight of the croat was 3.23 grams of silver.
Catalan Croats
How many grams are an ounce?
To put this in context, one ounce equals 28.35 grams.
Peter II the Great (1276-1285)
The first legal issues of croats began in the first week of August 1285, a few months before the death of Peter II the Great (who reigned from 1276 to 1285 and was the son of James I the Conqueror and Violant of Hungary). Very few examples of croats from this reign are known and therefore are extremely rare.
Peter II Croat
Price
It is a rare croat, and the starting price at auction is 750€, easily reaching 3000€.
It must be said that there are croats that are much more affordable than those of Peter II. For example, a croat of James II (1291-1327) has a starting price of around €80 and is sold for €216 in VF, VF20 or VF25 (according tothe sheldon coin grading scale). A croat of Peter III can be obtained for little more than €80.
For those of you who are already familiar with coin collecting, you already know that the condition of the coin has a direct impact on its price. However, sometimes there are coins that are so unique that their condition takes a back seat.
