"Out of Africa"

Out of Africa is the most romantic film I have ever seen.It is based on the memories of a Danish writer Karen Blixen who runs a cofee plantation in Kenya.Meryl Sreep is great as Karen Blixen. The role was very coplex and she performed it beautifully. Robert Redford is also excellent as Denys-Hatton, the hunter who keeps her company.

But the best feature of this film is the outstanding photography of Africa. The beautiful African scenery is breathtaking. Also the soundtrack is out of this world. Sydney Pollack directs this brilliant movie who is one of the best directors of the cinema. There aren't special effects in the film, but I think that it doesn't matter because the test of it is so rich that makes you feel so emotional and touches you in a unique way.

I recommend it to anyone because it is an absolutely brilliant film which was worth every penny!

September (words)

• 1.I am very happy because I'm going to put up my best friend from America for a week.
• 2.My mother always nags me that I don't look after her.
• 3.If we eat every day in moderation it will be good for our health.
• 4.When I come in a room where some people smoke, I can't breathe because the atmosphere is stuffy.
• 5.My house isn't spacious so many times I feel suffocated in it.
• 6.I was sorry, when I heard about this child who was found drowned on the beach.
• 7.Many people feel isolated in this era, because of the different societal problem.
• 8.Our houses are more cosy when they are painted in natural colours.
• 9.One of the feature that I want for my house is to be intimate to anyone.
• 10.It's nice for a house to be chilly in the summer, but what about the winter?
• 11.My bedroom is drafty, so when the weather is hot, it is very relaxing to sleep in.
• 12.My sister's brand new house has a balcony which overlooks the sea.
• 13.I like the high shutters with green colour.
• 14.Iraklion is a cosy town;on the downside, it's full of cars.
• 15.Now I live in a block of flats, but I dream of having a detached house.
• 16.As a housewife, I can day that the most useful room in a house is the warehouse.
• 17.My daugther likes to do up her room very often.
• 18.Many of the things which people do, must be ecologically friendly, in order for us to save the planet.
• 19.I have a friend who is claustrophobic and doesn't go in the elevator.
• 20.I had a quarrel with a person last night because he stared at me continously.
• 21.I believe that when you are keen on something it's certain that you are going to do it very well.
• 22.All of us like to have some amenities when we stay in a hotel.
• 23.Parents must be negotiable with their children, especially when they are adolescents.
• 24.When somebody revolutionizes education,the result of this revolution may benefit many people.
• 25.All of us saw the blazing forests this summer on T.V because of arsons.
• 26.Usually a rager is very noisy and full of people.It finishes at dawn.
• 27.In these days youngsters swear and behave very badly to each other.
• 28.It makes me feel better if I treat myself to some candy.
• 29.I like staying in my beloved place for some days every year.
• 30.Talking with a friend cheers me up, takes my mind off any problem,and I get though the day.
• 31.It isn't worth splashing out so much money on clothes.

Two important events that happened when I were growing up.

When I was a kid I was very reckless and I liked doing things which boys occupied with, like hunting.
So, one day, many years ago, my brother and I left out house in the village at 10 o'clock in the morning.We took a weapon and we went far away in the forest to hunting birds.Our mother was very concerned about out safety because she didn't know where we were and because around the village there were many wells.We were absent all the day because when you are a kid you don't realise the passing of time and you find many things to do. I remember this event because of the severe punishment which our mother gave us.I also remember that she made a fusse about it.

Another event which I remember is when I was 5 years old and I wanted to go from my village to the town by bike.It was a distance of 24kilometres and I didn't understand that I coudn't go on my bike.So one day, I made my mind up that I can try to go alone.While my parents were busy with their affairs I found the chance to achieve my goal. My uncle found me in the middle of the street as he coming to the village after 2 hours and he took me to my house.
As you understand I had a new punishment again and I remember this event because I really was frightened when I was far away from my house!

JUNE (words)

1. Because of my child's naughtines I have a word with her\him every now and then.
2. When something annoys me very much, I make a fuss about it.
3. I know a person who is opinionated and he insists on everything.
4. It's something that I always do; to apologize when I annoy others.
5. Every day I eat whole grain bread because it's good for the otganism.
6. Anna bought a new dress from a store but it doesn't fit her, so she asked for a refund.
7. My sister is so nervous that she drives me crazy when we discuss something.
8. When a friend of mine has a problem, I like to comfort her.
9. I have more to learn about blogging, but every day I am increasingly aware of new developments.
10. It's very significant for me, when I come to do something, to do it right.
11. I will go to the bank tomorrow to meet the deadlines for my bills.
12. The number of  tearways in our society increases every day.
13. I f every school in our country had some funding,our education would be better.
14. Every gang culture follows specific rules of conduct when it has to tackle something head on.
15. I prefer to nip a fight with a friend in the bud.
16. Anyone who is excluded, possibly feels angry with the other people.
17. When I had a serious problem I decided to turn my life around.
18. The citizens of a country are obligated to abide by the law.
19. Whoever breaks the law is in danger of going to jail.
20.  Parents dread to think that the crimewave menaces their children.
21.  It's to be regretted that the juvenile crime destroys the life of the children who intervene in this.
22. When you are a manager in a company, you should rely on your employee.
23. I always give credit to my children for their good behavior.
24. All the parents think that, it's worth the try to instill good principles into their children.
25. Yesterday, my sister asked me something that made me feel bad and I dodged the question.
26. Animals seek only affection from people.
27. It's very difficult not to get into troubles when you are a teenager because of impulsive reactions which dominate this age group.
28. I like it very much when I take up a new hobby and I am very enthusiastic about it.
29. Yesterday, a robbery was committed in the National bank, but the thief escaped and nobody knows anything about it.
30. I want to be surrounded by people who have a personality.

A FRIEND BREAKS THE LAW!!

Dear Law-abiding,

I am a reader of Priscilla's column and I am writing to  give some suggestions about your problem with your friend.I know what it's like to feel angry and confused because your best friend has been stealing for months.

A good idea to prevent this might be to speak to her parents, in order to know which their daugher's problem is.I think that parents are the closest people to each one of us; they are the people who have only positive thoughts about their childen and the people who know better than anyone the weak points of them. In this way, parents are the most suitable people for such a serious problem and they have the right to know about it.

Another good idea is to speak to a person who you know that your best friend respects, trusts, and appreciates. For example, a teacher, a relative, or even better a psychologist. In my opinion, this person can approach your friend because she will feel that she speaks with a friend and she won't defent herself in what she\he has to say about her problem.It is urgent that somebody should made your friend understand what is happening to her and the most important is to find out the reasons why she is in this difficult situation.

Taking all the above into consideration, I think that you should help your best friend and, thus you will express your feelinds and your concern about her. I am sure everything will be fine in the end.

MAY(words)

• All the people want the peace treaty to be singed.
• Usually the fairy-tales finish with the phrase:all's well that ends well.
• When I was a child, I used to imagine that I had a crown on my head.
• Last night I woke up frightened because I saw a terrible dream that I was assassinated by somebody.
• What I don't like about the politicians is that the only thing they have in mind is to seize the authority from each other.
• I enjoy it very much when I go for a walk in the center of my town and I come across with in the squares.
• Many people believe in fortune tellers, but I don't.
• Some pedestrians are very rude when they are in a hurry for something.
• The number of homeless people has increased in the last two years because of the crisis which we are going through.
• Tonight I am going to attend a play which takes place in the center of the town.
• Every day I go to work by taking the tube.
• All the time I say to my daughter:'' take your time when you do your homework.''
• But she doesn't take notice of what I say to her.
• Everyone ouhgt to take advantage of the chances which arise in his/her life.
• I'm familiar enough with him to go on an excursion abroad.
• When my teacher speaks to me, I pay attention to what she says.
• At noon when the shops close, it is rush hour in the center of the city.
• I don't know if it is right to administer justice with death penalty.
• It's very difficult for everyone to admit to doing something wrong.
• Unfortunately, nowadays there are many criminals who hurt society.
• Every time I go to the beach I look for shells, conches and starfish.
• All women should know about self-defence, because they are victims very often.
• Sometimes to know how to pull the trigger, cuts both ways.
• There are many muggers in the streets so this is very dangerous to the pedestrians.
• Yesterday, a robber came in the bank and he took all the money.
• Yesterday,I heard on tv that a burglar was in our neighbourhood and he burgled many houses.
• All the parents have a fear of smugglers and they want to protect their children from them, since many times they smuggle exactly out of their schools.
• It is said that, the police found the hitman who killed the president.
• The kinapper demanded the ransom immediately because he was going to kill the victim, otherwise.
• The bread which I bought yesterday is off today.
• I don't like to tear my clothes.

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION(The editor of the Sunnyvale College News want to know how her readers feel about this issue.)

Dear Editor,

I am a reader of Sunnyvale College News and I believe that alcoholism is one of the weghtiest matters in our society, and especially when it has to do with the new generation.In this way I agree with closing down the college pub at University.

I believe that, because in this age students are dominated by spontaneity,ambition and impulsive reactions, they are not able to manage all these vibes.Consequently, they lose their balance, which is even worse when they are under the influence of liquor.This is to say that, if there is a pub in the campus, it is a temptation which has a negative influence on them so we ought to protect them from that, by the closure of any pub in these places.

I am convinced that the college life should be related with more creative things like sports, learning polite manners, music,formative arts and generally with things which offer them the chance to become better.This means that students should focus on their studies and if they want to have some fun they can do it outside the campus.Besides, there are some students who live into the campus all their student life so they do not want any disruptions in their home; in this way, a pub has no reasons to be there.

I think it will help to try these suggestions in order for all the students and their teachers too to be happy.By doing all this, there will not be any fights between druken students so I hope everything will work out for all of us.

Yours sincerely

Dessert with vanilla and chocolate flavour

Ingredients:

• Cracker(1)
• Milk 350+350ml
• A sachet of pudding(vanilla flavour)
• A sachet of pudding(chocolate flavour)
• Grated chocolate

Preparation for pudding:
Pour350ml(1 3/4cups) of milk into a bowl. Add the content of the sachet(vanilla flavour).Using a whisk stir the mixture for 2 minutes until pudding sets.Do the same for the sachet of pudding chololate flavour.Put the crackers into a pyrex,one cracker next to the other and pour over them the pudding of vanilla flavour.Put again cracker with the same way and put the  pudding of chocolate flavour.Add the grated chocolate and let the pyrex stand to the refrigerator about 30 minutes until sets.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

I am convinced that the most serious environmental problem is the global warming and all of us ought to do anything we can to save the planet and our children's future.

The signs of global warming are all around us. The earth's atmosphera is overloaded with carbon dioxide which is created by pollution from factories, exhaust fumes, from cars, toxic waste, and all these result in the greenhouse effect and the changing climate.Moreover the global warming causes a big problem in the Arctic region.The polar ice caps melt because of rising temperatures and that is to say, the sea level rises threatening some areas near the sea with floods which contaminating the water; in this way the endangered species are menaced.In fact, we should set limits on pollution causing because if we don't the consequence will be the destruction of the planet which means that the human species will disappear.

And we can do it!! First of all, we can invest in ''green '' jobs and clean energy by building windparks. To drive smarter cars, like hybrid cars, will help to solve the problem because it will reduce air pollution. Another effective solition would be to create green homes and buildings. New buildings should be constructed according to standars that maximize energy savings.Finally, we should be more active by walking to work and using the car less or using the public means of transport.

In conclusion, if we want to protect the planet, we should try our best because in this way we ensure the future of the generations to come. The responsibility lies with each one of us, so I thing it's worth trying. I am sure everything will be fine in thr end.!!

MARCH (words)

• 
• If you take this packet I will charge you double.
• Can you affotd to pay for so many interests?
• I can say that all the people have some flaws.
• When you sent me your papers, you didn't your C.V.
• Don't do it forthis because it will be very to your job.
• I can't forbid you to go to the party, but please don't come back late.
• Teenagers don't like prohibitions .
• Yesterday, we voted for a very active in my school.
• It isn't polite to interrupt me when I speak.
• Every day I clean my room but the dust is in the air.
• It is right to protest about something that you don't like.
• From this position many opportunities will come up.
• When I want to listen to music, I like switching off the lights.
• I got rid of all my old clothes because I bought some new ones.
• I never buy a piece of clothing,if it doen't fit me.
• I thing that the classical style suits me better than the modern one.
• There are some youngsters who hang around in the Lion's square every night.
• All the family are proud of the my daughter's grades.
• In Winter, I like to burn wood down in fireplace.
• I had an accident last year and I wrote off my new moped.
• As I was walking in my house last night I tripped up and I fell down.
• There was a glass of water on the table but I knocked it over, so it fell.
• My car is empty of petrol, I must fill it up.
• When I see a friend of mine to be sad I want to cheer him\her up.
• Usually boys quarrel in my school; today someone knock somebody else out in a wrangle over trifles.
• Suddenly, a big fire burst in the forest.
• A strong wind uprooted all the trees in the garden.
• I observed that all the product prices are on the rise at the supermarket in this period.
• When I am angry about something, I express my frustration with a loud scream.
• Many times, I don't dare to do things which I should do because I'm afraid of something.
• Today I was in the centre of the town and I got stuck in traffic for about two hours.

Generation gap

I agree with teenagers that it is very difficult for their parents to understand them because of the generation gap.This means that there is a difference in the attitude, priorities and views among generations.

In this way there are many problems between generations. First of all, the progress and the technology creates many problems in this era. The younger generations accept and adopt these technologies very quickly so that are ahead of the older generations, who believe that teens are shallow, and they have a lack of knowledge. So the young people today get their information from the Internet while the elders take it from the profound study of books. One should also bear in mind that every age has its own codes which include the way of dressing, of behavior, and of relationships with others. Consequently, our grandmothers are connected with tradition so they never approve of the way that we wear the clothes today, for example the jeans, while the younger generations consider the elders old fashioned.

Despite the fact that there are problems, this does not mean that there are not some possible ways of overcoming them. Firstly, one way would be for parents to listen to what children are trying to say; they should talk to them, and encourage them. Even though it is difficult to interpret the teenagers' mind when they try to become an individual, parents ought to spend time with their children, to do some activities together, so in this way they will know each other better. As a mother, I try to support my children in every possible way every day, to understand them and to share a common hobby with them, which will give us the same pleasure.

Taking everything into account, the best thing to do is to try to brige the generation gap and simply, to tell our children that we trust them enough to do the right thing.

EXTENDED FAMILIES

Do you think it is possible for extended families to share the same house in harmony?
(The editor of 'New York Today' wants to know his readers' opinions on this recent trend.)

Dear Editor,

I am a reader of 'New York Today' and I am writing to you to express my opinion about the advantages and disadvantages which arise when a newly married couple is obliged to live with their parents because of financiale problems.

The are considerable advantages in sharing a house with your parents.They offer their help daily regarding the preparing of food, the house chores and most important the children's upbringing.Grandparents have a lot to offer because they do not work anymore so they have the time and the patience,which their grandchilden need.Personally, I experienced this situation for a year and I think that it is very convenient and practical in some aspects.

Nevertheless, there are also important drawbacks that cannot be ignored. This means that it is very difficult to share the same house, even with your parents, because everyone needs to have their private space. Many times you have a disagreement with them about differnt topics and this has a negative influence on the life and the harmony of the house. Sometimes they hold strong views and they refuse to listen to others' opinions, in this way an unpleasant atmosphere is created. For example a friend of mine got a divorce when she had to live with their parents on account of the grandparents' mindedness and stubbornness.

Taking all the above into consideration, I suggest that somebody should share the same house with their parents if this is necessary, but for a small period of time, keeping a balance between their privacy and their shared life with others. I hope that my letter will be puplished and that my views will be taken into account.

February (words)

My friend John is moody everytime I phone him.
But I have another friend who is called George and he is easy-going everytime I phone him.
I would like to have a cheerful company with me when I go out to have fun.
It's very positive if somebody is self-confident because in this way all the things go well.
All people should be thougtful when it comes to elderly people.
The person who talks all the time is very dull.
She hasn't many friends because she is opinionated and this isn't pleasant to anybody.
Most of the famous people are big-headed so this hinders their career.
I don't like anyone to be pushy with me.
Teachers don't like being in the classroom with childen when they are treated awfully.
The doctor told us that our father's treatment rescued his life.
There was an accidend last night and a passenger injured his knuckle on the hip.
My mother doesn't understand when I speak to her, so she gets on my nerves.
For me the date of a lifetime was the first one I had my husband.
Do you remeber the sinking feeling when we lost the plane?
She didn't go on about the film she saw yesterday.
Mr Been has a wicked sense of humour.
He first came across as being moody, but he is a fine person after all.
Once you get to know him, he will make you laugh all the time.
The thing that strikes me about him is that he is so self-confident.
Although the room was very messy he was sitting in it being very chilled out.
You shouldn't make heavy weather of our quarrel because it wasn't a big deal.
I want to be bright and breezy all the time and my friends too.
On the beach I feel more confortable when I sit on a sun lounger.
Every summer I look forward to going on holidays.
Last night I was in a party but I didn't have fun because it was deadly boring.
I 'm convinced that my life will change if I adopt a positive outlook.

What is the most important attribute for people to succed in life, an attractive appearance, a good sense of humor or a sharp mind?

I disagree with the idea that to succeed in life, you should have only an attractive appearance. While there is no doubt that it is an important feature for people, it is also undeniable that by having a good sense of humor, and a sharp mind,you can make it easily.

On the one hand, if you have a good sense of humor it is advantageous because you make a positive impression on other people and everybody talks and thinks highly of you.In this way you are very likeable to others, so they can not probably see your weak points.For example, there are many artists who had an important career and they are famous in the world, like Mr Been without being good-looking.

On the other hand, having a sharp mind, has a lot to offer to everyone who wants to achieve something.Cleverness provides people with the opportunity to do everything they want. For example applicants with a sharp mind have more chances to take a job in an interview compared to others who don't. They have better ideas and they negotiate the situation with more confidence.

From my point of view, the good sense of humor and a sharp mind are the best qualifications young people should have to achieve their targets, and to have a brilliant future.

January (words)

Heraklion is a small sity and it doesn't have many motorway junctions.
Despite the fact that it is a small town, the urban sprawl has increased the last years.
I think that a hot bath unwinds and relaxes all people.
When my son wanted to go on a trip alone, I didn't negotiate this with him.
When you have an untidy room, it is very difficult to browse your things.
Last week I went on an excursion with my family and my mind is packed with images.
Picasso's paintings, like Mona Lisa, are outstanding.
To enjoy my stay, I definitely want some basic facilities.
I like travelling by rail because it is more comfortable.
The teacher did some DIY by cardboard for the children last week.
Pride is a sentiment which gives happiness to people.
If you want to earn a reputation for your work, you will have to work very hard.
In my village we have a church with a very high spire.
If you take part in this conspiracy, you will have many bad consequences with the law.
I always use a clove of garlic when preparing my meal.
Children don't like the absenteeism of their parents from the house.
The Museum of Louvre is one of the most famous hightlights of Paris.
The girls always follow the trend at the age of 16.
One of the most important things which I want to teach to my children is self-esteem.
My nephew is likely to have a big career in economics.
When I am in a difficult situation, I always figure out a solution for my problem.
The black breed of people are very good singers.
I am filled with optimism? I mean I have a positive view of the future.
We must diminish the number of cars in my town because of circulatory troubles.
My dressmaker demonstrated me some pattens for carnival costumes.
It is difficult for me to adapt to living in my new flat.
My friend Anna adopted a child last year, and she is very happy now.
Parents always have their children as a priority.
I don't like it when somebody makes me do something which I don't want to do.
In the morning ,I overslept and I lost my appointment with my gynaecologist.
The institution of family is very important in my country.

Grammar focus

• If+Present Simple+Present Simple (zero conditional)

If you have an important decision to make, it is more difficult.

• If +Present Simple+will (first conditional)

If the trend continues, this figure will double in the next ten years.

• If+Past Simple+would (second conditional)

If you wanted to buy a house ,.....you'd be able to.

1 a probable situation in the future (real) (First conditional)
2 a less likely or hypothetical situation (unreal) (Second conditional)
3 a habit or general truth (real) (Zero conditional)

Examples:
1 If I go to excursion, I feel happy.
2 If I cook today, we will have lunch at noon
3 If I went a trip abroad, I would go to Paris.

Cookery Challenge

Ingredients:

1. 1 medium chicken
2. 250g mushrooms
3. 2 lemons
4. 400g cheese
5. 3 cloves garlic
6. 2 onions
7. 4 carrots
8. 2 potatoes
9. oil, salt,pepper

Instructions

Take a pan and heat 4 spoons of oil and put the chopped chicken. Add the onions and the garlic. Cook the meat and onions until they are brown. Add the mushrooms, the carrots, the potatoes, and let simmer for 30', before adding the cheese, salt, pepper and the lemons. Serve with rice.