The War of the Worlds - A Nation in Fear! A true story

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Picture - A Martian Flying Saucer - by Aranka ACS

The War of the Worlds - A Nation in Fear

On October the 30th, 1938, Radio broadcasts on the east coast of America were interrupted with an urgent news flash. The Martians had invaded the world. There had been no warning at all. And, as the news bulletins increased, it became clear that the Martians were advancing with speed on New York. And, no one could stop them. The police and military were helpless. The Martians had weapons and machinery - the likes of which had never been seen. The Martians kept coming and coming. Life in New York would soon be a thing of the past.

Then came the panic. Thousands of people tried to escape. Soon all major high-ways were blocked and all the trains full. New York was emptying fast. All over town was a feeling of fear; and time was running out quickly.

And then, all of a sudden, came the all-clear. The Martians had amazingly been defeated. Not by the army, but by millions of microbes. The panic was over and the people went back to their homes. There was relief. The danger had passed. New York breathed a sigh of relief.

But, in reality, there was never any danger at all. All that had happened was a radio play. The War of the Worlds. And Orson Welles was not only playing the lead, he was directing as well. And, Orson Welles was good at his job. His radio theatre company, The Mercury Radio Company on the Air, was very, very popular. And, so good was Orson Welles's adaption of H G Wells's novel, War of the Worlds, that many believed it. Radio, at the time, was a very powerful media and Orson Welles knew how to use it. All in all, Orson Welles directed and produced more than 29 radio plays. All adapted from novels.

Later, Orson Welles moved into film. His most famous parts being Citizen Kane and Harry Lime. But, Orson Welles was a radio man. He had a wonderful voice. The same as Oscar Werner and Richard Burton. But, it was The War of the Worlds that brought Orson Welles fame.

Panic and fear and a nation in fear.

                                             A Martian Flying Saucer - by Aranka Acs

Horses and Dreams - and - Very Hard Work

Horses and Dreams and Very Hard Work

Horses are real-life dreams for many young girls, and learning to ride is a very good way of fulfilling this vision. But, there is more to this dream than just saddles and reigns. There are other sides, too. And, one of these sides is learning to work very hard.

A long time ago, I was at a riding school in the Borders of Scotland with two very good friends. Their daughter was taking a lesson. And, being interested, I looked round the stables.

I was impressed. These were the cleanest and neatest stables I'd ever, ever seen. And, all thanks to a small group of girls. They were mucking out the stables and having great fun.

And, this weekend fun was all part of a stable management course. Two days of very hard work. And, amazingly, with no pay at all. The girls were all working for nothing. But, this was just half of the story.

The girls had to pay very much for this course. Learning to work at the stable. And, it was intensive and very expensive. And, the girls even had to bring their own lunches. Nothing was provided – not even a drink. But, the girls were all happy. They were living their dreams. And, the owners of the stable were very happy, too. Not only free labour, but free money too!

But, there was a reward for the girls at the end of the course. A diploma. A proud reminder to take home and frame and hang on their walls. A certificate of merit. And all for a very high price.

Horses are real-life dreams for many young girls. And, learning to ride is a very real way of living this dream. And, so too is paying to muck out the stables and polish the tackle. But, if it makes people happy - why not? Life is for living and having great fun. And, owners of stables live very well, too. And, all thanks to young girls with very rich parents.

Horses and Dreams and Very Hard Work

Vocabulary

canter – leichter Gallop

common sense – Hausverstand

grooming – pflegen

I'd – I had

impressed – beeindruckt

mucking out – ausmisten

neatest - ordentlich

provided - bereitgestellt

saddles and reigns - Sättel und Zügel

tackle – Pferdeausrüstung (auch Sportausrüstung)-

Other pages of interest - 

Lexmatica - Very easy texts for beginners - Read, listen, enjoy.

Tram 49 - Audio blog - Click, listen and enjoy