Compote or stewed fruit? The question is for native speakers who are familiar with Russian cuisine. How would you call a drink made of fruit boiled in sweet water? Compote or stewed fruit? And what about meat balls or meat croquettes? Whch is the correct name for Russian dish made of minced meat?

The Painted Veil How can we say in another words "private means" here? "Her eyes wandered to Walter: he really should try to be a little better turned out. She noticed Townsend's cufflinks and waistcoat buttons; she had seen similar ones at Carrier's. Of course the Townsends had private means." And what about "His impassivity was vaguely impressive" . Does it mean " a bit impressive" here ?

Don't be blah What does it exactly mean ?

Baby shower Never came across such thing as "baby shower" until I watched "What to Expect When You're Expecting" last night. As far as I got it's a party devoted to an unborn baby. His or her first birthday organized even before he or she is actually born. It was nice to know that Americans are not worrywarts in terms of babies. Here in Russia I can hardly imagine that such party might be held before a baby is born . Many Russians organize a party called "cereal" when a new born baby is a month old already. Before this time they feel uneasy to show even photos of a new born to relatives and friends. However things change little by little. Recently I saw one Russian lady with a new born baby in her ergo baby carrier at children's play. So the question to Americans: " Is it popular among Americans to have a baby shower? Or it was a bit exaggerated in the movie?" And do the British have such party at all?

Confusing words "dinner" and "supper". I have been learning English for a very long time by now and I have always wondered why Englishmen use both words "dinner" and "supper" for their evening meal. And finally today listening to a podcast I've found out about the difference between them. So an average Englishman has a breakfast in the morning, lunch in the afternoon and supper in the evening . But when he or she dresses for a meal and has it with family or friends this evening meal is called "dinner". Now I m very interested about Americans do they use both words in the same way as British?

Proficiency in English Grammar This question is to native speakers and professional teachers of English. What on-line sources would you recommend to learn and test my grammar? I used to have a high level of English but it dropped considerably over a few last years. I am not quite sure what level of Grammar I have now but I think Intermediate will be too easy for me. S

A few words abour me I currently live in Yekaterinburg which is almost in the center of Russia. All my time is devoted to my little daughter who is two years old now. I love traveling. Last year I was to Crete (Greece). As soon as my daughter goes to kindergarten and I start working full time I am planning to visit Italy and maybe Great Britain. I don't have many friends to talk to here and I mostly communicate with other moms. I think it will be a great experience to chat to someone who has a different mentality and life experience.