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MODERN ENGLISH DIGEST THE MAGAZINE HELPING STUDENTS LEARN ENGLISH MODERN ENGLISH PUBLISHING

Mountain Bikes Eco-tourism The World’s Most Famous Painting Plus: Diamonds Collecting Lighthouses Old Comics Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

Vol 3 / Issue 4 £4.25 Vol Zhang Ziyi p01-21 10/8/05 10:33 AM Page 2

e have packed this latest issue of Modern English Digest with a wide range of features that will make learning English interesting and fun! All the articles in this magazine are carefully written in graded English to cater W for elementary and intermediate level students of English. Macmillan Education is delighted to announce a partnership with Modern English Digest magazine. Each issue will feature an extract from our award- winning series of simplified readers. The magazine has a great mix of interesting articles that help improve vocabulary and understanding in cultural and work-specific context. We very much hope that you find the articles useful and relevant to your studies – please write in if you have any comments or visit our website, www.ModernEnglishDigest.com, for the latest news.

Your guide to the graded English used in Modern English Digest Elementary E • Simple passive forms • Comparative and superlative of adjectives • Infinitives of purpose: to, in order to • Reported commands in the past • Modals – could (ability), can (permission) • Adverbs of frequency and manner • Present perfect • Constructions with it and until • -ing verb form after like, enjoy • Indefinite pronouns: everyone, everybody, etc. • be interested in • had better, would rather • used to & wanted to + verb • Phrasal verbs • Defining relative clauses • Reported speech • Modal will with future reference • say and tell • Conditional sentences (1 & 2) • Verb -ing as subject or object • Present Progressive with future reference • Conjunctions: althoughE, so, but, because Intermediate I • Modal should + Passive Perfect • Reflexive pronouns • Past Passive • Be supposed to, be likely to + verb • Modal could, may, might + Perfect Progressive • Double object verbs • Present Perfect Progressive • As if + clause • Future Perfect • Participial phrases • Should have + Past Participle • Modal will, could, should + Passive infinitive • Needn’t have + Past Participle • Phrasal verbs with give, come + in the Passive • Relative clauses, defining and non-defining • Indirect commands • Which, whose • Indirect questions with if and wh- questions • Adjective as noun • Modal could + Perfect Conditional with Past • Subordinators: wherever, whenever • Perfect (Third Conditional)I Key to glossary abb – abbreviation, adj – adjective, adv – adverb, coll – colloquial, i – idiom, n – noun, np – noun phrase, ph.v – phrasal verb, prep – preposition, pron – pronoun, q – question word, v – verb

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FEATURES LIFESTYLE E 4 I 14 Gap Years I 16 Germany: The Neglected The World’s Most Holiday Destination

Famous Painting – I 22 The World’s Biggest Airplane

The Mona Lisa I 26 Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

7 I I 30 Lavender Eco-tourism E 36 Diamonds I 38 Uranus 10 I Mountain Bikes I 41 Lighthouses LANGUAGE 19 E E 50 Tongue Twisters Collecting Old BUSINESS Comics I 52 ACTIVITIES 32 I Zhang Ziyi I 56 Picture Frame I 58 Just for Fun 44 I I 59 Why Not Test Yourself? answers

My Cousin Rachel E 60 Find a Word A short story by Daphne du Maurier, retold by I Margaret Tarner and published by 61 Know the Issue Macmillan Education

Cover Photo © M Von Holden / DMI / Rex Features

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FEATURE The World’s Most Famous Painting – The Mona Lisa BY SARA HALL

he painting, known to millions as the the idea of the picture that most people Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, is hold in their mind! Tprobably the most famous painting of So if the original painting fails to our time. Across the world, the Mona impress many visitors, why is the Mona Lisa enjoys celebrity status. People of all Lisa so famous? At first glance, the ages and nationalities find the Mona painting simply depicts an unremarkable Lisa’s face as recognisable and familiar fifteenth century woman in rather plain as that of a friend. At her home in the clothes painted on a wooden panel. Louvre in Paris, ninety per cent of all However, there is little doubt among visitors to the museum ignore most of art critics and historians that the the museum’s collection of art and make painting is a masterpiece. At the time of straight for the Mona Lisa. This means painting, Leonardo da Vinci’s contem- an amazing 1,500 people pass by the poraries considered the Mona Lisa’s picture each hour. pose and style to be revolutionary. And On average, visitors spend just three the craftsmanship of the painting is minutes gazing at the masterpiece beyond compare. Leonardo’s brush before moving on to other parts of the strokes are so fine that they cannot be museum. A surprisingly large number of individually identified – even under a people say they are just a little bit microscope. The style and execution disappointed when they see the famous alone say that this painting is the painting for real. The Mona Lisa’s creation of a great artist. But this does image is reproduced so often that not explain why the Mona Lisa has people have high expectations about come to be the most famous of what they are going to see. So the fairly Leonardo’s works – and the most small, dark sombre painting that they famous painting in the world. find in the Louvre comes as something One leading art historian, Donald of a shock. The reality of the picture Sassoon, suggests that the Mona Lisa is seems so much smaller and duller than in fact famous by virtue of a series of

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apartments during the Napoleonic era. However, after the fall of Naopleon, the Mona Lisa returned to the Louvre and fell into obscurity. It was in fact British tourists who started to put the Mona Lisa back on Europe’s cultural map. British aristocrats, artists and poets began to visit France, Italy, Switzerland and Greece on what was called the Grand Tour – an extended visit of as many of the famous places of Europe as a person could afford. The first stop along the way was Paris, the so-called city of light. And in Paris the visiting English poets and artists found in the Mona Lisa an ideal of womanhood historical and geographical accidents. that was as unknowable and For him, the painting has enjoyed a mysterious as it was beautiful. As one remarkable series of fortunate events British art critic wrote, “She is older that has helped create a widely shared than the rocks among which she sits; public response to the painting that in like the vampire she has been dead fact has nothing to do with the way the many times, and learnt the secrets of the painting actually looks. According to grave.” this theory, the story of the painting’s Not surprisingly, the nineteenth history is the real key to the Mona century critics became obsessed with the Lisa’s worldwide fame today. Mona Lisa’s smile. Was she looking Leonardo completed the painting in serene because she was pregnant, they 1506. Ten years later he took the Mona speculated? Or did she keep her mouth Lisa with him when he visited the court shut because her teeth were black? of the French King, Francois 1, in 1516. Although the Mona Lisa is commonly The King subsequently purchased the believed to be Lisa Gheradini, wife of a painting. The Mona Lisa then remained Florentine silk merchant, speculation in the Royal collection up to and after about her identity increased her the French Revolution in 1789. popularity. Some people even wondered Napoleon’s wife, the Empress Josephine, if Leonardo da Vinci actually painted the briefly displayed the Mona Lisa in her features of his own face into the portrait.

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All this speculation and mystery made picture caused an outcry and ensured the Mona Lisa the first must-see stop for Duchamp’s fame for ever! Later, the anyone on the Grand Tour. avant garde artist, Andy Warhol, Despite the growing interest among produced passport strips of hundreds of the English in the painting, the Mona Mona Lisas. By being reproduced so Lisa was only catapulted to national many times and in so many guises, the fame in France when the painting Mona Lisa’s face reached out across the disappeared from the Louvre in 1911. world to reach new audiences every An employee, believing that the Mona generation or so. And so, the Mona Lisa Lisa rightly belonged to Italy, walked has become globally famous as one of out of the museum with the small the most instantly recognizable faces in painting hidden under his smock. The the history of the world. theft provoked a huge outcry throughout A minority of art critics believe that France. Pictures of the painting appeared the exploitation of the Mona Lisa in in all the newspapers and magazines of this way has degraded her value as an the time. As a result, the public’s art object. However, most art critics awareness of the Mona Lisa increased disagree with this point of view. They considerably. The Mona Lisa finally re- suggest that knowing about the Mona appeared in 1913. Her return to the Lisa helps encourage people to enjoy Louvre caused an outbreak of public joy art works of all kinds. For them the amongst the French public. Her status as Mona Lisa provides a way for the the best known and most loved art popular imagination to enter into the object in France was now complete. world of art. She is a doorway to new Publishers then began to reproduce ideas rather than simply an art object in the painting because it was already her own right. Follow a visitor to the famous and guaranteed to sell to the Mona Lisa in the Louvre and you may public at large. The Mona Lisa was the see this way of thinking carried out in world’s first best-selling reproduction true life. After visiting the da Vinci art. She became a household name as painting visitors often pause and look at the world’s first fine art superstar. As other masterpieces in more detail than such she became a touchstone for other at any time before. The mysterious artists – as well as a target for parody. power of the Mona Lisa to move As early as 1919, the surrealist artist, people to a greater love of art appears Marcel Duchamp, notoriously produced to be growing in step with her a version of the Mona Lisa sporting a unquenchable fame as the world’s most goatee beard and moustache. This enigmatic portrait ever. ✪

Sombre (adj) serious and solemn. Depict (v) to show someone or something. Contemporary (n) person existing at the same time. Obscurity (n) not being remembered, forgotten. Catapult (v) to suddenly push or throw. Touchstone (n) a benchmark or standard for comparison. Enigmatic (adj) difficult to know or understand.

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FEATURE Eco-tourism BY KESTA ALLAN

here is no doubt that eco-tourism is of great beauty, supporting exotic and big business. Conservative estimates often fragile wildlife and fauna, stay Tsuggest that eco-tourism now unspoiled once tourists arrive in any accounts for as much as 20% of all great numbers? Commercial-scale tourism. Increasingly, tourists want to tourism requires services and facilities visit areas of significant natural beauty that ultimately change and harm without causing any damage to the the natural balance in the places environment. However, how can places tourists visit.

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Many holiday companies are more than happy to label a holiday an environmentally friendly one – even when it isn’t. Eco-tourism is about holidays that are completely sustainable. And this includes taking into account the impact of all transport to the destination. As larger numbers of tourists travel to a previously unspoiled area, eco-tourist providers need to think about how they can limit the impact to the environment. Increasingly, this means using a quota to limit visitor numbers. And in many cases it simply means raising prices so that only the richest travellers can afford to enjoy the beauty and charm of a particular place. No matter. This is precisely the sort of thing that suggests eco-tourism is now specialist commented, “We need to be just another clever marketing ploy vigilant, to limit the possibility of designed to get the highest value out of human activity introducing disease into each visitor. Antarctica’s wildlife.” Environmentalists are also concerned Quite apart from the risk of disease, that eco-tourism threatens the very thing researchers are concerned that the very it is meant to be protecting. Scientists presence of humans is disruptive to the worry that eco-tourism and wild animals animals. Scientists in New Zealand note simply do not mix. Many studies suggest that dolphins’ behaviour changes when that eco-tourism may now be harming tourists’ boats draw near and that they the very animals it seeks to help. become frenetic and unnaturally Many of the world’s protected disruptive. In Canada, polar bears wildlife species are susceptible to waiting for the ice to melt stay highly human diseases. For example, gorillas in alert when visiting buses come up close East Africa were infected by intestinal to them. This causes the bears to use up parasites picked up from visiting more energy than usual. This is energy humans. And an entire colony of that the polar bears need to hunt meerkcats in the Kalahari dessert effectively. As a result, some bears are perished following an outbreak of starting to starve because they enter their human tuberculosis. The problem is key hunting period in a weakened state. particularly acute in the Antarctica So what can be done to protect the where the landscape is especially clean, environment but at the same time allow fragile and unpolluted. As one wildlife sympathetic tourism? Several leading

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experts advise that eco-tourism is also like to stay either with local families sustainable only in small groups. They or at hotels and guesthouses where they say visitor numbers must be limited to know that local residents will directly between 20 to 50 people in any one benefit from their visit. The best way to location at any time to avoid harmful do this is to eat local produce in effects. As one scientist points out, preference to imported foods. Eating “Above a 30-person ceiling the human locally caught fish, or locally grown fruit trails become too wide, the need for and vegetables, helps enrich the local clean water and fresh food and sewage economy to the benefit of all. disposal too great, and the animals too Cheap air travel combined with a disturbed by the intrusion for anyone to greater awareness of the wonders of the benefit.” natural world – from television wildlife Other environmentalists call for the programmes or magazine travel articles introduction of a ‘kite mark’ that tells – mean more people than ever want to consumers that their visit is not going visit and experience for themselves the to have an adverse impact on the wonderful diversity that makes up the environment. Such a kite mark, if natural world. Environmentalists agree properly managed and quality that eco-tourism – if done well, controlled, could tell tourists before sensitively and in a controlled manner – they travel that their trip will not harm can be of long-term benefit in helping the environment. ensure the protection and continuation Environmentally conscious travellers of many threatened species. ✪

Why not test yourself? Read the article on Eco-tourism and decide if the following statements are true: a It is estimated that eco-tourism accounts for up to 20% of all tourism. b Many of the world’s protected wildlife species are susceptible to human diseases. c Polar bears do not need a lot of energy to hunt effectively. d Eco- tourism is sustainable in large groups. e Visitors eating local produce, instead of imported foods, benefit the local economy.

Fauna (n) animals that live within a specified area. Sustainable (adj) not harming the environment. Quota (n) a specific number that is allocated. Susceptible (adj) easily influenced or affected by something. Disruptive (adj) causing difficulties or interference. Intrusion (n) an unwelcome interruption.

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FEATURE Mountain Bikes BY RORY GEAR

icture it! The adrenalin rush of fast enthusiasts came together to design and descents followed by hard, steep build an off-road bike that could Pclimbs up boulder-strewn valley sides traverse rocks, woods and streams. One or along twisting woodland paths prototype after another was beside gushing streams with commissioned, built, tested – and then breathtaking scenery flashing past you rejected or refined. Eventually a bike on every side. Only a few years ago the emerged that was tough enough to only way to enjoy these rugged withstand rough terrain conditions, but landscapes was on foot equipped with a light enough to cycle up mountain paths pair of stout walking boots and a without exhausting the rider. Today rucksack. But now the era of the millions of people of all ages regularly mountain bike has arrived and is set to enjoy mountain biking and the sport has stay forever. a strong international following. Mountain biking started in Marin Mountain biking combines all the fun County in Southern California in the of cycling with the added adventure of early 1970s when a group of cycling being able to turn off the tarmac onto

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bridleways and woodland tracks to every type of off-road biking gadget and explore new areas of beautiful sports accessory you can think of. So countryside. This type of riding is how do you go about choosing a good suitable for both beginners and for mountain bike when there seems to be seasoned thrill-seekers. Cycling through so many to choose from? Well, first you remote countryside is a fantastic way to need to be aware that there are a lot of exercise physically and de-stress mentally. bikes that look like good mountain The beauty of off-road biking is that you bikes but that are in fact nothing more can attempt routes to suit your own than teenage fashion items. Mountain fitness and ability – safe in the bike look-alikes are popular for urban knowledge that you can rely on the use because they look so good on the advanced technology in your bike to cope street. Do not be fooled. Look for a with almost any obstacle in your way. bike that has wide knobbly tyres on Go into any outdoor shop these days sturdy wheels, powerful brakes and a and you will find books that detail robust set of finely adjusted gears that mountain bike routes for all ages and can cope with really steep hill climbing. abilities. Alongside these you will find And then look to the overall weight

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of the bike. Over the years almost every The most crucial element here is the component that makes up a bike has bike frame. A good frame will be been redesigned by experts to reduce extremely light but incredibly sturdy. weight while leaving the bike strong The most expensive frames these days enough to withstand the knocks and are likely to be made of high quality bumps of a typical rough terrain ride. lightweight materials such as carbon

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fibre or titanium. Look too for bikes Always plan your routes with respect to that have front and rear suspension. nature in mind. Stay on designated This design cushions the impact of paths and, if you are in remote and riding over rocks. You will never want inhospitable conditions, advise a to go back to a rigid bike frame once responsible person of your route and you discover the comforts a fully intended time of return. The real art of suspended ride! Add to this innovations mountain biking is not about the look such as handlebar gear shifters and bar and feel of all that new technology. At ends and you will discover that modern its heart it is simply about respecting mountain biking is all about the forces of nature and appreciating comfortable posture while maximizing the fragility of your own individual the power of your legs as you pedal. place within them. So next time you are So now the improved technology of out riding, think about the generations mountain bikes means you can venture of mountain bikers to come who will over almost any terrain you care to one day enjoy the breathtaking scene choose. But have a care! Mountain just as you do, no matter how light or bikes can damage fragile environments. amazingly designed their bike is. ✪

Why not test yourself? Read the feature on Mountain Bikes and match the following words with the sentences below: terrain, rocks, rough terrain, rugged a Only a few years ago the only way to enjoy these ______landscapes was on foot equipped with a pair of stout walking boots. b Eventually a bike emerged that was tough enough to withstand ______conditions. c Look for a bike that has wide knobbly tyres on sturdy wheels, powerful brakes and a robust set of finely adjusted gears that can cope with really steep ______. d Look too for bikes that have front and rear suspension. This design cushions the impact of riding over ______.

Adrenalin (n) a chemical produced by the body which helps it to respond to excitement or danger. Rucksack (n) a bag that is used for travelling and is usually carried on the back. Prototype (n) the first design before being produced in large numbers. Terrain (n) land. Gadget (n) a useful piece of equipment. Suspension (n) the equipment in a vehicle that makes it move smoothly over bumpy ground.

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LIFESTYLE Gap Years BY ILKA BRADSHAW

gap year – a period of travel taken enjoying relative freedom, new between school, college or full time experiences and different cultures, the Aemployment – is widely popular return to the routine of work is amongst young people. A person taking sometimes difficult. In Britain many a gap year is called a gapper. Armed gappers say that just the demands of with passport, tickets, money and an commuting to work are enough to make open mind, gappers jump at the chance them want to drop everything and go off to wave goodbye to their responsibilities travelling abroad again. at home or at work for a year or so while But, do not be dismayed. For many wandering the world at their leisure. gappers, the time spent abroad provides a Nowadays, gap years are no longer the wonderful way to appreciate the richness preserve of the young. An estimated and diversity of everything that life back 200,000 Britons, with an average age of home offers them. For those people who 32, make extended round-the-world trips intend to take a gap year and travel the every year. However, many find the return world, here are a couple of suggestions to to the cares of making money and taking ensure that the trip remains a worthwhile up the responsibilities of everyday life very and positive experience. difficult. Their experience of life abroad 1. Plan At the same time as planning your changes the way they experience life back gap year, make sure you give yourself time at home. For such travellers, the return is to plan for your return. Consider what you often harder than the journey itself. intend to do when you return home. Will Many gappers find that the joy of you apply for a new job, return to your old being reunited with friends and family job, or progress further with your studies? quickly fades. They soon find that If you have no plans for the direction you people have little understanding of the want life to take on your return, you will places they have visited – or little find it hard to settle back in and to look interest in the detail of all their forward to the next stage of your life. adventures. They find that there are only 2. Budget well Carefully review your so many photographs and anecdotes financial situation. Make sure that you about their time away that any one have enough money for your time away person or group can stomach. – but also that you have sufficient funds For others, the return to study or full to cover a short period after your return. time employment is also a shock. After Spend wisely when travelling! Coming

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personal record means you will always be in touch with the details of your trip, no matter how much time goes by. Also, writing down your experiences while travelling helps you achieve a fresh sense of perspective. This can be very important when you run into bad times on a trip – especially if you have no-one to help you get out of them other than yourself! By and large the British fall into two camps as travellers. There are those who travel to realise a dream. For them, travel is usually a positive experience and often they compare the places they visit very favourably to the way of life they leave at home with financial worries is a heavy home. For others, travelling acts as a way burden to carry. of escaping from a bad relationship or an 3. Timing After your travels, allow unsatisfying job. For these people, travel sufficient time to acclimatise back to can be a disappointment. They find that your usual environment. Returning they carry many of their problems with travellers often think that while they them and that travel on its own does not are away very few changes occur in the provide the answers that they seek to the lives of their families or friends. This is disappointments in their life. never the case. Life moves on just as So, if you are going to go abroad on a quickly for those who stay put as for gap year, plan what you want to get from those who go off to travel. On your your time away carefully and think about return, take time to listen to other what you want to do on your return. If people’s experiences and to catch up you follow this advice you will find many with friends and family on their terms surprises and delights along your way rather than yours. work to make you a more self-reliant 4. Keep a personal record Record your and resilient person. For, as the English experiences, whether by taking poet G K Chesterton so wisely wrote, photographs or by writing a journal. “They say that travel broadens the mind, Many people worry that they will but you must have the mind” if travel is ✪ forget their experiences. Keeping a to be of benefit to you!

Preserve (n) place that belongs to someone. Anecdote (n) a short story that is funny or interesting. Acclimatise (v) to become familiar or comfortable with a place or situation. Perspective (n) a fresh way of thinking.

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LIFESTYLE Germany:The Neglected Holiday Destination BY LOUISE STRAUCH

ention Germany and most British country is richly steeped in history and people refer to the English football lively, contemporary culture. Germany Mteam’s recent triumphs, or defeats, has many regions, each with its own against the German football team. Very tradition and way of life. Perhaps the few talk fondly about past holidays in most famous of these is the southern Germany as they do about vacations in state of Bavaria with Munich as its France and Spain. Why is this? capital. Munich’s Opera festival is the Getting to Germany is very straight- oldest in the world. The city’s art forward and relatively cheap. London’s galleries are world-class. Bavaria is also five airports alone operate flights to 22 famous for its mountains, Lake destinations in Germany. However, Constance, the Black Forest and, of according to the most recent statistics course, the fairytale castles that King from the Association of British Travel Ludwig II built all across the region. agents, the British made only 2.3 million And the north of Germany is visits to Germany last year compared impressive too, with its Baltic and with 11.6 million to France and 13.8 North Sea coastlines, forests and million to Spain. Only a quarter of these mountain ranges. Berlin, the Federal visits were for holiday purposes. Half Capital, is the major city in this part of were for business and the remaining the country. Berlin is one of the most quarter for visits to family and friends. vibrant cities in the whole of Europe. A But despite this lack of interest in the centre of fashion, art, learning and fast country by the British, Germany offers living, Berlin ranks as one of the much of interest to the tourist. continent’s trendiest capitals. Moreover, Germans are usually charming and Germany is home to 25 UNESCO polite to foreign visitors. Many people World Heritage sites. Important speak excellent English and are always historic towns include Heidelberg, willing to give directions or help people Passau and Lubeck; while Hamelin and out in other ways. Germany is famous Bamberg are famous for their medieval for its excellent food and high-quality heritage. Uniquely, Germany also accommodation. Every part of the possesses a series of disused coalmines

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that have been transformed into three-day cruise down the river Rhine. temples of art. And Germany is famous British tourists also long for places with for its many international music bright, hot sunshine. They see festivals held throughout the year. The Germany as a cold country with the most prestigious of these is perhaps the same grey skies as Britain. But in this Wagner Festival at Bayreuth. This they are wrong. The German beaches draws in a rich and diverse audience on the Baltic and the North Sea enjoy from all over the world. And – hot summer weather of a kind not seen although it is performed only once a in Britain. And the calm Baltic waters decade – the Oberammergau Passion warm up nicely in the summer to Play is another German festival with an provide excellent swimming conditions. unrivalled worldwide reputation. Not to But maybe it is the German language be outdone, Berlin provides the youth that puts many British people off. Most audience with the world’s biggest school in Britain teach French and homage to Techno music with its Love Spanish. Only a few teach German. As Parade every summer. a result, many people see German as a So why don’t the British holiday in difficult language to learn or speak. Germany? One reason is Germany’s As a Scottish woman married to a reputation in the UK for being a German living in England, I often destination for middle-aged classical encounter many commonly accepted music lovers whose idea of heaven is a stereotypes about Germans that the

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English seem to hold. All-too-often I regional or international airports serve hear that Germans are very disciplined, every corner of the country. have no sense of humour and are Accommodation ranges from elite obsessed with being on time. The wellness hotels to traditionally-run strangest stereotype of all is that the guesthouses, from converted castles to Germans get up early on their holidays charming hideaway cottages. to claim the best deckchairs at the Accommodation costs are also generally beach or pool! None of these less expensive than in the UK – as are perceptions particularly encourage the shopping and eating. British to holiday in Germany. But it is in football that Germany But those who do travel to Germany reigns supreme in Europe. As host to find that things work well and run to the World Cup in 2006, Germany will time. The country has an excellent attract millions of visitors from all over transport system. The German rail the world as never before. The service is reliable and fast, with trains Germans hope that the football fans travelling at speeds of up to 198 miles visiting their country will explore per hour. There are thousands of beyond the stadiums to find out just kilometres of well-maintained how warm, welcoming and wonderful motorway for fast travel by car. 30 the true Germany really is. ✪

Triumph (n) an exciting success. Steep (v) to have a great deal of something. Vibrant (adj) lively and exciting. Decade (n) a period of ten years. Unrivalled (adj) better, more impressive. Stereotype (n) a simple, but not factual, idea of the characteristics of what someone or something is like. Perception (n) an opinion or view.

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FEATURE Collecting Old Comics BY RORY GEAR

ext time you are clearing out your collectors of comics feel a strong sense loft or the cupboard under the stairs of nostalgia for the past. The very feel Nthink carefully before throwing out and smell of old boys’ papers acts like any old comics you happen to find. an instant time machine carrying you Collecting comics – or ‘old boys’ papers’ back to your grandparents’ idyllic as enthusiasts call them – is big childhood days when the paper boy business. Literally hundreds of old delivered the weekly Chums, Wizard or comics change hands every day at boot Eagle. These comics gave a boy the fairs and jumble sales. And collectors chance to curl up in front of the fire or buy and sell many thousands more at sit in the garden away from parents or trade fairs, auctions and thriving bossy sisters to revel in some pure internet sites where classic titles are in escapism. For an hour or two a boy huge demand. became a pirate in the southern oceans, True collectors of comics are not just an explorer in the jungle, or a after a quick profit however. They highwayman like Dick Turpin riding on admire the look and feel of the artwork. Black Bess into the sunset. They love the stories. They are moved The first boys’ papers started to by tales of adventure, the search for lost appear between 1830 and 1840 as the treasure, the ‘spiffing yarns’ of epic and number of people who could read brave escapades. The comics also offer started to grow in Britain. At the same an interesting insight into Britain’s time paper became cheaper and social history. Indeed, many famous printing technology improved making authors wrote for comic books. Arthur comics affordable for the masses. Conan Doyle, Jules Verne, Algernon Newspaper vendors sold the comics on Blackwood, G A Henty and Talbot street corners for a penny a copy. The Baines Read all literally ‘cut their teeth’ stories soon became extremely popular writing their first stories for comics and with young adults and were sneeringly illustrated papers. referred to as ‘Penny Dreadfuls’ by You can read a modern comic from people who read books. At first, very cover to cover in ten minutes. By few of the stories were original. Most contrast, the old boys’ papers of were simply plagiarised versions of the yesteryear provide hours of riveting gothic romances that were hugely entertainment. Not surprisingly, popular at the time. Some stories ran to

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thousands of weekly episodes with tales 1967, the BOP brought to life a wealth of vampires, crumbling castles, dark of information for generations of young dungeons and haunted graveyards. men. The stories were thinly disguised Many comics carried different versions epics based on historical fact about far- of the same story. The tale of Sweeney flung outposts of the British Empire Todd, the ‘demon’ London barber who and the early explorations of Africa and murdered his clients, appeared in the Wild West. The BOP also provided countless different titles – and still factual articles on sport, hobbies, inspires best-selling plays and musicals science and nature and occasional to this day. features such as ‘How to make your The quality of comics improved own gas engine’. steadily through the 1890s. By the turn By the early 1900s new comics for of the century many comics included younger readers entered the market. high quality pictures and some colour These titles told their stories in ‘comic artwork. Publishers launched many new strip’ format with a lot of colour. One titles to take a slice of the developing of the most successful of these was The juvenile market. These more upmarket Rainbow, famous for introducing young titles included better stories aimed at children to the delightful adventures of securing a boy’s pocket money with his ‘Tiger Tim and the Bruin Boys’. As the parents’ approval! One of the most competition in the market increased, successful comics of all times was the comics started to give away free gifts Boy’s Own Paper, still known today as with their first issues. Today these the BOP. From its much-heralded promotional gimmicks are very rare and launch on Saturday January 18th 1879 are also collectors’ items too. Despite until its tragic demise in February the paper shortages of the First World

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War, comics continued to thrive and with stories about Dick Barton, secret focused strongly on patriotic war stories agent; and TV Weekly with Roy Rogers alongside the ever-popular themes of and Trigger his faithful horse. But radio lost cities, pirate islands, wild jungles and TV eventually worked to kill off and brave cowboys. the comic as a mass-market Collectors refer to the period entertainment form. between 1920 and 1950 as ‘the Golden Although comics survived through Age of Comics’. This glorious period the 1960s into the early 1970s, year on saw comics reach their highest year the younger readership fell away. circulation and the peak of their At the same time teenage readers began popularity. From this era come some of to shift towards glossy magazines with the best-loved classic comic characters articles about pop stars, TV soaps and ever – characters like Sexton Blake, lifestyle accessories like mobile phones. Billy Bunter, Nelson Lee, Robot Archie With readers falling away on all sides, and Dan Dare. Because of this, titles most comics simply faded away. Today like Magnet, Eagle and Wizard only the Beano and the Dandy still command premium prices with survive in the newsagents. But these collectors. Many of the most popular titles rely on advertising revenue to stories in the 1930s and 1940s were survive and are a pale imitation of their based around football, public school former glory. and travels of exploration. Top-selling The age of the classic comic has long titles like The Magnet often combined passed – but the passion for collecting all three themes in stories with cliff- these treasured items will last forever. hanger endings designed to make the So if you do find any old comics hidden reader buy the next week’s issue. In the away do not whatever you do throw Second World War patriotic boys them out for recycling. Check the ensured their comics went off for paper covers for their issue dates. If you are recycling. As a result, very few comics looking at anything published before survive from this time. Those that do 1960 carefully store the comics away. are very collectable indeed. One day they may be worth a fortune. By the mid 1950s with the rise of And even if not, your children will radio and TV many new titles started certainly thank you for the wonderful to appear to capitalise on the media stories that they will be able to read stars of the day. There was Radio Fun there! ✪

Escapade (n) dangerous exploit. Cut their teeth (ph. v) to start practising or experimenting Riveting (adj) extremely exciting. Nostalgia (n) remembering happy, past times. Idyllic (adj) very beautiful and peaceful. Plagiarise (v) to take someone’s work as your own work. Gimmick (n) something that is new and interesting but not very useful. Patriotic (adj) feeling respect for one’s country. Cliffhanger (n) an exciting story that makes you want to know the ending.

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LIFESTYLE The World’s Biggest Airplane BY MARY HUBER

very so often, the unveiling of a new the past few decades. In comparison to airplane that promises to change air the Boeing 747, the Airbus A380’s vital Etravel forever takes the world by statistics simply defy belief. The plane is storm. The last time this happened was 73 metres long, 24 metres high and a in the 1960s with the maiden flight of staggering 79.8 metres from wingtip to Concorde, the world’s first supersonic wingtip. passenger plane. Concorde captured the Moreover, the new Airbus A380 is imagination of the public in Europe and designed to carry an astonishing 850 America with the dream of high-tech, passengers which means that it can high-speed, high-living travel for all. outperform the Boeing 747 every time The high cost of Concorde meant that in terms of per passenger and per flight the dream never really became a reality. profitability. Compared to the Boeing Supersonic travel remained something 747, aviation engineers claim that the that only the super-rich could afford to Airbus will be 15% to 20% more do. And even the possibility of efficient, half as noisy and capable of supersonic travel passed into history adding an extra 1,000 miles to any non- with the last Concorde flight in October stop, long-haul route. All of which adds 2003. up to a massive plus in an industry But now, once again, the world stands obsessed by improving its environmental on the brink of a new promise that may credentials to compete against other revolutionise air travel for all in a way forms of transport. Advocates of the that Concorde failed to do. After Airbus say that in this regard the plane spending billions of pounds in will burn less fuel per passenger mile development costs – and challenging than the average family car. And at a the frontiers of current scientific and cost of only £150 million per plane, the technical research – the new European Airbus adds up to a seriously attractive Airbus A380 seems set to dominate air proposition for any airline seeking to cut travel for the next generation. the operating costs of its existing fleet. The new Airbus A380 is, quite The Airbus is the result of collab- simply, the world’s largest airplane. Its oration of four countries, France, sheer size is awe-inspiring. Comprising Germany, Spain and the UK. In all, 14 560 tonnes of metal, the Airbus A380 is production centres are involved in a third larger than the Boeing 747 – the creating the airplane’s various workhorse of the aviation industry over component parts. Britain supplies the

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A380’s wings and undercarriage. conventional aircraft? With concerns like Germany builds parts of the plane’s these, will cheaper ticket prices alone be fuselage and vertical tail. France enough to tempt passengers on board? manufactures the rest of the fuselage The A380’s designers think they have and nose sections. The final plane is engineered some solutions to concerns assembled in a specially constructed like these. The plane’s cabins are hangar in the south of France. In a organised to give a sense of intimacy scene reminiscent of the maiden flight and well-defined personal space. The of Concorde, over 50,000 people interior of the A380 gives each gathered together to watch the first individual passenger the carefully flight of the prototype A380 at crafted illusion that they are travelling Toulouse airport in early 2005. with far fewer other people – and in However, this monster of the air is not more individual comfort – than in a without its critics and sceptics. One traditional Boeing 747. The aircraft’s potential problem relates to the Airbus’ designers hope here that perception will sheer size. How will passengers respond count more than reality. But, just in to the procedures and time it takes to case, the A380’s manufacturers are being simply board and disembark from the careful to stress that, in theory at least, aircraft? Will those same passengers the plane’s remarkable advances in new then worry about being six miles high in technology mean that it really will be the air alongside so many other one of the safest in the world. travellers? Will they worry more about Interestingly, most airlines plans for their chances of personal survival in an the Airbus suggest that they are more emergency situation than in a interested in its potential to deliver

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luxury rather than to operate as an adapt to the demands of the new airbus. airborne ‘sardine can’, packing in as It is estimated that by 2010, sixty large many passengers as feasibly possible. cities will be able to cater for the plane. Potential purchasers of the A380 are So, for now, a lack of basic on-the- exploring a wide range of distinctive ground facilities may actually prove to facilities that will add competitive be the biggest stumbling block to the advantage to their particular version of successful take-off of the new plane. the plane. In this respect, airlines seem Ultimately, the manufacturers of the to be approaching the next phase of air Airbus believe that the key to future air travel in exactly the same way as cruise travel is to fly as many people as liners did long-haul ocean travel at the possible, in more environmentally turn of the last century. Luxury – friendly ways, between the world’s alongside safety – is to be the plane’s key largest cities. With air travel estimated selling point. The airlines’ latest fleet to double within the next 15 years, specifications promise to provide the Airbus’ supporters say that the per- traveller with various combinations of passenger economics of the new plane spacious relaxation lounges, saunas, spa offers the only credible solution to areas, beauty parlours and gym facilities. environmentally sustainable air travel in But despite all this in-flight hype, real the future. concerns regarding the practical By contrast, advocates for the A380’s arrangements for dealing with the competitors claim that the answers to passengers on the ground refuse to go the predicted problems of sustainable air away. Will airports be able to handle so travel lie in smaller, environmentally many people arriving and departing friendly planes that can cost-effectively from a single aircraft at any given time? connect an infinitely wide range of The logistics of managing check-in, destinations in ways that out-compete baggage handling and safety procedures trains and buses. In this regard, the for so many passengers at once are small is beautiful argument seems to absolutely mind-boggling. And many have many advantages. The majority of airports are simply not equipped to A380 passengers are likely to transfer to handle the sheer size requirements of a smaller plane or to board an intercity the new airplane. With the exception of train to reach their final destination! a handful of recently built airports in So the launch of the A380 shows that Asia, most of the world’s major airports the future of air travel is at a crossroads have docking facilities to handle only as never before. While trends suggest one or two A380-specification planes the demand for time-effective travel every few hours. between city centres is set to grow At present, 12 of the world’s airports unchecked, environmental and safely are being developed and adapted to take concerns suggest that new high-capacity, this giant plane. London’s Heathrow high-speed trains may actually be better airport is spending £450 million to equipped to meet most demands than

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super-sized aircraft. Indeed, the launch offer no easy solutions to the dilemmas of the Airbus ‘superjumbo’ seems set to of environmentally friendly travel which increase the debate on how and why now confront us. Like Concorde, the people expect to travel in a global A380 may prove to be a short-lived economy. For the first time ever in wonder. But unlike Concorde, the real aviation history, an advance in aircraft competition to the A380 may lay firmly capability may actually lead to a fall in in the past. The intercity routes of 19th the overall way people expect to use century trains may yet hold the key to airline travel to get them quickly, the way environmentally-conscious (and cheaply and safely from one city centre cash-strapped, time-poor and safety- to another. To quote an ancient Chinese obsessed) travellers choose to make their proverb, we ‘live in interesting times’ journeys in the 21st century and which, in terms of air travel at least, beyond. ✪

Why not test yourself? Read the article on The World’s Biggest Airplane and complete the sentences below with one of the figures in brackets: 60, 560, 50,000, 150, 1,000. a Comprising ______tonnes of metal, the Airbus A380 is a third larger than the Boeing 747 – the workhorse of the aviation industry over the past few decades. b Compared to the Boeing 747, aviation engineers claim that the Airbus will be 15% to 20% more efficient, half as noisy and capable of adding an extra ______miles to any non-stop, long-haul route.. c And at a cost of only £______million per plane, the Airbus adds up to a seriously attractive proposition for any airline seeking to cut the operating costs of its existing fleet. d In a scene reminiscent of the maiden flight of Concorde, over ______people gathered together to watch the first flight of the prototype A380 at Toulouse airport in early 2005. e It is estimated that by 2010, ______large cities will be able to cater for the plane.

Unveiling (n) an official showing of something new. Supersonic (adj) faster than the speed of sound. Brink (n) the time just before something happens whether good or bad. Credentials (n) qualities that make something good. Sceptics (n) people who have doubts that something is true or correct. Mind-boggling (adj) complicated and difficult to understand. Stumbling block (n) difficulties and problems that prevent success.

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LIFESTYLE Edinburgh’s Royal Mile BY LOUISE STRAUCH

dinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the proudly claims the honour of a Royal British Royal family’s official residence EMile. Described by Daniel Defoe, the in Scotland. It is actually just over one 17th century author of Robinson mile from the entrance of Edinburgh Crusoe, as the ‘largest, longest and finest Castle to the gates of the Palace and its street in the world’, Edinburgh’s Royal cobbled streets are home to a wealth of Mile captures the historical richness of historical sites, and, so it is said, to this famous and much loved city. ghosts from its eventful past. The Royal Mile traverses through the Majestically marking the Royal heart of the city’s Old Town, which was Mile’s highest point, Edinburgh Castle established from the 13th century sits on top of what was once a volcano. onwards. The steeply sloping streets of Used as a fortification for over 2000 the Old Town evoke the days when the years, the oldest part, St Margaret’s bustling tenements were home to both Chapel, dates from the 12th century, ordinary people and the richest in the the castle houses the Honours (Crown city – as well as their animals! Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Probably the city’s oldest street, the Destiny (the stone on which sat Royal Mile connects Edinburgh Castle generations of Scottish – and later

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The Palace of Holyroodhouse

British – monarchs to be crowned) and festival and attracts tourists and the one o’clock gun. The latter is fired performers from around the world every day at one p.m. to the surprise of every summer. many tourists shopping in Princes A key highlight of the Royal Mile is Street below! Mary King’s Close, a 17th century The Castle esplanade is the location street in the old city. Situated for the annual Edinburgh Military underneath the present City Council Tattoo. The tattoo is a unique blend of headquarters, much of the Close is still music, ceremony, entertainment and intact and at night visitors can wander theatre set against the backdrop of around its shops and houses, lit only by Edinburgh Castle featuring military torchlight, learning how the street and bands from across the globe. This world its inhabitants were subject to the famous event is a highlight of plague of 1645. Many visitors report Edinburgh’s international cultural feeling a ghostly presence!

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Nearby, James Close was the home of briefly to John Knox, the leader of the writer James Boswell and the Scotland’s reformation. John Knox philosopher David Hume. In contrast, (1513-1572) was arrested under Queen another street, Brodie’s Close, was Mary Stuart in 1560, tried for treason named after William Brodie, a but was subsequently acquitted. A key respectable member of 18th century founder of Protestant Scotland, the society by day but a burglar and house in which he died is now the John murderer by night. Knox museum. The Royal Mile was also home The Tron Kirk marks the halfway

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point of the Royal Mile. It is the To preserve the Royal Mile and the traditional gathering place for surrounding Old Town, the site was Edinburgh’s people to celebrate declared a conservation area. A Trust Hogmany, the Scottish term for New now cares for it and old buildings are Year’s Eve, when the city turns into one being restored. Equally importantly, huge, bustling street party. people are returning to live and work The Palace of Holyroodhouse, at the there. In 1995 the Old Town, along bottom of the Royal Mile was begun in with its 18th century counterpart, the 1501-1505 by James IV and later added New Town, was declared to be a World to by James V and Charles II. The Heritage Site. murder of Mary Queen of Scots’ Even a casual stroll down the Royal secretary Rizzio, took place in the Mile is an opportunity to savour palace, as did her marriage to Lord Edinburgh’s rich history and, by night, Darnley. Traditionally, the reigning to learn of its ghostly past. It is also one monarch takes up residence at the of the reasons why Edinburgh is such a palace every July. popular tourist destination. ✪

Why not test yourself? Read the Feature on Edinburgh and complete each sentence with words from the box. cobbled, fortification, esplanade, tenements a The steeply sloping streets of the Old Town evoke the days when the bustling ______were home to both ordinary people and the richest in the city. b It is actually just over one mile from the entrance of Edinburgh Castle to the gates of the Palace and its ______streets are home to a wealth of historical sites. c Used as a ______for over 2000 years, the oldest part, St Margaret’s Chapel, dates from the 12th century, the castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland. d The Castle ______is the location for the annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Traverse (v) to cross over. Tenement (n) a large building of flats and apartments. Cobbled (adj) covered with round (cobble) stones. Esplanade (n) a long path for people to walk along. Treason (n) a crime against a country’s government. Monarch (n) a king or queen.

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LIFESTYLE Lavender BY HELEN COSTIN

However, lavender has many more uses than as a balm for good sleep. Long ago, the ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians and peoples of Arabia used lavender for mummification and perfume. The Romans used lavender oils for bathing, cooking and to scent the air. The word lavender derives from the Latin term to wash, ‘lavare’, and indicates the Roman obsession for using lavender when bathing. Lavender has a general ‘tonic’ quality that has been noted in many cultures around the world. Its scent acts as a or centuries, people all over the world natural insect repellent. The plant dries have used lavender to help them sleep. easily to add fragrance and flavour to FAs long ago as 1629, John Parkinson, many mixtures – not least to the scent herbalist to King James I of England, set of candles, heating braziers or other out this remedy for sound sleeping: “Boil wood fires. First domesticated by the a good handful of lavender flowers in Arabians, many historians believe that enough water to cover for 10 minutes. lavender spread across Europe via the Strain into the bath and have a long Hyeres Islands to mainland Greece in soak. Sprinkle a few drops of essential 600 BC and then on to the rest of oil or lavender water on to your pillow to Europe. However, the more widely enhance the effect – and you will be accepted explanation for its widespread asleep in no time”. occurrence in Europe is that the Romans Happily, John Parkinson’s advice still took lavender with them as they crossed holds true today. Modern scientific tests the continent, planting it along with show that inhaling lavender effectively Roman civilisation in France, Spain, reduces caffeine-induced hyperactivity England, the Balkans and Asia Minor. and increases the length and depth of In medieval and renaissance Europe natural sleep. As a result, many hospitals lavender was used prolifically. now offer lavender oils as an alternative Washerwomen were called ‘lavenders’, to sleeping pills. meaning literally ‘those who wash’.

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These laundry women dried their flowers in salads, jellies, sorbets and ice washing over lavender bushes and placed cream. Used in this way, lavender brings sprigs of lavender in cupboards and colour, fragrance and a bittersweet drawers to keep the clothes fresh. flavour to many dishes. Lavender Lavender was also commonly found in blossoms and leaves can replace rosemary ‘infirmary gardens’ along with many in many recipes to give a subtle flavour to other medicinal herbs grown by a wide range of traditional foods. monasteries. For example, the German Crystallized lavender flowers also make nun Hildegard of Bingen, who lived beautiful and tasty cake decorations. from 1098-1179, recommended lavender Flowers and a few other natural water as a cure for migraine headaches. essences such as musk and amber are the Written records dating back to 60 AD basic ingredients of all perfumes. show that lavender was used for Lavender provides one of the most-used medicinal purposes. Even today, oils for the perfume industry. It is thanks homeopaths regard lavender oil as one of to its abundant fields of lavender that the essential first-aid remedies. This oil Grasse, in France, has become the relieves headaches, fainting, hysteria, perfume capital of the world. Perfume stress, insomnia, muscle aches, bug bites, industry experts have found 180 rashes, colds, chest infections and different constituents in the scent of rheumatism. Moreover, lavender is one lavender, making it one of the most of the few essential oils that is safe to complex oils on which to base a use in an undiluted form on the skin. perfume. Principally, lavender provides a This makes it particularly useful for ‘green, hay-like’ sweetness and ‘fruity relieving the effects of burns. Lavender aspects’ to perfumes, soaps, shampoos, oil also demonstrates antibiotic activity, cosmetics and food aromas. As Francois effectively killing many common Caron, the famous perfumer said, bacteria such as the ‘staph’ bacteria – a “lavender gives sparkle, it gives spirit.” cause of skin infections. This quality was But best of all, lavender is incredibly put to good use in field hospitals and on easy to grow, harvest and store. If you the battlefield in the First and Second want to add colour and scent to your World Wars when many other home, start by adding a flowerpot of medicines were in short supply. lavender to a sunny windowsill. You Lavender is also edible. Used will soon find that it makes its way into extensively in the medieval kitchen to many other parts of the house as you flavour conserves and tisanes, its use in discover its many wonderful and modern food preparation is undergoing a enticing medicinal and culinary revival. Fashionable restaurants use the properties for yourself. ✪

Herbalist (n) a person who specialises in herbs. Inhale (v) to breathe in. Balm (n) calming and soothing substance. Prolifically (adv) using a lot of something. Edible (adj) (substances) that are safe to eat. Enticing (adj) attractive.

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COVER FEATURE Zhang Ziyi

BY SARA HALL

ith the enormous success of such films as Crouching Tiger WHidden Dragon, Hero and House of the Flying Daggers, martial arts films, much loved by Chinese audiences for decades, are acquiring global popularity and respect. Audiences across the world watch, awe struck, as characters defy gravity, fly through treacherous bamboo forests and embark on breath taking, exaggerated sword fights with dashing acrobatics and inimitable style. And of all Chinese actresses, Zhang Ziyi, with her exquisite beauty and grace, has particularly captured the audience’s imagination. Already famous in China, Zhang Ziyi is set to be a globally recognised actress – and she is taking Hollywood by storm.

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Zhang Ziyi. While filming House of the “in China, we work Flying Daggers, she worked for five months non-stop; she trained for a seven days; we further two months and lived with a blind girl to acquire a greater don’t have understanding of her role. But while she is a true perfectionist with a strong sense of purpose, Zhang Ziyi did not Christmas, we don’t always intend to become an actress. Born on 9th February 1979 in Beijing, have weekends,” China Zhang Ziyi attended the Beijing College of Dance when she was 11 years old and then at the Central Drama College where she studied dance. The celebrated director, Zhang Zimou, spotted her while casting for a commercial and subsequently gave her a part in the film Road Home set in rural China in the 1950s. As Zhang Ziyi freely admits, she was not a trained Despite working largely in China, actress and she needed a lot of Zhang Ziyi is not new to Hollywood. coaching, advice and guidance for her Her first appearance in an American first cinematic role. film was in Rush Hour 2 in 2001 with Zhang Ziyi’s part in Crouching Tiger martial arts veteran Jackie Chan. But Hidden Dragon is generally for Steven Spielberg’s production of acknowledged to be the film that first Memoirs of a Geisha, Zhang Ziyi is the brought her international acclaim. playing the lead role for the first time Directed by Ang Lee, the film is a in a Hollywood film. Memoirs of a veritable feast of amazing martial art Geisha, based upon the best selling sequences, emotional turmoil and novel about a young girl who becomes a heartbreak all set against a backdrop of geisha legend in Japan, is a lavish, no stunning scenery. The film was a huge expense spared blockbuster. Zhang Ziyi international success and took an admits that working in Hollywood is an astonishing $128 m in the United entirely different experience for her; “in States alone. China, we work seven days; we don’t Crouching Tiger, Hero and House of have Christmas, we don’t have Flying Daggers are all set within the weekends,” she says. traditional martial arts genre. Of the Indeed, rigorous training, discipline three films, the more recent one, House and hard work are all second nature to of Flying Daggers is more controversial

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as the director, Zhang Yimou, person, unwilling to talk about her intentionally altered the accepted personal life. “My life is my life. Things parameters of the genre. Traditionally, that I feel like sharing, I will share, but the main characters sacrifice love for the rest I will keep personal.” the collective well-being of others. But Global fame may intrude upon in House of Flying Daggers, the story Zhang Ziyi’s desire for privacy, but takes on a more romantic flavour, many believe that she is not a person to during which the characters sacrifice be easily swayed by public opinion. Nor everything for love. In China, the film does she intend to believe all the hype was rapturously received by many but about her great beauty. As she says criticised by others for its more herself, “In China, we don’t consider modern, westernised interpretation. someone truly beautiful until we have When she is not working, Zhang known them a long time, and we know Ziyi lives with her parents and older what is under their skin.” But as a brother in Beijing. Her mother is a glittering global career beckons, it is former kindergarten teacher and her highly likely that audiences will soon father is an economist. She freely feel that they know Zhang Ziyi very, admits to being an intensely private very well. ✪

Why not test yourself? Read the cover feature on Zhang Ziyi and match the following words with the sentences below: privacy, discipline, respect, perfectionist a Martial arts films, much loved by Chinese audiences for decades, are acquiring global popularity and ______. b Indeed, rigorous training, ______and hard work are all second nature to Zhang Ziyi. c But while she is a true ______with a strong sense of purpose, Zhang Ziyi did not always intend to become an actress. d Global fame may intrude upon Zhang Ziyi’s desire for ______, but many believe that she is not a person to be easily swayed by public opinion.

Gravity (n) the force pulling things towards the ground. Veteran (n) someone with experience. Second nature (n) acts done naturally, without thinking. Turmoil (n) a heightened state of activity or emotion. Parameters (n) limits or boundaries. Privacy (n) freedom to act without other people watching or commenting.

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LIFESTYLE Diamonds BY ILKA BRADSHAW

he ancient Greeks called these measure for the purity of gold. Large dazzling stones the ‘tears of the gods’ diamond stones are rare. A large single Twhile the Romans believed them to stone is thus worth a great deal more be ‘splinters of fallen stars’. First than several smaller diamonds which discovered in India 4,000 years ago, add up to the same weight. One carat is diamonds have dazzled the imagination equivalent to 200 milligrams of weight. of people ever since. Hollywood star Interestingly, the word ‘carat’ is derived Marilyn Monroe struck a chord which from the word ‘carob’. Traditionally, resonated across the world when she diamond traders used carob seeds to sang Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend measure their diamonds since the seeds in the classic 1950s film Gentlemen are similar in weight to the most Prefer Blondes. Now, as then, diamonds common size of diamond. remain one of the most coveted of all Colour precious stones. But why is this? The most valuable diamonds are Assessing a diamond’s true value is a exceptionally white or colourless. complicated business. There are four Diamond colour is graded from D to universal factors that play a key part in Z. Grade D stones are the most this. These are the so-called ‘4Cs’ of the expensive. The purity of colour may not diamond trade: carat, colour, clarity and be visible to the naked eye. A cut. Together these criteria provide an diamond’s colour grading is usually invaluable benchmark for determining a assessed against a set of master diamond’s true worth. The 4Cs also diamonds under controlled lighting provide anyone with even the faintest conditions. A true D diamond is interest in diamonds with a basic exceptionally white or colourless while knowledge of what to look out for a Z graded diamond is almost grey. when admiring, or indeed buying, a Intriguingly, some diamonds do contain diamond. colour. Vibrant diamonds of beautiful Carat pinks, blues and greens are called Although often mistaken as a measure ‘Fancies’. The rarest fancies of all are of a diamond’s size, the carat is actually red diamonds. the measure of a diamond’s weight. The Clarity carat is also commonly confused with A truly magnificent diamond is one ‘karat’, which is actually the standard that reflects light perfectly without any

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flaws whatsoever. Anything within the skilled one, requiring much training diamond that disrupts the flow of light and experience. A well-cut diamond is called an ‘inclusion’ or, more must reflect light from one surface to poetically, ‘nature’s fingerprint’. another inside the stone to create a Inclusions are not usually visible to the magnificent and dazzling sparkle. The naked eye. As with the diamond’s challenge for a skilled cutter is to polish colour, inclusions are usually detected as many surfaces, or facets, as a stone and defined under controlled can carry to maximise the brilliance of conditions. The range starts with an F the stone. To cut a diamond perfectly, a grade which indicates a ‘flawless’ stone. cutter may cut away more than 50% of The range of clarity concludes with an the rough diamond. I grade depending on the number of The process of grading and assessing tiny clouds or mists in the stone. the true value of a diamond is a Skilled and expert advice is needed to complicated and highly specialised determine the clarity of the stone. process. But all diamond experts, There are very few flawless stones. without exception, share a genuine Cut passion for diamonds and their beauty The cut of the diamond is the only and brilliance. However, most profes- grade that is dependant on man’s sionals agree that ultimately the choice intervention. The cut is directly of diamond is almost always based on influenced by the craftsmanship of the personal instinct and taste. Better to individual diamond cutter. The art of leave the grading to the experts but transforming a rough stone into a ensure the choice meets the needs of polished, sparkling diamond is a highly your heart! ✪

Resonate (v) to produce an emotion or effect on others. Covet (adj) to want something other people have. Purity (n) being clean and pure. Vibrant (adj) exciting and dynamic. Flaw (n) a mistake or fault.

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LIFESTYLE Uranus BY GEOFFREY PRICE

ranus is one of the four largest eye but, despite its gigantic size, the planets in our Solar system. planet was not discovered until 1781. UAstronomers refer to Uranus as one Why was such a large planet of the ‘gas giants’ and with good reason discovered so late? Uranus was – the planet has a mass of just over unknown in the ancient world and is a fourteen and a half times that of the somewhat featureless planet with a Earth together with a diameter, at its greenish disc. Even with the aid of a equator, of 51,800 km. On a clear telescope and armed with an idea of night, Uranus is visible with the naked where to locate it, Uranus is hardly

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distinguishable from other nearby stars. Interestingly, it was finally identified, “On a clear night, not by a team of dedicated professional Uranus is visible with astronomers, but by a keen and committed amateur astronomer, the naked eye but, William Herschel. Born in 1738, William Hershel was a despite its gigantic musician who lived in Bath, in the south west of England. Herschel size, the planet was dedicated so much of his time and effort to searching the night skies that not discovered until he even made his own telescopes using 1781.” large curved mirrors. Herschel became so skilful at making these instruments that eventually he possessed the best telescopes in the land, even superior to those used by the professional Herschel had in fact discovered an astronomers at the Royal Observatory! entirely new planet. Despite having the finest telescopes, Before Herschel’s discovery the as with many other important furthest known plant from the Sun was discoveries, Herschel found Uranus Saturn. Saturn has an average distance more by luck than by judgement. At from the Sun of 1427 million the time, Hershel was actually looking kilometres but Saturn’s orbit averaged for two stars that appeared very close 2871 million kilometres. Amazingly, together from the Earth. He reasoned Herschel’s new discovery had effectively that if one of the stars was actually doubled the known diameter of the much further away than the other, the solar system. stars would appear to move relative to Initially, Herschel named the newly each other as the Earth orbited the discovered planet after Britain’s reigning Sun. This, he hoped, would allow him monarch King George III. However, to calculate the distance to the nearer of bowing to pressure from other the two stars. astronomers across Europe, Herschel On 13 March 1781 Herschel accepted the tradition of naming planets detected a bright object and increased after the greek gods. Traditionally, from the magnification on his telescope, the Sun, the planets beyond Earth were hoping to see the two stars and pursue called Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. In his original calculations. To his surprise Roman mythology Jupiter was the he saw a single disk. At first he thought father of Mars and Saturn was the it was a comet but as other astronomers father of Jupiter. It was successfully around Europe turned their telescopes argued that the next planet should be on the object it became clear that named after Saturn’s father whom the

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Greeks called Uranus. This eventually currently stands at 27. These moons are became the planet’s accepted name. often referred to as satellites because Although the planet was not several of these orbiting bodies are tiny in ultimately named after the King, comparison to other moons such as our William Herschel was rewarded for his own. One orbiting moon or satellite, discovery when King George made him Cordelia, has a diameter of just 26 km. his personal astronomer. Herschel went Scientists learnt much about Uranus on to have a long and distinguished following the fly past of Voyager 2 in career and in 1787 he discovered two of 1986 and the Hubble Space Telescope. Uranus’s largest moons. But it is highly unlikely that any new While Uranus was discovered compar- information about Uranus will cause as atively recently, today the speed of new much excitement as that generated by discoveries is astonishing. For instance, in William Herschel in 1781 when he first 1995 the number of known moons discovered the ‘gas giant’ planet; around Uranus was 15. The number Uranus. ✪

Distinguishable (adj) easily recognisable from other objects of a similar type. Dedicate (v) to spend all of one’s time and effort on something.

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LIFESTYLE Lighthouses BY STAN POWELL

ocky outcrops, dangerous currents burning fires on primitive buildings and treacherous, hidden sandbanks helped guide mariners to safe harbour. Rare common perils for even the most The first known lighthouse was built experienced sailors and seafarers. Over about 280 BC. It stood on the island of the centuries, storms have driven many Pharos in the harbour at Alexandria in thousands of sailing ships to their doom Egypt, one of the richest cities in the on hidden rocks and sandbanks. In the world at that time. Indeed, the Pharos past, armed only with unsophisticated lighthouse was so spectacular and awe- sea charts and few navigational aids, inspiring that it became one of the ships’ captains often knew little of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. lethal hazards of the waters they sailed. Estimated to be over 100m high, the As a consequence, many thousands of Pharos consisted of a substantial people lost their lives. rectangular building with a hexagonal From the earliest times, lighthouses tower topped by a circular structure. offered sailors and passengers a chance Ships at sea could see the light from its of survival. Indeed, using lights to guide tower from over 50 km away. Built by ships is a technique as old as seafaring master craftsmen, the Pharos survived itself. With little else available, families many earth tremors and other natural lit fires or used lamps to help their disasters for over 1500 years. However, loved ones reach the shore. Later, great, a massive earthquake in the fourteenth

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century finally toppled the tower to put the Pharos light out for ever. The history of lighthouses in Britain is also long and distinguished. The Romans built two lighthouses on the cliffs near Dover on the south coast of England to guide ships across the English Channel. Harbour towns gradually added more and more lighthouses to Britain’s coastline. Church authorities maintained the majority of the country’s lighthouses up until the early 16th century. City authorities or other privately owned foundations maintained the rest. All this changed in 1514 when Henry VIII founded Trinity House to provide sea pilots and take over the maintenance of church-run lighthouses. Some three hundred years later in 1836, Trinity House became responsible for running Britain’s remaining privately owned lighthouses. Trinity House continues to run all the country’s lighthouses today. Until the late eighteenth century, burning wood, coal or large candles usually produced the lighthouses’ warning lights. However, in 1782 Ami Argand, a

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Swiss man (ironically from a country the Eddystone found life lonely and with no coastline at all) invented a new, very demanding in the past. Keepers revolutionary device. The invention tended to work all on their own for a consisted of a circular wick in a glass period of two months before having chimney that burnt oil and produced a time off ashore. They required patience clear bright flame. Improvements in the as well as bravery to stand the harsh design, configuration of the wicks and conditions of their work. use of high grade oil as fuel, made the Today, Trinity House maintains 71 lights ever more powerful. Lighthouses across Britain. They are all For many years curved mirrors automatic and powered by electricity. behind the light intensified the beam. Modern technology means inspectors Indeed, according to legend, the Pharos can monitor and run the lighthouses at Alexandria used such a device. But a from shore. Maintenance crews visit further major breakthrough came in remote lighthouses by helicopter only 1822 when Augustin Fresnel invented a when they need to do essential upkeep complicated lens which, when placed in or repairs. front of the light, sent out an extraor- Lighthouses have come a long way dinarily powerful beam. Fresnel lenses since people first lit fires or candles. The could rotate to give a revolving beam most powerful lamps now produce five that looked to a distant observer like a million candlepower. But the basic flashing light. Different configurations result is the same: a grateful sailor sees a and speeds of rotation meant that each light and knows he is safe – either lighthouse gave off a signature series of because he is coming in to harbour or flashes. With this system of flashes, knows exactly where he needs to avoid sailors could tell one lighthouse from shallow waters or rocks. However, another to identify their exact position advances in modern technology, such as at sea. This system ushered in the global satellite navigation systems, may modern era of internationally eventually spell the end for Britain’s coordinated safety conventions at sea. working lighthouses. But, even if the Britain’s most famous lighthouse is lights do eventually go out, the the Eddystone. Founded in 1698, this buildings themselves will remain as lighthouse stands on a rock 13 miles testimony to mankind’s determination south west of Plymouth in Cornwall. to travel the seas – and as witness to the The modern tower is the fifth to stand courage of all those who risk their own on this spot. Keepers of lighthouses like lives to save those in peril on the sea. ✪

Treacherous (adj) harmful, dangerous. Lethal (adj) deadly. Primitive (adj) simple, not complicated or highly developed. Rectangular (n) a shape with four straight sides. Hexagonal (n) a shape with six straight sides. Ironically (adv) in an unexpected and humorous way. Configuration (n) the way in which parts are put together.

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SHORT STORY My Cousin Rachel BY DAPHNE DU MAURIER, RETOLD BY MARGARET TARNER

mbrose and I lived in Cornwall. It is for a while and then Ambrose said, ‘I often cold and damp in winter there. wish you were coming with me ARain falls nearly every day and the tomorrow, Philip.’ sea looks rough and grey. This weather ‘Why not?’ I replied quickly. ‘I could was bad for Ambrose. By the time he soon be ready. Yes, Ambrose, let me go was forty years old, he was walking with you.’ with a stick and his hair was turning Ambrose smiled. ‘No,’ he said. ‘We grey. His doctors told him that he must can’t both be away. Someone must look go abroad every winter to a drier after the estate. Forget I asked you.’ country. If he did this, he would ‘You are feeling well, aren’t you?’ I become stronger and he would live to asked. ‘You haven’t any pain?’ be a healthy, old man. ‘Of course not, Philip,’ Ambrose I was twenty-two when Ambrose replied. ‘The trouble is that I love my went abroad for the third winter. I had home too much. I don’t want to leave.’ left University and I was old enough to Ambrose stood up and walked look after the estate by myself. towards the windows. He pulled back This time, Ambrose was going to the heavy curtains and looked out into Italy. He wanted to see the beautiful the darkness. gardens of Rome and Florence. ‘You must promise to look after the Ambrose loved his own gardens and gardens for me, Philip,’ he said. everything he planted grew well there. ‘What do you mean?’ I asked. ‘You Now he was planning to bring back will be back here in the spring.’ many unusual plants and trees from ‘Yes, I will…’ Ambrose answered Italy. slowly. ‘Take care of things while I’m The evening before Ambrose left for away, Philip. You are very young, but I Italy, we sat together in the library as need your help, you know that. And usual. We were both smoking our pipes everything I have will be yours.’ and our long legs were stretched out in Suddenly I felt afraid. front of us. We were wearing old, ‘Ambrose, please let me go to Italy comfortable clothes and the fire was with you.’ I said again. burning brightly. The dogs were ‘No, Philip, that’s enough,’ Ambrose sleeping at out feet. We sat in silence said with a smile. ‘Go to bed.’ That was

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all. We did not discuss the matter are beautiful. The weather is getting again. warmer and I am spending a lot of time in Early the following morning, them. My cousin Rachel is pleased to have Ambrose left for Plymouth, our nearest an English friend and I am giving her big port. He was going by ship to the advice about business matters. She has very south of France. From there, he would little money. Because I have helped her, my travel by coach to Italy. cousin Rachel has helped me find many The weeks passed slowly for me. beautiful plants. I will bring them home They always did when Ambrose was with me. away. But I had plenty to do. And if I I was surprised by this letter. was lonely, I rode my horse into the Ambrose had never shown any interest nearest town or visited our neighbours. in a woman before. But I was glad that The first letter from Ambrose arrived he was well and happy. in the middle of November. He was There were a few more letters, but well and happy. The journey by ship Ambrose did not say anything about had gone well. At Christmas, Ambrose returning to Cornwall. Then at the end wrote to say that he had reached of April, I received the letter that Florence. It was in this letter that he changed my whole life. wrote about his cousin Rachel for the Dear boy, first time. He told me that our family I don’t know how to begin to tell you – and her family were related. Rachel’s my cousin Rachel and I were married two father and mother were both dead. weeks ago. I do not know why she has Rachel’s husband, an Italian count, had chosen me. But we are very happy together. died too. She lived alone near Florence I love her, Philip, and I am sure you will in a big house, called the Villa love her too. She is kind and good. Sangalletti. Rachel had planted the Tell our friends about my marriage, gardens of the villa herself and they Philip. And remember, it will never were famous for their beauty. change my feelings for you. Write soon and I was glad when I read this letter. send some words of welcome to your cousin Ambrose had found a friend who loved Rachel. gardens as much as he did. I could not believe it. I took the letter The winter in Europe was very bad out in the gardens and walked slowly that year and snow covered the roads. down to the sea. I sat there and read Because of this, the next letter did not the letter again. I felt lonely, angry and arrive until the early spring. In this very unhappy. I was already jealous of letter, Ambrose told me more about his this woman, my cousin Rachel. I knew cousin Rachel. She had found him that my life would never be the same somewhere to stay near her villa. again. My cousin Rachel is a very intelligent I told all the neighbours about woman, Ambrose wrote. But, thank Ambrose’s marriage. But I did not God, she doesn’t talk too much. Her gardens speak to anyone about my feelings. To

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my surprise, all our neighbours were that he and my cousin Rachel were very happy at the news. ‘It’s the best staying in Italy for the summer. I was thing that could have happened. When so happy. Thank God, this woman was are they coming home?’ people said. not going to come to the house yet! I But I did not know. Ambrose had not began to enjoy life again. written anything about when he would The summer passed and winter come back. came. Ambrose did not return. He * * * continued to write to me but his letters Our nearest friends were Nick changed. I began to feel that he was not Kendall and his daughter, Louise. Nick happy. The summer and autumn were Kendall was nearly sixty years old. He very hot in Italy that year. Ambrose was was my godfather. His wife was dead. having terrible headaches. He had Louise was a little younger than me and never had headaches before. But he said people said she was pretty. We had nothing about coming home. known each other all our lives and she The second winter passed and then was like a sister to me. The Kendalls the spring. Ambrose had been married were the first people I told about for more than a year now. Many weeks Ambrose’s marriage. passed and I did not receive a letter. I Nick Kendall was a lawyer. When he began to worry. At last a letter came in heard the news, he looked at me carefully. July. But it made me more worried than ‘You will have to start looking for a before. I got on my horse at once and house, Philip,’ he said. rode over to Nick Kendall’s house to At first I did not understand. show him the letter. ‘What do you mean?’ I asked in The writing was so bad that we could surprise. hardly read it. Ambrose wrote to say ‘Well, Ambrose and his wife will that he had a terrible illness. He wrote want to be together,’ Nick Kendall told about this fear of Italian doctors and of me. ‘They may have children. I am sure a man called Rainaldi. He also seemed Ambrose will buy you a house of your to be afraid of his wife, Rachel. own. And you may get married ‘These are the words of a very sick yourself. There are many pretty girls in man,’ Nick Kendall said slowly. ‘A man the district.’ whose mind is very disturbed. You do He went on talking, but I did not not know this, Philip, but Ambrose’s hear what he said. I had never thought father died of a tumour of the brain. In I would have to leave my home. I hated the last weeks of his life, he was my cousin Rachel. What was she like, sometimes like a madman. I hope that this woman who was completely Ambrose…’ changing my life? Was she pretty or Then Nick Kendall looked at me and plain, old or young? said, ‘I think you had better go to Italy, In the middle of May, I received Philip. You must find out what is another letter from Ambrose. He said happening.’

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I began my journey with a terrible fear in my heart. It was the 10th of July. I knew I could not reach Ambrose until the middle of August. * * * I had a terrible journey. The roads were noisy and dirty. The weather got hotter every day. By the time I reached Florence, it was the 15th of August. I found a room in a hotel and washed and changed my clothes. When I went out again, the streets were full of people. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon and still very hot. I stopped a carriage. ‘Villa Sangalletti,’ I said to the driver. He nodded and pointed up the hill. I knew immediately that I had to go The horse pulled the to Italy. I did not look forward to the carriage slowly up a long, twisting road. long journey in a strange county. I At last, the driver stopped in front of a could not speak French or Italian. But I gate in a high wall. I made signs to him knew I had to go. to wait. I went home and got ready to leave. There was a bell beside the gate and Seecombe, our head servant, was going I pulled it hard. I waited a few to look after the house while I was moments, but no one came. I rang the away. I did not tell him about bell again. I heard the sounds of a dog Ambrose’s illness. barking and a child crying. It was very I was in the carriage ready to leave hot. Then I heard footsteps and the when a last letter arrived from gate slowly opened. A servant woman Ambrose. It was very short and almost stood in the gateway. There was a long, impossible to read. wide path behind her. It led to the villa. For God’s sake, come quickly! Ambrose ‘Villa Sangalletti? Signor Ashley?’ I had written. Rachel, my torment, has asked. won. I am dying. Come quickly, or it will The woman tried to shut the gate, be too late! but I pushed past her. A man appeared

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the news?’ Signor Ashley, he died three weeks ago. Very sudden. After the funeral, the contessa, his wife, shut up the villa and went away. We do not know if she will come back again.’ I did not say anything. There was nothing I could say. ‘Signor,’ the man said kindly, ‘I will open the villa for you. You can see where Signor Ashley died.’ I was not interested in where I went or what I did. The man began to walk up the path, taking some keys from his pocket. I followed. The villa was very beautiful. All the windows were closed and shuttered. The man opened the big door. He and the woman began to open the shutters. The rooms were very large and the air was dry and dusty. ‘The Villa Sangalletti is beautiful, signore, very old,’ said and the woman shouted to him in the man. ‘The Signor Ashley, this is Italian. I heard the words: ‘Ashley… where he sat. This was his chair.’ Inglese…’ I looked at the chair. I could not The man stared at me. ‘I speak a little think of Ambrose in this house, in this English, signore,’ he said. ‘Can I help room. you?’ I went to the window. Outside, there ‘I have come here to see Mr Ashley,’ I was a little courtyard. It was open to said. ‘Are Mr and Mrs Ashley at the the sky, but shaded from the sun. In the villa?’ middle of the courtyard, there was a The man looked worried. fountain and a little pool. A laburnum ‘Are you Signor Ashley’s son, signore? tree stood beside the pool. Its golden he asked. flowers had died. And its small, green ‘No,’ I said, ‘I am his cousin. Tell me seeds lay on the ground. quickly. Is he as home?’ ‘Signor Ashley, he sat here every day,’ ‘You are from England, signore?’ the the man said. ‘He liked to listen to the man asked slowly. ‘You have not heard water falling. He sat there, under the

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tree. In summer, they always sat here, us were the most beautiful gardens I Signor Ashley and the contessa. They had ever seen. drank their tisana here, after dinner. ‘I think,’ the man said slowly, ‘that Day after day, always the same.’ the contessa will not come back again. It was very cold there in the Too sad for her. Signor Rainaldi told us courtyard and very, very quiet. I that perhaps the villa will be sold.’ thought of how Ambrose had lived at ‘Who is Signor Rainaldi?’ I asked home – walking, riding, always cheerful quickly. and busy. ‘He arranges things for the contessa,’ ‘I will show you the room where the man replied. ‘Money, business, Signor Ashley died,’ the man said everything. I give you his address. He quietly. I followed him upstairs into the speaks English very well.’ plain, bare room. I looked at the small, He closed the shutters. We walked hard bed where Ambrose had died. downstairs again and stood by the big ‘He died suddenly,’ the man told me. door. ‘He was very weak from the fever. But ‘What happened to his clothes?’ I sometimes he shouts, like a madman. asked. ‘Where are his books, his Then one morning, the contessa called papers?’ for me. ‘The contessa took everything with ‘He was lying very still. It was the her.’ sleep of death. He had a peaceful face. ‘And you don’t know where she the pain and the madness had all gone.’ went?’ I asked. ‘Madness? What do you mean?’ I The man shook his head. said. ‘She has left Florence. That is all I ‘The madness of the fever,’ the man know. Signor Ashley was buried here in replied. ‘He suffered much pain. Florence, signore, then the contessa Sometimes, I had to hold him down in left.’ his bed. Then came the fever and the The woman suddenly spoke to her madness. I tell you, signore, it was husband and opened a chest near the terrible to see.’ wall. She came back carrying a big I turned away. straw hat – Ambrose’s hat. The hat that ‘Why was nothing done?’ I said. he had sometimes worn at home, in the ‘Why did Mrs Ashley let him die? sun. The woman gave it to me and I What was this illness? How long did it stood there with it in my hands. last?’ ‘Take it with you, signore,’ the man ‘At the end, it was very sudden, like I said softly. ‘It is yours now.’ ✪ told you,’ said the man. ‘But he had been very ill all winter. And he was sad. From My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier, © Daphne du Maurier 1951, retold by Margaret All winter he was sad.’ Tarner for Macmillan Readers. Published by We walked through another room Macmillan Education 2005. © Macmillan Publishers and out onto a long terrace. In front of Ltd 2005. There is a CD available with this story.

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LANGUAGE Tongue Twisters BY EDWIN DRUMMOND

tongue twister is sequence of words of several consecutive words to trip you that is particularly difficult to up and confuse you. The following Apronounce. Really good tongue traditional nursery rhyme is typical of twisters work best when you speak this technique: them quickly or repeat them again and Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled again. Here is one example: peppers. Freddy Flintstone found fried Did Peter Piper pick a peck of pickled flying fish flavoursome. peppers? If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled Try repeating the phrase out loud peppers, several times as quickly as possible. You where’s the peck of pickled peppers Peter are likely to find you quickly slip up Piper picked. and begin to slur the words. We bet you will end up laughing and finding The peck mentioned in the rhyme is the tongue twister something you an ancient British measure of dry remember with pleasure for some time goods in use as long ago as the 14th to come! century. There are many reasons for writing Although most tongue twisters are or trying to say a tongue twister. deliberately difficult to say, some arise Tongue twisters can help people to naturally in the usual course of pronounce words clearly. For this conversation. A seemingly innocuous reason, speech therapists like to use or simple phrase can catch out even the tongue twisters in their work. Most most experienced public speaker or importantly, tongue twisters are fun. television presenter. Weather presenters They provide the speaker with a hate the simple phrase ‘frost and fog’ pleasurable and humorous challenge. because almost without exception they But do be warned. Most English end up warning television viewers to tongue twisters are fiendishly difficult look out for ‘frost and frog’. to say. Indeed, some of the hardest tongue Usually, tongue twisters use twisters are deceptively simple. A alliteration, or the repeated use of the school playground favourite is the same letter or sound value at the start seemingly easy phrase:

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d e t r

n e P u P

o i d lor f Re ry, p

ye e e r n l l o Fr o p e t w i d s c

t k

d l

y Flin o e

r d

p

f i

o r c

a k

c e y p

k , l

e r

e d

d p . l y

o r

e r p r ry, lo p yellow e rs. Red lorry, yellow lorry, red lorry, practice their pronunciation. But their yellow lorry. main attraction for most Britons is Do not be surprised if you find it simply for the fun they bring. Anyone difficult. None of the people I asked, can make up an amusing tongue whether children or adult, could repeat twister to try out on their friends. Why this phrase several times quickly and not try one now that uses the sounds in clearly. your name as a game to amuse the Clearly, tongue twisters help people people who know you? ✪

Fiendishly (adv) used to emphasise something that is especially difficult or clever. Innocuous (adj) unlikely to offend or upset. Deceptively (adv) used for saying that something is different from first impressions.

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BUSINESS The Future’s Bright – The Future’s Intangible! BY RORY GEAR

he world of business is changing at an – even though they may actually drive unprecedented rate. The last five the way a business can deliver profit in Tyears have seen some fundamental the future. changes in the way organisations are The concept of thinking about assessed and valued. organisations in terms of their Traditionally, business analysts have Intangible Assets has been seen taken a valued companies on the strength of long time to mature within the business their financial and tangible assets. community. Many senior managers Traditional accounting conventions continue to see the concept as faddish support this kind of approach. This and foolish, even though discussion of system worked well in the past for a Intangible Assets is rarely far from world dominated by manufacturing business analysts’ thinking and where investing in plant and machinery receiving serious discussion in the was the key to creating future wealth. financial press. But in today’s information and So why are so many hard-headed knowledge-based economy, a drastic business leaders so cynical or blinkered shift of thinking is well overdue. in their view on Intangible Assets? This Today boards of directors and senior may be because intellectuals, academics management can no longer afford to and philosophers in particular loved to ignore the mounting body of evidence debate the meaning of ‘Intangibles’. As that indicates that ‘Intangible Assets’ a result, people engaged in the everyday are keys to the way the modern realities of the business world saw economy generates new wealth. Intangibles as soft and fuzzy things that Accounting and legal regulations had no place in the hard nosed world of usually do not require the company to business. And, put bluntly, career provide information on these sorts of professionals did not get paid to care Intangible Assets. So they often go about such soft and fuzzy things. Their unreported. Analysts and shareholders salaries and bonuses required them to usually have no idea about these assets focus on hard facts, raw financial data

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and clear information on such tangible whole new way of thinking is here to assets as offices, machinery and stay. Today’s innovators realise that the customers’ goodwill. For these real ‘wealth’ of a company is much more traditionalists there could be no doubt than the sum total of its financial that assets like these were at the true assets, premises and computer systems. heart of creating value in any business. The twenty first century entrepreneur “Surely,” these people go on saying to understands that a company’s themselves, “the world hasn’t changed competitive advantage lies in the way so much that this fundamental fact is people work together in teams. And in no longer so”? Sadly for them, the the way they use the things that they reality is that the world has in fact know to create startling new products moved on. The old way of looking at and services. And in the speed with things is out of date and misleading. which they use information to make The rise and rise of the ‘Intangible’, better decisions than their competitors or ‘Information’, or ‘Knowledge’ are able. These things are generally economy shows no sign of abating. invisible and hard to measure. No There can be no doubt now that this regulatory system anywhere in the

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world requires a company to produce an annual report for shareholders on their “The concept of investments in these ways of doing thinking about organi- things. As a result, they simply get overlooked. So it is that many sations in terms of their traditional business leaders have continued to focus on the old realities Intangible Assets has of a company’s balance sheet – even as the new entrepreneurs have come into been seen taken a long their markets to quite literally cut the ground away from under their feet. time to mature within So what exactly do we mean by the business Intangible Assets? Intangible Assets include all the elements that make a community.” forward-looking organisation different from one that is falling behind. Intangible Assets can include some or all of the following: requirements that will start making Organisational culture, values and organizations provide answers to some beliefs; tough new questions. From April 2005 Licences, trademarks, franchises, the Financial Reporting Standards in patents; Britain demand that companies start to Intellectual property rights, recognise and deal with Intangible processes, methods, templates, Assets and that these are now models; commented on in annual reports. Leadership, knowledge, Similarly, the impact of new legislation competencies, innovation, research in the US highlights the importance of and development; quality-based processes and procedures. Brand value, reputation, customer In the wake of the collapse of Enron relationships, staff morale and and MCI Worldcom there are now loyalty. new standards for demonstrating good Corporate Governance which require As this list shows, Intangible Assets transparency on boardroom ethics. And are the sum total of all the factors of this American companies must now add critical importance to a company’s statements on their Corporate Social future success that are not shown in a Responsibility and Environmental traditional balance sheet! However, Sustainability. All of these requirements over the next few months British push the ‘Intangibles’ debate higher up businesses are going to be faced with a everyone’s corporate and business whole flurry of converging agenda.

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So, to show that you are winning in to understanding a company’s chance today’s business world, you need to be of delivering success in the future, able to identify your Intangible share values will be defined by these Assets and report on how they drive sorts of things just as strongly as on the future success of your operations. their current financial performance. You then need to be able to state how Getting people to understand your you will foster and nurture these Intangible Assets will then really start Assets so that you can count on them to matter in setting the long-term to deliver. You need to put as much value of a company. But then, as any effort into getting this statement as canny investor will tell you, this has right as any other part of your annual been an open secret for years. The report. People will judge you on it from companies that have been able to one year to the next. And as more explain how and why they do things investors and shareholders start to see have invariably outperformed those that Intangible Assets are the real key that have not! ✪

Unprecedented (adj) never existing or happening before. Intangible (adj) difficult to describe or measure. Entrepreneur (n) someone who makes money by starting or running a business. Flurry (n) a short period of activity or emotion. Canny (adj) good at making judgements especially in business.

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ACTIVITY Picture Frame From ‘Origami’ by Fresh Minds Publishing

se this simple origami frame to show off a drawing or a favourite photograph. Use thin card instead of Upaper, as this will make a stronger frame. The picture YOU NEED that goes inside this frame can be up to 14.5 cm square, Square of brightly but only a 10.5 cm square in the middle will show. coloured thin card, 30 x 30 cm

Fold the square 1diagonally corner to corner.

Open up again. Fold one corner 3down to the centre. Fold the Open up and repeat on the other other corners down to the centre, as 2two corners. shown. © FRESH MINDS PUBLISHING. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: +44 (0)1285 640045 56 p38-64 10/8/05 10:47 AM Page 57

Turn the paper over. Then fold all Turn the base over. Then fold all the 4the corners down again to the 5points out to their corners. centre as shown.

MORE IDEAS Make a drinks mat by following steps 1–4 of this project. Cover the mat in plastic to make it spill-proof.

Measure your picture frame. 6Draw a picture or find a photograph of this size, (remember that the frame hides the corners of the picture). Slide the picture into the frame.

57 p38-64 10/8/05 10:47 AM Page 58

LANGUAGE QUIZ Just For Fun Try our questions and puzzles – no prizes, just for fun!

Write the answers to the questions 5. The German nun Hildegard of Ainto the grid. The letters in the Bingen recommended lavender shaded squares will spell a famous name. water for this type of headache. Reading the articles in the magazine will 6. Chums, Magnet and Eagle were help you find the right answers. companion titles to this comic. 1. Part of the ‘Grand Tour’ together 7. County in Southern California where with France, Italy and Greece. mountain biking began in the 1970s. 2. The discoverer of the planet Uranus 8. Freddy Flintstone found this type in 1781. of fish flavoursome when fried 3. The desert where meerkats died of according to the tongue twister. human tuberculosis. 9. This House was founded by Henry 4. Country where the vertical tail VIII to provide sea-pilots and run section of the Airbus A380 is built. lighthouses.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

58 p38-64 10/8/05 10:47 AM Page 59

Unscramble these words that appear letters in the words stay in the same Bin the magazine articles position. For example: COULD and EGHHILOSTU BOND become COLD and BOUND. IMORSTU SIGHT and CUE CCIMO PLANT and RAMP ADEELNRV BOAT and BUT AIIGNNPT SOAP and PEN BGIIKN CRAMP and PAY AAEILNPR TRAIN and PLAN ADDIMNO BLIND and SAY FAST and BEAT

Find two-letter combinations that Dcomplete each of the following words. You should see a connection between the letter combinations. All the words appear in articles in the magazine. a. (_ _) ulder b. dis (_ _) ver c. free (_ _) m d. p (_ _) ple e. trans (_ _) rm f. under (_ _) ing One letter from the word on the left g. light (_ _) use Cmust be taken and placed into (or h. rotat (_ _) n added on to) the word on the right to i. ma (_ _) rity make two new words. All the other j. bec (_ _) n

JUST FOR FUN ANSWERS ON PAGE 63

Why not test yourself – answers

Eco-tourism: a. True; b. True; c. False; d. False; e. True. Mountain Bikes: a. rugged; b. rough terrain; c. hill climbing; d. rocks. The World’s Biggest Airplane: a. 560; b. 1,000; c. 150; d. 50,000; e. 60. Edinburgh’s Royal Mile: a. tenements; b. cobbled; c. fortification; d. esplanade. Zhang Ziyi: a. respect; b. discipline; c. perfectionist; d. privacy.

PHOTO © WWW.ISTOCKPHOTO.COM 59 p38-64 10/8/05 10:47 AM Page 60

FIND A WORD On✈ The Move

JJWHZUSPASSPORTV Sailing BJODXZEWAHJFDRXO EWQUSKG I E ZVWOHKL Flying FKNVRA I LWAYPWTKB Journey AWNGRNWAHKR RSN I A Luggage NAFWAHEUS INOAA JP Airport DYLCHEOYAMEEI I AI AIYONLSHIPTALPNN Ship ES I CDI ROMIUUIRAO Helicopter OCNNPCETCRK LNCNI Train IOGNSODKDURUGRVT EORONPEMEXAGANCA Passport SENORTAGI CBGMF IT Tickets ICOASEEBTUVAUOSS Railway OS I LERSO I S I GENEB LN I ARTE I LELEJDPE Station

1. Find and circle all 12 words. They lie across, up and down or diagonally, and can run forwards or backwards. 2. Translate the words into your own language.

FIND A WORD SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 63

60 p38-64 10/8/0510:47AMPage61 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. World Cupin2006. forthe Name thehostcountry isthe WagnerWhere held? festival amountainbike? buying shouldyou lookforwhen What mountain bikingstart? didtheideaof In whichcountry the MonaLisa? displays museum usually Which reproductions oftheMonaLisa. Name painterswhocompleted two The ModernEnglishDigestQuiz Find theanswerstoourquiz KNOW THE ISSUE KNOW THE 12. 11. 10. 9. 8. 7. Where istheRoyal Mile? Where A380. Airbus inthedesignof the collaborated Name that thefourcountries A380 designedtocarry? How manypassengersistheAirbus are What ‘Penny Dreadfuls’? appear inBritain? didthefirstcomicsbeginto When comicbooks. wrote Name famousauthorswho two 61

© www.iSTockphoto.com p38-64 10/8/05 10:48 AM Page 62

13. Name the British Royal family’s 21. When was Uranus first discovered? official residence in Scotland. 22. Was William Hershel an amateur 14. What did the Romans use lavender or professional astronomer? for? 23. Where was the world’s first known 15. What can lavender oil be used for? lighthouse built? 16. Where did Zhang Ziyi study when 24. What did Augustin Fresnel invent? she was young? 25. What is a tongue twister? 17. Where does Zhang Ziyi live when she is not working? 18. In which film did Zhang Ziyi first acquire international acclaim? Send your answers with your name and address to: 19. Who called diamonds “tears of the The Editor gods”? Modern English Digest PO Box 50121 20. Name two of the four factors that 32-34 Great Peter Street play a part in assessing a diamond’s London, SW1P 2XD, UK. true worth.

PHOTO © WWW.ISTOCKPHOTO.COM 62 p38-64 10/8/05 10:48 AM Page 63

Editor: SARA HALL Contributing Editor: STAN POWELL PUZZLE SOLUTION Design: GEORGIA DAVEY, www.taurus-graphics.net Editorial Director: PETER COLLIN, [email protected] FROM PAGE 60

Sales & Marketing: JEREMY SMITH, JJWHZU SPASSPORTV [email protected] BJODX Z EWAH JFD RXO SOPHIE MALONE, MAINLINE MEDIA, EWQUSK GIEZVWOHKL Advertising Sales: FKNVR A I LWAYPWTKB Tel: +44 (0)1536 747333 Fax: +44 (0)1536 746565, AWNG R N WAH K RRS N IA [email protected] NAFWA H EUS I NOA AJP DYLCH E OYAMEE I I AI Writers AIYONL SHI PTALPNN KESTA ALLEN, ILKA BRADSHAW, ANDREA CLARK, ES ICD I ROMI UUI RAO NEIL COOPER, HELEN COSTIN, EDWIN DRUMMOND, OCNN P C E TC R KLN CNI IOGNSO DKDURUGRVT RORY GEAR, SARA HALL, MARY HUBER, JANE NIEDERER, EORON P EME X AGA NCA GEOFFREY PRICE, LOUISE STRAUCH, HENRY WALLWORK SENOR T AGI CBGMFIT ICOASE EBTUVAUOSS Photographers/Illustrators OS I L E R SO I S IGE NEB STAN POWELL, GEORGIA DAVEY LN I AR T E I L E LEJ DPE Publishers MODERN ENGLISH PUBLISHING LTD PO Box 50121, 32-34 Great Peter Street, DISTRIBUTED by MARSTON DISTRIBUTION London, SW1P 2XD Unit 160, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4SD Tel: +44 (0)20 7222 1155 Fax: +44 (0)20 7222 1551 Tel: 01235 465537 Fax: 01235 465556 Publisher: SIMON COLLIN, [email protected] PRINTED in Great Britain by ALLPRINT SOLUTIONS MODERN ENGLISH DIGEST [email protected] title & arrangement © 2005, PUBLISHED six times each year – ISSN 1478-9019 MODERN ENGLISH PUBLISHING LTD VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ModernEnglishDigest.com Text and layout © 2005, SARA HALL Images and photographs © 2005, as noted above TO SUBSCRIBE, use the form on the back cover

Just for Fun Answers from page 58

Camp and pray and Camp

trinIty

j) beckon j) Sap and open and Sap

i) majority i) Bat and bout and Bat flYing

h) rotation h)

Plan and tramp and Plan

arIn r ma

g) lighthouse g) Sigh and cute and Sigh

f ) undergoing ) f wiZard C.

Diamond e) transform e)

miGraine

Airplane d) people d)

Biking c) freedom c) germaNy

Painting b) discover b)

alAhari ka

Lavender a) boulder a)

Comic D. escHel hers

Fat and beast and Fat Tourism

w Z nd an l r tZe swi

Bind and slay and Bind Lighthouse

Rain and plant and Rain B. A.

63 p38-64 10/8/05 10:48 AM Page 64

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