Art

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/nov/25/conflict-time-photography-tate-modern-the-scars-of-war-sean-o-hagan
    The article I've read is titled "The scars of war: how good is photography at capturing conflict?".
The article was written by Sean O'Hagan and it was published in the newspaper "The Guardian" on the 25th of November, 2014.
The main idea of the article is showing the ominous beauty of the pictures revealing the unspeakable horrors of war.  "Seeing is believing", "words are but wind, but seeing is believing", "a picture is worth a thousand words", "one eyewitness is better than two hear-so's",  - the well-known bywords say. Is it so? I presume yes. 
Authors describes the objects of the "Conflict, Time, Photography", a new show at London’s Tate Modern. 
  Sean O'Hagan begins with telling us several words about Kurt Vonnegut and his absurdist anti-war novel. ‘People aren’t supposed to look back,” - Vonnegut says. 
 "It is Vonnegut’s novel, rather than an image, that is the starting point for "Conflict, Time, Photography". A notice next to the exhibition entrance describes how the book came to be written (Vonnegut was an American POW who witnessed the firebombing of Dresden on 13 February 1945) and how the structure of the show echoes Vonnegut’s use of narrative time shifts to move freely through the history of photography and conflict. It is left to the viewer to decide whether photography can look back any more successfully than fiction at events that often, as Vonnegut concluded, defy description or rational understanding".
    The author narrates the detailes of almost  all the pictures of the gallery.
The picture that influenced me the most is "Pierre Antony-Thoure from Reims after the war. The 
mutilated cathedral. The devastated city". Looking at that picture I feel that strange kind of feeling... Maybe I feel a bit frustrated or even desperated. This mismatch, no, this discrepancy between father-confessors ,personifying  lowliness of mind, reverence and awe of God ,and the amplitudinous destruction, having been done by the power of war violence makes me button up and begin thinking. 
Where God was when it everything was happening? Does he really exist  and if yes, why didn't He stop such a cruelty? 
When I was younger I asked these questions very often. But today I know the answer. He created us not just to stick to the rules and to follow without thinking. He wants to rely on us and to let us understand everything with the help of our minds.

Also I liked another picture. It is so simple but at the same time it tells a lot.

Shomei Tomatsu, Steel Helmet with Skull Bone Fused by Atomic Bomb, Nagasaki 1963. Courtesy Taka Ishii Gallery, Tokyo Photograph: Courtesy of Taka Ishii Gallery, Tokyo

The author of the article says: "The first thing to make clear about Time, Conflict, Photography is what it doesn’t show. There is no photojournalism and little reportage, no scenes of carnage or heroism. Anyone expecting an exhibition of traditional war photography will be disappointed. The Tate’s curator of photography, Simon Baker, describes it, instead, as “a conceptual reading of how war is remembered”".

I think it is so valuable not to show the global picture but to pay attention to the little details of ordinary people's life and pain.

Aftermath … a bullet-scarred apartment block in Kabul (detail) by Simon Norfolk. Photograph: Simon Norfolk

Don McCullin’s Shell-Shocked US Marine, Vietnam, Hue, 1968

US Bombing on Taliban Positions, 2001, Luc Delahaye. Courtesy Luc Delahaye and Galerie Nathalie

Toshio Fukada, The Mushroom Cloud - Less Than Twenty Minutes After the Explosion. Photograph courtesy Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of PhotographyPhotograph: okyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography

So I got 3 questions for you, my dear readers:
1)  what picture of the gallery did you like the most and why;
2)  can the picture really make the great impression and influence the spectator's mind;
3)  can be war sometimes interpreted as a needed action because there's no development without revolutions.

Social Behaviour

 

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/nov/23/i-was-23-and-a-vogue-editor-when-i-fostered-an-orphan-girl

 

The headline of the article I`ve read is "I was 23 and a Vogue editor when I fostered an orphan girl". The article was written by Lisa Lovatt-Smith and it was published in the newspaper ''The Guardian", 23 November 2014.

The main idea of the article it to show people that there is nothing strange or immoral in brining up orphan children. They are usual kids and they also deserve happiness. So if you have an opportunity to help someone, why not? We shouldn`t forget that there are much more important things in our lives than money and even career. We are people, we have feelings... "It was good to be as kind as possible."sais the author.

The author starts by telling a very exciting, touching and detailed story of her life. Lisa Lovatt-Smith was a successful Paris editor of the Spanish Vogue group of magazines, she had a boyfriend, wonderful career a prodigious wardrobe. She lived in a luxurious house in Paris. One day she met a five-year old girl who was living in the social housing block. The girl had skinny legs, a dirty face and tangled hair. She was called Sabrina. Lisa noticed her waiting for a taxi, she asked Sabrina if she wanted to eat and the girl agreed. Then they started talking and spending afternoons every day.

The author writes how difficult it was to understand what to do and what decision would be right. She liked the girl and got attached to her. Under the circumstances Luis had to make a choice: to leave the girl with the social workers or to become her official foster mother. "Flowers sent by Karl Lagerfeld, front-row seats at fashion shows, highbrow conversation about the newest trends – I loved it all. Becoming the guardian of a little girl wasn’t part of the plan."

However, Luis understood there was a bond between them and she really liked Sabrina. Besides, she knew the girl`s family. Her mother died and father was an alcoholic. " I knew I could not abandon Sabrina."

The author comes to the conclusion that one day when you need to make a decision or a choice, listen to your heart and think about the most important things in your life. Luis had to change her life completely. She split up with her boyfriend, refused travelling because of her work, argued with friends and even her own mother, who approved that it would turn to be impossible for Luis to get married, the main reason was the orphan girl. Society and her close persons didn't`t favour it at all. Nevertheless, she brought up Sabrina and arranged her life. Luis has never been sorry about her choice. They are absolutely happy together.

I found this article very touching and encouraging. I think it`s a good example for us. The author explains that there shouldn`t be any hesitation or jaundices to the orphan children. That`s not a good side of society. We are all people. I`m absolutely agree with the author. I expect some people change their opinion after reading this wonderful article. 

 

Now I`d like to ask you some questions:

1) What do you think about the society`s disapproval of Luis`s behaviour?

2) What can change the opinion of the society?

3) Could you act like Luis in the same situation?

Social behaviour

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/nov/28/birmingham-mother-left-kids-see-man-australia-suspended-sentence

The headline of the acricle is "UK mother who left children to see man in Australia gets suspended sentence". The author of this article is Andrew Johnson and it was published in "The Guardian", 28 November. The main idea is that mother of six children flew to Austalia to see a man she met online after telling her children that she was going to Asda (local supermarket), has been given a suspended sentence. The article is telling us about the Birmingham woman who left her 14-year-old son in charge for six weeks. It was lucky that he phoned his grandparents hours after and they alerted authorities.

Author points out the fact that mother, now expecting a seventh child, ignored all messages and deactivated her social media accounts. Andrew Johnson says that she was sentenced to six months in jail, suspended for two years. Judge Murray Creed said it was wilful abandonment  but accepted that her children, the youngest of which was three at the time, had been brought up in a “satisfactory and supportive way”. The author cames to the conclusion with words of defence solicitor John Smitheman: "She had been in an abusive relationship and the children, now living with their grandparents, had not been affected by the experience".
I found this article true to life, it's a good example of how you should not take care of your children.

And now I want to ask you some questions:
1. Do you think that she should go to jail for what she had done?
2. Do you think that she should be deprived of the parental rights?
3. Do you know anyone who left children home alone for a very long time?

FOREIGN POLICY

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/royal-navy-chases-four-russian-4715149

The headline of the article I've read is "Royal Navy chases four Russian ships from the North Sea out into English Channel." The article is written by Chris Hughes and it was published in Mirror,28 November. The main idea of this article is that Russia warships appeared in the territorial waters of Britain and the British fleet had to escort them.

The Royal Navy was alerted to shepherd four Russian warships through the Straits of Dover.

HMS Tyne escorted the vessels out of UK waters as they sailed from the North Sea into the English Channel.The Russian manoeuvres follow months of tension over Moscow’s takeover of Crimea and its support for armed separatists in Ukraine.Russia said the fleet carried out military exercises being anchored in international waters in Normandy.

"Russia’s Northern Fleet HQ said: “While anchored the crew will perform a series of exercises on combating infiltrating submarine forces.”"

 But a NATO spokesman expressed doubts about the “exercises” and suggests that the Russian ships tried to escape from the bad weather.

"He added: “The ships are not exercising in the Channel as some Russian headlines would have us believe.

“Our information indicates they are transiting and have been delayed by weather conditions.”"

The Royal Navy insisted that it isn’t unusual for Russia to send warships through the Channel.

"A Defence Ministry spokesman said: “We are aware four Russian naval ships have passed through the Dover Strait, which all ships have the right to do under international law.”"

With East-West tension in the past two years The Royal Air Force had intercepted dozens of Russian warplanes in the airspace over Britain.

In my opinion, in the field of recent events, it was necessary to expect such a reaction from Europe to the Russian warships. And again in this situation mentioned Ukraine and the help to "separatists". It seems to me, no matter how Russia doesn't try to prove their innocence to the events in Ukraine it will not lag behind. The good news is that NATO spokesman has found another explanation.

1) What do think about this situation?

2) How do you think when the world stops to bind Russia to the events in Ukraine?
3) How do you think did the USA influence on France?

ART

The headline of the article I've read is 'Mikhailovsky Ballet - the St Petersburg company wows Manhattan'. The article is written by Luke Jennings and it was published in The Gardian, 23 November. The main idea of the article is that The Mikhalovsky Ballet of St Petersburg  makes its US debut enchanting the audiens by refined technique and insouciant star turns.

The author starts by telling the reader that the company was relaunched in 2007 by a colourful figure, Vladimir Kekhelman, and since then he has steered the Milhailovsky Ballet with a steady hand.

Luke Jennings points out that the company is well regarded at home, in London and New Yorl now with the help of the ballet master Mikhail Messerer, building a unique repertoire, and such star dancers as Natalia Osipova and Ivan Vasiliev.

Natalia Osipova in the role of Gisele

The article goes on to say that the three week tour opened on 11 November with  the mission to resurrect lost or neglected ballets of the 19th century and the communist era and let the audience take pleasure of the dancers' impossible speed, elegant circuit of flying turns and impeccablу musical performances, in general.

The author comes to the conclusion that Russian ballet is no longer just about the Bolshoi and the Mriinsky. 

I found the article quite interesting and useful to know that Russian ballet has a strong appeal to today's audience. It is a goos example how art can create a powerful impression. This success story proves that even in difficult times for classical dance, Russian ballet remains popular and is internationally recognised now due to our talanted creative people.

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/nov/23/mikhailovsky-ballet-new-york-review-lincoln-center-american-debut

My question: 'Why did this Ballet become so famous and well-recognizable even abroad? What in ypur opinion makes it unique? '

Education

The headline of the article is “What every would-be teacher should know before they qualify”. The author of the article is an anonymous teacher - the writer of this piece has chosen to remain anonymous to protect the identities of the staff that she refers to. The article is taken from the newspaper The Guardian. It was published Thursday 20 November 2014.

The article is devoted to the problem of young teachers training in Britain. According to the text, some courses provide such short placements in schools that the young teachers are being set up to fail. The author stresses that no amount of advice could make up for the lack of training that many young teachers have experienced. The author is confident that schools do not have the skill base or time to support young teachers who are not prepared for teaching. The routes into teaching are now often so short (a year or two) that there doesn’t seem to be the time needed to study the pedagogy well enough. Teaching is a craft that takes time to learn and develop. It takes practice and freedom to reflect on what works and why it works. In conclusion, the author of the article says that it is necessary to be unbelievably emotionally and physically strong to be able to make a difference to children’s lives. You will get to know them and support them and even when you feel you are failing, the children will know you are there for them and that will make the difference.

I find this article very interesting and useful not only for English teachers, but for Russian ones too.  I think that Russian young teachers also often face the problem of lack of practice. As a result, they feel shaky, afraid to fail. I absolutely agree with the author of the article, that even excellent knowledge of the theory of pedagogy can’t replace teaching practice.

So, the article suggests some very important questions: what can help teachers get more practical training? How long should be the practice periods for teachers feel confident working with children?

http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/nov/20/what-every-would-be-teacher-should-know-before-they-qualify?commentpage=1

Mass Media. AC/DC

The headline of the article I have read is «AC/DC – Rock or Bust first listen review – 'If this is to be their last album, they haven't disgraced themselves'» .

The author of the article is Michael Hann. It was published in the newspaper «The Guardian» on November 24.

The main idea of the article is that the 16th AC/DC studio album should  have been a lap of honour.

The author starts by telling the reader that AC/DC's last album, 2008’s Black Ice, entered the charts at No 1 in 29 countries.

After spending the first 20 years of their career being disdained by critics, despite their staggering commercial success, they’ve spent the last 20 transmuting into international treasures. 

But Michael Hann says that the group was faced with many challenges, creating the final album. Now Rock or Bust arrives at the most troubling time the band have faced since the death of their original singer Bon Scott in 1980. Earlier this year it was announced that Malcolm Young, AC/DC’s rhythm guitarist, founder and de facto leader had left the band, owing to dementia. Earlier this month, drummer Phil Rudd found himself with charges brought against him for possession of drugs and making threats to kill.

This is the song from last album. "Play Ball"

Author says that it would be nice to think that maybe there’s one more album in AC/DC, but it’s probably a forlorn hope.  

So If this is to be the last AC/DC album – and with their records now coming at an average of once every five years and Brian Johnson now being 67, that has to be considered a possibility, at the very least – then they have not disgraced themselves.

It seemed to me this article interesting and important for those who are interested in rock music, especially love old group. I can not call myself a fan of AC DC, but some of their songs I think are just gorgeous and giving a strong positive attitude. I recommend to listen to some of them.

  

Source

Well, now I have a few questions to my readers:

1) Have you known AC/DC before reading this post? Do you like their music?
2) Do you think if there will be one more album in AC/DC?
3) If you did not know the AC/DC work , does it interesting for you now?

The headline of the article I have read is «Paedophile ring allegations: police are failing us, murdered boy’s father says» .
The authors of the article are Sandra Laville and Josh Halliday. It was published in the newspaper «The Guardian» on November 19.
The main idea of the article is suspicions of murdered boy`s father that the police covered up links between his son’s killing and activities at south-west London guest house.

The authors start by telling the reader that eight-year-old boy was killed 33 years ago. It was happened on wedding day of Prince of Wales and Diana Spencer. The little boy was watching it. He had been walking a bit quicker than his family in the crowded streets where revellers were celebrating.

Sandra and Josh write that in this time, there were paedophiles at a guest house in south-west London that is now at the centre of a new police inquiry into murders of children. The boy, Vishal, went missing in July 1981 in Putney, less than a mile from the Elm House guest house in Rock Lane, Barnes. Seven months later the upper half of his torso was found buried in woodland in West Sussex. And the strangest thing in this case was recorded phone call, which was passed it onto detectives investigating abduction, but was told it was probably a crank call, and the information was never followed up. On this record was the talk between a retired magistrate and a man, who suggested the boy’s abduction might be connected to the activities of a group of “powerful, high-profile” paedophiles who frequented the guest house.

According to the text we are learning that high-profile people were involved in this situation, because now the police refuse to discuss it. 

In conclusion authors tell us, that  Vishal’s murder was linked at the time by detectives to the activities of Sidney Cooke, who was a member of a paedophile ring that was eventually brought to justice for the rape and murder of three boys, but is suspected of having abducted and killed several more.

The activities of the paedophile ring were investigated in a major inquiry known as Operation Orchid, which examined the fate of a number of missing children going back to 1980 after receiving intelligence that Cooke’s gang could have abducted and killed up to 20 children.

The Guardian asked the Metropolitan police on Wednesday for the whereabouts of the Orchid files, but they refused to comment.

Sandra and Josh make readers to think about these terrible events and decide whether people can trust the police.

I found this article important and interesting, because every parent should know about danger, which can threaten his child, and about police inaction. 

Now, I want to ask some questions to the readers.

1)Do you agree with boy’s father that police can covered up links between the killing and activities at south-west London guest house?

2) why was it happened on wedding day of Prince of Wales and Diana Spencer?

3) Can police find the killer of the innocent child?

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/nov/19/paedophile-ring-allegations-elm-house