Too late on the back one for me. Mine's banjaxed completely at this point. That's why I gave up teaching (in public) for good. Was tired of being called QuasiPuzzo.
Thank you, Daniel! Maybe, it sounds a bit cynical but thank your that, first of all, your book and your posts (and this one in particular) are doing exactly what are they supposed to do for me, as an English language learner - they whet my "English language appetite" and I always have some new, interesting phraseological units I can put in use right away. And simultaneously ( o gosh, I'm keeping to struggle with this word pronunciation) your posts are the mental pabulum for me and source of amusement at the same time. These are my musings:)
"Then means Never" - that's my top advice I was told in my early 20th and I often use it as my life moto.
Zhenia, it doesn't sound cynical at all! Glad to hear that you're benefiting from my nonsense 😂
Honestly, most of the feedback I get these days is from non-language learners, but there are, however, a dedicated group of you who often tell me they enjoy my posts (and my book). I'm still trying to get more Ukrainian and language-learning readers - I have a lot of new FB followers and people interested in improving their language, but the question is, how to get them over here to Substack?
Well done on using some new vocabulary - fantastic! And as you know, when you're writing you luckily don't have to worry about pronunciation. Your 'simultaneously' is my 'cacophony' (remember?). Beautiful musings, by the way! Remind me - where did you see pabulum? That is a word I have used, but I'm trying to remember a context I might have used it.
'Then means Never' is pretty good advice. It's not too similar to some advice I first received when I was in Lviv in 2005 but it reminds me of it: I was told by many people that a Ukrainian 'maybe means no'!
Definitely not, Daniel, it's nonsense to tell that's it's nonsense 😁 because I always had an unbearable choice before - did I want to read smth useful but boring and abstruse (in English, I mean), or vice versa - you relieve my agony of choice and now I have 2 in 1 or "enjoy&benefit " option :)
That's hard to say how to involve people into Substack, especially the younger ones - Substack is not widely promoted, honestly, and appreciated by the exclusive and dedicated circles of people mostly. While the the overwhelming majority is totally absorbed by the titans of social media, like Facebook and Instagram. And it's understandable - people want to keep it easier, learn English and other things "as you go", and even one extra movement feels uncomfortable.. I think, the problem is in law intrinsic motivation, unfortunately - we all are spoiled by bright pictures and persistent noise of marketing.
So, maybe I'm mistaken, but I feel, the only right way is "to follow the bus" and try to accept the rules of majority in order to achieve your goal and benefit even more. I'm telling this as a mother of 3 teenagers - as an example, sometimes we have the arguments, and despite I hate sorting things out in "dead" WhatsApp messages, I do it to finally benefit. If you know what I mean.
Sorry for telling my opinion you didn't ask for :))
Mental pabulum - I don't know where I came across it, but it's quite popular in my own Ukrainian language vocabulary. Sometimes it can be comparable with another popular quote from the Rome Empire times: “Two things only the people anxiously desire — bread and circuses.”))
Abstruse - what a word, very nice. Pabulum too. Not used much in English, but it has a nice literary effect.
Never apologise for giving me your opinion 🤗☺️ - I love it!
Btw, please tell two of your three lovely children that I said hello! You can tell all three, but I think only two of them remember me well (I definitely haven't forgotten their names, of course not, I know some people aren't so keen on sharing family members' names on social media).
The best advice I was given once is that surprisingly often, best response is no response. This refers to situations when you are being prompted to say something, but in fact your words won’t change anything yet are likely to contribute to unnecessary tension and emotions, and eventually have opposite effect to intended.
Such good advice. Reminds me of a colleague who always felt the need to say something in meetings, especially in those last few minutes when it was wrapping up. There was NO need to say a damn thing, but this nitwit always had to pipe up and there collective groans of 'oh no, not again...'
I forget who said this, but I love it: 'It's so easy to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don't say it.'
The best advice I've had, at almost every stage of my life from the cradle to creaking middle age, is "Do not put that in your mouth." I have never heeded it. I may learn before the dotage.
I can't resist sharing something disgusting, and perhaps you've done the same (I'm not sure if you have nieces and/or nephews?). When my daughter was small and the flat was a tip and I was just shattered and lying on the floor, playing with her, tidying up, it was often more efficient if I saw what looked like food fragments to eat them. When you can barely move and there are crumbs and God knows what else, it was just easier.
I can’t believe you wrote a book in a month, that’s incredible. Not to mention all your other books! I don’t think I have enough words in me for even one. I also don’t think I’ve ever really been given much advice at all, never mind any that’s been ‘the best’. Maybe ‘start weightlifting now. You’ll benefit in a few decades’ I think that was probably good advice, although I haven’t even attempted to implement it
Writing a book in a month isn't necessarily that difficult. Writing a *good* book in a month, now that is. Writing a pish book, as I've probably done - easy peasy.
This is hilarious as usual Daniel - you should write a book! Seriously though congratulations on 45k words in one month, that's amazing, must feel great.
In terms of advice I can't think of much that's been any good to be honest, although I do remember when I was a teenager I found I didn't have anything to talk about in social situations, which made me feel really uncomfortable. The advice, from my northern Grandad, was "If you've got nowt to say, say nowt," which I hated at the time, but now I think its probably quite good. Less is more and all that.
Thanks Faith, but hang on - I have written a book! Or another one, you mean - I’m all ears, if you’ve got a specific angle and subject in mind, I’m all for it.
I forget who said this, maybe a comedian, but it was along the lines of ‘It’s so easy to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don’t say it.’
@Heddwen Newton so kindly shed light on it for me (her newsletter is very interesting as well, I’ve yet to delve deeply, but I plan to). It’s basically Gen X’s version of ‘wanna come up for a coffee?’
Does that help?
Here’s Wikipedia, just in case: "Netflix and chill" is an Internet slang term used as a euphemism for sexual activity, either as part of a romantic partnership, as casual sex, or as a groupie invitation.
Ah, of course. I did come across that in another context recently, then promptly put it out of my mind. It makes perfect sense for younger generations.
These phrases really can be a source of light-hearted amusement when conversing with younger generations. While I was teaching those generations in the classroom, that was another story. I had no idea about half of the new slang they’d try to introduce me to (‘Why on earth would an old fart like me need it?’ I’d ask them)
Worst advice I've ever been given: "Take the Deutsche Bahn instead of flying, it's climate friendlier"...
That may be the case, but I'd actually like to arrive at my destination, which is why I fly even within Germany (Sorry 🫣), but you apparently understand...
I love it when people here in the UK start to rant about their railway system. Everyone refuses to believe me when I tell them the system in ever-so-efficient Germany is 10x worse.
I wonder what happened to my reply? It's disappeared!
I think it was along the lines of 'what on earth happened to German trains?' There was a time, right, when they were efficient and a pleasure to use. I remember travelling around Germany for the 2006 World Cup and the trains were great.
Funnily, over the years teaching English in Eastern Europe whenever the expression 'as regular as clockwork' came up, the automatic default example was 'German trains.' 😂😭
Unfortunately, it's not just the German trains, it's the German everything 😂 The exemplary efficiency Germany once stood for is a thing of the past. I have no idea when/why it took a turn for the worse?! Presumably bad management across all sectors.
I used to have 2 colleagues from Belarus who would joke that things (even trains) ran better or were more punctual in the Soviet Union where they grew up 🙈
Your former Belarussian colleagues didn't need to joke - it's true! In Ukraine, the trains are far from perfect, but they are remarkably timely. A 30 minute delay on an 8 hour journey is considered a minor crisis there!
The best advice I've had, which I'm trying to pass on to my kids: look after your teeth and look after your back. And thanks for the shout out 😊
Too late on the back one for me. Mine's banjaxed completely at this point. That's why I gave up teaching (in public) for good. Was tired of being called QuasiPuzzo.
Thank you, Daniel! Maybe, it sounds a bit cynical but thank your that, first of all, your book and your posts (and this one in particular) are doing exactly what are they supposed to do for me, as an English language learner - they whet my "English language appetite" and I always have some new, interesting phraseological units I can put in use right away. And simultaneously ( o gosh, I'm keeping to struggle with this word pronunciation) your posts are the mental pabulum for me and source of amusement at the same time. These are my musings:)
"Then means Never" - that's my top advice I was told in my early 20th and I often use it as my life moto.
Zhenia, it doesn't sound cynical at all! Glad to hear that you're benefiting from my nonsense 😂
Honestly, most of the feedback I get these days is from non-language learners, but there are, however, a dedicated group of you who often tell me they enjoy my posts (and my book). I'm still trying to get more Ukrainian and language-learning readers - I have a lot of new FB followers and people interested in improving their language, but the question is, how to get them over here to Substack?
Well done on using some new vocabulary - fantastic! And as you know, when you're writing you luckily don't have to worry about pronunciation. Your 'simultaneously' is my 'cacophony' (remember?). Beautiful musings, by the way! Remind me - where did you see pabulum? That is a word I have used, but I'm trying to remember a context I might have used it.
'Then means Never' is pretty good advice. It's not too similar to some advice I first received when I was in Lviv in 2005 but it reminds me of it: I was told by many people that a Ukrainian 'maybe means no'!
Definitely not, Daniel, it's nonsense to tell that's it's nonsense 😁 because I always had an unbearable choice before - did I want to read smth useful but boring and abstruse (in English, I mean), or vice versa - you relieve my agony of choice and now I have 2 in 1 or "enjoy&benefit " option :)
That's hard to say how to involve people into Substack, especially the younger ones - Substack is not widely promoted, honestly, and appreciated by the exclusive and dedicated circles of people mostly. While the the overwhelming majority is totally absorbed by the titans of social media, like Facebook and Instagram. And it's understandable - people want to keep it easier, learn English and other things "as you go", and even one extra movement feels uncomfortable.. I think, the problem is in law intrinsic motivation, unfortunately - we all are spoiled by bright pictures and persistent noise of marketing.
So, maybe I'm mistaken, but I feel, the only right way is "to follow the bus" and try to accept the rules of majority in order to achieve your goal and benefit even more. I'm telling this as a mother of 3 teenagers - as an example, sometimes we have the arguments, and despite I hate sorting things out in "dead" WhatsApp messages, I do it to finally benefit. If you know what I mean.
Sorry for telling my opinion you didn't ask for :))
Mental pabulum - I don't know where I came across it, but it's quite popular in my own Ukrainian language vocabulary. Sometimes it can be comparable with another popular quote from the Rome Empire times: “Two things only the people anxiously desire — bread and circuses.”))
Abstruse - what a word, very nice. Pabulum too. Not used much in English, but it has a nice literary effect.
Never apologise for giving me your opinion 🤗☺️ - I love it!
Btw, please tell two of your three lovely children that I said hello! You can tell all three, but I think only two of them remember me well (I definitely haven't forgotten their names, of course not, I know some people aren't so keen on sharing family members' names on social media).
The best advice I was given once is that surprisingly often, best response is no response. This refers to situations when you are being prompted to say something, but in fact your words won’t change anything yet are likely to contribute to unnecessary tension and emotions, and eventually have opposite effect to intended.
Such good advice. Reminds me of a colleague who always felt the need to say something in meetings, especially in those last few minutes when it was wrapping up. There was NO need to say a damn thing, but this nitwit always had to pipe up and there collective groans of 'oh no, not again...'
I forget who said this, but I love it: 'It's so easy to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don't say it.'
Wow. That quote of yours made my day!
The best advice I've had, at almost every stage of my life from the cradle to creaking middle age, is "Do not put that in your mouth." I have never heeded it. I may learn before the dotage.
I can't resist sharing something disgusting, and perhaps you've done the same (I'm not sure if you have nieces and/or nephews?). When my daughter was small and the flat was a tip and I was just shattered and lying on the floor, playing with her, tidying up, it was often more efficient if I saw what looked like food fragments to eat them. When you can barely move and there are crumbs and God knows what else, it was just easier.
Come to think of it, it's not terrible advice.
I have five nieces and nephews who all bully me mercilessly. I think I might pass your good advice onto them.
I can’t believe you wrote a book in a month, that’s incredible. Not to mention all your other books! I don’t think I have enough words in me for even one. I also don’t think I’ve ever really been given much advice at all, never mind any that’s been ‘the best’. Maybe ‘start weightlifting now. You’ll benefit in a few decades’ I think that was probably good advice, although I haven’t even attempted to implement it
Writing a book in a month isn't necessarily that difficult. Writing a *good* book in a month, now that is. Writing a pish book, as I've probably done - easy peasy.
This is hilarious as usual Daniel - you should write a book! Seriously though congratulations on 45k words in one month, that's amazing, must feel great.
In terms of advice I can't think of much that's been any good to be honest, although I do remember when I was a teenager I found I didn't have anything to talk about in social situations, which made me feel really uncomfortable. The advice, from my northern Grandad, was "If you've got nowt to say, say nowt," which I hated at the time, but now I think its probably quite good. Less is more and all that.
Thanks Faith, but hang on - I have written a book! Or another one, you mean - I’m all ears, if you’ve got a specific angle and subject in mind, I’m all for it.
I forget who said this, maybe a comedian, but it was along the lines of ‘It’s so easy to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don’t say it.’
Cracked me up the ‘Netflix and chill ‘ and now to find out you don’t know what the emojis mean 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
sayings that have done me good ‘if you don’t know what to do, do nothing’ ‘don’t worry too much, everything changes ‘ 😅😅
Okay, someone has to explain the Netflix thing to me.
Um, does it have to be me? Please no!
@Heddwen Newton so kindly shed light on it for me (her newsletter is very interesting as well, I’ve yet to delve deeply, but I plan to). It’s basically Gen X’s version of ‘wanna come up for a coffee?’
Does that help?
Here’s Wikipedia, just in case: "Netflix and chill" is an Internet slang term used as a euphemism for sexual activity, either as part of a romantic partnership, as casual sex, or as a groupie invitation.
Ah, of course. I did come across that in another context recently, then promptly put it out of my mind. It makes perfect sense for younger generations.
These phrases really can be a source of light-hearted amusement when conversing with younger generations. While I was teaching those generations in the classroom, that was another story. I had no idea about half of the new slang they’d try to introduce me to (‘Why on earth would an old fart like me need it?’ I’d ask them)
Indeed why? And in six months it will have all changed again. 😁
Worst advice I've ever been given: "Take the Deutsche Bahn instead of flying, it's climate friendlier"...
That may be the case, but I'd actually like to arrive at my destination, which is why I fly even within Germany (Sorry 🫣), but you apparently understand...
I love it when people here in the UK start to rant about their railway system. Everyone refuses to believe me when I tell them the system in ever-so-efficient Germany is 10x worse.
I wonder what happened to my reply? It's disappeared!
I think it was along the lines of 'what on earth happened to German trains?' There was a time, right, when they were efficient and a pleasure to use. I remember travelling around Germany for the 2006 World Cup and the trains were great.
Funnily, over the years teaching English in Eastern Europe whenever the expression 'as regular as clockwork' came up, the automatic default example was 'German trains.' 😂😭
Unfortunately, it's not just the German trains, it's the German everything 😂 The exemplary efficiency Germany once stood for is a thing of the past. I have no idea when/why it took a turn for the worse?! Presumably bad management across all sectors.
I used to have 2 colleagues from Belarus who would joke that things (even trains) ran better or were more punctual in the Soviet Union where they grew up 🙈
Your former Belarussian colleagues didn't need to joke - it's true! In Ukraine, the trains are far from perfect, but they are remarkably timely. A 30 minute delay on an 8 hour journey is considered a minor crisis there!
The Netflix and chill thing was very funny 😆 thank you for the mention.