glamor

A very interesting phenomenon can be observed in Russia now. Although Russian language is very rich, it is adopting many international words (which do have equivalent in Russian) and sometimes these words are not changed at all. There is one very interesting word. It is GLAMOR. We have a noun, which is glamor, and we have both an adjective and an adverbs with the same root.
This word is interesting because barely anyone can define it, although hundreds of people, music channels, men/women magazines are now using it in everyday conversations. I guess adjective or adverb can mean something trendy, nice, cool, up-to-date, fashion, shiny, bright, lovely and so on - many many different qualities. When it comes to a noun it can be something from beauty to luxury or exclusive thing. Everything can have some glamor as well as everything can be glamorous: glamorous dress, glamorous look, glamorous dog, glamorous toothpaste, glamorous toilet seat and so on. It's like a fashion for using this word.
It seems like this word does not really have any meaning that it can add to the idea, but it shows that you are either one of young cool people, gay or lesbian, or one of celebrities or someone who is crazy about life of celebrities.

confusing English

There are some words in English when you are not completely sure if it's single or plural form of a word. And even if you are sure about that, you never know how you should treat it.
For example, word "media." It's definitely plural form of the word "medium." But if you google for "mass media" you'll find it's used as both singular (mass media is) or as plural (mass media are).
Another word is "news." There's no new as a noun (we do have it though in Russian). But then... is it singular or plural? Should I say "the great news is" or "the great news are"?
I'm in a need of help! So if my dear reader knows, could he/she be so kind to explain it to me?

lost in translation

When people translate something they may change the meaning due to the lack of knowledge or their desire to form a new reality(well... those who do not understand foreign language will act upon their translation as being reality... social interactionism)
Anyway, here are two examples:
1) it was interview with some black rap star on Russian MTV. They've asked him what he would prefer to have more while he was on his tour or concert in Moscow. He said "maybe more weed," they've translated "more attention of fans." Thanx for such a translation! Teens do not really need to know about weed.
2) I have Windows XP which is translated into Russian at home. When you turn on your computer, Windows says "Welcome" if it's original version and it says something like "welcoming or greeting." It does not welcome you, it just tells you that this is a welcoming page.