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 :)

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!

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.

Presentation day

Finally, after a period of delays we had our presentation of the chapters 7, 8 and 9. Unfortunately, our third member Anja couldn't come because she visited her relatives in Bosnia. Nevertheless, Maja and I split her part and tried to represent her honourably. I've learnt a lot new and interesting about Ireland: the potato famine, the education system and the Celtic mythology. I believe after hearing all presentations we will be almost experts in Irish culture. The only thing missing is the first-hand experience itself. Maybe the next holiday destination... Ireland, we're coming!

Gilmore girls

Gilmore girls is the only series I watch regularly since its beginning. As rumours are afloat this is the final season and there are only five episodes left to see. I sincerely hope it's not the end but time will show.

Review

Last weeks episode, Hay bale maze, was about Rory attending her first real job interview. She felt really confident and in the end she got the job. But having the opportunity of a fellowship at the New York Times, makes it hard to decide whether to be the big fish in a pool or the small in the ocean. Also, she and her boyfriend Logan visit her hometown, Starshollow, where the annual Spring fling is due to come. But instead of the traditional festival a giant hay bale maze is awaiting them.

Vocabulary

maze- a complicated system of paths or passages which people try to find their way through for amusement; a Labyrinth

bale- a large amount of something such as hay, paper, wool or cloth that has been tied tightly together

gazebo-a small decorated building, usually in a garden, giving a good view of the surrounding countryside; a pavilion

torso- the human body considered without head, arms or legs, or a statue representing this

stilt- one of two long pieces of wood with supports for the feet which allow you to stand and walk high above the ground; (die Stelze)

Jaywalking-Part 1

Jaywalking with the Irish is a book written by David Monagan, an American Journalist.

My great passion is travelling and I am dreaming since my childhood to emigrate myself. This is also the reason why I study languages- it brings me a step closer to this ongoing desire.

The topic of this semester are expats- what is also the story of Monagan's life-changing decision to migrate to Ireland.

I have never read a book of an expat before and my expectations were high. Therefore I wasn't surprised that I absolutely loved the book; I read the first few chapters in a row. Though the language is quite difficult for it is full of Irishisms, the plot and Monagan's gift for capturing descriptions couldn't stop me to read on further. Maybe there are to many information (about Irish history, tradition etc.) that I would like to know more about and I wish I had some background knowledge because checking them out would take an eternity (or it would be really boring to put the book down at every other page to Google the topic).

Soon my group will have its presentation and I guess I'll learn a lot new about the Irish.

I have found an interesting article about the book with a short biography of David Monagan on this site:

http://www.emigrant.ie/article.asp?iCategoryID=49&iArticleID=40276

Masters of Horror-Takashi Miike

My absolutely favourite genre is horror. I have watched probably all of the "classics" and I try to keep up with the new films. Last year I have discovered the Japanese director Takashi Miike, a master of torture and violence. His internationally successful film Itchy the Killer is brutal and although I can watch all kinds of surgeries a feeling of sickness came over me.

Masters of horror
For the first time the foremost names (writers and directors) in the horror film genre have joined forces for the series consisting of 13 one-hour films each season. Also Takashi Miike had his American debut with Imprint.
Plot: Set in the mid 1800s, Christopher is a young American journalist who ventures to Japan to search for the Japanese prostitute he loved and abandoned years earlier. But when he ventures to an island off the coast, he sees that human demons and whores rule the land where a deformed courtesan awaits his arrival leading to a tale of extreme cruelty and perverse vengeance.

I thought it was very interesting because of the film being English speaking although only one actor was American. Watching it without subtitles was difficult at some point due to the strange accent. But in real life it is like this; you will rarely hear or translate from perfect English. Have fun!

Amazon-a new challenge

I could not decide on which book I should read and as it goes all books were sold out. It is also impossible to borrow them from the library. Therefore I tried (for the first time) to buy something over the Internet. Related to this, I have some questions: Is it possible to buy English books at Amazon.de? I found all titles but it took me a while to realise that McCarthy's Bar. Mein ganz persönliches Irland. probably means that it is translated into German. Sometimes it takes me longer... Also I would like to know if it is cheaper to send it to Austria than to Slovenia or if there are any differences whatsoever. Well getting a credit card number is another thing...
Let's see if it really takes only one day!

Every beginning is hard

I have postponed this first entry for days. I guess every beginning is hard.
The aim of this blog is to practice my English outside class and note it down in form of a learning portfolio.The skill areas I need improvement in are: speaking, reading, listening and writing.
I will try to make this blog as interesting as possible and to learn a lot out of it. So let´s get started!

Wood, impregnation and translation

My family has a company and we impregnate wood. As this may not make sense to everyone I looked up for the definition which says:

impregnate (CAUSE TO ABSORB) - to cause something, usually a solid substance, to absorb something, usually a liquid:This cloth has been impregnated with special chemicals for cleaning computer screens.

We do this with wood which absorbs creosote oil. The purpose is to extend the lifespan of wooden items like garden furniture, fences etc. But the most important articles are wooden poles and sleepers. As you can imagine the glossary I have to know to help my parents is not quiet the same I could learn or hear anywhere else. I must confess that I don't know the names of many trees in my mother tongue let alone in foreign languages (German or English). But a nice daughter as I am I tried to do my best. I found a website which has a glossary of wood terms- very useful (at least for me) maybe someday you'll have to deal with a similar topic too and you can have a look at it then: http://www.woodbook.co.uk/glossary

Expat blogs

I prefer to read a newspaper to discover some new private details of lives of strangers (mainly celebrities) to satisfy my curiosity. But blogging will do it also and the authors stories are probably more genuine anyway.

I will briefly present you the blogs- the people- I will follow:


http://www.drakkart.com/eire2/

Krystian Kozerawski is a polish emigrant who lives and works in Ireland. He is an all-around man having gained some experience as a foreign correspondent writing articles for a newspapers, in Computer Graphics and Web Design and as a TV Fixer besides having a M.A in Archaeology. His biggest interests are in guitar playing and the iron age. I believe I can learn a lot about living as a foreigner in Ireland and handling all the problems that can arise from reading his blog. It can give you a basic overlook of the Irish culture.



http://www.nerdseyeview.com/

The »nerd« is a young American woman who moved from Seattle to a small village in Austria- reason, love. She is a freelance technical writer and has very unusual hobbies as playing the ukulele and snowshoeing. Her writing skill are extraordinary what makes her blog fun to read. By following her online diary you can get a fairly realistic overview of the American culture colliding the Austrian culture- all the differences and similarities.



http://www.carniola.org/

Michael Manski hosts his own radio show at the RSI (radio Slovenia international). He moved from New York to Maribor, Slovenia, God knows why. If you want to know how it feels to emigrate to Maribor, Slovenia I highly recommend you to read this blog. Manski has a brilliant sense of humour and his descriptions of the Slovenian culture are accurate and genuine. To conclude, good fun!

To be spoilt for choice

Reading is a good way to kill time in long winter evenings and while lying on the beach having a sunbath (at least in my opinion). We can choose between several books all of which the topic is expats. As there are many with a promising story and good reviews I decided to buy more than one. If not earlier, I have something to read during the summer. I've come to the decision to read McCarthy's Bar, A house somewhere and maybe Last of the donkeys pilgrims. Probably I won't manage to read them all but I'll try. So, let's buy them.

Expats

This semester we are reading David Monagan's book Jaywalking with the Irish because of the theme expats. We are going to have presentations of each chapter and learn about Ireland and its culture. Wish you all a good start!