Maria Prashkova
What are your best and worst school memories?
When I think of school, I unconsciously remember that nostalgic feeling for the romantic past days. I can still smell the sweet aroma from that remote carefree period; the first love affairs, the first disco, the first parties, the cigarrett or the alcohol. The school days are the time when everybody builds up as an individual character. But is school always amiable thing? Isn’t there some embarrassing moments that you will never forget?. Diving into my own experience, I have tasted both the bitter and the dulcet palate in that full of emotions past.
One of my best memories I had during my school days was the end of my last year. There was a ceremony in front of the students and teachers where people were awarded for higher attainments – I was one of them. I was awarded with honored badge for contributing to the school’s prestige.
The bearer of the medals was just a few so I was on the heaven. I was so proud of myself that I was able to fly above the school. It was the time when all my hard work was appreciated and assessed. I still hear in my mind the applauding and my teacher crying. I will remember every second in that day for a lifetime.
Nevertheless, how hard we try to block out the negative emotions experienced at school they still swim to the shore. My worst day at school! The picture is engraved on my memory. I almost destroyed the stage when a multitude of students were performing a scene. Everyone was staring at me. The principal looked at me with such severe eyes that I felt the anger bubbling inside of her. I felt as a complete jerk and till these days I cannot forget the loud laugh from the students and the contemptuous look in the teachers’ eyes.
These early memories spur me on sometimes, when I look back and lament about how carefree life was when I was still in the early stages of the education system. Stress drags down spirits, but these memories of early school life,even tought some of them not so good, help me regain my footing, refreshes my soul with confidence, and I can start afresh again.
четвъртък, 8 октомври 2009 г.
ARTICLE
Susane Karamanova
What are your best and worst school memories?
School – a lifetime of powerful memories bond with teachers, school subjects, other students and amusing or not so much situations. Coming as no surprise, the same applies to me although the moments were more unforgettable to the others involved owing to my special assistance. Let me give you a special insight into my innermost school memory.
As you may have guessed by now , I was somewhat of a rebel at primary school, but despite this fact I was actually regarded with any affection by few of the staff. One said I had spirit and imagination and another commented on my particular brand of " cheeky charm ". But some of them just downright hated me …. One of these was the grey haired, spinster music mistress. A bird-like woman, she flitted around wearing soft grey scarves, securing her silver-white hair in a neat bun, ever busy, ever watchful . But while she appeared on the surface to be sweet and nice, she could shoot you a look of pure evil when crossed. We spent her lessons singing the oldest folk songs and despite not even close to professional, she loved to play the piano whilst we performed her own meticulously choreographed dances. Then in third grade, completely accidentally, I found out that the smell of Herbal mints sent her into odd psychotic frenzy. I had just come in from the lunch break, sucking one, and had passed by her on the crowded corridor. What followed was a strident scream, Mss Wallman running and shouting like a madwoman "Who's sucking the mint? Get rid of it now! " Without fear of hesitation, I arrived the next day armed with six packs of herbal mints which I politely distributed to the entire class without explanation. Every mouth contained a mint well sucked and getting off its signature of strong aroma. As soon as she entered the room, Мss Wallman stopped dead at the door, grimaced with horror and fled. We were left unattended for an hour and strangely the Music Mistress had disappeared from the school without a trace .
Of course, I had signed my death warrant doing so and what came were meetings with the principal being accompanied by my red-faced parents, afternoons with the school psychologist and being on probation from an early age. But, looking on the bright side, I ‘won’ a lifelong sentence of admiration from all the other students turning into the most popular buddy at the premises.
The sales of herbal mints continued to flourish for the remainder of that term, a significant proportion of whose were to students scarcely interested in music…
What are your best and worst school memories?
School – a lifetime of powerful memories bond with teachers, school subjects, other students and amusing or not so much situations. Coming as no surprise, the same applies to me although the moments were more unforgettable to the others involved owing to my special assistance. Let me give you a special insight into my innermost school memory.
As you may have guessed by now , I was somewhat of a rebel at primary school, but despite this fact I was actually regarded with any affection by few of the staff. One said I had spirit and imagination and another commented on my particular brand of " cheeky charm ". But some of them just downright hated me …. One of these was the grey haired, spinster music mistress. A bird-like woman, she flitted around wearing soft grey scarves, securing her silver-white hair in a neat bun, ever busy, ever watchful . But while she appeared on the surface to be sweet and nice, she could shoot you a look of pure evil when crossed. We spent her lessons singing the oldest folk songs and despite not even close to professional, she loved to play the piano whilst we performed her own meticulously choreographed dances. Then in third grade, completely accidentally, I found out that the smell of Herbal mints sent her into odd psychotic frenzy. I had just come in from the lunch break, sucking one, and had passed by her on the crowded corridor. What followed was a strident scream, Mss Wallman running and shouting like a madwoman "Who's sucking the mint? Get rid of it now! " Without fear of hesitation, I arrived the next day armed with six packs of herbal mints which I politely distributed to the entire class without explanation. Every mouth contained a mint well sucked and getting off its signature of strong aroma. As soon as she entered the room, Мss Wallman stopped dead at the door, grimaced with horror and fled. We were left unattended for an hour and strangely the Music Mistress had disappeared from the school without a trace .
Of course, I had signed my death warrant doing so and what came were meetings with the principal being accompanied by my red-faced parents, afternoons with the school psychologist and being on probation from an early age. But, looking on the bright side, I ‘won’ a lifelong sentence of admiration from all the other students turning into the most popular buddy at the premises.
The sales of herbal mints continued to flourish for the remainder of that term, a significant proportion of whose were to students scarcely interested in music…
SUCCESS
“Many people want to have a successful career but the problem with having a high income is that you can become handcuffed to a certain lifestyle. For example, private education for children, an expensive home, two cars or luxury holidays seem to some to be a necessary part of life. If you’re not careful, you can begin to find that you see yourself purely in terms of material possessions. On the other hand, would this be a bad thing? Doesn’t everybody ideally want to earn a lot of money? And shouldn’t those who do, be free to spend it as they wish?”
Dear editor,
I am writing in response to the article putting the question about the desire for money and the material possessions they put. I am interested in this topic (as almost everybody else) because the ambitions and aims I have are absolutely connected with… my planned wealth.
On the one hand, to a certain extend I agree with the statement that having a high income makes you “handcuffed to a certain lifestyle” and it is logical. A simple example - this month your salary is $800 - would you buy a new Mercedes (the lyses payment per month is $780)? Now your brother's salary: Let's say it is $1800. He will buy the new Mercedes. If we continue - what is your expenditure per month for maintaining your car - $0. But how much is your brother's month expenditure - more than your salary. Moreover, when some time passes and you become pensioners neither you, nor your brother will have money for Mercedes and then it won't be different for you, but for your brother it will be a matter of some difficulty to get accustomed to not-having-Mercedes. People just get used to nice things and yes, at some moment people become handcuffed.
On the other hand, personally I think that everybody's striving for money is what is developing the world. You say in the article "everybody ideally wants to earn a lot of money" and I will add: this is what makes us study so many issues and what makes us work, what makes us create and invent. Do you remember socialism - people then weren't handcuffed to anything material because they didn't have any additional welfare. But in the same time they weren't starving for money because they knew they can't get any. Now, when it's democracy and everybody is working for himself (not for the country) everybody who has succeeded somehow to make some prosperity, is free to spend his money his way - no matter if we talk for private education, expensive home, two cars or expensive holidays. Furthermore, this person has my personal greetings!
Yours faithfully
Maria Almisheva
Dear editor,
I am writing in response to the article putting the question about the desire for money and the material possessions they put. I am interested in this topic (as almost everybody else) because the ambitions and aims I have are absolutely connected with… my planned wealth.
On the one hand, to a certain extend I agree with the statement that having a high income makes you “handcuffed to a certain lifestyle” and it is logical. A simple example - this month your salary is $800 - would you buy a new Mercedes (the lyses payment per month is $780)? Now your brother's salary: Let's say it is $1800. He will buy the new Mercedes. If we continue - what is your expenditure per month for maintaining your car - $0. But how much is your brother's month expenditure - more than your salary. Moreover, when some time passes and you become pensioners neither you, nor your brother will have money for Mercedes and then it won't be different for you, but for your brother it will be a matter of some difficulty to get accustomed to not-having-Mercedes. People just get used to nice things and yes, at some moment people become handcuffed.
On the other hand, personally I think that everybody's striving for money is what is developing the world. You say in the article "everybody ideally wants to earn a lot of money" and I will add: this is what makes us study so many issues and what makes us work, what makes us create and invent. Do you remember socialism - people then weren't handcuffed to anything material because they didn't have any additional welfare. But in the same time they weren't starving for money because they knew they can't get any. Now, when it's democracy and everybody is working for himself (not for the country) everybody who has succeeded somehow to make some prosperity, is free to spend his money his way - no matter if we talk for private education, expensive home, two cars or expensive holidays. Furthermore, this person has my personal greetings!
Yours faithfully
Maria Almisheva
SUCCESS
Susane Karamanova
“Many people want to have a successful career but the problem with having a high income is that you can become handcuffed to a certain lifestyle. For example, private education for children, an expensive home, two cars or luxury holidays seem to some to be a necessary part of life. If you’re not careful, you can begin to find that you see yourself purely in terms of material possessions. On the other hand, would this be a bad thing? Doesn’t everybody ideally want to earn a lot of money? And shouldn’t those who do, be free to spend it as they wish?”
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to your magazine article on the subject of successes and would like to share my ideas with you, taking the offered opportunity.
Truly, there is not a single person in the world who does not want to move a few rungs up the professional ladder so as to be more successful and consequently, financially more independent. What is more, money gives you the chance to provide a more comfortable lifestyle to your family and that is what most people strive for. Spending endless hours working in order to increase your earning opportunities rightfully gives you the freedom to spend your money as you wish.
To a certain limited extend, there is some truth in this and no one can deny that every human is the master of their own life. However, relentless focus on the outward markers of success distracts individuals from what truly matters. Being caught in the predicament of wanting to pursue their own needs and ambitions, they often forget the real indicators of happiness such as family, friends, and love. In their attempts to ensure their loved ones contentment, people deprive them of it. Parents turn their children into ones blasting about luxuries such as fancy enough cars, fancy enough mobile phones and fancy enough outfits. Needless to say, measuring success through material possessions may also lead to compromising values and principles, as well as your commitments. As a result of the mentioned above, the world has turned into a world of people enamored with their own success and controlled by materialism.
To sum up, this change in the engine of life is undisputable. However, we would not leave this world with our material possessions so we should consider what is of paramount importance and focus on it. It is the only way of battling the roots of materialism getting deeply implanted in the nation.
Yours faithfully,
Suzane Karamanova
“Many people want to have a successful career but the problem with having a high income is that you can become handcuffed to a certain lifestyle. For example, private education for children, an expensive home, two cars or luxury holidays seem to some to be a necessary part of life. If you’re not careful, you can begin to find that you see yourself purely in terms of material possessions. On the other hand, would this be a bad thing? Doesn’t everybody ideally want to earn a lot of money? And shouldn’t those who do, be free to spend it as they wish?”
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to your magazine article on the subject of successes and would like to share my ideas with you, taking the offered opportunity.
Truly, there is not a single person in the world who does not want to move a few rungs up the professional ladder so as to be more successful and consequently, financially more independent. What is more, money gives you the chance to provide a more comfortable lifestyle to your family and that is what most people strive for. Spending endless hours working in order to increase your earning opportunities rightfully gives you the freedom to spend your money as you wish.
To a certain limited extend, there is some truth in this and no one can deny that every human is the master of their own life. However, relentless focus on the outward markers of success distracts individuals from what truly matters. Being caught in the predicament of wanting to pursue their own needs and ambitions, they often forget the real indicators of happiness such as family, friends, and love. In their attempts to ensure their loved ones contentment, people deprive them of it. Parents turn their children into ones blasting about luxuries such as fancy enough cars, fancy enough mobile phones and fancy enough outfits. Needless to say, measuring success through material possessions may also lead to compromising values and principles, as well as your commitments. As a result of the mentioned above, the world has turned into a world of people enamored with their own success and controlled by materialism.
To sum up, this change in the engine of life is undisputable. However, we would not leave this world with our material possessions so we should consider what is of paramount importance and focus on it. It is the only way of battling the roots of materialism getting deeply implanted in the nation.
Yours faithfully,
Suzane Karamanova
вторник, 8 септември 2009 г.
ESSAY: A Global Language
Neli Urumova
A current burning issue with particular application to people from all over the world refers to providing an acknowledged international language. Although English has already achieved such a status, being spoken in 115 countries on average, there are many objections to it being the chosen one and suggestions for promoting an artificial tongue. I will consider the theoretical and practical aspects of having an artificial language as well as express my personal view.
Theoretically, the fundamental characteristic of an artificial lingua franca is neutrality in terms of history, culture and politics. English, by contrast, is inseverably bonded to the English and the American civilizations. Not only is it seen as a threat for further multiple dominance but also for many peoples it is still a symbol of one-time British colonial oppression. With my due consent, it is a justifiable argument against international English, though I believe a tongue achieves a genuinely global status when it develops a special role in every country. Illustratively, English is already the language of business as Britain and USA are world economic superpowers and other countries are therefore necessitated to engage in English-speaking society to have a chance of topping the competition. Moreover, as English people are leading in scientific researches, their mother tongue appears to be also the language of science. How long would it take for an artificial language to fill in the gap as fine as English language already does it?
From a practical point of view, it is generally perceived that a grammatically simple and lexically limited artificial language would be less impeding to learn compared to the rich and complex English. On the face of it, English does burden with a baggage of more than 80,000 words and a lot of grammar tenses. I dare to say, however, that learning English to a communicative level is a matter of little efforts and little time as you do not need the whole expanse of vocabulary and structures, which, in fact, hardly anyone has perfected. Verb-conjugation and noun case are nothing difficult. Furthermore, language’s richness stands for a lot of synonyms and ways to express yourself. How would a limited artificial lingua franca provide such a comfort? In English, additionally, there are many loanwords borrowed from other languages and, I guess, people already know a lot of them.
In conclusion, I do not belittle the perks of creating an artificial language, but I would rather be not in favour of approaching the problem this way. Judging by the role of English in the world of politics, media, art, entertainment, education, science - you name it, I believe it is the language that we search for and we all need to know.
A current burning issue with particular application to people from all over the world refers to providing an acknowledged international language. Although English has already achieved such a status, being spoken in 115 countries on average, there are many objections to it being the chosen one and suggestions for promoting an artificial tongue. I will consider the theoretical and practical aspects of having an artificial language as well as express my personal view.
Theoretically, the fundamental characteristic of an artificial lingua franca is neutrality in terms of history, culture and politics. English, by contrast, is inseverably bonded to the English and the American civilizations. Not only is it seen as a threat for further multiple dominance but also for many peoples it is still a symbol of one-time British colonial oppression. With my due consent, it is a justifiable argument against international English, though I believe a tongue achieves a genuinely global status when it develops a special role in every country. Illustratively, English is already the language of business as Britain and USA are world economic superpowers and other countries are therefore necessitated to engage in English-speaking society to have a chance of topping the competition. Moreover, as English people are leading in scientific researches, their mother tongue appears to be also the language of science. How long would it take for an artificial language to fill in the gap as fine as English language already does it?
From a practical point of view, it is generally perceived that a grammatically simple and lexically limited artificial language would be less impeding to learn compared to the rich and complex English. On the face of it, English does burden with a baggage of more than 80,000 words and a lot of grammar tenses. I dare to say, however, that learning English to a communicative level is a matter of little efforts and little time as you do not need the whole expanse of vocabulary and structures, which, in fact, hardly anyone has perfected. Verb-conjugation and noun case are nothing difficult. Furthermore, language’s richness stands for a lot of synonyms and ways to express yourself. How would a limited artificial lingua franca provide such a comfort? In English, additionally, there are many loanwords borrowed from other languages and, I guess, people already know a lot of them.
In conclusion, I do not belittle the perks of creating an artificial language, but I would rather be not in favour of approaching the problem this way. Judging by the role of English in the world of politics, media, art, entertainment, education, science - you name it, I believe it is the language that we search for and we all need to know.
вторник, 11 август 2009 г.
It's nothing supernatural, it's, in fact, too natural
There are nooks within the boundaries of Bulgaria that are worth visiting. Beauty spots, nothing short of cosy and calm, giving you all those warm, relaxing and fulfilling feelings you wish for during the flux of your regimented routine. An illustrative example of these is the lake ‘Crystal Eye’ and its green grounds, situated in Pirin Mountain, 10km away from the small town of Goce Delchev.
Doubtless, ‘Crystal Eye’ brings back a priceless backpack of memories to the locals, who have always reckoned it was their greatest pride. But if once upon a time only these people seized with both hands its beauty and energy, now time has come for them to show it off, opening its doors towards everyone who yearns for a piece of it. Impressive, luxury hotels have spotted the landscape. Around them, tiny markets and souvenir shops have grown, offering all stuffs tourists may need. For the visitors themselves, all is a perfect idyll, though for the locals and their natural wealth, it proves to be a mixed blessing. All the buildings scattered around are in consequence of merciless deforestation. Admittedly, providing such a comfort is abreast also of natural pollution of various kind – air, noise, water. Logically, the more people are there, the higher levels of garbage, noise, traffic are there, too. However, for environment is what is offered and sold, after all, rural people are attempting to make up for the damages caused. As is evidenced, they are caring for the animals by preserving their habitats; they are planting trees; they have governed by law fines for people who contaminate the water pools and the grounds.
What is to be admired about the tourist development of ‘Crystal Eye’ is that it is a perfect instrument in realizing cultural interaction. As part of the offers, locals are organizing get-togethers and walkings where cultural traditions are shared. Besides, rural people benefit also from additional incomes because to sustain tourism industry finances are essential. A hike in working places is also felt through more young people being appealed to the area. Though a bit less friendly and united, people are competitive and, hence, successful. Not unknown is that competition is what soars the spirits and determines people to develop and progress.
Every coin has two sides and same goes with the case about ‘Crystal Eye’. Not only benefits are there, but also some demerits that make the path rocky. After all, obstacles and hardships are to motivate us and aid us in stretching our imagination and ideas. The thing is we should save the togetherness of ourselves as a community and the respect for the Mother Nature. Nothing is irreversible – if we take with one hand, we may give with the other. It’s all about thought and belief.
сряда, 29 юли 2009 г.
Scirocco island (or a place you should visit)
Me and my friend are on a small airport on a small island. On the airport there is only one more airplane even smaller than ours (which was small). One smiley blond woman is calling us. She is from the tourist agency as she knows our names. We get into BMW cabriolet which is driven from this very nice woman. She asks us about the flight. Yes, it was pleasurable. Now we are in front of one small orange, typically Mediterranean house, which is our accommodation. I am so interested in what is happening that I forgot to tell you where we are – Scirocco island in Greece (an amazing Mediterranean place).
Me and my friend who is with me here – Bobby were here seven-eight years ago. The island was lonely and empty with few houses, olive trees and palms on it. We expected the situation now to be the same. Surprisingly, it is completely different. The island is significantly changed with more buildings (however, small), cars, tourists. The whole infrastructure is changed which is commendable having in mind all these new buildings.
Never mind. Now imagine: fresh fish in mixture with a great variety of wine; palm trees with their coconuts, small cabriolets, narrow streets up and down like in San Francisco and one floored orange or yellow houses. The atmosphere is… sorry, I don’t have words to express it.
However, logically, if for seven years, let’s say, a place change from “Nothing” to “Paradise”, it means that the prices are also changed from “Cheap” to “Expensive”. For example, my room in the one floored orange hotel costs 110$ but it has nothing more than a TV set, air conditioning and a sea view. The cheapest (but very delicious) fresh fish is 20-30$...
Finally, I have one recommendation for the locals – ban the building making for some years. Let the things like that – they are amazing. And OK, let it so expensive but don’t let entrepreneurs destroy this paradise with five-star hotels, big airports and highways.
The blond woman with the cabriolet is driving us to the airport as we are getting back to Bulgaria. Instead of saying “Bye” to the nice woman, I told her “We will come back soon”.
Me and my friend who is with me here – Bobby were here seven-eight years ago. The island was lonely and empty with few houses, olive trees and palms on it. We expected the situation now to be the same. Surprisingly, it is completely different. The island is significantly changed with more buildings (however, small), cars, tourists. The whole infrastructure is changed which is commendable having in mind all these new buildings.
Never mind. Now imagine: fresh fish in mixture with a great variety of wine; palm trees with their coconuts, small cabriolets, narrow streets up and down like in San Francisco and one floored orange or yellow houses. The atmosphere is… sorry, I don’t have words to express it.
However, logically, if for seven years, let’s say, a place change from “Nothing” to “Paradise”, it means that the prices are also changed from “Cheap” to “Expensive”. For example, my room in the one floored orange hotel costs 110$ but it has nothing more than a TV set, air conditioning and a sea view. The cheapest (but very delicious) fresh fish is 20-30$...
Finally, I have one recommendation for the locals – ban the building making for some years. Let the things like that – they are amazing. And OK, let it so expensive but don’t let entrepreneurs destroy this paradise with five-star hotels, big airports and highways.
The blond woman with the cabriolet is driving us to the airport as we are getting back to Bulgaria. Instead of saying “Bye” to the nice woman, I told her “We will come back soon”.
Maria Almisheva
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