LAL Torbay StopPress - April 2015

Transcription

The LAL Torbay Students’ Magazine
Issue 83 | April 2015 | www.laltorbay.co.uk/stoppress
Britain Gave
Sport to the World
How sports that have their roots in
Britain took over the world
Liechtenstein? Where's that?
An introduction to the tiny principality
Torquay United
The history of The Gulls
LAL Torbay StopPress | April 2015
available at LAL Torbay
from the Excursions desk
• More than 1000 UK
destinations
• Return tickets to
London from only
£31.30
Page 2
www.laltorbay.co.uk/stoppress | April 2015
Welcome to StopPress
Dear Readers,
Welcome to spring. It is time to read your latest StopPress magazine in a
sunny garden or by the beach sipping a Coca-Cola.
This month we have articles on Liechtenstein, Torquay football and
a review of the new Avengers film.
Happy reading!
Kevin Ryland
LAL News........................................... 4
Liechtenstein? Where's That?........... 5
Five things to do................................ 6
Britain Gave Sport to the World...... 8
Trying to See the Horizon in the
Land of the Giants: Creative
Writing............................................. 10
An International Gesture................ 11
Torquay United: The Story Behind
The Gulls.......................................... 12
See, Saw, Seen................................. 14
What's on......................................... 15
Britain Gave Sport to
the World
How sports that have their
roots in Britain took over the
world
»Pages 8-9
Liechtenstein? Where's
That?
Torquay United
»Page 5
»Pages 12-13
LAL students introduce us to
this tiny European principality
Like us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/lalschools
StopPress is published by LAL Torbay,
edited by Kevin Ryland and typeset by Lucy
Waldron.
We welcome submissions: Please hand
any items you would like considered
for publication to Room 1.01, or e-mail
stoppress@laltorbay.co.uk
Thanks to Kevin Ryland for proofreading.
The story behind The Gulls,
Torquay's professional football
team
LAL Language Centre (UK) Ltd
Conway Road, Paignton, TQ4 5LH, England
+ 44 (0)1803 558555
torbay@lalschools.com
*
Articles in this magazine are contributed
and do not necessarily reflect the views or
policy of LAL Torbay.
Page 3
News
Academic News
We have enjoyed a busy month with young learners from
Thailand (British Council funded), who were bright and lively,
and our first group from Liechtenstein, who were the usual
good standard of German-speaking young adults.
As usual, we had classes of Abitur pupils (the German
school-leaving certificate), and I had the pleasure of teaching
them for two weeks. We did grammar revision as well as
literary and non-literary text work. We are looking forward to
more groups of Abitur candidates all through the summer.
We have had excellent results in Cambridge examinations
(CAE, FCE and CPE). All of the candidates must be
congratulated on their achievements.
In addition to the usual adult and young learner intake,
we also have regular CELTA courses for trainee teachers and
all of the candidates passed with flying colours!
& Kevin Ryland
Free Book Club
For extra English practice why not join Lorraine's
book club? This month's book provides portraits of
different characters' lives in transition. The book club is
held every Wednesday at 14.30 in room 1.04.
Book Club
Wednesdays at 14.30 in room 1.04 | Free.
In-Flight Entertainment
by Helen Simpson
Free films every week
Join us in our 'Riviera Cinema' in room 2.01
each Thursday for free film shows. Each week there
will be a different film shown with subtitles. Spaces
are limited - first come, first served!
Young learners from Thailand visit Cardiff Castle
Page 4
Liechtenstein?
Where's that?
LAL Torbay has recently welcomed some
teenagers from the tiny European country of
Liechtenstein. Many of us haven't heard of
Liechtenstein! Here, two students compare
Liechtenstein to their home countries of
France and South Korea.
Liechtenstein vs. France
France and Liechtenstein couldn't be more different.
Although there are just two hours between them by road,
it's hard to find many similarities. In the following text we
will tell you about both cultures and try to find likenesses.
Liechtenstein is a small principality in the heart of the
Alps. The inhabitants are native German-speakers with
their own accent, which is affected by their neighbours
Austria and Switzerland.
On the other hand, France is one of the most
important centres of Europe. As it has 66 million
inhabitants, it also counts as one of the biggest melting
pots of cultures. Thanks to its fortunate location it has great
assets for trade.
Both cultures are famous for their architecture. While
France has some of the most historical buldings in Europe
and attracts many tourists and art students, Liechtenstein
is known for its inventive and modern architecture and
also offers studies at Liechtenstein University. Tourists in
Liechtenstein are often interested in the ski resorts and the
fresh air of the mountains, in contrast to the tourists in
France interested in culture and art.
Known for its famous cooking, France also serves some
of the most famous dishes in the world. In contrast, the
small
principality just offers a few traditional meals rarely
known over the border. One of the most common dishes is
called "Ribel" and consists mainly of corn.
There are so many other differences between France
and Liechtenstein but these are just a few of them. To get
an impression of both cultures it is recommended to plan a
visit to see for yourself.
& Kevin (France) and Olivia (Liechtenstein)
Liechtenstein vs. South Korea
Liechtenstein and Korea are very beautiful countries.
However, they are very different. We want to tell you about
our countries.
Liechtenstein is a very small country and has a
population of 37,000 people. 100 years ago, Liechtenstein
was a poor farming state, but now it has changed to a
financial and industrial country. Liechtenstein has the
highest GDP per person in the world. Korea is also a small
country, but there are a lot of people: 50 million. Korea is
very modern and has a lot of 21st century conveniences.
There are a lot of skyscrapers and hotels and Korea also has
a very good transport system.
Liechtenstein is 627 times smaller than South Korea
and for every inhabitant of Liechtenstein there are 1,351
people in South Korea. South Korea is a very progressive
country in Asia and Liechtenstein is a small state with 11
villages in the Alps.
& Valentin (Liechtenstein) and Hyewon
(South Korea)
Page 5
things to do
BMAD Motorbike Festival 2015
Friday 1st May - Sunday 3rd May 2015
Bikers Make A Difference (BMAD) returns for
its annual motorbike festival on Paignton Seafront.
Each year the festival welcomes thousands of bikers
and visitors from across the country for a weekend
of awe-inspiring stunt shows, BMX displays and live
performances from a variety of local bands, all while
raising money for local charities.
»» Free entry | www.bmad.co.uk
Page 6
Dartmoor Prison Museum and
Dartmoor
Thursday 7th May 2015
Visit the museum of England's most notorious
and historic prisons. From the Prisoner of War Depot
to the present day prison, the collection of artefacts
provides a unique insight into prison life both past
and present. Then drive across the moor to see the
spectacular scenery of Dartmoor. After a relaxing stop
in a Dartmoor pub, visit the grave of Kitty Jay to listen
to the sad love story and perhaps Dartmoor's biggest
mystery. Admission to Prison Museum is included.
»» LAL Tour | Price: £19 (please book at the LAL leisure desk)
Depart: 14.30 Return: 19.45
Coleton Fishacre
Wednesday 29 April 2015
A visit to the beautiful house and gardens
at Coleton Fishacre. The elegant art deco house
and spectacular garden estate was developed in
the mid-1920s by Rupert and Lady Dorothy D'Oyly
Carte and is now managed by the National Trust.
Looe and Polperro
Saturday 25 April 2015
Visit the quaint old fishing village of Polperro and
the very picturesque coastal town of Looe. Enjoy some
spectacular cliff views of the ocean and, weather permitting,
take a walk along the costal path.
Stout walking footwear is advisable.
Dartmouth and Dartmouth Castle
Friday 1st May 2015
A scenic drive through the beautiful Devon
countryside to Dartmouth Castle at the mouth of the
River Dart. Explore inside the castle before driving to
the town with its cobbled narrow streets, quaint old
shops, wonderful historic atmosphere and beautiful
riverside setting. Return home via ferry across the river
Dart. Admission to the Castle is included.
Page 7
Britain gave
sport to
the world
Many of the sports we know and love today are
worldwide phenomena: football, rugby, golf and
tennis. Some of their most successful players
hail from Brazil, Australia and New Zealand. But,
as Andrew Ball tells us, their humble origins lie
somewhere closer to home.
Page 8
When I was a child, football was
everything to me. I played all day: at
school, at the weekend, in the evening,
in the back garden on my own, against a
wall and in the street outide my house. I
played in two teams from eight years old:
in attack, in defence and in midfield. I
carried on playing throughout my school
years until my early twenties.
Most of my school friends played
football. Some were better than others,
but it's an easy sport to play: two teams,
a ball and clothes for goalposts. Simple.
Others played cricket or rugby or
tennis. I never learned any of these fine
British sports particularly well and I still
don't understand cricket and its scoring
system. Rugby, for me, makes even less
sense. I've played a little bit of tennis and
I discovered that I could "serve" the ball
quite well, with power, but I couldn't
keep going after that. I was useless - a
sweaty, exhausted mess.
After school, my friends and I went
throught a phase of playing golf. This, I
was better at. Again, I could hit the ball
hard, very far, but wasn't very successful
at the patient, delicate shots that are
necessary to "putt" the ball. I was ok at
golf, but I think sport for me was a more
physical, fast-paced thing and I thought
golf was a bit dull (although the beautiful
Devon countryside surrounding golf
courses is quite rewarding). Mark Twain
once said that golf was "a good walk
spoiled" - I think I agree with the great
American writer.
Golf was invented by the Chinese,
but many agree it was popularised by
the British. When I think of golf I think
of the USA. Rugby is only played at top
universities in the USA and is mostly
unknown. Football (soccer) is becoming
more popular but is still considered a girls'
game in the USA and Canada. Indeed,
the USA women's football team has won
three gold medals at the Olympics, in
2004, 2008 and 2012.
In the USA, baseball and basketball
(which I love) are working-class sports
that occupy a similar space in the
country's working-class culture occupied
by football in the UK and the rest of the
world. Because of this I think football will
always struggle to be popular across the
Atlantic.
The word "soccer" actually comes
from the word "soc" in "association"
in "Association Football" and was used
more frequently in Britain a century ago.
"Soccer" is now used to distinguish the
sport from football, which in the USA
means American football. British football
fans sometimes dislike the use of the
word soccer!
Golf and tennis are sports that
are usually asociated with middle- and
upper-class people. You need a little bit of
money to be able to afford the equipment
and membership of golf clubs can be
thousands of pounds per year! In the USA
and UK rich people negotiate business
between taking golf shots. Japan and
Germany are now major golf countries
too.
Football is the common man's (and
increasingly woman's) sport. It is played
everywhere. I was in Egypt in 1996 in a
tiny village on the great River Nile and
there was a boy with a Manchester
United shirt on. In the back streets of
Guangzhou, China, I saw kids in Liverpool
shirts. British football is big business and
kids play just like I did: in the street with
some t-shirts for goalposts.
It is thought that football was
developed in England and Scotland and
was first played professionally in 1863,
back when Charles Darwin and Abraham
Lincoln were still alive.
The sport had existed in different
forms since ancient times, but again,
it was the British that gave it rules and
organisation. The game today is still
mostly the same. A British man named
Charles Miller introduced the Brazilians
to football in the nineteenth century and
they have become the most successful
country in world football.
During World War One British
and German soldiers stopped fighting
on Christmas Day. Some played cards
together but football was the obvious
choice for a sporting activity: the game
everyone knew, sometimes called "the
beautiful game".
Interestingly, the countries in which
football isn't the number one sport
usually prefer one of the other "big four"
British sports. Both India and Pakistan,
which are former British colonies, prefer
cricket to football. Both countries are big
international powers in cricket and the
rivalry between them is immense.
Britain's great rival in sport,
Australia (another former
colony) takes great pleasure
in defeating England at
cricket or rugby, but isn't
known for football. New
Zealand, also a former
colony, has one of the
world's most famous and
iconic rugby teams, which regularly
wins competitions.
These days, Scottish tennis star Andy
Murray is one of the world's best players.
First played in Birmingham in the 1860s,
tennis was an upper-class sport that was,
and still is, a favourite of the aristocracy.
When I was a child the sport was
dominated by Germans, Australians and
Americans. It seems the British give the
world these sports and then eventually
other countries play better and defeat
them!
& Andrew Ball
Which sports are the
British good at now?
A joke at the last Olympics was that the British win at sports in which the
participants sit down! There is some truth to that.
At the London Olympics in 2012, the British finished third behind USA
and China. They won:
29 gold medals
17 silver medals
19 bronze medals
That's impressive for a little island! 12 of these medals were awarded
for cycling (sitting down), five were awarded on equestrian events (sitting
down) and nine in rowing (sitting down).
Britain was also successful in lots of other sports: boxing, athletics,
triathlon, tae kwon do and many more.
So, cycling is our best sport at the moment.
Page 9
Trying to see the
horizon in the
land of the giants
Creative writing is a very stimulating way for you
to practise your English. If you want to use your
imagination and write a story, give it to your teacher
and we will put it in this magazine. Enjoy this magical,
feminist story by Elisa from Spain.
Page 10
Once upon a time there was a
faraway land where the men were giants
and the women were tiny. These women
had to walk very carefully so as not to be
crushed by the men who were really big
and had huge feet.
The main goal of these women was
to see the horizon which was very far
away, and the giant men usually let them
climb on their shoulders to get higher.
This was very comfortable for them and
the giants enjoyed the company of these
tiny creatures.
However, one day the tiny women
discovered a trick. They could make a tall
human tower if they worked together.
Without the help of the giants they could
see the horizon!
All the women climbed on the
shoulders of each other and formed the
tallest human tower so that they could
see far away.
During these days the tiny women
started to grow and they became giants.
Then they could see the infinite horizon.
& Elisa Garrido
An International
Gesture
In Britain, a hand gesture that is world
famous has a different meaning...
When I came to England I didn't know about "body
swearing" here. I just wanted to take a picture with my
new German friend.
In Korea most women pose for a photo with their
hands in a "V" formation. So when the picture was taken
with my German friend I posed with my hand in a "V" with
the back of my hand facing the camera. At the time my
friend was very surprised and I didn't know why. She said that
sign was rude in England and I shouldn't do it.
I was really embarrassed because I didn't know
about this meaning. After this incident I asked
another friend about the correct meaning. I was
shocked when I heard the correct meaning. It is a
very bad gesture. Every time I posed for a picture
I also swore.
Since then I have been very careful when I
pose for a photo.
& Hyewon Shin (Korea)
It is true! If you do the "V" with the
back of your hand facing the camera it is
rude. However, if you do it with the palm
of your hand facing the camera it means
"peace", or in association with war, it
means "victory".
Students
demonstrating the
correct (left) and
incorrect (right)
"V" signs
Page 11
Torquay
United:
the story behind
The Gulls
If you have some free time at the
weekend, why not visit a Torquay United
football match? Katie Ball tells us about
Torquay's professional team.
Page 12
Highs and lows
Torquay United are in League
Two, which is the bottom professional
football league. Over the years they
have seen many victories as well as
crushing defeats. The Gulls have been
promoted to a higher league four
times over the years and have had
a string of exciting performances at
Old Trafford (home of Manchester
United), Wembley and White Hart Lane
(home of Tottenham Hotspur). Being a
Torquay fan can sometimes be thrilling,
sometimes depressing, but never dull!
Notable Gulls
One of Torquay United's most
famous players was left winger Lee
Sharpe, introduced to the team aged
just 16. In 1988, Sharpe's potential
was noticed by Manchester United
and he was transferred to the club for
a record fee of £180,000. He would
later go on to represent England on
the international stage eight times and
score 21 goals in 198 appearances for
Manchester United.
In 1998 Torquay United were
delighted to sign former Welsh
international goalkeeper Neville
Southall MBE. He has been described
as one of the best goalkeepers of
his generation and won the FWA
Footballer of the Year award in 1985.
Southall spent much of his career at
Everton, where he made 578 first
team appearances. He displayed his
masterful skills over 53 performances
with Torquay United and was, without
a doubt, the most successful and
experienced player ever to grace the
field at Plainmoor.
Torquay United's ground,
Plainmoor, is situated in Torquay
and has a mixture of seating and
terraces for the serious fan who
prefers to stand and get involved
with the cheering, singing and banter
commonly referred to as "terrace
talk". Food and drink is served
throughout the match, with the fans'
favourites of pasties or cheesy chips
being the highlights.
& Katie Ball
WWW.GEOGRAPH.ORG.UK
Contacts
A match at Plainmoor in 1981
Matches start at 3pm on
Saturdays, with tickets costing
from £6 to £19.
Facts
• Torquay's relegation to a lower division in 2007 brought
an end to 82 years of league football.
• Four players have represented their countries: Tony
Bedeau (Grenada), Rodney Jack (St Vincent and
Grenadines), Gregory Goodridge (Barbados) and Taiwo
Atieno (Kenya).
• The club's Plainmoor ground has recently been
improved with the building of a new stand partly
funded by a local lottery winner.
WWW.GEOGRAPH.ORG.UK
Football is a passion for many
British people and is certainly the most
watched, debated over and important
sport in the country. As such, no visit
to the UK is complete without a trip to
a football match.
Torbay has one professional
football club: Torquay United, which
has enjoyed membership of the
football league since 1920. The team
wears a distinctive yellow and white
striped kit and are nicknamed "The
Gulls" after the seagulls which are
so common around Torbay and often
make an appearance during matches!
Plainmoor, Torquay United's home ground
Page 13
See Saw
Seen
AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON (12a)
7.5/10
Starring: Robert Downey Junior, Scarlett Johansson,
Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Chris Hemsworth,
Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson
Director: Joss Whedon
THIS IS PROBABLY THE BIGGEST FILM OF
THE YEAR. This is huge, blockbuster territory.
The Avengers have assembled once again to save
the world. Age of Ultron is big: big characters,
enormous explosions, gigantic peril. A large
amount of cars and buildings are destroyed during
the movie.
This time, Iron Man (Downey Jr.) and
his gang start their mission in Eastern Europe,
defeating some bad guys who are creating megaweaponry in a factory in the forest. The action
is great: Captain America (Evans) uses his shield,
Thor (Hemsworth) uses his alien hammer and Hulk
(Ruffalo) turns green and stomps around with rage
in his face, throwing people through the air. The
bad guys are defeated effortlessly - almost too
effortlessly.
The Avengers are put into greater danger
after Tony Stark and Bruce Banner unfortunately
collaborate in creating an artificial intelligence
being with superpowers. Ultron starts out as a
digital being who lives online, but turns into a
physical robot in order to defeat Iron Man and his
team. Tony Stark feels guilty and his gang blame
his bad judgement for possible world destruction.
Ultron, the evil robot, multiplies himself into an
army of hundreds to plan world destruction and
the annihilation of humanity.
Well, at least, I think that's what's going on
in this film. It's difficult to follow the science and
the character motivation sometimes isn't clear.
The Avengers must face the danger they
have created, so they search the world for the evil
genius cyborg that plans their destruction. The
finale is big and action-packed.
This film is brilliant escapism. I saw it
in 3D and it was visually stunning. It is a good
demonstration of what is possible today in visual
Page 14
effects. It's colourful and funny too. It's hugely
enjoyable from the beginning but is a bit too long.
With so many characters, there are so many
storylines. Hawkeye (Renner) is worried about
missing his family life, Thor is worried about the
fate of his home planet and Captain America is
worried about disunity in the team. It is a great
achievement from the director to make time for
all these important characters and then introduce
new ones for future films as well. There is a lot
going on.
I found the love story between Hulk/Bruce
Banner and Black Widow (Johansson) a lovely
storyline which could be a film on its own.
Fight scenes are common in this film, but
the invincibility of the numerous Avengers makes
them very unfair. I'm not sure if I cared about the
survival of the Avengers. Thor, Hulk and Iron Man
are particularly invincible and I felt I could relate
to them more when they were chatting together,
arguing and making jokes.
However, the film is not to be dissected for
meaning. It is violent, silly fun. It's escapist fiction.
It's a super hero movie, a popcorn film that maybe
isn't made for me, and as I sat there, with my 3D
glasses and my lemonade I realised that most of
the audience were 15 years old - making me feel
like a grandfather.
I didn't care. It was an entertaining couple
of hours and I recommend it to you as a visual
feast that you should see.
& AB
What’s on
LAL Excursions
Theatre
Culture
Princess Theatre
Brixham Pirate Festival 2015
Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 5EZ
Tel: 01803 290288
www.princesstheatre.co.uk
Yamato Drummers
Book your tours early; spaces are limited!
24 Apr Dartmoor
25 Apr Bath and Wells
27 Apr Intro Tour of Paignton
28 Apr Kent's Cavern
29 Apr Coleton Fishacre
30 Apr Exeter
01 MayDartmouth Castle
02 May St Michael's Mount
04 MayIntro Tour of Paignton
05 MayPowderham Castle
06 MayGreenway Gardens
07 MayPlymouth
08 MayCountry Pub Tour
09 MayPlymouth
12 MayTotnes
13 MayCockington Gardens and Torquay
14 MayExeter
15 MaySharpham
16 MayLooe and Polperro
19 May Kent's Cavern
20 MayColeton Fishacre
21 MayPlymouth
22 MayDartmoor
23 May Oxford
25 Intro Tour of Paignton
See your copy of the LAL Torbay Guide or ask at the
Excursions desk in reception for more details on all our LAL
excursions and tours or visit
www.lalschools.com/en/schools/lal-torbay/activities
(tours subject to change)
28 April
Yamato are master performers,
putting a contemporary twist on the
ancient art of taiko drumming with
an exhilarating display of athleticism.
The drums require powerful stamina
to play, often measuring up to six feet
across and producing a kaleidoscope
of sound.
Tickets £15.00 - £33.50
iMagician
02 May
After 10 years performing around the
world, Jamie Allan is set to astound
audiences in his first UK tour. iMagician
blends technology with incredible
magic and illusion, enhanced by
cutting-edge projection technology
and world-class sleight of hand.
Jamie has even vanished and
reproduced a $250,000 Robinson R22
Helicopter live on stage, a trick he
recently repeated on TV to millions of
viewers.
Tickets £10.00 - £22.50
Babbacombe Theatre
Babbacombe Downs, Torquay,
TQ1 3LU
Tel: 01803 328 385
www.babbacombe-theatre.com
Music of the Night
Brixham Harbour, 02 - 04 May,
10.00 - 17.00
A swashbuckling mix of fun and
entertainment, there will be lots of
pirates, military and period re-enactors
with guns and cannons to make plenty
of noise! There will be plenty of music
too with shanties and pirate rock, as
well as buskers, jugglers and other
street entertainers.
The festival takes place throughout the
town with main stage right next to the
Golden Hind boat in the inner harbour.
The festival is suitable for all ages,
with puppet shows, street acts and a
fancy dress competition, so dress in
your best pirate gear!
www.brixhampiratefestival.co.uk
Monster Saturday: Greek Myths
Torquay Museum, 02 May
10.00 - 14.00
Learn about the myths and legends
from Ancient Greece, play Greek
Gods and Goddess Bingo, and make a
medusa snake hat! Monster Saturdays
take place on the first Saturday of
every month with activities free for
all with a museum ticket. No need
to book, just turn up and join in the
activities!
Tickets: Adults £6.15, under 16s £3.90
Other
Every Thursday from 24 April - 1 Oct
This fun evening will take you on
an inspirational musical journey
from the amazing operatic arias of
the late 1800s, right through the
musical spectrum to contemporary
tunes. Incorporating pop classics and
favourites from films and musicals,
this show is sure to entertain viewers
of all ages.
Opening Weekend Firework
Extravaganza
Tickets: £17.00, under 16s £10.00
Free entry
www.englishriviera.co.uk
Splashdown Waterpark, 02 May, 21.15
Get ready to "ooh" and "ahh" on
Goodrington Sands as Splashdown
Waterpark opens its doors for summer.
Enjoy a spectacular show of stunning
colours during a truly wonderful
display managed by renowned firework
technicians Firemagic UK.
Get connected:
Plymouth
Cockington Court
Dartmouth
Page 15
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Torquay's Millennium Bridge at night

LAL Torbay StopPress - April 2015

Transcription

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