I know there is the obvious reason: Business. But, when you look at all the beautiful languages around the world, I don't understand why you'd pick English over, say, Russian or German. I, as a native English speaker, cant hear what English sounds like to a foreigner, but I know the sound isn't as nice as French or Italian. I say that if you're doing a language for pure fun, like myself, then don't learn English. It's just my opinion :) What do you reckon?

какая поэзия вы любите читать? Я люблю работы Сергея Александровича Есенина

(Sorry for mistakes, I had to use a translator for this one. I tried to say that I loved the works by Sergei Alexandrovich Esenin, and was wondering what poetry you enjoy.) 

This question is specific to how <em>you </em>learn a language. What techniques do you use? 

I know there is the obvious Anna Karenina, but what are some other novel in Russian? (especially geared towards younger people).

What are some of your favourite music in Russian?

How do you guys tackle them? One of the reasons I'm reluctant to practise speaking Russian is that I'm afraid I'll butcher the language. Any tips?