Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- filmgoer / ˈfɪlmˌgoʊ ər / (n.) – a person who goes to the theater to watch movies, especially regularly
Example:Many filmgoers were shocked by the movie’s surprise ending.
- offer a glimpse into (something) / ˈɔ fər ə glɪmps ˈɪn tʊ / (idiom) – to give someone an idea of what something is like or a quick experience of how something works in order to help him/her understand it better
Example:The exhibit offered a glimpse into the life of the earliest humans in the area.
- Nordic / ˈnɔr dɪk / (adj.) – belonging or relating to countries in Northern Europe
Example:We studied a couple of Nordic novels in my last literature class.
- improper / ɪmˈprɒp ər / (adj.) – not following a law or rule
Example:Kyle has a problem with improper behavior and has been asked to leave the class several times.
- breach / britʃ / (n.) – a failure to follow a rule, law, or agreement
Example:David was fired because he committed a breach of the company’s contract.
Article
Read the text below.
Documentary of Madonna’s Madame X world tour to debut globally in October
In 1991, the documentary Madonna: Truth or Dare showed filmgoers how Madonna lived and worked during her “Blond Ambition” world tour.
Now, 30 years later, a new documentary will offer a glimpse into the personal life of Madonna and her work on the road during her latest world tour.
The documentary, Madame X, will show on the streaming service Paramount+. It will debut in the U.S., Latin America, Australia, the Nordic countries and Canada beginning on Oct. 8, Paramount+ said on July 15.
Madonna released her album Madame X in 2019. The world tour for the album ran from September 2019 to March 2020. The documentary features 48 on-stage performers, including Madonna’s children, musicians and dancers from around the globe.
The Madame X album hit the top spot in the Billboard 200 chart in 2019. (AP, The Japan Times)
Singer Pink backs beach handball team for wearing shorts, not bikini bottoms
U.S. pop singer Pink has offered to pay a fine given to the Norwegian female beach handball team for wearing shorts instead of the required bikini bottoms.
Pink said she was “very proud” of the team for protesting the rule, which prevented them from wearing shorts like their male counterparts.
In a tweet posted on July 25, Pink said: “The European handball federation SHOULD BE FINED FOR SEXISM. Good on ya, ladies.” She added that “I’ll be happy to pay your fines for you. Keep it up.”
At the European Beach Handball Championships in Bulgaria in July, Norway’s female team was fined €1,500 (¥190,000) for what the European federation called improper clothing and “a breach of clothing regulations.” (AP)
These articles were provided by The Japan Times Alpha.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Madonna has had two major documentaries made about her. Are you interested in watching them to catch a glimpse into her personal life and her work on the road? What other kind of documentaries, if any, do you enjoy (ex. historical documentaries, animal documentaries)? Why? Discuss.
- Madonna’s latest album hit the top spot in the Billboard 200 chart in 2019. More than 30 years after her debut, why do you think she continues to be so popular? What other long-lasting musicians do you know? How do you feel about them? Discuss.
Discussion B
- The European federation said that the Norwegian female handball team’s shorts were improper clothing, but the male team wears shorts all the time. Do you agree with Pink that this is sexist? Why or why not? Discuss.
- Pink offered to pay the team’s €1,500 (¥190,000) fine. Should this be allowed? Why or why not? Discuss.