суббота, 24 ноября 2012 г.

Rendering 10.

On November, 9, 2012 the article entitled "New storm water runoff rules could cost cities billions" was published by Bettina Boxall in "Los Angeles Times". In this article the author covers new storm water regulations that were adopted in several states of America. Analyzing this issue, the author takes a criticle view of general situation with Los Angeles runoff system. Bettina Boxall makes it clear that runoff remains the leading cause of water pollution in Southern Califirnia, promoting beach closures and bans on eating fish caught in Santa Monica Bay. It's necessary to point out that the runoff is tainted by a host of contaminants from thousands of different places: from pet waste and auto brake pads to industrial areas.

Speaking about new storm water regulations the reporter notes that authorities of Los Angeles face spending billions of dollars to clean up the dirty urban runoff that washes pollution into drain and coastal waters. Bettina supports the idea of director of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, John Kemmerer that in order to solve this problem it's neccesary to build up a so-called "green infrastructure" which would be more cost-efficient than trying to treat urban runoff at thousands of small sources. So, in this connection municipal officials will pursue a variety of tactics according the new regulations. First of all, the Los Angeles provision seeks to reduce storm water flows to the ocean in ways that would cut down polluted flowing into coastal waters and replenish aquifers, thus boosting local water supplies. Officials also plan to sweep streets better and collaborate on the construction of large infiltration basins that will capture storm water and let it seep into the ground to recharge groundwater. They also plan to use parking lot and landscape designs that would retain a certain amount of runoff on site. Street curbs are planned to be altered to send road runoff to plant beds rather than storm drains.

As for me, I completelly support a "green infrastructure". Los Angeles' renewed storm water regulations should be held up as an example for other cities around the world. I believe that this way to solve environmental problems will bring positive results in future. If world's cities begin to take a part in saving of nature world's environmental situation will be far better. But unfortunatelly today, it remains a big problem.  

среда, 14 ноября 2012 г.

Individual Reading. Rainbow Six.1

Sammury. Part 1. Chapter 1-6.
The plane by which John Clark, a former navy serviceman, and Ding Chavez, his son-in-low and  subordinate flied was hijacked by three terrorists for the purpose of kidnapping of a Spanish ambassodor. But the terrorists were mistaken with plane and it made them realize their failure. John Clark and Ding Chaves took under the control this dangerous situation and neutralized the terrorists using their military experience. After this incident they were sent to Great Britain where the headquater of the "Rainbow" was located.

"Rainbow" was a multinational counterterrorist organisatio which was founded by John Clark. The main goal of this organisation was to fight against terrorism around the world. The organisation included two groups, one of which was leaded by Ding Chaves.

Ding became the commander of Group-2 which included a team of perfect and well-trained fighters and riflemen. Their first mission was a bank robbery in Switzerland where they showed their mastery and proved their efficiency. Four terrorists, one of which was most-wanted, from famous terrorist organisation took hostages in a city bank and killed one men. To avoid new victims the Swiss authority gave the go-ahead to "Rainbow's" actions. The operation of setting free hostages was succesful, terrorists were killed. Later it became clear that the bank robbery was organized by a certain Dmitry Popov, a former KGB official, who indeed planned such an outcome of events. His role still remains unclear but he certainly plays by his own rules.

Meanwhile, in the streets of America homeless drunkards were picked up by trucks and sent to strange room where "doctors" tidied them up, cleaned, fed and gave them lot of conveniences up to different sorts of drinking. But some of them were injected with unknown medicine and none of them were allowed to leave this room...

Also in some laboratory a new project under code name "Shavy" was started. This project implied to use cancerous genes for still unclear goals...


Vocabulary and questions. Part I. 

понедельник, 12 ноября 2012 г.

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The "National Geographic" published an article about global warming. This particular article examines some solutions of this nature's global problem. The author of article, considering an emitting greenhouse gases (GHGs) as the main reason of global warming, speaks about stabilization GHG concetrations. The author, refering to the IPCC's dates, emphasizes that people have to reduce GHG emissions by 50 % that means they are on track to be in the next century to reach this level.

Speaking about concrete solutions of this problem, it is necessary to note that everyone can help. Thus, researchers Stephen Pacala and Pobert Socolow from Princeton University have suggested one approach that they call "stabilization wedges". This means reducing GHG emissions from a variety of sources with technologies available in the next few decades, rather than relying on an enormous change in a single area.

Other possible solutions that are mentioned by author include improvements to energy efficiency and vehicle fuel economy, increases in wind and solar power, hydrogen produced renewable sources, biofuels produced from crops, natural gas and nuclear power.

It was also revealed that in addition to reducing the gases which are emited to the atmosphere, people can also increase the amount of gases they take out of the atmosphere. Plants and trees absorb CO2 as they grow and sequester carbon naturally. Increasing forestlands and making changes to the way people farm could increase the amount of carbon.

In conclusion the author assumes that some of these technologies have drawbacks. But he also expresses the view that all these methods together with joint efforts can put the humanity on a parth toward a stable climate.

As for me, I suppose author's point of view. Only common human efforts make climate and envirenment in whole better.   

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"The Independent" published the article of Patrick Cuckburn entitled "Syria's suffering opens a door for Washington" on October 7 that reports about military situation in Syria. The article discusses the relationship between the USA and Syria in the question of the security of the later.
It's not a secret that Syria was a leader of the so-called "resistance bloc",that Palestinians supported. Speaking about this situation it's necesssary to point out that when Hosni Mubarak and President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali had been driven from power in Egypt and Tunisia, Bashar al-Assad seemed confident that his opposotion to the US would protect him against the revolution. But it was revealed that "resistance bloc" is fighting for its life.
Analyzing this situation the author expresses his critical view that the US should give more military support to the Syrian opposition and organize a military coup against the Syrian government in Damascus. He makes it clear that the US will take steps of empowering the moderates in the opposition, shifting the balance of power through arms and other lethal assistance, encouraging a coup leading to a power-sharing arrangement, and accommodating Russia in exchange for its co-operation.
It's difficult to predict the cource of events but it's very likely that America is going to prepare the ground for a peace conference. The reporter emphasizes that more direct military involvement in Syria can be dangerous for the US.

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The interesting article entitled "US presidential debate: who got it right on al-Qaida" was published by Jason Burke in the newspaper "The Guardian" on October 23. In his article the author reports about debates between USA president Obama and Romney concerning the situation with al-Qaida. Both politicians tried to  determine present status of this terrorist organization and establish a definision of al-Qaida that suited them.
For Romney, al-Qaida was sometimes the organization founded by Osama bin Laden and others in 1988, sometimes all those now influenced by its ideology. So he referred to both "this radical violent extremism which is … really not on the run" and to an apparently single "group that is now involved in 10 or 12 countries" which "presents an enormous threat". As for Obama he preferred to keep to a more narrow definition of al-Qaida: it's the senior leadership of the group, based mainly in Pakistan.

Analyzing this situation the author expresses the view that the USA is the only western nation that has seen increased levels of militant activity, homegrown and otherwise, over recent years. According to the reporter this fact has a big influence on the debate. He claimed that Though most attackers have shown dubious commitment and limited competence there have been important exceptions.

Having return to the politician's debates it's interesting to note the Romney's position. He admitted that  it is difficult to judge how much of a threat does that disparate and fragmented phenomenon pose. Giving appraisal of his position the author assumes that geographic spread is a crude measure. If groups have emerged in parts of north Africa and elsewhere as new opportunities have emerged in the wake of the Arab uprisings, they have also disappeared elsewhere – in Saudi Arabia and, to a great extent, in Indonesia.

There is no secret that Al-Qaida can recruit enough people and get enough resources to survive. But the author also makes it clear that few security services or analysts outside government see radical Islam generally as an existential threat in the way many did in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks or the bombings in Madrid or London of 2004 and 2005.

In conclusion the author of article supposes that to a great extent the continuing weakness, and tenacity, of violent extremism today is due to local factors, particularly the revulsion of communities across the Islamic world for violence when it occurs close at hand.

As for me, I think that the problem with Al-Qaida organization is very difficult to be solved. It's hard for me to predict the course of events in the future but it's very likely that this organization will continue its activities for a very long time. 

четверг, 8 ноября 2012 г.

Pleasure Reading. Conclusion (p.155-188)

The party of Mrs. Dalloway finaly began. A lot of guests and even guests of honour came to reception. Clarissa gave all of them a hearty welcome but she felt she became too old for such receptions. But this particular one was especially difficult for her because some guests were not expected by Clarrisa to visit her. These were  friends of her youth Peter Walsh and Sally Seton. She felt that Peter watched and criticized her.She tried to avoid meeteng him, although Peter wished to stay with her alone for talking.
As for Sally Seton, her visit was real surprise for Clarissa. They had not seen each other for many years. Mrs. Dalloway noticed that Selton had changed physically, she grew old, but her character didn't change.  Sally remined her their youth, their happy life which passed away forever and Clarissa felt again that she became too old.
Meanwhile, Peter and Sally were sincerely glad to see each other. They had a good talk about their past and their present lives. Sally understood that Peter still loved Clarissa and this fact made her happy. She was very  glad to return their general past for a while.
When Dr. Bradshaw came together with his wife, he told about Septimus' suicide that made Mrs. Dalloway upset. She couldn't believe that her party was darken by this grief.
Peter Walsh watched how Clarissa communicated with everybody besides him. Suddenly he felt fear and bliss at the same time. And he understood that Clarissa was the fault of all his confusion.   

понедельник, 5 ноября 2012 г.

Pleasure Reading (p.117-155)

Elizabeth and Miss Kilman went to the shop where the latter bought a horrible skirt and after that they visited a cafe where they usually had a cup of tea. Miss Kilman was always complaining of her wretched life. She was a poor hystory teacher who was fired from her previous job during the war and who was kindly employed by Mr Dalloway for his daughter. Miss Kilman took offence at Elizabeth's mother and other women of such sort. She hated them for their false prosperity, their luxurious and successful lives and for that the destiny pampered them but not her. Elizabeth was her only hope of better life. Therefore she became very much attached to her.  But Kilman's complaints bothered Elizabeth. She respected her teacher for her wisdom but she disapproved Kilman's attitude to herself.

Miss Kilman wanted Elizabeth not to visit the party organized by her mother, nevertheless Elizabeth went.

Meanwhile, Lucrezia together with her husband Septimus had unusually good time in their home spending it for the making hats. Septimus for a while became as he was during their meeting. He helped Lucrezia, joked and amused her. Lucrezia couldn't believe her happiness. But all her happiness collapsed when Doctor Doum came. Lucrezia didn't want him to enter and tried to stop him. Septimus panicked. He jumped out of the window in horror and died.

Peter Walsh constantly thought about Mrs. Dalloway. He didn't know what to do: whether he go to her party or not. In the hotel Walsh received a letter from Mrs. Dalloway. But he still was in doubt. Eventually he  decided to go. 

вторник, 23 октября 2012 г.

Review 2


Rendition(2007)

Cast:  Reese Witherspoon, Meryl Streep, Peter Sarsgaard, Alan Arkin, Jake Gyllenhaal and Omar Metwally.
Director: Gavin Hood
Genre: Drama film

The film was shot excellently. Gavin Hood presented the film as two separate stories which seem to have no connection with each other. Events of these stories run parallel to each other and only at the end of movie they finally crossed. This director’s trick, I think, added a little tension to the film and made audience be on the alert constantly and follow the course of events carefully. Work of screenwriters is also great. The plot of the film reveals the dark sides of CIA work in America excellently but a little toughly.
Synopsis:
The events take place in America and North Africa. CIA analyst Douglas Freeman lost his partner in the explosion of a suicide bomber in Egypt. He was charge to investigate this case. In view of it, an Egyptian-born chemical engineer Anwar El-Ibrahimi coming back from Africa to the USA was arrested in the airport by American police on suspicion of connection with terrorist organization. Anwar was sent to a secret prison outside the country without any legal causes where he was tortured for the purpose of getting information. The process of questioning and torturing under Douglas Freeman’s control was guided by Abasi Fawal, a high-ranking police official, who was the main target of a terrorist attack. Meanwhile, a pregnant wife of Anwar alarmed at her husband’s disappearance asked for help her old friend Alan Smith who worked as an aide to Senator to find Anwar. Smith knew that Anwar El-Ibrahimi was arrested by order of Corrine Whitman, a high-ranking political official. But Whitman made it clear that his arrest was top-secret. In a parallel storyline, Abasi's daughter Fatima escaped from home with her lover Khalid who was a supporter of an extremist offshoot. At the end of the film we know that Khalid was this suicide bomber who made the explosion which killed a lot of people including Fatima.
Review.
The film shows the severe truth of the modern government system. It reveals an insignificance of human life before the state power. I think this is another film that refers to the category of “bold” ones. Gavin Hood is worth of praise because not every film director dares to expose vices of own country. Hood openly demonstrates the fact that the US use tortures. To my way of thinking developments of the movie instigate us to think: what if the government uses even more horrible methods for its goals which we don’t even suspect about? What if the tortures and murders of people are usual practice for state power? Why was Anwar El-Ibrahimi tortured? Did Abasi really think that Anwar was a terrorist? It is hardly. Anwar was only scapegoat. Abasi Fawal tortured him not for the sake of truth but for results. It doesn’t matter to government who committed a crime, it’s more important to find guilty ones because the society requires it. To kill one for the sake of thousands. The end justifies the means. These are the main mottos of the government. But is that really so? NO. No end justifies such means. Violence gives rise to violence. And this is endless.  So in this connection, the film shows: it’s really scary to live.

Speaking about actors, their performance was perfect. But I think the cast is secondary in such sorts of films. To my way of thinking, there are no differences if other actors star in this film. I’m sure it will lose nothing by it. The main accent is not on the actor’s performance but on the process and main idea of insignificance of human life before the state power.

To sum up, the movie is very exciting. Certainly it is not for the general public. This film is for narrow circles of people who are ready to accept the worst truth of the modern government system and our “small” lives.

суббота, 20 октября 2012 г.

Pleasure reading. Summary. (p.55-117)

  Peter Walsh walked on the London's streets and wondered how this city has changed. He sleeped on a park bench and saw a dream about former times when he and Clarissa were young and when Richard Dalloway married Clarissa.
  Meanwhile, spouses Warren-Smith walked through the park too. Septimus continued to rave: he seemed that he must bring people something very important, he saw his died friend Evans and talked to him. Besides it he went into memories about his first meeting with Lucrezia,his wife. All of this reduced her to despair. She couldn't believe Septimus' doctor no longer as there were no results in his treatment. So Lucrezia brought her husband to a new doctor William Bradshaw who recommed to take Septimus to hospital for insane people.
 
  Richard Dalloway and Hugh Whitbread were invated for a lanch in the Mrs. Brutn's hause. Mrs. Brutn, the old lady and the General's daughter, wanted them to help her to write a letter to "The Times" for emigration's issues. During the lanch she mentioned about Peter Walsh's arrival. Remembering how Walsh once chased after Clarissa, Mr. Dalloway wanted to make something special for his wife to prove her how he loved her. He bought a bouquet of flowers for Clarissa and intended to say her that he loved her. However Richard didn't heve the courage to say that.
  But for Mrs. Dalloway the bouquet of flowers was enough. At that moment she warried about her daughter Elizabeth. Clarissa Dalloway disliked her daughter's history teacher Miss Kilman. Clarissa hated Kilman for that the later deprived her of daughter. Elizabeth spent all her time with Kilman and they bacame the best friends. It hurted Mrs. Dalloway. 

понедельник, 15 октября 2012 г.

Pleasure reading. Summary (p.1-55)

"Mrs. Dalloway"

 Clarissa Dalloway, a 52-year-old woman, woke up very early, because she was going to arrange an evening party for English high society. Her husband, Richard Dalloway, was always busy, as he worked in the goverment. Clarissa went to flower shop and met her childhood friend, Hugh Whitbread, who held a high position in the British Royal household. His wife was always ailing. Clarissa began to remember the events of her distant youth, when Peter Walsh, who was in love with her, always got annoyed at the sight of Hugh. Peter had gone to India long ago and to Clarissa's disappointment, he sent very boring letters.
  Mrs. Dalloway had bought a bunch of flowers and after that became a witness of small accident: a car of "high-ranking person" (as it seemed to everybody) crashed into road curb.
  This accident also attracted attention of Septimus Warren Smith, a World War I veteran, who was mad because of contusion. Septimus seemed that all people around him looked at him and that he was guilty of the accident. He was in panic. His wife Lucrezia Smith, who came from Italia, tried to distract him from this event. (Septimus' doctor advised Lucrezia to distract her husband's attebtion from bed events). Lucrezia despaired deeply. Septimus suffered from frequent nervous fits, he wanted to kill himself; Lucrezia was alone in London and she was afraid that somebody could hear her husband's raving.
  Clarissa Dalloway returned home and knew that her husband was invited by Lady Brootn without her. It was a little offended for her. She remembered her best friend of her youth, Sally Seton, whome she admired. She felt to her a strange love for her recklessness. And Clarissa realized how old she became.
   Mrs. Dalloway was sewing her dress when unexpected visit have happened. Peter Walsh suddenly came back from India and made a visit to her. They remembered their marvelous youth, but both of them regretted about missed chance to marry each other, although none of them confessed to it.
  Peter had to leave Clarissa's house but at the last moment Mrs. Dalloway decided to invite him at the evening party. 

воскресенье, 14 октября 2012 г.

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The news about sensational film "The Innocence of Muslims" is still on everybody's lips. The Mass Media is replete with new massages about consequences of this film, particularly about a new war which is going to flare up. 

The given article reports that Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri has called upon Muslims to wage a holy war (a jihad, in other words) against the US and Israel over a film deemed insulting to Muslims. His audio message with appeals was released by al-Qaida's media As-Sahab and posted on militant websites on Saturday. Giving appraisal of this situation, Ayman al-Zawahiri called demonstrators and attackers who stormed the US embassy and consulates "honest and zealous". It is necessary to remind that a short web video "The Innocence of Muslims" defaming the Prophet Mohammed caused violent riots in several Arab countries and other states with Muslim populations in September after it was posted on YouTube. In this connection, there were a lot of assassinations; particularly it was revealed that in Libya, armed militants killed the US ambassador, Christopher Stevens. The reporter gives no details about content of Ayman al-Zawahiri’s audio appeal, but he emphasizes that according to Al-Qaeda leader, Washington had allowed the film's production under the pretext of freedom of expression and also quoted him that "this freedom did not prevent them [Americans] from torturing Muslim prisoners".

As for me, I believe that this news was predictable. It is not surprising that Muslims reacted to this situation by calls to war. Violence gives rise to violence.


воскресенье, 7 октября 2012 г.

Rendering 5.

  The famous newspaper "The Telegraph" published one quite interesting article titled "Afghanistan, Obama's forgotten war". This artical comments on strange situation about conflict in Afghanistan, namely about absolute ignoring of this conflict by the American authority, particularly by the USA president Baeck Obama. Speaking about this situation, it's necessary to renind that Obama is the candidate for the presidential election. Moreover, neither of challengers for the election mentions this situation. In this connection the author of the artical expresses thr critical view that the Afghan war has become a non-issue for the presidential contenders, an omission which inspires little confidence in the ultimate fate of a conflict that is far from over. Analyzing this situation, it is necessary to emphasize that the death toll of Americans in this war has already reached 2000.
  In conclusion the author suggests that Taliban will make a dramatic comeback once Nato's combat forces are withdrawn in two years time. It's hard to predict the course of events in future but perhaps this stape makes Obama and other condidates to take an active part in Afghanistan's fate.
  As for me, I wonder why do American politicians ignore this situation in such important for them period, the period of presidential elections. The solution of this issue will allow them to get more votes. Although come to think of it, it's unacceptable to forget about such important issues like that.

Link:  http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/concoughlin/100183279/afghanistan-obamas-forgotten-war/

пятница, 28 сентября 2012 г.

Rendering 4.

The article reports at lenghth about demonstrations around the world against an anti-Islam film "Innocence of Muslims". Speaking about the general situation in the world, the reporter pays special attention to American's one whose embassies and consulates have been attacked by protesters in many countries such as Indonesia, Australia, Egypt and others. The reporter gives few details about disturbances in each of these countries, but it was revealed that most of the protestors responded with calls to punish the films director with death. It's necessary to point out that violence over the US-produced film continues to spread and the death toll in the wake of an attack on a US embassy has risen further. In respect of the fact that the afore-mentioned film was created by Americans, there is no mention about any activities from the USA except goverment appeals to stop the violence. The author of the article doesn't express his own view about this situation, he only reviews general events. 

Link: http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,16243501,00.html

пятница, 21 сентября 2012 г.

Rendering 3

 "Understanding ethical journalism"

This article reviews an interview with journalist, Wong Ngee Choong who speaks about his understanding of ethical journalism. It's neccessary to note that Wong is opposed to self-censorship and political interference in the media. Speaking of journalistic system, he emphasizes that a good journalist must minimise harm and act independently but in the interest of public. Wong stresses the importance of loyalty to citizens which depends on personal journalist's conscience to be accountable, honest, fair and responsible. Giving his own understendig of a good journalism, Wong Ngee Choong notes some of its main aspects, such as “fairness”, “accuracy” and “responsibility” and points uot the main porpuse of journalism, which is to tell the truth. He also is opposed to the unawareness of the public. Speaking of this matter, Wong emphasizes that the public also needs to participate actively because the journalism serveses to society. So Wong makes it clear that society and journalists should support each other. Wong Ngee Choong notes that he media operates within a capitalist environment, so therefore the media will always be subject to either commercial or political pressures, or a combination of both. In conclusion he expresses the view that a moral compass is the most important in the work of reporters and journalists and that  professional recognition relies on daily application of journalistic morals and ethics. 

пятница, 14 сентября 2012 г.


Lions for Lambs(2007)

Director: Robert Redford

Lead actors:  Robert Redford as Professor Stephen Malley, Meryl Streep as Janine Roth, Tom Cruise as Senator Jasper Irving, Michael Pena as Ernest Rodriguez, Derek Luke as Arian Finch Andrew Garfield as Todd Hayes.

Genre: drama film

Synopsis: The general picture of this film is formed by means of three separate stories which are closely interwoven with each other. The first story is about Senator Jasper Irving (Tom Cruise) who invited journalist Janine Roth (Meryl Streep) to announce his new war strategy in Afghanistan against the Taliban in the hope to convince the public of the perfection of his plan. The plan is to send small groups of soldiers into strategically important objects to fight with Taliban. The second story tells us about professor of the West Coast University, Dr. Malley (R. Redford) who tried to convince his very smart and budding student Todd Hayes (Andrew Garfield) to continue to attend his lectures on political science. To make Todd think, Dr. Malley told him about his two former students who went to army to fight for country which they wanted to change. And the third one is about these two students of Dr. Malley, Arian (Derek Luke) and Ernest (Michael Peña), who were sent in Afghanistan and trapped by the Taliban.

Review. First of all I’d like to say that Robert Redford’s work is worthy of respect at least for his creative boldness. He paraded all vices of American people and vices of the whole world as well, such as ostentatious politics directed at the total submission of the people; venal journalists; degradable youth and in general public inactivity. This film with difficult, at the first sight, and deep sense shows us the reality which reigns in our world nowadays. The reality is that the struggle for “the high goals” nourished by beautiful words of politicians and propagandized by them through the Mass Media (as the most effective means of suggestion) is nothing as the struggle for power and submission. The main characters personify the typical system of this reality: politicians, such as Senator Irving, try to convince the public of necessity of any political decisions and force people to fight for them “whatever it takes”. But there are people such as Arian and Ernest who go to fight without persuasions. They have to go to war to die for country (which doesn’t value their death, though) because they have nothing in this country expect their great wish to change it. But there are people who don’t want to change this system because they see no sense in it (like Todd). Moreover, there are people, such as Dr. Malley and journalist Janine Roth, who also want to change their country and they try to do it. They realized that «If you don’t STAND for something, you might FALL for anything». Such people try to call up the public for action and change person’s mind, as Dr. Malley tried to call up Todd for political classes and as the journalist tried to expose false information of Senator.

As for actors, I think their play was excellent. Tom Cruise assumed an unusual for him role of hypocritical politician, but he played it perfectly. As for role of Meryl Streep, I guess it was one of the best of hers. The role of smart and experienced woman very suits her. Also I liked the play of the young actor Andrew Garfield.  I have seen his play in another movie “Social Network” where he performed a similar role of smart student. I believe it’s his dramatic type.

So, on the whole, “Lions for Lambs” is one of those films that we should watch more than once. This film makes the audience think about serious problems which often nobody want to think of. These are problem of senseless wars, implicit faith and total public submission.

вторник, 11 сентября 2012 г.

Newspaper rendering
This article discusses the situation in Kosovo. It reports that a 25 nation group that has been monitoring Kosovo’s first few years of independence has officially ended its role. Speaking of this event it is necessary to remind that The International Civilian Office which is made up of 23 EU countries, the US and Turkey – has guided the tiny country since it broke away from Serbia in 2008. Giving appraisal of the situation Kosovan Prime Minister Hashim Thaci described the move as an ‘act of trust’. However, challenges remain, including the integration of Serb-majority areas in northern Kosovo. It's necessary to point out that Serbia lost control over Kosovo during the late 90s war and vowed never to acknowledge Kosovo’s independence. So, there is every likelihood that violence will continue. It's hard to predict the course of events in future but more than 6,000 NATO peacekeepers and a team of around 1,000 EU police officers and judicial staff will stay behind following the closing on the International Civilian Office to control the situation in Kosovo. 

Link: http://www.euronews.com/2012/09/10/kosovo-independence-supervision-ends/

воскресенье, 9 сентября 2012 г.

This is a list of books for my Pleasure Reading:
Year I Term I-"The Black Arrow" by Robert Louise Stevenson
Year I Term II - "The Railway Children" by E. Nesbit
Year II Term III - "Pride ang Prejudice" by Jane Austen
Year II Term IV - "Islands in the Stream" by Ernest Hemingway
Year III Term V - "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf

a 80-100 word piece about the impression the story for my Home Reading Class

My impressions about short story "The Unexpected" by K. Chopin.

In my impression this story is very interesting. It seemed to me useful because the plot of this story is quite realistic. And it can take place in real life too. I like this story because it made me think about one of the important problems. This is problem of choice. The main heroine went against social norms. But this step was her freedom of choice. It was her own decision. So, the story showed me the importance of this problem. The ability to make a choice and to make a decision is difficult. And the given story proves this fact. It's very important for each person because our future and our life depend on it.