Mittwoch, 13. Juni 2007

All good things come to an end

It's time to say godbye. The world is waiting for me and I really have to go. It was a pleasure to "entertain" you. See you soon :)

Sonntag, 3. Juni 2007

My name is Earl

As this is the most stressful time of the year, the need and desire for good entertainment (in the minimal spare time left) is enormous. And what is more relaxing than having a good laugh?!
To summarize the plot in short: Earl was a pretty bad boy all through his life. He committed almost every crime you can think of- he robbed houses, stole practically everything he saw, he mocked and terrorised other people etc. Married to a woman who had two children that weren't his, he was not blessed with luck either. One day, after he won 100.000 $ and got hit by a car immediately afterwards, he is confronted with karma. From this moment on his intentions are good as he wants to repair all the damaged he caused. What comes around goes around is certainly true for him!
If this is not convincing enough, you should read some comments or reviews because missing 30 min of quality laughter would be a sin. My boyfriend surprised me with this hilarious series in order to cheer me up and he surely did!




The End

Goodbye Cork! Jaywalking with the Irish has come to an end and I was truly disappointed with the Monagan's. Their decision to return to America is understandable but somehow it was not a satisfying end for a story which promised so much at the beginning. I strongly believe they will return some day as Cork seemed to be the perfect match for them. Maybe when they retire or the children are grown up.
It is virtually bad fortune. After all they have been through they finally managed to complete the home they have always dreamt of and then this misfortune. I wish them luck for the future and may the force be with them!

Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2007

Improving listening skills

I had a hard time to find a new way to practice my listening skills. I looked up the CAE and CPE exams on their official web page (as I practised there for last semesters listening task) but there was nothing new uploaded. Later on, I remembered the Englishbreakingnews.com page which had new articles to work with. Unfortunately, the type of task was not as "advanced" as I expected it to be and I had to search for another solution. I came across a web page containing free samples of all kind of English exams called http://www.examenglish.com. Not only listening can be practised but also grammar, vocabulary etc. I tried out the IELTS listening test and the CAE. I hope to find some other useful links as the progress test is coming closer. I better get going...

Mittwoch, 23. Mai 2007

McCarthy´s Bar

McCarthy´s Bar, written by Pete McCarthy, is a non-fiction travel book. Before reading it, I searched for some reviews and now, as I have finished the book, I must say they were completely misleading. True, it is hilarious and genuine but it is also a personal journey through the homeland of his ancestors. Believing it was entirely about getting involved into enchaining conversations and getting drunk simultaneously in every pub that is called McCarthy´s, I was not prepared for an Author in search of himself. After reading the first hundred pages and he visited only one bar I knew I was to expect something else out of this book. But I was not disappointed. McCarthy´s Bar is very readable due to its funny adventures and the right amount of background information. Unlike JI, it is incredibly fluent with some historical or geographical facts perfectly integrated into the plot. I also enjoyed his type of humour especially when he described German or American tourists. Although he has a deep connection to Ireland I cannot see why he differs himself from 2nd generation Americans. For the natives it probably does not make any differences either. As he was eagerly searching for a sign to show him the way back “home” I really hope he made the decision to take it to the next level. I surely would love to know what happened with him.

Montag, 21. Mai 2007

Speaking practice

It is hard to speak English if you have nobody to talk to. But since it is necessary in order to improve your knowledge you need to find a way. I have experienced that going by train is a surprisingly helpful thing. Almost every Monday I meet English speaking people on the train, usually very chatty travellers. A few weeks ago I met two music teachers from the States who travelled with a bunch of students across Europe. They were very enthusiastic and interested in my culture and I learnt a lot about America and the differences.
Last week I was sitting next to student from Romania who is planning to immigrate to Canada once he finishes his studies. He has a fiancée in my hometown but this was his first trip to Slovenia. He was impressed by the peace we have because living in Bucharest is hasty and loud. You never know who will you meet next but altogether it is a very good start into the week.

Donnerstag, 10. Mai 2007

Goodbye Girls!

Now it's for sure-this is the last season of my beloved girls! But since it is better to stop when it is still good in quality I won't be blue. On the 15th of may the last episode will be shown what is next week! Before the big final show I will summarize what happened in the last 3 episodes.

Summary

Lorelai heads to Luke's for her first breakfast there in a while-overall, it's an awkward experience for them both. Later on, when Lorelai's Jeep breaks down, Luke helps her shop for a new car. They argue and fight, which Lorelai thinks is ultimately a good sign. Paris considers breaking up with Doyle so she can be free of influences when it comes to picking which law or medical school she will attend. Rory receives a letter of the New York Times that informs her of not getting the fellowship. She is also stressed out as graduation approaches, which leads to a day of eating and shopping with Lorelai. Later, with Luke in tow, the Gilmores hit the bars, where Lorelai takes the stage for a karaoke number obviously intended for Luke. She is embarrassed about her karaoke serenade to Luke, and Luke is hurt when he overhears her saying it didn't mean anything. Meanwhile, Lorelai and Christopher are reunited at a party Emily and Richard throw in honor of Rory's graduation. Logan surprises everyone at the party by proposing to Rory, but she is too shocked to give him an answer. Then, on graduation day, Rory and Paris receive their diplomas, and Rory finally gives Logan her answer.

GG Glossary

Reciprocity (n.)-behaviour in which two people or groups of people give each other help and advantages

Tile (n.)-a thin, usually square or rectangular, piece of baked clay, plastic, etc. used for covering roofs, floors, walls

Float (n.)-a piece of wood or other light material that stays on the surface of water; a large vehicle with a flat surface which is decorated and used in festivals