Acronyms

An acronym is an abbreviation consisting of letters which form a word or phrase.

Have you noticed that, since we started making use of the ways of communication available in the internet (remember ICQ?),  more and more acronyms have been incorporated to the English language? It seems to me it all started for fun. However, we've been currently using them as tools for saving time.

I remember the first one I learned was LOL (Laughing out loud). I kept wondering what that was when a friend came up and explained it to me. Then came ROTFL (Rolling on the floor laughing) and so on. The great news is: acronyms are popular not only when we're chatting with our acquaintances but also in the business world!

Look at the most used ones:

WWW- worldwide web.

BTW - By the way - when you remember something or simply wants to change the subject.
Eg.: BTW, have you picked up the children at school?

ASAP - As soon as possible - very much used in business, where time really is money and you need to be clear and to the point.
Eg.: Tell Mr. Darcy I need this document signed asap.

OMG - Oh My God!
Eg.: OMG! I've forgotten the chicken in the oven!

WTF - What the F*** - yeah, that's the word you're thinking of! Used when you don't understand or believe something.
Eg.: WTF! The teacher has sent us ten homework pages for tomorrow!

WTH - What the hell - a more polite way of saying WTF (so, watch your language and use this one instead of the one above, LOL!)

XXX - Kisses

XOXOXO - Kisses and hugs

STH - something

SB - somebody

What about you? Could you contribute with any other acronyms you may remember?

Hope to hear from you ASAP!!!

XXX

Sabrina

Earth Hour

Every year, the non-governmental organisation WWF - World Wide Fund for Nature - promotes the Earth Hour, a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries/territories participating. Its purpose is very simple: calling our attention to the need of confronting climate change, a reality which has worried not only specialists, but also conscious ordinary people all over the planet. To take part, you just need to turn your lights off for an hour. Simple as that. Check this year's video invitation here (it's cute!).

The thing is, such action is just the beginning; the real commitment (I'd say fun!) is going beyond it. What about replacing all the light bulbs in our homes with energy efficient lighting? Do we take into consideration the energy spending schedule before buying a domestic appliance? Let's stop accepting plastic bags! Start following the Reduce - Reuse - Recycle concept! Promote and try to encourage the environmentally friendly behaviour among our friends and acquaintances!

These are just some of the things we can do, I dare say, we MUST do, so as to preserve our planet, especially when, most of the times, preserving the planet means protecting it from ourselves...

So, do you intend to follow this year's Earth Hour (March 26 - 8:30 p.m.)? What do you intend to do beyond the hour? Can you make a pledge? Let's share!

XXX
Sabrina

Uma ofegante epidemia que se chamava carnaval

Brazilians love carnival. Some say the year just really begins after it. But whether you enjoy it or not, one thing can't be denied: carnival is a great time for taking a well-deserved break, whether you choose to celebrate, to rest, to get organised or even to put yourself up again for what is about to come.

This year, I opted for a mix of things. Had some friends over for eating, drinking delicious caipirinhas and watching some DVDs to cheer up. Rested loads! Enjoyed my husband's company as well as my cats'. Didn't watch the parades, but looked for pictures of the samba school muses; always an inspiration.

Of course I'd like to hear from your experiences. Did you stay home or travel? Did you celebrate or rest? Did anything unusual happen?

Here's some vocabulary that may be useful:

Samba school - escola de samba.
Float - carro alegórico.
Costumes - fantasias.
Revellers - foliões.
To watch the parade - assistir ao desfile.
To parade - desfilar.
In full swing - a todo vapor.
To put on a show - dar um show.
To strut your stuff - exibir-se.
Ash Wednesday - quarta-feira de cinzas.

Leaving you with the irreplaceable elegance of the "musest" of all muses, Luiza Brunet (48 years old).

Time to share experiences!
XXX
Sabrina

And the Oscar goes to...

I must admit my partiality concerning my dear Natalie Portman and her Black Swan. The sweetest actress in Hollywood since lovely Audrey Hepburn did deserve the award for such a performance and justice has been done; she's been picked as best actress in a leading role.

It's a pity Black Swan itself didn't get the statuette, but the King has given his speech and, as it seems, it must have been really successful, since it got not only best picture but also best actor in a leading role (Colin Firth) and best direction (Tom Hooper), not to mention best original screenplay. Can't wait to see it!

Both best actor and actress in a supporting role (Christian Bale and Melissa Leo, respectively) have come from The Fighter; rush and you may still be able to see it in a nearby movie theater.

For those who are keen on animations, Toy Story 3 has come as a revival and it seems it is to stay. It grabbed the award for animated feature film as well as original song (We Belong Together).

Now, you're the jury! Do you agree or disagree with the Academy? Were you surprised at any of the winners?

Leave your comments below!

XXX
Sabrina

P.S.: Just click on the links to watch the official trailers.