English Conversation Course

Have you ever thought about the roots of the alcohol? Where did it come from? How is it made and why is it buzzing? Here is a great Ted-Ed video on this topic that is easy to understand. What is the most common beverage in your homeland? Do you think it is bad or good to dring alcohol in general? Can we actually replace beverages that we name as "hard alcohol" with lighter options for good?

Stoicism was a philosophy that flourished for 480 years in Ancient Greece and Rome and was popular with everyone from slaves to the aristocracy: because - unlike so much philosophy, it was helpful, helpful when we panic, want to give up, despair and rage at existence. We still honor this philosophy whenever we think of someone as brave and - without perhaps quite knowing why - call them ‘stoic’. There are two great philosophers of Stoicism. The first is the Roman writer and tutor to Nero, Seneca. He lived between AD 4 and AD 65. That's right, 'tutor to Nero'. The infamous dictator who slept with his own mother, raped young boys and, just because he felt like it, asked his old tutor - Seneca - to commit suicide in front of his own family.   Seneca and Nero And our other guide to Stoicism is the kind and magnanimous Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius [AD 121 to 180], who was forced to spend most of his reign on the edges of the Empire, fighting off invincible Germanic h...

The population of planet Earth is ever growing, and it does not seem to slow down on any bit. This results in a range of severe consequences, such as higher CO2 emissions, overall raised temperature level, pollution. Of course, none of this itself is even comparable to a scale of CO2 emissions of cars and factories, raised temperature due to the deforestation and pollution of the wastes like our beloved plastics. But, everything was brought to that level for the same reason -- to satisfy the needs of humanity. There is a theory that a Planet is itself a living being. When it is healthy, all its organs and components are healthy as well. Humans, like a tiny Earth's blood cells, can assure the opposite. Then, the only way for the Planet to heal, is to get rid of the problem. In the year of 1349 the Plague, that originated far to the East, in Asia, has reached the harbours of Norway. Not even the cold could stop it, and the rats that roamed European ships menacingly contracted ever...

Music plays a vital role in the lives of many. And many more do not even realize that. This is one of the earliest forms of expression humanity has developed -- the very first humans were singing and chanting in their tribes, and first musical instruments found (primitive flutes and drums) in the caves date million years ago. For me personally this s an unlimited source of regeneration and serenity. But also, a great way of knowing certain culture deeper. Below you can find one of my recent discoveries -- a folk band FAUN that performs songs based on different mythologies (primarily -- Germanic Pagan). Tell me: 1) Did you like the song? :) 2) Are you into music, or folk music in particular? What is folk music like in your home country? 3) What is your favourite form of expression, and how important is, do you think, to preserve a culture in the art, music, fairy tales, mythos, poems..?

Have you ever heard about Siam Park? Well, If not, then you might get interested. No matter what you like: adrenaline, to relax or you want to come with the family, this is a place for everyone! But what makes it so special and what is it exactly? Siam Park is a water park in Tenerife , the Canary Islands . It claims to be the most spectacular water attraction in Europe. The park was opened by the Princess of Thailand Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in 2008. There are over 25 buildings and all of them include a Thai theme. Also if you would like to try some Thai food there are plenty of restaurants that serve them. It was built in 2004 and cost 52 million euros and has an area of 185 000 meters. It is called Siam after  a mysterious ancient Thai kingdom.  The park is for everyone; no matter if you have kids, come alone, you are old or young. There are many attractions that will suit you. If you like adrenaline, go ahead and try “The Giant’s” water-slide ...

Is Coronavirus a big threat to you? The biggest threat of 2020. From one city in China, to many countries around the world. At the beggining of the march there was a first case of coronavirus infection in Poland. It happened in Zielona góra. It is a matter of time before news will annouce first case in Warsaw. How fast does it spread? Should we be aware of it? This video compares coronavirus to other deadly viruses and other threats that can kill you everyday. Hope you enjoy it! 1.What do you think of Coronavirus? Are you afraid of it? 2 . How will it end up? 3.Have you changed your point of view after watching this video?

Short films from the Kurtzgesagt YouTube channel are frequently present on this blog, but I have never seen (or at least I don’t remember) an episode about politics. Surprisingly, they managed to do this almost totally objectively. I must admit that it definitely helps to understand the basics of how the EU works. We can criticize the decisions made by the EU, which are unfavourable for our countries, but little do we know that people who rule it were firstly chosen by us in our domestic elections, as some of the institutions of the EU consist of the ministers of the member states. Is the supposed lack of democracy in the EU a bad thing? Or maybe it is democracy which makes it so bureaucratic? Perhaps the video will help everyone to form an opinion. Do you take part in the European Parliament elections? Do you consider it as important as the elections in your country (or would you, if your country is not a member of the EU)? What is your opinion about the future of the EU?...

When we think about the architecture of Europe, skyscrapers are not the first thing that come to our mind. The most famous skyscraper cities, like New York, Shanghai or Dubai are obviously not in Europe, but it would be a mistake to say that there is absolutely no single city with a lot of skyscrapers. We can find them in at least two districts of London (City of London, Canary Wharf), in La Défense district of Paris, or in the centre of Frankfurt. Of course, they are not as impressive as American, or Asian metropolises, but there is nothing to be ashamed of. Especially we – citizens of Warsaw have nothing to be ashamed of, because our city is among those with relatively big number of skyscrapers. The first building in Warsaw that deserves to bear the name “skyscraper” is “Prudential” built before the second world war, during which it was severely damaged to be rebuilt in 1954. After being abandoned for a long time, it was recently restored and reopened as a “Warsaw” hotel in 201...