Nowadays, we live in a ludicrously gift-giving society. It is often claimed that people offer presents without taking into account the true importance of doing so. But does it have to be that way? Has gift-giving really lost its meaning? My personal experience on 2 different occasions tells me that many gifts could be described as priceless or innapropriate depending on the particular timing they are given. Specifically, I have received 2 gifts which have made a huge impression on me, a hand-made album and a mock watch.

One of the best gifts I have ever received was a hand-made album which contained a great deal of photos about my schoolife. I was offered this album as a farewell gift when I finished the primary school. In particular, one of my best friends, George, decided to give this present to only a few people. Of course, I consider it to be valuable and original, as it will always bring me back to my childhood. As soon as I took the album, I felt really enchated and emotional. I realised I had made life-lasting relations and friendships. In fact, I believe this special album is the most exorbitant present I have ever been given.

But not all gifts are chosen with such care. I will never forget it when my cousin, Marie, gave me a fake brand-named watch. Surely, I was negatively surprised as soon as I found out how expensive my gift was. Indeed, I did not really want to believe that my closest relative had offered me such a tacky imitation of watch. Of course, I was not that amazed when the watch stopped working in a matter of minutes. In any case, I did not expect my cousin to give me such a horrible gift, especially because it was a birthday present...

To sum up, we can see that giving a tasteful and special present is not so easy. I am totally convinced that most of you have already given or been offered terrible and awful gifts. To my mind, a gift is most meaningful when it is made with love, care and effort. So, as the old saying goes,'It is the thought that counts'.

This week's film;"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"is the latest blockbuster to hit our cinemas. Based on the novel by J.K. Rowling, it is the fourth installment in the Harry Potter series. The film is set in several different places, although much of the setting is imaginary.

It is, at heart, a fantasy adventure film.Harry and his 2 friends, Hermione and Ron, are in their 4th year at "Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry". Harry has some unpleasant dreams concerning Lord Voldemort making plans with Peter Pettigrew. The caretaker is caught and murdered by the Dark Lord, while Ron and Hermione express concern over Harry's dreams.Harry is chosen to be 1 of the 4 competitors for a highly dangerous event, the Triwizard Tournament, which is being held at Hogwarts with only 1 student from each 1 of the 3 competing schools selected to take part. Mystery occurs when Goblet of Fire chooses Harry Potter as a competitor, although he is too young to compete.

Directed by M.Newell, the film is full of suspense. The director managed to make the atmosphere of the book fit the one of the film, the characters also give spellbinding performances. D.Radcliffe as Harry Potter and as the main hero, R.Grint as Ron Weasly and E.Watson as H. Granger undoubtedly portray each character magically. The film score was both enchating and evocative.

While it is sure that the film will be loved by film goers, the difficulties that the film makers had to deal with in order to make a successful dramatisation were numerous. The book is huge and full of details and events, so the cuts were quite drastic. Last but not least, cast had to be selected and directed properly in order to square with the characters of the book. To conclude, the whole adaptation of the film for the "big screen" was very successful.

Reading 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' in english

I have been recently reading the fourth novel in Harry Potter series, entitled 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire'. What makes it different, is the fact that I read it in english and the whole procedure seems a bit strange and unusual. Of course, reading a book in english is not the easiest thing in the world, as I do not understand a great deal of words. On the other hand, it is really interesting and challenging, even if sometimes I get confused and bored. To conclude, I could say that reading a book in a foreign language and particularly in english is a very pleasant experience, which can definetely help you improve your knowledge and ability in the use of english

vforvlastos: Kansas - Dust in the wind 1977

vforvlastos: Kansas - Dust in the wind 1977

Kansas - Dust in the wind 1977