Learning with Audio

[thevoiceofnick.livejournal.com]

I've been trying to learn Russian for a couple of years now, since my girlfriend is Russian. I've taken a couple of classes and they've worked well for me. The thing is, I don't really have time to take a class again, so i've been considering alternate routes to take.

The one I think might work best for me is to learn with audio cassettes or CDs. I actually have a couple of tape packs: Barron's Russian On The Go, and Berlitz's Russian Cassette Pack. These are both very basic, and I might want something more advanced. Can anyone recommend a system with more cassettes or CDs?

Coincidentally, I've been thinking of getting an iPod to put all of the Russian CDs into MP3s and take them all to go. The thing is I can't afford an iPod, but I found a place that gives them away for free. You can check it out here if you're interested.

Please help and give me your advice on what system I should choose. Thanks!

(no subject)

[margorand.livejournal.com]

Perhaps some of you Russianists can answer this question...

Is there an idiom in Russian that means roughly 'things will never be the same'? I'd go ahead and translate the English phrase into Russian but if there's a Russian idiom, I'd rather use that. Спасибо :-)

(no subject)

[wolfie-18.livejournal.com]

Although this doesn't relate to Russian language, can someone update me as to what's happening in Russia now? I heard about the plane crashes, but my mother told me that there was also a sequestering of schools and killing of professors. And I'm worried.