Early Sunsets - Late Sunrises

This is the time of year when Weather Words are in their prime!

It is a time of Early Sunsets and Late Sunrises.

Some people count the days until December 21st or the Winter Solstice, following which the days become "Longer" again.

Weather Words are often closely linked with clothing words.  Rain-boots, for example.
Or, in  sunnier seasons, Sun-hat.

These days, the weather forecasting and reporting media can send the daily humidity and weather reports for your area to your email inbox.

This report can be helpful, so that, if you choose to read it, you can leave home in the morning, go out for your day, and have all the right accessories along with you.  IE:  Umbrella, Gloves, Neck-scarf, or Sunglasses! 

Gene Kelly (Singing In the Rain) and Burt Bacharach (Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head) performed music that gives hope to humans, even when the Weather seems discouraging.

"Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella" is another song giving rise to optimism in a season set to make the locality's vegetation green.

And then, there's the English phrase, "Everybody talks about the Weather, but nobody does anything about it".

What English words would you choose to describe the Weather we experience?

VOWELS The Long and Short of Them -

Vowels and their proper usage in English are vital to being understood when you speak.

There are Long Vowels and Short Vowels.

In the main, the proper name of each Vowels sounds the same as the way one pronounces that vowel.

For example. A  sounds like its name (ay - as in way)

E sounds like its name in the long vowel form, as well as does the letter I, and its companions, O and U.

Practice Makes Perfect!  Practice, Drill, and Rehearse.  You can do it!

20 Common Mistakes in Grammar That Almost Everyone Gets Wrong!

Learning English can be a daunting task at the best of times.

Here is an article re-posted from my friend Margo Bates of the Canadian Authors Association.

It points out pitfalls for all English Language Users ~ novice or EFL or ESL!

20 Common Mistakes in Grammar That Almost Everyone Gets Wrong!

Listening To English - Live Readings ~ Feb. 8th, & 10th, 2012

                                  Once upon a time,

storytellers figured out that sharing tales together, live in a room, made memorable moments - not only for the crafters, but also for the listeners. What's more, when different word-weavers have their assigned chance to express their creations, a synergy can occur in a most miraculous way. We may not have a fire to sit 'round, but when we focus on each person's offerings at a reading, the respect in listening, shared in turn, creates a worthwhile experience. For such a time, you and your pals are cordially invited to what can be called "February Fables ~ 2012" with Susilawati Bryant as one amongst the other readers. Hold on, now!  "February Fables ~ 2012" is tightly timed, in that each reader has planned in advance to be only 5 minutes (at the CAA Session) and 10 minutes (at the SFU TWS - The Writer's Studio) Reading Series. Well facilitated:  you really will be able to plan a start and finish time! WEDNESDAY, 8TH FEBRUARY, 2012 - THE CANADIAN AUTHORS ASSOCIATION - CAA- $10.00 for Non-Members Held at the Alliance For Arts and Culture Premises, Street Level Entrance @  Suite 100 - 938 Howe Street, Vancouver, B.C.      Doors Open 6:45 P.M.  Readings Scheduled to begin - 7:00 P.M. ( I will be reading at 7:20 P.M. as promised - 5 minutes only- as will all the readers comply.)    Plan ahead to have eaten, as the CAA Sessions do not usually have refreshments, food, or drinks available.   http://www.canauthorsvancouver.org/  FRIDAY, 10TH FEBRUARY, 2012 - THE SFU TWS (THE WRITER'S STUDIO) READING SERIES - Held at the "Take Five Cafe".  Free Admission - but the Cafe will be open - so you can take tea at "Take Five", or enjoy a fresh selection of menu items, coffees, sandwiches & desserts.  The Take Five Cafe is at 429     Granville Street, just beneath the United Kingdom Building @ the corner of Granville and West Hastings Street. http://www.sfu.ca/continuing-studies/events/2012/02/tws-reading-series-feb-10.html It would be lovely to see you there, at either reading or both! Thank you for your interest and support. Love and Best Wishes from Susilawati Bryant ~ 604-263-1164.

Let's Stop The Mistakes! - We Can Do It!

Ear Grinders:  CEO's

Should it not be C's EO?

Poet Laureates - Please!


"Poets Laureate" is the way to say this wonderful name.


Together we can "think before we speak"!


In the first instance, a Chief of the Executive Office is called a CEO=Chief Executive Officer
More than one CEO - calls for the phrase C's EO - meaning Chiefs of the Executive Office, as a group, or a designation in the corporate world.


In the second, a Poet Laureate leads a country in literary expression.  More than one Poet Laureate, as in a group or designation of category can be described as "Poets Laureate".


There, now I've said it!  I feel much better.

Seamless Cinema - "The Artist" - An Entertainment Bonbon!

Brussels wins again!  Not only did it produce the incredible Family, Sillem, with the beautiful Aisjah, her amazing brothers, and discerning designer Audrey, but now, there is the film from Belgium and Studio 37  - "The Artist".


Just having been privileged to share a preview screening with a good friend, I now know what Belgian chocolates should be nervous.  Move over, des chocolats, because Film is out for your fame!  "The Artist" Trailer on YouTube.


The Artist is one of the most thoughtfully made films of it's kind that I have seen for a long time.

The original score, the unique interpretation of the music, the caricatures of the characters of this genre, and the interplay with frissons of films-gone-by, such as "Singing In The Rain", and earlier movies on themes of fallen stars of cinema.  The synchronization of sights and sounds in this picture results in "Seamless Cinema" for the unsuspecting viewer.


"The Artist", a creation of Michel Hazanavicius (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0371890/), is a modern classic, in my view.  And after connecting with AMI's Audiovision (John Harris) as well as last year's described live theatre at the Playhouse Theatre in Vancouver, I am convinced that "The Artist" is an ideal film for those learning the English language, as well as for Audiovision's inventory.


It opens tomorrow at the Scotiabank Theatre, and, I'm told by the Alliance rep after the preview, at the Fifth Avenue Cinema.


This type of bonbon carries with it no calories, and brings a delectable movie-going experience to the silver screen.  Enjoy!


Click on this Link to See Awards won By "The Artist"! - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1655442/awards


This one indeed, should win "Pennies From Heaven", or rather Patrons.

Alphabet Pronounciation: Featuring The Sound of The Letter "W"!! Ta-Da!!

The Alphabet Letter "W" has the sound of the Letter "L" in it.

In the French language, the origin of the Double V  concept is heard in "double-v".

A "W" started its life as a Double V - or - 2 "V's" together beside one another.

The word "double" has the Letter "L" making the same sound in it as when "L" is used to say "Love".

So, please, when you say the word "W" (sounding like double-you), remember to pronounce the "L".

You'll be a better English-Speaker for it!