When ...... you born? . . . . was or were?

Hot temperatures are increasing every single day, and we just have to improve the way that we live. My personal advice to myself is to be as environmentally concerned as possible. There are some things that we could probably do if we want to help but for me one of those is recycling and avoiding any kind of plastic as possible!!!

Hello English learners! Do you know the answer?

Here is a new quiz for you to try. Have a great weekend!

Tatra National Park (TANAP) Protection Slovakia’s Tatra National Park (TANAP), located in the High Tatras, is one of the most important protected areas in my country. It is home to unique flora and fauna and has been designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The park has undergone continuous conservation efforts to protect its alpine ecosystems, prevent deforestation, and regulate tourism to minimize human impact. These efforts have helped conserve endangered species, such as the brown bear and the Tatra chamois. The Danube River Protection The Danube River, which flows through Slovakia, is central to my country’s water management and environmental protection efforts. Slovakia is part of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), which works to preserve the river’s water quality, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable river management. Measures include the improvement of sewage treatment, monitoring of industrial pollutants, and efforts to maintain biodiversity in the river’s ecosystem.

Elders have lived through various life situations, so they offer a depth of understanding that comes from experience, not just theoretical knowledge. They can share insights on how to handle life’s challenges, setbacks, and triumphs with resilience and patience. With time, our elders often develop a clearer perspective on what truly matters in life—such as health, love, peace, and happiness. They can teach us to balance work and personal life, as well as how to focus on long-term fulfillment over short-term success, which is often overlooked in books focused on achievement. Elders often possess practical, hands-on knowledge in areas like cooking, gardening, craftsmanship, or even simple problem-solving skills, which are learned through practice and not often documented in formal education or books. Many elders have lived through times of hardship, and they can teach us the importance of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. They can provide lessons on resilience and determination that go beyond what can be found in any textbook.

I cooked fried oysters (the Japanese name is “kakifurai”)at first. I've never cooked food because It's difficult to control the heat and time when it's frying. And I also make tar sauce. I wonder if fried oysters (kakifurai) are a Japanese dish or not. anyway, it was so delicious and I'm going to cook again.

It was a sunny day. During my reading session, I came across a sentence that caught my attention: “I am enchanted to make your acquaintance.” It was the kind of English where I understood every word individually but still didn't quite grasp the overall meaning. I thought, “Enchanted? Is this about magic? How do you ‘make’ an acquaintance, anyway? By casting a spell?” It turned out to mean simply “nice to meet you.” No one’s never spoken to me like that before. (Starting now, I will forever say this one instead of “nice to meet you.” It sounds way nicer and somewhat elegant.) On the same page in that book, I also leaned how "long-hairs" can refer not just to people with long hair, but also to those with extra-refined tastes, especially in classical music. The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know.

During different periods of my life, the music I liked most were quite different. What kind of music I like usually depends on what I have experienced and how I feel about the world. When I was child, the pop music from HongKong was my favourite. The singers' fashionable hairstyles deeply affected a generation. Everyone wanted to have a hairstyle liked their idols. As an adult, I really rely on the music which can strike a chord with me. When I am sad, the music can comfort me and let me back to some time in the past. Many people and things will like a movie that plays in my mind. Adult usually feel more lonely than children. We don't tend to pour out our bad emotions with others. In that case, music can be our only friend. I often cry while listening to some music which gives me a big touch about something. After crying, I feel relaxed. I will be energetic to face all the challenges in the future. Sometimes, I even dance to music or drink with music. I never care about what kinds of music I listen to. Only if they can make me feel better, they are better!