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
вторник, 21 юли 2009 г.
A LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Envirinment
Dear Editor,
I am writing in reply to your article on global warming, which appeared on Monday’s edition of “Daily News” newspaper and would like to share my ideas with you. I do believe that global warming is not a problem that will be impossible to solve. However, many people do not realise the magnitude of the problem and have not done their part to stop it from happening.
Having said that, it is also true that most of us would never forget modern conviniences for the Earth’s sake thinking that it would be pointless no matter what is the price. For example, no one would swtich off all power gadgets in his home while the boy next door is having a soothing hot bath or playing games on his computer.
However, we don’t have to return to ‘dark ages’ to do something to stop the effects of global warming. The main problem of energy supply can easily be solved with the use of solar power or any renewable sources. Simply installing solar panels is beneficial in terms of cost of energy, efiiciency and enviromentally friendly. Hence we do not restrain our energy needs.
The same applies to our cars and the other comforts and convieniences. Of course automobiles are vitally important but with just buying a fuel-efficient cars or considering transportation alternatives such as mass transit, carpooling, bicycling or telecommunicating we would be beficial to both environment and us ourselves.
To sum up, we do not have to scientics or diplomats to prevent the process of global warming. The underlying problem is that many people are not aware of the magnitude of global warming and have not done their part to stop it from happening. What we do need is simple information, and not to forget that individual choices can have an impact on the climate change.
Yours faithfully,
Suzane Karamanova
I am writing in reply to your article on global warming, which appeared on Monday’s edition of “Daily News” newspaper and would like to share my ideas with you. I do believe that global warming is not a problem that will be impossible to solve. However, many people do not realise the magnitude of the problem and have not done their part to stop it from happening.
Having said that, it is also true that most of us would never forget modern conviniences for the Earth’s sake thinking that it would be pointless no matter what is the price. For example, no one would swtich off all power gadgets in his home while the boy next door is having a soothing hot bath or playing games on his computer.
However, we don’t have to return to ‘dark ages’ to do something to stop the effects of global warming. The main problem of energy supply can easily be solved with the use of solar power or any renewable sources. Simply installing solar panels is beneficial in terms of cost of energy, efiiciency and enviromentally friendly. Hence we do not restrain our energy needs.
The same applies to our cars and the other comforts and convieniences. Of course automobiles are vitally important but with just buying a fuel-efficient cars or considering transportation alternatives such as mass transit, carpooling, bicycling or telecommunicating we would be beficial to both environment and us ourselves.
To sum up, we do not have to scientics or diplomats to prevent the process of global warming. The underlying problem is that many people are not aware of the magnitude of global warming and have not done their part to stop it from happening. What we do need is simple information, and not to forget that individual choices can have an impact on the climate change.
Yours faithfully,
Suzane Karamanova
четвъртък, 16 юли 2009 г.
A LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Years ago, you were always reading about the so-called ‘generation gap’ and all about the conflict between the rebellious young and their mystified parents.Well, you may not read so much about it any more, but it’s still there. Perhaps it’s just human nature that children, their parents and even their parents’ parents are poles apart. Perhaps it’s just the natural result of time passing that each generation sees the one that follows them as being in some way ‘not like we were’. Perhaps people of every generation, as they get older, look back on a ‘golden age’ that may never really have existed.Perhaps the generations just aren’t meant to get along.
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to the newspaper article on the subject of the generation gap. The article was very intriguing and I would like to share my ideas on the matter.
I would definitely agree that there has always been generation gap since the dawn of the civilization and I assume it will not make our lives any more comfortable to know that this is normal and natural, and we should go through it. Having said that, the gap, however, is a much deeper malady than viewed superficially. Actually, it is an inevitable and maybe eternal age-versus-youth conflict between authority and rebellion, between responsibility and freedom, between limits and exuberance, between experience and naivety. This phenomenon is being characterized by children’s desire to cast off and parents’ fear to let them go.
The reasons for the irreconcilable conflicts which are so often set in motion between two set of generations are numerous. What can be said for sure is that they are divided, not by chronology, but by attitudes. It is generally observed that the mystified parents usually act like frogs in the well. They are fully convinced that their ideas and viewpoints are the ultimate and ideal. The elderly people consequently tend to think that the new generation is deriving from the older and, in their opinion, better standards and do not approve youngsters’ behavior, tastes and even ways of thinking. Their expectations are of trouble. The older generation is always bemoaning the ‘golden age’ – a wondrous period of their youth when everything was much simpler and happiness was spread among people. In stark contrast, the younger generation is flexing its muscles against the older one with a longing for independence from their parents and their history. They look with mockery on parents` ‘dark age’ being grateful for the vast opportunities their time can offer.
In conclusion, I think that as individuals, we cannot control such generation differences. We participate in them whether we wish to or not. Like it or not, we should simply admit defeat and accept the facts that the chasm between the conservatism of age and the iconoclasm of youth is all but unbridgeable.
Yours faithfully,
Suzane Karamanova
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to the newspaper article on the subject of the generation gap. The article was very intriguing and I would like to share my ideas on the matter.
I would definitely agree that there has always been generation gap since the dawn of the civilization and I assume it will not make our lives any more comfortable to know that this is normal and natural, and we should go through it. Having said that, the gap, however, is a much deeper malady than viewed superficially. Actually, it is an inevitable and maybe eternal age-versus-youth conflict between authority and rebellion, between responsibility and freedom, between limits and exuberance, between experience and naivety. This phenomenon is being characterized by children’s desire to cast off and parents’ fear to let them go.
The reasons for the irreconcilable conflicts which are so often set in motion between two set of generations are numerous. What can be said for sure is that they are divided, not by chronology, but by attitudes. It is generally observed that the mystified parents usually act like frogs in the well. They are fully convinced that their ideas and viewpoints are the ultimate and ideal. The elderly people consequently tend to think that the new generation is deriving from the older and, in their opinion, better standards and do not approve youngsters’ behavior, tastes and even ways of thinking. Their expectations are of trouble. The older generation is always bemoaning the ‘golden age’ – a wondrous period of their youth when everything was much simpler and happiness was spread among people. In stark contrast, the younger generation is flexing its muscles against the older one with a longing for independence from their parents and their history. They look with mockery on parents` ‘dark age’ being grateful for the vast opportunities their time can offer.
In conclusion, I think that as individuals, we cannot control such generation differences. We participate in them whether we wish to or not. Like it or not, we should simply admit defeat and accept the facts that the chasm between the conservatism of age and the iconoclasm of youth is all but unbridgeable.
Yours faithfully,
Suzane Karamanova
вторник, 14 юли 2009 г.
ARTICLE: The Day That Changed My Life
Neli Urumova
The night was already spreading its azure veil along the boisterous city, with the curtains slowly falling on the serial busy working day. As a caring girlfriend, I was all but ready with the Sushi, waiting for my man to come back after the prolonged conference.
Not until the clock showed 22:30 did I got the needle and decided to go to my mom’s house not to spend the rest of the night in silence and loneliness. I stuck a slip of paper on the front door and succinctly wrote ‘At mom’s.’
Understandable as it is, Ma welcomed me with open arms, unfolding her endless thoughts and feelings born by what she’d heard. Such a bore, you bet, though it was the better option.
Not long afterwards, the phone rang. I guessed it was Ben, my boyfriend, insisting I returned. ‘It’s too late already, dear’, my voice was rather nervous, although I attempted to conceal it, ‘I’ll get back early tomorrow.’ ‘Please! I gotta tell you something that can’t be put off.’ ‘Something bad?’, I asked anxiously. ‘Well, … almost.’
I was quick to go home. There, I found Ben sitting on the sofa holding a ticket in his hand. All of a sudden, the affectionate girlfriend in me woke up and I tenderly said ‘Darling. how are you? How was the conference?’ ‘Fatiguing, but successful. How was your day?’ This game didn’t appeal to me, however. I was restless with the ticket my eyes were catching sight of, even though Ben was trying to hide it. ‘Come on. Out with it, Ben’, I said instead of answering to his question. To my surprise, Ben smiled, casting a loving glance at me, which at that moment seemed mocking to me. He put the ticket on the table and calmly said, ‘That’s it. I’m afraid, I gotta go.’ ‘Excuse me, my temper was ironic, where ‘you gotta go’?’ Ben smiled again. ‘Paris. And I’d be grateful if you do me a favour.’ ‘A favour?!’ I uttered. ‘Exactly. While being at Paris, looking after the business, I’ll need someone to care for… my heart. And as it belongs to you, would you take the responsibility?’ He opened a glossy box with a gold ring shining from within. I was amazed! ‘Yes! I will!’, I screamed in a swoon.
In a while, I asked ‘What was the bad in this?’ ‘Ur… your mom’s not coming.’ Both, we burst in laughter.
I knew I had the best man by my side and I was going to live a fairly tale, as it actually happens at present.
The night was already spreading its azure veil along the boisterous city, with the curtains slowly falling on the serial busy working day. As a caring girlfriend, I was all but ready with the Sushi, waiting for my man to come back after the prolonged conference.
Not until the clock showed 22:30 did I got the needle and decided to go to my mom’s house not to spend the rest of the night in silence and loneliness. I stuck a slip of paper on the front door and succinctly wrote ‘At mom’s.’
Understandable as it is, Ma welcomed me with open arms, unfolding her endless thoughts and feelings born by what she’d heard. Such a bore, you bet, though it was the better option.
Not long afterwards, the phone rang. I guessed it was Ben, my boyfriend, insisting I returned. ‘It’s too late already, dear’, my voice was rather nervous, although I attempted to conceal it, ‘I’ll get back early tomorrow.’ ‘Please! I gotta tell you something that can’t be put off.’ ‘Something bad?’, I asked anxiously. ‘Well, … almost.’
I was quick to go home. There, I found Ben sitting on the sofa holding a ticket in his hand. All of a sudden, the affectionate girlfriend in me woke up and I tenderly said ‘Darling. how are you? How was the conference?’ ‘Fatiguing, but successful. How was your day?’ This game didn’t appeal to me, however. I was restless with the ticket my eyes were catching sight of, even though Ben was trying to hide it. ‘Come on. Out with it, Ben’, I said instead of answering to his question. To my surprise, Ben smiled, casting a loving glance at me, which at that moment seemed mocking to me. He put the ticket on the table and calmly said, ‘That’s it. I’m afraid, I gotta go.’ ‘Excuse me, my temper was ironic, where ‘you gotta go’?’ Ben smiled again. ‘Paris. And I’d be grateful if you do me a favour.’ ‘A favour?!’ I uttered. ‘Exactly. While being at Paris, looking after the business, I’ll need someone to care for… my heart. And as it belongs to you, would you take the responsibility?’ He opened a glossy box with a gold ring shining from within. I was amazed! ‘Yes! I will!’, I screamed in a swoon.
In a while, I asked ‘What was the bad in this?’ ‘Ur… your mom’s not coming.’ Both, we burst in laughter.
I knew I had the best man by my side and I was going to live a fairly tale, as it actually happens at present.
понеделник, 13 юли 2009 г.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor,
I have read the article about the generation gap between ‘rebellious young’ and ‘mystified parents’ and I was utterly pleased to see that other readers were invited to give their opinion on the subject.
Generation gap is that major reason why parents and children are moving away from each other. As we all know, the environment has changed so has the lifestyle and the children’s attitude toward life. However, the old generations still live in the past. They try to impose the old ways of thinking and behaving on their children. Thus, a huge inevitable distance occurs.
Our parents think that the time of their childhood was better than the today’s. They believe that they were well-behaved, studious, stricter and more pressurized. They do not estimate the stress we live in, how much is required from us and how our childhood is limited to minimum. They consider their past as simpler, better and happier. However, they do not take into account the new developed facilities, the entertainments and the opportunity we are given. For them the past is what is really worthy.
Moving next, the parents are nostalgic about the past days. They hold dare for something that will never happen again. Parents do not want to accept that their children have different thinking, opportunities, surrounding and diverse priorities. They can’t stand the truth that we, these days generation, believe in something completely disparate from what they believed. Therefore, the generation gap still exists and will always exist. Because every generation has its typical surrounding -technologies, education, media, standards of living which influence the way of thinking, developing and behaving.
It strikes me that this problem is faced by people of every part of globe but still nobody can find a proper solution. Maybe parents and children will never find something in common? Perhaps they will be always in fight!
Yours faithfully,
Maria Prashkova
I have read the article about the generation gap between ‘rebellious young’ and ‘mystified parents’ and I was utterly pleased to see that other readers were invited to give their opinion on the subject.
Generation gap is that major reason why parents and children are moving away from each other. As we all know, the environment has changed so has the lifestyle and the children’s attitude toward life. However, the old generations still live in the past. They try to impose the old ways of thinking and behaving on their children. Thus, a huge inevitable distance occurs.
Our parents think that the time of their childhood was better than the today’s. They believe that they were well-behaved, studious, stricter and more pressurized. They do not estimate the stress we live in, how much is required from us and how our childhood is limited to minimum. They consider their past as simpler, better and happier. However, they do not take into account the new developed facilities, the entertainments and the opportunity we are given. For them the past is what is really worthy.
Moving next, the parents are nostalgic about the past days. They hold dare for something that will never happen again. Parents do not want to accept that their children have different thinking, opportunities, surrounding and diverse priorities. They can’t stand the truth that we, these days generation, believe in something completely disparate from what they believed. Therefore, the generation gap still exists and will always exist. Because every generation has its typical surrounding -technologies, education, media, standards of living which influence the way of thinking, developing and behaving.
It strikes me that this problem is faced by people of every part of globe but still nobody can find a proper solution. Maybe parents and children will never find something in common? Perhaps they will be always in fight!
Yours faithfully,
Maria Prashkova
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Years ago, you were always reading about the so-called ‘generation gap’ and all about the conflict between the rebellious young and their mystified parents.
Well, you may not read so much about it any more, but it’s still there. Perhaps it’s just human nature that children, their parents and even their parents’ parents are poles apart. Perhaps it’s just the natural result of time passing that each generation sees the one that follows them as being in some way ‘not like we were’. Perhaps people of every generation, as they get older, look back on a ‘golden age’ that may never really have existed.
Perhaps the generations just aren’t meant to get along.
Dear editor,
I am writing with a view to extending on the topic about generation gap that you set in your last issue. I am glad you give us, the readers, this opportunity.
Truly, it’s no wonder that ‘generation gap’ has always been a buzzword in people’s life. Unconditional as it is each of us is fated to go through the hardship of sitting on the one side of the fence whilst our elderly kin in full strength is menacingly pointing their finger at us from the other side. Actually, the conflict arises in the context of adolescents’ struggle to be the masters of their lives which encounters obstacles in the face of their caring parents. This controversy continues to appear between the different generations even when the youngsters are already adults and the adults are already old people. It is just that their conceptions still differ and it seems to me that all this turns into, or more probably turns out to be, simply the natural being of humans.
That change is the engine of life is indisputable. Like a part from the indivisible, alterations occur in every aspect of life – we change our mind, tack, tune, ways... We launch a change of heart and hence we change the whole scene. This is where divergence of convictions between generations stems from. Need I say, parents equip their children for life but when these children set foot in real life in sooth, it appears that circumstances are changing and new skills are requisite. Youngsters’ fresh brains are able to apprehend them and neither are their parents’. So, the generation gap is not merely the natural result of time but also the inevitable result of social changes and development. Nothing short of familiar is the ‘golden age’ that elderly people tend to talk about for hours. It is the time when they have been young and that ‘it was so different and so much better’ is justified to be heard from their mouths for it is what they experienced and therefore all that is understandable for them. In one or another way, they just cannot take in the innovations.
In fact, every generation is right in its own premise. After all, everyone has the ownership of themselves though to sustain our mankind we need compromises because, as it appears, different generations are just not meant to fit tight.
Yours faithfully,
Nelly Urumova
Well, you may not read so much about it any more, but it’s still there. Perhaps it’s just human nature that children, their parents and even their parents’ parents are poles apart. Perhaps it’s just the natural result of time passing that each generation sees the one that follows them as being in some way ‘not like we were’. Perhaps people of every generation, as they get older, look back on a ‘golden age’ that may never really have existed.
Perhaps the generations just aren’t meant to get along.
Dear editor,
I am writing with a view to extending on the topic about generation gap that you set in your last issue. I am glad you give us, the readers, this opportunity.
Truly, it’s no wonder that ‘generation gap’ has always been a buzzword in people’s life. Unconditional as it is each of us is fated to go through the hardship of sitting on the one side of the fence whilst our elderly kin in full strength is menacingly pointing their finger at us from the other side. Actually, the conflict arises in the context of adolescents’ struggle to be the masters of their lives which encounters obstacles in the face of their caring parents. This controversy continues to appear between the different generations even when the youngsters are already adults and the adults are already old people. It is just that their conceptions still differ and it seems to me that all this turns into, or more probably turns out to be, simply the natural being of humans.
That change is the engine of life is indisputable. Like a part from the indivisible, alterations occur in every aspect of life – we change our mind, tack, tune, ways... We launch a change of heart and hence we change the whole scene. This is where divergence of convictions between generations stems from. Need I say, parents equip their children for life but when these children set foot in real life in sooth, it appears that circumstances are changing and new skills are requisite. Youngsters’ fresh brains are able to apprehend them and neither are their parents’. So, the generation gap is not merely the natural result of time but also the inevitable result of social changes and development. Nothing short of familiar is the ‘golden age’ that elderly people tend to talk about for hours. It is the time when they have been young and that ‘it was so different and so much better’ is justified to be heard from their mouths for it is what they experienced and therefore all that is understandable for them. In one or another way, they just cannot take in the innovations.
In fact, every generation is right in its own premise. After all, everyone has the ownership of themselves though to sustain our mankind we need compromises because, as it appears, different generations are just not meant to fit tight.
Yours faithfully,
Nelly Urumova
ARTICLE: The Day That Changed My Life
Susane Karamanova
I knew I could sing. But now I had to prove it.
It was my ninth time appearing in front of a Sony Music executive to sing a few songs making an effort to do a record deal. The first eight tryouts had led to stone-cold rejections. I didn’t have the right look. My hair was bushy, my clothes – dated. I was nothing like a beauty queen. However, growing up in a disadvantaged family thought me to be a fighter. The best I could hope for, if I wanted new horizons, was to latch onto a skill or career I was really good at. That’s how I viewed my singing.
That morning waiting to perform three songs for a man behind a desk, without a microphone, lights or amplifiers, I was quite apprehensive. Letting someone judge whether I deserved a commercial career in 10 minutes was something I had to do. In the middle of my second song, a passionate ballad, I glanced up at John Grady, the president of Sony Music, who was sitting behind his desk. He was going through it looking for something to write with, as if to jot down a grocery list. It was awkward. My future was at the mercy of a man who didn’t appear interested at all. About halfway through, I saw Mr. Grady writing something down. From where I stood, I could clearly see him write the letter n, followed by the letter o. As in: No.
That’s it, I thought. Approval, alas, looked virtually impossible. My longing for music career evaporated. As we said goodbye, however, Grady gave me a vigorous handshake and said, “I want you to have this.” Though my hands were shaking, I found the courage to take the paper and read it. Much to my surprise, it didn’t say “no”. It said, “now”!
It is how my dream of becoming a professional musician started to come true. Although I did still had to write, sing and record album to prove myself, that moment was a turning point that utterly reshaped my life showing me that anything is possible if you just believe.
I knew I could sing. But now I had to prove it.
It was my ninth time appearing in front of a Sony Music executive to sing a few songs making an effort to do a record deal. The first eight tryouts had led to stone-cold rejections. I didn’t have the right look. My hair was bushy, my clothes – dated. I was nothing like a beauty queen. However, growing up in a disadvantaged family thought me to be a fighter. The best I could hope for, if I wanted new horizons, was to latch onto a skill or career I was really good at. That’s how I viewed my singing.
That morning waiting to perform three songs for a man behind a desk, without a microphone, lights or amplifiers, I was quite apprehensive. Letting someone judge whether I deserved a commercial career in 10 minutes was something I had to do. In the middle of my second song, a passionate ballad, I glanced up at John Grady, the president of Sony Music, who was sitting behind his desk. He was going through it looking for something to write with, as if to jot down a grocery list. It was awkward. My future was at the mercy of a man who didn’t appear interested at all. About halfway through, I saw Mr. Grady writing something down. From where I stood, I could clearly see him write the letter n, followed by the letter o. As in: No.
That’s it, I thought. Approval, alas, looked virtually impossible. My longing for music career evaporated. As we said goodbye, however, Grady gave me a vigorous handshake and said, “I want you to have this.” Though my hands were shaking, I found the courage to take the paper and read it. Much to my surprise, it didn’t say “no”. It said, “now”!
It is how my dream of becoming a professional musician started to come true. Although I did still had to write, sing and record album to prove myself, that moment was a turning point that utterly reshaped my life showing me that anything is possible if you just believe.
ARTICLE: The Day That Changed My Life
Mary Almisheva
Just one day can rock your life's entire foundation and shake everything that you believe.
I am a journalist in a big television and I have my normal life. It was a normal Monday morning. There was to be a great football match the same day and people wanted to know the result previously. That’s why I found one beggar for whom I heard that he could see in the future and I made an interview with him on the street. I asked him about the football match and he told me that Manchester city would win the match with one goal. After that, not knowing what else to ask him, I asked about the weather and he told me that it was going to rain. “Tell me any other interesting things you see” I said without believing in him. “Something other?” he told me “I am sorry miss but this Friday… you will die”. I really didn’t know what to say, how to react, I just walked into my car and started driving to my office. The whole day I was trying not to think about that.
It was a nice day as a whole and after work me and my colleges decided to go to one pub to watch the football match. It was OK until the end of the match – the result was 1:0 for… MANCHESTER CITY!!! It wasn’t that easy for me not to think about the beggar’s words now.
Ok, but the morning came and outside… IT WAS RAINING just as the beggar said. During the whole week believe me, with every hour that passed I felt my death coming nearer and nearer and I started loving everything around me more and more, I started seeing how beautiful the world was just then, thdn I understood how happy I was, what life ddid I have… I regretted not understanding what I had before.
The Friday came. And yes, I had a car accident. But on Saturday morning I opened my eyes, my new eyes and I saw my husband, my kid, my mother and how beautiful the hospital was. Yes, I found the beauty in the hospital because I was alive and the Friday was in the past.
This Friday I died really and another person in my body, with my name, with my life was born. But there was a big difference between the dead Me and the new Me – now I was happy, I was a real person thanking God for everything. And I thank you for reading this. Be happy
ARTICLE: The Day That Changed My Life
The day that changed my life
Mary Prashkova
There are moments in your life that you just don’t expect. Events that can rock your life and shake everything you believe in. The loss of my friend Sally did just that.
It was cold December night and I and my family were having a dinner. It was around 9 o’clock when the telephone rang. It was Sally’s brother. He was crying and his voice was trembling. I couldn’t catch much of what he was saying except the fateful phrase “Sally is death’. I slammed the telephone and burst into tears. From that moment everything was in slow motion – every voice I heard, every movement around me.
The night was awful, I couldn’t close my eyes or when I did the trembling voice of Sally’s brother sprang into my mind. It was early morning and I asked my parents to accompany me to my friend’s house. It was the most difficult thing I had ever done. In front of the house there were a lot of people. I tried to spot Sam – sally’s brother, but without result. My legs were stiffed and I couldn’t walk. I attempted making a move but without success. After some minutes roaming around I was ready to face the harsh reality. I skinned Sam and tried to reach him. He was my last hope to overcome with this situation.
The ceremony started. I couldn’t stop my tears. After a couple of minutes I was not able to keep the pain inside of me and rushed through the door. I found myself in front of the place where I always waited for Sally. I couldn’t believe this was happening to me. Was I strong enough to get over it?
The funeral was over. However, I was nowhere near over it. Eventually, I had to move on. I was feeling that I was outside myself. I was not the same bright and cheerful girl. I couldn’t be the same, could I? Now I know not to take life for granted and understand what precious gift life is. Each day is new adventure on this roller coast of grief. The only thing we can do is to get up every morning and try to share a smile. Because life is an alternation of good and bad moments. Sometimes the bad moments outnumber the good ones, but sometimes they just re-born you just like I was.
Mary Prashkova
There are moments in your life that you just don’t expect. Events that can rock your life and shake everything you believe in. The loss of my friend Sally did just that.
It was cold December night and I and my family were having a dinner. It was around 9 o’clock when the telephone rang. It was Sally’s brother. He was crying and his voice was trembling. I couldn’t catch much of what he was saying except the fateful phrase “Sally is death’. I slammed the telephone and burst into tears. From that moment everything was in slow motion – every voice I heard, every movement around me.
The night was awful, I couldn’t close my eyes or when I did the trembling voice of Sally’s brother sprang into my mind. It was early morning and I asked my parents to accompany me to my friend’s house. It was the most difficult thing I had ever done. In front of the house there were a lot of people. I tried to spot Sam – sally’s brother, but without result. My legs were stiffed and I couldn’t walk. I attempted making a move but without success. After some minutes roaming around I was ready to face the harsh reality. I skinned Sam and tried to reach him. He was my last hope to overcome with this situation.
The ceremony started. I couldn’t stop my tears. After a couple of minutes I was not able to keep the pain inside of me and rushed through the door. I found myself in front of the place where I always waited for Sally. I couldn’t believe this was happening to me. Was I strong enough to get over it?
The funeral was over. However, I was nowhere near over it. Eventually, I had to move on. I was feeling that I was outside myself. I was not the same bright and cheerful girl. I couldn’t be the same, could I? Now I know not to take life for granted and understand what precious gift life is. Each day is new adventure on this roller coast of grief. The only thing we can do is to get up every morning and try to share a smile. Because life is an alternation of good and bad moments. Sometimes the bad moments outnumber the good ones, but sometimes they just re-born you just like I was.
петък, 19 юни 2009 г.
Article: IN CHASE OF ADVENTURE Susane Karamanova
IN CHASE OF ADVENTURE
The old saying that you should live each day as if it was your last is a nice statement. Following this well-known phrase, however, was against my fundamental principles, which I was about to break, standing at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef ready to jump. It all started when my sister Nancy invited me to join her on a trip across Australia.
Lounging for a week abroad was a dream comes true for me. Right before setting off for Australia, I promptly prepared a mental list of all essential things we should take. Being reluctant to fight traffic or be packaged in a ship, we stepped aboard a plane. Our first destination was Mockey, where we were going to hire a car to Townsville.While travelling to Townsville, the world unzipped, peeling to either side in a branching stream of colour. I was staring intently exploring the soaring vastness on the horizon. Words failed to describe the breathtaking natural beauty of this place. Time clicked stroboscopically as telephone poles and vegetation flashed by. Soon we reached Townsvilles’ beach.
Did it measure up our expectations? You bet it did! The place was a cosy corner of Paradise pleasing to the eye. There were hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches in the distance. And here on this stunning scenery our real journey began. It included flying in a helicopter over the reef, diving and exploring the underwater world, which was a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance, and the most thrilling part – bungy jumping from the rocks. As a first time jumper I was seized with fear additionally to the tingling nerves and the shock into full force. But the indescribable feeling while flying head down was a great deal stronger and immediately erased the traces from the previous one. It was the wildest extreme experience in my life.
Well, even though there was no particular reason for choosing Australia for our trip, we brought home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder. So take a tip from me. If you want to have a memorable trip which would stay in your heart and mind forever , don’t choose a destination bursting with life but one blessed with breathtaking natural beauty.
The old saying that you should live each day as if it was your last is a nice statement. Following this well-known phrase, however, was against my fundamental principles, which I was about to break, standing at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef ready to jump. It all started when my sister Nancy invited me to join her on a trip across Australia.
Lounging for a week abroad was a dream comes true for me. Right before setting off for Australia, I promptly prepared a mental list of all essential things we should take. Being reluctant to fight traffic or be packaged in a ship, we stepped aboard a plane. Our first destination was Mockey, where we were going to hire a car to Townsville.While travelling to Townsville, the world unzipped, peeling to either side in a branching stream of colour. I was staring intently exploring the soaring vastness on the horizon. Words failed to describe the breathtaking natural beauty of this place. Time clicked stroboscopically as telephone poles and vegetation flashed by. Soon we reached Townsvilles’ beach.
Did it measure up our expectations? You bet it did! The place was a cosy corner of Paradise pleasing to the eye. There were hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches in the distance. And here on this stunning scenery our real journey began. It included flying in a helicopter over the reef, diving and exploring the underwater world, which was a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance, and the most thrilling part – bungy jumping from the rocks. As a first time jumper I was seized with fear additionally to the tingling nerves and the shock into full force. But the indescribable feeling while flying head down was a great deal stronger and immediately erased the traces from the previous one. It was the wildest extreme experience in my life.
Well, even though there was no particular reason for choosing Australia for our trip, we brought home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder. So take a tip from me. If you want to have a memorable trip which would stay in your heart and mind forever , don’t choose a destination bursting with life but one blessed with breathtaking natural beauty.
Article: THE FACE OFGLAMOUR Maria Prashkova
The Faces of glamour
Were you to plan a trip to some far-flung corner of the globe, where would you go? Would you go to the untouched nature of an isolated island? Would you pick out to indulge yourself in an atmosphere full of splendour and breathtaking innovations in a big city? ….
It was almost 2 a.m. when I and Tom finally reached our foreign destination after four - hour flight. Although it was awfully late Hong Kong was bubbling of vigour. Those brightly luminous lights shimmering the long overcrowded streets made me feel as if I was in heaven. After approaching our comfortable and luxurious hotel we had to unpack our luggage and went to bed. But I and Tom couldn’t sleep even for a while. We spent the rest of the night in our balcony staring at the huge buildings remaining both mystery and magic. There it was - my childish dream was becoming true. I and the closest friend of mine were observing the Hong Kong streets.
The morning light brightened us up. We were ready to start our trip around the premier tourist destination. Tom suggested beginning with ‘Victoria Peak’ which was totally marvelous. We were 1810 feet above the sea level taking a bird’s eye view of the downtown Hong Kong, Kowloon and Victoria Harbour. As the wind was pleasantly blowing and the air was crystal fresh I felt as if I was about to fly.
Full of enthusiasm and vim, Tom and I directed our steps toward ‘Lan Kwai Fong’. It was the perfect venue for a night full of pleasure and joy. It has the most entertaining outlets where young people and trendy professionals were gathering for some fun and drink. After a dinner in the atmosphere filled with laughter and cheers we went on our tour to ‘Wan Chai’. We felt the love in air miles before. Unforgettable scenery!!! A Splendid view of the sunset and couples around talking quietly, taking pleasure to the unique scene.
So, if you are blessed with the opportunity to travel, take a tip from me and set off for Hong Kong. The trace which will be left by the city in your heart will be for a lifetime.
Were you to plan a trip to some far-flung corner of the globe, where would you go? Would you go to the untouched nature of an isolated island? Would you pick out to indulge yourself in an atmosphere full of splendour and breathtaking innovations in a big city? ….
It was almost 2 a.m. when I and Tom finally reached our foreign destination after four - hour flight. Although it was awfully late Hong Kong was bubbling of vigour. Those brightly luminous lights shimmering the long overcrowded streets made me feel as if I was in heaven. After approaching our comfortable and luxurious hotel we had to unpack our luggage and went to bed. But I and Tom couldn’t sleep even for a while. We spent the rest of the night in our balcony staring at the huge buildings remaining both mystery and magic. There it was - my childish dream was becoming true. I and the closest friend of mine were observing the Hong Kong streets.
The morning light brightened us up. We were ready to start our trip around the premier tourist destination. Tom suggested beginning with ‘Victoria Peak’ which was totally marvelous. We were 1810 feet above the sea level taking a bird’s eye view of the downtown Hong Kong, Kowloon and Victoria Harbour. As the wind was pleasantly blowing and the air was crystal fresh I felt as if I was about to fly.
Full of enthusiasm and vim, Tom and I directed our steps toward ‘Lan Kwai Fong’. It was the perfect venue for a night full of pleasure and joy. It has the most entertaining outlets where young people and trendy professionals were gathering for some fun and drink. After a dinner in the atmosphere filled with laughter and cheers we went on our tour to ‘Wan Chai’. We felt the love in air miles before. Unforgettable scenery!!! A Splendid view of the sunset and couples around talking quietly, taking pleasure to the unique scene.
So, if you are blessed with the opportunity to travel, take a tip from me and set off for Hong Kong. The trace which will be left by the city in your heart will be for a lifetime.
сряда, 10 юни 2009 г.
Article MYSTERY & MAGIC Neli Urumova
Mystery & Magic
Imagine you were blessed with the wondrous opportunity to indulge yourself in the gratifying atmosphere of a legendary place abroad, what would you opt for? A cosy nook in the cool embrace of a mountain, or the boiling sand beach of a famous resort? Or, perhaps you would combine the contradictory alternatives the way I did?
My story began with the bird’s eye view of an indigo seascape stretching along the golden coastline clearly reflecting the bright sunlight. There it was – Hawaii! My friend, Jane, and I finally reached our foreign destination after the two-hour flight. Although a bit road-weary, we were on cloud nine as we both had always longed to see the fascinating anomalies of Hawaii’s nature and witness the magical way an island generates eleven climatic zones. We chose Hawaii’s Big Island as it is Hawaii’s biggest playground.
Jane suggested starting our vacation visiting the capital – Hilo. Had it not been a small town, we would not have been able to see some fascinating sights as the Lymon Museum, where the island’s heritage is held, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum, where we were told of Hilo’s harrowing tsunami encounters. Believe me, the stories were incredible and really enthused us over the history and mysteries of Hawaii. So, full of vim and vigour, we reached for Hawaii Volcano’s National Park. There, we saw some well-known volcanoes in surprisingly intimate ways and even tried hiking along the rocky trails.
To get off the beaten path, Jane and I directed our steps towards Kona Coast for its calm and clear waters were appealing and perfect for scuba. After trying it, we took a boat tour and went deep-sea fishing. Fantastic! We spotted dolphins and some other species typical of the Pacific. One of the nights we spent atop the mountain of Mauna Kea, where we dived in the magic of unparalleled stargazing. What is more, as there was snow up there, we had a night snow game, full of positive emotions and laughter.
So, if you are a potential foreign traveler who has not chosen their destination yet, take a leaf out of my book and set off for Hawaii. The emotions and memories you’ll have are priceless and unforgettable, you bet!
Imagine you were blessed with the wondrous opportunity to indulge yourself in the gratifying atmosphere of a legendary place abroad, what would you opt for? A cosy nook in the cool embrace of a mountain, or the boiling sand beach of a famous resort? Or, perhaps you would combine the contradictory alternatives the way I did?
My story began with the bird’s eye view of an indigo seascape stretching along the golden coastline clearly reflecting the bright sunlight. There it was – Hawaii! My friend, Jane, and I finally reached our foreign destination after the two-hour flight. Although a bit road-weary, we were on cloud nine as we both had always longed to see the fascinating anomalies of Hawaii’s nature and witness the magical way an island generates eleven climatic zones. We chose Hawaii’s Big Island as it is Hawaii’s biggest playground.
Jane suggested starting our vacation visiting the capital – Hilo. Had it not been a small town, we would not have been able to see some fascinating sights as the Lymon Museum, where the island’s heritage is held, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum, where we were told of Hilo’s harrowing tsunami encounters. Believe me, the stories were incredible and really enthused us over the history and mysteries of Hawaii. So, full of vim and vigour, we reached for Hawaii Volcano’s National Park. There, we saw some well-known volcanoes in surprisingly intimate ways and even tried hiking along the rocky trails.
To get off the beaten path, Jane and I directed our steps towards Kona Coast for its calm and clear waters were appealing and perfect for scuba. After trying it, we took a boat tour and went deep-sea fishing. Fantastic! We spotted dolphins and some other species typical of the Pacific. One of the nights we spent atop the mountain of Mauna Kea, where we dived in the magic of unparalleled stargazing. What is more, as there was snow up there, we had a night snow game, full of positive emotions and laughter.
So, if you are a potential foreign traveler who has not chosen their destination yet, take a leaf out of my book and set off for Hawaii. The emotions and memories you’ll have are priceless and unforgettable, you bet!
петък, 5 юни 2009 г.
ESSAY EXAMINATIONS Maria Almisheva
As every other issue, school and college examinations have both advantages and drawbacks. It is true that they are convenient way of checking students’ knowledge and they have partly reliable results but here their advantages are over. Don’t you think that they prove only students’ good memory? Moreover, do you think all this stress during exams is worth?
On the one hand, exams are a useful tool for finding out if you can sort through a large body of information, figure out what is important, and explain why it is important. Exams challenge you to come up with key course ideas and put them in your own words or into exercises and to use the interpretive or analytical skills you know. Before all, they are convenient way for somebody to see your knowledge.
On the other hand, if you search in google.com under the topic “examinations” you will see a great number and variety of techniques, hints and handouts to give every student good strategy… for memorizing, not for learning. The schoolboy knows the date of his exam and until this date he only tries to memorize this which he sees or hears, or reads. Few months after the examination the same schoolboy doesn’t remember most of the things. Memorizing is not the target of any exam. Unfortunately, this is the result. Another point is that we all have heard about students who suffer from different illnesses as increased blood pressure, loss of appetite or weight, depression, etc. Frequently stress is the basic of these diseases. An American research shows that 37% of students suffer from stress. Aren’t the examinations the reason for this fact?
We know – there is vast variety of alternatives possible and reliable - for example, having exams only for certificates. This way students have the opportunity to choose if they want to go on this exam or not. Also, they choose their exams alone. There is nobody who is good at everything. One will go on maths exam, another – on literature exam.
Don’t you think exams cause more problems than they solve? They should be abolished because they are pointless. Let’s give our energy and time only for important things…
Maria Almisheva
On the one hand, exams are a useful tool for finding out if you can sort through a large body of information, figure out what is important, and explain why it is important. Exams challenge you to come up with key course ideas and put them in your own words or into exercises and to use the interpretive or analytical skills you know. Before all, they are convenient way for somebody to see your knowledge.
On the other hand, if you search in google.com under the topic “examinations” you will see a great number and variety of techniques, hints and handouts to give every student good strategy… for memorizing, not for learning. The schoolboy knows the date of his exam and until this date he only tries to memorize this which he sees or hears, or reads. Few months after the examination the same schoolboy doesn’t remember most of the things. Memorizing is not the target of any exam. Unfortunately, this is the result. Another point is that we all have heard about students who suffer from different illnesses as increased blood pressure, loss of appetite or weight, depression, etc. Frequently stress is the basic of these diseases. An American research shows that 37% of students suffer from stress. Aren’t the examinations the reason for this fact?
We know – there is vast variety of alternatives possible and reliable - for example, having exams only for certificates. This way students have the opportunity to choose if they want to go on this exam or not. Also, they choose their exams alone. There is nobody who is good at everything. One will go on maths exam, another – on literature exam.
Don’t you think exams cause more problems than they solve? They should be abolished because they are pointless. Let’s give our energy and time only for important things…
Maria Almisheva
ESSAY EXAMINATIONS Suzane Karamanova
School examinations are today’s most popular way of assessing students’ knowledge. However, the final results carry misery for numerous students and happiness for few. As a result, many think that their abolishment is extremely essential despite the number of supporters that present system of examining has.
There is a number of good reasons to sit an exam than other form of judgment. The first, it is far and away one of the most convenient way of assessing students. There is nothing like as easy and nowhere near as fast as checking exam papers. Moreover, being the same for everybody it gives students an equal chance of proving their true knowledge.
To a certain limited extend, there is some truth in this. However, the entire process of preparing for a school examination is both extremely stressful and time-consuming.It requires substantial preparation which usually starts a month prior to the exam date and puts students under big pressure. It also reflects negatively to their eating and sleeping habits. Studying all day and all night long leads to losing appetite and hence ….weight, increased blood pressure, headaches and large numbers of stress- related problems. As a result, a catastrophic performance on the exam is almost guaranteed.
Exam preparation is also pernicious to student’s social calendar. Lack of social life may have a negative effect more on to the exam than simply on his communicating abilities. Not to forget the countless hours spent above the books which otherwise would be used for playing sports, socialising and other outdoor activities.
In conclusion, there is no doubt that school and college examinations are both backbreaking and meaninglessIt is true that they are emphasizing mainly on students’ ability to memorise and we do need more accurate form of judging students’ true knowledge. But for now they are maybe the best option we have.
Syzane Karamanova
There is a number of good reasons to sit an exam than other form of judgment. The first, it is far and away one of the most convenient way of assessing students. There is nothing like as easy and nowhere near as fast as checking exam papers. Moreover, being the same for everybody it gives students an equal chance of proving their true knowledge.
To a certain limited extend, there is some truth in this. However, the entire process of preparing for a school examination is both extremely stressful and time-consuming.It requires substantial preparation which usually starts a month prior to the exam date and puts students under big pressure. It also reflects negatively to their eating and sleeping habits. Studying all day and all night long leads to losing appetite and hence ….weight, increased blood pressure, headaches and large numbers of stress- related problems. As a result, a catastrophic performance on the exam is almost guaranteed.
Exam preparation is also pernicious to student’s social calendar. Lack of social life may have a negative effect more on to the exam than simply on his communicating abilities. Not to forget the countless hours spent above the books which otherwise would be used for playing sports, socialising and other outdoor activities.
In conclusion, there is no doubt that school and college examinations are both backbreaking and meaninglessIt is true that they are emphasizing mainly on students’ ability to memorise and we do need more accurate form of judging students’ true knowledge. But for now they are maybe the best option we have.
Syzane Karamanova
ESSAY EXAMINATIONS Maria Prashkova
Exam is the word that most students fear off. They are part of school and university life that all students have to go through. However, there is a dispute whether the exams are the best way of assessing students or they are just useless and time consuming process.
The ministry of education believes that examinations are needed for teachers to get a feedback from their students’ level of /progress/ development. Moreover, most teachers claim that exams are a guide to let students decide which subjects they are good at and understand where their lapses are and try to correct them. In addition, when it comes to exams people compete with not only themselves, but also with other people. Their main aim is to develop the competitiveness skill which plays a major role in real life.
On the other side of the argument, it is considered that the ordeal of examinations causes great fear, tension and stress in pupils’ mind. The process of performing well is so much that if the student has not studied up to the required standards, he/she may even uses unfair means in the exam hall such as trying to copy the answers from a near student in order to get a better mark. Additionally, the exams turn into first and the foremost aspect in a student’s life which gives rise to social life distraction.
Pupils also sacrifice sleep and free time which leads to a multitude of serious health problems.
Going further, most students suffer from insomnia and are drained of energy but they still cannot put an end to the studying process. Due to the above appalling consequences from the examinations pupils’ daily life turns into an unpleasant routine.
As a conclusion, I do believe that examinations should definitely be abolished because it is a matter of luck rather than learnt skills to pass them. Moreover, there are a lot more effective ways of assessing students such as projects, self-assessment questionnaires as well as portfolios.
Mary Prashkova
The ministry of education believes that examinations are needed for teachers to get a feedback from their students’ level of /progress/ development. Moreover, most teachers claim that exams are a guide to let students decide which subjects they are good at and understand where their lapses are and try to correct them. In addition, when it comes to exams people compete with not only themselves, but also with other people. Their main aim is to develop the competitiveness skill which plays a major role in real life.
On the other side of the argument, it is considered that the ordeal of examinations causes great fear, tension and stress in pupils’ mind. The process of performing well is so much that if the student has not studied up to the required standards, he/she may even uses unfair means in the exam hall such as trying to copy the answers from a near student in order to get a better mark. Additionally, the exams turn into first and the foremost aspect in a student’s life which gives rise to social life distraction.
Pupils also sacrifice sleep and free time which leads to a multitude of serious health problems.
Going further, most students suffer from insomnia and are drained of energy but they still cannot put an end to the studying process. Due to the above appalling consequences from the examinations pupils’ daily life turns into an unpleasant routine.
As a conclusion, I do believe that examinations should definitely be abolished because it is a matter of luck rather than learnt skills to pass them. Moreover, there are a lot more effective ways of assessing students such as projects, self-assessment questionnaires as well as portfolios.
Mary Prashkova
ESSAY EXAMINATIONS
You have read the following extract from a magazine article in which the writer expresses her feelings about school and college examinations. It has prompted you to write an essay for your tutor discussing the points raised and expressing your own views.
(300-350 words)
There is little doubt that school and college examinations prove nothing more than that certain students have good memories. Admittedly, they are a convenient way of assessing students, and it may be possible to find other points in their favour. It does seem wrong, however, that every year thousands of young people suffer such enormous stress and spend so much time preparing for and taking examinations in our educational institutions. They should be abolished once and for all.
сряда, 20 май 2009 г.
TOURISM
How far is it true that travel broadens the mind?
- for tourists
- for workers
- for the host country
Абонамент за:
Публикации (Atom)
