- I was browsing through this site just now and this caught my attention...
- Silver surfer - A silver surfer is an elderly person who uses the internet.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Silver Surfer
Friday, November 27, 2009
Giant - Stickers
Here is a little update on my quest for more Giant - stickers
weeehuuuuuu...
but it is still a long way to go... to reach 200th... huhu...
I need more of theseeeee... pleaseeee...
weeehuuuuuu...
but it is still a long way to go... to reach 200th... huhu...
I need more of theseeeee... pleaseeee...
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
How To Use Less and Fewer Correctly
This bottle contains less water than that one. (correct)
This bottle contains fewer water than that one. (incorrect!)
"Less" is also used with words such as time, money, patience, work, stress, effort, honesty, fun, love and other usually abstract nouns:
I have less time to spend with my friends recently. (correct)
I have fewer time to spend with my friends recently. (incorrect!)
Tom has less money now and therefore he will drive a little less. (correct)
Tom has fewer money now and therefore he will drive a little less. (incorrect)
I have less patience than my sister. (correct)
I have fewer patience than my sister. (incorrect)
"Less" is used before a plural noun that denotes a measure of distance, time, amount, etc. :
The town where I live is less than twenty miles from the capital. (correct)
The town where I live is fewer than twenty miles from the capital. (incorrect)
She has been working there for less than three years. (correct)
She has been working there for fewer than three years. (incorrect!)
(we use "less" because the sentence refers to a single period of time, not individual years)
Your English essay should be five hundred words or less. (correct)
Your English essay should be five hundred words or fewer. (incorrect)
I have less than five dollars in my pocket. (correct)
I have fewer than five dollars in my pocket. (incorrect)
Note: When we talk about specific dollar bills or coins we might say:
I have fewer than twenty silver dollars in my collection. (correct)
"Fewer" refers to separate (countable) items (fewer apples, fewer potatoes, fewer cubes of sugar, fewer students, fewer people, fewer drinks, fewer attempts, fewer errors, fewer rules, etc.):
There were fewer apples on the table in the afternoon than in the morning. (correct)
There were less apples on the table in the afternoon than in the morning. (incorrect)
I hope that the next time I will find fewer grammatical errors in your writing. (correct!)
I hope that the next time I will find less grammatical errors in your writing. (incorrect!)
There were fewer people than expected at the party but everyone there had a good time. (correct)
Fewer and fewer people nowadays choose to take marriage vows, most preferring to live together as partners. (correct)
(in informal English "less people" is often used)
(source)
Twilight New Moon Journals
I am aching to have this...
Twilight Journals - four keepsake journals in a collectible tin
but it's too expensive. (about RM89)
Monday, November 23, 2009
Biblioholic Me
I just cannot help myself, I got greedy looking at good books.
Last week I went to the college library and managed to borrow those books in the above photo.
I am now reading 5 books simultaneously.. huhu.. I wish I had more time to read...
When To Use Shall?
Shall
We don't use 'Shall' very frequently in modern English, particularly in American English.
It is used to make offers and suggestions and to ask for advice.
*
What time shall we meet?
*
Shall we vote on it now?
*
What dress shall I wear?
*
Shall I open the window?
You only really need to know that about 'shall' in modern English. Read the rest of this only if you want to know more about how some older speakers still use 'shall'.
Formerly, in older grammar, 'shall' was used as an alternative to 'will' with 'I' and 'we'. Today, 'will' is normally used. When we do use 'shall', it has an idea of a more personal, subjective future.
*
I shall go to see the boss and I shall ask him to explain this decision.
Notice that the negative of 'shall' can be 'shall not' or 'shan't' – though the second one is now very rare in American English.
*
I don't like these people and I shall not go to their party.
*
I shan't object if you go without me.
source: http://www.englishgrammarsecrets.com/shall/menu.php
We don't use 'Shall' very frequently in modern English, particularly in American English.
It is used to make offers and suggestions and to ask for advice.
*
What time shall we meet?
*
Shall we vote on it now?
*
What dress shall I wear?
*
Shall I open the window?
You only really need to know that about 'shall' in modern English. Read the rest of this only if you want to know more about how some older speakers still use 'shall'.
Formerly, in older grammar, 'shall' was used as an alternative to 'will' with 'I' and 'we'. Today, 'will' is normally used. When we do use 'shall', it has an idea of a more personal, subjective future.
*
I shall go to see the boss and I shall ask him to explain this decision.
Notice that the negative of 'shall' can be 'shall not' or 'shan't' – though the second one is now very rare in American English.
*
I don't like these people and I shall not go to their party.
*
I shan't object if you go without me.
source: http://www.englishgrammarsecrets.com/shall/menu.php
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Finally....THE 100th Follower...
Last month, just for fun... I made a pledge to give a mystery gift to the 100th follower for this blog. Today, I am happy to announce that the mystery gift goes to...... drum roll... huhu..
http://nickirfan.blogspot.com/
to the owner of that blog, please drop your email address in my comment box, or you can email me at miszsensei@yahoo.com
Congratulations to Nick Irfan, I love reading your blog!
Friday, November 20, 2009
MUET End Year - 2009 Question Papers
to my students, you can get a copy of this at the college library.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
You Might Laugh At First, but ....
the first thought - it's funny, but seconds later we would feel... how could he!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Gobbledegook
Gobbledegook??? hahaha... yess.. it's English!
My students sat for their Business Communication paper 2 days ago, and the term GOBBLEDEGOOK came up, they were asked to define the term.
So, I just want to share with you the meaning of that term.
Gobbledegook is writing that is bombastic, pretentious, stuffy and long winded. It is writing that attempts to sound official or formal.
My students sat for their Business Communication paper 2 days ago, and the term GOBBLEDEGOOK came up, they were asked to define the term.
So, I just want to share with you the meaning of that term.
Gobbledegook is writing that is bombastic, pretentious, stuffy and long winded. It is writing that attempts to sound official or formal.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
How To Improve Your Writing
Seven Easy Ways to Improve Your Writing--and Gain a Competitive Edge at Work
Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:11:00 +0000
Posted by LousyWriter.com
Today's competitive job market means applicants are working overtime writing their résumés and cover letters; once they get an interview, some candidates are required to take writing tests. And workers who survived downsizing? Many face increased writing tasks--without the confidence or skills to do a good job.
Today, the lack of good writing skills affects businesses of all sizes. Delta Air Lines Chief Executive Richard Anderson stated in an April 26th New York Times interview that he'd like to see more people using cogent, complete sentences--beyond PowerPoint and a bunch of bulleted words.
"More and more, the ability to speak well and write is important?writing is not something that is taught as strongly as it should be in the educational curriculum," Anderson said. "?People really have to be able to handle the written and spoken word."
According to Lynda McDaniel, director of the Association for Creative Business Writing, writers in the workplace can take some easy steps to improve their writing immediately.
"In today's economy, people need to set themselves apart from the pack. Good writing is one of the best and easiest ways to achieve that," she says. "They may not have the time or resources to go back to school, but everyone can start writing better today."
Better than school
McDaniel's latest book, "Words @ Work: Powerful business writing delivers increased sales, improved results, and even a promotion or two," helps fill the gaps between what we learned in school--or didn't learn--and what we need on the job. She often hears her students say, "They sure don't teach this in school!" when they learn tools and techniques, such as:
Seven Easy Ways to Start Writing Better Today!
1. Let it rip.
Brainstorm with yourself. Jot down everything you can think of about the topic: your audience, what they need, what you can offer them, what's in it for them, etc. Then organize those thoughts into a rough outline, most important information first, and so on.
2. Write first drafts fast.
Now start writing--fast. This is a great way to overcome the fear of writing. Just do it. Don't worry about typos and verb tenses--yet. Besides, if you edit as you go, you slow yourself down and even block some creative thinking.
3. Cut, catch, and correct.
Now spend the time you saved in Step #2 to edit several times. With each run-through, you'll spot more writing mistakes. Good writing is really good editing.
4. To be or not to be?
Change 50 percent of your to-be verbs (is, are, were) to vivid verbs. It wakes up your writing--and your readers. "The deadline looms" grabs more attention than "The deadline is today."
5. Break it up.
Use headlines, subheads, white spaces, bullets, and numbers to break up your writing. This works especially well in e-mail. If it looks too dense or boring, people just delete it.
6. Write to your readers.
Speaking of readers, be sure to write to them, not at them. Instead of dumping information on them, craft your message so it solves a problem, offers advantages, or explains how they'll be better off.
7. Sleep on it.
Rest and let your writing rest. Then edit and proof again with fresh insights. If you can't wait that long, at least take a break--grab lunch, sip coffee, or walk around the block. Then print it out and proof again. (For some reason we catch more goofs and gaffs in hard copy.)
Website: http://www.lyndamcdaniel.com/afcbw.asp
Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:11:00 +0000
Posted by LousyWriter.com
Today's competitive job market means applicants are working overtime writing their résumés and cover letters; once they get an interview, some candidates are required to take writing tests. And workers who survived downsizing? Many face increased writing tasks--without the confidence or skills to do a good job.
Today, the lack of good writing skills affects businesses of all sizes. Delta Air Lines Chief Executive Richard Anderson stated in an April 26th New York Times interview that he'd like to see more people using cogent, complete sentences--beyond PowerPoint and a bunch of bulleted words.
"More and more, the ability to speak well and write is important?writing is not something that is taught as strongly as it should be in the educational curriculum," Anderson said. "?People really have to be able to handle the written and spoken word."
According to Lynda McDaniel, director of the Association for Creative Business Writing, writers in the workplace can take some easy steps to improve their writing immediately.
"In today's economy, people need to set themselves apart from the pack. Good writing is one of the best and easiest ways to achieve that," she says. "They may not have the time or resources to go back to school, but everyone can start writing better today."
Better than school
McDaniel's latest book, "Words @ Work: Powerful business writing delivers increased sales, improved results, and even a promotion or two," helps fill the gaps between what we learned in school--or didn't learn--and what we need on the job. She often hears her students say, "They sure don't teach this in school!" when they learn tools and techniques, such as:
Seven Easy Ways to Start Writing Better Today!
1. Let it rip.
Brainstorm with yourself. Jot down everything you can think of about the topic: your audience, what they need, what you can offer them, what's in it for them, etc. Then organize those thoughts into a rough outline, most important information first, and so on.
2. Write first drafts fast.
Now start writing--fast. This is a great way to overcome the fear of writing. Just do it. Don't worry about typos and verb tenses--yet. Besides, if you edit as you go, you slow yourself down and even block some creative thinking.
3. Cut, catch, and correct.
Now spend the time you saved in Step #2 to edit several times. With each run-through, you'll spot more writing mistakes. Good writing is really good editing.
4. To be or not to be?
Change 50 percent of your to-be verbs (is, are, were) to vivid verbs. It wakes up your writing--and your readers. "The deadline looms" grabs more attention than "The deadline is today."
5. Break it up.
Use headlines, subheads, white spaces, bullets, and numbers to break up your writing. This works especially well in e-mail. If it looks too dense or boring, people just delete it.
6. Write to your readers.
Speaking of readers, be sure to write to them, not at them. Instead of dumping information on them, craft your message so it solves a problem, offers advantages, or explains how they'll be better off.
7. Sleep on it.
Rest and let your writing rest. Then edit and proof again with fresh insights. If you can't wait that long, at least take a break--grab lunch, sip coffee, or walk around the block. Then print it out and proof again. (For some reason we catch more goofs and gaffs in hard copy.)
Website: http://www.lyndamcdaniel.com/afcbw.asp
English Teachers' Blogs
They say, sharing is caring... a few of interesting teachers' blogs I've found recently
http://engoasis.blogspot.com/
http://www.busyteacherscafe.com
http://learnteachlove.blogspot.com/
http://www.eslcafe.com/
http://engoasis.blogspot.com/
http://www.busyteacherscafe.com
http://learnteachlove.blogspot.com/
http://www.eslcafe.com/
Friday, November 13, 2009
Hate Letter
Read this "HATE letter". It is so funny and creative. This is a love letter from a boy to a girl... .
However, the girl's father does not like him and want them stop their relationship... ...
and so.. the boy wrote this letter to the girl..
he knows that the girl's father will definitely read this letter..
1----"The great love that I have for you
2---- is gone, and I find my dislike for you
3---- grows every day. When I see you,
4---- I do not even like your face;
5---- the one thing that I want to do is to
6---- look at other girls. I never wanted to
7---- marry you. Our last conversation
8---- was very boring and has not
9---- made me look forward to seeing you again.
10--- You think only of yourself.
11--- If we were married, I know that I would find
12--- life very difficult, and I would have no
13--- pleasure in living with you. I have a heart
14--- to give, but it is not something that
15--- I want to give to you. No one is more
16--- foolish and selfish than you, and you are not
17--- able to care for me and help me.
18--- I sincerely want you to understand that
19--- I speak the truth. You will do me a favor
20---if you think this is the end. Do not try
21--- to answer this. Your letters are full of
22--- things that do not interest me. You have no
23--- true love for me. Good-bye! Believe me,
24--- I do not care for you. Please do not think that
25--- I am still your boyfriend."
So bad!! However, before handing over the letter to the girl, the boy told the girl to "READ BETWEEN THE LINES", meaning-only to read 1.3.5.7.9.11.13.15.17.19.21.23.25. (Odd Numbers)
So.. Please try reading it again! It's so smart & sweet...
http://today-joke.blogspot.com
However, the girl's father does not like him and want them stop their relationship... ...
and so.. the boy wrote this letter to the girl..
he knows that the girl's father will definitely read this letter..
1----"The great love that I have for you
2---- is gone, and I find my dislike for you
3---- grows every day. When I see you,
4---- I do not even like your face;
5---- the one thing that I want to do is to
6---- look at other girls. I never wanted to
7---- marry you. Our last conversation
8---- was very boring and has not
9---- made me look forward to seeing you again.
10--- You think only of yourself.
11--- If we were married, I know that I would find
12--- life very difficult, and I would have no
13--- pleasure in living with you. I have a heart
14--- to give, but it is not something that
15--- I want to give to you. No one is more
16--- foolish and selfish than you, and you are not
17--- able to care for me and help me.
18--- I sincerely want you to understand that
19--- I speak the truth. You will do me a favor
20---if you think this is the end. Do not try
21--- to answer this. Your letters are full of
22--- things that do not interest me. You have no
23--- true love for me. Good-bye! Believe me,
24--- I do not care for you. Please do not think that
25--- I am still your boyfriend."
So bad!! However, before handing over the letter to the girl, the boy told the girl to "READ BETWEEN THE LINES", meaning-only to read 1.3.5.7.9.11.13.15.17.19.21.23.25. (Odd Numbers)
So.. Please try reading it again! It's so smart & sweet...
http://today-joke.blogspot.com
Faces in the Rock
This is truly incredible...
Image: Pavaan Solanki
This astonishingly real looking mountain face is located in Junagadh in Gujarat, India. The mountain is also known as Girnar Hill and is here seen from Bhavnath Temple. The photographer cheated a bit by turning the picture by 90 degrees, but the result is stunning. The five peaks of themountain range are each adorned by intricately carved stone temples. As a pilgrimage, Hindus and Jains climb from peak to peak (around 8,000 steps). Legend has it that climbing Girnar barefoot will earn the pilgrim a place in heaven.
to see more faces in the rock, please click here
http://stranges-world.blogspot.com/2009/11/incredible-faces-in-rock.html
Image: Pavaan Solanki
This astonishingly real looking mountain face is located in Junagadh in Gujarat, India. The mountain is also known as Girnar Hill and is here seen from Bhavnath Temple. The photographer cheated a bit by turning the picture by 90 degrees, but the result is stunning. The five peaks of themountain range are each adorned by intricately carved stone temples. As a pilgrimage, Hindus and Jains climb from peak to peak (around 8,000 steps). Legend has it that climbing Girnar barefoot will earn the pilgrim a place in heaven.
to see more faces in the rock, please click here
http://stranges-world.blogspot.com/2009/11/incredible-faces-in-rock.html
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