Prepositions

!Click on the photo!

Here is a little grammar review. It’s not such a hard exercise and it won’t take you long to solve

this crossword. If you want to check your answers, have a look at http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quizzes/cross/cross_prep.htm.

Additionally, you can find more helpful grammar exercises on this website.

Incubus

One of my favourite bands is definitely Incubus. The name of their first single form the new album called Light Grenades is Anna Molly. It was already broadcasted in November and the single Love Hurts followed last month. However, I can’t wait for their next single to come out.

If you want to stream the song Anna Molly follow this link:
http://www.sonybmgemail.com/arch/Hit?m=tcfffo9mq&u=ffomz

Here is the tracklisting from their new album:

01. Quicksand0

2. A Kiss To Send Us Off0

3. Dig0

4. Anna Molly

05. Love Hurts

06. Light Grenades

07. Earth to Bella Part 1

08. Oil and Water

09. Diamonds and Coal”

10. Rogues

11. Paper Shoes

12. Pendulous Threads

13. Earth to Bella Part

Unfortunately, I’ve never had the opportunity to see them live, but I’m working to catch up with this. Incubus will be performing on the NovaRock festival, which will be in June in Lower Austria. If you want to check the line-up, have a look at http://www.novarock.at/.

Hope to see you there.

Going Abroad (Ireland?)

As we have to go abroad, and I’m really looking forward to spending some time in a foreign country, I was pondering where to go and what to do. Australia, US, UK…??? There are several points to choose from but to be honest I’ve never considered Ireland as an opportunity.

The reason is simple. If you want to work in Ireland, which I would prefer instead of studying abroad, a lot depends on the “who do you know”. Last week we mentioned this important point in our Jaywalking with the Irish presentation. In my case I had no helpful connections to Ireland until last Saturday.

I was working as usual. However, I met a nice couple, who are friends of my boyfriend’s father. We had a typical chat about what I’m studying and so on. After some time it turned out that one of them is working in Ireland, or rather his company has an exchange program with Ireland, Kilkenny. My delighted facial expression must have signalised that I would love to spend a period of time there, so he promised me that he’ll try to find some work for me.

Presumably he’ll call me today or tomorrow and as soon as I get further details I’ll let you know.

The Kiss wiht Consequences

I’m pretty sure all of you have heard about Richard Gere’s misadventure when he kissed Shilpa Shetty, and Indian celebrity, at an Aids awareness rally in New Delhi.

In our culture such a spontaneous gesture wouldn’t bother anybody, but displays of affection are strictly forbidden in India, the land of great diversity. Protestors even demanded that Shilpa Shetty and Richard Gere should be killed for their careless and abusive action.

This incident happened on April 16th nevertheless Indian people are not satisfied with the simple apologies from Richard and Shilpa. Today I’ve seen on BBC that Indian priests will fight until both of them have been punished.

What do you think? Can you understand such intense reactions? In my opinion it should be considered that Richard Gere is an American, who is obviously not aware of Indian codes of behaviour. On the other hand he proudly declared himself as a great admirer of Indian culture, which shows that he should take further insights into their customs.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6560371.stm

The Giant's Causeway

The Giant's Causeway is a group of unusually shaped rocks on the coast of Northern Ireland, which were formed by a flow of lava into the sea. It was declared a Word Heritage in 1986.

As we know Ireland is a country full of mystical legends and of course there is one about the Giant's Causeway.

It is said that Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) built the Causeway to walk to Scotland in order to fight his Scottish opponent Benandonner. There are two versions of this legend.

One is that Finn McCool fell asleep before he went to Scotland. As a consequence the more powerful Benandonner crossed the bridge looking for him. Oonagh, Fionn’s wife, wanted to protect her hunsband and laid a blanket over him. Moreover, she pretented he was Fionn’s baby son. As you can imagine Benandonner saw the enourmous size of the baby and pictured Fionn as gigantic and unconquerable.

Another version is that Fionn begged his wife to disguise him as a baby after seeing Benandonner.

However, in both versions Benandonner left Nothern Ireland scared. To make sure that Fionn wouldn’t follow him, he splitted up the Causeway.

So, do you believe it :)???

How rich is Ireland?

The rapid economic growth, known as Celtic Tiger, in the Republic of Ireland began in the 1990s and ended in 2001/2002. In this period Ireland transformed into one of Europe’s wealthiest countries. This entry is aimed at examining the current situation. For further particulars read the Sunday Times Rich List.

The Sunday Times has published a Rich List a few days ago. A quick glance at this list will prove that Ireland is still a wealthy country. To get into the top 250 of Ireland’s richest people you need to have at least €32 million. An estimation showed that there are about 20,000 millionaires in the country. (total population 4,234,925). They also have seven billionaires in their midst.

For further information follow this link:
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/specials/rich_list/article1690085.ece

Driving in Ireland

Another topic mentioned in Jaywalking with the Irish is driving in Ireland. Americans find Irish roads dangerous and slow, so here are some facts.

Firstly, Ireland’s roads are not appropriate for the volume of traffic they carry. Although new roads are built throughout the country and existing ones are being improved it will be some time before they reach a tolerable international standard.

Secondly, the roads are narrow; moreover, there is little or no hard shoulder (the area at the side of a big road where you are allowed to stop if you have a problem with your car). Another problem is that the verges (the edge of a road) encroach onto the road, which is a huge safety problem.

If you happen to be driving in Ireland and you see sings warning you of curved parts of a road, pay attention, they really mean it. Major hazards in Ireland are locals, who knowing the roads very well, drive them at breakneck speed. Additionally, Ireland is an agricultural country, so you will come across agricultural machinery travelling at about 10 miles an hour, tempting you to overtake. Consequently keep in mind to drive slowly and with caution.

Putting aside the fact that Irish roads are narrow and winding, there is another threatening development. Believe it or not, about 40% of Irish drivers have never passed a driving test. For the most part they are driving legally on what is only supposed to be a provisional license. This regulation allows some to drive a car while accompanied in order to learn to drive, but people use to renew these licences regularly and drive as though on a full licence.

In short, the main hazards are widespread poor road conditions, drunk drivers, poor enforcement of traffic laws and unskilled drivers.

Au pair

I’m thinking about going abroad for a couple of months (probably a year). To be honest I’m quite uncertain where to go and what to do. Studying, working as an au pair… Not an easy decision. Anyway, for all of you who intent to work as an au pair I can recommend you this website, which is really reliable.

Some of my friends worked in France and England for this organisation. They had a really nice family and suitable accommodation, but most importantly they felt welcomed.

Check it out; hopefully it’ll help you.

http://www.au-pair4you.at/anmeldung.htm

Tunnel between Russia and the USA

Today I’ve read that a new tunnel is supposed to be built between Russia and the USA. Seems to be an extremely expensive affair. As a matter of fact, some are concerned about the technical feasibility of this project. Nevertheless, Russians are eager to realize it because it would increase trade between Asia and North America. In addition, travel coast could be cut.

I was surprised by the fact that the inspiration to build a tunnel across the 85-kilometre Bering Strait is not new. 100 years ago people thought about this project, but in became less important during the Soviet era.

http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/0704/070420-tunnel.html

!!This link includes a listening task, which is quite useful!!

Pub Quiz

Every Tuesday in the Office Pub, which is near Tummelplatz, there is a weekly Pub Quiz. It’s a great opportunity to meet natives and improve your speaking skills. Furthermore, you can meet interesting people, while enjoying a great atmosphere and having a beer (or two).

Usually it begins at 8 pm. You’ve to pay € 1, which is given to a pot and the best team can win the collected money.

I’ve joined a team, the Smiths. However, if you’re interested you could select your own team. All you’ve to do is to sign up at http://www.theofficepub.at/.

I’ve to admit that the asked questions aren’t really easy, in addition you’ll have a great amount of competition. The Green Monsters, one of their team members is Mr. Newman if I’m not mistaken, are one of the participants, which are hard to beat. One the other hand that shouldn’t frighten you. Take it as a challenge.

Hopefully I’ll see some of you tomorrow.

YouTube

I’m definitely a YouTube addict. Whenever I want to catch a glimpse of something on youtube I end up watching video clips for hours. Most of the time funny ones or music clips, since I’m not any more in the habit of downloading them. I had to stop this pastime activity.

These are one of my favourites from the Late Late Show, which is hosted by Craig Ferguson.

Have a look and maybe you can take the time to see more of them! They are really funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WhArN5PYl4 (about Arnold Schwarzenegger)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irOFAjsnSg0 (about George Bush)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bbaRyDLMvA (about his former life as an alcoholic)

Flann O'Brien

(1911-1966)

Flann O’Brien, who was a humorous writer, was known under several names but his real name was Brian O'Nuallai (Nolan). He was born in County Tyrone, on 5 October 1911, as one of twelve brothers and sisters. Nevertheless, he grew up in Dublin and was a civil servant for eighteen years.

He was powerfully influenced by James Joyce and even attended the same college, University College Dublin. In the 1930s he began writing for the Irish Times under the name Myles na Gopaleen (Myles of the Small Horses). He also wrote a column for the Nationalist and Leinster Times but never used his real name.

O’Brien graduated with an MA in 1935. During his time at college he discovered a gift for debate, writing, editing and a love for drink (--> read the interview by Tim Pat Coogan).

Myles na gCopaleen or Myles na Gopaleen were the names he used when writing Irish novels and his newspaper columns. His English novels appeared under the name of Flann O’Brien.

His works, under the name Flann O’Brien, include:

-The Dalkey Archive

-The Hard Life: An Exegesis of Squalor

-The Third Policeman

-At Swim-Two-Birds

-An Béal Bocht (The Poor Mouth)

An interview with Flann O’Brien in 1964 by Tim Pat Coogan (after the publication of The Dalkey Archive)

The interview was carefully planned. Apart from getting him to talk, there was one other main objective: to keep O’Brien away from the drink. It was to take place at 8.30 on a Saturday morning so that he could be returned home before the pubs opened. But the wily O’Brien escaped the television crew’s vigilance. Disappearing to the toilet in his house when the camera man called for him, he was hauled out some twenty five minutes later, drunk as a lord. He had hidden a bottle of whisky in the cistern and downed the lot while the crew were eating breakfast. Somehow the interview went ahead – O’Brien demanding more drink as he rambled on – with the result that on the only surviving recording of his voice we hear a man slurring his words, obviously drunk. Praised by the producer as one of the “classics of Irish broadcasting,” it was unbroadcastable in 1960s Ireland and is hardly a fitting tribute to its subject.

For further imformaion:
http://www.necessaryprose.com/obrien.html
http://www.necessaryprose.com/obrien.html

About the French

Finally, I have found my book and here are some facts about the French:

• Fitting in and making friends was harder than she had expected because of the fact that the French are not used to meeting foreigners. For them, friendships form over years, at school or university.
  
• On drink parties serving alcohol is very much a male domain.
  
• In France oblique messages are rewarded as subtle and sophisticated while direct language is considered too blunt.
  
• The book French or Foe, which was written by another expat, advised her that she should pretend to be a chair on cocktail parties. So it would be easier for her when she is ignored. Who would make an effort to speak with an chair? (But they are not rude, they are simply French).
  
• In Paris parks you are not allowed to sit on the grass-you are supposed to admire it, not use it.
  
• Dressing up is very important. No matter where you go. Even if you only rush to the bakery, dress up. In Paris, failure to dress up leads to instant condemnation.
  
• Women, as well as men, are expected to pay close attention to their appearances. To make the most of yourself is a important rule.
  
• The only drunks you see in Paris are clochards, people who live on the street. For Sarah, this seemed surreal compared to Australia.
  
• Roots are everything in France. They are attached to the region where they grew up.
  
• The women in France, particularly Parisian women, perceive those of the same sex as rivals, not as potential friends.
  
• French women didn’t get the vote right until 1944 (three decades later than women in Britain). They haven’t fought for their rights because the haven been treated with respect.
  
• Being funny isn’t considered as feminine.
  
• When the French do something, they like to be good at it. They don’t want to look funny or foolish (e.g. when they are dancing).
  
• Lateness is institutionalised in Paris. If you arrive for dinner on time your hosts might not be pleased.

Sarah’s conclusion: It just takes time in France.

Home Remedies

Because of the fact that I live for almost 15 years in Austria I'm aware of their use of home remedies instead of chemical solutions. What shall I say, it is never amazingly enjoyable but I could swear it helps :)

Today I've read Pam Model’s contribution about home remedies on her blog www.nerdseyeview.com. Solutions like 'Topfenwickel', to wrap someone in onions etc. if she/he gets ill, seem to have been an absolutely new experience to her.

I really enjoy reading her blog. Her posts are lively written and most of the time soooo funny.

Do me favour!

Please guys do me a favour!

A few minutes ago I have read one of your blogs and now I am devastated. Having just 50 pages to read I was so exited about the ending of 'Jaywalking with the Irish'. And now, I unfortunately already know the end of the book, which I was absorbing the last few days.

So pllleeeaaassse when you blog about books you have read, never ever mention the ending!

Blog_Stefanie Wilfling

Yet I haven't managed to have a look at all webblogs. However, one I really enjoy to read is http://stefwilfling.blogspot.com/.

Why? Because of the fact that Stefanie travels a lot (which I absolutely admire), which gives me the opportunity the experience different cultures from her point of view. Route 66, Sydney etc. and I hope she will continue to let us take part in her adventures and experiences.

The Easter Proclamation

Was a document issued by the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Citizen Army.

Click on the picture to follow the link and see a more readable version.

Michael Collins

Irish Patriot (1890-1922)Commander-in-Chief, Irish Free State Army

Michel Collins is mentioned in the book related to the War of Independence. (Chapter Two, Page 26)




Michael Collins was born on 16 October 1890 near Sam's Cross, a small village in West Cork.

He attended national school at Lisavaird, where he had a close relationship with his schoolmaster, who was a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood. The purpose of this association was to oust the British from Ireland. Furthermore, this secret organisation wanted to strengthen the sense of pride of the Irish as a race. This principle held the greatest meaning for Michael Collins.

Michel spent nine years in London. Later on he became the first the secretary and then the president of the IRB.

In 1916 he returned to Dublin to be part of the planned revolt, Easter Rising, which was a military disaster. The IRB was not in the position to defend most of their prominent buildings, like the GPO (General Post Office). As a consequence of the war sixteen rebellion leaders were killed by the British troops, which resulted in a shift in the Irish public opinion. They felt anger at the British reaction. Therefore Black and Tans and the 'Auxies' were used by the British Army to spread fear throughout Ireland, which lead to more violence on both sides.

In 1917, he was elected to the Sinn Fein executive and by mid-1919 had been made President of the IRB Supreme Council. At the same time, he was Minister for Finance in the Dail government and the commander of the IRA.
In October 1921 Collins was sent to Ireland by Eamonn de Valera, who was a leading republican politician in Ireland, to negotiate a treaty. After three months it was decided, that Ireland could govern itself but remain within the British Empire. However, his actual goal was the full independence of Ireland.

"Yerra, they'll never shoot me in my own county", said Michael Collins. Nevertheless, he was killed on August 22nd, 1922 in Beal na mBlath in West Cork.

Additional Information:

• He had a love for older people and children.
  
• In 1920 he was wanted by the British and had a price of 10,000 stg. on his head.


• Provoked England to war.
  
• Collins believed that physical force was the only route to independence.

http://www2.cruzio.com/~sbarrett/mcollins.htm
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/michael_collins.htm

‘Jaywalking With The Irish’

I am in Croatia as usual over our long Easter break. My grandparents live in an quite isolated town. Besides watching the cows crazing, there is nothing more I could do to while away the time. No shopping centres, cinemas, coffee shops, internet, friends J… However, my pastimes over the next few days will be reading and grammar.

Today I have started to read ‘Jaywalking With The Irish’ by David Monagan. Because of the fact that I was able to focus on reading the whole day I have managed to read the first ten chapters.

First of all, the book is full of vocabulary and phrases I have never heard before, but you will absolutely be able to follow his train of thoughts.

As all of us are supposed to read the book and additionally we will have presentations on JI, I am not going to sum up each chapter in detail. When reading a book I am in the habit of underlining facts I find interesting or information I would like to know more about.
On my blog you will be able to find, when following the link ‘Jaywalking With The Irish’, further information about several topics mentioned in the book, for example, Michael Collins, Driving in Ireland, Famine, Black and Tans etc.

Almost French

‘Driving over Lemons’ by Chris Stewart was a little bit disappointing in view of a lively written expat experience. Quite the contrary was ‘Almost French’ by Sarah Turnbull.

This is her story. Sarah, an Australian journalist, felt in love with a Frenchman, whom she decided to visit in Paris. However, what had happened is that it went extraordinary well that she decided to stay with him (but I can guarantee you, it is definitely not one of these trashy love stories).

One might think it is not hard to live in Paris but Sarah proves that the French have their own codes of behaviour furthermore it is almost impossible to get by without adopting to them.

While reading the book I have tried to underline most of the differences between the French and Australian culture, which may help you. Unfortunately I can not find it the book, but I will try to catch up on this as soon as possible.

Passives

Today I’ve revised Passives form the Grammar and Vocabulary book (the orange one). Afterwards I’ve done some online exercises, which you can find under my favourite links: Interactive Quizzes --> Recognizing and Changing Passive Constructions (js)

!Watch out: (one of my usual stupid mistakes)

Active: They suggested we try a new method of checking how much we were spending.
Passive: We were recommended to try a method of checking how much we were spending.

Subject (Result) --> Action --> Agent
The window--> has been broken --> by some youngster
(Don't forget that when we use the passive we are interested in the action itself. We don't have to mention the agent, if it is not necessary)

Americans in Graz

On Friday I had a really nice conversation with some Americans (and one emigrated English) from Michigan, who work for Daimler and Chrysler. They had a kind of exchange program with Magna.

Having a beer with a friend of mine (Andrea) at Flann O'Brien, they interrupted us wanting to know what the closing time of pubs in Austria was. Ten minutes later we were discussing the American health care system, of course governmental issues like president Bush(they weren’t in anyway pro Bush, which was a huge plus), joking around about Austrians and Americans etc.

For example one of them told me that most Americans would love to have a health care system, like we have in Europe but it would be to hard to change the current system. They always wanted to be independent of government with no interference.
Thanks to Mr. Newman I was also able to show a little bit off :)!

America

You Know You're From Florida When...

You own at least five pairs of flip flops

You know someone who's been struck by lightning

You're more scared of the freaks who live down the street than gators

Your backyard is sometimes a swamp

You're officially sick of Disney

You shrug off hurricane warnings

You've been permanently blinded by fat men in speedos

There are only two seasons - hot and hotter

You've drank a flaming alligator

You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Florida

Link: http://www.blogthings.com (follow the link to draw a conclusion about people from other states)

Prof. Newman was anxious to give us some essential and funny details about America. Topics like geography, stereotypes, polls about America ect. were covered.

Here are some of the stereotypes: Americans are loud, nice, warm-hearted, outgoing, helpful, full of self-confidence, pushy, overpowering, talk a lot, brash, over weighted…

Here are more links if you are interested in exploring America on your own:

http://www.nationmaster.com/
www.pollingreport.com/_vti_bin/shtml.exe/search.htm
www.pollingreport.com/values.htm
www.johnsesl.com/america/America.html

Driving Over Lemons

There is another book I've read during my semester break (as you can see I had a lot of time for reading :)

What can I tell you about this one. Well, Chris Stewart, an English sheep shearer, and his wife Ana bought a rustic house in the mountains outside of Granada, Spain. Having no running water, access to road or electricity makes their life a little bit harder than they had expected. Their new life is worlds away from the one the had in England. New dialects, droughts, flooding, bridge building, local rituals, new friends (some of them are absolutely nice but some are quite weird) etc.
In my opinion, Chris Stewart describes all the new animals, plants, rituals or surrounding in a long-winded way. What was more, I missed interesting facts about the Spanish culture.

The book I’m reading at the moment is Almost French by Sarah Turnbull. I’ve to admit that prefer this one more. There is a little love story involved and the French culture (and all the stereotypes) are picturesque described.

Book Sharing

It would be great to share books, so we could safe some money. These are the ones I’ve, which I would also love to share with you. Just let me konw if you want to read one of them.

The Zahir by Paulo Coelho
Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho (one of my favorites)
A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby
How To Be Good by Nick Hornby
The Distance Between Us by Maggie O'Farrell (not one of my favorites but maybe you'll like it)
Post Mortem by Patricia Cornwell
Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen
Driving Over Lemons by Chris Stewart
First Love by Paul Bailey (pocket-sized anthologies)
Almost French by Sarah Turnball
Hard Work by Polly Toynbee
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Nickel And Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich :)

How To Be Good

How To Be Good by Nick Hornby is a funny book I would definitely recommend. It's one of the books you can't/won’t put down.

Nick Hornby, as in most of his books, is tempted to make us think about our life. So what does it really mean to be a ‘good person’? Katie Carr, one of the characters in the book, is trying hard to be one. She is a GP, cares about homeless, the Third World, wants to be a caring and excellent mother etc. Being the opposite of her sarcastic husband David, who seems to be the angriest man in Holloway, Katie made a fatal mistake. She slept with another man.
Contrary to expectations, this does change David’s life for the better. He meets an mysterious faith healer, who made him convert to an optimistic do-gooder. At this point there is a twist in the tale, which makes the story hilarious.

I've read the book over the semester break because Nick Hornby is always a good choice. If there should be anyone interested in reading it, let me know and I'll bring it along.

Speed-Friending

'Speed-Friending' is an event, which took place last Saturday at the Office Pub!

I’m sure all of you are familiar with the idea of 'Speed-Dating' but the idea behind this event was to meet expats from all over the world (USA, France, Italy, England etc) whilst practicing English. We had short conversations with each other, in order to get to know as much people as possible, which continued afterwards. E-mail addresses and telephone numbers were exchanged, while listening to an Irish live band and having a beer.
It was so much fun, although I have to commit that I had some doubts at the beginning. However, I’ve made some new friends with whom I’ll go to the cinema and play badminton (some of the prices, which were donated)!!!

Global Studies

If you would like to know how the world has changed in the last 40 years, you should definitely follow this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUwS1uAdUcI

Latin America, Africa, China, Arabic States, OECD, USA etc. were compared, by an Professor of International Health, in terms of income distribution, life expectancy, seize of families, child survival etc.

It took me just 20 minutes to watch the video but much longer to realize that there has been an enormous change over the last 40 years, especially in the third world.

London

After having a great time in Brighton, we decided to go London. Well, this city was more demanding than Brighton because we did (and you definitely should) a looooot of sightseeing.

Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus (which is also where we stayed in a backpackers hostel), Tower Bridge, Downing Street, London Eye, Harrods, Oxford Street (for shopaholics), St. James Park, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square etc.
And the most amazing thing --> we did it in just one day, by rain and without using one of these expensive (less adventurous) sightseeing buses :) but there was still time for shopping, exploring the local pubs and eating!

Brighton

Have you ever been to Brighton? It is a really lovely town, which is located on the south coast of England. In February my friend Nika and I decided to make the best of our semester break, so we headed to Brighton!

Sightseeing was done within one hour because beside the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Pier, there isn't really much more worth seeing. BUT the night life, shopping and relaxing is fabulous :).


This club in fact doesn't look that spectacular but trust me the music was so great that we could have danced the whole night. Unfortunately, the English think that 2 am is the right time to go home even if you’re having an amazing time :(!!! We didn't mind .... (we had 3 days to continue)















The only low point of our trip was the food. Having an unbalanced diet (consisting of fish & chips, McDonald's or Burger King and disgusting Chinese food) we couldn't await to have some delicious salad with pumpkin seed oil!!!!!