Sergey has a problem:
“My wife can’t stop smoking…”
Dear Sergey,
In reply to your letter I decided to write some helpful lines. It will be only your matter, if you will reject my point of view, my resolve of a problem.
I think every person had or has a problem (-s), which’s better way to get rid off will be listening to the thoughts of others, sometimes, who even coped with these difficulties. In your situation it is better to get know the reasons, prompted and caused your wife to start smoking. It may be anything you haven’t ever expected. In the most cases, when people began doing this, they are having lots of, again, problems, at work for example, in which they are possibly wallowed. It is naturally nowadays. Perhaps, she must be always upset because of her complexes, if she is having such. However, it is possible to be the other way round – she notices any dislikes and oddities at your side, in you. Try to find out all that you have missed in your relationships. Learn each other more in details. Don’t worry about crushing your private life of your frequent talks with her. At all times think about good things, good endings, in spite of hard and incredible beginnings.
So, don’t be sad – better be in high spirits. Believe in yourself. And you will made all that you want, you will convince her of anything, concretely of a harmfulness of smoking. Not only you are having such problem. Good luck!
Take care,
Susie.
***
Kudruküla 18-7
Narva-Jõesuu 29052
Estonia
23 April 2002
Dear Susie,
I have heard that you are the best psychologist in our region. That is why I decided to appeal to your help in solving my dreadful, if it can be called so, problem.
This consists in my wife’s new habits, her strange behaviour last time. She works full-day boring job in the travel agency, placed in New York. As for me, it is the same. I come home very tired, being worn out. Not long ago I began to notice some smell coming from her clothes, and herself. After couple of days I understood that it was smoke from cigarettes. It was like a stab in the back to me, because she was the only woman in our family tree, who started smoking. No one even doesn’t want or think of get going to smoke, at a very simple reason of harm to the health. One evening we sat and talked to each other about this. I told wife my opinion on the subject of smoking and she seemed to be in a very bad state, often refusing topic of our discussion.
I do not want to run her over, and would like to get your advice, what could be made in this situation. From one side this is a very simple and silly difficulty, however I might easily ruin our personal life with my spouse, if I will be pressing on her hidden feelings more. I ask for you help. Write to me, please, as soon as possible. I will be waiting impatiently for the reply.
Best regards,
Sergey Golubev.
***
Letter of Enquiry
20 October, 2003
Dear Mr. Ivor Dixon
With reference to an advertisement published in the magazine, I write to you to get more information concerning Acorn Activities camp.
I have two children aged 12 and 14, they are fond of swimming and photography. I want to know if there are qualified instructors to teach my sons to swim. Is there the necessity of own equipment, when my boys will take the photographs.
I saw your address in the magazine, however it will be grateful if you tell me where exactly camp is situated: forest, countryside? Also, are there any age restrictions? Do your holiday activities available in August and how many of free places there will be left then? And the last: do I have to pay you some money in advance?
Thanks you for the help. I look forward to your reply.
With respect,
Sergey Golubev.
***
A Letter
2 November, 2003
Dear Teddy,
It was very glad to receive a letter from you last week. You have written that you are now interested in music from different countries, as you will have a work next month on music classes by this topic. So, let me help you, with the description of our native Estonian music.
Looking back to the history, you know, never before have Estonian music and Estonian musicians enjoyed as much international popularity as they do today. During fifty years of Soviet occupation Estonian arts (and music) existed largely in separation. The first appearance of Estonian music on the international scene after WWII did not occur until 1960, when Eino Tamberg’s ballet “The Ballet-Symphony” premiered at the State Theatre of Schwerin.
The progress of Estonian music becomes evident when we look at the fairly successful performance of Estonian composers at the International Rostrum of Composers in Paris. Thus, John, you may see how Estonian music has established steady development since the second half of the decade.
The following names are internationally known and respected in the world of classics - Rudolf Tobias, Arvo Pärt, Veljo Tormis, Lepo Sumera, Erki-Sven Tüür… We have different schools of music with their particular ways of development. But in addition to that, we have the local pop culture. However, it suffers from the favourite complaint of cultural life in Estonia — there are too few of us. Of course, that’s a pity for us!
Talking about our modern pop and rock bands, I would say that their popularity is growing. For instance, our best singers several times won European Song Contest (Eurovision) – this is a whole country possession, we are proud of these people, it’s a great pleasure to be a winner!
From my point of view, you will definitely like our music, because, at first it seems to be easy-listening for everyone and quite dynamic.
That is all at the moment. How are you doing? How is your little brother? Remember me to your lovely relatives. Hope to get a reply from you soon.
Best wishes,
Sergey.
***
Letter
February 8, 2004
Dr. Mr. Ericsson
Thank you for the letter. It is really a pleasure that you are willing to help me. As you already know I am a local historian writing the research work on the life in my town in the past. I am writing to you in order to ask about getting an interview from you. I want to collect as much information as it is possible.
I would be grateful if we could set up an appointment. It is the best way to do it if the meeting will be held at your apartments. This is for the reason that I want to ask you to show me some old photo albums or newspapers if these great evidences of the past time are still present. Also, do you keep in touch with your old school friends? Because, as a matter of fact, I want many people to get questioned to fulfill my work with lots of data. Do you mind taking a picture of you for the history? It will be definitely good if you allow me to look at your family tree.
I would like to thank you again for your assist. Will you be free on next Monday at 3 p.m. Either suggest another date and time for the meeting. I look forward to hear from you.
Yours sincerely,
Tiit Tamm
Informal Letter
November 19, 2003
Hello Peter,
It was very glad to receive a letter from you. Thanks very much. I’m writing a reply, having some favor to ask of you. I believe Pete won’t refuse his buddy.
I have got such a situation. My old friend, who lives in Oxford, as well as you do, has invited me to his wedding. However there’s some problem persists – I have no place to stay in during this wonderful event, because my John’s house is going to be fully occupied; all his numerous relatives are coming “to the party”.
I have had an idea to ask you to put me up a couple of days in your apartment, of course if you can. Will it be possible? I’m coming there next Monday, so by the evening I will reach my destination then. I will not stay for too long, disturbing you. I know that you have much work to do as it is. Thus, don’t worry. Be happy! :)
That’s all I think. Remember me to every one of your great family. I’ll phone you to discuss all the things in the details a.s.a.p. Thank you again in advance.
Best wishes,
Woody Pecker.
***
Informal Letter
3 October, 2003
Dear John,
Thank you for the letter, you have written me recently. I was very pleased to get it from you. You asked me of my activity holiday at the camp I was to last week.
So, our camp, named Acorn Activity camp, is located in Hereford. Marvelous place! I got there on the 22nd of September. We were settled down in small houses, very well equipped and cosy, from my point of view. Our group consisted of nearly 20 members. Very good guys, I liked them all for their friendliness and devotion. They will come to your help any time – that’s the company!
We all were fed 3 times a day with a very tasty food: there were porridge, soups, meat and potatoes, different kinds of salads and much more “delicious dishes”.
We had a lot of different activities, like swimming, riding a horse, drawing, photography, glass making and others. I have improved my skills at doing so many awesome things.
I had a really good time at the camp. Being full of impressions I have decided to attach a few photos of my exciting “trip”.
That is all the news for now. Write back a.s.a.p.! Wish to see you next Sunday on my birthday party.
Luck,
Tiit Elk.
Enc.
***
Formal Letter
Sergey Golubev
Kudruküla 18-9
Narva-Jõesuu 23022
Estonia
To Whom It May Concern
May 5, 2004
Dear Sir or Madam
I have heard that it is in your company’s plans to build a sports centre in our region in a little while. Thus, I am writing to you to make some suggestions concerning the facilities which, from my point of view, would be most popular.
Indeed, this is really a great idea to construct such a wonderful place, where people could have a rest from their everyday routine. In your centre I would like to see a swimming pool combined with Jacuzzi, weight training gym with all the equipment, and if it would be possible a squash hall.
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity you gave me to express my opinion. I look forward to visit your sports centre as soon as it will be opened.
Best wishes
Sergey Golubev
***
Task:
The rate of crime in your town has gone up dramatically recently. You are worried about security of your home. Write a letter to a local security company asking some practical advice about measures you could take against burglars, vandals and intruders and means of personal safety.
(90-120 words)
Letter
Kudruküla 13-8
29027 Narva-Jõesuu
Estonia
Falck Ida-Eesti
Rakvere 16,
41532 Jõhvi
Estonia
May 12, 2004
Dear Sir or Madam
I decided to write to your office in order to ask for some advice from your specialists. I am a businessman and I have become worried about the security of my home.
By the news of mass media, the rate of crime in our town has gone up considerably recently. I know that none of the security systems can guarantee absolute safety. However, I heard that you install excellent alarm systems that can take all the rooms in a house under the control. Could you recommend me any other measures against burglars, vandals and intruders, and means of personal safety?
I am looking forward to hearing any suggestion from you, and I believe that under your protection my family will be as behind a stone wall.
Yours faithfully
Tiit Elk
***
Task:
As Student Union Officer you are going to organize a contribution of things (e.g. clothes, toys, books, etc.) to help a local charity organization. Write a letter to the local orphanage offering your help and asking what they need. Describe some details of your campaign.
(90-120 words)
Letter
Kudruküla 13-8
Narva-Jõesuu 29027
Estonia
To Whom It May Concern
[local orphanage]
Dear Sir or Madam
As being Student Union Officer, I would like to make a contribution to your orphanage on behalf of our organization. This decision was made by our group in order to help our local charity organization.
Our campaign’s fund came from international contributions and is supported by many charity organizations all over the world. In our plans there were quality clothes, good toys and interesting books to send in a contribution for boys and girls. However, we would like to know what your necessities exactly are. It might be that you need a computer for further children development.
Our Student Union is looking forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. We will try our best in helping you!
Yours faithfully
Tiit Elk
***
Applying For a Job
(sent by e-mail)
Mr. Poll Allen,
(to the chief software architect)
Young man, aged 25, wants to apply for a well-paid job. I have a good work experience and long length of service, specializing on info technology field. My knowledge on this specialty is based on a high-level programming, as the same, as a low-level programming on a great variety of languages, like C++ (C# is also familiar), Java and Visual Basic. This time I’m practicing Web-programming, including search engine database organizing software development on Visual FoxPro and dBase programming languages. At the present time I’m studying in Infotechnology faculty’s third year of Tartu University and have graduated from Narva Humanitarian Gymnasium in 2005. I’m having good relations with my professors and course-mates, where my communication skills take place. Working with Your Company I commit myself to be honest, hard working and reliable. You can completely trust my skills and my work. As necessary I will acquire my knowledge on Your requests. I will be waiting for Your answer either by e-mail or by post (address is enclosed on the backside of a letter) and will be glad to have mutually beneficial dealings.
Best regards,
Sergey Golubev.
2/8/2002
***
September 11, 2001 - Please help!
“Together, with a lot of support along the way, the families are getting through it. The healing is more evident each week.”
Dear Sir or Madam:
We would like to express our shock and commiseration to everyone impacted by the horror initiated in the US by the worst terrorism attacks ever on US soil September 11th, 2001. Please think about the victims, their families and every effort, especially by all heroic helpers in the destruction areas and donate to these organizations. We would like to express our deepest hope that the world can co-exist in peace instead of hate, horror and terror as demonstrated by the attacks that day. Help!
There is way too much suffering in this world. We at SGFund© are dedicated to provide easy ways to help for anyone who might feel like it. Have you thought about helping anyone today? Imagine what a little contribution from you could do to a starving child or a family that lost a mom or dad. Then imagine what a little help from all of us could do to the world...Thank you!
SGFund© works by making donations to nonprofit organizations and agencies with the knowledge to meet a wide range of needs quickly. The Fund supports organizations and agencies that provide cash assistance, job training and placement, and other services for sufferers, families, and others directly affected. It also makes grants to aid noncommercial and small businesses as they help communities rebuild.
In the first six months our successes and achievements:
More than 16,000 people received free counseling – including rescue workers, surviving family members including children who lost a parent, and evacuees
More than 2,000 people, including pregnant mothers, rescue workers and day laborers who may have been exposed to toxins, received specialized medical care
More than 3,000 people received free legal advice, to help them with wills and estates, custody issues, landlord-tenant disputes and other problems
More than 17,000 unemployed workers received information about jobs
More than 4.3 million pounds of food and supplies were delivered to workers at Ground Zero
More than 343,000 hot meals were served to rescue workers
Nearly 8,000 volunteers participated in the recovery effort
Hundreds of small businesses and nonprofits were able to rebuild and retain jobs
Please, support the victims’ families and the ongoing effort to support. Contact our Support Hotline by the phone 1-372-775-300 or using our mailing address, shown on the backside of this appeal list.
Best regards,
Sergey Golubev
Service coordinator