THE ELC NEWS

A Publication by and for Students of the English Language Center, Old Dominion University
August 2010—Summer
 Bader Al Randi, Kuwait
Every four years there is a significant event
in the soccer life. The World Cup is the
most important cup for soccer players and
teams. In some countries the World Cup is
a holiday for one month, such as in Brazil.

Last month the World Cup began in South

Africa and 32 national teams tried to win.
Almost everyone said Brazil would win the
cup. However, others said Spain would win
the cup. There was a big argument between
the fans.

I watched almost every single game and I was surprised because some
teams I didn’t expect would fail in the first round such as Italy, France,
and Switzerland. I was very happy until the semi-finals because Ger-
many was beating English and Argentina and then lost against Spain.

I didn’t expect the final to be Netherlands against Spain. It was one of

the worst finals I have ever seen. Spain won in the last two minutes and I
was very upset.

In four years, World Cup Soccer will start again in Brazil in South Amer-
ica and we will see who will win this cup.

***IMPORTANT DATES***  Are you on Facebook?  Join the “Old Dominion Univer‐
TOEFL—August 23rd at 9:00.  sity English Language Center” group and help plan 
Fall I—begins August 31st.    events, meet and talk with current and former students, 
Registration—begins August 
and see pictures from all of our events and adventures! 
18th 
 ELC students kayak at
Whitehurst Beach!

Monarch Mentors –
Welcome Picnic for new
ELC Students (Summer II)

THE ELC NEWSLETTER STAFF:
SUMMER 2010
CONTIBUTORS: BADER AL RANDI, MANLU CHU
EDITOR: LAURA RAY
PHOTOS: ALI ALBATTAH, JISUN LEE, AMRO BAGASI, LAURA RAY
The 798 Art District in Bei-
jing
Manlu Chu, China
Besides the Forbidden City,
the Great Wall and so many
famous historical sites, the
798 Art District has become
one of the hottest travel desti-
nations in Beijing, and it is the
best place to enjoy the modern
Chinese spirit.
The 798 Art District is located
in an old military factory de-
signed by the East German's
architects in the early 1950's.
These factory buildings are
huge, have cool structures and
plenty of natural sunlight.
When a large number of
buildings were vacant in
1990s, some artists moved in
and reconstructed them as
their art studio. Just picture
how funky it would be when
the contemporary art com-
bines with the old factory. So,
this area became the heart of
modern culture in Beijing
very soon.
Now, a growing number of art
galleries, coffee shops, and
design stores are setting up in
the area, and featuring amaz-
ing art exhibitions. Even
though the extremely trendy
and artistic atmosphere fills in
this area, some of the build-
ings are still remained as fac-
tories, and some faded slogans
left from the Cultural Revolu-
tion are still painted on the
factory walls.
Therefore, the 798 Art District
combines the past, present,
and future of the "New China"
and definitely worth visiting if
you come to Beijing.