My English Webmarks

Theme of the month: Food

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:30:00 +0000

Hello everyone and welcome again to My English Webmarks! I am still going through my English learning process. I hope you are too.

Today we are going to start talking about food. This is a really great topic because, as you know, we eat everyday, we cook almost every day, we go shopping for food, and we go out for meals. We can’t spend even one day without food, so I decided to take it seriously and spend a whole month studying how to talk about food and all things related to food in English. And you are welcome to join me!

So this month on My English Webmarks:

Short meal vocabulary

Food preparation verbs

Eating out

Movie of the month

Hope you’ll like it :)

Short meal vocabulary

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 11:26:00 +0000

Hello again! I remind you that theme of the month is Food! First I want to show you my short list of «meal» words. I hope it will be useful for you too. Then I am going to practice my writing skills and describe my favorite meal of the day.

breakfast - the first meal of the day especially when taken in the morning

lunch – the meal taken in the middle of the day

dinner- the principal meal of the day

dish - food prepared in a particular way

soup - a liquid food especially with a meat, fish, or vegetable stock as a base and often containing pieces of solid food

home-cooked meal – a meal that is prepared at home

health food - a food that is believed to be good for your health (has no artificial ingredients)

convenience food - any packaged food, dish, or meal that can be prepared quickly and easily, as by thawing or heating

processed food – the same

junk food - food that is not good for your health because it contains high amounts of fat or sugar

snack - a small amount of food eaten between meals

fast food - food that is prepared and served quickly;

food from a restaurant that makes and serves food very quickly

grocery store - a store that sells food and household supplies

Sources:
Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary

Dictionary.com

Eslpod.com
Englishpod.com

Ok. My favorite meal of the day is breakfast! In Russia we have this saying: «Eat breakfast by yourself, divide your lunch with your friend and give away your dinner to your enemy». So we think a good breakfast is good for your health.

As for me, I usually have cottage cheese with sour cream and sugar for breakfast. Or I can fry some eggs if I can’t find cottage cheese in my fridge. I make them sunny-side up. I like sunny-side up eggs because they’re tasty and easy to cook. Cooking eggs sunny-side up takes about 5 minutes.

Then I drink a cup of herbal tea with sweets. You know, scientists say sweets are very helpful in improving a woman’s mood, but only in the morning. So women don’t forget to eat something sweet in the morning to have a good day!

And now it's your turn to train your writing skills. Don’t be shy to write about your favorite meal of the day in the comments!

P.S. Look at the picture above if you are wondering how sunny-side up egg looks like. As you know, there’re many ways of preparing eggs. If you want to know how to describe all of them in English, listen to the episode «How Would You Like Your Eggs?» by EnglishPod.com.

(You need to sign up first)

T.G.I.F

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Fri, 07 May 2010 08:00:00 +0000

Have a nice weekend!

Anna Volkova

T.G.I.F., Christmas and Mr. Duncan!

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 18:36:00 +0000

Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrate Christmas today! Today is Friday and today is Christmas so it is time for funny Christmas song!

Meet Mr. Duncan – English teacher from Wolverhampton, Great Britain. Mr. Dunkan. He worked in China for 4 years and hе produces English teaching videos on You-tube now. All his lessons are absolutely free!

Mr. Duncan thinks that «The World of English is a fun and exciting place to be!» And it is true! His video lessons are absolutely hilarious!

Today Mr. Duncan sings for you song by Nana Mouskouri “Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly”

Transcription:

Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la.
Troll the ancient Yule-tide carol
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.

See the blazing Yule before us.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Strike the harp and join the chorus.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Follow me in merry measure.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
While I tell of Yule-tide treasure.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.

Fast away the old year passes.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Hail the new year, lads and lasses
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Sing we joyous, all together.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
heedless of the wind and weather.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.

Did you like it? See another English lessons by Mr. Dunkan on You-tube!

If you don’t want to miss something interesting and useful, I recommend you to subscribe to My English Webmarks’ feed that is, if you have not already done so! By the way, leave a comment on this post. Your opinion is very important for me! And practicing writing skills is very important for you:)

Anna Volkova

Luke's English Podcast - a great way for learning British English!

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:53:00 +0000

I am still learning English and I listened to very interesting podcast recently. It was the batch of London video interviews. I know it sounds strange “listen to the video”, but it was special version of podcast for people who like to just focus on listening.

In these interviews usual citizens of London talked about things they like and dislike in London. So I think it is a great material for British English lovers!
The author of London video interviews is Luke - an English teacher in West London. Luke has been teaching for about 8 years.

At Luke's English Podcast’s home page you can find video version of interview, audio version, transcription and a lot of interesting and useful English podcasts! A really good way to listen and improve your English.
Here is a little promo about London video interviews:

And this is one of the lessons from Luke - 16 Ways To Say "I LIKE IT"

Did you like it? You can find more at Luke's English Podcast!

Good luck in learning English!

Anna Volkova

Interview with English learners №6: "The English language is one of the most important things in my life"

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:39:00 +0000

Hello everyone! It is time for the interview with English learner! And our guest today is web developer, designer and foreign languages' lover - Kirill.

Name or nick-name: Kirill Panfilov, or Erlang, or kirillpanfilov, or Debugger ;-)
Age: 29
Native language: Russian
English level: High
Web: http://blog.erlang.com.ru/

Kirill, could you tell My English Webmarks' readers a little about yourself?

- The main direction of my professional life is to become a web developer of the highest level. I am not satisfied using usual engines and solutions, so I use to create my own web applications and frameworks. But I am not just a web programmer only: web design and layout are two professional priorities for me as well. There are about 50 websites in my personal portfolio.

I am also a lecturer of web graphics course in the Saratov State University and a freelancer. My general hobbies are foreign languages, linguistics, writing short stories in Russian, and drawing. I am married and have a little son.

Why are you learning English language?

- The English language is one of the most important things in my life. With the help of this language I can get friends over all the world,learn rare and exotic languages, and get skills in my job. I have friends and orderers from different countries. I think that learning languages helps to see more in the life.

Now I talk with my friends from Indonesia, Philippines, Viet Nam, Brasil and Japan as easy as with my Russian friends. But in English, or in their native languages: now one of my goals is to speak Portuguese and Japanese well.

How long are you learning English?

- Since I was 10 years old. My classmates had got base knowledges in English before I came to their group, so I was a bad pupil in the beginning. But just in the beginning.

How are you learning English?

- It is a part of my life: now I use to read articles, blogs and tasks in English, discuss those; a half of my web messengers contain my talks in English. I do not get any special lessons now, although I feel the necessity in it.

In your opinion, is it possible to know English as your native language if you’ve never live in English- speaking country?

-Maybe it is possible if I can talk to my friends every day, for example in Skype and so on. Sure, I do not hear every day speaking of people around me, and a lot of language details are somewhere abroad of my brain, but here is a question: what is a level which we can call ideal? Some of native speakers do not speak their languages well, I know it.

You said your goals are to speak Portuguese and Japanese well. Is it hard to learn several languages at the same time?

- No, it is not, trust me. I love languages, and I have different sections in my head for every language I am learning. Every language is individual for me; I can not mix it. The only negative side is that I have less time for each than if I learned the single language.

How many languages you are going to learn in the future? Is becoming a famous polyglot also your goal?

- To be a polyglot is not a goal - I can say that speaking a lot of languages is very comfortable. Besides, it is very interesting - I have created a special website to join people who love languages, www.lingvoblog.com - welcome!

The quantity is not so important, but I know the set of languages which are more interesting for me than others: English, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Finnish, Spanish, French, Italian, Gipsy, Polish, Chinese, Tagalog, Georgian, Basque, Swedish and few other.

Tell us about your lingvoblog. Is it part of your learning process?

- This site is my dream: to have my personal web area to gather information about exotical and rare languages, invite my friends there, have no advertising or some unusual services: just comfortable and compact collective blog keeping a lot of fantastically valuable information about languages and linguistics. I have based it on my own program framework, so this project is created by me from A to Z. Excluding posts of users, sure.

Turning back to your hobbies, what kind of stories do you write?

- My favourite writer is a Japanese one, Banana Yoshimoto. I have read all her books that were published in Russia and have a dream to read those in Japanese. And another writer, Sawako Ariyoshi. They both are my teachers. To see something great and valuable in little things and actions, to see beauty in every moment of our life, to be attentive to nearest people - this is a school of them. I try to give it in my stories.

Now I am writing a novel that describes a usual life of young people, which know the taste of real life and frienship. And show that our life is not only studying, job, sleaping and eating. I hope it will show it.

That sounds interesting! Kirill, thank you a lot for your interview! I hope I’ll see your book published one day!
___________________________

Comments are welcome!

The survey: Wedding traditions in your country

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:10:00 +0000

Hello everyone! Several days ago I asked a few of my twitter friends tell me about interesting wedding traditions in their countries. So…here are their answers:

Name: Flavio Renato
Country: Brazil
Web: http://confabuloso.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/flavioflow

We're very westernized. There's not a national tradition any different from what you can see in Hollywood movies, of course there are adjustments related to one's income, but the party, the religious celebration, the honeymoon, the bachelor/bachelorette party, gifts to the engaged, everything's in the package.

Talking about the bride's dress or lingerie: the colors have different meanings according to their mystical properties, but there's no agreement about all the colors. Like, red and pink are believed to be colors that bring more love or passion to the relationship, but I've already heard exchanged significance between them.

Name: Ting Licca
Country: China
Web: http://twitter.com/Liccalika

I think Chinese traditional wedding is quite complicated.

First of all, the bride and the groom's parents would compromise and come up with a "lucky hour" for the couple to carry out the traditional wedding ritual. For example, the bride's family would implement the "hair combing" (in Chinese=上頭) ritual while the groom's family performs the ''capping'' ritual. The groom then sets off to the bride’s home, with the bridesmaids inevitably blocking him at the door.

The bridesmaids will then challenge the groom by asking impeccably difficult questions so as to prevent the groom from seeing the bride. The groom, his best man and friends are required to answer all of the questions as well as presenting a “Door opening Lai See” in order to enter the house.

Finally, the bride and the groom will attend the “Tea Ceremony” with each other’s parents.

Name: Sarah
Country: Germany
Web: http://twitter.com/SarahK91_13

In Germany a marriage is valid when you marry at a register office, where bride and groom need a best man and a maid of honor. Guests can take part in the ceremony. In addition you can have a ceremony according to your religion (on an other day).

I think a lot of people combine both ceremonies today. They have one big ceremony with guests, a white wedding dress etc. but a registrar instead of e.g. a pastor. Actually the registrar is the important one, you don’t have to marry at the register office, you can also marry at a castle or wherever you want.

After the ceremony there is often a welcome/reception of the guests with sparkling wine or so. After that the “party” with food, music (An annotation regarding music from me: not all Germans listen to folk music ;)) and dance starts. Sometimes the family and friends organized little games or other funny things for the married couple.

On the evening before the wedding there is often a “Polterabend” (wedding-eve party/eve-of-the-wedding party; “poltern” (v.) = to rumble, “Abend” (n.) = evening). That’s a little party where everyone can enter. The guests take old porcelain with them and smash it. The engaged couple has to sweep the broken pieces after that. This party is an old (German) tradition I think.
I think sometimes there is a stag party a few days before the wedding too.

Name: Toshiharu
Country: Japan
Web: http://taoofenglish.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/totototoshiharu

Now In Japan, wedding is rather westernized. Young people prefer western style wedding than traditional style one.

We had a traditional style wedding. Because my wife had wanted to wear Kimono at the wedding ceremony. Also I wore "Haori" & "Hakama" (they are formal dress of Japanese style for men).

Usually in Japan, we have a wedding ceremony with family and relatives at first, then wedding party with also coworkers and friends.
At traditional style wedding ceremony, bride wear "Shiromuku" (kimono for bride). And she wear a kind of hat called "Tsunokakushi" (that means "Hiding horns"). It covers almost bride's face, so people can't see her face well.

At wedding party, bride changes her dress twice or three times. My wife wore gorgeous kimono at first, then changed it to a pink wedding dress. I changed "Haori" & "Hakama" what I wore at wedding ceremony to a swallowtail.

During wedding party, we usually have several entertainments by our relatives, friends or coworkers. One sing songs, the others play a dance or take place a quiz show about bride and groom. At the final of the party, bride reads a message for her parents (it's a tearjerker), then groom gives a greeting to people.

This is a typical wedding in Japan, I think. But there are many customs in each region in Japan. I don't know much about them. I'll appreciate if other Japanese make additions.
_______________________________________________

And what interesting can you say about wedding traditions in your country?

T.G.I.F.: Is wedding evolution of dance a new wedding tradition in the USA?

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:13:00 +0000

First time I saw “The evolutions of dance” several weeks ago at YouTube. I saw the original of this dance. Actually, it is the show of popular American comedian and dancer Judson Laipply. Evolution of Dance is the finale to Laipply's show called "Inspirational Comedy".

And I saw a lot of variations of Evolution of Dance later. Most of them were danced by grooms and brides! Why is this dance so popular among newly wedded?

The answer is simple: the book “The Best Wedding Reception Ever!” written by Peter Merry. The author offers to use “The evolutions of dance” as part of wedding show!

And I offer you watch on of the best and funniest wedding evolution of dance!

Is “The evolutions of dance” a new wedding tradition in the USA?

The story of one wedding...Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:15:00 +0000

Roman and Irina

Part 1

In Russia we have two types of weddings: a civil wedding and a church wedding. A civil wedding is required. A church wedding is additional ceremony. It is not a necessity. A civil wedding ceremony usually takes place in civilian registrar's office. The central civilian registrar's office in our city is called “the Palace of Marriage”.

So…we are in the Palace of Marriage. Roman and Irina are already here. There are a lot of their friends and relatives in the ceremonial hall. It’s time. The musicians play the Mandelson's march. Our groom and bride come into the ceremonial hall. It is simple and traditional ceremony. Roman and Irina make marriage vows to each other, declare their marriage by the giving of rings, and sign the certificate of marriage. Then witnesses (maid of honor and best man) sign the certificate too. Civilian registrar proclaims that they are husband and wife!

Friends and relatives congratulate newly wedded and give bunches of flowers. Everybody drinks Champaign!

It is only 12 o’clock. Wedding procession goes around the city and visits different places. The place where Roman and Irina met, where they had their first kiss, where he made his proposal. We also visit a different city sights. Everybody has fun, takes a photograph and video of the event and drinks Champaign!

…to be continued…

The story of one wedding...

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:09:00 +0000

Roman and Irina

We are in Russia. It is early morning. The groomsmen draw to the groom’s house. They help him to decorate cars with flowers and color ribbons. The groom’s name is Roman. He is my cousin. Roman feels nervous. He is sleepy. He can’t sleep this night. But he is really happy. He is getting married today! And his bride seems to be the best girl in whole world for him :)

At that time in bride’s house bridesmaids help our bride with wearing her big white wedding dress. The hairdresser helps them with the wedding hair style. The visagiste helps with make up. The bride’s name is Irina.

Two hours later. The groom with groomsmen, parents and several guests draw to the bride’s house. It is time for ceremony of “ransom”. The groom has to pass the several tests to get his lovely bride. He has to know all answers for all questions: her shoes size, her eyes color, the date of their first meeting, her mother’s age, etceteras. He has to find her lips on photo among a lot of other lips and devise a hundred compliments for his beautiful bride!

At last all tests are passed and our groom can get his bride. But who is it? It is not his lovely Irina! It is a false bride! But where is Irina? To find out that Roman has to pass final test: to serenade or pay a big amount of money!

Irina hears Roman’s voice and run out of other room. They are together now!

Nevertheless, they have to go to Palace of Marriage in different cars. The groom is in a car with groomsmen. The bride is in a car with bridesmaids…

…to be continued…

Short wedding vocabulary

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 06:30:00 +0000

Here is my short list of the “wedding” words. Some of these words I saw before, but several of them are new for me. I hope this “short wedding vocabulary” will be useful for you too:

Wedding - a marriage ceremony usually with its accompanying festivities

Bride - a woman just married or about to be married

Groom (Bridegroom) - a man just married or about to be married

Bridesmaid - female friends or relatives who help the bride at a wedding

Groomsman – male friend or relative who helps the groom on the wedding day

Maid of honor - female friend or relative who acts as a witness at the wedding

Best man – male friend or relative who acts as a witness at the wedding

Flower girl – a girl at a wedding that throws flower petals down the aisle

Ring bearer – a boy at a wedding that holds the wedding rings

Newly wedded - a woman and a man just married

Reception – the party after the wedding ceremony

Reception hall – the place for the party that after the wedding ceremony

Wedding cake - a rich iced cake served at a wedding reception

Sources:
Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary
Eslpod.com
Englishpod.com

Theme of the week: Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:11:00 +0000

Hello everyone! Did you miss me?

Here is the deal: last weekend my favorite cousin got married. This wedding was so beautiful and jolly! It was one of the best weddings I’ve ever seen. The bride and the groom were so gorgeous! I am still in romantic mood:) And I decide that it will be interesting to talk about weddings and different wedding stuff.

So this week at My English Webmarks:

Short wedding vocabulary
The story of one wedding...
Survey: Wedding traditions in your country
T.G.I.F.: Is wedding evolution of dance a new wedding tradition in the USA?

Hope you’ll like it!

Learn English with president Barack Obama!

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:10:00 +0000

Do you know who is Barack Obama? I hope you know:) It is the first Afro-American president of the USA.

In Russia Barack Obama is more known for his speeches than for his actions. And I found recently that Barack Obama’s speeches is also popular in Japan.

Japanese people use his speeches to learn English! The book and accompanying CD "The Speeches of Barack Obama" has sold 420,000 copies since its release in Japan.

I think it is a good reason to try this way of learning English.

By the way, you do not need to buy the book. I found the video of one of Obama’s popular speech “More perfect union'” and a full transcript for you!

So…let’s try:

"We the people, in order to form a more perfect union."

Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America's improbable experiment in democracy. Farmers and scholars; statesmen and patriots who had traveled across an ocean to escape tyranny and persecution finally made real their declaration of independence at a Philadelphia convention that lasted through the spring of 1787.

The document they produced was eventually signed but ultimately unfinished. It was stained by this nation's original sin of slavery, a question that divided the colonies and brought the convention to a stalemate until the founders chose to allow the slave trade to continue for at least twenty more years, and to leave any final resolution to future generations.

Of course, the answer to the slavery question was already embedded within our Constitution - a Constitution that had at is very core the ideal of equal citizenship under the law; a Constitution that promised its people liberty, and justice, and a union that could be and should be perfected over time.

Read full transcription

P.S. By the way, if you want to learn English in a foreign country but have no money, this blog is for you: International Scholarships

Interview with English learners №5: “Everyone, let’s be happy!”

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:10:00 +0000

Hello my dear readers! Today we have new guest at My English Webmarks! Meet Pierre - English learner and good father from Japan:)

Name: Pierre
Age: 38
Native language: Japanese
English level: intermediate
Web: www.pierrepierrepierre.blogspot.com

Hello, Pierre! Could you please tell a little about yourself?

It is a little embarrassing to say this, I teach English to Japanese high school students at “juku” or a kind of school where they study for university entrance examination. I enjoy English rather than study. I would be happy if they also enjoy it. I also like listening to music such as rock, jazz and funk, etc.

Wow! Who would’we thought? You are not only English learner, but also English teacher:)
OK! Here are three standard questions for you:

Why are you learning English language?

The initial interest in the sound of English language turned later into that in English as a means for communication. Communication is, I believe, one of the most important elements to make people happy. (music is also among them.) It is most widely used, though Chinese in number, in the world. Besides, another element is, I would think, to get proper information. Now, there is much information, whether right or wrong, or useful or useless, out there on the Internet. if properly used, it could help us turn to better. Everyone, let’s be happy.

How long are you learning English?

It was at the age of 11, in elementary school, that I got interested in English language. My cousin had me listen to UK rock music. But I began to learn it after graduating from university. ― about 15 years.

How are you learning English?

I try to use every means I can.
Reading: read newspapers every day, browse English language web sites, and solve university entrance examinations.

Listening: listen to English programs on podcast. My favorites are Medical Minute and Science Update. You can study with ipod almost anywhere at any time. Of course, I like listening to music.

Writing: keep my diary, write my blog, and post on twitter, where you can encounter various English expression.

Speaking: read aloud English materials above. I need more conversation.

Some more questions:

I know you are the father of two beautiful daughters. Please, tell us about your family.

We are a family of four ― Besides me, two daughters and my wife. Let me tell you about the kids this time. Hiyo, the our first girl, who began attending kindergarten in April this year. She likes playing outside and often comes back, covered in mud. Coco, the second girl, goes her own way. She plays, cries and, sleeps whenever she wants to. Her favorites are vegetables such as green pepper, broccoli, and tomato, which many children probably don't like.

What is it like to be a father? Is your life change strongly after your daughters’ birth?

I have been enjoying myself since I became a father, four years ago. Though I am usually their father, I sometimes feel, when playing them, as if I was their brother or friend. I’m sorry I have bad little time with them recently due to my work hours.

Children always fall into curious situations. Do you have funny stories concerned with your little daughters?

I hear from Hiyo she has a lot of boyfriends in the kindergarten. How many boys has asked her to marry them? I’m too worried to sleep.

Thank you, Pierre:) I wish you and your family good luck:)
______________________________________

Don't forget to leave your comments:) Practice your writing skills!

T.G.I.F.: George Carlin - The Little Things

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:42:00 +0000

Hello everyone! Today I want to show you part of a George Carlin comedy show called “The Little Things”.

I do not understand everything in this video, because George’s speech is fast, but believe me, it is really hilarious:)

As for me, this man was one of the best American stand-up comedian.

By the way, he became super popular in America after his "Seven Dirty Words You Can't Say On Television." This is from the 1978 show "George Carlin: Again!"

If you want to learn forbidden American words, you can see "Seven Dirty Words” here :)

Interview with English learners №4: "As everyone know, Many of Japanese are weak in English."

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 06:56:00 +0000

Hello everyone! First of all I want to make excuses to my permanent readers for my last week’s absence. Thank you for worrying about me:). I had some problems with my PC. But I installed my Windows again and ready for posting new interesting interviews and review of educational resources:)

By the way, our today’s guest is a programmer from Japan!

Nick-name: PsychoCat
Age: 47
Native language: Japanese
English level: ( I can’t tell my level. I haven’t taken any examination since now. Perhaps beginner's level. )
Web: http://oddeye.blogspot.com/
http://cross-the-sea.blogspot.com/

Hello PsychoCat! Could you tell us a little about yourself?

I live in Owariasahi where is next to Nagoya, Japan. And with a wife and two cats. I work as a programmer for a printing company and make a software that is a DataBase publishing program.

Here are three standard questions for you:

Why are you learning English language?

At first, I want to read some technical documents, mailing lists and its archives and BBS in English. Because programming’s tips on Mac is many more English than Japanese. But now, simply I want to read overseas websites without relation to programming. Some day if I can, I want to have overseas friends.

How long are you learning English?

I began to study English again three years ago. I have blank of more than twenty years about learning English. It is the distant past. I needed to start from contents for students who are thirteen years old on Japanese. As everyone know, Many of Japanese are weak in English. Back then also I quite didn’t get ability to communicate with overseas people.

How are you learning English?

I’m using only several text books that were published by Cambridge University Press. And I read some paperbacks for young adult to practice reading. I think that reading techical documents about programming is more easy than reading novels for young adult. Then, for my writing skill, I’m writing my blog and twitter using English. I never use Japanese there.

About dictionaries, I use English-English dictionary as possible as I can, don't use Japanese-English dictionary. The dictionary is LONGMAN. I think it’s match the dictionary with my level.

I’m in situation that don’t require to use English in my life. Even if I can’t do reading, writing, listening and speaking, I’m sure I have no problem. I’m not attending anywhere, like an English school. And there aren’t friends who are studying English around me. But it means that I don’t have any situation to need to use English. Instead, if I used English, maybe everyone would look at me like a ludicrous person. So I think it’s the very least I want to use English in my blog. In other words, I don’t have place where I use English in except Web.

One more thing. My annoyance is too few time to practice hearing and speaking. Anyway I feel a need for my teacher.

Well, let’s talk about pets. I know you have two cats! Why do you prefer cats to other pets?

Their curiosity are very strong and they take attitude like sage but what they do are silly, so make me laugh always. And then I feel happiness to just watch a sleeping cat figure. Cats have spirit of independence, and are proud. However sometimes there are times when they fawn over us. I envy their life like anything goes.

I hope you could tell us a little about your cats. What are their names? How do you get them? What's odd about your cats?

Their names are Siren and Dante.

Siren I have in my house has yellow color eye at the right and blue color eye at the left. If you know much about cats, perhaps you would guess that the cat is deaf. It’s correct. She is deaf. Deaf ear is not only one-sided. Pitifully both her ears are damaged. This symptom is genetic strain. And what is worse, She has a deformed front paw. I guess she was dumped by an unscrupulous breeder. She had been abandoned kitten for a year at least, since I came across her in my parking. I really admired that she had survived when I caught her to have as a pet.

Dante came from Oita of Kyushu who wife bought via a net auction. When I saw his pictures on the net auction, his eyes both were steel gray color. I looked like that. But it seemed my wife already awared that he is odd-eye. After he came my home, his right eye had changed color from blue to yellow day by day, but yet it is not clear yellow. He also is the same odd-eye with Siren. The thing that I felt reassured is he didn’t lose his sense of hearing. But If I call out to him from behind, he turns around and closes me with running.

One more question:) Why do you have so unusual nick-name? It is because of your cats?

Well... is there a lot of people using a name that is PsychoCat, isn’t there?

Siren is female and she always is called “Saiko” by wife and me in Japanese. The last two characters of Saiko, “ko” often was using in Japanese girls name thirty-forty years ago. Example Seiko, Yoshiko, Sachiko, Reiko, blah-blah-blah. And so I spelled the Saiko as in English and then added “Cat” to the last. The result is SychoCat :-)

I have my domain name as psychocat.net. That’s why I have using the nick-name.

I like your cats. They realy cute:) Thank you for interview. Good luck in learning English!
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For my dear readers: comments are welcome:)

T.G.I.F: ESLpod's fourth anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:58:00 +0000

Hello everyone! This week one of my favorite educational podcast for English learners ESLpod celebrated fourth anniversary!

See funny video in honor of this event:

Read transcription

Interview with English learners №3: Brazilians are warm and happy people, in a general way:)

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 07:10:00 +0000

Hello everyone. It is time for the third interview at My English Webmarks. And our today’s guest is from sunny Brazil!

Name: Flavio Renato (I've got two first names, you can call me any)
Age: 26
Native language: Portuguese (Brazilian)
English level: Intermediate (probably)
Web: http://confabuloso.blogspot.com/

"By my side there's a quartzite rock (if I'm not mistaken), and we're in front of the Ouro Preto School Of Mines, in Minas Gerais state (where you find the best food in the country)."

Hello Flavio (this name is more usual for me:)) Could you tell us a little about yourself?

First of all, hello to Anna's readers! I always find it hard to say anything about myself. People are usually defined by what they work with. I have never worked for real, as most of people usually do. I'm on my second graduation; because of a scholarship I've received in the latter years of my first graduation, I was being paid to research (which is really good). Besides that, I'm just a regular guy who loves music and is very curious about everything - a characteristic that often leaves me a little bit confused. Recently I've succeeded to pass on a concourse to be a teacher, so I guess that's what I'm going to do, at least for a while.

Well, here are three standard questions for you:

Why are you learning English language?

At first, I began to learn it in primary school. Here in Brazil, schools must offer two foreign languages, English is a standard. When I was younger and my family could afford, I studied in a private school, which means better quality compared to the public ones. There I've learnt most of the basic words to assemble a good vocabulary (I was about 9 years old). We were thought some common verbs and their conjugations. But unfortunately I had to move to public system and they are usually stuck in verb 'to be'.

As I grew along the 90's, I was strongly influenced by north-american media, so it was easy to keep interest and search more information about English language. But I really enjoyed this, specially being able to talk to people around the globe, when internet was turning this sort of 'social globalization' a real possibility. Since then, that will to learn and improve my English is a constant matter in my life. Having English as second language is a requested issue in the region I live in (Southeast), professionally and personally speaking.

How long are you learning English?

Since I became aware of it. I can say about 8 years old. My mom is graduated to be a teacher (if she wanted to - she's formed in Portuguese and English as the adopted foreign language)... So, she always taught me something new. And of course, we have to learn it in school, as I told you.

How are you learning English?

Entertainment is the easiest and the most pleasant way to do it. Movies, tv series, music, chat... If you can, to travel abroad is probably the best experience. Unfortunately, I didn't have this opportunity yet. In college we have to read many texts in English, so those who are not familiarized might face serious problems, depending of the course they're on.

To ingress the public Universities we have to achieve a minimum knowledge or in English or Spanish or French. Some Universities demand only English. After you get in, some courses oblige students to have a few classes in their schedules (I would have had two semesters, but as I had achieved a minimum grade to skip them, I did it).

Some more questions for you:

In your twitter account you wrote you are a Geofreak. What do you mean?

That's a hard question to answer. My first graduation was in Geography, and the second, in Geology. I think that Geosciences help me to satisfy my natural curiosity about how things work... But in Brazil none of these courses have their importance properly recognized, not by the society nor by the market. Few people know what a geologist do. Most people think a geographer is formed only to be a primary school teacher. So, it's really challenging to opt a graduation in any of these.

Aside the issue presented by the lack of recognition, we face internal silly disputes and competition with other sciences. I have chosen to graduate in Geography because it tries to explain the motivations that drive human settlements and are how they are able to change the landscapes with cultural movements and technologies aggregated - the amount of knowledge that's applied to techniques, through work - and how they receive influence of the built environment, along with the nature and social variables that they interact with.

Geology is the raw matter, how Earth shows itself to us after millions of years passing through several processes that formed the natural platform over which societies spread and seek resources. It's really fascinating - but study it deeply might drive you nuts...

I saw your blog. I do not understand Portuguese language but I guessed your blog is about music:) Are you a musicfreak too? Who is the best singer in the world in your opinion? Why?

Thanks for passing by! Actually, it's not only about music. 'Confabuloso' is a word that could be translated like 'Thinker'; as I'm almost 24/7 listening and/or thinking about music, your guess wasn't wrong at all. But my blog it's what I think a blog should be: a virtual space to deliver thoughts, to exercise the freedom of expression, to give tips, to find people who might be facing the same issues I am, and shout out some random nonsense...

Answering your question, I am a music freak as well. I regret I can't play any instrument (shouldn't have quit the piano classes when I was 9)... Wow, the best singer in the world? That's even harder to answer! I can say that right now I have two passions: Tina Dico and Jay Brannan, both have amazing voices and are really kind with their fans. But my favorite singers change according to my mood.

Brazil is known in Russia as a country of carnivals and soap operas. What could you tell about your country?

Regarding to natural landscapes and cultural background I love being a brazilian. Our nation is a mixture resultant of a wide range of other cultures, in a way that there is a common root and a singularity to each region. We're a warm and happy people, in a general way. A nation that finds a little relief of the hard everyday life on leisure events such as carnivals and soap operas broadcasted.

Unfortunately, our celebrations have been deviated from their original meanings, specially those which had a deep religious significance, due to market influence and the alienation of the people. Amazingly, if tradition seems to be losing its space in big cities, in some regions, in smaller communities, it gains strength of movements of cultural recovery, although as a way to attract tourists...
I wish people here weren't so numb by this forms of leisure that is intentionally forged to disconnect them from the arduous reality they live, a situation that could be different if they were aware of their rights.

By the way, my congratulations with your driving license! Is it hard to get driver’s license in Brazil? Did you nervous about your exam?

Thanks, Anna! The exam itself is not that hard. There are cultural issues about it. Most of my friends had learnt how to drive with theirs fathers when they were teenagers, but my dad was never against rules. I mean, legally you can only drive after you've completed eighteen years old, so I had never touched on a steering wheel... Later on, we had hard times when we had to sell almost everything to keep ourselves alive... So, when I had the age to drive, I didn't have the means. It is such a standard situation, that my driving instructors laughed at me when I told them I had never driven.

But the test was easy, despite the nervousness that I was feeling, the rain and the cold... We have to park the car and complete a course without making serious failures or light faults that exceed a minimum of 4 points summed.

Oh, my God! I probably said too much! Sorry! And sorry about any English mistakes, feel free to correct them or edit my answers! Hugs! =)

Wow! Flavio, thank you for the great interview! I think your English is better than mine, so original spelling and punctuation is preserved:) And I wish you good luck in your teacher’s career!
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Of course, comments are welcome:)

T.G.I.F.: A brief history of the United States of America

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:10:00 +0000

Hello everyone! It is Friday again and today I am going to show you another really funny video! See the shortest and the funniest version of USA history at My English Webmarks:

Read transcription:

Now it's time for a brief history of the United States of America.

Hi, boys and girls, ready to get started?

Once upon a time there were these people in Europe called pilgrims. And they were afraid of being persecuted.

So they all got in a boat and sailed to New World where they would not have to be scared ever again.

"Oh, I'm so relaxed. I feel so much safer." But as soon as they arrived they were greeted by savages. And they got scared all over again.

"Indians!" So they killed them off.

Now you'd think wipin' out a race of people would calm them down but no, instead they started getting frightened of each other

Witch! Witch! So they burned witches.In 1775 they started killing the British so they could be free.

And it worked, but they still didn't feel free. So they passed the Second Amendment which said that every white man could keep his gun.

"I love my gun! Love my gun." which brings us to the ingenious idea of slavery

You see, boys and girls, the white people back then were also afraid of doing any work. So they went to Africa, kidnapped thousands of black people,brought them back to America and forced them to work very hard for no money.

And I don't mean no money like "I work at Wall-Mart and make no money» I mean a zero dollars, nothing. Nada, zip. Doin' it that way made the USA the richest country in the world.

So, did havin' all that money and free help calm the white people down? No way. They got even more afraid. That's because after two hundred years of slavery the black people now outnumbered white people in many parts of the South.

Well, you can pretty much guess what came next. The slaves started rebellin'. They finally rised and lead to old master's head got chopped off. When white people heard of this they were freakin' out and going "I wanna live, Don't kill me, big black man"

Well, just in the nick of time went came Samuel Colt who in the 1836 invented the first weapon ever that could be fired over and over without havin' to reload. And all the Southern Whites were like Yee-haw! but it was too late. The North soon won civil war and the slaves were freed.

Yep, they were free now to chop all the old masters' heads off. And everybody was like "Oh, no, we're gonna die" But the freed slaves took no revenge. They just wanted to live in peace. But ya couldn't convince the white people of this.

So they formed the Ku Klux Klan and in 1871 the same year that the clan became illegal terrorist organization another group was founded. The national rifle association.

Soon politicians passed one of the first gun laws, making it illegal for any black person to own one. It was a great year for America that the KKK and the NRA.

Of course they had nothing to do with each other and it was just a coincidence. One group legally promoted responsible gun-ownership and the other group shot and lynched Black people. And way it was all the way till 1955 when the Black woman broke the law by refusing to move to the back of a bus. White people just could not believe it.

"Why wouldn't she move? What's going on?" Man, all hell broke loose. Black people everywhere started demandin' their rights. And White people were had a major freakin' field meltdown. And they were all like "Run away, run away!"

And they did. They all ran clean into the suburbs where it was white and safe and clean. As they went out and bought a quarter of a billion guns and put locks on their doors, alarms on their houses gates around their neighborhoods and finally they were all safe and secure and snug as a bug.

And everyone lived happily ever after.

Interview with English learners №2: Japanese people don't eat sushi everyday

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:10:00 +0000

Hello everyone! Today is Monday and it is time for “Interview with English learners”. Our today’s guest is Toshiharu from Japan!

Name: Toshiharu
Age: 38 (getting to be 39 in Aug.)
Native language: Japanese
English level: Intermediate (maybe)
Web: http://taoofenglish.blogspot.com/

Hello, Toshiharu! Could you please introduce yourself to My English Webmarks’ readers?

I'm a Japanese businessman living in a district surrounded by mountains in Shizuoka city, Japan. My district is about 25 km far from city’s central. It takes about 40 minutes to drive. And I have to drive to my office about 1 hour 20 minutes. It's a little bit trip everyday. :) (Of course no rail way) I'm working for an IT company as a manager of a department. I like fishing, reading. And I started Sunday carpenter recently. I'm making a stone oven.

Well, Toshiharu, why are you learning English language?

My first motivation was that I wanted to watch Hollywood movies without subscript. When I was 31, I decided to join an English conversation school. Before joining, I'd known many words but I couldn't make long sentences with them. Several months later, I got to be able to speak a little bit, but yet a little bit. Although, it was a revolution for me. I thought that I want to get to talk more with foreign people from all over the world in English.

How long are you learning English?

Of course, I'd learned English when I was a student. But Teachers taught students mainly English grammar in Japan. And many teachers couldn't pronounce correctly. (Can you believe?) So, most of students couldn’t pronounce correctly. English class was for entrance examinations of university. It couldn’t help me in speaking English. It's difficult to say easily.

Now I'm 38. It's come to 25 years since I started to learn English in junior high school. And it's come to 8 years since I joined English conversation school. But I have many blanks. In fact, I'm taking long rest after bankruptcy of my English conversation school two yeas go. But now I try to keep studying English by myself after the bankruptcy.

How are you learning English? Do you have some favorite methods that you use?

My recent methods are a lot of reading and a lot of writing. So I keep trying to read web pages in English, to write blog and tweet in English. I recommend a method for beginners. "Phonics" helps you to pronounce correctly. It leads to correct listening. And you have to know that many sounds drop off from conversations like "a" and "d" in "rock'n'roll". It helped me very much.

But you can face barriers against your progress. Maybe, you are facing now. In such a situation, I recommend to go abroad. It's OK to go other country where people don't speak English. 5 years ago, I went to Germany. I tried to speak in rudimentary English. Also most of Germany people were like me. But after that experience, I broke a barrier. I could hear English clearer than before going Germany. It was wonderful experience.

And, of course, a few additional questions:

Let’s talk about fishing. As I understood, you are a fisherman. What is fishing for you: a passion of life or just a hobby? Is fishing a popular outdoor sport in Japan?

Yes. Fishing is very popular. Many people go fishing on weekend. It might be one of the major sports, I think. Fishing is my eternal hobby. I won't quit it for life. I'll teach it my son when he gets a little bit older than now. My main targets are trout and bass. I used to go lake or fishing field. But these days, it’s hard to go fishing for me. Because I've been busy on weekend too since I started a family. I miss fishing. ;(

Could you please tell us the story about the biggest fish you have ever caught?

My biggest fish was Hucho perryi (Japanese name is Itoh) that I caught at fishing field near by my home. I was reeling as usual. Suddenly, I felt that reeling got heavy. I didn't realize I caught it at first. Because I didn’t feel any sign. Usually when I catch fish, I feel a sign that fish bite. I continued reeling, and then it appeared. I was very surprised. Because Hucho perryi is rarely caught. I was too surprise to take a photo of it.

I know fish is a main ingredient in a majority of Japanese dishes. There are many Japanese restaurants in Russia in this day and age. Of course, sushi predominate in their menus. Don’t get me wrong, I love sushi, especially rolled sushi with eel or salmon, but I have a question: do Japanese people really eat sushi every day?

Certainly, Japanese people might eat more than others. Sushi is the most popular Japanese food. Of course I like sushi too. But it's stereotype. Japanese people don't eat sushi everyday. At least I and my relatives don't as possible as I know. :) Sushi is expensive food rather than folksy food. There are many sushi restaurants what serve all pair of sushi at 100 yen per plate, though. I recommend you to try sardine with soy sauce and a bit of grated ginger. ;)

Thank you, Toshiharu for the interview. My curiosity about sushi is totally bated :)
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Comments are welcome:)

T.G.I.F.: “Typical” drinking song in Russia :)

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:10:00 +0000

Hello again! Isn’t it a lovely day? Today is another Friday and I just found another reason for you to smile! Here is absolutely hilarious video:) Actually it is a commercial for one of English learning school in Russia. But as for me, it is really unusual commercial!

So...what is typical drinking song for your country?

Download English e-books for free!

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:10:00 +0000

As for me, reading is the best way to increase English vocabulary naturally, without cramming.

Last month Newsweek (an American weekly newsmagazine published in New York City) announced The Top 100 Books of All Time . I really love reading so I can’t ignore that fact.

It was nice to see that the first book in the list is a great novel called “War and Peace” by Russian classical author Lev Tolstoy. Of course I, like every other Russian, read this book at school. Frankly speaking, I passed almost every episode with war :) I read “War and Peace” in Russian language, but you can read this one in English!

“War and Peace” by Lev Tolstoy and some more great e-books available to download for free at Project Gutenberg! I guess Project Gutenberg has the largest collection of free electronic books.

I just downloaded another book from The Top 100: “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain. I liked to read this book in my childhood. Nowadays I plan to reread Mark Twain’s book in English

So… what is your favorite book from The Top 100 Books of All Time?

New rubric: Interview with English learners!

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:10:00 +0000

Hello everyone! I guess we, English learners, have to communicate and help each other in our studying process, share interesting links, useful tips and other things.

It was one of the reasons why I started “My English Webmarks” almost two month ago. And because of the same reason today I begin one more rubric: Interview with English learners!

I think it will be interesting for you to know how other people learn English. And of course, you also can tell us about your own way of learning.

And our first guest is Artem from Russia!

Name: Artem
Age: 24
Native language: russian
English level: intermediate
Web: http://animal-life.ru/

Hello, Artem! Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Hello, Anna. I'm 24 and I'm living mostly in Moscow since the birth. I have the mathematics education and during last 4 years I have been working in various software development companies. Now I'm feeling the need of big changes :) So I'm going to start working as a freelance and combine it with travelling. A adore travelling.

So, Artem, here is a three standard questions:

Why are you learning English language?

Because it's interesting (standard answer :) In fact, I think it is very good way to:
- get wider mental outlook
- achieve possibility of communicating with people all over the world
- get an access to a huge information resources of the internet
- of course for my future job that require it
- and many more reasons that are not so important

How long are you learning English?

Since the primary school. I was studying in english-oriented class. But it wasn't very effective because it was still school :) and my practice was not regular. Then (when I was 22), I was travelling in India and Nepal for one year and it was the real practice.

How are you learning English? Do you have some favorite methods that you use?

Yes, I have the one fundamental method. Always do only those things and lessons that you really enjoy. Ask yourself which book you want to read in russian and try to read it in english. Which computer game you want to play and play it in english. Films, newspapers, chats themes and so on. And do it regular.

Some more questions:

You told me, you are traveling now. Where are you at this time? Is traveling your permanent style of life? Or maybe you just have a little trip?

Now I'm travelling in Moscow :) But this august I'm going to start a long trip to India and Southeastern Asia. I hope travelling would be my lifestyle in future.

I know you have a blog about animals. Why animals?

I think animals is an amazing part of our planet. And we must remember about it. That’s why my first blog is about animals.

Have you ever seen wild animals in the nature?

Yes. I've seen wild animals when I've had a trip around Nepal Himalaya and when I've visited Indian sanctuaries. It was deer, yaks, monkeys, elephants, crocodiles, various birds and others.

Thank you, Artem :)

Thank you too :)
_____________________________

It’s all for today, but I need your comments. What do you think about new rubric? Thanks in advance!

T.G.I.F.

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:10:00 +0000

Hello everyone! It is nice to write for you again:)

Do you know what does T.G.I.F. mean? It means: Thank God It’s Friday! Actually it is very common phrase in the USA, especially at Friday:) With this phrase people express their relief at the end of the work week.

Friday is a great day for and thinking about relaxation at the weekend. This day is not intending for serious information. So, I decided to begin a new rubric called “T.G.I.F” at My English Webmarks!

Since today every Friday I am going to publish different funny stuff about the English language, and learning English language, and English people and so on, and so forth :)

I hopу you will enjoy it!

Today’s video: “Do You Speak English?” by BBC comedy

American holidays: 4th of July!

noreply@blogger.com (Anna Volkova) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:10:00 +0000

I think you know that 4th of July, is national holiday in America. Today American people celebrate the birthday of the United States. The adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declared the United States’ independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

I found interesting article about celebrating Independence Day. May be it will be useful for you to know about American’s traditions :)

3 Ways To Celebrate Independence Day
Author: NS Kennedy

No matter what your traditions are, it is important to celebrate Independence Day. If you live in the US, or are living outside the country and yearning for a bit of home, there is never a better time to celebrate this historic day. Yet, what are some of the best ways to do it? Is this your first 4th of July here? Are you looking for a new way to celebrate? Or, are you heading out on your own firs the first time, looking to start a new tradition?

There are some things that just go hand in hand with Independence Day. You just have to have a picnic, outdoors, under the blazing July sun. But, there is more to it than just that. How about the people you are with? What about where you are at? Don't forget the food. Let's break it down.

Traditionally, your 4th of July celebration will happen out of doors. But, this is not necessary if the weather is not right for it. The most traditional of examples of a celebration is a BBQ in which people come to share in good foods and the beautiful weather. It can happen at your home, at a local park, down by the beach or virtually any place that is suitable. Here is a list of things to think about when planning a get together.

Location. Find the right location; make arrangements with park officials if necessary. Make sure there is enough seating, a place to get out of the sun and activities to keep everyone busy.

Food. Plan for easy to make and eat foods. Finger foods work best as people usually are not looking to sit down with a knife and china at this type of a celebration. Look for a few options for everyone, including some that may not enjoy meats, something for those that are looking for alcoholic beverages and a variety of foods. Make it a potluck for an even easier celebration.

Something to do. When it comes to the 4th of July, you do have to give everyone something to do. Whether that is a sport like volleyball or baseball, swimming, or just some fun crafts for kids, get them all busy and having a good time.

Celebrating the 4th of July should be fun and easy to do. Do not over think it and keep it a light atmosphere and you all will have a great time.

Nicola always enjoys celebrating Independence Day. She can help you salute Old Glory in style with 4th of July tips and news, information and views at Your-holiday.info

Article Source:
http://www.articlealley.com/article_65079_32.html