German customs demand $475,000 for Japanese musician's violin

German customs seized a $1.2 million violin from a Japanese professional musician and are demanding she pay almost $475,000 to get it back, reports said on Wednesday. Belgium-based Yuzuko Horigome was transiting through Frankfurt Airport last week after performing in Japan, the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said. When she tried to walk through the green gate for travelers arriving in the EU with nothing to declare, customs officers stopped her and said she needed to pay 190,000 euros in duty on her 1741 Guarnerius violin.

Southampton remembers the Titanic

A southern port city in Britain has commemorated those who died in the sinking of the Titanic with a series of events. The events were held in Southampton on Tuesday, the 100th anniversary of the ship's departure from the city for New York. About 500 children took part. The luxury liner sank in the North Atlantic after hitting an iceberg. More than 1,500 people died. Southampton was home to most of the ship's crew. Children paraded through the city center carrying placards bearing the names and images of the deceased.

IELTS SPEAKING PRACTICE 8

PART 1

                The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies and other familiar topics.

Colour ·         What’s your favourite colour? Why? ·         Do you like the same colours now as you did when you were younger? Why? Why not? ·         What can you learn about a person from the colours they like? ·         Do any colours have a special meaning in your culture?