W.S.Maugham "In a Strange Land"

William Somerset Maugham (25 January 1874 – 16 December 1965) was a British playwright, novelist and short story writer. He was among the most popular writers of his era and reputedly the highest paid author during the 1930s. His partially autobiographical novel Of Human Bondage (1915) is generally acknowledged as his masterpiece and is one of the best realistic English novels on the early 20^th century. Among his best works are The Moon and Sixpence (1919), The Painted Veil (1925), Cakes and Ale (1930) and Cataline: A Romance (1948).

The direct meaning of the story seems to me very simple and it means location or sojourn in non-native places where you do not feel your home. The indirect meaning of the story comprises the life stories of people, especially women here, who left their native country to strange places where they would never become a part of.

I found several themes in the story. The first and the most important is a life far from your country, culture which influence people anyway. Then I can mention the theme of misunderstanding and disapproval to a young English lady from her parents (Signora Niccolini’s parents disagree with her choice). As a result of it, marriage to a foreigner is the next theme (She married to an Italian man and, moreover, moved to Turkey).

The main character was an unusual-aimed traveler who made it not to see imposing neither monuments, nor beautiful scenery but to see men. And one woman impressed him greatly when he travelled and lived in Asia Minor. The woman was a house-keeper and the interest was in her nationality, she was an Englishwoman. Signora Niccolini met her future husband in England where he worked and sometimes later in spite of her parents’ disapproval they got married and moved to Turkey. There the couple bought a hotel and after many years she still lived there but without the husband. Signor Niccolini had died and his wife adopted his sons. Her lifestory seemed odd for the traveler who pointed it up from other stories.

The main idea of the story shows us that your culture and your nationality cannot be greatly modified by other country. The heroine is a bright example of it. Signora Niccolini had lived in Turkey for many years however everything showed her English origin (from her cockney accent to her manner which she got in the service of the Lord).

I would like to describe Signora Niccolini; she was an Englishwoman, living in Turkey for many years. She met her Italian husband in England where he worked and then they left London to Turkey. She was a little stout woman, not without dignity, and she wore a black apron trimmed with lace a small black cap. She looked exactly like a house-keeper in a great English house. Signora Niccolini spoke Turkish with ease but it was most incorrectly and with a cockney accent.

As for my impression, I like the story. For me it was interesting to read about Signora Niccolini’s lifestory because nowadays there are a lot of examples when people left their home-countries and started their lives there from the beginning. The heroine decided to get married in spite of her parents’ disapproval and moved to Turkey, the country had no similarity with England. Nevertheless, she did her best to make the life good with the help of the hotel. I think that she is an example of a strong woman who could continue to live there and worked after her husband’s death and even adopted his children.

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The article “Endangered and Targeted:Fight to Save Oriental Stork Captivates China” was published on November 22, 2012 by Didi Kirsten Tatlow. It discusses a contest between beauty — in the form of the dramatically elegant black-and-white oriental stork — and a beast — carbofuran, a highly toxic pesticide. The author pointed out that in China this month, hunters wielding the chemical that is banned in many places targeted the endangered bird, attempting to kill dozens — and partly succeeding. It is necessary to mention that tales of the damage inflicted on the environment and wildlife are fairly common in China as the country pursues economic growth decade after decade at seemingly any cost. The correspondent explained that people continue to eat wild animals, even rare species, in the belief that they are especially nutritious.

Analyzing that every autumn hundreds of the large, graceful storks, which are listed as “endangered” on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, land in the Beidagang wetland reserve where they rest and feed for about two weeks, it is necessary to pay attention that this year, about 20 birds never took off again, killed by hunters laying down the “bird poison” known in Chinese as kebaiwei. Didi Kirsten Tatlow mentioned that the poison is also a problem in Britain, where the wildlife minister, Richard Benyon, was harshly criticized by opposition members of Parliament last month for refusing to ban the substance. The author made clear that over the last ten days, at least two dozen birds were saved by quick action by bird watchers and rescuers. It is important that shocked and angered, journalists at The Beijing News have begun a campaign to protect rare birds from attacks such as these, with a hotline for people to report crimes. The stork is a class one protected species in China and is culturally venerated here. Moreover, the bird is also considered a national treasure in Japan, where it died out and was re-introduced into the wild from captivity.

The correspondent believed that something even more important than culture was at work — money, and the still-large market for eating game. It is necessary to point out that each of the birds fetches about 200 renminbi ($32) in local wild game restaurants — not much, but clearly worth it to the hunters. In conclusion the author told that Storks aren’t the only targets, so are swans and ducks and for Chinese conservationists, it’s a horrifying tale. In my opinion, problems such this one is very topical nowadays. We should be more humane to animals and birds in order to save them all over the world.  

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The article “California's first auctionof greenhouse-gas credits nears” was published in The Los Angeles Times on November, 6. It discusses that after six years of preparation, California is poised to become the first state to combat global warming by capping greenhouse gas emissions and making major polluters pay to release more of these gases into the atmosphere. The author Marc Lifsher makes clear that it's part of a landmark law approved in 2006 that seeks to cut the state's production of carbon dioxide, methane and related gases to 1990 levels — about 17% lower than current amounts — by 2020. It is an open secret that on Nov. 14, the state is scheduled to launch the market-based "cap-and-trade" program of selling pollution credits at auction.

The reporter points out that this year, the program covers about 350 industrial businesses operating a total of 600 facilities throughout the state. They include cement plants, steel mills, food processors, electric utilities and refineries. Analyzing the situation it becomes clear that these businesses have been issued free credits worth 90% of their recent emissions. Now they must either cut their greenhouse gas production to that level or buy credits to make up the difference. The correspondent mentions that companies that have more credits than they can sell them at the auction and the state will sell additional credits as well. It’s necessary to make stress that opponents are petitioning the governor, lawmakers and regulators. Marc Lifsher makes clear their requirements: the state's requirement to buy pollution credits "will impose high and unnecessary costs on California businesses, threatening jobs and tax revenues in the state.

Regardless, the state has made it clear that it's moving ahead with the long-planned cap-and-trade approach. The approach "is a reasonable, well-thought-out program with rigorous reporting, monitoring and enforcement”. There are signs that each credit allows the release of one metric ton of greenhouse gases. The quarterly auctions, has set a minimum bid of $10 per credit, and it predicts that the price could rise to as much as $50 over the next eight years. It is an open secret that the system probably will prove expensive for Cal Portland Co., a Glendora cement maker with plants in Colton and Mojave. Another unhappy company is Pacific Coast Producers, a farmer-owned cooperative that has a tomato canning plant in Woodland, buying the credits it needs through 2020 would add as much as $2.5 million to the cost of canning tomatoes.

In conclusion the author suggests that California's cap-and-trade system is much more comprehensive and ambitious than the only other greenhouse gas auction in the country. Potentially, it could provide an example that other countries and larger organizations of countries could adopt, while we work out some of the kinks along the way. As for me, I approve of the auction because I think it will able to help our planet. Not many people all over the world care of environmental protection but citizens of California make an attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and we should follow them and try to protect the Earth until it is too late.

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The article “Australian scientists find excess greenhouse gas near Fracking” was published in The Los Angeles Times on November, 17. It discusses that environmental researchers have detected excess greenhouse gas levels near the site of Australia's biggest coal seam gas field. The author Carol J. Williams pointed out that the reported findings of methane, carbon dioxide and other compounds at more than three times normal background levels. There are signs that have stirred new controversy in eastern Australia over the pros and cons of boosting natural gas output by "fracking," a process that blasts sand, water and chemicals into deep underground wells.

Analyzing the situation the findings, though still pending peer review before publication, could influence the scope and pace of a planned expansion of coal seam gas fracking as envisioned in a white paper issued this week. The reporter pointed out that health authorities and opponents of the plans to expand fracking have called on the governments of Queensland and New South Wales to determine greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere in areas slated for new wells before they are drilled, to provide a baseline for comparison with air quality after the underground seams are fractured. It is an open secret that because widespread elevated levels, scientists need for baseline studies so they can determine whether this is due to the coal seam gas operations or not.

It is mentioned that the findings showed greenhouse gases at levels even higher than in Russia's massive Siberian gas fields, where environmental protection has been minimal.  The correspondent told about rising complaints of rashes, nausea, headaches and nose bleeds among people living close to the Tara gas fields. It is necessary to make stress that residents of rural Queensland were initially enthusiastic about the prospects of coal seam fracking bringing jobs and revenue to their state when political leaders began touting the practice about seven years ago.

In conclusion Carol J. Williams makes clear that concerns about fracking's consequences for air and water quality have been rising, though, as farmers complain of a dropping water table and piles of debris left behind by the drilling and extraction operations. As for me, I think that this problem is very important and actual. I hope that scientists will find the solution and make this part of Australia more safe.

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Review №3

The Pelican Brief

Cast:  Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington and Sam Shepard

Director: Alan J. Pakula

Synopsis: An ambitious student Darby Shaw made a problem for the US government with her article. The woman found out the real reasons of two judges’ deaths and wanted to publish it. However, instead of publication Darby became the most desired target who had to think to stay alive. She asked a political reporter Gray Grantham for help and they together started to fight with injury.

Review

The film is based on the J. Grisham’s book and it means that it pretended to be a law detective with interesting storylines and an intriguing end. The beginning of the film was not allowed me to get interest in it because of little actions and standard dialogues. Julia Roberts, as a student, seemed pretty and helpless but then my opinion about her has changed in a positive side. She turned out to be a smart reporter with clear political and civil positions. Her heroine Darby wrote a brief about the reasons, supposing them to be right, for two judges’ deaths. As she cleared up, they disagreed with the governmental desire to use a certain lake as a place for the extraction of oil. The lake had to be dried and pelicans dwelling there had to lose their home. The judges decided to save the environment at their lives cost.

Having found out such compromising brief the president of the US ordered to kill Darby Shaw and hide the materials. His political career got becoming in a great danger which he wanted to prevent. The best agents tried to kill the woman but she could stay alive in many situations. Sometimes it seemed as she was going to become died but as in every American movies, where the main character should reveal the truth, Darby could continue her way. And when she was absolutely depressed, a good political reporter Gray Grantham came for help. The woman opened all her secrets to him and faced him before a deathful danger. It is not necessary to talk that they could live through great challenges and revealed the truth to the world. Thus the political career of the president finished and Darby started to live without fear for her life.

I can say that quick actions and actors’ performance made this film good. After the explosion in the car where Darby’s professor and boyfriend (it was a one person) died, the movie acquired dynamism and rapid developments. I do not like Julia Roberts but I could not but say that she is a great actress. In my opinion, she inquired with the role of a young smart student and proofed her talent once more. Though it is a quite old film but her clothes style made me to be disappointed. I think students in the US wear more stylish clothes. As for Denzel Washington, I like him and his performance in the film. I trusted him as Darby trusted and I wished him to stay alive by the end of the film. Honestly, he remained me Barack Obama, I do not know why but not only because he is Afro-American (maybe, it is influence of the election).  

In conclusion I would like to say that “The Pelican Brief” pleasured me to watch the actors’ performance and the fight for the environment. Less and less people nowadays are concerned about the situation in the world and it is great that some human beings think about it and make something to improve its conditions, or, like in the film, do something to stop its deterioration. The world needs such films with good ends where bad men are punished and justice prevails. They nudge some people to make high-minded actions.

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The article “Ending Its Summer Melt, Arctic Sea Ice Sets a New Low That Leads to Warnings” was published in The NY Times on September, 19. It discusses that the drastic melting of Arctic sea ice has finally ended for the year, but not before demolishing the previous record — and setting off new warnings about the rapid pace of change in the region. The author Justin Gillis makes clear that the apparent low point for 2012 was reached and sea ice that day covered about 1.32 million square miles, or 24 percent, of the surface of the Arctic Ocean.

But it’s necessary to point out that sea ice at its lowest point in the summer typically covered about half the Arctic Ocean, but it has been declining in fits and starts over the decades. It is an open secret that a shell of ice will cover much of the Arctic Ocean in coming months, but it is likely to be thin and prone to melting when summer returns. Analyzing the situation from scientists’ point of view it is necessary to mention that the rapid warming of the region to be a consequence of the human release of greenhouse gases, and they see the melting as an early warning of big changes to come in the rest of the world. The reporter mentions that the collapse of Arctic sea ice has already started to alter atmospheric patterns in the Northern Hemisphere, contributing to greater extremes of weather in the United States and other countries.

There are signs that the Arctic Ocean could be largely free of summer ice as soon as 2020. It was revealed that the Arctic melting should serve as a warning to the public of the risks that society is running by failing to limit emissions. The correspondent stresses the importance that The extra heat in the ocean appears to be contributing to an accelerating melt of the nearby Greenland ice sheet, which does contribute to the rise in sea level.

In conclusion the author gives a warning that the sea is now rising at a rate of about a foot per century, but scientists expect this rate to increase as the planet warms, putting coastal settlements at risk. As for me, the problem of global warming is greatly important. People should stop destroying the planet otherwise we will have to live in the awful planet or not live at all. 

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The article “What Is Iran Doing in Syria” was published in The National Security on September, 21. It discusses that until recently, the Islamic Republic's military involvement in Syria was shrouded in mystery. The author Ali Alfoneh makes clear that on September 16, IRGC Commander Mohammad-Ali Aziz Jafari admitted that the IRGC's Quds Force, which is the extraterritorial operations arm of the IRGC, "are present" in Syria. But it’s necessary to point out that he added that "this does not mean that Iran has a military presence" there and that Iran's aid was limited to "consultancy and economic assistance."

Analyzing the situation Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast further complicated interpretation of Iran's messaging by condemning what he called some media outlets' "selective, incorrect, and politically motivated use" of Jafari's statements. It is an open secret that on May 26 Iranian forces were present in Syria in an attempt to "prevent great massacres" there and on August 22, Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi declared Iran's readiness to "live up to its defense and security obligations upon Syria's request”.

There is a general feeling to believe that the IRGC organization has an interest in making its presence known in order to increase its leverage over other branches of the Iranian government. The reporter mentions that the United States should negotiate with the Quds Force rather than other branches of the Islamic Republic in order to solve the problems it was facing in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. There are signed that those who desire a negotiated solution to the crisis in Syria must involve the Quds Force. It is revealed that the Foreign Ministry, on the other hand, probably opposes Iran's military involvement in Syria lest it result in the Quds Force taking the lead on Iran's Syria policy.

The correspondent considers the statements of Iranian military involvement can also be interpreted as the IRGC's way of threatening to increase its intervention, which would transform civil war in Syria into a regional war. Speaking of a certain Brigadier General Hossein Hamadani has been sent to Syria to oversee the Quds Force's operations it is necessary to point out that he has extensive experience in suppressing the Kurdish separatist movements in Iranian Kurdistan in the immediate aftermath of the 1979 revolution and during the Iran-Iraq war.

In conclusion the author suggests that with the protests in Syria having developed into an armed rebellion, and with the rebels gaining access to more sophisticated weaponry, he may find himself fighting a very different war than the one he won against peaceful protesters in the streets of Tehran. As for me, I think that there are many evidences that the Iranian government makes different plans and programs towards Syria. And it is very likely that Iran follows their own plans and it is not to help Syria.

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The article “Three Wars on Terror” was published in the National Security on September, 10. It discusses that one of Barack Obama's earliest acts as president was to discard the phrase "war on terror”, however, he has been waging just such a campaign these past four years. The author John Arquilla considers that Obama's counter-terrorism strategy took down Qadaffi and was in a far less costly manner than was undertaken in Iraq by George W. Bush. It would not be wrong to assume that the difference in the approaches taken by two most recent presidents really speaks to there being two different wars on terror.

It was revealed that the Bush's strategy proved exceptionally costly and highly problematic in Iraq, and even his initial success in "going small" in Afghanistan was all too soon overtaken by a stalemate-inducing impulse to send large numbers of troops there. It is an open secret that the Obama's concept of operations, on the other hand, has been working well, and will never break the bank or exhaust our military -- especially in the wake of his realizing, and reversing, the folly of surging more troops into Afghanistan, as senior military leaders persuaded him to do early in his presidency.

Analyzing the situation after the October 1983 bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut that killed 242 Americans, Reagan and his team became deeply concerned about the terrorism problem it is necessary to mention that the campaign that Obama is now pursuing strongly resembles to Reagan’s. The correspondent stresses the importance of the signal success of this first war on terror came in a campaign against the Abu Nidal Organization - the al Qaeda of the ‘80s -- which was conducting terrorist hits for hire on behalf of Iraq, Libya, and Syria. But speaking of this success it is interesting to note that despite for all of Reagan's enthusiasm and Shultz's support, little else came to pass. This was because many senior military leaders worried about the ethics of Reagan's war on terror.

There are signs that the Weinberger/Powell approach was slavishly followed -- for the most part -- in the wake of 9/11, embroiling the United States in the two costly nation-building debacles that have characterized its second war on terror. The reporter makes it clear that but, as was the case with Reagan, there is now a similar battle going on for Obama's strategic soul. For all the nimble, networked operations he has overseen, Obama did allow senior military advisers to talk him into surging large numbers of conventional forces into Afghanistan -- at great cost and, at best, with mixed results.

In conclusion the author  gives a warning that the Reagan's strategic soul won out because they convinced him that there was far too much of the "dark side" in the Shultz-inspired plan; but in the battle for Barack Obama's strategic soul, the "overwhelming force" approach has not yet carried the day -- and with luck it won't. As for me, the US president thinks himself as an all-powerful person who can change the situation in the world. But I think that to stop terrorism it is necessary to combine the all countries’ power and work together.

My Pleasure Reading (281-325 pp)

Mrs. Bennet invited Mr. Bingley in Longbourn more and more hoping he finally would marry Jane. And her expectations were lived up to – after several days Jane became a fiancée. All members of the family were endless happy, especially Elizabeth who went through all Jane’s excruciations. Jane and Mr. Bingley spent most time together, and thus, Lizzy could not share with her rueful feelings with the sister.

Such feelings were brought by Lady Catherine who came to the Bennets’ estate one day. She felt indignant at the possible marriage between Ms. Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Moreover, she reported on Lizzy’s family as unworthy and bad-known because of the Lydia’s action. In spite of the Lady Catherine’s power and position in society, Ms. Bennet denied promising not to marry Mr. Darcy.  Elizabeth wanted but did not hope that this marriage would happen.

However, during the walking she and Mr. Darcy had a talk after which they were going to spend together their lives. Jane was the first who knew about it and she was shocked. Lizzy had to assure her in the real love to the fiancé, and then Elizabeth assured Mr. Bennet as well. Only Mrs. Bennet did not need to know about her daughter’s feelings, she was interested only in her future fortune and fame.

Jane and Elizabeth became Mrs. Bingley and Mrs. Darcy; they both were full of happiness. However, the Lydia’s marriage was not such successful and the Wickhams, losing the feeling of love to each other, needed the monetary help. The older sisters tried to give any money them but did not want to see them very often. Thus, the Bennets’ life changed, all of them received what they wanted and what they merited.

The End

Review №2

Rendition (2008)

Cast:  Reese Witherspoon,Meryl Streep, Peter Sarsgaard, Alan Arkin, Jake Gyllenhaal and Omar Metwally

Director: Gavin Hood

Synopsis: When an Egyptian-born chemical engineer disappears on a flight from South Africa to Washington, his American wife desperately tries to track him down. Meanwhile, a CIA analyst at a secret detention facility outside the U.S. is forced to question his assignment as he becomes party to the man's unorthodox interrogation.

Review

Returning home from Capetown Anwar El-Ibrahimi was caught by the US agents and sent to North Africa on suspicion of belonging to the suicide attack. While his pregnant wife Isabella and his son were waiting him home, Anwar was questioned about his connection with this accident. Isabella could not wait any more and asked for her old friend’s help. The latter, an important political figure, tried to search for any information about El-Ibrahimi and found out that the man was subjected to an illegal CIA system of terrorist’s detection. Their arguments against Anwar were only his Egyptian origin and the phone call from the supposed terrorist. The wife knew nothing about her husband, his condition and fault. We can see how the system can broke up someone’s lives. Anwar was an assiduous husband and football coach in an American school but the little circumstances made him be under the press of such “anti-terrorist machine”.

Another American, who was involved in this situation, was a CIA analyst Douglas Freeman. This suicide attack killed his partner and Douglas had to substitute him and become a person observing the El-Ibrahimi’s questioning and tortures. It was something new for him, for one of the mechanisms of this machine. However, his personal feelings and qualities did not let him just observe and, having ascertained in Anwar’s innocence, he released him and departed in the US. Inspecting Freeman’s actions we can make a conclusion that in spite of the job, personal responsibility he made what he thought was the best. And moreover, he created a scandal in the American press giving information about illegal arrest of the Egyptian-born man.

In North Africa Anwar was put to torture by a high-ranking police official Abasi Fawal. Actually, Asabi himself was a target of the suicide attack. He seemed as a rude, imperious person, who used any methods of taking out information. His own daughter Fatima could not make up mind to his desire of creating her life and in spite of the very strong religion – Islam – she left home with her boyfriend Khalid. The girl had no idea about Khalid’s belonging to the terrorist organization and his intention to kill her father through a suicide attack. Having known it she tried to stop him, but it had no sense because if he could not do it himself, the participants would kill him and the bomb would be activated anyway. That was happened, the boy and the girl were killed. In this particular story line we were down-dropped in the atmosphere of terrorism. The place, where the suicide murders were made, was a North African city. Many Muslims were misled and convinced that the one best and right way for them was jihad. Jihad is not as a striving and struggling for Allah, but as a death.

Speaking about performance I can say that I was impressed by all actors, they could show necessary emotions. Reese Witherspoon could show the pain and sorrow of the pregnant wife who was afraid of never meet her husband again. Jake Gyllenhaal showed a self-confident, understanding CIA analyst who can escape from the influence and stand against the wrong actions of the commands. Meryl Streep managed with the role of an iron lady who just does her job on the national security. But most I was impressed by the performance of Khalid’s grandmother. Her feelings and emotions of losing both her grandchildren seemed realistic. I felt with her sorrow.

To sum it up I would like to say that I like the films like this one. It opens very difficult and important themes. But except the main theme – terrorism, it is filled of different problems. The director shows how the most “democratic” country can broke up someone’s lives, how difficult lose the close people and how much pain and sorrow people can bring to each other. Terrorism has only one side – death. None of all religions in the world does not permit to kill people for God, Allah, Buddha or someone else. I do not know about Islam, but in Christianity the suicide is the worth sin. Terrorism cannot be justified by anything and anyone.

My Pleasure Reading (243- 281 pp)

The time of waiting for the news about Lydia and Mr. Wickham was terrible for each member of the family. Mrs. Bennet represented a sorrowful mother who made many problems to other daughters. Elizabeth felt disappointment about Lydia’s action and was ashamed to Mr. Darcy who knew about this incident. Even Jane stopped searching for justification of their leaving from Brighton. They did not receive the letters from Mr. Bennet but only one from Mr. Gardiner which did not bring positive news.

 After Mr. Bennet’s return from London, other letter from Mr. Gardiner was received. The latter told that he could organize the marriage between Lydia and Mr. Wickham. Mrs. Bennet was filled with admiration of this fact and surprised when her husband refused to give any money to marriage preparations.  By accident Lizzy found out that Mr. Darcy was joined this event as well. Her aunt, Mrs. Gardiner, explained that Mr. Darcy paid Mr. Wickham’s debts, thus, redeemed the honour of the Bennets.

It is become known that Mr. Bingley returned in Hertfordshire. And on the third morning after his arrival the young man visited Longbourn and Mr. Darcy accompanied him. Jane and Elizabeth were uncomfortable enough, they blushed because of their mother’s talks to Mr. Bingley and dreamed to bid farewell with the men. None of them wanted to be sad again - Jane because of love and Lizzy because of shame.  

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The article “Peace Talks With the Taliban” was published in The New York Times on October, 4. It discusses that American military commanders long ago concluded that the Afghan war could only end in a negotiated settlement with the Taliban, not a military victory. The author considers that persuading militants to negotiate a peace deal was always a daunting challenge and, moreover, the Obama administration has not been persistent enough in figuring out how to initiate talks with a resilient, brutal insurgency that continues to carry out deadly attacks against American and NATO forces.

Analyzing the situation when the United States added 33,000 troops to the 68,000 in Afghanistan and put maximum military pressure on the Taliban it is necessary to note that top generals resisted negotiations, saying the focus should be on military gains but not talks. It was revealed that the talks between the United States and the Taliban began early this year but soon collapsed when the administration, faced with bipartisan opposition in Congress, could not complete a proposed prisoner swap. The correspondent stresses the importance of the Taliban division and unwillingness to meet Washington’s demands to sever all ties to Al Qaeda, renounce violence and accept the commitments to political and human rights in Afghanistan’s Constitution.

There is a general feeling to believe that the United States has not and should not give up completely on a negotiated solution or at least some movement toward reconciliation. It’s necessary to point out that Pakistan recently urged the insurgents to join the political process and agreed to help Washington vet potential new Taliban interlocutors. There are signs that the idea of the 2014 presidential election is an interim agreement under which the Afghan opposition, the Taliban and others might endorse minimum objectives rejecting Al Qaeda and supporting an inclusive political system.

In conclusion the author suggests that with American troops leaving Afghanistan, there should be an interest in advancing a political system that insurgents might see as an alternative to armed conflict. As for me, the peace talks with the Taliban have no sense. These people are terrorists and they have different views on the world. It’s impossible for the Taliban change this way of acting but the US, as a “super powerful country”, can try.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/05/opinion/peace-talks-with-the-taliban.html?_r=0

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The article “Afghanistan, Obama's forgotten war” was published in the Telegraph on October, 1. It discusses the conflict that will define the Obama White House's approach to tackling global security issues. The author Con Coughlin considers that with the American presidential election contest reaching its climax, the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan has barely merited a mention from either candidate. It is open secret that the American forces have just chalked up the grim statistic of its 2,000th fatality since America first deployed personnel to Afghanistan in the aftermath of September 11.

Analyzing the situation  the correspondent emphasizes that American president personally authorized the deployment of an extra 30,000 American combat troops two years ago in a last-ditch effort to beat the Taliban. Speaking of the US future it is nercessary to mention that Mitt Romney seize an opportunity and articulate his own plans for the Afghan conflict, were he to win the election. There is a mention about the widespread unpopularity of the Afghan conflict among the American people that neither candidate wants to get drawn on an issue which is unlikely to win them many votes.

The reporter expresses the 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. In conclusion Con Coughlin stresses the importance of this war and suggests that whoever will win November's election will no longer have the luxury of ignoring Afghanistan's fate. As for my point of view, the Afghanistan war has been started in order to show to the world the force of the US. It is necessary to finish the it and senseless deaths.

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

My Pleasure Reading (194-243 pp)

The second week of Jane and Elizabeth’s return began. All young ladies, except them, were upset about leaving of the regiment in Brighton. Only Lydia did not share the gloom because she was going to Brighton with the Forsters. Lizzy was opposed to Lydia’s departure and asked Mr. Bennet not let her go. However her wish did not play a great role and Lydia left home.

Elizabeth herself was waiting for the trip with the Gardiners to take mind off the latest events. And when it started, Lizzy had no idea about her coming meeting with Mr. Darcy. The Gardiners wanted to visit the Pemberly, the estate of Darcy family, and Mr. Bennet was to agree with this idea. There they met Mr. Darcy who behaved very polite and pleasant and promised to make a return visit. Next morning he, his sister and Mr. Bingley came to the travelers and, having had a good talk, departed.  

One morning Lizzy received two letters from Jane and got to know awful news about Lydia. The latter escaped with Mr. Wickham somewhere. It was unbelievable for Elizabeth who knew the truth about him. And because of this fact Ms. Bennet and the Gardiners were to be back home in order to support the Bennets and helped to find Lydia.  

My Pleasure Reading (151- 194 pp)

In the following weeks Elizabeth was still staying in the Collins’ house and this fact obliged her to meet Mr. Darcy quite often: at the Lady Catherine’s dinners, in the Collins’ house and even in the park. It was not worry her much until one day she felt herself bad and stay home alone. Mr. Darcy visited Lizzy in order to open his feelings to her and make a proposal. Elizabeth rejected him because her opinion about Mr. Darcy, her thoughts were in conflict with it. She expressed everything to him, mentioning his fault in Jane’s depression and Mr. Wickham’s problems. Mr. Darcy went away without any explanations, however, next day met Mr. Bennet in the park and gave her a letter.

Having read this letter, many things, which justified Mr. Darcy’s actions, were opened to Elizabeth. She changed her mind not only about him but about Mr. Wickham who was a bad person slandering Mr. Darcy. Lizzy blamed herself for such rough behavior with the latter and only Jane could comfort her. The sisters returned home where nothing has changed except the nearest leaving of Mr. Wickham. This fact made Lizzy more comfortable but she had a problem – Jane’s condition without Mr. Bingley.     

The Rendering №4

The article “How 'Innocence of Muslims' Spread Around the Globe and Killed a US Diplomat” was published in the UsNews on September, 12. It discusses the film which appeared to have first popped up on YouTube in July, in the form of a 14-minute English-language trailer. The author Elizabeth Flock considers that really distribution of this anti-Islam video began when it was posted to "Nacopticas," a blog run by an Egyptian-American lawyer and Coptic Christian named Morris Sadek. There is a mention about Sadek is known for his anti-Muslim screeds, and for having had his Egyptian citizenship revoked in May 2011 after he allegedly called for attacks on Egypt. Analyzing the situation  the correspondent emphasizes that an Egyptian channel called Al-Nas, appears to have been the tipping point for the film. It is an open secret that earlier this week, a complaint was filed against Al-Nas for allegedly "inciting strife between Muslims and Christians" in an unrelated incident. The report expresses the view that the particularly controversial scene depicted the prophet Muhammad as a "buffoonish caricature," according to the Lede. Speaking of the visual description it is nercessary to mention that the Quran does not ban visual depictions of the prophet Muhammad; some Islamic traditions see it as deeply disrespectful. In conclusion Elizabeth Flock gives the information that hundreds of protesters were climbing the walls of the United States embassy in Cairo in protest, and an armed mob was setting fire to the consulate in Benghazi. It is also necessary to mention that U.S. ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens was killed in the attack. As for my point of view, this anti-Islam film is very harmful because it develops the conflict between the nations and the religious communities. It is necessary to prohibit the videos and films like this one to decline the number of the religious conflicts. 

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2012/09/12/how-innocence-of-muslims-spread-around-the-globe-and-killed-a-us-diplomat

My Pleasure Reading (99 - 150 pp.)

            While Mrs. Bennet still couldn’t deal with Elizabeth’s rejection to Mr. Collins, the latter made a proposal to Ms. Lucas, who recognized her future wealth and abilities, accepted it. The Bennets were surprised and all of them had different reactions, and Mrs. Bennet was more impressed that others. However, Jane and Lizzy were busy with other problem such as the Mr. Bingley,his sisters and Mr. Darcy’s leaving. From Hertfordshire they went to London where were going to spend all winter. Lizzy considered it was not Mr. Bingley’s desire but the desire of his sisters to stay this period of time. 
             Sometimes later Mr. Collins and Charlotte got married and moved to Hunsford where Elizabeth promised to visit her in March. Christmas was coming and the Mrs. Bennet’s brother with his wife came to Longbourn. Mrs. Gardiner gave advice to Lizzy be careful with Mr. Wickham and don’t let herself fall in love with him because of his little abilities in the society and lack of fortune. Moreover she invited Jane to London and the latter accepted it with pleasure to escape her sad thoughts about Mr. Bingley. There Miss Bennet understood that she was not a welcome guest in the new Bingley’s house and lost her hope to meet Mr. Bingley.  March came and Lizzy visit Charlotte where she had to meet Mr. Darcy because his was Lady Catherine’s nephew, the latter invited the Collins and Lizzy to her house. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy had a little talk and after it he left the house.

The Rendering №2

The article discusses the problems of teaching journalism ethics which take place in the mass media. The correspondent Steven Ward gives a warning that a once-dominant traditional ethics, constructed for professional journalism a century ago, are being questioned. Analyzing the situation in the mass media it is necessary to emphasize that the speed of new media tempts many users to ignore the restricting methods of accuracy and verification. He mentions that traditional values such as those found in the code of ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists are stopping to be executable. Speaking of the situation in teaching journalism ethics it is necessary to point out that today teaching goes without a consensus and lack of ethics that provides adequate guidance for the many new forms of mixed media. There is a mention about five features of a good journalism ethics course that every professor should implement. It is an open secret that Steven Ward recommends to start from the students' media world then assist students with reflective engagement. It was revealed that the important remark is insisting on critical thinking, not what is fashionable. The report expresses the view that it is necessary to be transitional and to be global in your teaching. In conclusion the author suggests that instructors should persuade students that ethics is worth studying even if there are no universal "answers." Students should see the turmoil in journalism as an exciting intellectual and practical challenge to develop a more adequate ethics for a new global mixed media. As for my point of view, teaching journalism ethics is a very important aspect of making good, ethical, truthful journalists. Without it our mass media would become something uncontrolled and harmful.

http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2011/02/5-principles-for-teaching-journalism-ethics-in-the-digital-age046.html

My Pleasure Reading (53-99pp)

Jane and Elizabeth were back home and made their mother disappointed about that, she wanted Jane to spend more time with Mr. Bingley. At that time Mr. Bennet received a letter from Mr. Collins, who was the heir of the Bennets’ estate. The letter told about his intention to visit Longbourn and make amends to the young ladies. He came and explain that the amend is marriage to one of the them. Firstly he chose Jane, but after Mrs. Bennet’s explanation about Jane’s future probable engagement, he changed his mind to Lizzy. One evening Jane was introduced to Mr. Wickham, and she spent all evening with him talking about Mr. Darcy. Mr. Wickham told how awfully the latter acted with him and opened all Mr. Darcy’s secrets. Then in the Netherfield’s ball Jane had to dance and have unpleasant conversation with Mr.Darcy. However later, Miss Bingley tried to make clear that the latter not so a bad person as Lizzy thought. Next day after the ball Mr. Collins made a proposal to Elizabeth but she rejected him, even Mrs. Bennet’s instructions did not force her change the decision.   

Review

Lions for Lambs (2007)

Cast: Tom Cruise, Robert Redford, Meryl Streep

Director: Robert Redford

Synopsis: Robert Redford played double role in this film as a director and actor, his idealistic professor tried to make one of his student thinking and choosing the right life position. At the same time two non-native American his students decided to join the army and fight for the USA in Afghanistan. The war is also discussed by Senator Irving and journalist Roth, who for money and famous had to publish necessary for the Government articles and became an instrument of their propaganda.

Review:

It is 2007, the war in Afghanistan has been enduring for 6 years and all film’s pieces connect with it. Under the pieces I mean unrelated storylines such as the interview with Senator, the conversation with the student and hostilities in Afghanistan. The atmosphere of the film fills with difficult philosophic questions which make us thinking about our purposes of life.

The first piece of the film focuses on Republican Senator Jasper Irving, a politician with a risky idea on how to stop the war. He invites a journalist and in one hour exclusive  interview tells her about his new plan of attack. It Irving's plan: to surprise the enemy by using smaller, quick-moving military units. It means that the soilders will have less chances to stay alive that earlier. But this fact does not influence Senator and he is ready to sacrifice their lives for turning the war around. I think that the soldiers are the Lions, who die for the country and government’s decisions. At the same time, Lambs are the government; people who sit in their offices and send the Lions for death.

The second piece shows us how the Professor Malley is having an early morning meeting with one of his current students, Todd Hayes. The young man is a naturally bright student, but has fallen into a state of political social apathy as witnessed by his class attendance record. Malley tries to wake up his life and political position, speak about necessary changes in society and the most important thing he says is that our life depends on only our decisions, we can trust only ourselves and choose the way of living which must influence other people’s lives. I think the director addresses not only Todd Hayes but whole young generation of the world calling them change things they do not like.

And the third storyline is about two clever non-native American students who made the real changes in their lives and went to the war. They became the members of the new Senator’s strategy and instead of Pr. Malley’s discouragement joined the American troops. They decided to change the USA but only became the Lions for Lambs. They were killed to show how many young men perish in this war and no one in the government carries about it.

Speaking about acting I can say that I was impressed by all actors, they could show necessary emotions. Meryl Streep could display her reluctance and disapproval of what the Senator said, Tom Cruz showed an ambitious, confident politician who really was ready to sacrifice many things and people for reaching the main goal. And Michael Pena as Ernest Rodriguez and Derek Luke as Arian Finch could display real feelings of people who are going to be killed.

In conclusion I would like to say that this film makes me thinking about the real situation in the world, there are a lot of things that we can change if only we think with our heads not with politicians or somebody else’ ones.       

My Pleasure Reading (1-52 pp.)

The main life goal of Mrs. Bennet, the mother of five growing daughters, was to make them married and it became more feasible after the news about a new neighbour. A single man, Mr. Bingley, in possession of a good fortune settled not far from the Bennets and was “attacked” by different misters and misses who wanted him to become their son-in-law. And in the ball the young ladies were happy to dance with him, however, he danced twice only with Jane Bennet. His friend, Mr. Darcy, found it as a strange, boring waste of time without his favorite intellectual discussions. One of the Bennets’ daughters Elizabeth heard Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy’s dialogue, in which the first told how he liked Jane and the second said that Lizzy is not handsome enough to tempt him. Mrs. Bennet was so happy about Jane and wanted her to continue the communication with possible husband and, likely, his sisters invited Jane to Mr. Bennet’s house. It was awful weather, however, under the mother’s instance Jane went and as a result she became ill. Next day Lizzy visit her and stayed there to take care of Jane. During her present in the house she usually communicated with Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley and his sisters. The latest disapprove of all her action and gossiped bur Mr. Darcy began to be interested in Elizabeth but his reserved character did not let him to show it. Later Jane got better and Mr. Bingley promised her mother and sisters Kitty and Lydia, who came to visit Jane, to organize the ball in his house. 

The rendering

The article discusses the economic situation in Europe which becomes worse and worse every day because of the deficit of money in some countries like Greece, Spain, and Italy. The agenda of the article is necessary decision of the German court about their country’s participation in the European Stability Mechanism. It is an open secret that German is a very important part in the euro zone because the fund could not operate without German money and support, meaning it could not proceed with plans to rescue Spanish banks or work with the E.C.B. to contain market interest rates. Moreover it’s necessary to point out that the Netherlands will be choosing a new government which may try to stand in the way of further aid. The reporter gives us the information about creation of banking union to prevent current inability of Spain and Ireland to regulate their banks effectively, pay for the bailouts that were needed or guarantee customer deposits in order to prevent bank runs. The author makes the importance of the indecision of Ms. Merkel is determined by possibility of suffering the domestic economy by signs of slowing economic growth. In conclusion the correspondent suggests that the new rules from E.C.B. may complicate the return to market stability. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/10/business/global/10iht-euro10.html?pagewanted=1&ref=europe

The Unexpected

I don't like stories about love bur this one covers not only love and relationship between man and woman but   the problems of choice, decision and women' rights in the 19th century. I don't approve the main character Dorothea because as I understood during the relationship with Randall she always told him about her love and willingness become his wife. But in his hardest period she broke up the engagement and went away.It's not fair. Finally, I can say that I like this story because it makes me think about the importance of choice and how it can influence other person's life    

5 Top News 2012

Top News 2012

1.       Olympic Games. This year is mentioned by the great event which happens each four years. In 2012 the Olympic Games has happened in London. There were many countries and sportsmen who wanted to be the best in this competition but only the USA could reach the highest place in the standings. People all over the world visited London or watched TV and were busy discussing the main events and medals.

2.       European Football Championship. The 2012 summer was important for people who is interested in sports because except the Olympic Games the European Football Championship has been. The football teams of the best European countries could get into the group stage. Unfortunately, Russia retired from the competition and could not continue the play-off games. Spain has won the main prize for the second time running and become the first country which could achieve such success.

3.       Iphone 5. People who appreciate the products of Apple’s company were waiting for a new gadget – Iphone 5.  It will have some improvements and differences from the previous models. The developers called the official date of world presentation it in San Francisco. After the presentation people in the USA and then all over the world are able to buy these new phones in official Apple Stores.

4.       The USA election. This autumn is a time for speaking about new president in the United States because the fixed period of Baraсk Obama is finishing in the nearest future. The whole world will follow the election in America and wait for the results of it. I wonder if Obama can extend his rule by another 4 years or Mitt Romney start his political program against Russia as a new president.

5.       Pussy Riot. Pussy Riot organized the strange, irrelevance performance in the St. Basil’s Cathedral. The trick of these women is discussing during several month and for this period the world is divided into two teams: people who approve and disapprove their action. Now the women are convict to spend 2 years in the prison, however, many foreign famous people write to our president and ask to make them free.