So, mainly because I`ve just taken the Cambridge Examination in speaking, I decided to show you some important tips necessary for those who are not so sure about themselves and really need a push-up. So these two following posts contain tips, vocabulary, general information, different structures and a lot of advices taken from seven different attested Cambridge books, which will certainly help you to achieve your goal: How to take A on the speaking part of the Cambridge Exam.
Part 1 is a kind of warmer. The questions are extremely easy. They are usually about what you do in your free time or where you live. There is a very strategic reason for this. The examiner would like you to start with easy things in order to relax you a bit and put you at ease and even subconsciously build up your confidence before the more challenging tasks. Questions are often:
'Tell me about your home town.'
'How do you usually spend the weekend?'
If the examiner feels that you are more or less at ease already questions MAY be of a trickier nature such as:
'Describe what you suspect your life may look like in 10 years time.'
This question can be potentially easy but it also allows a student to experiment with more complicated grammatical constructions if he/she feels comfortable. i.e. / Well... Hopefully I will have bought my own house (the future perfect construction)
Tips!
You'll gain extra marks if you're able to give full, relevant answers to these questions.
1) Offer more than the bare minimum in your answers.
Q: Tell me about where you come from. A: I come from Bielefeld. (Don't stop there!) It's in the northern part of Germany. It's a lovely place with a busy town and it's also close to some nice countryside.
2) Avoid short, 'yes', 'no' answers.
Q: Do you enjoy studying English? A: Yes I do! I quite like studying languages and English in particular. I have a lot of English friends and love to be able to communicate with them in their own language. And I love being able to read English novels.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or interests? A: No, not hobbies really. I used to like collecting things as a child but that doesn't interest me now. I suppose you could say music is a big interest, I especially like listening to English bands.
3) Offer examples to help you explain a statement.
Q: Why are you preparing for the CAE exam?
A: Because it's important for my job. As part of my appraisal, my boss advised me to take an English exam to help me develop my professional skills. I passed FCE last year and if I'm successful at CAE I'd like to try CPE.
In Part 2 the candidate is shown a pair of photos. The photos will be quite different but simultaneously linked by a common theme. i.e./ a snowy mountain resort and a villa on the beach. (places where people could spend a holiday) The examiner will then ask you to compare and contrast the photos AND answer a kind of follow up / opinion-oriented question. (Where would YOU prefer to spend a winter holiday?)
The important thing to remember about Part 2 is that it is important to both link the photos by their common theme AND contrast them by talking about what is different.
"In both pictures we can see beautiful holiday resort-type accommodations in exotic locations. That is pretty much where the similarities end because the first picture is set in a beautiful wintery mountain setting and the second photo shows us a resort by the sea in warm and sunny weather. There are also other differences, namely the fact that the first picture ............ As for the second part of the question, I would much prefer to stay in the warmer climate because it would provide a nice break during the winter months and also ..........."
long time and it is the least meaningful part of the speaking test.
Tips!
1. The picture set will have a general theme but try to find two that are either very similar or very different in some way. This will give you a basis on which to compare and/or contrast the two pictures. In the example above, pictures two and three show two contrasting educational settings: the formal lecture theatre in picture two compared to the relaxed outdoor scene in picture three.
2. In terms of hypothesizing, pictures two and three offer a good opportunity to speculate on how students in each contrasting situation might be feeling. Think about opportunities for hypothesizing when choosing your pictures.
3. Signpost the end of your talk by adding a personal reaction to the pictures. For example: 'The two people in picture three look like they're enjoying themselves but personally, I think I'd prefer to spend my study time in a lecture theatre where I'd be more able to concentrate on learning'.
4. Many people preparing for the CAE oral exam worry about not having enough to say in the time available or not having enough time to express their ideas. The best way to get the timing right is to practise making short talks on various topics on your own. (Or in front of a friend if you're feeling brave!)
Part 3 of the speaking test requires you and your partner to discuss a series of pictures or diagrams together and choose certain ones for a defined purpose.
"Here are 5 photos of famous places in Britain. Choose 2 that will be used in a brochure encouraging tourism in the UK and justify your choices."
The important thing to remember about this part of the exam is to try and share the speaking time as equally as possible with your partner. It is not good to be overly dominant nor is it a good idea to be quiet and passive during this part. As well as the quality of your English the examiner wants to check your ability to manage the discourse. This means: how well do you interact with other speakers? Do you let other people have their turn? Are you aware of techniques used in conversation to encourage turn-taking and checking for mutual understanding etc?
It is a little known fact that Part 4 of the speaking test is present mostly for logistic and 'timing' purposes. I informally call it the "Time-kill Part". The examiner looks at his watch and sees that the tasks have been completed and there is still 2 minutes left so he can go back to any one of the previous parts (most often the 3rd) and ask you a completely random follow-up question to encourage a few more seconds of speaking from you.
"Ok so ............ (looks at watch) oh ............ so uh Maciek you chose the picture of Big Ben ............ Have you ever been to London? What were your impressions of Big Ben?"
It also very often happens that there is simply no time for the Part 4 when Part 3 takes a
Tips!
It will help both yourself and your partner if you work together collaboratively on this task.
1. Be prepared to ask your partner for his or her opinion rather than simply stating your own.
2. Listen 'actively' to what your partner says, responding to comments he or she makes. Use expressions such as the following to comment on something:
"That's an interesting point."
"I was interested in what you said about ..."
"So, when you say ........, do you mean ........?"
"Could you explain what you mean by .......?"
3. Use expressions to allow yourself time to think. For example: 'That's a good question.', 'Well, let me think ...'
4. In order to bring the discussion to a constructive conclusion try using expressions such as the following:
"So, weighing up the pros and cons, do you think …?"
"Are we generally in agreement that …?" "So, all in all do we feel …?"
"Essentially, do we all agree that …?"
"So, to sum up …"
"So, in general …"
"It seems we’ve reached the conclusion that …"
Part 4: (Three-Way Discussion)
Tests ability to:use language to summarise, report and explain decisions; develop a topic further.
Tips!
1. Again, avoid short, 'yes', 'no' answers to the examiner's questions.
2. Use techniques to make your contributions powerful, for example by using short, personal anecdotes to help make a point.
3. Continue to work with your partner. Respond constructively and show interest in things he or she says.
The main connection/similarity between these pictures is that...
Both/Neither...
As in the previous picture...
Contrasting
The opposing view/viewpoint...
The conflicting view/In contrast...
On the other hand/however/still/but/nonetheless/nevertheless/the first...
Like/Unlike in the first picture...
X is a bit/considerably more...
X isn` t quite as... as...
While/Whereas X is..., Y is...
The first picture shows..., whereas the second one...
In the picture on the left..., whereas in the other one...
The main/most(striking..., significant..., obvious) difference between the two pictures is...
There are several differences between the pictures: firstly/to begin with/in the first place/secondly/then/furthermore/finally/last/last but not least...
Comparing and assessing
X has a greater effect/impact on... than...
X has been more far-reaching (in its effects)... than...
They are all useful, but to my mind picture X...
The second picture is a better illustration of... than...
As far as usefulness is concerned X...
Picture Y illustrates best what...
There` s not much to choose between X and Y as far as... is concerned...
Describing similarities
Is rather like...
Appears similar to...
Seems like/resembles...
Shares characteristics with...
Reminds me of...
Has a lot in common with...
Is pretty much the same as...
Is comparable to...
Describing differences
Is nothing like...
Is totally different from...
Varies greatly from...
Has very little in common with...
Is quite unlike...
Bears little resemblance to...
Differs dramatically from...
Evaluating
They all have a useful contribution to make, but perhaps X and Y are particularly important because...
I think that X plays a vital role because...
If there weren` t any Xs, then...
In my opinion/to my mind/to me, X is of lesser importance to their community because...
Speculating
I might be wrong/am not sure but I think it has to do with...
Despite the fact that...
I can` t see exactly what they are doing, but...
The clothes he/she` s wearing give the impression that...
He/she is probably feeling... because he/she finally managed to/achieved...
I can imagine how he/she feels...
My impression/guess is that...
To judge from the clothes/posture/mimic/facial expression/gestures...
Apparently...
I can` t tell who/where/what...
I` m fairly sure...
They could/might/may be...
They seem/appear to be...
I suppose/assume/imagine/guess/feel/believe/am confident that...
I can` t be certain, but perhaps...
Although I can` t be sure, perhaps...
It looks to me as if...
On second thoughts...
My guess is that...
I wouldn` t be surprised if...
I suppose it` s just possible that...
Judging by the fact that..., she/he must be...
You can tell from... that...
He/She looks quit/very rather...
There is a distinct possibility...
He could (well) be a...
I` d say he/she` s probably a/quite a... person...
I` d guess...
I should think he` s either a..., or a ..., because...
He looks (rather)... to me...
He looks (a bit) like a...
Making suggestions
Let` s..., shall we...?
Why don` t we..., otherwise we could... instead...
I (would) (strongly) suggest/recommend...
One solution/suggestion would be to...
It would be a good idea to...
You should/ought to/might want to think about...
I think we should...
Would you be interested in...?
I thought you might like...
I was thinking it would be nice/a nice change...
So, what do you think...?
What/How about...?
Maybe we could...
Have you thought about...?
One way forward would be to...
I feel there` s something to be said for...
A lot can be achieved by...
... would (greatly) alleviate the situation...
Why not..., that way...
Asking for opinion
How do you like...?
How do you feel about...?
What` s your opinion...?
Don` t you agree...?
- interrupting
I` m sorry to interrupt, but...
Could I just say something...
If I could just add something to that...
- encouraging
Why do you think about/of that...?
What makes you say that...?
Can you give me an example of what you mean...?
Could you be more specific...?
I don` t quite understand what you mean by...
Agreeing and giving reasons
I couldn` t agree more...
I quite agree with you
That` s very true because...
Right, especially if...
Positively, because...
You` re absolutely right. For example, when...
I completely agree with you about that...
I think so, too...
That `s exactly what I think...
Partially agreeing
That` s not entirely true...
I` m inclined to agree with you... but...
I` m not sure I totally agree, because...
I see what you mean/perhaps you are right, but on the other hand...
There` s a lot in what you` re saying. However...
I see what you` re getting at, but...
I see what you mean, but I still think that...
In a way you` re right, but I think it all depends on...
I take your point, but...
I agree with you up to a point, but I think there are other factors to be taken in consideration...
Asking someone to justify their opinion (+disagreeing)
Can you tell/explain me why...?
Why is that...?
That` s not quite the way I see it...
I don` t think so/agree...
Why do you think that...?
What makes you say that...?
Do you really think so...?
Are you certain about that...?
I hardly feel...
I` m afraid I disagree/ have to differ/ don` t go along with that...
Expressing disbelief
You can` t be serious...!
No way...!
You must be joking..., is this a joke...?
That` s incredible/amazing/unbelievable...
I don` t believe it...
You are not serious, are you...?
Responding positively
That` s fine by me...
Sure, why not...?
You might be right actually/have a point...
That` s certainly a possibility...
You are probably right...
Sounds perfect...
That` s a great idea...
That would be lovely...
Ok, why not...?
I never thought of that...
Good point...!
Responding negatively
I don` t think I could cope...
I couldn` t possibly think ok...
It` s no good...
I` m not really into...
I don` t think that...
Well, I don` t know...
I` m not sure that` s such a good choice...
Perhaps it would be better if...
No, I` m afraid that wouldn` t be appropriate...
Avoiding a direct answer
I` ll have to get back to you on/about that...
I can` t give you an answer right now...
I` d rather not say...
I` m not in a position to answer that...
I` ll have to think about it...
It` s out of my hands...
I can` t say for certain...
Selecting
I much prefer...
I` d rather... than...
If I have to choose one...
I think we should go for picture X...
We could narrow it down to a choice between X and Y...
It` s hard to choose but picture X...
Making a choice is not that easy because...
If we assume that... then the obvious choice would be X...
Not much to choose between X and Y, is there...?
To tell you the truth I think I prefer... to...
Personally, I like... better than...
On balance, I` d prefer... rather than...
Given the choice, I` d sooner... than...
Hypothesizing
... for this reason/as a result...
For example/instance, if you... such as..., then you would need to...
Should you find yourself in a situation where... then you would have to...
Supposing you... then you must...
Without... you wouldn` t be able to cope in a situation where...
Imagine if you had to..., then you would almost certainly need to...
What if...? The only way to deal with that would be...
It would be especially useful in situations where you are called upon to...
Concluding
All things considered...
This would mean that...
As a result...
Over the top/overall...
All in all...
Quite simply...
So, as you can see...
In a word...
To sum up/summarize...
In short/conclusion...
In the light of the arguments (advantages and drawbacks)...
In my view...
I personally believe/think that...
Discussing the cause of a problem
It` s clearly/mostly down to...
It` s not so much a result of..., but rather...
It` s partly/largely/entirely due to...
I believe... plays a great/small part as well...
I think... has a lot to do with it...
In my view..., is/are responsible for...
The main reason/A key factor is...
I feel that... is/are to blame...
The obvious culprit in this case is...
Discussing the result of a problem
This (often/invariably/directly) leads to/causes/brings about...
As a result/consequence...,
Inevitably...,
An example of structure for Part 2
1. (Well... ) All pictures emphasize on... in particular situations.
2. I choose to speak about the picture showing... and the one depicting...
3. Both picture describe/emphasize on (the main idea from the first question)... in particular situations.
Or: In both situations the advantage might be...
4. However, the former illustrates..., perhaps because..., whereas the latter presents..., fact highlighted by mimic/facial expression/clothes/gestures.
Or:could be better, due to..., whereas the latter...
Or:has the disadvantage..., whereas the latter has the drawback...
5. As far as... (the main idea from the second question) is/are concerned, I personally believe/assume/imagine/suppose that X has a greater impact... /
plays a vital role effect on the viewers... /
might have more profound feelings... /
... basically/mainly because...
Or: All in all, I would say that, in balance, X has more advantage than drawbacks.../
Pe drumul sumbru si rece, martor mut si constant al experientelor timpului ce a trecut ireversibil si iremediabil, lasand in urma amintiri si sentimente, un batran isi purta povara anilor prea multi pasind treptat spre orizont. Spun orizont pentru ca drumul lui de-acum nu mai avea tinta, scop sau termen de expirare, mergea incet cu vantul uscat arzandu-i fata supta si batatorita de cele prea multe ierni aspre, pe pamantul fierbine ce emana energia si caldura intregii omeniri. Fiecare pas il facea cu greutate, ridica cate un picior, se odihnea pentru o clipa, se uita in jur curios, trsarea, isi tragea sufletul, zambea amar, asteptand parca sa se prabuseasca din moment in moment in tarana care ii striga numele, chemandu-l acasa pentru intaia si ultima oara.
Trecusera 14 ani de la ultima data la care se considerase om, de la inmormantarea celei care ii fusese o viata aproape, care il crease, transormase si iubise si care se sacrificase in toate modurile in care un om este capabil sa se sacrifice pentru un altul. Acum nu mai era om, era o creatura secata de viata, sentimente, lacrimi si putere si care continua sa se tarasca pe drumul vietii doar pentru ca nimeni nu se indura intr-atat de ea incat sa o ucida. Da, isi dorea sa moara si nu o data isi blestemase zilele si ceasul nasterii pentru neputinta si lasitatea de-a-si sfasia ceea ce pretuia si proteja in trecut. Nu-si putea lua viata, i se parea prea josnic, mediocru si lipsit de dramatism, isi dorea sentinta, dar nu vroia sa fie propriu-si calau, ceva il oprea, fie mandria, fie poate speranta infima a unei noi sanse, a unui nou inceput.
To be continued...
Vine o vreme cand nu te mai lasi amagit de tinerete si pricepi ca nimic nu e vesnic... si cum ar putea fi ?! Si ca a trai inseamna in primul rand "a intelege".
Un pas, o clipa, doi pasi, o clipa, cu fiecare pas se scurge din mine o farama de viata prin clepsidra neinduratoare a timpului: o farama de dorinte, o farama de griji, de sentimente, de ganduri, un strop de lacrimi, un strop de bucurie, de iubire, de ura. Stiu asta dar continui sa merg. Astept sa se umple clepsidra. Mi-am inceput drumul sperantei, iar odata pornit, ma poarta catre o singura directie: calc apasat cu pasu-mi sovaielnic, parca coplesit de amploarea momentului de "a fi". Intreaga existenta imi apasa umerii incovoiati, iar responsabilitatea ei ma face sa ma simt infim in fata universului colosal si prea plin de materie. Ochii-mi vor sa priveasca spre infintit dar nu pot zari decat orizontul, atat de aproape, dar intotdeauna neatins, o iluzie desarta ce a pacalit pe rand fiecare fiinta. E prea tarziu pentru a privi departe, e prea tarziu pentru vise, e prea tarziu pentru nimic. E timpul intaiului si celui de pe urma zbor, ce va continua pana cand ceara fragilului omenesc, ceara aripilor, se va topi in valuri fierbinti si ma va lasa imi sfarsesc calatoria vietii asa cum am inceput-o, maistuos. Sunt propriul meu actor, sunt regizor, critic si sufleur, scena insa nu e doar a mea. Imi joc bine rolul: imit, vorbesc, tac, rad, plang, alerg, ma opresc, obosesc, imi pun si-mi scot cele mai irealistice masti, traiesc. Cea importanta este insa doar piesa, nu jocul, nu scena, nu decorul sau machiajul, caci pe tarmul cerului de miaza-noapte spectatorii fara masca asteapta in tacere. Din cand in cand aplauda, uneori joaca impreuna cu mine, ma insotesc pe scena, par actori, dar nu sunt, caci nu ma imita, ci ma ajuta sa ma imit pe mine. Nu huiduie, ci tac, nu parasesc sala, ci se apropie de scena, nu ma judeca, ci ma ajuta sa devin ceea ce pot fii. Mi-am inceput drumul, mi-am inceput calatoria fara tinta, bagaje sau sfarsit. Sunt nomad in propria-mi tara, sunt strain pentru cei ca mine si dusman pentru cei ce ma iubesc. Acum nu sunt singur, pe drumul prafuit, ingust si abrupt sunt grupati cei ce ma insotesc: calatorii fara aripi, turistii tracatori si cei putini. Acum nu sunt sigur, inca nu sunt, dar voi fii. Intotdeauna zburatorii raman singuri. Mai este timp. Stiu ca mai este. Sper ca mai este. Vreau sa mai fie, insa in curand nu va mai fii. Orologiul timpului va bate din ce in ce mai repede, rasunand sfasietor in ritmul unei inimi zdrobite de graba inconstienta a zilelor ce trec ireversibil pana ce totul se va transforma intr-un singur sunet indelung si strident ce se va pierde incet in aerul rece ce aduce uitarea si obisnuinta. Apoi totul va muri, figurat, propriu si ireversibil. Mi-am terminat drumul? Sunt singur? Cat timp? De ce? Tot ce pot face este sa continui sa merg. Un pas, o clipa, doi pasi, o clipa, traiesc viata la un pas distanta, sunt conectat...
Romania este democrata. Cat de mult si-au dorit parintii nostrii sa spuna aceste trei cuvinte, cat de multi sunt cei inrobiti in propria tara, pentru care democratia nu este si nu va fii prea curand posbila, cat de multi sunt sclavii propriului corp, sclavii drogurilor, al aloolului, al norocului sau banilor. Cuvantul "liber" defineste insusi omul ca fiinta superioara, toti suntem egali, toti pornim de la 0 si depinde numai de noi ca sa ramanem liberi. Timp liber..Vedem la fiecare pas articole despre el, cum poti sa-l obtii, cum poti sa-l cheltuiesti, cum poti sa-l pierzi, cum poti sa-l reobtii. Timp liber nu inseamna timp pierdut, ci inseamna timp eliberat. Suntem din ce in ce mai ocupati, lumea alearga pe cai fara sfarsit, viteza ni se mareste, dar uitam sa ne regasim, devenim eficienti, dar nu mai gandim, suntem roboti. Ne plangem zilnic ca ne-am pierdut libertatea, ca suntem sclavii unui mecanism care isi continua miscarea metalica si rece si care nu ne lasa sa ne odihnim. Dar ceea ce credem ca facem este compus din ceea ce facem si ceea ce pierdem, iar de acel timp eliberat nu mai avem loc, suntem in inchisoarea acelui mecanism. Miscarea insa va continua intr-o singura directie, timpul nu se intoarce, iar fiecare clipa pe care nu am folosit-o eficient, ne oboseste, ne seaca de puteri si cel mai rau, ne creeaza un obicei. Sunt timpuri si timpuri, timpul de a invata si timpul de a juca, timpul de a plange si timpul de rade, timpul de a iubi si timpul de a ura, timpul de a scrie si timpul de a citi, fiecare lucru isi are vremea lui, iar daca nu gasim resurse in noi sa cunoastem vremea fiecarui lucru si sa o respectam, sa nu ne pierdem ocazie dupa ocazie, clipa dupa clipa din ce avem, vom fii pierduti la randul nostru, ne vom pierde din elan si vom cadea precum Icar din inaltul cerului, cu aripile frante. Vom cobora in cercuri mari, iar in final ne vom zdrobi. Trebuie sa ne eliberam, sa nu fim sclavi, sa nu ne pierdem, ci sa fim liberi, sa ne eliberam timpul, sa ne punem tinte din ce in ce mai inalte, dar pe care sa le respectam. Oamenii de rand cauta sa-si petreaca timpul, oamenii intelepti sa-l intrbuinteze.
Poate parea ciudat, dar pana acum am avut o singura intalnire in afara scolii cu binecunoscuta DIDI. Intalnirea o putem numi prin absurd excursie, caci a adunat personaje variate, toate sub dominatia albastrului, a caror numar a depasit 20, iar timpul s-a incadrat in 3 ore. Cum orice excursie trebuie sa aiba o tematica (ex: vizitarea Muzeului Petroului, Muzeului Ceasurilor, etc) si a noastra a avut. Am vizitat o expozitie care aducea in lumina creatii ale lui Leonardo Da Vinci, reconstruite dupa schita originala: o idee excelenta pentru mintile crude si aspirante pentru cunoastere si cultura ale unor copii. Nu o sa insist asupra vizitei, care desi interesanta, nu a iesit in evidenta: daca vreti puteti vizita expozitia la teatrul de opereta "Ion Dacian". O sa insist asupra unui singur personaj si unei culori a caror influenta poate strabate timpul si spatiul, poate pasi chiar si printre operele unui artist nemuritor. Persoanjul este DIDI, iar albstrul este culoarea ochilor ei. Mostenit probabil de la stramosii nemti, albastrul ochilor ei a capatat puterea maxima de expresie, caci privindu-i ura lor te ingheata, te simiti analizat, cunoscut dintr-o privire, simti cum esti in controlul lor, nu te poti opune, iar daca o faci, vei regreta. Ce legatura are cu excursia? Ce influenta au putut avea cele doua elemente? Probabil ca in momentul in care ai auzi de vizita la o expozitie marca Leonardo Da Vinci, ti-ai imagina poza clasica a unui grup de elevi aflati in jurul unui ghid si o profesoara asezata timid intr-un colt, absorbind cuvintele pline de intelepciune ale celui din mijloc. Noi nu suntem clasici, suntem originali, negativ: DIDI si-a folosit din nou puterea dominatoare a albastrului, a acaparat rolul ghidului, care a cedat fermecat de privirea acida a acesteia. In final, ghidul a ajuns sa uite tot ceea ce stia, iar noi am plecat incantati ca pentru prima oara nu am fost singurii dominati.
Poate parea ciudat, dar pana acum aceasta a fost singura intalnire in afara scolii cu binecunoscuta DIDI, dar daca va mai urma inca una, cu siguranta si aceea va fii sub acelasi imperiu rece, inghetat al albastrului strident ce si-a pus amprenta asupra tuturor.
Ce-ar fii ca timpul sa se opreasca din secunda in secunda, sa traim o viata intr-o clipa, sa traim intr-un "freeze movie" uman, care sa se repete pana la ultima reprezentatie? Cat de mult ar conta atunci fiecare mic lucru pe care il facem..Fiecare gest, fiecare vorba, fiecare sentiment ar ingheta intiparit pe fata ce si-a pierdut pentru intaia oara masca cu care a fost acoperita pentru atata timp. Am vedea ura si dragostea ascunsa, dezolarea si bucuria debordanta, sculptate in corpuri care au trait fiecare sentiment, care au vorbit prin gesturi, care au devenit acum oglinzi fidele a ceea ce simtim. Ce-ar fii? sa nu putem avea secrete, sa ne cunoastem cu adevarat, sa nu barfim, sa nu fim ipocriti, sa nu mintim, sa spunem adevarul, sa nu putem sa ne ascundem, sa ne intelegem fiecare intentie, gest sau dorinta, iar universul sa ne fie martor.
Suntem responsabili pentru tot ceea ce facem. Ce-ar fii ca timpul sa se opreasca din secunda in secunda, sa traim o viata intr-o clipa, sa traim intr-un "freeze movie" uman, care sa se repete pana la ultima reprezentatie? Ce-ar fii?
Pentru fiecare om exista un drum catre fericire: acela pe care este chemat sa mearga. Cei mai multi nu-l gasesc niciodata, cei care cred incearca pana la moarte, cei intelepti isi gasesc pe orice drum fericirea, dar cei prosti se trantesc la pamant si plang ca sunt nenorociti. Timpul a trecut, iar vremea in care nu eram constienti de viitorul nostru a trecut si ea, a trecut in umbra alegerilor despre care puteam spune atunci ca nu suntem raspunzatori. Scoala, liceul inca le puteam schimba, capacitatea nu a fost decat o confirmare a ceea ce stiam deja, ca putem ajunge oriunde, daca greseam, iertarea venea dupa primul colt, tot ce trebuia sa facem era sa continuam sa mergem. In curand va trebui sa luam prima mare decizie. Fiecare isi va urma propriul drum, unele dintre ele se vor intersecta, unele vor merge paralele, dar fiecare va trebui sa isi ia propriile sale decizii. Suntem impreuna, dar pentru cat timp? Nu cred in soarta, nu cred in zodii, nu cred ca nu imi pot controla propria viata, acestea sunt doar scuze pentru ceva evitabil, dar pe care chiar noi l-am facut inevitabil. Nu trebuie sa ne gasim motive sa amanam deciza.
Sa ne intrebam parintii, profesorii, pe orice om cu experienta, sa ignoram ideile invechite, dar sa extragem ceea ce credem ca ne va ajuta. Clipele in care inca ii mai avem aproape si deschisi si interesati se apropie de sfarsit. Sa plec din tara? Sa raman? Sa merg la medicina, ASE, psihologie, politehnica, arhitectura, arta sau poate chiar la sport? Prea mult Uman, Real? Prea mult de invatat? Oare nu imi pierd viata? Oare n-am facut o alegere gresita? Imi va placea? 1 sau 2 facultati? Este bine ce am facut? sper ca da... - intrebari care nu cred ca o sa ocoleasca pe cineva. Timpul nu mai are rabdare, caci odata trasat drumul, nu se poate merge decat inainte. Ai ales o data, ai ales pentru o viata. Tu ce drum iti vei alege?
Via vita.. In primul rand titlul postarii ar fii trebuit sa insemne Drumul Vietii, dar ca sa para mai interesant l-am scris in latina:)) Nu cred ca am tradus corect, cautand pe Google mi-a dat: VIA VITA SRL - activeaza in domeniul Constructii si renovari: Firme de constructii:))
Am participat recent, pe 22 martie, la un proiect organizat de Bogdan Niculescu (Zoche), numit "Freeze Movie" si care a fost pus in practica in statia de metrou Piata Unirii. Ideea lui era ca 33 de participanti, veniti din mai multe licee, sa se opreasca simultan (odata cu venirea primului metrou) si in pozitii spontane, naturale, creand astfel senzatia de oprire a timpului pentru cateva minute, de inghet.
Stateam "inghetat" cu privirea concentrata asupra ziarului ce tremura in fata mea, citind de zeci de ori aceeasi fraza banala, cu capul plecat si blocandu-mi orice sentiment, orice mimica care ar putea trada miscarea. Vedeam trecand grabiti pe langa mine oameni cu capul plecat, blocandu-si orice sentiment, traind in propriul univers, singuri.
Diferenta dintre ei si noi era ca, spre deosebire de ei, noi nu eram singuri, eram impreuna si ca noi faceam ceva. M-am si gandit, ce-ar fii fost sa se ia cineva de unul dintre noi:)) 32 de oameni ar fii sarit imediat in ajutorul nostru. Prietenia nu inseamna doar a oferi, nu inseamna doar a primi, nu este licitatie, prietenia inseamna sa gandesti la fel, sa fii impreuna in fiecare situatie, sa lupti pentru a face ceva. Poate ca suntem diferiti, poate ca nu avem incredere unul in altul, suntem din licee diferite sau avem alte prioritati, dar suntem o generatie, trebuie sa facem ceva, trebuie sa fim impreuna, sa ne unim, iar aici nu ma refer doar la un proiect de genul celui pe care l-am facut. "Freeze Movie" este doar dovada ca putem.
Scrisoare catre liceeni, mesaj pentru generatia actuala. Poate ca pare simplu, poate ca asa si este. Prin cuvinte simple pot incepe marile schimbari. Just listen:
" Noi am pierdut. Dar voi, voi mai aveti o sansa. Noi am fost fericiti ca am descoperit Coca-cola si bananele si am crezut ca daca noi citim, si ei vor citi. Si ca toti vom progresa si tara o sa aiba scapare. Noi ne-am inselat."
"Nu va ganditi la furat. E calea cea mai simpla. Stiu ca ati aflat ca asa te imbogatesti. Daca ai pamant sau daca faci afaceri cu statul. Stiti voi ceva despre tva si cum ai putea sa-l furi, dar nu va e inca foarte clar. Nu asta e drumul. Cu cat se va fura mai mult, cu atat se va construi mai putin, iar copiii copiilor nostri vor mosteni un imperiu de cenusa."
"Cititi. Cititi mult. Cititi tot ce va pica in mana. Nu-i mai ascultati doar pe profesori. Cititi orice, fara discernamant. Nimic nu e mai important ca lectura, acum. Apoi, cautati-va intre voi. Vedeti care cititi aceleasi lucruri si inhaitati-va. Numai in haita de oameni destepti o sa reusiti. Unul singur dintre voi va fi mancat. Zece insa, s-ar putea sa reusiti. Ganditi-va de pe acum sa-i inlocuiti. Timpul lor trebuie sa se termine. Trebuie sa-i dominati."
"Nu va dusmaniti profesorii. Sunt oameni amarati, din ale caror drame puteti invata. Isi dau priceperea pe un salariu de nimic si va invata carte. Nu va bateti joc de ei. Au muncit, si nu e vina lor ca parintii vostri s-au descurcat mai bine. N-aveti nici un drept sa-i dispretuiti. Nu le sunteti superiori. Banii parintilor vostri nu va reprezinta. Va reprezinta doar ceea ce puteti scoate pe gura. Aveti grija ce scoateti pe gura. Vremea pumnului si a bodiguarzilor a trecut. O sa calatoriti, iar copiii francezi invata carte, englezii la fel. Va confruntati cu o lume care acum e mai deschisa decat oricand."
"Nu va mai luati dupa ziare. Nu dau doi bani pe generatia voastra, nu va dati seama? Pentru ei, cu cat sunteti mai prosti, cu atat le va fi mai usor sa va vanda orice cacat."
"Acum insa trebuie sa invatati, pentru ca in curand nu va mai fi timp pentru asta, caci veti intra in viata adanc de tot, si e mai rau ca in jungla. Animalele au reguli nescrise. Oamenii au legi scrise."
"Nu alergati dupa bani cu orice pret. Banii trebuie sa va fie doar mijloc, nu scop. Scopul vostru trebuie sa fie cunoasterea. Cu cat veti sti mai multe, cu atat veti fi mai inalti. Orice carte citita, orice lectie invatata, se vor aseza sub voi si va vor ridica deasupra celorlalti. Veti domina cu mintea. Nu e nimic mai frumos decat asta. Europa cumpara inteligenta. Romania nu cumpara nimic pentru ca hotii nu construiesc, hotii fura."
"Sunteti tineri. Nu va ganditi ca sunteti slabi. Puterea voastra sta in curatenie. Sunteti curati, n-au apucat sa va manjeasca, dar daca dintre voi nu se vor ridica luptatorii, o sa va improaste cu noroiul strazilor pe care nu le-au reparat."
"Binele puteti fi voi. Si cu cat veti fi mai multi buni, cu atat veti sufoca raul. Nu e imposibil. Dati scrisoarea asta mai departe. Deveniti buni, mai buni, cei mai buni si raspanditi-va precum lacustele."
"Nu-i invidiati pe oamenii cu bani. Nu va faceti modele din baietii de bani gata, din baietii de oras. Dupa treizeci si noua de ani le va ramane doar o lista lunga de femei. Or trofeele astea sunt trecatoare. Cand imbatranesti si trofeul tau va fi o baba."
"Nu va resemnati, asta nu duce nicaieri. Capul plecat, sabia il taie. Protestati, luptati, protestati. Cu scop, insa. Nu degeaba, ca altfel se transforma in latrat. Invatati legile. Invatati-va drepturile. Atunci veti sti cand are cineva voie sa va legitimeze. Veti sti cum sa luptati, daca veti sti legile. Apoi o sa vedeti ca legile sunt proaste. Si veti intelege ca trebuie sa le schimbati. Pare greu si cere timp. Dar, Doamne, voi aveti timp si pentru voi nimic nu e greu. Voi nu intelegeti ca SUNTETI SCHIMBAREA? Daca voi lasati tara asta pe mana hotilor, atunci, de-abia copii vostri vor mai avea o sansa! Caci sansa vine o data la o generatie"
"Salvati-va! Salvati-ne! Este o singura cale! Lupta cunoasterii!! Si cand veti fi castigat lupta cunoasterii, de-abia atunci veti cunoaste sa luptati cu adevarat!!!"
"Nu va amagiti cu prezentul... Salvati-va in viitor. Noi am pierdut. Voi? Ce faceti?"
Pana voi afla cum pot sa il fac sa emita de pe calculatorul meu, m-am gandit sa fac un tutorial despre cum se face un radio pe net (cu Winamp). Este inspirat de pe youtube, este mult prea detaliat, dar daca vei face ceea ce am scris si daca nu ai ip care incepe cu (192.168...) , cu siguranta vei avea propriul tau radio. So tutorialul estee... acesta:
- Intra aici si downloadeaza shoutcast (in dreapta ecranului al 3 lea de sus in jos). Dezarhivezi programele (click dreapta- winRAR- extract to shoutcast:)) ) si le instalezi urmand pur si simplu pasii de instalare (next-next etc). Poti sa downloadezi daca vrei si ultima versiune de Winamp.
- Apoi, deschizi Winamp si din partea de sus click options- preferences-plug-ins-DSP/Effect- SHOUTcast Source DSP. Iti apare o fereastra mica :p.
- La Output selecteaza Output 2. Da click apoi tot in aceeasi pagina pe sectiunea Yellowpages si in partea de jos asigura-te ca e bifat "make this server public". La Description scrie numele radio ului si la Genre: genul de muzica pe care o sa il difuzezi. Apoi, tot in aceeasi pagina, adica la Output apasa Connection. La Adress copiaza ip-ul calculatorului tau, la Port scrie 8000, la Password scrie parola pe care o vrei, la Encoder selecteaza cifra 2, iar la Reconnection Timeout scrie un numar cat mai mic (eu am scris 2 secunde).
- Intra acum din partea de sus in a 3-a sectiune (Encoder) si selecteaza Encoder 2, la Encoder Type selcteaza MP3 Encoder si la Encoder Settings 64 kbps, etc. Mai e foarte putin.. Deci, intra acum in Start-Programs-SHOUTcast DNAS- SHOUTcast DNAS (GUI) si in fisierul care iti apare click in partea de sus pe Edit config, iar in notepad-ul care se deschide, tot aproximativ in partea de sus, la “Password=”, scrie parola pe care ai scris-o si in Winamp.
- Ultima parte: deschide din nou Winamp- options- preferences-plug-ins-DSP/Effect- SHOUTcast Source DSP. Iti apare din nou fereastra mica :p. Acolo, la sectiunea Output click Connect.
- Conexiunea este facuta, radio-ul deja merge, acum pur si simplu pune melodii in Winamp.
- Pentru ascultatori- foloseste link-ul urmator: "http://xxx:8000/listen.pls, inlocuind "xxx" cu ip-ul tau. O alta varianta este ca ei sa deschida Winamp, sa apese cltrl L, iar la URL sa scrie http://xxx:8000.
