не было, нет, и/а не будет

[wolfie-18.livejournal.com]

When is it appropriate to use не было, нет, and не будет? Would you say "Экзамены не было трудных" or just "Экзамены были нетрудные?" I'm aware that using these three would mean using the genetive, but I dunno whether or not to use (or if it is allowed) those terms for plural. The same thing with "У меня." Would it be "У меня нет (не есть) машины?"

And another thing, I'm still confused when to use "и/а, но/а." I tried looking at the previous post (in the archive on this topic) but it ended up confusing me more. Thanks in advance.

(no subject)

[kalaus.livejournal.com]

Those who find Russian aspectual usage a language-learner's nightmare might want to take a look at this essay:
Russian Aspectual Decision-Making (by Benjamin Sher)

(no subject)

[nadyezhda.livejournal.com]

Anyone know how to say "Mad Cow disease"?

Thanks muchly.

д versus g

[wolfie-18.livejournal.com]

Is there ever any rule as to when to use д over g? I myself am used to writing g, but I was just wondering if there would ever be any situation in where a Russian would say "why are you writing it like that?" or "what???" When and where is д used more frequently? EDIT: That д (script) is actually supposed to look like an inverted б, but I don't know why it's not showing up.

Moscow Times article

[alektoeumenides.livejournal.com]

( Who's Breathing on the Back of Your Head? )