| [Наши новости] О нас... Курсы... Тесты... Фотогалерея... Гостевая книга... Мы находимся... Ссылки... |
Новости:
Клуб Поговорим о дружбе 7 декабря в 18:30!!! Read more... Friendship August 3 was International Friendship Day for 2008, time to recognise your friends and their contribution to your life. Friendship helps to bring peace and positivity to the globe - a great reason to celebrate! Friendship Day occurs on the first Sunday of August - only once a year - so make the most of it! :) Friends come in many shapes, sizes and guises: school friends, work colleagues, siblings, partners, parents, pets and neighbours. Pull out all the stops and let your friends know they are truly appreciated! A Good Friend In kindergarten your idea of a good friend was the person who let you have the red crayon when all that was left was the ugly black one. In primary school your idea of a good friend was the person who went to the bathroom with you; held your hand as you walked through the scary halls; helped you stand up to the class bully; shared their lunch with you when you forgot yours on the bus; saved a seat on the back of the bus for you; knew who you had a crush on and never understood why. In secondary school your idea of a good friend was the person who let you copy their social studies homework; went to that "cool" party with you so you wouldn't wind up being the only fresher there; did not let you lunch alone. In pre-university your idea of a good friend was the person who gave you rides in their new car; convinced your parents that you shouldn't be grounded; consoled you when you broke up with Nick or Susan; found you a date to the prom or went to the prom with you (both without dates); helped you pick a university and assured you that you would get into that university; helped you deal with your parents who were having a hard time letting you go. On the threshold of adulthood your idea of a good friend was the person who was there when you just couldn't deal with your parents; assured you that now that you and Nick or you and Susan were back together, you could make it through anything; just silently hugged you as you looked through blurry eyes at 18 years of memories; and reassured you that you would make it in university as well as you had these past 18 years; and most importantly sent you off to university knowing you were loved. Now, your idea of a good friend is still the person who gives you the better of the two choices, hold your hand when you're scared, helps you fight off those who try to take advantage of you, thinks of you at times when you are not there, reminds you of what you have forgotten, helps you put the past behind you but understands when you need to hold on to it a little longer, stays with you so that you have confidence, goes out of their way to make time for you, helps you clear up your mistakes, helps you deal with pressure from others, smiles for you when they are sad, helps you become a better person, and most importantly loves you! True Friends by Kristie-Lyn Wightman People today, in all this new world technology and thinking, have lost sight of what a true friendship is. So, in sprit of my best friend Tellie, I thought I would help the world out a little and explain what real, true friends are. 1. Friends don't have to be exactly the same. Friends have similarities but they also have their differences. The key to opening up the world of friendship is not only to expand on similarities but to accept each other's faults. Because you can't ever judge your friend. 2. Friends have to argue! No one likes to but it is necessary to be healthy. Cause if you agree on everything, either the government has expanded cloning subjects or someone isn't being true and is trying a little too hard. 3. You have to be comfortable together or else you just aren't going to click. If you feel edgy around the person then something isn't quite right. 4. Friends love unconditionally. They have there little angry moments but what's done is done and all is forgive and forget. Why let something that happened in the past ruin that happiness you could have in the future? 5. Believe in love at first sight because there is the equivalent in friendship. Some people think that you have to know someone really well to become good friends. Trust me, it's not true. If the first time you really spend time together you talk for 25 hours straight until 4:30 in the morning about some topic you thought no one else in the world understood, hun, that's real love at first sight. Simple v Real Friendship A simple friend identifies himself when he calls. A real friend doesn't have to. A simple friend opens a conversation with a full news bulletin on his life. A real friend says, "What's new with you?" A simple friend thinks the problems you whine about are recent. A real friend says, "You've been whining about the same thing for 14 years. Get off your duff and do something about it." A simple friend has never seen you cry. A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears. A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names. A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book. A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party. A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean. A simple friend hates it when you call after he has gone to bed. A real friend asks you why you took so long to call. A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems. A real friend seeks to help you with your problems. A simple friend wonders about your romantic history. A real friend could blackmail you with it. A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest. A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself. A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument. A real friend knows that it's not a friendship until after you've had a fight. A simple friend expects you to always be there for them. A real friend expects to always be there for you! Vocabulary To make friends with sb. – подружиться с к-л Acquaintance – знакомство, знакомый Close friend – близкий друг Bosom friend – закадычный друг To get to know sb., to get acquainted with sb.- познакомиться с к-л Lifelong friends – друзья на всю жизнь Workmate – товарищ по работе To keep in touch with sb. – поддерживать связь с к-л To get along well – хорошо ладить To have similar backgrounds – иметь ч-л общее в прошлом (образование, происхождение) To fall out with sb. – поссориться с к-л To put up with sb., to make it up with sb. – мириться с к-л To drift apart – расходиться, удаляться друг от друга A row - ссора A buddy – приятель (муж., амер.) A fellow – товарищ To hit it off with sb- нравиться друг другу A crush – поклонник A bully - хулиган To console- утешать A prom - школьный бал 07-12-2010 Speak Texan Приходите на клубную встречу 30 ноября в 18:30 и заговорите на техасском диалекте! Освойте особенности языка ковбоев вместе с нашими гостями Филом и Шерли Лакетт из Техаса!!! 27-11-2010 Thanksgiving Day Celebration in United States Thanksgiving Day is celebrated with lot of fervor and merry-making in America. Celebrated on the fourth Thursday in the month of November every year, it is a time for communal thanksgiving, feeling gratitude, lavish feasts. It is a time to remember the pilgrims. The original pilgrims celebrated the autumn harvest with a feast of thanks. The feast popularly known as the 'First Thanksgiving Day Feast' was held as a gesture of thanks to almighty God . It was celebrated in the year 1621. After the United States gained independence, Congress recommended one yearly day of thanksgiving for the whole nation to celebrate. Read more... Tribute to Native Indians Until recently, people believed Thanksgiving Day to be a celebration of pilgrims, offering food to Indians. It however is a day marked as a gesture of thanks and gratitude to Lord almighty for his blessings. It is also a celebration to mark the respect towards Indians for teaching the pilgrims how to cook. Pilgrims could not have survived without the help of the native Indians. Time for celebrating Traditional Harvest Thanksgiving Day is a time of festivity, family meals and reunions in America. Carved turkeys, Pumpkin Pie, Corns, Cranberry Sauce are the traditional dishes adorning the dinner tables in almost every house. A time for feasting, Thanksgiving Day epitomizes the holiday mood of people. Tradition of Gifting Thanksgiving is a time for gifting your family and friends. The day is a time to show your gratitude and respect to your elders, friends, your siblings and also your colleagues. Popular gifts include thanksgiving flowers, jewellery, baked cookie hampers, chocolate gift baskets, candy-wreaths, wine etc. Black Friday and Festive Spirit Thanksgiving day is the official beginning of the Christmas season. USA witnesses maximum sales volume on the very nest day. The following Friday after thanksgiving is famously known as 'Black Friday'. This is so, because of the standard accounting practice of writing profits in black. The ongoing festive spirit, shopping spree, helps the shopkeepers to register maximum sales and profits. The entire atmosphere during the time is euphoric, people get in a holiday mood. Families visit restaurants, amusement parks, gift each other, decorate their house etc. Thanksgiving Day Celebration in Canada People of Canada celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday in the month of October every year. It is celebrated to thank the Lord Almighty for a bountiful harvest. America however celebrates thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November every year. The reason behind the difference is geographical; autumn season starts earlier in Canada than in America. History of First Canadian Thanksgiving The first Canadian thanksgiving was celebrated on 15th April 1872 to thank the recovery of King Edward VII from serious illness. The next thanksgiving was celebrated after a few years in 1879 on a Thursday. Canada later, had a turbulent time deciding the day of national Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was celebrated on a Thursday in November between 1879 and 1898. It was later celebrated on a Thursday in October between 1899 and 1904. Thereafter, it was celebrated on a Monday in the month of October. This was between the period of 1908-1921. In later years, thanksgiving came to be celebrated on 'Armistice Day'. This was however, amended in 1931. Finally on January 31, 1957, Parliament announced the second Monday in the month of October as the official 'Thanksgiving Day'. It was declared as "a day of general Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed." Canadian Thanksgiving Celebration The thanksgiving celebrations include parades, customary 'family feast' and 'turkey'. It is a time for sharing, loving and family reunions. The central idea behind the celebration is to be thankful for the past harvest and praying for the coming year. Thanksgiving Day Celebration in India Thanksgiving is celebrated world over with equal fervor and euphoria. It conveys the universal feeling of being thankful to Lord Almighty for his continuous grace. India is a multi-lingual, multi-cultural and a secular country; also popular for its spirituality, God loving and God fearing people. It is known for its 'Unity in Diversity'. With the spread of westen culture, Thanksgiving is celebrated in quite a few parts of India, the major festivity is however, observed by Christians in the state of Goa. Thanksgiving Day Celebration in Goa Thanksgiving is primarily celebrated in the state of Goa, with a different name. Thanksgiving is popularly known as 'Ladin' or 'Ladainha' in India. 'Ladin' literally means a litany to the Virgin Mary. During the Thanksgiving ritual, people thank God for all the material and spiritual benefits. The Thanksgiving function is sponsored by a different person every year who either seeks benefits or has been lucky enough to have God's special grace. Christians start preparing for Thanksgiving celebrations by purchasing wheat and gram, candles, wine and colored tinsel paper. A temporary platform/altar is constructed which is decorated with flowers, vines and creepers. Celebrations also include singing of hymns and prayers. The village local violinist/choirmaster conducts the entire show of singing of litany. Religious Feast of Thanksgiving in Goa Another celebration associated with the feeling of Thanksgiving, is the popular religious feast of conception of Mother Mary. It is a time for farmers to cut the first harvest of milk-filed corn from the rice field and offer it to God. This is done to seek God's blessing for a good harvest in the coming season. Though the date of celebrations varies in different parts of Goa, but generally it is celebrated on the 15th of August every year Thanksgiving Day Around the World Thanksgiving is essentially a harvest related festival. It celebrates communal harmony. Though it is said to have been originated in America, a number of other countries celebrate harvest related festivals. They are observed with different names and in different seasons. Harvest related festivals, all the over the world are characterized with lot of fun and merrymaking. Each region has its unique customs and traditions to jubilate the occasion. Canada celebrates thanksgiving on the second Monday in the month of October. India also has a number of harvest related festivals in different regions. Popular regional festivals are Pongal, Baisakhi, Lohri, Onam etc. Though the underlying principle behind each of them is same, every festival is exclusive and different from the other. Other Asian countries such as China, Malaysia, Korea celebrate the festival on different dates. Each festival has a folklore attached to it. Harmony, peace, feeling gratitude is the underlying theme of the celebration all over. Thanksgiving Day Gifts Make the most of Thanksgiving Day by expressing love and admiration for everyone who cares for you and everyone special to you!! Try and remember everyone who did something good to you - those who were present with you when you badly wanted their support, or those who brought smile on your face when you were in a pensive mood... Think a little and there will be so many people whom you owe a big thanks. This Thanksgiving Day, make it a point to thank all of them. Gift them a tight-warm hug, a beautiful flower, a pretty Thank You card or a beautiful Thanksgiving Day Gift to express your sincerest love and admiration for them. Remember the size of the gift does not matter it is the feeling behind the gift that really counts. Given below are some interesting Thanksgiving Gift ideas for those looking for appropriate Thanksgiving present for dear ones. So go ahead select a beautiful Thanksgiving gift and share the blessings of God with your friends, family, relatives and loved ones. Thanksgiving Flower Gift Flowers are a perfect gift to express your gratitude to your near and dear ones. They don't cost much but say it all. Fresh flowers can lift someone's spirits, while dried flowers can be used to decorate homes. Thanksgiving Gift Baskets Goodies Gift Baskets are a much appreciated Thanksgiving Gift. This is because edibles such as snacks, cookies, food grains and fruits have always been associated with prosperity and happiness. You may also add chocolates and wine bottles to your gift basket and make it even more attractive for the recipient. Thanksgiving Jewellery Gold jewellery and other precious metal and stone accessories are popular gifts items during Thanksgiving celebrations. An estimated of 16% of shoppers splurged on jewelry during thanksgiving weekend. Religious jewellery such as rosary beads and bracelet makes for an interesting gift. You may also opt for designer fashion jewelry which are cost effective and much appreciated in present times. Thanksgiving Chocolates Another popular option for gifting is chocolate. Available in different flavors, shapes and sizes, chocolates are a favourite Thanksgiving gift among children and even grown ups. Club the chocolates with flowers and see that million dollar smile on your dear one's face. Thanksgiving Teddy Bear Cuddly Teddy Bears and other stuffed toys make a cute and cozy Thanksgiving gift for children and sweethearts. Thanksgiving Decorative Decorative make a thoughtful Thanksgiving Gift especially for ladies. These days a wide range of decorative are available in the market. You may choose from vase, table lamps, show pieces, candle holders, paintings, photo frames etc. Thanksgiving Cakes Scrumptious Cakes make an exotic Thanksgiving Gift for dear ones. Select the cake in recipient's favorite flavor to increase the impact of the gift. If you are good at baking, prepare the cake yourself for, nothing can match the feeling and zest of a homemade cake baked with love. Thanksgiving Perfumes A nice way to express your admiration for someone would be to present a mesmerizing perfume as a thanksgiving gift. Select an impressive bottle and recipient's favorite fragrance for heightened impact. Thanksgiving Household Gifts Household gifts like coasters, mats, cutlery, crockery are of high utility. Available in attractive designs, they enhance the beauty of interiors and make a thoughtful Thanksgiving gift. The Thanksgiving legacy has been alive for hundreds of years. The customs we see in our homes today remind us of ancient celebrations of harvest, thankfulness for peace, and the endeavors of native Americans. It consists of stories of those who believe that gratitude for blessings is a virtue all must possess. Thanksgiving Day Customs Custom of Praying For centuries, 'Thanksgiving Day' is associated with communal prayers in church and in homes. People offer various meal time prayers during the day. It is a time, when mankind thanks God for all his blessings and grace. It is also a day to show gratitude to your friends and relatives for all the good deeds. Custom of Family Dinner Everyone follows the custom of family dinner and reunion religiously every year. Distances don't really matter as relatives drive down to be with their family. Feasts are usually held at home. It is a time to enjoy their favorite 'Roasted Turkey' with the family. Custom of Decoration Thanksgiving is a time to decorate homes with wreaths, fresh and dried flowers. People beautify their homes, give the interiors a whole new look and feel. They light lamps to brighten the environment. Tables are adorned with best china and antique silver cutlery to mark the occasion. Custom of sending messages Thanksgiving is a day when people send loving messages and warm wishes to their relatives, colleagues at work place, superiors and subordinates, near and dear ones. It is a day of conveying their feelings through Thanksgiving cards. Thanksgiving Day Tradition Thanksgiving Day is a communal celebration marked as a sense of gratitude people feel for all the good things in life. This is done by offering prayers, gifting your near and dear ones. The fourth Thursday in the month of November is marked for the yearly celebration. The tradition of Thanksgiving continues till date in the form of Family Reunion and Feasting Family feast is an important tradition during Thanksgiving. The entire family sits at the table during dinner and offer prayer to the Lord Almighty for his continuous grace. It is also a time for relatives living in different places to come together and celebrate. Tradition of Turkey The traditional stuffed turkey adorns every dinner table during the feast. Pumpkin pie, Cranberry sauce, Corns are some of the dishes cooked everywhere to mark the day. Though historians don't have an evidence to prove that turkey was eaten during the first Thanksgiving dinner, but the thanksgiving celebration will be incomplete without it. Parades The traditional Thanksgiving parade probably started with President Lincoln proclaiming it an official day. The full- dress parade is a way to display the country's military strength and discipline. The main aim of such parades is to lift the spirits of the spectators, provide them with wholesome entertainment. In the present day, parades are accompanied with musical shows and celebrities. Football Games Watching NFL football during Thanksgiving is a popular tradition. The traditional game between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers continues. One of the most memorable games having been played on this day. Thanksgiving Day Parade America's preeminent 'Thanksgiving Parade' is an important tradition. It was first held in the year 1924 in Detroit down to Woodward Avenue. The parade began on a very small scale, its popularity grew with each passing year, and after almost 24 years of the parade tradition, it was televised locally in 1948. Fours years later in 1952 the parade received national coverage. The Parade is famously known for its policy of going on under any circumstance or condition; be it rain or shine. The most bittersweet year of the Parade was 1963, which was held less than a week after President Kennedy's assassination, the country was still in mourning. But, as they say 'The show must go on', the parade was held so as not to disappoint millions of children and viewers. Thanksgiving parades also occur in other cities like Plymouth, Houston, Philadelphia and Detroit (where it is the only major parade of the year). Important Features of Thanksgiving Parade Important features of the parade are moving stands with specific themes, scenes from Broadway plays, large balloons of cartoon characters and TV personalities, and high school marching bands. The parade comes to an end with Santa Claus's image passing the stands. First Thanksgiving Day Feast The famous 'First thanksgiving feast' is said to have taken place in autumn, in the year 1621. The pilgrims organized the feast right after the first harvest. It was a gesture to thank God to help them survive the bitter winter. It was also celebrated as a display of gratitude towards Indians. The feast took place in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The traditional 'First feast' formed the basis for the modern 'Thanksgiving Day', celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November every year. According to historians, the first thanksgiving feast was eaten outside, as the colonists didn't have sufficient space to accommodate everyone. Native Indians were invited to the feast as they were the ones who taught pilgrims how to grow food. The feast was held to rejoice their fruits of labour. The feast is described in a firsthand account presumably written by a leader of the colony, Edward Winslow. According to him, the governor had sent four men to kill as many fowls. The feast was attended by 90 people including Indians (Native Americans). The food included, ducks, turkeys, geese, swan and venison, fish, berries, watercress, lobster, dried fruit, clams, and plums. The feast continued for three days. It was accompanied by lots of dancing and merry-making. The feast was not repeated for the next few years. The next thanksgiving day was celebrated in the year 1676. The year witnessed a severe drought, which was eventually followed by rains due to prayers. George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789. The idea attracted mixed reaction. After campaigning for nearly 80 years, in 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day Proclamation “Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:" Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted' for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us. And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have show kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best. Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3rd day of October, A.D. 1789.” (signed) G. Washington While there were many observances regarding Thanksgiving, the first historic proclamation was issued by President George Washington on 3rd October 1789, during his tenure. According to it, November 26 was declared as 'A day of public thanksgiving and prayer'. The day was to be observed by people by thanking God and being grateful for his favours. Seventeenth century witnessed a common practice for individual colonies to observe days of thanksgiving throughout each year. It was a day set aside for prayer and fasting, not a day marked by plentiful food and drink as is today's custom. Later in the 18th century each of the states periodically would designate a day of thanksgiving in honor of a military victory, an adoption of a state constitution or an exceptionally bountiful crop. Such a Thanksgiving Day celebration was held in December of 1777 by the colonies nationwide, commemorating the surrender of British General Burgoyne at Saratoga. On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a fresh proclamation calling for the observance of the fourth Tuesday of November as a national holiday. Later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday to the third Thursday of November (to extend the Christmas shopping season and boost the economy)in the year 1939. After a storm of protest, Roosevelt changed the holiday again in 1941 to the fourth Thursday in November, where it stands today. Thanksgiving Day Quotes There are innumerable quotes by famous personalities, signifying the importance of thanksgiving. Here are some of the most famous Thanksgiving quotations from some of the well-known writers of our times. Relish these quotes on Thanksgiving Day and enjoy the spirit of the occasion. If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. Meister Eckhart ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- He who thanks but with the lips Thanks but in part; The full, the true Thanksgiving Comes from the heart. J.A. Shedd ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For flowers that bloom about our feet; For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet; For song of bird, and hum of bee; For all things fair we hear or see, Father in heaven, we thank Thee! Ralph Waldo Emerson ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and new. Will Carleton ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action. W.J. Cameron ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men, but be careful that you do not take the day and leave out the gratitude.” E.P. Powell ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “So once in every year we throng Upon a day apart, To praise the Lord with feast and song In thankfulness of heart.” Arthur Guiterman, The First Thanksgiving --------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Remember God's bounty in the year. String the pearls of His favor. Hide the dark parts, except so far as they are breaking out in light! Give this one day to thanks, to joy, to gratitude!” Henry Ward Beecher --------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow.” Edward Sandford Martin --------------------------------------------------------------------------- “There is one day that is ours. Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American.” O. Henry --------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal to all ages and all faiths. At whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for gratitude and new beginnings.” J. Robert Moskin --------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Numberless marks does man bear in his soul, that he is fallen and estranged from God; but nothing gives a greater proof thereof, than that backwardness, which every one finds within himself, to the duty of praise and thanksgiving.” George Whitefield --------------------------------------------------------------------------- "We can always find something to be thankful for, no matter what may be the burden of our wants, or the special subject of our petitions." Albert Barnes --------------------------------------------------------------------------- "But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks." Apostle Paul - Ephesians 5:3, 4 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns." Anonymous ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled." Charles Haddon Spurgeon ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Gratitude is not a spiritual or moral dessert which we may take or push away according to the whims of the moment, and in either case without material consequences. Gratitude is the very bread and meat of spiritual and moral health, individually and collectively. What was the seed of disintegration that corrupted the heart of the ancient world beyond the point of divine remedy...? What was it but ingratitude?" Noel Smith ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good..." Psalm 100:4, 5a ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Without Thy sunshine and Thy rain We could not have the golden grain; Without Thy love we'd not be fed; We thank Thee for our daily bread. Anonymous ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "God is pleased with no music below so much as with the thanksgiving songs of relieved widows and supported orphans; of rejoicing, comforted, and thankful persons." Jeremy Taylor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Poem 2 T is for the trust the pilgrims had so many years ago H is for the harvest the settlers learnt to grow A is for America, the land in which we live N is for nature and beauty which she gives K is for kindness, gentle words, thoughtful deeds S is for smiles, the sunshine everyone needs G is for gratitude... our blessings big and small I is for ideas, letting wisdom grow tall V is for voices, singing, laughing, always caring I is for Indians, who taught them about sharing N is for neighbors, across the street, over the sea G is for giving of myself to make a better me by Judith.A. Lindberg Thanksgiving Day Jokes Thanksgiving is all about enjoyment, fun and merry-making. It is about the feeling of togetherness. Share thanksgiving jokes with your relatives and friends to bring a smile on their face and brrighten their day. Q: If April showers bring May flowers what do May flowers bring? A: Pilgrims! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Why did the turkey cross the road? A: It was the chicken's day off. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Why do turkeys always go, "gobble, gobble"? A: Because they never learned good table manners! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: What sound does a space turkey make? A: Hubble, Hubble, Hubble. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Why did the police arrest the turkey? A: They suspected it of fowl play. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Why did the Indian chief wear so many feathers? A: To keep his wig warm. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Why did they let the turkey join the band? A: Because he had the drumsticks ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: What happened to the Pilgrim who was shot at by an Indian? A: He had an arrow escape. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Asked to write a composition entitled, "What I'm thankful for on Thanksgiving," a student wrote , "I am thankful that I'm not a turkey." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- A turkey farmer was always experimenting with breeding to perfect a better turkey. His family was fond of the leg portion for dinner and there were never enough legs for everyone. After many frustrating attempts, the farmer was relating the results of his efforts to his friends at the general store get together. "Well I finally did it! I bred a turkey that has 6 legs!" They all asked the farmer how it tasted. "I don't know" said the farmer. "I never could catch the darn thing!" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The pro football team had just finished their daily practice session when a large turkey came strutting onto the field. While the players gazed in amazement, the turkey walked up to the head coach and demanded a tryout. Everyone stared in silence as the turkey caught pass after pass and ran right through the defensive line. When the turkey returned to the sidelines, the coach shouted, "You're terrific!!! Sign up for the season, and I'll see to it that you get a huge bonus." "Forget the bonus," the turkey said, "All I want to know is, does the season go past Thanksgiving Day?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: What's the best dance to do on Thanksgiving? A: The turkey trot ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: What kind of music did the Pilgrims like? A: Plymouth Rock ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Who is not hungry at Thanksgiving? A: The turkey because he's already stuffed! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Why did the turkey play the drums in his band? A: Because he already had drum sticks! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Who is not hungry at Thanksgiving? A: The turkey because he's already stuffed! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Why did the turkey play the drums in his band? A: Because he already had drum sticks! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: What does Dracula call Thanksgiving? A: Fangs-giving. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Why do pilgrims pants keep falling down? A: Because their belt buckles are on their hats! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: How do you keep a turkey in suspense? A: I'll let you know next week. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Which side of the turkey has the most feathers? A: The outside. Q: Why can't you take a turkey to church? A: Because they use such fowl language. Britany Thanksgiving Day Messages Celebrate Thanksgiving Day by expressing your gratitude for dear ones with a cute and heartfelt Thanksgiving Day Message! Send in your Thanksgiving Message to us and we shall publish it along with your name and the name of your loved one on this page. Imagine how delighted your dear ones will be to see the open declaration of your love and concern for them... So go ahead and think of all people who have helped you in one way or the other and say a word of thanks to them! Thanksgiving Messages Hi Dr. Priya You are the most special person in my life. You are my friend, philosopher, guide and lot more. Thanks for coming in my life. Ramakanth I just want to say that i really liked your site and its layout. It is filled with information and is so easy to venture through. Thank you for making it available to all of us. Ann May the wonderful Thanksgiving Day bring happiness in your family's life. Sam Ath May the Love of the season guides us through our Life time. Anna Lawrence Dear Aryaman Thanks so much for being there on my side and supporting me all through. Without you my life would have been incomplete. Love Akriti Hi Kumar You are the most special person in my life. You are my friend, philosopher, guide and lot more. Thanks for coming in my life. Ragini Sweet Jennifer On this Thanksgiving Day, I wish to say that I am honored to have you in my life. Thanks for loving and caring for me. Love Sam Dear Mummy and Papa You are the best parents any child can have. Thanks for being our parents. Arpit and Dolly Thanksgiving Day Thoughts Thanksgiving is the time to feel gratitude to God for all the good things in life. It is a time to acknowledge the good deeds of fellowmen and be thankful. Thanksgiving thoughts of people give us an insight as to what people feel about it. • Life can be very trying. When your child is hungry, your body wracked with pain, or you have no idea where you and your family will find a place to sleep, it's hard to find something for which you can be thankful. So, for just a few minutes on Thanksgiving Day, step outside your situation and just "be". Find something, no matter how small, to be thankful for because in giving thanks, you will be lightening your load, even if for only a moment • People in Europe were living in squalid conditions, battling hunger and the aftermath of the plague, were being terrorized in the name of religion and came to America, the land of opportunity, in the hopes of building a new and better life. These immigrants, called Pilgrims, were welcomed by the inhabitants of America, the Indians, who were hospitable to the newcomers in every sense of the word. How is it then that the descendants of the Pilgrims managed to take over all the land in America and banish the Indians to hot, arid reservations in the middle of nowhere? Somehow, that has never felt right to me. Do the Indians celebrate Thanksgiving? • Who does not thank for little will not thank for much. (Estonian proverb) • Thanksgiving thoughts are the kind of thoughts that we should have all year long. For it is the folks with thankful hearts whose lives are filled with song. We should take time for kindness to those we hold most dear,and just extend a helping hand to others through the year. Let's set aside some quiet time and share it with a friend. For friendships brings a special joy and pleasure without end. So may the blessings of this day that I would ask for you, now fill you with Thanksgiving Peace that lasts the whole year through! Thanksgiving Day Prayers Thanksgiving is the time to pray and thank God for his continuous grace. Families offer group prayers both in church as well as homes. Customary Thanksgiving prayer before the Thanksgiving feast is quite popular. Some prayers said during Thanksgiving Day are as follows: Thanksgiving For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, For love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) Moravian Blessing Come, Lord Jesus, our guest to be And bless these gifts Bestowed by Thee. And bless our loved ones everywhere, And keep them in Your loving care. We Give Thanks Our Father in Heaven, We give thanks for the pleasure Of gathering together for this occasion. We give thanks for this food Prepared by loving hands. We give thanks for life, The freedom to enjoy it all And all other blessings. As we partake of this food, We pray for health and strength To carry on and try to live as You would have us. This we ask in the name of Christ, Our Heavenly Father. Harry Jewell My Soul, Give Thanks My soul, give thanks to the Lord, all my being, bless His holy name. My soul, give thanks to the Lord and never forget all His blessings. It is He who forgives all your guilt, who heals every one of your ills, Who redeems your life from the grave, who crowns you with love and compassion, Who fills your life with good things, renewing your youth like an eagle’s. The Lord does deeds of justice, gives judgment for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses and His deeds to Israel’s sons. The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy. His wrath will come to an end, He will not be angry forever. He does not treat us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our faults. For as the heavens are high above the earth so strong is His love for those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our sins. As a father has compassion on his sons the Lord has pity on those who fear Him. For He knows of what we are made, He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, he flowers like the flower of the field; The wind blows and he is gone and his place never sees him again. But the love of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold Him in fear; His justice reaches out to children’s children when they keep His covenant in truth, when they keep His will in their mind. The Lord has set His sway in heaven, and His kingdom is ruling over all. Give thanks to the Lord, all His angels, mighty in power, fulfilling His word, who heed the voice of His word. Give thanks to the Lord, all His hosts, His servants who do His will. Give thanks to the Lord, all His works, in every place where He rules. My soul, give thanks to the Lord. Psalm 136:26 "O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever." Psalm 30 "I will extol thee, O Lord, for thou hast drawn me up, and hast not let my foes rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried to thee for help, and thou hast healed me. O Lord, thou hast brought up my soul from Sheol, restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit. Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. As for me, I said in my prosperity, ‘I shall never be moved.’ By thy favor, O Lord, thou hadst established me as a strong mountain; thou didst hide thy face, I was dismayed. To thee, O Lord, I cried; and to the Lord I made supplication; ‘What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise thee? Will it tell of thy faithfulness? Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me! O Lord, be thou my helper!’ Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; thou hast loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, that my soul may praise thee and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to thee for ever." Here is a collection of short and beautiful Thanksgiving Day songs for children. Elders may help kids to perform on these Thanksgiving songs in their school programmes or just for fun. My Ducky lies Over the Ocean My turkey dinner is over the ocean. My turkey dinner lies over the sea. I guess it’s not fully prepared yet. Please bring my turkey dinner to me!!! My turkey weighs thirty-five pounds. My turkey is so hansom brown. I guess we cannot have turkey dinner. Please bring my turkey dinner to me!!! My mashed potatoes are probably cold now. My mashed potatoes costs twenty-five dollars. I guess that there will be no thanksgiving. Please bring my turkey dinner to me!!! My sweet potatoes costs fifty dollars. My sweet potatoes there were forty of them. I guess there will be no sweet potatoes tonight. Please bring my turkey dinner to me!!! Bring back, bring back, oh bring back my turkey dinner to me-ee. Bring back, bring back, oh bring back my turkey dinner to me-ee. Bring back, bring back, oh bring back my turkey dinner to me-ee. By: Cathy --------------------------------------------- Thanksgiving Day in United States Quick Facts Thanksgiving Day in the United States is traditionally a holiday to give thanks for the food collected at the end of the harvest season. Local names Name Language Thanksgiving Day English Día de Acción de Gracias Spanish Thanksgiving Day 2010 Thursday, November 25, 2010 Thanksgiving Day 2011 Thursday, November 24, 2011 See list of observations below Thanksgiving Day in the United States started as a way of giving thanks to food collected from a good harvest or problems that were fixed. It originated in 1621 and was a religious festival, but is now largely secular. It is now a holiday on the fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday in the United States. ©iStockphoto.com/ Olga Lyubkina What do people do? It is traditional for families and groups of friends to get together for a large meal. This often consists of a turkey, stuffing, different types of potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy and maize and other seasonal vegetables. The meal also often includes pumpkin pie. Many of these foods are native to the Americas and were not available in Europe at the time of the first settlers. This adds to their symbolism of giving thanks for a good harvest in a new country. Thanksgiving Day parades are held in some cities and towns on or around Thanksgiving Day. Some parades or festivities also mark the opening of the Christmas shopping season. Many football games are played and watching them is a popular activity. Some people have a four-day weekend so it is a popular time for trips out of town and to visit friends and family. Public life Most government offices, businesses, schools and other organizations are closed on Thanksgiving Day. Many offices and businesses allow staff to have a four-day weekend so these offices and businesses also closed on the Friday after Thanksgiving Day. Public transit systems do not usually operate on their regular timetables. Many families and groups of friends get together for Thanksgiving so it is one of the busiest periods for travel. This can cause congestion and overcrowding. Seasonal parades and busy football games can cause disruption to traffic locally. Some states, such as Maine and West Virginia (among others), have an extra day for the Thanksgiving holiday. The following day is known as Thanksgiving Friday in these states. Background There are claims that the first Thanksgiving Day was held in the city of El Paso, Texas in 1598. Another early event was held in 1619 in the Virginia Colony. Many people trace the origins of the modern Thanksgiving Day to the harvest celebration that the Pilgrims held in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. However, their first true thanksgiving was in 1623, when they gave thanks for rain that ended a drought. These early thanksgivings took the form of a special church service, rather than a feast, as is common now. In the second half of the 1600s, thanksgivings after the harvest became more common and started to become annual events. However, it was celebrated on different days in different communities and in some places there were more than one thanksgiving each year. The celebrations often included prayer and fasting and so were quite different to the modern holiday. George Washington, the first president of the United States, proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day in 1789. Since 1863, Thanksgiving Day has been an annual holiday in the United States. A more recent tradition started in 1947. Since then, the president has been presented with a live turkey, which he 'pardons'. The turkey then spends the rest of its life peacefully on a farm. Not everyone sees Thanksgiving Day as a cause for celebration. The European settlers had a massive destructive effect on the Native American peoples and their culture. Each year since 1970, a group of Native Americans and their supporters have staged a protest for a National Day of Mourning at Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, Massachusetts on Thanksgiving Day. Bible Verse Activity - Use the words listed to fill in the blanks and complete the Bible verse. I Thessalonians 5:18 In give : for this is the of in concerning . Can you find 8 differences between the two pictures. Click on the areas that are different in the picture on the right. I Thessalonians 5:18 Jigsaw or Sliding Psalm 147:7 Jigsaw or Sliding Colossians 3:17 Jigsaw or Sliding Toon Pilgrim Kids Jigsaw Puzzle | 4-Piece Toddler Puzzle Toon Pilgrim Girl with Turkey Dinner Jigsaw Puzzle| 6-Piece Puzzle Wild Turkey in the Woods Puzzle | 6-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle Pilgrim Jigsaw or Sliding Puzzle Pilgrim Greeting Puzzles: Jigsaw or Sliding Turkey in Wreath Greeting Puzzle: Jigsaw or Sliding Thanksgiving Dinner Menu The Thanksgiving menu is the special menu that consists of those selected dishes, which are especially prepared on the Thanksgiving Day for the Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving dinner is the occasion when the families gather at one place and have their dinner together. Turkey is the special item that is compulsorily included in the Thanksgiving menu. The recipe of preparing the dishes of turkey may vary but it is considered an inseparable part of the Thanksgiving menu. The first Thanksgiving menu probably consisted of the dishes such as • Seethed [boiled] Lobster, • Roasted Goose, • Boiled Turkey, • Fricase of Coney, • Pudding of Indian Corn Meal with dried Whortleberries, • Seethed Cod, • Roasted Duck, • Stewed Pumpkin, • Roasted Venison with Mustard Sauce, • Savory Pudding of Hominy and • Fruit and Holland Cheese. In the modern times a wide variety of dishes are being included in the Thanksgiving menu along with the turkey, yet the traditional turkey is still the meat of choice. There is a large variety of food to choose from for a perfect Thanksgiving menu such as • Goose, • Duck, • Ham, • Corn soup • Berries • Some of the sea's harvests, • Sweet potatoes, • Pumpkin Pies, • Peas, • Rice dishes, • Maple sugar candies • Squash • Beans and • Exotic vegetables. A perfect Thanksgiving menu generally includes the dishes that represent the idea of giving thanks for a good fortune, a good harvesting season, and the sharing of the bounty of happiness with friends and family. And all the dishes together make the celebrations of Thanksgiving Day even more tasteful. Thanksgiving Facts & Trivia Thanksgiving Day is a very important day in the United States. There are many things that are especially related to the celebrations of the Thanksgiving Day. These include Thanksgiving turkey trivia, pilgrims, thanksgiving proclamation, thanksgiving as a national holiday and other things. Some of such facts are mentioned here which will not only help you enhance your knowledge about Thanksgiving Day but also make you enjoy this day with even more zeal. 1. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States. 2. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October in Canada. 3. The Plymouth Pilgrims were the first to celebrate the Thanksgiving. 4. The pilgrims arrived in North America in December 1620. 5. The Pilgrims sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to reach North America. 6. The pilgrims sailed on the ship, which was known by the name of 'Mayflower'. 7. They celebrated the first Thanksgiving Day in the fall of 1621. 8. They celebrated the first Thanksgiving Day at Plymouth, Massachusetts. 9. The drink that the Puritans brought with them in the Mayflower was the beer. 10. The Wampanoag Indians were the people who taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate the land. 11. The Pilgrim leader, Governor William Bradford, had organized the first Thanksgiving feast in the year 1621 and invited the neighboring Wampanoag Indians also to the feast. 12. The first Thanksgiving feast was held in the presence of around ninety Wampanoag Indians and the Wampanoag chief, Massasoit, was also invited there. 13. The first Thanksgiving celebration lasted three days. 14. President George Washington issued the first national Thanksgiving Day Proclamation in the year 1789 and again in 1795. 15. The state of New York officially made Thanksgiving Day an annual custom in 1817. 16. Sarah Josepha Hale, an editor with a magazine, started a Thanksgiving campaign in 1827 and it was result of her efforts that in 1863 Thanksgiving was observed as a day for national thanksgiving and prayer. 17. Abraham Lincoln issued a 'Thanksgiving Proclamation' on third October 1863 and officially set aside the last Thursday of November as the national day for Thanksgiving. Whereas earlier the presidents used to make an annual proclamation to specify the day when Thanksgiving was to be held. 18. President Franklin D. Roosevelt restored Thursday before last of November as Thanksgiving Day in the year 1939. He did so to make the Christmas shopping season longer and thus stimulate the economy of the state. 19. Congress passed an official proclamation in 1941 and declared that now onwards Thanksgiving will be observed as a legal holiday on the fourth Thursday of November every year. 20. Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States. But it was Thomas Jefferson who opposed him. It is believed that Franklin then named the male turkey as 'tom' to spite Jefferson. 21. The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition began in the 1920's. 22. Californians are the largest consumers of turkey in the United States. 23. When the Pilgrims arrived in North America, the clothing of the Native Americans was made of animal skins (mainly deer skin). 24. On December 11, 1620 the first Pilgrims (or Puritans, as they were initially known) landed at Plymouth Rock. 25. By the fall of 1621 only half of the pilgrims, who had sailed on the Mayflower, survived. The survivors, thankful to be alive, decided to give a thanksgiving feast. Printable Thanksgiving Day Puzzle Thanksgiving Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Across 3. What meat is usually served on Thanksgiving? 7. The holiday that is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. 8. The ___________ and the Indians celebrated the first Thanksgiving. Down 1. ________ pie is usually served on Thanksgiving Day. 2. This side dish is sometimes cooked inside the turkey. 4. Another name for a sweet potato. 5. Thanksgiving comes in this season. 6. The Pilgrims came to America on the ship called ___________. 22-11-2010 Клуб Приглашаем всех желающих отпраздновать с нами День Благодарения в уютной атмосфере клуба 23 ноября в 18:30 20-11-2010 Клуб Внимание!!! Анонс клубной встречи 30 ноября 2010 года!!! Рады вам сообщить, что на данной встрече ожидается присутствие Фила и Шерли Лакетт, которые будут очень рады встретиться со своими друзьями, а также познакомиться с новыми людьми!!! 14-11-2010 Клуб Уважаемые любители английского языка! Ждем вас 16 ноября, чтобы обсудить CULTURAL DIFFERENCES Most European countries have multi-racial societies owing both to historical and geographical factors. Military conquests, persecution and economic hardship have all contributed to waves of immigration. Early British history highlights the influence of the Romans, the Vikings, the Saxons and the Normans. More recently, we have opened our doors to people from our former colonies seeking jobs, refugees seeking political asylum and other members of the European Community. Racial integration has been successful in many areas of Britain. Intermarriage between people of similar cultures is now very common. The popularity of Chinese and Indian food and support for events such as the Notting Hill Carnival show a further acceptance of cultural differences. However, good race relations have proved more difficult where there has been large-scale immigration involving dissimilar cultures, especially in areas of social deprivation - for example, where there is poor housing and high unemployment. Not only do immigrants become scapegoats for the problems of these areas, but they, themselves, may be reluctant to integrate for reasons of religion or cultural identity. Dialogue: A: What do you think is the problem between the English and the Americans? B: That's a very interesting question, because both nationalities share a common language and are usually on the same side in war-time, yet they rarely speak well of one another on a personal level. A: Are we talking about a struggle for superiority? B: Yes, but we measure our superiority in different ways. Ours is cultural and historical. We believe we're more civilized. We're the country of Shakespeare and the industrial revolution. Americans visit England in search of culture and history. A: So in what ways are they superior? B: Well, obviously in size. Everything's bigger - their country, their salaries, their roads, their companies. Theirs is the land of MacDonald's, Coca Cola, Microsoft and IBM. They enjoy telling us that they're the best. A: And are they right? B: Yes, if you measure success purely in dollars, but there're two points here. Firstly, many English people actually believe that "Small is Beautiful". They prefer countries where you don't get mugged in parks and subways. A: What's the other point? B: I was coming to that. It's the difference in character. Maybe you think you're the best in the world, but you don't go shouting about it from the rooftops. Americans lack our modesty and reserve. They're probably warmer and more friendly, but they're often very loud and extrovert to go with it. A: So you prefer the British character? B: Not entirely. We tend to be rather oblique in our conversation. When Americans speak, you can take them literally, but when English people speak you have to read between the lines. A: We say one thing and mean another? B: Exactly. 14-11-2010 Клуб Ждем вас на очередной клубной встрече 9 ноября 2010 года в 18:30! The Health Lecture Can you guess the last line of the story? The Ministry of Health in Great Britain was much disturbed by a series of reports which indicated that the health of the nation was deteriorating. The Minister of Health introduced a hard-hitting approach to the problem: he sent medical specialists round the schools and public halls of the country to talk to the people directly. The village to the north of Glasgow whose inhabitants had the shortest life expectancy in Europe was seen as the most appropriate place to launch the campaign. On the day of the meeting the village hall was packed. The men passed bottles of whisky to each other. The children stuffed their faces with chocolate and cakes. It was difficult to see the platform clearly as the air was thick with tobacco smoke. Dr Feelgood, the country’s leading medical expert, projected a photograph of a group of healthy-looking Japanese fishermen and added that they subsisted on a staple diet of fish and vegetables. He then showed a photograph of a group of very obese and unhealthy-looking Japanese and explained that these Japanese had adopted western diets and consumed a lot of cakes and chocolate. Dr Feelgood said rhetorically, “And what does this prove to us, ladies and gentlemen?” After a few seconds of silence he added, “If you eat a lot of sugar, your health will suffer?” Dr Feelgood turned to smoking. For dramatic effect he took out a glass container with pink organ preserved in formaldehyde. “This is a human lung. It is the lung of a non-smoker.” He then took out another glass container with a blackened object inside. “This is the lung of a smoker, reduced in size, coated with tar, and riddled with cancer. The owner died at thirty–five.” “And what does this prove to us, ladies and gentlemen?” After a few seconds of silence he added, “If you smoke, your life will be shorter.” Dr Feelgood then turned to drink and alcoholic abuse. He filled a large glass with whisky. He produced a large earthworm from his pocket and dropped it into the whisky. The worm wriggled about for a few minutes then fell to the bottom of the glass and lay still. Dr Feelgood said rhetorically. “And what does this prove to us, ladies and gentlemen?” Before he could continue a voice from the back of the hall said, “. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ” 1. to be disturbed – быть обеспокоенным 2. to deteriorate – ухудшаться 3. hard-hitting approach – подход, бьющий напрямик 4. life expectance – средняя продолжительность жизни 5. appropriate – подходящий 6. to subsist – существовать 7. staple diet – основная диета 8. obese – тучный 9. formaldehyde – формальдегид 10. a lung – легкое 11. coated with tar – покрытое никотином 12. riddled with – изрешеченное; съеденное 13. abuse – злоупотребление 14. an earthworm – земляной червь 15. to wriggle –извиваться 16. to lie (lay, lain) still – лежать не шевелясь Discussion I. Is the population of our country growing or going down? • Where do people live longer: in big cities or in villages, far away from the civilization? Why? • What are the main causes of death: old age or diseases that affect people as they get older? • What are the health-hazards of present-day life? II. How does the population react to health campaign and warnings of medical experts? • What is more effective: talking to people directly or from a TV screen or from pages of newspaper and magazines? Give your reasons. III. How long would you like to live? • Are you becoming more health-conscious? • How has your own attitude to health care changed? • What recipe would you give how to live a long life? IV. Read the following sayings and explain them: • Prevention is better than cure. • Health is not valued till sickness comes. • Health is better than wealth. V. What about living forever? • Will eternal live ever become a reality? VI. Do you know any secrets for long life? «Итак, если есть у тебя разум, учись чему-нибудь, ибо разум без умения - тело без платья или человек без лица, ведь сказали: образование - лицо разума.» Унсур Аль-маали (Кей Кабус) Quotes of the Day (Цитаты дня на английском языке) «All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.» Ralph Waldo Emerson «Man is by nature a political animal.» Aristotle «The art of life is to know how to enjoy a little and to endure very much.» William Hazlitt «Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.» Kahlil Gibran 03-11-2010 |
|
|