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Controversy over ice dance 'tribute'

Russian ice dance tribute to Aborigines offensive to Aborigines

Словарь: offensive - обидный

controversy - полемика
tribute - дань
indigenous - туземный
interpretation - толкование
dance routine - танцевальный номер
inspire - вдохновлять
unauthentic - неподлинный
accordingly - в соответствии

ice-dancing gold Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin, the favorites for ice-dancing gold in Vancouver, wowed the crowds with their routine at the European Championships. They sit in the lead after their original dance, a tribute to Australian Aborigines.

Except, Aboriginal leaders don't see it as a tribute. They don't really see how it has anything to do with their culture at all.

"They have got the whole thing wrong," said Stephen Page, artistic director of the respected indigenous group, the Bangarra Dance Company. Page said there were no traditional movements in the routine, the music sounded more like it came from India or Africa than Aboriginal Australia and the body paint looked like "a three-year-old child had drawn it on"... "Probably the elders in the bush would be laughing because they would be saying, 'Look how stupid these fellas are'," he said.

Domnina and Shabalin are required to do an original dance that is representative of a country's culture. The U.S. pair of Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto, who won silver in Torino, perform a Moldavian folk dance. Americans Meryl Davis and Charlie Davis won the Grand Prix Final with an Indian-inspired dance.

The dances are not required to be strict interpretations of the culture they are meant to represent those cultures, but Domnina and Shabalin completely miss the mark. At this point, it's likely too late for the pair to change their routine. Hopefully, an Australian will be on the panel who judges their original dance, and marks their unauthentic and offensive dances and costumes accordingly.

Комментарии: 6

Добавил: GALA UNIVERSITY 22 янв, 23:25

Avatar Breaks Russia Box Office Records

Did you see it? What do you think about this movie?

avatar

Russian movie viewer: Since release of Avatar in Russia last December, I have watched the movie twice, both in 3D. I shall also go to IMAX movie theater in Moscow to watch it again. According to industry sources, Avatar has broken Russia box office records.

Avatar Russia box office reached over $62 million in the beginning of January. The Avatar in Russia was watched by more than 5.2 million people. The Avatar box office in Russia exceeded the Avatar box office in the U.K. with $58 million and was only less than in the U.S. with $394 million, France with $90 million, and Germany with $63 million. The Avatar box office totaled $1,131 million worldwide.

Distributed in Russia by News Corp.’s 20th Century Fox CIS, Avatar opened on more than 1,320 cinema screens in Russia including some 350 screens with 3D.

In 2009, the Russia’s box office reached over $700 million.

Комментарии: 17

Добавил: GALA UNIVERSITY 18 янв, 09:38

Dance Time

Evolution of Dance

Комментарии: 14

Добавил: GALA UNIVERSITY 10 янв, 21:08

Tongue Twisters - Скороговорки на английском языке

Скороговорки для практики в произношение английского.

Какие скороговорки на английском языке для вас особенно сложны? Какие получились легко?

Знаете ещё скороговорки?

Скороговорки с фонетикой по словам

1. Thirty thousand thoughtless boys thought they'd make a thundering noise, so with their thirty thousand thumbs they thumbed thirty thousand drums.

2. How many cookies could a good cook cook. If a good cook could cook cookies?

Подробный список скороговорок и видео на английском языке

Комментарии: 11

Добавил: GALA UNIVERSITY 6 янв, 00:36

Best Music Video of 2009

Internet viewers were fascinated by a new singer's video about one woman's restless night.

Her Morning Elegance / Oren Lavie

Sun been down for days
A pretty flower in a vase
A slipper by the fireplace
A cello lying in its case

Soon she's down the stairs
Her morning elegance she wears
The sound of water makes her dream
Awoken by a cloud of steam
She pours a daydream in a cup
A spoon of sugar sweetens up

And She fights for her life
As she puts on her coat
And she fights for her life on the train
She looks at the rain
As it pours
And she fights for her life
As she goes in a store
With a thought she has caught
By a thread
She pays for the bread
And She goes...
Nobody knows

Sun been down for days
A winter melody she plays
The thunder makes her contemplate
She hears a noise behind the gate
Perhaps a letter with a dove
Perhaps a stranger she could love

And She fights for her life
As she puts on her coat
And she fights for her life on the train
She looks at the rain
As it pours
And she fights for her life
As she goes in a store
With a thought she has caught
By a thread
She pays for the bread
And She goes...
Nobody knows

And She fights for her life
As she puts on her coat
And she fights for her life on the train
She looks at the rain
As it pours
And she fights for her life
Where people are pleasently strange
And counting the change
And She goes...
Nobody knows

Video With Lyric

Комментарии: 7

Добавил: GALA UNIVERSITY 31 дек 09, 20:37

Santa is coming

Santa's Cookies

It hurts!

Комментарии: 18

Добавил: GALA UNIVERSITY 19 дек 09, 19:58

Share with us your biggest embarrassments

словать: embarrassment - конфуз, смущение

We think you will be less enthusiastic to share your biggest embarrassments. But let's try anyway.

Embarrassing yourself in a social situation is the stuff of nightmares. The toilet paper stuck to your shoe, an open zipper during a speech or slipping on a patch of ice while walking down the street -- you don't forget the red face and cold sweats.

Комментарии: 14

Добавил: GALA UNIVERSITY 18 дек 09, 04:01

Возрождение Английского Клуба на Skypecast

Дорогие друзья!

Gala University возвращается к старой доброй традиции проведения бесплатных Skype кастов(Skypecast) для желающих попрактиковаться в английском языке. К сожалению, в том виде, в котором они проводились прежде, касты существовать не смогут, однако мы разработали новую концепцию каста.

Цель English Conversation Club Skype кастов(Skypecast) - практика разговорного английского.
Для проведения таких кастов нам необходимы волонтеры, которым мы сейчас поручим тестирование новой схемы, а в дальнейшем - модерирование кастов. Желающие испытать себя в роли модераторов, а заодно и практически поработать над своим английским, пожалуйста, сообщайте Ваши контактные данные (Скайп и электронный адрес) в личку. Верим, что наши касты будут еще лучше, чем они были прежде, и смогут принести много пользы своим участникам.

Welcome to Skype English Club, ladies and gentlemen!

PLEASE REGISTER HERE: http://www.galau.com/ruengl/skypecastjoinform.html

skypecast, Skype кастов

Английской через Скайп

Комментарии: 15

Добавил: GALA UNIVERSITY 15 дек 09, 00:52

Four secrets to a spectacular relationship

4 Secrets to a Spectacular Relationship

What do couples who describe their relationship as spectacular do differently than those who describe theirs as simply so-so? The differences are quite small, actually.

relationship #1. Understand Each Other's Needs

"The main reason marriages break up is not conflict, communication problems, or physical incompatibility," Orbuch says. "It's frustration -- the day-to-day disappointment of the gap between what you expect and how your partner acts -- that is most damaging." To diffuse that frustration, share your expectations with each other. Maybe you desire more affection and he craves more relaxed couple time. "And be sure to check in with your partner once a year, as added pressures or life changes can create new expectations," Orbuch says.

#2. Show Him Some Love

Men whose partners give them affirmation -- those words and gestures that show they are appreciated, respected, and loved -- are twice as likely to describe themselves as happy in their relationship. And men may need affirmation more than women, Orbuch's research showed. "Women are constantly receiving flattery from friends and even strangers who say, 'Love your outfit!'" she says. "But men don't get that recognition." Can you imagine a passerby stopping your guy to compliment him on how well his tie matches his shirt? Not gonna happen -- which is why men rely on that attention from their mates. Luckily, there's another payoff to your flattery: He's more likely to return those loving deeds back to you.

#3. Take 10

A weekly date night is always recommended as a way to reconnect, but sometimes all you need is a few minutes. "I call this the 10-Minute Rule: Take 10 minutes a day to talk about anything, except for responsibilities or chores," Orbuch says. Throw out Mom's old advice about how an air of mystery keeps the flame alive: Orbuch's research showed that 98 percent of happy couples say they intimately understand their partners.

And knowing your partner intimately isn't always about engaging in heavy conversations: Anything that helps you learn something new will bring you closer, Orbuch says. You can bond over why you think your dog is the smartest one on the block or which superpower you'd want most. You'll get to know each other's inner world and strengthen your bond of happiness.

#4. Focus on the Good

The best way to make your relationship better is to work at fixing what's wrong, right? Nope. "The most effective way to boost fun and passion is to add positive elements to your marriage," Orbuch says. "That positive energy makes us feel good and motivates us to keep going in that direction."

This doesn't mean that you can't feel -- or talk about -- anything negative, but "pretend you are weighing your interactions on a scale," she says. "If you want a happier relationship, the positive side needs to far outweigh the bad." The more you honor the love and joy in your bond, the sooner you'll transform your partnership into one that is truly great.

Комментарии: 9

Добавил: GALA UNIVERSITY 29 ноя 09, 09:39

Poker Face

Что означает "Poker Face"? И зачем этот face нужен в игре покер?

Найдите похожее по значению выражение на русском.

Russian Roulette is not the same without a gun ....

from song из песни Леди ГаГа "Poker Face"

h

Mum mum mum mah
Mum mum mum mah

I wanna hold em' like they do in Texas Plays
Fold em' let em' hit me raise it baby stay with me (I love it)
Luck and intuition play the cards with Spades to start
And after he's been hooked I'll play the one that's on his heart

Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, ohh-oh-e-ohh-oh-oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got
Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, ohh-oh-e-ohh-oh-oh,
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got

Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)

I wanna roll with him a hard pair we will be
A little gambling is fun when you're with me I love it)
Russian Roulette is not the same without a gun
And baby when it's love if it's not rough it isn't fun, fun
Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, ohh-oh-e-ohh-oh-oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got
Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, ohh-oh-e-ohh-oh-oh,
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got

Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)

I won't tell you that I love you
Kiss or hug you
Cause I'm bluffin' with my muffin
I'm not lying I'm just stunnin' with my love-glue-gunning
Just like a chick in the casino
Take your bank before I pay you out
I promise this, promise this
Check this hand cause I'm marvelous

Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)

Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)

Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)

Комментарии: 8

Добавил: GALA UNIVERSITY 24 ноя 09, 21:14

Song of the week

Send It On

by "Disney's Friends For Change"

A word's just a word
'Til you mean what you say
And Love isn't love
'Til you give it away
We've all gotta gift
Yeah something to give to make a change

Send it on
On and on
Just one hand can heal another
Be a part
Reach your heart
Just one spark starts the fire
With one little action
The chain reaction will never stop
Make it Strong
Shine a Light and Send it On

Just smile and the world will smile along with you
That small act of love
Is spent for one to become two
If we take the chances
To change circumstances
Imagine all we can do
If we...

Send it on
On and on
Just one hand can heal another
Be a part
Reach your heart
Just one spark starts a fire
With one little action
The chain reaction will never stop
Make it Strong
Shine a Light and Send it On
Send it on

There's Power in all of the choices we make
So I'm starting now there's not a moment to wait
A word's just a word
'Til you mean what you say
And love isn't love
'Til you give it away

Send it on
On and on
Just one hand can heal another
Be a part
Reach your heart
Just one spark starts a fire
With one little action
The chain reaction will never stop
Make it Strong
Shine a Light and Send it On

On and on
Just one hand can heal another
Be a part
Reach your heart
Just one spark starts a fire
With one little action
The chain reaction will help things start
Make it Strong
Shine a Light and Send it On
Shine a Light and Send it On
Shine a Light and Send it On

Караоке для изучения английского языка http://www.galau.com/ruengl/karaoke.html

http://www.galau.com/ruengl/freematerials.html

Комментарии: 10

Добавил: Igor Maler 13 ноя 09, 20:53

Cartoon time

woman word

Комментарии: 7

Добавил: GALA UNIVERSITY 11 ноя 09, 21:13

"Movie Night" On demand

Dictionary: On demand - по требованию

По заказу Nadya наш первый фильм "Kate and Leopold"

Не просто будет понять главного героя с его устаревшим английским и французским акцентом(пропавшем к середине фильма).

Советуем спрашивать вопросы в блоге если что-то не понятно и когда получите объяснение просмотрите сюжет еще раз.

Устраивайтесь поудобнее: здесь будет помещен фильм целиком:

THE END

Комментарии: 8

Добавил: GALA UNIVERSITY 29 окт 09, 22:26

What is Success to you?

At age 4 . . . success is . . . not peeing in your pants.
At age 12 . . . success is . . . having friends.
At age 16 . . . success is . . . having a drivers license.
At age 20 . . . success is . . . having sex.
At age 35 . . . success is . . . having money.
At age 50 . . . success is . . . having money.
At age 60 . . . success is . . . having sex.
At age 70 . . . success is . . . having a drivers license.
At age 75 . . . success is . . . having friends.
At age 80 . . . success is . . . not peeing in your pants.

How do you define success?

Money, Success, Fame, Glamour

Комментарии: 23

Добавил: GALA UNIVERSITY 16 окт 09, 20:10

Who are you?

Who's who in the group? Share with us something about yourself! The more the better! :)

Комментарии: 66

Добавил: Boy Friend 9 окт 09, 01:30

Answer the question: What kind of movies do you prefer?

What kind of movies do you prefer?

Комментарии: 40

Добавил: GALA UNIVERSITY 27 сен 09, 08:56

Sport Time: Wife Carrying Contest.

A wife-carrying contest is actually a lot like it sounds. Men, carrying wives, race through an obstacle course that includes sand, water and fences. The prize for winning the race is the wife's weight in beer. It's really all very civilized.

The sport -- yes, it's a sport -- originated in Finland, and was most likely inspired by a duo of historical tales. A 19th century legend has it that men stole wives from neighboring villages. In a second tale, an outlaw named Rosvo-Ronkainen made potential soldiers prove themselves in a race where they carried heavy sacks. Put the two tales together, and what do you get? Wife-carrying races.

Комментарии: 12

Добавил: GALA UNIVERSITY 24 сен 09, 01:42

Answer - Question. Small Talk Time!

Answer the last question and ask the NEXT (not previous) person your own question!

Отвечайте на вопрос и задавайте свой следующему участнику(не предыдущему).

Your questions about everything. Любые вопросы, сложные и простые, серьёзные и смешные.

Комментарии: 84

Добавил: GALA UNIVERSITY 22 сен 09, 21:41

Song of the Week

Songs of the Week by Simon & Garfunkel

Simon & Garfunkel

Scarborough Fair

The sound of silence

Караоке на английском - Нам песня жить и учить английский помогает.

Английский язык - Бесплатные материалы для самостоятельное обучения

Комментарии: 8

Добавил: GALA UNIVERSITY 14 сен 09, 21:12

Новая инициатива - " English Conversation Club".

Одна из главных задач Gala University США - сделать изучение иностранных языков максимально доступным для каждого. Для того чтобы реализовать это, мы создаем содружество клубов и курсов иностранных языков на нашем сайте.

Если у вас есть желание создать свой собственный клуб ....... подробности здесь

Just Do It!

Ваши вопросы welcome.

English Club