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...

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.

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.

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

You will never learn Slovene

I've been reading Michael Manski's blog which is quiet amusing. As he is an expat in Slovenia he faces some everyday-life difficulties. One of the major problems is the Slovene language. I must admit its grammar is different and more complicated from that of most other languages. Especially English seems a lot easier to learn. To quote Michael: Learning Slovene is a long, hard road into Hell. I’ll tell you what’s tough: six cases, endless gender declensions, formal and informal divisions, the dual grammatical form — all of it spoken in 32 dialects that are further divided into 76 sub-groups. That’s my definition of tough.

To give you an Idea of what he meant he chose for an example the sentence:

Did you eat anything? - which pretty much covers every imaginable scenario. You can say that to a woman, to a man, to your pet hamster, to your boss, to a group of circus clowns, etc…

In a language like German (usually considered difficult to learn) you have three possibilities to express the same idea. You would say:

1. Hast du was gegessen? (informal)
2. Haben Sie was gegessen? (formal)
3. Habt ihr was gegessen? (plural)

In other words, German requires triple the possibilities to express the same idea. But note that the verb “to eat” (gegessen) remains the same in all three cases.

Now let’s take a look at Slovene, in which everything changes depending on the number of people you’re asking, as well as their gender AND if you’re using formal or not. Behold the possibilities:

1. Si kaj jedel? (one male, informal)
2. Si kaj jedla? (one female, informal)
3. Si kaj jedlo? (neuter form, informal)
4. Sta kaj jedla? (two males, informal or formal)
5. Sta kaj jedli? (two females, informal or formal)
6. Sta kaj jedla? (one male and one female, informal or formal)
7. Ste kaj jedli? (plural, as long as at least one male is present)
8. Ste kaj jedle? (plural, females only)
9. Ste kaj jedla? (plural, neuter form)
10. Ste kaj jedli? (formal, singular form, gender unimportant)

Nerd's eye view

Finally, the name has a face. I was very amused by this photo contest and I am curios if she will win.

I envy her for being in the US right now. The pictures of the low tide were absolutely stunning. I enjoy spending time outside and if such scenery is waiting for you almost in front of your doorstep even better. I believe she is rather there than here in Austria.