Fast approaching?
Thanks very much for giving us such a vivid impression of the run-up to Christmas in Elche, Silvia - the traditional and the not-so-traditional aspects! There's just one thing I don't understand: "At that right night" - I'd appreciate it if you could explain this.
Your answers to the questions I set are absolutely right. (Is it right now? is more usual than 'Is it now right'? And instead of 'the good one', use the correct version.)
I've been thinking about something you wrote about Elche in your first blog ..... The most familiar collocation of world heritage is world heritage site - the Palm Grove is a world heritage site, but the Elche Mystery Play obviously isn't a site, as such. So you could say that there are two attractions in Elche that have achieved world heritage status, or maybe that Elche has achieved two world heritage listings.
I didn't know that Elche produces nearly half of Spain's footwear. I wonder if that fact is also exploited in promoting the town? (Is it a town or a city??) There's a town in England called Northampton which was traditionally a major centre of shoemaking, and it has a "Life and Sole" (!) museum which documents the history of the industry and which houses, as you'd expect, a huge collection of boots and shoes of all sorts, shapes and sizes. Sounds pretty 'pedestrian', doesn't it? But when I went there I was really surprised how interesting it was.
I only need to cast a glance at the calendar to realise that Christmas is fast approaching, but I can't really feel it yet, perhaps because of the weather - it's pouring with rain and the wind's howling. There's a bit more of a Christmassy atmosphere - although a very synthetic one - in bigger towns with shopping malls.
The plural of Santa Claus is Santa Clauses, just like 'houses', 'sizes', etc. Of course we all know that there's really only one Santa Claus, who lives in Lapland, but there are so many good imitators that we need the plural form. And you can find them, more and more of them, in Poland just as in so many other countries, in the shopping centres that are increasingly dominating the retail scene. Full of shoppers with more bags than fingers, and a lot of them with more money than sense, it seems. Or, as you say: "Some people have no sense of moderation when it comes to spending money." Perfect - it really hits the nail on the head!
(A phonetic joke: When you've seen one shopping centre, you've seen 'em all. Get it? The explanation is at the end of this blog.)
The sentence: "Kids are dying for the Christmas Day to come and find their desired presents under the Christmas tree or into the stocking" is interesting. It's a good attempt to combine two ideas in an economical way:
1 Kids are dying for Christmas Day to come
and
2 Kids are dying to find the presents they've asked for under the Christmas tree or in their stocking
- but unfortunately it doesn't quite work because there are two different structures:
1 They're dying for something to happen
and
2 They're dying to do something
So how can you combine these two? The best solution is probably to be less economical - something like this:
Kids are dying for Christmas Day to come, and they can't wait to find the presents they've asked for under the Christmas tree or in their stocking.
Later this month I'll tell you a bit more about what a traditional Polish Christmas is like.
If you ask a question that you think might a bit be too inquisitive, you can say:
I don't want to pry, but .....
I don't want to be nosy, but .....
But don't worry, your question about my connection with Alicante is fine! And the answer is simply that a friend of mine lives there. He's been there for ages, and he works as an English teacher.
The explanation of the 'phonetic joke' is that When you've seen one shopping centre, you've seen 'em all sounds the same as When you've seen one shopping centre, you've seen a mall.
(mall = a large building with lots of shops, restaurants, maybe a cinema, etc.)
A couple of questions for everybody:
1 How many ways can you re-arrange these components to make a correct sentence:
that evening
in every city
takes place
a “cabalgata”
2 Everybody wants to have the best car = Everybody wants to be .....
3 What were the expressions in this blog that mean:
- the period of time just before an important event such as Christmas?
- to have a quick look at something
- to say something that is exactly right or appropriate
(Of course, it's advisable to try to recall them first, before you read through to find them.)
4 Life and sole is also a phonetic joke - can you explain it?
5 How can you introduce a question that you think may be a bit too personal or inquisitive?
That's all for now.
Jonathan
Comments
Hello Jonathan! I think my brain today is not working well, because I didn´t understand very well the homework. I´m sorry. Maybe it´s because I´ve been working fourteen hours a day in order to rest in December 24th. Oh yes, Christmas is coming :-). So we have to hurry up! Hmm... it´s really interesting to know that there´s a museum which tells the shoes history. Once I´ve heard about an exhibition of shoes made by famous designers. A museum is a completely new information though :-). I´ll have a go at homework anyway: 1-in that evening; every city; it takes place; the cabalgata parede; 2-Everybody wants to be the one who has the best car; 3-Christmassy; to cast a glance at; it really hits the nail on the head; 4-This one I really don´t know. I´ll be waiting for your explanation; 5-I don't want to pry, but; I don't want to be nosy, but. Oh my Gosh! It´s late. I´m off to bed now. Good night Jonathan, Ana Paula.
Hello Jonathan, it seems you are not really happy with the weather. Here in Karachi the winter has finally arrived. It's a bit too late, though. Here are my answers to the questions. 1)That evening, a cabalgata takes place in ever city. or/ A cabalgata takes place in every city that evening.2)Everybody wnats to have the best car = Everybody wants to be rich. 3)a)run-up to Christmas,b)to cast a glance at sth,c)to hit the nail on the head.4)It's life and soul which means having an important place.5)I don't want to pry, but can I ask you as how you and your wife first met and felt that you two are made for each other? Wishes, Naheed
Dear Jonathan, here are my answers to your questions. Hope most of them are correct. 1) That evening a "cabalgata" takes place in every city. A "cabalgata" takes place in every city that evening. (Are there more ways of rearranging these components?) 2) Everybody wants to be an owner of the best car. 3) (I promise that I haven't reread your blog to find the expressions) the run-up to smth; to cast a glance at smth; to hit the nail on the head. 4) The joke is based on the replacement of the more common word that collocates with the word "life" ("soul") by its homophone "sole". 5) I would use the expressions you have mentioned in your blog. I could also use the following: I don't want to seem inquisitive, but...; I don't want to probe, but... (I have doubts about this one); I might seem nosy, but... ; You don't have to answer if you don't want to, but... That's all. Sincerely, Ana P.S. How old are you? Don't feel obliged to answer, though.
A warm welcome from the still warm Ahwaz To Jonathan...The assignment:1. A "cabalgate" takes place in every city that evening./ that evening, a "cabalgate" takes place in every city. 2. Everyone wants to be the first in everything. 3. run-up to, to cast a glance at, to hit the nail on the head. 4. I'm afraid, I don't know the answer 5. Wouldn't you mind if I ask you...
Hi Jonathan, I have tried to do quickly the homework because I must leave now. 1. that evening, in every city, takes place a “cabalgata” that evening, a “cabalgata” takes place, in every city in every city, that evening, takes place a “cabalgata” in every city takes place a “cabalgata”, that evening. a “cabalgata” takes place, in every city, that evening a “cabalgata” takes place, that evening, in every city 2. Everybody wants to have the best car = Everybody wants to be the one who has the best car 3. The Christmassy atmosphere To cast a glance It is the correct version 4. “’em all” sounds phonetically the same as “ a mall” but they have different meaning 5. I wouldn’t like to seem too curious but … If you feel my question is too personal , you are not obliged to answer but …
Dear Jonathan, I appreciate it if you could kindly include some exercises about "the modals" in one of your blogs. Regards...
G’Day Jonathan, Hope you are doing great. The first two blogs are awesome. I found the questions tough. For the first one, In every city that evening takes place a “cabalgata” That evening in every city takes place a “cabalgatta” A “cabalgata” takes place in every city that evening The next one Everybody wants to have the best car = Everybody wants to be the best in selecting the best car = Everybody wants to be the best TheThird one What were the expressions in this blog that mean: - the period of time just before an important event such as Christmas? - weather - it's pouring with rain and the wind's howling. - to have a quick look at something - cast a glance - to say something that is exactly right or appropriate - ." Perfect - it really hits the nail on the head! For the fourth one 4 Life and sole is also a phonetic joke - can you explain it Life can be lived only once . The answer is I was not able to guess it The last one Using What? type of question tags can be inquisitive. I don’t think I got everything right. Thanks and Regards Praveen Raj
Hello,Jonathan It's a great pleasure to meet you. I lived in Northampton for a year but I have not had a chance to visit the shoe musium yet.But I am sure I will visit there one day because one of my cousin's couple live in the area and my family go down to see them from time to time.I would love to answer your questions. 1)A cabalgata takes place in every city that evening. or In every city a cabalgata takes place that evening.2)Everybody wants to be driven by the best car.3)Christmassy atmostphere,cast a glance,It really hits the nail on the head.4)life and sole= the life and sole of the party means someone who is happy to be with and really enjoys fun and cheerful.5)If you don't mind would like to ask some personal questions? OR if you don't feel too offensive I would like to ask some personal questions? The weather has been bitter and miserable here,too.I hope it is getting better for you. have a good day!
Hi Jonathan, how are you here are some answers of the homework: 1- a)That evening, a "cabalgata" takes place in every city. b)In every city, a "cabalgata" takes place that evening. c)A "cabalgata" takes place in every city that evening. 2-Everybody wants to have the best car = Everybody wants to be the owner of the best car. 3-a)Christmassy atmostphere b)to cast a glance at... c)absolutely right.
A warm welcome to you, Jonathan! I will try to do my homework:1)That evening a cabalgata takes place in every city- In every city a cabalgata takes place that evening- A cabalgata takes place in every city that evening. 2)Everybody wants to be the best at all. 3)The run up to Christmas/ to cast a glance/Perfect-it really hits the nail on the head. 5) I don#t want to be pry/ I don't want to be noisy. 4) I don't know, sorry. But I have a question: What is a cabalgata?? So long...
Dear Jonathan,nice to meet you on-line!I'm Elena and a teacher too,lecturer at university,actually.Happy to hear about shoes again,it gives a warm feeling of being a family as long as we have some favourite things to discuss.I've never been to a Shoe Museum and I doubt I will be able to,why don't you just tell us about what attracted you there?I like your phonetic jokes,I know one of them,from a Russian funny story,anecdote:'too-te-too-too-room'.All the best
Hi, Jonathan! It is seemed that you prefer to be a teacher more that to be a blogger. But it is OK too. I tried to do my homework. 1). I think I can rearrange these components at four ways. But I am not sure. 1. That evening in every city takes place a “cabata”. 2. A “cabata” takes place in every city that evening. 3. In every city the “cabata” takes place that evening. 4. A “cabata” takes place that evening in every city. 2) Everybody wants to have a best car = Everybody wants to be an owner of a best car. 3).- the period of time just before an important event as Christmas - Christmas atmosphere; - to have a quick look at sometimes – a glance; - to say something that is exactly right or appropriate - it really hits the nail on the head! 4) Life and sole is also a phonetic joke - can you explain it? – Sorry, I cannot to explain. 5) How can you introduce a question that you think may be a bit too personal or inquisitive? I don't want to pry, but ..... I don't want to be nosy, but ..... It was all that I was able to do.
Dear Jonthan ,Thanks for giving us a home work 1)In every city, a "cabalgata" takes place that evening. A cabalgata takes place in every city that evening. That evening, a cabalgata takes place in every city. 2)Everybody wants to be the owner of the best car. 3)run up to cast a glance good attempt 4)In one of the Shakespear's play I have read something similar---A cobbler says that he mends the soles while the listener thinks that he mends the souls. I am not very sure that I have explained it correctly. 5)I dont have an intension to be personal but...... Sorry for being personal but.... Dont take it the other way but....... dear Jonathan I would be grateful to you for your corrections to my answers Thanks Rizwana
Hi, Jonathan. I loved your plays on words. The one with 'life and sole' plays with 'soul', spirit, and the bottom of our shoes, soles. 1. That evening, in every city, a 'cabalgata' takes place. That evening a 'cabalgata' takes place in every city. In every city a 'cabalgata' takes place that evening. A 'cabalgata' takes place in every city that evening.
Hi there , How are you all feeling today ? The other day in my city , which is a city near mountain in northwest of Iran , we had a really heavy snowfall ( what a fantastic run- up to Christmas) , So I had to take one day off and stay at home and School were off for two days ( How interesting for kids ! ) . Here are my answers to the teacher question ( I hope it won't be too late ) : 1 How many ways can you re-arrange these components to make a correct sentence:1) In every city , that evening a " cabalgata " takes place .2) A " cabalgata " , takes place in every city , that evening . 3) That evening a " cabalgata" takes place in every city . In my opinion the second one would be the best one , innit ? 2 Everybody wants to have the best car = Everybody wants to be the best car owner 3 What were the expressions in this blog that mean: - the period of time just before an important event such as Christmas? The run-up , to have a quick look at something ? to cast a glance - to say something that is exactly right or appropriate ? it 's absolutely right .4 Life and sole is also a phonetic joke - can you explain it? With referring to the context , I think here it means the most amusing museum 5 How can you introduce a question that you think may be a bit too personal or inquisitive? A difficult an tricky question , my answer : If you don’t mind , can I ask you , ………? Have a nice day and bye
Hi Jonathan! Nice to meet you!! It is cold over here as well. X-mas is getting near in Italy and you can see it because almost every shop is open on Sunday. I am looking forward to reading your next posts. Cheers!
Hi Jonathan :-) Your blogs are full of good grammar explanations. Thanks for them. I've put them all into my editable computer dictionary; I hope it's not against the law. You write that in Poland there are a lot of people with more money than sense; I absolutely agree with you, but I think that it is a typical situation in all fast developing countries. It's not very often that I do the teacher blogger's homework, but this time I'll try to do it: 1) a 'cabalgata' takes place in every city that evening or that evening a 'cabalgata' takes place in every city 2) Everybody wants to be the owner of the best car 3) run up sth (I've also met run in); a glance at sth; to use the correct version 4) the pronunciation of 'sole' (the bottom part of a shoe ) and 'soul'(the spiritual part of a person,) is the same. 5) I don't want to pry, but... or I don't want to be nosy, but... . Until next time.
Dear Jonathan, I try to do your homework I do not hesitate to say that it is beyond my knowledge to explain phonetic joke. I hope that I can get better solution from your side. 1 a. A “cabalgata” took place that evening in every city. b. In every city, a “cabalgata” took place that evening. c. In that evening, a “cabalgata” took place in every city. 2 Everybody wants to be praised for expensive car while they are driving. 3 a. - the period of time just before an important event such as Christmas? –run-up b. - to have a quick look at something –to cast a glance c. - to say something that is exactly right or appropriate –hits the nail on the head. 4 Life and sole is also a phonetic joke - can you explain it? 5 I hope you don’t think I am prying, but have you ever seen ups and down in you life?
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