SHINee.

SHINee is a Korean band of k-pop, dance and R&B who is composed by five members: the leader Onew, the principal voice Jonghyung, Key, the rapper Minho, and the principal dancer Taemin.

They have several albums: The 1st Mini Album-Replay, The SHINee World - The First Album, A.Mi.Go - 1st Repackage Album, Romeo - The 2nd Mini Album, 2009 Year Of Us - The 3rd Mini Album, Lucifer - The Second Album and the last one Hello - 2nd Repackage Album.

And they have broadcast the music videos of some of their principal exits: Replay, A.Mi.Go, Love like oxygen, Juliette, Lucifer, Ring Ding Dong and Hello.

  

I really like them. I know about them because one of my friends showed me one of their music videos, to be more specific, the MV of Lucifer, and I started to like their music, their songs are really beautiful and are full of meaning, and overcoat I love two of their members: Taemin and Minho. They are so, so lovely and…hot. >.<

I would be really happy if they come to Spain to give a concert and I can meet them in person. But for the moment, I think it’s a little bit difficult because Korean music is not well-known here so they don’t organized concerts, and that’s really frustrating. But I they don’t come to Spain, I will go to Korea to meet them. Yes I know that it’s a silly dream, but in several years, when I would have my own salary and if I remember who they are I will go to Korea to make them a visit. ^^

South Korea reality shows.

Since I started to introduce me in the Korean world, I discovered two interesting reality shows: Hello Baby and We got married.

The first one is about idols that have to raise a young child (who obviously is not their child). They have to spent about 3 or 4 months taking care of that little boy or girl, without leaving her duties as idols. Normally, they live all together in a house and do some kind of task related to the child like going to get his hair cut, going shopping with him, going to get him a vaccine, going on a little vacation with him or just making good memories with him. The funniest thing is that you can see facets of a famous music band that you ever have seen and seeing how they try their best to get the attention of a kid is something incredible. For the moment, there had been only two promotions: the first one for the idol group of girls called “Girls Generation” who had to take care of a 1 or 2 year baby called Cho Kyungsan and the promotion of the idol group of boys called “SHINee” who had to look after a 3 or 4 year old boy called Jun Yoogeun.

The second reality show I want to explain is “We got married”. It is about some Korean celebrities who are paired to show how it would be if they were married. Each week, some missions are assigned to the couples like: making exercise with your partner, making lunch boxes or simply making their husband/wife meals, buying gifts to your parent’s partner, among others. But the “worst thing” is that each couple is given a concept to portray, I mean, they have to play a specific role, for example: one of them have to be “a college couple living with a limited income”. Meanwhile they have personal interviews where each component of each couple to express their thought and feelings. The interesting thing of this show, also as in Hello Baby, is to see how those idols pass throw “matrimonial difficulties” and what they do to make their marriage beat the other couples.

 


                                                                           
I recommend them to you because they are really, really funny and you can see the true personality of the idols and their reaction in front of some situation. Moreover, they are not subtitling to Spanish so you have to see them with English subtitles.

The music influence on people.

Like all of we know, music is an art that has always been in our lives, since the chants to the gods to the actual commercial music. The fact that we always had it around us, leads us to realize of how much the music influences on people, whether in the state of our mind, in our personality, in our intellectual faculties, etc.

Formerly, philosophers used the harmony of the sounds to influence in the behavior and the character of their listeners or students. It also was considered a useful tool to develop the character and education of children and it’s very common the use of music, especially classic music, as a way to increase our attention span when studying.  

In the field of medicine also had his increase in medical treatments, especially in psychiatric hospitals, such as healing from depression. It is also very frequent to find psychologists who treat aggressiveness, stress or nerve problems with music.

Moreover of having his effects on medicine and education, where we notice his greater influence is in our state of mind or moods. Who hadn’t listened a song which had made him feel lively, had made him feel able to do anything or the opposite, had made him feel sad and full of negative feelings. All of we have had one of these moments in which, for just a second, the music had evaded us of reality, had made us feel differently to how we feel normally. Although we have to say too that all depends in the kind of music and in the time in which it is listened.   

To sum up, music is something that must surprise us. We think that it’s just a simple gather of sound with lyrics and rhythm that makes them look good, but we don’t see that it’s a big way to change, improve or solve most of the things that happen around us or in ourselves. Moreover, who don’t have a better day when he wakes up listening a song which sends us positivity and good feelings? 

Me and my lovely bento

I’m so happy today. Maybe you are wondering why. Well, the last weekend Liza went to “Salon del manga” which was being celebrated in Barcelona. I also wanted to go, but I’m saving some money to go in a little vacation with my friends, so in order to no spend money I stayed at home (It was such a big disappointment). Few days before, Liza and I were speaking of bentos, these are lunch boxes that use the Asiatic people, like the Koreans and the Japaneses. Then she said me that, one of her friends, maybe could have some of these bentos and I said to her that also wanted one. In my way to Castellon on the bus the last Sunday (the day that Liza was in the “Salon del manga”, I decided to call her because I was bored.  When I called her, she said me that she has just bought a bento only for 10 Euros, and I said to her: Liza please, buy me one too! And she did it. Today she has given me my precious bento, which is blue with two little bears in her tape and it came with his little chopsticks. It’s so cute. >.< And I’m the most happy person in the world! The next I have to stay at the university for lunch, I’ll tell my mother to put the lunch in the bento. ^ ^

Playful Kiss

The last dorama I have seen is Playful Kiss. It is also, like Boys Before Flowers, a drama based on the manga of the author Kaoru Tada Itazura na Kiss (イ タズラな), but it isn't already finished due to the sudden death of Kaoru, when she was moving to another house with her husband and her son. But the manga is still being published with the permission of her husband. This manga has also a anime version.

Manga verion.

                        

Anime version.

                                           

Synopsis.

Oh Ha Ni, a girl who has no good intellect and neither good grades, has fallen in love with the most intelligent and popular boy of her school, Baek Seung Jo. She gathers the courage to declare her feelings to Seung Jo, but he rejects her returning the love letter she had written but with spelling mistakes corrected in front of the entire school. Bur after this humiliation Ha Ni still don't give up.

One day, due to a earthquake, Ha Ni and her father have no place to go, because their house is destroyed. But suddenly a old friend of her father appear offering them to stay at his house. The surprise was that her father's old friend was also Seung Jo father.

This will be the start of a new and more exiting live for all the people who surrounds Ha Ni and Seung Jo, with a lot of adventures. But will Ha Ni be able to make Seung Jo fall in love with her?

Cast. 

Oh Ha Ni:  She is a silly girl, so clumsy and she is always messing up everything and making mistakes. She is no intelligent, but he puts her effort in all she does until she gets what she wants. She can be very persistent.

She cares a lot for her father and everyone who surrounds her. She gives her all on making the boy she likes to look at her, although it is sometimes uselessly. She always have the support of her friends and her "mother". She is ready to help in everything. She is really a very good girl.

Baek Seung Jo: He is a smart boy, tall and handsome. Son of a wealthy family who has never lacked anything. He can solve easily any conflict.

He a proud person, sometimes too proud and ironic.

He seems to be quiet and calm due to his lack of motivation for anything. He has no dreams to fulfill since is easy for him to achieve anything.

But he is a very good person, who cares about his family and when the girl he loves (without knowing his own feelings) is with another boy, he gets jealous.

Bong Joon Gu: He is a clumsy person, not very intelligent but he has a big determination and tenacity that he puts in the objective that is marked. He is very honest. He is not afraid of confessing his feelings, since he is very proud of them. He is impulsive, passionate, unreflective and spontaneous. He acts consistently and according to his thoughts at all times. He is therefore likely to mess up and make mistakes.

Yoon  Hae Ra: She is a really beautiful and intelligent gitl and all the boys are after her. She always gets what she wants. Although she seems to be the typical egocentric and conceited girl, she is a good person that hides her feelings fot not to get hurt. She is the rival of the protagonist in this dorama, the person who also likes Seung Jo and do everything she can to get him although she knows that he loves the other girl. She has hope until the end.

I really like this dorama, but it frustrated me a little because the boy was always therating the girl bad and being rude to her, when he obviously was deeply in love with her. It's so romantic and I cried a little bit, but I also laughed so much.

Other doramas I would like to see are:

You're beautiful

Personal taste

Zettai kareshi

Doramas!

One of my friends has made me a true fan of the Asian dramas. They are called "doramas"

(ドラマ) 

The word "dorama" is derived from drama. This word is used to write drama in romaji.

Although it is called dramas, they are not limited to this genre; there are comedies and romances among others.

 It is quite common in the cast that appear singers, actors, models or celebrities in general, well known to the public.
The most successful dramas in Japan are exported to other Asian countries like Korea and Taiwan, who have also developed their own dramas and adaptations. Today's "doramas" have many followers.

Well I already have made a little introduction of "doramas", then now I'm going to explain my opinion of the different dramas I have seen o the dramas I want to see.

The first drama I saw was Boys before flowers. It is the Corean drama based on the manga "hana yori dango" of the Japanese author Yoko Kamio. It has also a Japanese version.

 Korean version: Boys before flowers.

The manga: Hana yori dango.

Japanese version: Boys over flowers.

Synopsis

It is about the adventure (or misadventures) of an average girl called Geum Jan Di, whose family owns a dry cleaning store located near the luxurious and well known Shin Hwa College. Jan Di meets the four richest and most spoiled boys known as the F4. After some misunderstandings, she is admitted into that school on a swimming scholarship. Jan Di tries to avoid any type of relationship with the F4 because those that go against them will be targeted and their school life would be a hell. But despite all her efforts she will star a war with de leader of the F4, Goo Joon Pyo, who little by little will fall in love with Jan Di and that will start a love triangle, because Jan Di is in love with Yoon Ji Hoo.

Cast

Koo Hye Sun as Geum Jan Di:

She is a hard worker, a fighter, a persistent girl and although she is somewhat awkward and a bit silly to the studies, she do anything to help others and always gets what she proposes.

She is the protagonist if this drama.

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Lee Min Hoo as Goo Joon Pyo:

He is a spoiled boy, who comes from a very influent and rich family and he thinks he can have everything he want. He is a guy with little patience and a big ego, but it becomes a very funny with their ideas and whims. And he can be very, very cute when he shows his tender side.

He is the person who fall in love with the protagonist.

Kim Hyun Joong as Yoon Ji Hoo:

He is the most lonely from the F4 and he is Jan Di first love. At first he is not interested, but when Jan Di falls in love with Joon Pyo, Ji Hoo seems to fell something towards the girl. He is very sweet with her and she considers him a very important person but he is no longer the person who loves.

Kim Bum as So Yi Jung:

He is the third member of the F4 and he is the Casanova of the group. It is a great genius in pottery, ceramic work, with which he has won money and admiration. This boy who is always smiling has a love story with Jan Di's best friend Chu Ga Eul. Even thought his charismatic personality is heart is very hurt by his father and his first love. Hi is the person who is always ready to help Jan Di and Joon Pyo with their trouble relationship.

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Kim Joon as Song Woo Bin:

He is the fourth member of the F4 and he is roll is the less important in this drama. Woo Bin is the son of the president of the Mafia, from there his rank and money, but he is not proud of his family "work". He's a really good boy that is willing to help his friends in any situation. His the title of being the "Prince Song" is helpful in some cases. He is also a playboy like Yi Jung

I really liked this drama. I laughed and cried, I suffered with all of the situation in which the protagonist were. I somewhat I learn something about live. I could sound really silly but it's true. 

I recomend that serie to anyone who is willing to cried but also to have a good time. ^^

Next time I will explain the dorama Playful Kiss.

The last signs.

 The last signs of Chinese zodiac are the rooster, the dog and the wild boar:

1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993
 

Rooster: This animal is considered honorable and very outstanding. It represents leadership and authority for its position and strength. It has self-confidence, defends his country bravely and is able to lead others in its class. Those born in the year of the rooster are full of fire and enthusiasm. They are extroverted and lonely. They have no problem saying the first thing that goes through their head because of its spontaneity. At the work they are enthusiastic and they are always busy. Usually they lie on the shoulders more tasks that can do.

1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994. 

Dog: It has been considered man's best friend in all periods and regions. It shows loyalty to defend his home and its inhabitants. It’s loving, protective and genuine nature. The best quality of people born in dog years is honesty. They are excellent companions, have a fierce loyalty. They use to be kept cold at the worst times: when the others are, they manage to keep calm and avoid problems. They inspire great confidence; they are easily loyal employees and follow all orders received without discussion.

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1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995.

Wild boar: In the West this animal represents sloth, greed and carelessness. For the Chinese people it’s considered courageous and admired. It is a symbol of devotion and dedication. We find in it the most courteous and gallant Chinese sign. They have a strong personality that cannot be diverted or destroyed. When they start a job they don’t stop until they see it completed. They areconsidered innate students. They exhibit a striking honesty in all matters, to the point of touch naivety.

I hope that you have enjoyed this information about something of the oriental culture. ^^

More zodiac signs. :)

Next are the horse, sheep and monkey. I’m, personally, the sign of the monkey, because I was born in 1992. 

  1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

Horse: This animal represents the speed and grace of movement. They have great coordination, beauty and nobility. It is a docile animal, friendly and very loyal. They are symbol of solidarity and collaboration. It is a suspicious and cunning animal. People born under the influence of horse years are optimistic, communicative and sociable. At the same time are quite independent has a strong temperament and passion come to clash in their social and labor relations.

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1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003.

Sheep: The Chinese people relate to the monks, men who retire as a symbol of obedience and hermit. It is a symbol of obedience and respect. Those who are under the sign of the sheep are friendly and intelligent. They have an artistic sense that is innate to them, so they could easily live through any of the fine arts but are inconsistent. Lack of confidence leads them to think all the time and sometimes they are drawn by the facts and come to live of others.

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1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

Monkey: In India it is considered sacred because it mimics the human and reflects human foibles like their habits. It is a symbol of good luck, happiness and cheerfulness. They are quick, intelligent and skillful in working; it’s always in constant motion. It’s ingenious and, especially, it’s wicked, witty and original. They have a great common sense and have a major bearing in eroticism. When they are interested are able to adopt a cold actitud. You would never know what will be their reaction at any time.

Rabbit, dragon and snake.

Today it's the turn of this very diferent animals.

1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999.

Rabbit: It represents the humility and kindness. Those born in the Year of the Rabbit speak eloquently and have the words to persuade others with skill, without going against their idea of not wanting to hurt others. It is almost impossible to lose control of themselves and they are ambitious and very cautious. They like being around people, enjoy the company of many friends but they are superficial.

1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000.

Dragon: In Eastern astrology the Dragon is the king of animals and in Chinese thought the dragon is the ruler of all humans world the animals. Those born under the influence of the dragon years are honest, have courage and can considered heroes. They are energetic and they enjoy of excellent health. In Asian countries it is believed that the natives of this sign accompanying them prosperity and long life.

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1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001.

Snake: It is considered by the Chinese people an animal which posses sagacity and cunning, prevention and dexterity. It has been a symbol of intelligence and wisdom. It has also meant evil, deception and moral corruption. Those born in the year of the snake have the gift of wisdom. But for Asians means that they know how is best to adapt to the role that they have to play in the life. However, they show a dangerous tendency to be selfish and conceited.

That's all for today. See you next time.^^

The sign of the ox and the tiger.

Well, today I would like to explain more about the Chinese zodiac signs and the nexts two signs are the ox and the tiger.

1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997

Ox: Tenacity, prudence and perseverance are among the main virtues of those born under this sign. Always going forward steadily and slowly but sure. They are kind and patient; people who sometimes is considered eccentric. But they know how to inspire trust in people around them. Often show great dexterity. They are not very talkative, because they choose reflect their views and not to rush the answers even if they hurry. They arrive at success without having to develop a great effort and regardless of the target.

1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 

Tiger: Those born under the sign of the tiger have courage and boldness; they are fast, accurate, tireless and tend to action. For this reason and for lack of serenity, they may fall in precipitation and errors. Tireless workers when they propose something to the end. Also, we can find people vindictive or temperamental instability. 

They are attracted by the cuisine. They look for risky jobs. They are attracted to wealth. They are sensitive and passionate in love. 

Chinese zodiac signs.

This time I would like to talk about the Chinese zodiac signs. Western astrology is different from the oriental astrology. While the first is based on the months of the year the second is determined by the year you were born. Each sign and those born under it, are represented by one of twelve animals, and assigned a number of qualities that the Chinese believe they represent the nature of each animal.

According to legend, the twelve animals of Chinese Zodiac were chosen by Buddha. When Buddha was near death he invited all the animals to visit him. But just came twelve: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. To thank them for visiting him, Buddha honored them by using them to represent the twelve phases of the Zodiac.

I would like to explain something about each of the Chinese zodiac sings. I'll begin speaking of the sign of the rat.

1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996.

Rat: The character of those born under the sign of the rat is marked by sympathy and intelligence. They are sociable, communicative and extrovert; they love meetings and often participate in clubs, teams or associations. On the dark side of this sign we can meet people fearful, wasteful and like to live like kings, but at the expense of others.

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In the following days I would like to explain a little about each of those signs.

This will be really dificult.

It is difficult to find an interesting topic to write about and which is not monotone when your English teacher says you have to write a blog that contains 4,000 words in that language. So I thought I could star by introducing myself and tell some things about me and later I'll think about what else I can write.

My name is Andrea, also known as "Maceta" (don't ask with please) I'm 17 years old (what it's really a bother, for so many reasons) and I'm in first year of translation and interpretation. About what I like to do, I like drawing, going out with friends, go shopping (like all woman does), singing in the shower to annoy my neighbor, reading making longs walks by the shore of the sea and I like going to the cinema with my father.

I really love manga and anime, I prefer what in Japan is called "shojo" that is a genre more for girls than for boys, it's about love stories and some drama but usually has a happy ending. And about the kind of films I like, I must say that I don't have any special preference but I like science-fiction and romance films and comedies but I hate scary movies.

Well I think that I already said enough today. I'll write more next time. Bye ^^