Hollywood is flooding us with its high budget productions full of all the megastar actors, who are either members of a sect or spend all their money on cosmetic operations. The American film industry is flooding us with its super movies and special effects and it appears that breath-taking explosions of big buildings or spectacular highway pursuits are more important than offering the spectator a good and meaningful story. Do you want to liberate us from this disaster? Why not participate in the 48 Hour Film Project in Berlin and enjoy really good films!

Between the 17th and 19th of July, the German capital is celebrating the third edition of this international and well known 48 Hour Film Project.

La Paloma Madrid - one of the the most traditional festivals in Madrid

August is one of the most festive months in the Madrid calendar. Although the capital is quite empty in the summer months, thousands of people gather in La Latina neighbourhood from 6th to 15th August to hold La Paloma Festival, one of the most traditional celebrations of the city. La Paloma Virgin is the most beloved patron of Madrid, although the official one is the Virgin of Almudena.

Among the virgins linked to Madrid, La Paloma Virgin is one of the most modern virgins. Its devotion dates back to the eighteenth century, when its canvas was found by some children in a corral.

Gunners fans upset with greedy Arshavin

Fans blasted Arsenal’s Andrey Arshavin yesterday for demanding an increase in his £80,000-a-week wages – because he thinks he’s paying too much income tax.

New signing Arshavin, 27, has found he takes home less cash here that he did in his native Russia, even though his gross salary is far higher.

It’s because in Russia he was paying 13 per cent tax – and here he is clobbered by the new 50p top rate.

Now, Arshavin has ordered his agent to renegotiate his contract with the Gunners and earn him an increase.

But fans yesterday said the midfielder was displaying “sheer greed.”

Filed Under: Funny Stuff • Spanish Headlines • The Catalans! • World News

Tags: Barcelona • de juan gris • girona • juan gris • juan gris art • juan gris cubism • juan gris paintings

An unknown Juan Gris stands out at the cultural centre Fontana d’Or in Girona

The creativity of the great geniuses always radiates out in all directions. The general public can enjoy such delights that come in the form of large paintings or sculptures, but its ramifications are endless, poetry, small illustrations or photo collages.

One of the geniuses of the Spanish avant-garde of the early twentieth century, Juan Gris is no exception. The cultural centre Fontana d’Or run by the fundación Caixa Girona is now showing some of the most unknown aspects of one of the great masters of Cubism.

Until June 14th you’ll be able to see “Juan Gris, illustrator 1904 - 1912″ which counts on 61 original drawings from the collection of Emilio Ferré. This sample of Juan Gris’s work is unique and unprecedented. It collects for the first time the original artwork and example published in magazines, noted Ferré.

The artist began working with different publications at the age of 17 years and continued until he was 25. This became an extraordinary testing ground that helped him to get experience, find new ways of expression and make a name for himself. He collaborated with a total of 24 publications in various European countries such as Spain, France or Germany. The exhibition also shows to the public for the first time ever about thirty of these drawings that are incursions into Pre-Cubism said Ferré.

The original works are a testimony to Juan Gris as a young artist committed to his era who was also interested in what was happening around him and who used sarcasm and mockery as a weapon against all that he did not like. He even added cynical comments to some of his drawings.

Until: June 14th 2009
At: Cultural Centre Fontana d’Or, Girona
Fee: Free admission

To enjoy this wonderful exhibition why not rent Barcelona apartments to take full advantage of your stay in the catalan capital!

Filed Under: Spanish Headlines • World News

Tags: Alfonso Ensenat de Villalonga • Barcelona • catalan • catalonia • catalunya • christopher columbus • galicia • genoa • italian • Lucio Marineo Siculo • Pedro Columbus • scottish

Christopher Columbus was actually a Scotsman called Pedro Scotto and his family originally came from Scotland, too claims a Spanish historian.

In a report by The Telegraph, these allegations made by Alfonso Ensenat de Villalonga have turned upside down the normally accepted narratives regarding the famous explorer’s origins. He is said to be the son of a weaver from Genoa, Italy or that he was even from Catalonia or Galicia in Spain.
“In fact, he was from Genoa, but he was the son of shopkeepers not weavers and he was baptised Pedro not Christopher,” stated Villalonga.

Villalonga also added “His family name was Scotto, and was not Italian, but of Scottish origin”.
The Spanish historian also added “He had light-coloured eyes and freckles. He also had blond hair even though it quickly turned white. That’s how his contemporaries described him. He is nothing like the traditional images (of him), which are totally invented”.
Villalonga points out a chronicle of Catholic kings written by Lucio Marineo Siculo, who referred in his writings to “Pedro Columbus”, not Christopher.

The historian also alleges that the explorer once worked for a pirate called Vincenzo Columbus, and adopted that family name so as not to “expose” his relations.
According to Alfonso Ensenat de Villalonga, his research involved scrutinizing the archives in the region of Genoa, Italy along with those held in the Spanish history academy and national library.

Apartments Ramblas

On 8th of March we celebrate the International women’s day. On this special day we commemorate women’s fight for the right of co-determination and equality with men in society and in their personal life. In some countries the international women’s day is an official bank holiday and is designated by the United Nations. For these reasons, one of the most important film festivals, FILM DE FEMMES, has chosen the month of March to celebrate its 31st edition of the women’s film festival. Come to Paris and discover the world through the eyes of women!

FILM DE FEMMES will take place in the city of Crétil which is in the suburbs of Paris. In this way you can combine without any problem a spectacular trip through the world of cinema with a trip to the wonderful city of love. If you rent one of the best apartments in Paris, your stay in the French capital will be an unforgettable experience!