"The Artist" paints golden picture at Oscars (Entertainment)

URL: 

http://extensivereadingprogram.blogspot.com/2012/02/artist-paints-golden-picture-at-oscars.html?utm_source=BP_recenthttp://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/27/us-oscars-idUSTRE81P0BB20120227

Reading Time: 20 minutes

Level of Difficulty: 2

Summary:

　　The Oscar celebrated its 84th awards ceremony. "The Artist," a French silent movie won abundant glory. It made everyone recall how cinema special when silent movies are already overtaken by talkies. Oscars was also given to Meryl Streep, the leading actress in "The Iron Lady" winning her third Academy Award in 17 nominations. Christopher Plummer playing an elderly gay in "Beginners" made history by becoming the oldest winner at age 82. Other awards were splendidly given to that charmed Oscar voters, too. Last but not least, every star was on the spotlight walking through the Oscar red carpet.

Feedback/Comment:

　　　When I lived in my home where television is available, I used to watch the Oscars on time. I am a person who loves movies deeply. Searching for new films and updating my information on hot movies were my routine before I studying in university. I also usually went to the movies to enjoy wonderful stories and relax my mind. So, the Oscars is too atrctive to me to miss it. When I saw actors and actresses won awards screaming with excitement and crying with joy, I felt as thrilled as prize winners. Gaining audiences’ and Oscar voters’ commendation was not only big pleasance to them but also to me. Somebody devoted himself or herself to films, winning the Oscars was the nicest compliment without a doubt. In addition to sharing Oscar winners’ happiness, I also want to have a glimpse of stars’ elegant demeanor on the Oscar red carpet. Actresses’ dazzling gowns and fashion style always caught my eye. Their beauty took my breath away. I am interested in designing. Hollywood's biggest fashion parade was never out of style so they could inspire me to figure out some new ideas. After all, the Oscars brought a lot of gladness to me and I am extremely fond of it.

Discussion Issues:
1. Do you like to watch the Oscars on TV？
2. Who is you favorite actor or actress that won an Oscar？

3D films lose lustre as home-grown hits win cinema box-office battle (Entertainment)

URL: 

http://extensivereadingprogram.blogspot.com/2012/03/3d-films-lose-lustre-as-home-grown-hits.html?utm_source=BP_recent

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2012/mar/06/3d-films-lose-appeal

Reading Time: 20 minutes

Level of Difficulty: 2

Summary:

　　 3D film is already losing its market thought a wave of enthusiasm for Avatar had swept over everywhere and brought abundant profits in 2009. Low-cost, British-made blockbusters sake 3D film’s position. Available video from digital channels, American TV series box sets, home rental service and legal or pirated online films also pushed it out of the picture. 3D film is thumped by the sustained rise in the price of fuel and more careful usage of out-of-home expenses, too.


Feedback/Comment:
　　People are cautious with money because of the rise in prices. It may really cause customers to decrease their consumption on 3D film. As for me, I prefer buying a ticket to enjoy it in a theater. Owing to more high-quality sound and bigger screen, my heart vibrated to the atmosphere when I see 3D movies in cinemas. Visual effects bring a feeling to me that like I experienced present scene in the film. Besides, I can receive a discount by purchasing a student ticket. It will help me control my expenditure to some degree. As a result, I think paying for 3D films is worthful. On the contrary, I seldom spend on movies that are not 3D. They feature stories and plots without any special effects, so I would rather rent DVDs or enjoy them online than go to the theater. There is no denying that most customers are affected by reality and choose to reduce out-of-home expenses. In spite of my admiration, 3D films really lose luster gradually.


Discussion Issues:
1. Do you think 3D films lose luster？
2. What channel do you usually choose to enjoy movies？

A Child’s Dream of a Star (Short Story)

URL: 

http://extensivereadingprogram.blogspot.com/2012/03/childs-dream-of-star-short-story.html?utm_source=BP_recent 

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/16247/16247-h/16247-h.htm#I 

Reading Time: 23 minutes

Level of Difficulty: 2

Summary:

　There was one clear shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest. A child and his sister always looked out once again and say, "God bless the star!" before they slept. But his sister passed away while she was still very young. Then, his little brother, mother, and his daughter died one after the other. When his family member passed away, he always dreamed of the open star, and of the company of angels, and the train of people. Finally, the star shone again, but this time it shone upon his grave.

Feedback/Comment:

　　Although this story is pretty short, it actually implicates an abundant of meaning and symbols. It is a little bit difficult to totally understand the story because of its abstraction. But I can not admire this short story’s artistic conception and implication more. I am touched beyond words. Man's bitterest sorrows are separation and death. We always feel suffering and depressed when we have to leave our friends and family. It can well be imagined how painful someone we extremely love passes away. Some people may think it is too lonely and sore to keep on living without him or her, even wishing angles could also bring them to Heaven. However, death is a part of our life we have to live with. It is an inevitable process to everyone around the world even though we really don't want to let them go. Maybe we can change our attitude toward death and think in another way. I believe that everyone’s life is doomed. The length of life can not be compelled. I will try hard to view the death of someone important to me as a reasonable course. They just went to Heaven in advance and awaited me. We could get together and embrace each other again when I also enter Heaven in the future. The child in the story experienced his family members’ passing away again and again. Although he desired his sister to take him, it was not the time for him to give up his life. But as time went on, he was reunited to his family eventually.

Discussion Issues:

1. What does the meaning of the shining star to the child？

2. Why don’t the child’s sister take him to Heaven？