Titanic the 2nd

В настоящее время набирает обороты вопрос о том, как произошло это бедствие, и все больше и больше под сомнения ставятся действия капитана.

Он придерживается мнения, что его судно находилось достаточно далеко от берега, а то, на что оно наткнулось не было обозначено на его карте.

Однако, сотрудник береговой охраны утверждает, что крейсер находился очень близко к скалистому берегу, и один из членов экипажа в своем заявлении говорит, что капитан совершил, как он это охарактеризовал, "существенные ошибки".

Между тем, обследование затонувшей части корабля продолжалось всю ночь, и около двух часов одна из бригад обнаружила тело мужчины в коридоре.

Личность его еще не установлена, но скорее всего это пассажир, а не член экипажа.

По последним данным, катастрофа унесла жизнь шестерых человек.

surf the BBC

 Journey through BBC Learning English website was a wonderfull experience for me, because I didn't use this site before. Now I know about it and know how to find any information I need, so I believe it's very usefull also to do some excersises to improove my english. The thing that I like the most is quiz with new words which have appeared in English quite recently, because I really want to keep my English up to date.

Biodiversity

Do you ever suggest how much unique species of animals and plants still alive on the Earth?

People are building huge factories, that cause soil pollution. Animals extincts because of it.

Savvy, savvy, save?

Do you think yourself as a tech-savvy?
Do you actually know what it means?

If you have enough knowledge about computer and you can deal, and you can repair it by yourself, it means that you're tech-savvy.

Кукуруза была впервые отделена от дикой травы в Мексике около девяти тысяч лет назад.

Считалось, что это заняло добрую тысячу лет, до того момента, как кукуруза распространилась до Южной Америки, где стала неотъемлемой частью современного рациона.

Но початки, найденные на раскопках в северном Перу показывают, что их ели люди, жившие здесь как минимум шесть с половиной тысяч лет назад.

И тесты, проведенные на древних початках показали, что их использовали более разнообразными способами, чем считалось раньше: для производства муки и попкорна

Это означает то, что в некоторых районах люди делали попкорн еще до того, как появилась глиняная посуда. Как точно они дошли до этого, учитывая то, что у них не было достаточно глиняной посуды, не совсем ясно

Еще более неясно, когда они ели это, за век до первого кинофильма.

The help was nominated for Oscar

 The film is based on the controversial best selling novel by Kathryn Stockett. It was controversial because it is the story of Jim Crow-era maids written by a white woman. Yes, the book is actually the fictionalized story of a white woman getting black maids to discuss their lives as maids for white folks. Rather than get into some politically correct dissertation on the book, movie or story, I will only comment on the film itself ... this very entertaining movie that also manages to deliver a timeless message.

Let me first start by saying that this movie is incredibly well acted. It is quite rare to have so many developed characters in one movie. There are some characters we immediately connect with, while others draw our ire each time their face appears. The script and these fine actresses utilize humor to point out the shameful behavior of those who saw themselves as superior. The humor doesn't soften the ignorance or abuse, but it does make the film infinitely more watchable and entertaining. Please know this is not a documentary.

Ms. Stockett's novel has a very loyal following in addition to the naysayers. A two hour film must, of course, take short cuts and trim story lines. Still the key elements are present. Based in Jackson, Mississippi during Governor Ross Barnett's term we see the social shark, Hilly Holbrook (Bryce Dallas Howard), in her full glory of ignorance, entitlement and superiority. We see her minions and followers emulating her moves while trying to gain her approval.

The story takes off when Skeeter (Emma Stone) graduates from Ole Miss and returns home and takes a job at the local newspaper. Possessing observation skills and humanity that her lifelong friends can't comprehend, Skeeter desperately wants to tell a story from the perspective of the maids. As expected, the maids are hesitant, but Aibileen (Viola Davis) does relent. The stories begin to flow and soon the robust Minny (Octavia Spencer) joins in. Others soon follow their lead and Skeeter's education goes to an entirely new level.

That's really all of the story I care to discuss. The brilliance of this one is actually in the details ... individual scenes and moments of acting genius by most of the cast. In addition to those mentioned above, Jessica Chastain plays Celia, the "white trash" outcast who so desperately wants to be allowed back into the girls' club. Ms. Chastain was seen a few weeks ago in the fabulous "Tree of Life" in quite a different role ... I would venture to say no actress will have two roles of such variance this year. Also, Allison Janney plays Skeeter's cancer-stricken mother, and Sissy Spacek is Hilly's mother who gets tossed aside before she is ready to go! The great Cicely Tyson makes a brief appearance as Constantine, Skeeter's childhood maid who was done so wrong after 29 years of service. Mary Steenburgen has a couple of scenes as a big NYC book publisher.

As a said, this is pure acting heaven, but I must single out Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer. Viola is so powerful at the beginning and end of the film, and Ms. Spencer is a force of nature during the middle. This movie is really their story and these two ladies make it fascinating, painful and a joy to behold. They both deserve recognition at Oscar time.

There are so many fantastic details to the film. At times, it is like watching a classic car show ... the late 50's and early 60's models are works of art. The wardrobe, hair and make-up are perfect in setting up the class differentials. The TV and radio segments provide context and timing with the deaths of Medger Evers and JFK. Even the books on Skeeter's shelf make a statement: To Kill a Mockingbird, Huck Finn, Native Son, and Gone With the Wind.

This story takes place 50 years ago and director Tate Taylor does an admirable job of bringing Stockett's novel to the big screen. Mr. Taylor is a longtime friend of Ms. Stockett's and was quite fortunate to get the directing rights. He doesn't disappoint. Sure the story is a bit glossy at times ... it is geared towards the masses. If you are looking for more depth, there are numerous documentaries available on the Civil Rights movement. If you are seeking a very entertaining movie that uses humor to tell a story and send a message, then this one's for you.