Here is the fourth article extracted from www.CNN.com, extracted from the entertainment section of the website. The new words are bold. You can find the definition of the new words at the end of the article:
Whales serve as backdrop for aquarium yoga classes
Now, the world's largest aquarium is introducing a new animal to complement those centuries-old yoga stances -- the beluga whale.
The Georgia Aquarium -- which with 80,000 animals and 8 million gallons of water is considered the biggest facility of its kind -- has begun offering yoga classes in front of the tank that holds its belugas, whose playful nature and graceful movements have made them a favorite of visitors since the aquarium opened in late 2005.
"The beluga whales are so slow and so smooth in their movements, which is indeed what this is about -- slow movements of the body," said Todd DeLaune, one of the instructors of the weekly sessions. "And I think the energy of the belugas corresponds with the practice that we do."
The classes -- billed as the first of their kind -- are part of an ongoing effort the aquarium has made since its inception to keep things fresh and keep visitors coming back, even in tough economic times.
Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus, who bankrolled the aquarium almost entirely out of his own pocket, said in 2005 that attractions such as aquariums have a habit of starting strong but fading after a few years, something he was determined to avoid.
"We are trying to do something new all the time, so every time you come to the aquarium there's something new -- a new program, a new animal, a new exhibit," said spokesman Dave Santucci.
Santucci said the aquarium largely has weathered the dismal economy well, with a decrease in out-of-state and international visitors being offset by an increase in visitors who live within 100 miles and are forgoing long-distance trips themselves.
Children's classes will be offered at the same time as the adult ones. The cost is $20 for aquarium members and $35 for nonmembers, who also get a day pass to visit the rest of the aquarium.
At a recent preview class, student Stephanie Jolluck said the atmosphere at the aquarium enhanced her practice of yoga, the physical and mental discipline believed to have originated in India as early as 3000 B.C.
"For me, it's a dream to be here in this calm space, to watch the whales," she said. "The music ... the lights -- everything is a dream."
It's no surprise that the swirling, languid movements of the aquarium's three belugas -- Nico, Maris and Natasha -- enhance the experience, said instructor Kimberly Hard.
"The first time I came to the aquarium, I was impressed by the animals and the landscape," she said. "One has always known that the ocean generates peace and calm."
Share this on:
Backdrop: the scenery surrounding an event. Example: The mountains provided a dramatic backdrop for our picnic.
Complement: to add to sth in a way that improves it or makes it more attractive:
Example: The excellent menu is complemented by a good wine list.
Example: The team needs players who complement each other
Stance: the way in which sb stands, especially when playing a sport:
Example: Widen your stance (= move your feet wider apart) for greater stability when hitting the ball.
Bill: [usually passive] ~ sb/sth as sth to advertise or describe sb/sth in a particular way:
Example: He was billed as the new Tom Cruise.
Ongoing: continuing to exist or develop:
Example: an ongoing debate / discussion / process Example: The police investigation is ongoing.
Example: Training is part of our ongoing career development program.
Inception: [sing.] (Formal) the start of an institution, an organization, etc:
Example: The club has grown rapidly since its inception in 1990.
Bankroll: (informal, especially AmE) to support sb/sth financially:
Example: They claimed his campaign had been bankrolled with drug money.
Weather: to come safely through a difficult period or experience. Example: The company just managed to weather the recession. Example: She refuses to resign, intending to weather the storm (= wait until the situation improves again).
Dismal: not skilful or successful; of very low quality.
Example: The singer gave a dismal performance of some old songs. Example: Their recent attempt to increase sales has been a dismal failure.
Offset: to use one cost, payment or situation in order to cancel or reduce the effect of another.
Example: Prices have risen in order to offset the increased cost of materials. Example: (BrE) What expenses can you offset against tax?
Forgoing: [VN] (formal) to decide not to have or do sth that you would like to have or do:
Example: No one was prepared to forgo their lunch hour to attend the meeting.
Swirl: to move around quickly with a circular movement; to make sth do this.]
Example: A long skirt swirled around her ankles. Example: He took a mouthful of water and swirled it around his mouth.
Languid: [adjective]
(Written) moving slowly in a graceful manner, not needing energy or effort.
Example: a languid wave of the hand Example: a languid afternoon in the sun
Subscribe