OUR LAST NIGHT: The Fiery Show in Moscow!

The American group “Our Last Night” came to Moscow on October 22^nd and warmed their Russian fans in YOTASPACE Club. Musicians played an unforgettable show and gave many positive emotions to the audience.

This post-hardcore band became a frequent visitor of Russia – they’ve already played the whole Russian tour in April and came back with their new album “Younger Dreams” that was issued in June to play some concerts again.

Last Thursday a crowd of fans was gathering from 11am waiting for the group with anticipation though the show was to start at 8pm. Why so early? To be closer to the stage of course! Neither cold weather nor tiredness scared the young people having a lively discussion of the up-coming show.

The concert began with a powerful sound of the Russian group “Follow The Sunrise”. The guys sang a couple of songs and prepared fans for the headliner. Finally, one after another “Our Last Night” appeared on the stage. The crowd went crazy and met the group with very loud applause and whistles. In an instant, the musicians made everyone in the crowd jump and sing as loudly as possible. They played new songs, some old hits and their best covers. The fans also organized the flash-mob to give the group a pleasure. So, for example, during the song “Home” almost everyone on the hall lifted up the lists “You’re HOME” and during the song “Younger Dreams” there were a lot of blue balloons symbolizing a childhood. The culmination was when a girl in the center of the hall lit a red fire during “Same Old War” like in the clip for this song.

This hearty welcome was noticed. Trevor Wentworth (vocal) thanked the crowd and mentioned that Moscow and Saint Petersburg are ones of his most favorite places to play, because Russians are the craziest and most impassioned fans. In the end “Our Last Night” made a photo with the audience on the background and sang two songs for an encore. But even then nobody hurried to go away. The band came out to the hall to give autographs and make selfies. They didn’t leave empty-handed because of many beautiful presents such as art-works and souvenirs. After the show every member of the group posted some photo in social networks such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and wrote about their admiration and gratitude to all Russian fans.

The musicians promised to come back to Russia next summer.

© All photos by Kolby Schnelli, 2015

Motorcyclist survives horrific crash with “Oka”.

A young man, riding his motorcycle at high speed, crashed into Oka and fortunately survived. “It seems miracles really exist”, one of the witnesses commented.

The crash occurred last Thursday (Oct. 15) around 6 p.m. At the intersection of Lunacharskogo Street and Zavarnaya Street a driver of the Oka, starting a maneuver, didn’t notice the motorcyclist. The bike crashed into the car with an smash of incredible strength.

The motorcyclist was dented into his vehicle. Witnesses said they were sure that he would die instantly. But ambulance arrived soon enough and took the injured in critical condition to the nearest hospital. The Oka driver was also in poor shape and needed first aid.

Police came very fast and cordoned off the place of the accident. Police didn’t give any comments.

"There is no doubt in my mind that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth," the woman who witnessed the accident said. "It's not every day you can survive such a heavy smash."

According to the words of other drivers, the motorcyclist de facto was responsible for the accident because of his high speed, but de jury court is to convict the driver of Oka. He is responsible for the crash because he didn’t check the roadside before starting a maneuver. The motorcyclist just could not react so fast.

The investigation is still to come.

The first indoor skate park in Tula

         

Skatepark opening is scheduled for the 1st of November 2015.

A nondescript building «Likerka Loft» which is about  few steps from the bus stop «Stadium»  will  host an  indoor skate park. 

Earlier, from October 19-23, a graffiti contest was held here   .

The subject picture - extreme. Young and creative people decorated the territory of the future skatepark.

From 28th October to November the 4th, the author of the best graffiti work will receive a professional photo session against the background of his work.The professional jury will select the winner, who will receive the main prize - 10 000 rubles! The survey results will also be counted.

The indoor skate park  wil be fully adapted from the inside : a large ramp for skateboarding, BMX, rollers, stunt scooters, two  springboards for overclocking with a special coating with a huge "pool" on the landing, filled to the edges with paralon bars.

Everything for comfortable riding.

Do not miss the opening!

Two people injured after drunk driving accident in Tula

The 28-year-old driver lost control of his Hyundai Solaris and hit Lada Kalina on Tokareva street in Tula at around 11 p.m last Friday.

The collision took place around 11:15 p.m. when vehicle failed to stop and crashed into another car on extremely high speed. "I was walking with my wife and it was such a calm evening. But then, suddenly, we heard some noise and then I realized that this noise comes from a vehicle. So, the car , which I had noticed, was "wandering". Maybe the driver couldn't just stop or something like that, but, to be honest, I thought that he must be crazy," a witness said.
According to their words, the driver moved toward them and they were sure that he would run them down. But at the last moment the car swerved to avoid knocking the couple down and smashed into another car.

The 33-year-old man driving the hit car and a 30-year-old female passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries. "God bless them! I hope they will be alright," the witnesses said.

The Police came at the scene soon after the collision took place and the driver told them that brakes refused to act. So, he had to stop his vehicle because he  could hit people and the only way to do it was to crash into another car just to stop his vehicle.

Anyway, the driver is convicted for drunk driving and the police say that he will lose his driving license and will pay the fine.

Drunk driving is a big problem today and the government is planning to toughen penalties for drunk drivers especially who injure or kill.

Exhibition of Exotic Animals in Pushchino attracted 200 people

Exhibition of Exotic Animals in Pushchino attracted 200 people

200 people have already come, seen and even touched  the live exhibits at the exhibition of exotic animals from all over the world in Pushchino museum.

Today, October 17, people of different ages, from youngest to eldest, came to see exotic animals, such as Tamarin Pygmaean, Chameleon Yemenite, some species of crocodiles, snakes and tortoises, parrots, squirrels, a blue-faced monkey, rabbits, flying dogs and many others.

Most of all chinchilla, chameleon, iguana and cockroach archimandrite attract people’s attention.

‘Funny! They allowed even to touch the snakes and spiders! One monkey threw the nut at me! Flying dogs are worth seeing!’ a 9-year-old boy exclaimed.

The guide tells amusing stories about animals. For example, the greater gecko has the same head and tag; when an enemy tries to attack it, gecko gives its tag to bite and then in grows again.

 ‘I liked it very much. The red parrot is like an owner there, it shouts and shouts. The exhibition is very informative, even for me, and, especially for children. I don’t regret I came here’, an old woman said.

The exhibition will last from October 15 to 27.

Tula museums to work till midnight during the Art Night

On November 3 Tula museums will have a special entertaining program for art-lovers. The Art Night will display Tula's arts such as painting, arts and crafts, music, poetry, dance, film and others.

Exhibition Hall will focus on graffiti to art. The main goal is to unite the artist and the viewer. Everyone will have a chance to create a collective art piece.

Tula Regional Art Museum will present a program connected with animals' images in art. The staff organized special excursions, folk dolls masterclasses.

In Museum of visitors will walk through the spacious room surrounded by mystery of night. Guides will tell about all the exhibits, teach how to create weapons, fencing and will present a bright show program.

The Kremlin will amaze the visitors with incredible facts. Guests will get to know who of the Russian emperors visited the Kremlin after his deathm why a rectangle is at the heart  of the fortress and other curious things. Visitors will decipher the mysterious writing stone decoration of the Assumption Cathedral. Everyone will walk through the night Kremlin, admire the ancient walls and towers, majestic cathedrals, hear mysterious stories about the fate of people asociated with the old fortress.

Exotarium visitors will find out the mystery of ancient faity-tails, the magic of creativity, see exotic animals and feel the enigmatical atmoshere.

Thus, residents of Tula will have a spectacular night full of exceptional events and unforgettable atmosphere.  

“Prisoners” in SBERBANK

27 inoffensive customers held in one of the branch banks.

Tula, October 15, the panic button was pressed by mistake in one of the branches of the Sberbank office.

All doors and windows closed automatically and people were trapped inside the building. The police detachment came about 10 minutes later and during half an hour frisked people inspected the building. People lying on the dirty floor were frightened and angry.

“I am absolutely disappointed by work of the employees of this high-qualified and well-known Bank! Can you imagine in our time people don`t feel safe even in such a  place! And police behaved really harshly and my bag is broken! Awful! It is really awful!”, said one of witnesses later.

         After all people frisked the police examined workers and the head of the branch. Customers were not allowed to leave the building and just waited till the end of the operation. About 40 minutes later the head of the branch apologized for the inconvenience caused and said it was a false alarm. The belongings were returned to their owners.

As it turned out, one of the employees of the Sberbank  accidentally pressed the alarm button, and confessed in it only during talking to the police. The woman will be reprimanded in private and will pay a fine. The amount is not specified.

Also, “a big fine threatens the bank branch”, said one of the workers of Sberbank.

 

How to be a man

How to be a man

The holiday of real men thundered in shooting club «Citadel» in Tula Region – a perfect chill-out to shake off the office tireness and boredom
  The so called «The man’s day» is an experimental event that offered everyone to do peculiar things for men this weekend. A huge number of activities were presented this Saturday: Honda and Suzuki test-drives, horse riding, paintball competition, archery, weapon exhibition and many others. The shooting competition admittedly was the most beautiful event of the day. Several professional shooting teams entertained the crowd, many amateurs joined the competition. Multiple activities took place simultaneously, which made it impossible to visit all of them. This was the only disadvantage of the event.However, is will be a big mistake to say that «The man’s day» was about different challenges. Primarily it was about atmosphere. Moreover, it was not a holiday exclusively for men. Children ran everywhere; women took part in competitions equally with men. As one of organizers said: «It was definitely a good family holiday. ».
  Famous blacksmith Aleksei Pastushenko held his master-class. This part of the event attracted many people. Participants said it was fun and informative. In the practical part, everyone could try to make something simple and save the result as a souvenir. At the end of his master-class, Aleksei demonstrated some of his works in artistic forging.
  In the evening, the spirit of competition massively ended. DJ Sergey Chevichalov leaded the event. After the winner's award ceremony some people moved to the café, others preferred to organize grill in the open air. At midnight, the holiday came to a logical conclusion.
The holiday was a huge success.. The organizers promised to make the next holiday at the end of summer. They plan to provide camping and many other activities. Participants hope that «The man’s day» will become a good Tula’s region tradition.

Super-Motocross in Lipetsk attracted the old and the young motorcyclists who showed the fortitude and the power of health.

About 200 hundred motorcyclist from Russia and near abroad completed in fortitude to entertain 2 thousand spectators in the late of October.

Opening the championship, the head of local administration of Lipetsk region, Oleg Korolev noticed such global competition of motorcyclists will become the tradition in this region.

It's a good example for the young sportsmen. Vladimir Vitkovsky is from Novovoronezh - he is 78. He interested in motorsport more then a half of the century, he was a champion of Russia 7 times. He says that this hobby always keeps his in a good form.

The star of motorsport Alexander Yefimov from Lipetsk is prize-winner of the World Cup, and three-time champion of Russia. Alexander won his first title when he was 15.

In spite of there were a lot of rivals, Alexander Yefimov won this championship. The sportsman would like track for competition will be as the best in Russia as the best for the international championship. And his will be realized with thanks to state government authorities. The plans of the government are to attract more and more Lipetsk championships motorcyclists, especially from Europe. And, of course, the modern track will trainings for young sportsmen from Lipetsk.

Why I teach in the school?

I  intervied an English teacher, Melnikov Vladimir Yuri’vich, who has told me about positive and negative sides of his work.

Q: : Vladimir Yuri’vich, can you tell me about yourself and your profession?

A: I have been working as an English teacher for 10 years. It was my favourite subject at school and I learned it hard. I always wanted to be an English teacher and that’s why I graduated from TSPU.

Q: Why does you profession attract you?

A: Firstly, I like to communicate with pupils of different ages. It helps me to broaden my mind and understand their views on life. Secondly, the process of education always develops, something new and interesting always appears, that’s why this work captivates me.

Q: What is the most difficult aspect in your profession?

A: The most difficult for me is to find common ground with children. If there’s no contact with a pupil, the teaching is difficult. The pupil doesn’t conceive the new material, and all the attempts to  transfer knowledge  are ineffective.

Q: Are you glad that you chose this profession many years ago?

A: I don’t regret it and I can’t imagine any other work for me. This profession helped me in many situations in my life and developed positive qualities.

Q: Whom can you recommend to pursue your profession?

A: Now it’s becoming more difficult to work with children, because they are becoming more disobedient. A teacher was respectful among children earlier, but now  disrespect takes place in many situations. That’s why today a teacher must have a determined character

Q: What qualities does this profession develop in you?

A: I think it is tolerance, you begin to  treat all   in a calmer way, the skills of communication  develop, too. The shyness is extirpated.

Q: What can make your profession better?

A: More modern equipment of  cabinets. It will help to improve the process of teaching. Now there is a tendency- one computer for one pupil. They say, that this way we will make the process of education better.

Interview

Kate, 19, a student from Moscow State Linguistic University shares her experience concerning the of studying different languages.   

A: First of all, thank you for finding time for our talk. I know how hard it is when you study in a linguistic university. So, can you remind me how many languages are you studying now?

K (laughing): Oh, yeah I'm so happy to have a day off today! What about languages, now I'm studying three of them. French is my first. I started to study French and English when I was at school, and it was really hard to combine them. But then I' just got used to it and now in the Uni I'm also studying Chinese. But may be it's easy because my third language is not European and it's kinda more interesting to study. 

A: But wee all know studying languages is not as easy as it seems. Do you agree that it's necessary for people who truly want to know the language to spend at least some time in the country of this language?

K: You know...I think it's not necessary to live in the country. In fact you can achieve very impressive results in studying some language just by communicating with native speakers, watching TV, reading some books and articles and so on. Butof course, penetrating the culture and traditions of the country will help you a lot during the studying, so that if you have a chance to go to the country of your language you should use it. 

A: Yeah, I like the way you think. When did you use such a great chance for the first time?

K: I visited France when I was in the 10th grade of school. We had to pass some exams to be chosen. I wanted it sooo much, you can't imagine, so I did my best and took that perfect opportunity. 

A: Where exactly was your studying? 

K: I was studying in a little cosy town not far from Paris called Reims. I was studying with a group of students in Mark Shagal collage. All Russian students were studying with our French friends and we took the same classes together, it was really cool. And of course we had some extra French classes to improve our pronunciation and grammar. 

A: Sounds great! In what other counties have you studied in?

K: After France I had a chance to study for some time in Italy in Catania but in fact it was more touristic visit than studying. But I had lots of wonderful experiences there and still have great memories. Two years ago when I was already studying at the university I also studied in China in Shanghai international studies university for one term. 

A: So, which period as an exchange student you prefer more? Which gave you more useful skills?

K: I think the last one, because the memories are still very colorful, you know. And when I came back all my teachers here said that I really improved my Chinese and it came as a surprise for me because I can't say I was studying really hard. I had a great time staying there. 

  

A: Of course it's always really interesting to visit new places. Who advised you to use such chances?

K: First of all, my parents, they always wanted me to travel and study and they really did everything but I myself was also very excited to go somewhere abroad to know more about other countries, their history and so on. And my teachers alsowere glad to see me improving my English or French or Chinese. 

   

A: Is it true to your mind that it's much easier to start learning a new language when you have already known another one?

B: Sort of, cause when you know languages well enough and you are sure you won't mix them in your mind you can take advantage of studying several languages at the same time.  It's an open secret that nowadays there are a lot of international words, when we are talking about French and English you have to know some basic pronunciation rules and you can easily transfer the word by changing its pronunciation from one language to another. Even in Chinese you can find international words but here the situation is much more difficult. (laughing)

A: Which language do you consider to be more useful in the future? En, Fr or Chinese?

K: As a Russian citizen, of course, I think it's Chinese. The world situation shows us that firstly knowing English is not enough nowadays if you want to work with languages and secondly China evidently is the greatest Russian partner and the second economy in the world. So I think it's a really a simple question. However,among these three languages I prefer French the most, just because it is beautiful. (Smiling) 

A: Is there is anything you want to add? 

K: I'd like to notice that studying languages becomes more and more necessary. It'snot just a sign of intelligence and education anymore, like it used to be, no, it's an inseparable part of our everyday life. To be a really good specialist you have to read some literature in the languages, to get information in different ways.  But no pressure, it's just the opinion of a potential interpreter. 

Citizens of Alexin supply the region with oxygen

  Alexin activists planted about 50 birch trees during the action «Oxygen for Cities». This campaign is a part of the program «People’s Budget – 2015».

The square near public school №2

  The birch alley decorated the microdistrict «Shahtersky», in the square near public school №2. The place was not chosen by chance. Although this is the city center, the area was desolate and weeds had grown there for several years.

  The city administration organized the work on the breakdown of the alley. Specialists of the Savvateev nursery and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Tula region financially supported the event. A Car Service of the city allocated a lorry with a tank for watering the seedlings.

  Volunteers cleared the playground of litter, moved grass and landscaped the square. Pupils, teachers and administration of school №2 also took an active part in the planting of truly symbolic Russian trees.

Most participants supported the idea of greening the city.

«It should have been done many years ago, but I am glad we have finally made it. It looks great. I also like that my pupils took part in this action», said Svalnova Irina Nikolaevna, the head of school №2.

  The governor of Tula region Vladimir Gruzdev gave the start of this campaign on Sept. 12 in Tula. Then the action moved to other districts.

  Valery Sherin, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Tula region in his speech emphasized that in total, within this action they are planning to plant 2000 seedlings.

  The «Oxygen For Cites» campaign tries to improve the urban environment. It will continue until the mid of October.

Russian student about the English language

I've decided to ask my younger sister some questions about her thoughts of studying English. She is at the 11th grade so I'd love to get know about her experience and at the same time to check her knowlidge and skills.

Polina,you've been studying English for some time. What was the reason that you started learning English?

It was my aunt who thought I should study English. She was a teacher of English language, so she could help me with my study. Also she always said that English is an international language and it will be usefull for me.

What was/is the most dificult thing for you in studying this language? Why?

It is speaking English. And my poor vocabulary. But sometimes I just haven't got any ideas,I don't know what to say. Sometimes I've got an idea in Russian but I need some time to translate it so I can't express it fast. And listening, of course. Again I need time to translate from English into Russian to understand what I was told. It's still a problem for me.

How could you improve your level? Do you know any methods?

I must practice especially in listening. Listen to native speakers, try to understand them.  I don't have big troubles with grammar but anyway I believe I should also practice it.

What do you think the most important thing in studying foreign languages is?

It is practice, of cource. And another thing is a good teacher. It is very important. I need in a"kick", without it I won't do anything. And of course I must understand grammar rules, know some usefull words and so on, and only a good teacher can give me it.

I know you weren't interested in this subject and you even didn't like it at your school. When did you change your mind and why? 

Yes, I didn't like it when I did nothing and had bad marks. I was angry so I couldn't like it. But last year I began to do something, learn, do my homework. I understood it is usefull and it's so pleasant to get good marks! [laughing]
I realised if I learn it now I'll have big possibilities in the future.

How do you think you could use your skills in real world?

First of all I'd like to go to English-speaking countries to improve my level. And if in the future my job was connected with English it would be great. I think it would be well-paid and interesting.

Thanks for your help in my task and good luck with your study!

Thank you, it was interesting to give an interview. [smiling]

Russia through the eyes of a foreigner

  Krishmal, 37, comes from Sri Lanka, India. He moved to Russia to get a doctor's profession. However, after a few years of studying his decision of being a doctor has changed and he did not graduate from the university. Nowadays he works at my parents' company as an assistant and seems to be quite satisfied with his life.

  Hello, Krishmal! I am very glad to meet you! How are you today?

  Hello, Ann! I am fine, thanks.

  Please, remember your first visit to Russia. What impression did this country make on you?

  I got the first impression when I have not visited Russia yet. I have been reading a lot about Russia while living in Sri Lanka and I anxiously wanted to see the snow. When I arrived in Russia and was going from the airport to a taxi - it was freezing and I was so cold that I even felt some pain on my skin. It was something new and I could not describe my feelings at first. But later I have learned that it is called 'moroz'.

  What surprised you most?

  At the beginning I was unpleasantly shocked: people's speech was full of abusive language and there were lots of drank men lying on the benches at the bus stops. And I was amazed by their ability of peaceably sleeping in such cold weather while the rest of people were really freezing.

  Do you agree that Russians always have severe and gloomy facial expression? How it reflects on the character?

  Yes, I think that's true. In the main, Russians are gloomy and look at you with a grain of salt. But if you are lucky to be their guest you will notice quite the opposite situation: you are taken with warmth and cordiality you have never seen before. The table is overfilled with delicious dishes and you are constantly persuaded to eat much more. It's really impossible to go away hungry!

  Was it difficult for you to adapt to Russian mentality?
  
  No, it wasn't. I easily used to everything. Russian and Indian mentalities are quite different, but it was rather an interesting experience of learning Russian culture. I consider it's very useful because while learning another culture's features you begin to see yourself from a different angle.

  How can you describe Russian way of life and standart of living?

  The lifestyle of Russians depends to a great degree on their income levels. For Russia’s poor, life is a daily grind of survival and many people spend hours each day selling their belongings or other goods on the street. The lifestyles of wealthier people have become Westernized to a very high degree; American-style products are popular, especially in large cities. Watching television and serfing the Internet is a popular form of entertainment.
  Many urban Russians spend weekends at their dacha (summerhouse) in the countryside. The average dacha is only a simple shack and sits on a very small plot of land. Most dachniki (dacha owners) have kitchen gardens on their summer plots, where they grow vegetables and fruits. 

  When you realized that you wanted to stay in Russia?

  It happened when I met my second half. When I proposed to her, we decided to have our wedding in Sri Lanka. After it we have been living there for a year, but my wife suffered terribly being away of her parents. Then I realized that I loved her so much that I was ready to move to Russia for her sake.

 Such a romantic story indeed! I know you have already been living in Russia for 17 years. Do you consider yourself to become a Russian? In your opinion, is it possible to find a second motherland here? 

 I have been living in Russia for almost 20 years and my wife and my children are Russians that's why I can surely say that I consider myself to be a Russian. And I have spent here a half of my life, so many events are connected with this place and I feel that I found second motherland here.

 Oh, I see. Thanks a lot for your answers. It was really interesting to find out something new about our culture. Have a nice day! Goodbye! 
  

I have interviewed my elder sister – Alena,she is 23 years old, she graduated from TSPU  "Lev Tolstoy" 2 years ago and now she lives and works in Moscow. Let`s begin..

D: Thanks for your agreement to answer my questions. How do you feel after graduating? How is your life changed?

A: You are welcome, I am more than happy to help you! I can't say for sure that my life has changed greatly but some things have. I moved to Moscow, found a permanent job in aviation sphere keeping in mind that I'm a trained teacher and now I work in industrial real estate company. Quite a merry-go-round of life, don’t you think?)) Many things came across and one thing I can say definitely - I became independent and more responsible.

D: I know that you changed your job. Tell me more about this company. What does this company specialize in?

A: It's an industrial real estate developer GDP Quadrat. We sell land plots with prepared infrastructure (gas pipeline and electricity substation, water and sewage systems, roads) to foreign and Russian investors who want to start a production in Russia. The greatest project at this moment is the Special economic zone in Stupino district of the Moscow region.

D:  Do you feel like this work is your true calling? Or it is the intermediate stage in your life?

A: You know I do not feel like working as an assistant for the rest of my life. I receive a lot of experience at my work, I’ve get acquainted with so many people who are professionals in what they do. I never thought that I would be connected with real estate professionally in some way but know I am, and this is so cool and interesting!   

D: Do you have any benefits in your work except networking? Not a secret for me that you have traveled a lot lately.

A: You cannot hide anything from your family J Yeah, the most valuable advantage of my work now is that I travel a lot visiting professional exhibitions and fairs, meeting clients abroad and just enjoy Europe!

D: That`s the great opportunity! I`m so envy! Another interesting point about you is that in the school time you were interested in journalism. And you were quite good at it. Maybe you can give me some useful advices, share your experience!

A: To tell the truth I was planning to study journalism at the university and devoted not so many time to practice writing and interview skills, so I cannot be called an expert in this sphere. But I’ve learned one important thing – if you want to be good at what you do, you should learn something new every day! If we speak about journalism, you may start with reading news articles and interviews to broaden your vocabulary and copycat professional writing style.  

D: Thank you so much for your instructions, answers and of course for your time. It was a pleasure for me to interview you!

A: You are very welcome! Good luck with everything you do ;)