Intro
Welcome to the latest issue of the Grammaticus monthly newsletter! As we've just celebrated Earth Day, this time I'd like to draw your attention to some of the "green" posts that I've written over the years. (There are plenty more on the website, do check them out!). There are also some new resources for English language learners, as well as my latest listening tips. I hope you find them useful!
Books & Literature
“Trees” by Joyce Kilmer
In this post I am going to share with you a wonderfully simple poem by Joyce Kilmer. Entitled “Trees”, the poet uses it to express the majestic nature of these living beings, superior even to artistic creation and intelligence of man.
Book review: “In Search of Mycotopia” by Doug Bierend
Although on a topic that might seem very niche, you’ll be amazed by the connections the author makes between the fascination with fungi and a host of social and political issues.
“The Year’s at the Spring” by Robert Browning
The poet alerts us to small, mundane details from everyday life that we would otherwise most likely overlook or take for granted. Once we regain our focus, it just may turn out that “all’s right with the world." Or is it?
Culture & Media
Searching for Cernunnos in Villefranche: a review of ‘Black Spot’
If you like dark and gloomy crime TV with a touch of supernatural and mythological, don’t miss the French series Black Spot on Netflix.
Learning English
English idioms: “To see the writing on the wall”
When you know that something bad is about to happen, you might say “I can see the writing on the wall.” In this post I explain the cultural background of this English expression.
The five Rs of green living
Each year, April 22 is marked as Earth Day. First introduced in 1970, it’s an international event aimed at raising awareness of environmental concerns.
English vocabulary: Woodlands
Woods, forests, groves, and thickets… In this vocabulary post, we’ll have a look at some useful nouns you can use to describe different types of woodlands.
Listening tips
Autism podcasts
April 2 was marked as the World Autism Awareness Day. In this post you can find a selection of podcasts on the subject of autism and neurodiversity - in English and German.
Explore the poetic worlds of William Wordsworth
William Wordsworth, one of the most celebrated English poets, was born on 7 April, 1770. In this instalment of my listening tips, you can find a selection of podcast and on-demand radio broadcasts on his life and works.