Comments

Dear Stephen, you've never failed to surprise me. I laughed too much after reading the end of your post, because I expected from you to point out a title which you would like to read over and over again. Your sense of humor is well-known to us. I feel a taste of offense in Paco's words. Maybe he has the right to say that the taste in any kind of art is free. Paco, don't take it personally. It could be said for any book that one don't find interesting. I am sure Stephen didn't say that intentionally. I even think he will apologize for his words about the masterpiece of Spanish Literature. You see, he even mock at himself by citing an American friend who call him philistine. Take it easy, Pako! Diema

Paco, Paco, Paco! How wrong can one person be? First of all, I absolutely couldn't 'despise' Cervantes. Secondly, I'm afraid you've missed my point entirely: why do you think I would choose to take "Don Quixote" with me onto a desert island if I didn't believe it would be worth it? My whole point, here, is that it is I who am to blame (not Cervantes) for not being wise, clever, sophisticated, hard-working enough to study and learn from what Cervantes has to say. Really sorry, Paco, if you feel I was insulting your culture. Nothing could be further from the truth. [Now I think I also have to apologise to Paul for writing ym comment here - another black mark for me! Ho, hum! EVERYBODY: 'Have a great day - it's Friday!'

Stephen your column touched me. You captured the essence of life in it. The mood swayed from one reality to another without any effort, the reader could easily move from mood to mood. My sincere compliments and thanks for aiding me to have a moment of serenity.

Hi, Stephen. I did write sth yesterday about your Weds article, but somehow I could not find my comment. oh well. never mind. I wasn't paying too much attention to the notice from BBC that they are closing this blog thing. AND IT makes me sad. I haven't known this section for a long time and I definitely sure that this blog (esp.your article) is really helpful and fun. so. you are not going to write any more from Feb? too bad. I guess I can do nothing but keep visiting this website everyday (or every hour) till the end of this month. see you in an hour!:)

Hello Stephen! I am a regular visitor of BBC LE web site but it is the first time I post a comment. I like very much either your blogs or your column. It is a shame that the latter has been closed. I am always looking forward to reading something from you. I do not know you personally but I feel you are a very kind man and dad. Thank you very much for all you have tought me.

Hello Stephen, it's interesting to know what would you do if you ruled the world. As for me, if I ruled the world, I would not let anyone unhappy.Naheed

Hi Amy! David Bowie is a remarkable artist. Do you like Bjork? Bye for now!

Hi Jo! If I want to chill, I listen to stomping music or I go jogging whereas if I have to get up at dawn, I usually take a nap in the afternoon or at the week-end. Cheers!!

Hi! You have got wonderful replies, haven´t you? What to add I agree with all of them. Very many learners you are going to make happy whenever and whereever you will apear! Sincerely

had fun reading your article. I thought imagining the situation is interesting, so here I am to write. but firstly, let me just comment on your opinion. Even though it would be great to have all the things we needed by the styple of specific country( I know that your opnion is your opinion, meaning that French girls(haha), German cars, etc are totally subjective preference), I was kind of feel objection to that kind of world. well...maybe..that's because you don't include many Asian countries?:)believe me, I'm not the person who strongly argue equality of all human but, still.. I'm not sure, maybe because I'm Asian, esp. Korean. If you included Korean food or..Korean women(haha), I would not be this objective against your opinion.^^ Finally, to say briefly about my world, I would want to have the world so clean that no one as criminals could live in my world. I want just that. To make this sort of world, I'd like to have lots of prisons big enough for bad people, and competitive judges and prosecutors to pass a sentence. Does this sound so .... scary? haha. now I should get back to work. I'm participating an intership at KOICA working to help underdeveloped countries by giving them grants or lending them money for social and economic infra structure, education, poverty reduction, cure for HIV/AIDs and so on. While working on the project for interns, the work is just pressing me so hard that I had to do something else or I would die. thanks for reading my comment. you too have a good day!

If I ruled the world I would make it compulsory that everyone had to see at least one Marx Brothers movies with enjoyment. I would also enforce a law classifying Thelma & Louise -motion picture as a part of adult education. Further more it would be compulsory to read poetry almost daily, but most of all caring for others and understanding would be required from everyone. But one should also have time to be sullen if one needed to be, happiness and laughter would come naturally without an effort. Perhaps (I am not quite certain about this yet) one should read at least one Stephen Keeler column. After all that I would go and live on a Desert Island.

Hi Stepahn , I 'm glad that you liked my suggestion and gave us your imaginary ruling tips , i liked it alot . lovely jubly ! As i 'm run out of free time as usual i have to leave the siber world now , so i do will do my homework next , but now i think it 's interesting and at the same time a little nasty for me , So long

Hi Jo! I hope you are well. I also think the same when I do yoga that the mind should be free of all thoughts, infact,a free and clearer mind is able to think of better ideas.Naheed

Amy, it sounds like you are moving to a new stage in your life once again. When one looks back to their own life, it almost feels as the whole life is episodes. I am 57 at the moment, almost 58, and looking back, the years seem to make some sort of pattern. I also have lived abroad; in Norway, New Zealand and in UK. Now I am quite content in Finland living near where I was born. Good luck for returning to England!

Hi Amy , What are you doing , It sounds that you have a nice time beside your mom and dad . Send my warm hello and welcome to them . I know that Bloging with two Kids is really tough job ,So very thanks for your effort . Oh my goodness , you 've done most interesting jobs of your life in India and I really know what you say .I searched for David Bowie free song but i 'm sorry i couldn't find any free mp3 of him .Maybey i was n't so patient because i 'v catch a cold . Don't worry about your big travel and just take it easy . Kiss your kids for me and bye Xxx

Hello, Stephen! I would like to hear about your travels in Vietnam for which you are preparing and about the other one in China, in the town whose name I can't pronounce but you would teach us all about it. It's foggy and unpleasantly warm here for the time of year, and just about when it becomes depressing, here comes your blog to cheer me up. I t is a little bit embarrassing to admit that I am reading Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' 'cause there are so many movies inspired by its main character. People know much about it but they don't know where this Dracula originally comes from. I wanted to read this book just because of it, to see if all these movies are anything like the original after which they are made. Nothing can compare to the horror and gloom of the book, but Van Helsing delays the plot at times which can be boring. I am eager to read Vesna Goldsworthy's book 'Chernobyl Strawberries' because of, among other things, the English language in which she writes, maybe she could be a good techer to me, after all, we have the same mother tongue. But, it's hard to come by the book here. Hope to read you soon.

Hello, Jo! I remember so clearly the description of your village. What more chilling out do you need than walking over the hills of your village? The only massage I got lately is from my hair-dresser who also isn't from this town, and when I first came to her for a haircut, when I spoke, she recognized through my accent where I'm from and until then when she washes my hair she gives me a short massage of my head. She is wonderful! I hope you will be successful with your project for the Caribbean, it will be enough if they like you just 50 % of what we here like you.

Hello, Amy! Louie will surely be a great big brother to Oslo. Oslo and I have one thing in common. Actually, I was too named after a small town where my parents fell in love. The name is Benkovac, but they got themselves a baby girl and in our language the female gender is Benka. You are really facing changes! However, I think that you are rather turning back to your old habits, not that you are doing anything new and different. It is different as much as you get used to living in India and now you may find it hard to accustom yourself to England. I drew a conclusion from my own experience that it may be demanding to change countries where you live too often. But, I can see that you have no regrets, only that your boys won't remember India but they can see it on their own when they grow up if they are inquisitive as you are . I wish you luck with your moving and I'm impatient to learn the meanings of the new words 'cause they are tough.

I always follow your blogs, but I havent left any message yet.. I would like to tell u a way which worth traying. I took it on the internet... try this beginning meditation: Sit comfortably on a chair or the floor. Breathe naturally and close your eyes. Each time a thought appears, put it inside a balloon and let it fly up into the sky and disappear. Do this until the thoughts are exhausted. After a bit, your body will feel very light, and your mind will become still. The first few times it may take a while, but it will get easier and faster with practice. I hope it makes u feel unwinded and clear mind!

Hi Jo, How are you? This is Alex. I am an English learning adult. I live in Singapore. Have you been to Singapore before? I have the similar muscle problem over my shoulder as well. I tried out many methods to relax the muscle such as massage, acupuncture and others. Finally, I find regular exercise is the best among all. Now, I do 15 min in-door cycling every morning. After exercise, I sweat a lot. Over time, this help loosen up the muscle at my shoulder. It also refresh my mind. In the past, I had not been able to sustain the alertness of my mind for one day's activity. I always felt very tired in the middle of the day. It is now much better. Correct me if I made any grammatical mistake in my writing. Thank you. Regards, Alex

Jo, it was good to read your blog and come across to a couple of new words; boffin and dastardly were new expressions to me. Yesterday I went through the entire blog site and observed that each one of them had new stuff for us students to learn. In fact was very diligent yesterday, amongst reading a lot, I also remarked all tutor blogs. You may not remember me; I was a November 2007 student. However I do remember you from last summer very well. Until next t time, good luck with your book work.

Hi Jo. How's the new project? I hope you all the best wishes! I went to have a body massage a couple of times several years ago. Why I went there was I felt terrible muscle pain after playing volleyball. I hadn't usually done exercise untill at that momoent and unfortunately I got a back ache as well:-( Anyway, what do I do to unwind at the end of a stressful day is taking a bath with some bath powder. Japanese take a bath every night, especially in winter many people use bath agents. There are various kinds of those in Japan. I use a moisturizing product with aroma of floral. I get in a bathtub and take a deep breath filled with milky white warm warter, not too hot, makes me really de-stress. I let the warm water warm my body for a while, maybe 15mins or 20mins. My body becomes warm from inside and my skin is moisturized. After taking a bath I stretch myself on my bed. By the way, I thought up synonyms for the word relax. Take it easy, unstrain, lay back and calm (down) but calm is bit different? See you later, alligator!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!For me, becoming a mum was the greatest joy of the world, as if i was given a new life, a feeling that i can and never like to forget... nothing before nor after that miraculous phenomenon could be compared with it. From the way you write, i'm sure that you are among the most passionate and kindest husbands, and i'm certain that you're going to be a great dad. Just keep up to this harmony with your wife, and once the owner of the "tiny feet" joins you, the harmonical line between you and Tomono will be transformed into a triangle.

Hi dear Jo , What 've been you up to . Thanks for your advise . I do have a notebook and I jot down every new words and phrases that I find . But you know most of the time just jotting and not regularly revising . Like you as I work on my computer in office I always have the same symptom that you described and I take the benefit of jogging , aerobics and Yoga to get ride of it . I do agree with you when we exercise we left behind all our problems and every day life tenses , so we give a rest to our mind . What a pity some coach potato people , don't take the advantage of sport . I always try to encourage people to do different kind of sport activities but with little success .Have a nice weekend and take it easy .

I first time entered this site and found it a key for learining english. thanks to all who make it possible for learners and good wishes for Joe

Hi Jo! Nice to hear form you again. In order to unwind I do exercises and a class called BodyBalance, a BodySystem modality which has a bit of Yoga, Pilates and Tai-Chi-Chuan movements. It´s very relaxing indeed :-). The only synonyms I can remember is 'take it easy'. I hope it´s correct :-). Have a nice weekend. Ana Paula.

Jo you are “writing a textbook for the Caribbean market”, I wonder if the book is for learning English? I also have a spare tyre around my waist and - like you - I trying to do something about. BodyJam sounds good, really jummy! Hope your house hunting with Richard is progressing well, I remember you telling us last summer that you guys lived very nicely in the country side. All the best!

Hi, a very useful exercise you gave us Stephen, thank you. Your writings are always an inspiration. For instance a term “lifer” from this blog was a new one to me.

Hi Lewis, 3 characteristics that make a good father are "be good, be good, and be good.", Best regards to your family. James

Hello! Stephen, reading about your New Year's resolution and plans for 2008 year, I ask myself why people need resolutions exactly on such occasion. It could be done at any day. The answer might be because the achievements encourage us to be more active. At the end of the year our achievement look grander. I have to confess I have no even vague plans about 2008 year. It is because up to now all my plans nearly failed despite my efforts. That fact make me a bit sad. My experience convinced me that life is what happens while we make plans. One of my resolution for the last year and the most important thing is starting (without plans) to set apart some money for charity. My employee motivates me by extra sum (about 10 euros) for not smoking at work place. Because I don't smoke for my own reasons and convictions I decided to endow regularly that sum for healing children, who need expensive operation(like leukemia, cancer etc). The sum is small but from all my heart. Even I can't help the poor kids, I am sure I help their parents in their sorrow by giving them one more hope. One other item in my resolution list is accepting myself as I am. I stopped to compare myself to all around me by appearance,abilities etc. That is a big achievement for me and it is not easy to be done, trust me. Other items in the list are similar and not so great. About hopes/not plans/:I'd like to have the opportunity to travel more this year and to find a job that satisfies me and makes me fulfilled. All the best! Diema

Hi, everyone. I'm very interested in reading your posts, I'm new, since last month. I agree with everyboy this web is a great opportunity for us about improving our English. I don't stop reading your posts, I'm very surprise because I realise that people from all over the world are very friendly. It's a very nice thing because of these days...It seems to be impossible... but it's true. I hope one day I can be able to write so many beautiful things like all of you. Thanks a lot.

What a wonderful letter,Amy! Hello,dear teacher,it's fantastic to hear such good news,my congratulations on the arrival of a new baby in your family! I was so upset when you had to leave this space but now I see that you had a lot more important job to do.I'm delighted to see a picture of your son,nice to meet you, Oslo William Bastin,you look so serious and curious,adsolutely adorable.May the god will hold you in the palm of his hand! Actually,name giving is very difficult and responsible thing to do,and Oslo William Bastin sounds good.If you have a baby girl,could you,please,think of a name 'Moskva,sounds nice,too,lol! I'm looking forward to your next blog,I realize that you have been busy and extremely exhausted,but do hope you will manage to drop a page for us,your readers.

Hello, Amy! Although all the babies look the same, I'm sure that every mother will recognize her own baby in hundreds of them. Louie will surely be a great big brother to Oslo, God bless them both. When Oslo grows up let him see the city which he was named after. We two have one thing in common. Actually, I was named after the small town where my parents fell in love. The name is Benkovac but they got themselves a baby girl and in our language the female gender is the word Benka. Hope to read more from you. Benka from NiŠ

Hello, Rachell W(icaksono)! I'd like to ask you a question about describing people, not about a physical appearance and a body shape, but about people's pesonalities. What are the adjectives that describe people who easily show their emotions or are rather cold, or, the ones who like the company of others and the ones who prefer to be alone? I think that the word 'temperament' is the one that describes people's nature in general. What are the adjectives that describe different types of these natures?( Can I use this word in plural?) What kinds of temperaments are there? Hope to receive your expert answer soon. Benka from Niš.

Hi Amy, Oslo is soooooo cute, but I think your louie is still the prince charming, he's very sweet. Amy what about his feeding? Do you breast feed him? Make sure to do... After ten years, i'm still feel guilty of not breast fed my son more than a fortnight or so...hope you'll get enough rest and sleep, bye

Hi Amy , Happy new year 2008 and congratulation on Oslo arrival , Before , when we heared good news about you , I put a congratulation message for you , but unfortunately , it didn't show up . So luckily , we can visit you directly . How sweet is your new baby ! God bless him . In December I was remembering you , because I remembered that the baby date was in December , then we received good news . I wish you to have a nice time with your parents and god help you with your big trip . Hope to hear from you , soon . With love Xxx

Hi Lewis, Nice to see you again ! And happy new year 2008 to you and dear Tomono. When I became a regular Blog reader in this site , you was the teacher Bloger and I can say that you was my first native English teacher . My English was really pour and every thing was new for me . I didn’t have a heart to put comment on you and your students Blogers , it took a long time for me to be brave enough to put comments , but any way I was a regular reader and I remember you and your family very well . I always wish , our previous Blogers put Comments and gave us news about themselves and thanks BBCLE that gave us this chance . I am glad that you have settled well and could to find your idle Job . What about Tomono ? Have she mist Japan and her parents ? Does she like her new life in UK ? I guess your exciting news might be about a new baby , am I right ? Sorry I couldn't guessed where do you live from your greeting but I remember that teacher Rachel from OZ used to use " Hey up " ! Please send my hello to dear Tomono and have a nice weekend , so long Hi Stephan , What are you up to ? If you like to know last night was – 33 degree in my province , but weather experts have predicted this cold weather won’t long any more . I don’t think you look ridiculous with part hats , at all . Leastwise , you good natured people take advantage of this little joys , to be more happy . Some times I admire your traditions and relationships . Oh , what a good new resolution ! And how many it is ? I wish good luck for all of them .About me , I had just one plan for this year and it 's really a tough job , could you guess it ? Maybe at the time I 'll can give good news about it ( I 'm not sure ) And I wish good luck to dear lucy , with her charity work . I 'm a bit confused that how she can don't pay any money in her trip . could you please explain it fro me ? best wishes and bye

Hello Rachel, I was just waiting for your post as you were the first one to have appeared on the teacher-blogs. As for regular writing practice, it does help and I have experienced it too. I have noticed a great change in my English through this way. And for the online learning, it is as effective as learning face to face, however, there's one thing a learner can't fill the gap for is speaking. On the whole, for learning a language, it is important that the learner keeps himself in regular practice and the blogs have been really helpful in that. Not only with respect to the bloggers but also the readers who regularly give visit to the blogs. Naheed

Hello Amy, it's really good to hear from you again. Oh, Oslo is very sweet and along with me, my sister is also saying that he is very cute. May God bless him. Naheed

Thanks for your effort to creat a great channel for English learning in writing....

Hi, Amy! It’s so great to catch up with you again with the same style (- leaving the definitions for the next time, I like this way because I know we have a date then). What a sweet and lovely baby! His name is special. You must be proud of it. So the little angel is just one month old. In my opinion, baby grows very fast. And I know you must be busy with him. Is he hungry? Is he thirsty? Does he sleep well? It must be tired but with huge happiness, yes? I’m not married but I like children so much! I hope I will have two children, one boy and one girl, in the future. :-) Enjoy the rest days in Delhi and best wishes for the big move back to England. And please give my greetings to your husband, to Louie, and don’t forget, to little Oslo. Wish you all happy and healthy everyday!Jill.

Dear Amy, It is nice to hear from you after long time. The lessons I have learnt from you are still food for thought for me. As we are acquainted with your news but it is really enjoyable to read from your own post. I like to congratulate you and your family for baby son. Yes, he is quite suit. There is no doubt about it. Your way of writing gives always food for thought. I tried to solve your word puzzle as follows: a bit of a thing about – a slight but not enough without further ado- without wasting more time a duck to water- to discover when you start to do something for the first time that you have a natural ability to do it gearing up- to prepare for something that you have to do mooching around- to look at what is there (roaming) cluttered- to fill something in an untidy or badly organized way clobber- possessions under our feet! - If someone is under your feet, their presence prevents you from doing what you want to be doing

Hi Stephan , What are you up to ? If you like to know last night was – 33 degree in my province , but weather experts have predicted this cold weather won’t long any more . I don’t think you look ridiculous with part hats , at all . Leastwise , you good natured people take advantage of this little joys , to be more happy . Some times I admire your traditions and relationships . Oh , what a good new resolution ! And how many it is ? I wish good luck for all of them .About me , I had just one plan for this year and it 's really a tough job , could you guess it ? Maybe at the time I 'll can give good news about it ( I 'm not sure ) And I wish good luck to dear lucy , with her charity work . I 'm a bit confused that how she can don't pay any money in her trip . could you please explain it fro me ? best wishes and bye

Hello Stephen! I did not used to make any New Year resolutions but last year I made an exception. I made it a rule that I will spend at least one hour a day studying English. Just imagine…I was quite successful in keeping it. It was not hard work with the BBC LE site. So my resolution is the same this year. Best wishes,

Welcome Lewis! It was so nice to turn on the computer yesterday and find your post. It was a pleasure to read it and find out a bit about you. I was sorry to read that your computer is not working correctly. Hopefully, you can blog from your work until it will be repaired. :) I did a little research concerning the salutation at the beginning of your blog. I learnt that “Hey up, me ducks! “ is a famous Nottingham welcome and it has some connection with Dick Whittington. So, Lewis, you are living in Nottingham, are you? I am really curious to know your most exciting news: What might it be? Hmmm.... I guess… you became a father. Yes, you have a lovely baby....girl….no, no... a baby boy? I am looking forward to hearing from you soon. Please, do not keep us guessing for long!

Hi. Lewis First, Congratulations on your success. Seeing that you have an expieriance of running promotion things in univ in the past time, I think that job would fit you perfectly. But since I`m more like a newbie about english. I`ve got several questions to ask you, if you wouldn`t mind. First thing I want to know is difference between `As for` and `As to`. I`ve look them up at the webmaster`s dictionary. But I couldn`t find any differences. I would be appreciated if you answering on this. Last thing is,, what is `hey up me ducks ` ? Is it like whatzzup? I`m ducks ? what doest that mean ?,, I can`t figure it out.. I`m looking foward to comments of yours. Thanks for reading. Lee . Rep.Korea

Hello, Paul. I can not fully express my gratitude toward your team who created this wonderful experience. To know about our former teachers and students is such a big fun! Thank you.

Hello! It's nice hearing from you! Of course we remember you and beautiful Tomono. I am glad you are here with us you promised. I have often wondered what are you doing? It seems everything is fine for you and I guess you'll be daddy. :-) All the very best,

Dear Paul,Jackie and the rest of the BBC LE team,this open blog is just fantastic! It makes a very special ,beautifully warm atmosphere of co-operation and reunion of old and new friends. As if by magic the whole blog has revived and turned into an exciting book,being written right now,which I'm craving reading from the start /I only joined in September/.It also means you will be working unsparingly,so keep up your good job!

hello,Lewis It's wonderful to hear from you. I have wondered wherther you and your wife have settled very well since you said you and your wife was coming back to UK.I think you might be in Yorkshire area.Hummm, the most exciting news! I guess you have a baby.see you again

Hey up Lewis! You do not know me but I remembered of you in the last December Webcast comment area and yet some times more. I started to read Anita´s blog but I didn´know we, lerners, may read teacher´s blog too. Later on I had put in all your post to my PC, that time without internet connection and read it twice trying to make the most of it to improve my poor English. Now, I know you live in Yorkshire where Rachel and Jonathan come from. Your Japan stories were very interesting and I remember well as you appealed to try commenting in your last post. You see I took the courage and I am here since December 2006. So, allow me now to wellcome you here. I am very curious about your news. Could it be something like in Amy´s family? See you!

Hi, First of all Happy New Year 2008 to you and your daughter! When I saw your photo immediately I was starting laugh myself (you look grate). My New Year resolution: I'll try improve English skills(in the future I'd like to talk with you without any problems) I think I must stop using brackets, too....... Regards Majka

Is this Stephen really that Stephen who spent a year with us? It’s unbelievable. What a huge surprise! Hello, Stephen. It’s me, Jill. Still remember me after a fabulous Christmas and New Year? I think you never know that after reading your Goodbye to us, I sent a long comment with tears in my eyes, but some days later the topic was closed and I didn’t see my comment. It made me feel bad because I had many many things that I wanted you know. But you come back now! Great! Great! I don’t care this time how long you will spend with us. I just want to let you know I’m always looking forward to hearing from you. Reading your essay is an excellent thing! You know how I spent my 3-day (much fewer than yours) New Year holiday? We were busy with the house decorating, running from one shop to another to buy stuffs. I’m surprised to hear that you would cycle along the Great Wall in this autumn. My New Year resolution is learning English as good as I can and if I saw you in Beijing I hope I would shock you by my fluent English! Wow! A big challenge for me! It’s difficult but I won’t give up. I’m so glad to catch up with you again and I have many things to tell you but don’t know where to start. If it’s not too late, I want to say Happy New Year to you and pretty Lucy! Wish you and your friends happy and successful in 2008! See you later. Bye. Jill.

Hello everybody! Thank you all for your kind wishes and words. In my turn, I would like to wish you all the best. You know, in late december i made a resolution to do two things in the coming new year: 1) to manage my time in a more effective way, and 2) learn how to save money and not to spend for nothing. How do you manage your time? I keep a daily to-do lists and have a small agenda notebook not to miss the deadlines or forget something important. cheers,

It's a nice surprise to hear from you! This is a grate reunion! I'm Tomo from Japan. I was surprised as I saw your photo with Raffles here! I missed you and your all lovely pets, Scratchy, Smokey, Panther, Socks and Raffles. And Richard, how are you? I hope you hunt an ideal house in the future soon. What should I talk about first? Yes, you have been tied up but you come and say hello to everyone here is grate! Thank you, Jo. The road would be bumpy but worth the effort. I hope you all the best! Jo, my new year's resolution is to challenge something new. For example, I think about changing jobs so I have started learning trading business by myself. I'm going to take a certificate exam in this year. And I should exercise to stay healhy and get into better shape. I need to get rid of my spare tyre as well! I always try to do it but unfortunately I'm not strong-willed. By the way, I'll answer the vocabularies. I put them in correct order, 1)unrest-angry or violent behaviour 2)burning the midnight oil-working until late 3)steep learning curve-when you have to~ 4)tied up-busy 5)kicking-giving up 6)booze-alcohol 7)spare tyre-extra fat around your waist 8)excesses-behaving in a decadent way. Jo, could you tell me how to find Mr.Right? I envy you. I want to find him in the future soon. It could be one of the biggest my new year's reolutions! See you!

Hi Stephen! Although I´m writing at the student blog area I couldn´t resist to drop few words to you :-). I totally agree with you. It´s impossible not to look ridiculous wearing party hats. Now imagine the scene: a bunch of grow up people( I was among them) wearing Hello Kitty party hats, and the only child( wise kid) in the party ardently refusing to wear her Hello Kitty party hat, and she didn´t wear it( boy, this little girl has opinion). That´s indeed a ridiculous but hilarious situation :-). All the best, Ana Paula.

Dear Jo, It is really enjoyable that we got ample opportunity to learn from various teacher simultaneously and I will remember that I got this opportunity to learn few expressions and way of writing from your blog. Most of the time I think how to write my feeling, opinion without using clumsy words in nice and better flow. When I read your blog, it gave me food for thought. Vocabulary 1) unrest angry or violent behaviour 2) burning the midnight oil working until late 3) steep learning curve - when you have to understand how to do something difficult in a short period of time 4) tied up busy 5) kicking giving up 6) booze - alcohol 7) spare tyre- extra fat around your waist 8) excesses behaving in a decadent way

Dear Stephen, Your question about my resolutions for this year awakes me that I have not any such resolutions. At this point of time, I haven’t made any resolution but want to promise you that learning English language will be the first resolution. I have tried it from last few months when I found BBC website and other language sites are really built up for language learner. I found this site very interesting as well as encourage learner to write what they can write in English. As far as possible, I will try to write my comments in this web site. Since I am living in Hindu background country, I don’t have such friends who exchanges (gives and takes) present during the period of Christmas and New Year. Regarding your aim to collect funds for charity, I want say that if there is will there is way. Certainly you will succeed to raise fund as you wish. Best of luck!

Hi! I fear something was wrong on my comment or my home PC. Curiously, father asked my mum lately if and how I had received that teacher´s New year greeting. It may not be interesting for you but my mum wanted to have eleven boys to build up a football team. Instead, she have had three girls. They both were deprived of your fortnight reports and it seems they suffer from the lack of entertainment. As if you were slowly but surely adopted from them. Candidly, could I have given them a better gift which lasted all the year? You may imagin the tears welling in our eyes, just as we´ve began to think what a tremmendous fellow you are.( Except that mean exercise, I went through it yet.) Please, take my apology for all my rudeness in the past. With the soul buckled at knees and stomach cramps I rambled two days after that lotery ticket comment. So, you had a strenuous New year eve! It is always good to acknowledge that you and Lucy have found true happiniss in your lives. Good recovering to your sister Kim! Goodbye, MR. BOND! Or not yet?

Hello,Stephen it's great to read your blog again and honestly i wrote my comments on your blog to say goodbye.But somehow it didn't appear.of course I was very very disappointed at that time but now I am very happy to have a chance to write some my sincere words to you.I am so glad you and Lucy are well.It's a bit late to wish you and your daughter a happy New year but I would love to wish you and Lucy have wonderful days throughout the whole year.By the way do you have any special desire to do something in this year? see you soon!

Hello,Jo It is so nice to hear from you and you look well. It's a bit late to say but I would like to wish you and Richard and you pets happy New Year 2008.I haven't read your blog thoroughly yet but I will read it tonight and learn new words and so on.Our house has been in a right mess since builders came to extend the house.As the result of it i haven't got much time to read blogs nowdays.Anyway,thank you for coming back to us and have a good day!

Hello Sir, it's really great to see you again and this time as a teacher blogger once again. I have been a regular visitor to your column but I think you don't remember me:( No worries, I'm also writing a blog as a student blogger and I hope you will mention my name in your next post. And yes, best wishes for Lucy. Naheed

Hello Jo, It's so nice to see you again that I have no words to express. I'm also blogging on the student blog and the other student bloggers are writing blogs too. I thought to drop you a comment. As for my studies, they are going well and the exams went well too and need your prayers, too. I'm very glad to know that you are writing a textbook and working really hard these days. I hope your cute pets are doing just as well. My best wishes are with you and Richard. I would like to have a go at the HW that you have set. 1) unrest:angry or violent behaviour, 2) burning the midnight oil:working until late, 3) steep learning curve:when you have to understand how to do something difficult in a short period of time ,4) tied up: busy,5)kicking:giving up, 6) booze:alcohol,7) spare tyre: extra fat around your waist,8) excesses: behaving in a decadent way. I will write more on the blog. Naheed

Hello, Jonathan. It was nice to meet you. Thank you for all your interesing stories and amazing photos. I'm longing for the arrival of the storks because I love spring. So thank you once again and I wish you a lot of happiness. Bye, bye.

Good to have you with us again, Stephen!'A lifer on death row'! What a phrase! Is it an idiom or an original metaphor? Anyway, I hope you'll feel happier soon. Any travel prospects? Any online teaching projects that you could share with us? Shall we look for 'A Stephen Keeler Column' somewhere on the Internet? Good luck and all the best, Elena

Dear Stephen, I was extremely eager to find out with whom I can meet as teacher blogger. I really overjoyed to read your blog and feel relax that I get an opportunity to write to you. I was completely busy last month and I was not able to write anything in your column as well as in regular blog. I forget that weather I have mentioned that I am working in Casino Nepal in your blog or not. Lots of our old VIP customers and some new VIP customers visited after a long time starting from 22nd December and casino was crowded with them and I got an opportunity to making up with them. Time flew in such a way that even my family start to ask for some times to talk with them during that period. I was not able to write comment in your last column. Your column reminded me about my old friend who used to say “let’s talk in English. My English is improved now” after drinking a glass of alcohol. Expecting your next blog! Bye!

Jambo ! Stephen !, Believe it or not : I knew you were going to be the first teacher blogger. Your comparison “a relationship with no future” seems to me perfectly exact. So lets take advantage of this possibility to get in touch again. I don’t always have time or enough energy to post a comment but I keep all blogs as reference and read them off-line, in batch mode. This year I think I have improved my English. Thanks to you all and my Irish teacher. I am sorry, and I must recognise that I forgot to rise a glass to “absent friends” even if during the day I had told myself to remember. I am curious to read the other comments. This site has become like a kind of drug (soft fortunately) but I cannot stand checking several times a day if there are new posts. Like I commented in your last column, I don’t like to say goodbye so I’ll say again “Hasta la vista”. Antonio

hello Jonathan, you are very good in teaching English. I learned a lot of things, especially that "information" doesn't need a "s" in the plural. The photo of the stork is very nice. Here, in the area I live, storks are very seldom to see. A sign for spring in our country are the returning wild geese.It's always an impressive performance to see and hear them on the sky.I love it very much, and as they fly always the same route, I can observe them from our garden. Best wishes for you and your family, thank you for all Christine

Hello Jonathan and hopefully we will see you again on this board. It's been a great time with you. We got to learn a lot of language points from you that have been very helpful to us in using English correctly. I will say Thank you and best wishes to you for now and for the future. Naheed

Dear Jackie, It is hard to digest that teacher Jonathan is not in part of main teacher blogger and we are not able to learn directly from him. It is also enjoyable to read open blog from all teachers at a same time and can ask so many things which we were not able to raise in that period when they were teacher blogger. Today after long time I glance at Stephen Keller column today and found that it is his last column and felt sorrow that we lost an opportunity write comments in it. I want to ask weather new teacher will write same type of column again or it is permanently closed. BBC LEARNING ENGLISH: Silwar, the column is permanently closed.

Hello, Jonathan. I've just come back. I spent my Christmas and following two weeks with my parents. They didn't want to let me come back because they are crazy about my three-year-old son. Now I'm reading all outstanding stories from your blog. I wish you a Happy New Year. Bye.

Jonathan you have made the English moors and Polish dunes come alive due your blog entries. In fact all your entries have been very interesting. I have been away a lot since mid December and for that reason my participation has been so minimal. I hope this short thank you appears as a comment and reaches you. For some reason my last comment was not published. Maybe my good wishes went to cyber space! All the best to you and everyone!

Hello Jonathan! The pictures are very beautiful. Looking at them it made me remember of a wonderful city here in Brazil called Natal. Natal also has wondering dunes. It´s an amzing place to visit. Best wishes, Ana Paula.

Dear Jonathan, I like to ask you is it essential to write no more fishing your passport out of your pocket or your luggage. The phrase fishing something out is not sufficient. Photographs of beach are very interesting to watch natural phenomenon which is beyond one’s imagination. If someone writes this scenery in his writing without such photographs, it looks like artificial and difficult to believe.

Jonathan, I am sorry that I did not get a change to give my comments to your entries more often than I have done. My life seems to be in a constant turmoil; from one project to the other task. However I have found your entries very interesting, I particularly enjoyed your writings from England. I wish you and your family all the best, also warmest regards to everyone; Leila is back.

Dear Rachel I am an English teacher, but I am not teaching in this period because I've a baby(6 mounths).I'd like improve my English so can you send me some English exercises? Thank you very much Felicia from Italy

Hi Jonathan! What a wonderful pictures! They look like paintings, especially the second one. It´s really amazing :-). Best wishes, Ana Paula.

Hello Jonathan, I just came across your and Silvia's blog and like to send in my very first comment. Your trip to York made me look for some pictures on the web. The Minster looks truly impressing and beautiful. Twenty years ago, after I finished school, two friends of mine and I went on a six-week journey to Italy (Florence, Siena, San Gimigniano, Perugia, Assisi), Vienna, Cologne and Strasbourg. Apart from enjoying our freedom on the verge of adulthood, sleeping outside under starry skies and meeting lots of nice and very hospitable people, we also visited some great ecclesiastical buildings. I think you still can experience the enormous power the Christian Church had in the past, when you stand in a cathedral like the York Minster. Great Britain's (pre)historic heritage is amazing! (According to Bill Bryson in "Notes From a Small Island" (1995) this heritage comprises 12000 medieval churches, 445000 listed historic buildings and 600000 significant archaeological places. Is that true??) Maybe I'll visit York when I come to Britain this or next year. It definitely seems worth seeing. Finally: Like many other students said, your corrections, examples and explanations are extremely useful to improve my/our English. Thank you and have a very good start of 2008! omar somalia thank you verry murch for explaining the meanig of alot of word and sentences first i thought i never learn english but now i have a hope thank you verry murch

Dear Jonathan, When I read about “first footing” tradition, it gave me a glimpse of male dominant society prevailed in British culture. When we talk about human right, equality rights, certainly these types of traditional practice should not be continued as far as possible. You mentioned that younger generation are unaware of it and don’t practicing it. The ways of fortune telling in Germany and Poland are interesting and if any of us properly take care about it, we can find it most of society in various forms. I tried to find out single word for group of words as follows: 1 whole, unbroken, well-preserved - intact 2 shades of black and white, without other colours- monochrome 3 to examine carefully - scrutinise 4 not too expensive - modestly-priced 5 a not-very-attractive smell –unpleasant odours 6 a trip to a place of interest -excursion 7 drinking (an informal word) -booze 8 spending more than necessary (an adjective) - extravagant 9 miscellaneous human-made objects (e.g. found by archaeologists) - artefacts 10 to fall down (e.g. a building)-collapse

Hi Jonathan! We have " first call" over here. On New Year's Day only men should pick up the receiver. If a woman makes a phone call or answers the phone, it brings bad luck. Have you ever heard of Cologne's Carnival? If so, have you ever seen it? I hope to visit Northern Germany one day. Happy New Year to you and yours! Ps: Congratulations to Amy Lightfoot and Ed!!!

Hi every one Here ( My city : Ardebil ) in the morning the temperature was – 20 degree ! Any way , my province is 2000 meter above see and is a mountain area and we have used to it's coldness although this temperature is really rare . But there were huge snow fall in most parts of Iran , even in Tehran ( capital of Iran ) officials gaved two days off to all schools and most offices and there are some Gass shortage in 4 city of Iran ( Although I don't want to exaggerate ) and here are my answers : 1- Intact 2- Monochrome 3- scrutinize 4- modestly-priced 5- unpleasant odours 6-Excursion 7-Boozing 8- Extravagant 9- Artefacts 10 – Collapse Best wishes

Hi Jonathan, thank you for your interesting blog.The tradition of the "first-footing" is so lovely. It's really a pity that these traditions are dying out. It's happening with our traditions as well and much more faster, I presume... This exercise was challenging, I like it very much, because it makes you go over the blogs again and again and more carefully. Here are my answers: 1 whole, unbroken, well-preserved (intact) 2 shades of black and white, without other colours (monochrome) 3 to examine carefully(scrutinize) 4 not too expensive (modestly priced) 5 a not-very-attractive smell(odour) 6 a trip to a place of interest (excursion) 7 drinking (an informal word)(booze) 8 spending more than necessary (an adjective)(extravagent) 9 miscellaneous human-made objects (e.g. found by archaeologists)(artefacts) 10 to fall down (e.g. a building) (collaspe). All the best..

i know to write english but hesitation in speaking. sometimes the difficult sentences also make me in difficulty. SO TIPS for that difficulty

I have been following your entries again since we got back from our holidays to Egypt Jonathan. I particularly loved your description of Yorkshire Dales. Rightly or wrongly the entry reminded me of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Your pictures of the dales seemed so ancient and one could sense the unexpected. I could picture my favorite character, young Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights, going about on the dales. He if anyone was a sinewy man. Talking about books you mentioned that your liked The Trial. I also find the book very intriguing; it is a truly international piece of work. Recently due my travelling, I have made it a habit to buy a book from airports. Usually I buy something that is totally unknown to me. I have made some good purchases purely by accident. I very much liked Black Swan Green by David Mitchell and at the moment I am reading The Meaning of Night by Michael Cox. It is always good to read your entries Jonathan, all the best to you and your family.

Hi¡¡ I'm a new blogger and I'm very surprise about your trip. I mean the huge information that you told us. So I am thinking in going to Leeds, York...next summer.Thanks a lot

Thank you Jonathan for you knid reply! Your grammar lessons are helping me to look at some more areas of my English learning. Wishes, Naheed

Hello, Jonathan.I discovered your blog and it will be wonderfull for my learning of English! Happy new year for you! About your pictures, they are very interesting.As I live in Brazil, a place surrounded of tress, The first thing I pay attention everywhere is their presence. In Spain I noted he lack of trees in some places.It was very hot because of this.But each landscape has its significance it depends on the way you look at it.

Hello Jonathan, what a lovely description!. I have also been to few valleys and hills in the northen area of our country. It was a great experience. The pictures you have taken are also very good. Wishing all of you 2008 soft as silk, white as milk,sweet as honey and full of money :). Takecare and bye

Hello teacher. I've read your entry. I have one small question for you. Here is your sentence in your post. "Like most of you did, I spent all day with my family.' " I don't know this structure of "like". Like + S + V. Could you explain this for me? In addition, as I know, the structure "as + S" is quite right. For example: As a manager, Sara control all staffs well. What do you think about this? Tell me. Thank you a lot, teacher.

Hello Jonathan! How are you doing? I´m at a lan house writing this comment. I would like to wish to you and your family a very happy 2008. I hope I can see you in January. Best wishes, Ana Paula.

Merry Christmas to you and your family. Take this comment as a Christmas card.

A special message for dear Amy : Hi dear Amy and congratulation !So finally you did it . I just was at think of you that Iread good news about you . Iwish you and your family the best in 2008 . Don't forget to kiss your kids for me and send my hello to your better half .Happy new year and bye

Hello hello Jonathan. Hope you are having a nice relaxing week. You mentioned in you posting some odd characters you had seen during you last-minute shopping. Which reminded me that we also have at least one rather odd character that lives in our city. I have only seen him once but I when I saw him, I realized straight away that it was him. People call him "Angel", because he is only seen wearing white clothes. Head to toe. And he never wears anything warmer than just a jumper (of course, white) even in winter (and we have cold winters, it was -20'c yesterday). How weird... Anastasia

Hello Jonathan! Have a good Christmas you too :-). Jonathan, could be possible to you send for us some photos of Leeds Christmas lights please? It would be fab to see them. I thank in advance. Good bye, Ana Paula.

So, at last, you are now in your old home. Your journey was very interesting to me. Because I can not reach any other country by rail. Crossing boarders means to fly for us. I love your robin photo. She (he?) looks like asking something to someone. Your photo always gives me inspiration and makes me imagine a fantastic story. Thanks.

Hi Jonathan What a surprise to find someone reluctance to fly. I supposed today, in XXI century, this is very strange. Anyway, it's very important to keep trains moving, and preserve historic railways stations from demolition, even if they don't receive trains anymore. In other field, I had no idea what a robin is. Now I realize what the name Robin Hood is about. Thank you ver much. I wish a Merry Christmas with you and your family. Bye.

Hello Jonathan, it was probably very interseting to read about how was your journey. The best part about travelling by train is that one can get to see new places which is not possible up from the sky. Wishes, Naheed

hi Samantha, I'm a Tibetan Guy, residing in india, born and brought up in India.I read your full explianation about the usuage of 'do', its really helpful to clear out our all doubts, so nice of you.I appreciate your eye-opener work.Really its amazing!I do hope there will be many in the near future.Keep up the good work & teaching. Regards, Songyal,New Delhi,INDIA

Dear Rachel, After three days I opened my computer to read your blogs and I get surprised and overjoyed to see all those lovely photos. Here in Nepal and other Hindu countries, we are celebrating great festivals (Dipawali)-festivals of lights. There is a myth behind it, and though people know it or don’t know it, it is celebrated with great enthusiasm. During this festival, people worship goddess Laxmi (Goddess of Wealth) and their wealth in the evening in the third day of festival. All the nooks and corners of the house including the courtyard, rooms and cowsheds are cleaned and illuminated with colorful and decorative lights this evening in the belief that Goddess Laxmi does not come to places which are not properly illuminated, and to please Goddess Laxmi, people light lamps and spend the whole night in vigil. Laxmi pooja is performed at dusk using red mud, and Pooja is often done by a female in the family. She uses her hand covered with red mud to make a symbolic foot-print on the floor entering the home and makes a trail leading to the Pooja room. Laxmi Pooja is not only for households but is equally done at businesses. It is done the same way as in the homes and some staffs are invited to participate in the Pooja. In the evening time, cultural programmes like 'Deusi' and 'Bhailo' are also held – which are the highlights of the Tihar festival. In my opinion this cultural programmes in evening time is celebrated in Nepalese culture only. Phulraj can highlights more how it is celebrated in India. One more things my family members are not celebrating, whole Tihar festival this year due to demises of one of family members from my joint family. Today, the 99th birth anniversary of poet laureate Laxmi Prasad Devkota is celebrated by organising a variety of programmes in the country and abroad. He is profounder of romanticism-progressive trend in Nepali literature, his writing exhibits humanism, and love for nature and revolutionary. A blend of eastern and western philosophy can be found in his creations. He had made a very important contribution to the worldwide publicity of Nepali literature by translating Nepali creations into foreign language and representing Nepal in various conferences held outside the country. off and on (expr) -it happens sometimes (one of Sydney’s) gems (n)- something that is very good, pleasing or useful knocking off time (expr) - to stop working, usually at the end of a day sweepstake (n) - a type of betting be into sth (phr vb) –to be involved in something epidemic (n) - when a large number of people get the same disease over the same period of time quarantine (n / vb)-Keeping infected animal away from group

Hi, Lewis, Congrats, you are going to be a Dad. I am Kuldeep Raj, Male, 38 years, Jammu, India, attempting to learn English for the last about 12 years. I am engaged with BBC Learning English Site for last 1-1/2 years and was very happy to find such a wonderful and useful site I ever came across. I improved vocabulary as well as grammar also. I wish to establish grip over English Language to the extent that I could be able to express even very complicated and critical ideas. I hope I will be successful in my mission with the help of daily reading of BBC Site. Blogs and Flatmates are very much interesting and are big language improvers. I owe to BBC team and its great teachers who are putting their best and doing a great social service. Keep it up. Kindly convey my this message to BBC team. I thanks for your today’s interesting blog . You has really been successful to provoke me to actively participate in blog. In fact, I uses to read but always hesitate to write (although I admit that a reverse order should be done to improve upon English rapidly). India is a country full of superstitions. Some Superstitions regarding newly born babes particularly in north belt are: You know, in India, Son baby preferred / given more weightage. In order to keep him away from bad souls / Evil souls, a black thread studed with small iron balls and small beads ( 2 to3 mm dia size approx.) of black / White / Red colour, is buckled / tied around the Waist of son child. It is known as Taragi An Iron ring putted on wrist of child. Some Mustard seeds wrapped in a piece of cloth bucked /tied with Bed of Child as well as on the upper portion of his / her Arm (between Ankle and below shoulder) Whenever, we went outside with child, a dot / point of collyrium / antimony (or any black colour application) is applied on forehead so as to protect him/her from those persons having evil eyes or considered having bad eyes. If child continue cries despite of proper care and medical treatment, people take them to Saint. This Saint ( say Villain in other words) do some religious rituals, explits and befools people. In Kashmiri Community, people put on wrist a Horse-Weared-Iron –Nose-Ring to keep evil souls away from child. Nearby Neighbour ladies comes to Home to see newly born child and hand over some money (called Pyar) to newly child as a token of love and affection. Whenever this newly born baby visits any of relatives home, they welcome baby by pouring a mustard oil at the doorsteps at boundary wall of house and then let the baby cross a doorsteps / boundary wall of house. Incase of Son baby, when his first Lohri comes (festival falls on every year’s 13th January) it is celebrated with a much enthusiasm and fervour. All relatives are invited who stay at night. Locality residents are also invited to have a Lunch / Dinner. As evening grew, say from 2 pm, Children in groups of 2 to 10 starts to come home and ask for a Lohri Money, Groundnut, Some chunks of Jaggery etc given to these children. At late evening, big groups of Adult boys and girls (of age between 15-20) visits newly born home and dance on traditional lohri related songs for some span of time. They are also given same treatment i.e Money, Groundnut, Some chunks of Jaggery etc (but in good quantity) Then after paying obeisance to God, a big wood -log (call Lohri) is burnt . Relatives and family members sits around this burning wood-log. Ground nut, Chirware (rice made dry item, Small & round chunks of Jaggery (Jaggery Pils !) is eaten while throwing these ( say handful) into burning log.. It goes till late night, Dance on a drum beats is performed. Hence, Lohri is a festival celebrated two times. First time when son birth takes place and Second time when he got married. ---------------------------- Here we never shops for would-be child. We never name a child before birth. Rather it is felt bad. Because, in modern age, child morality rate is almost nil, I am in favour of shopping for a child lying in the lap of future. In ad

Hello everyone. I'd just like say a big Thank You for the unexpected recent feast of extra comments from names both familiar and unfamiliar.

Hello Stephen!It is good to avoid resolutions for the reason – it makes my days a little bit happier. For example, if I had a resolution to be kind and nice every day, I would have one extra reason to feel unhappy (in a case when things went not as smoothly as I expected) – I did not realize my resolution. I prefer not to be guilty in my unlucky day. It really helps. But I am not going to avoid my next year plans. After Easter I will go to Slovenia – it will be the final meeting of the school project that I started three years ago. It was a great possibility to travel and find friends in many countries and to practice English. I am planning to go to Scotland in summer in a case I will get a grant to study. It is pleasure to travel and find something different all around.