Did you know?
The bald eagle is one of America's largest birds of grey and has keen vision, spotting objects a mile away.
The birds mate for life and usually return to the same nest every year. Their nests, some of the world's largest, are often cone-shaped. In the spring, the female will lay one to three eggs. Then she and her male take turns warming the eggs and guarding the nest.
It is believed that at one time there were half a million eagles in North America. By 1963, though, their numbers had dropped to 417 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states. There were many causes, but the major reason was the use of the pesticide DDT. In 1972, the U.S. forbade the pesticide, and bald eagles now number around 9,800 nesting pairs.
While bald eagles are no longer endangered, there are still laws that provide protection for them. People everywhere hope this proud bird will fly free in the skies for many years to come.
Info Cloud
The American Bald Eagle白頭鷹
1.白頭鷹沒有禿頭，它的頭頂有白色羽毛，故稱之。
2.白頭鷹可以抓起同體重的獵物，帶回窩裡享用。
3.白頭鷹是傑出的工程師，它會花上幾年時間建造它的窩。有時因窩太重，讓樹枝承載不住而折斷，它會再重新建造另一個窩。因這種不屈不撓的精神，使它成為美國國鳥。
Grammar Gym
it is believed that
- It is believed that at one time there were half a million eagles in North America.
- It is believed that this bakery was the first one to sell this special kind of cake.
- It is believed that the hero in the story came from this town.
Language Lab
vision n.視力；願景、洞察力
- Janet's vision improved a lot after she began wearing eyeglasses. Janet自從開始戴眼鏡之後，視力進步很多。
- My dad has 20/20 vision.
我爸爸的視力是2.0/
- Hank is a man of vision.
Hank是一位有遠見的人
cone n.圓錐體、圓錐形
- The driver of the car that had broken down put cones on the road as a warming sign.
拋錨車的車主在馬路上放置圓錐筒，當做警告標誌。
forbid v.禁止 forbade/forbidden
- Tanya's parents forbade her to go out on weekdays because of her falling scores.
Tanya的父母禁止她週間外出，因為她的成績退步。
- The company forbids employees from making personal phone calls.
公司嚴禁員工打私人的電話
protection n.保護、警戒
protect v.保護
- The software provides good protection against most computer viruses. 這個軟體能夠有效的保護防禦大多數的電腦病毒
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
The American Bald Eagle (1)
America's national symbol draws crowds
On a cold winter morning, I boarded a bus in Tennessee's Reelfoot Lake State Park. Thousands of tourists visit the park each year because of its unique beauty and interesting history. The lake was formed in 1812 when a very strong earthquake struck. Because official records weren't kept then, no one knows exactly how strong it was. But two things are certain. The landscape was changed completely and Reelfoot's 18,000-acre lake was formed.
Winter's guests of honor
On this day, though, everyone arrived to see something other than the lake - the bald eagles. During the winter, hundreds of eagles fly south to Reelfoot Lake from the northern U.S. and Canada. They're searching for water where they can get their daily supply of fish. Eagles eat one half to one pound of food a day, and fish is their favorite.
Most of the visiting eagles will fly north again when spring arrives. But for a few short months, tourists flock here to see America's national bird.
Info Cloud
national symbol 國家象徵物，
如國旗、國花、國鳥、國歌、國家獨特的建築物等。
American bald eagle 白頭鷹(美國國鳥)
national anthem 國歌
Great Wall 萬里長城(中國的national symbol)
Egyptian Pyramid 埃及金字塔(埃及的national symbol)
Statue of Liberty 自由女神(美國的national symbol)
Language Lab
tourist n.觀光客
tour v.觀光
tourism n.旅遊、觀光、觀光業
- The town attracts thousands of tourists every weekend.
這個小鎮每個周末都吸引上千名遊客
landscape n.風景、景色
- The photographer loves to shoot landscapes of different deserts.
這位攝影師喜歡拍攝不同沙漠的風景
- The rugged landscape of the mountain was breathtaking.
這座山陡峭的景色令人屏息
honor n.榮耀
- The doctor was invited to be the guest of honor of this award ceremony.
這位博士受邀成為頒獎典禮的貴賓
- The ambassador is the guest of honor at tonight's banquet.
大使是今天晚上派對的貴賓
flock v.聚集、群聚 n.群、人群
- Sport fans flocked outside the auditorium asking for players' autographs.
運動迷們在體育館外聚集，請球員們幫他們簽名。
- Flocks of tourists waited for their buses outside the park.
一群群的觀光客在公園外等著他們的巴士
On a cold winter morning, I boarded a bus in Tennessee's Reelfoot Lake State Park. Thousands of tourists visit the park each year because of its unique beauty and interesting history. The lake was formed in 1812 when a very strong earthquake struck. Because official records weren't kept then, no one knows exactly how strong it was. But two things are certain. The landscape was changed completely and Reelfoot's 18,000-acre lake was formed.
Winter's guests of honor
On this day, though, everyone arrived to see something other than the lake - the bald eagles. During the winter, hundreds of eagles fly south to Reelfoot Lake from the northern U.S. and Canada. They're searching for water where they can get their daily supply of fish. Eagles eat one half to one pound of food a day, and fish is their favorite.
Most of the visiting eagles will fly north again when spring arrives. But for a few short months, tourists flock here to see America's national bird.
Info Cloud
national symbol 國家象徵物，
如國旗、國花、國鳥、國歌、國家獨特的建築物等。
American bald eagle 白頭鷹(美國國鳥)
national anthem 國歌
Great Wall 萬里長城(中國的national symbol)
Egyptian Pyramid 埃及金字塔(埃及的national symbol)
Statue of Liberty 自由女神(美國的national symbol)
Language Lab
tourist n.觀光客
tour v.觀光
tourism n.旅遊、觀光、觀光業
- The town attracts thousands of tourists every weekend.
這個小鎮每個周末都吸引上千名遊客
landscape n.風景、景色
- The photographer loves to shoot landscapes of different deserts.
這位攝影師喜歡拍攝不同沙漠的風景
- The rugged landscape of the mountain was breathtaking.
這座山陡峭的景色令人屏息
honor n.榮耀
- The doctor was invited to be the guest of honor of this award ceremony.
這位博士受邀成為頒獎典禮的貴賓
- The ambassador is the guest of honor at tonight's banquet.
大使是今天晚上派對的貴賓
flock v.聚集、群聚 n.群、人群
- Sport fans flocked outside the auditorium asking for players' autographs.
運動迷們在體育館外聚集，請球員們幫他們簽名。
- Flocks of tourists waited for their buses outside the park.
一群群的觀光客在公園外等著他們的巴士
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
U-KISS: Conquering the World Music Scene (2)
Going global
International fans are important to U-KISS as the group has demonstrated throughout its career. In 2011 the members spent three months in Japan preparing for the release of their album Neverland to Japanese audiences. They worked on choreography that Japanese fans could identify with. They also learned Japanese so they could sing and rap in their audience's native language. In 2012 their Japan tour attracted 25,000 fans. The group has also toured in the Philippines, and two members were featured in a TV drama in Thailand.
In 2012 U-KISS became the first K-pop group to hold a fan meeting in Cambodia. They began the day by making a surprise visit to a school on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. There they played with the kids and passed out baseball equipment. Then they held a meeting for their Cambodian fans. Five thousand people showed up, including the prime minister of Cambodia and his family!
U-KISS will continue to tour and perform internationally as their fame grows. Korea may be their home, but they sing for a worldwide audience.
Info Cloud
the British invasion英國入侵，指當時英國樂團在美國大行其道。
the Korean wave 指韓國文化流行趨勢 hallyu韓流(中文)，如U-KISS即為其中一大勢力，但haliyu不只是流行音樂，還包括電影、電視影集、電玩，甚至青少年的穿著打扮，都受到hallyu影響。
Language Lab
go v.朝向...方向前進(進行)；變為、成為
going global邁向全球化
* The company has decided to go international next year.
這家公司決定明年要往國際化發展
* Frank started going gray when he was only in his mid-30s.
Frank三十幾歲時，頭髮就開始變白了。
choreography n.編舞 choreograph v.編舞
choreographer n.編舞者
* The choreography of the dance was very unique.
這支舞的編舞非常獨特
* The dance was choreographed by an award winning choreographer.
這支舞是由得獎的編舞者所編的
outskirts n.市郊、郊區
* The factory was built on the outskirts of Chicago.
這家工廠蓋在芝加哥的郊區
fame n.名聲
famous n.有名的、著名的
* The direct achieved international fame when he got nominated for an Oscar.
這名導演獲得奧斯卡提名時，享譽國際。
* James is a famous violinist.
James是一位有名的小提琴家
International fans are important to U-KISS as the group has demonstrated throughout its career. In 2011 the members spent three months in Japan preparing for the release of their album Neverland to Japanese audiences. They worked on choreography that Japanese fans could identify with. They also learned Japanese so they could sing and rap in their audience's native language. In 2012 their Japan tour attracted 25,000 fans. The group has also toured in the Philippines, and two members were featured in a TV drama in Thailand.
In 2012 U-KISS became the first K-pop group to hold a fan meeting in Cambodia. They began the day by making a surprise visit to a school on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. There they played with the kids and passed out baseball equipment. Then they held a meeting for their Cambodian fans. Five thousand people showed up, including the prime minister of Cambodia and his family!
U-KISS will continue to tour and perform internationally as their fame grows. Korea may be their home, but they sing for a worldwide audience.
Info Cloud
the British invasion英國入侵，指當時英國樂團在美國大行其道。
the Korean wave 指韓國文化流行趨勢 hallyu韓流(中文)，如U-KISS即為其中一大勢力，但haliyu不只是流行音樂，還包括電影、電視影集、電玩，甚至青少年的穿著打扮，都受到hallyu影響。
Language Lab
go v.朝向...方向前進(進行)；變為、成為
going global邁向全球化
* The company has decided to go international next year.
這家公司決定明年要往國際化發展
* Frank started going gray when he was only in his mid-30s.
Frank三十幾歲時，頭髮就開始變白了。
choreography n.編舞 choreograph v.編舞
choreographer n.編舞者
* The choreography of the dance was very unique.
這支舞的編舞非常獨特
* The dance was choreographed by an award winning choreographer.
這支舞是由得獎的編舞者所編的
outskirts n.市郊、郊區
* The factory was built on the outskirts of Chicago.
這家工廠蓋在芝加哥的郊區
fame n.名聲
famous n.有名的、著名的
* The direct achieved international fame when he got nominated for an Oscar.
這名導演獲得奧斯卡提名時，享譽國際。
* James is a famous violinist.
James是一位有名的小提琴家
Monday, January 28, 2013
U-KISS: Conquering the World Music Scene (1)
These K-pop stars have a global audience in mind
Amidst the many successful Korean boy bands, U-KISS is rising to the top - at home and abroad. U-KISS stands for "Ubiquitous Korean International Idol Super Star," a filling name for this world-famous group. They were created by NH Media and got their start in 2008. A little bit pop, dance and R & B, U-KISS' sound is modern and catchy. Their first single was "Not Young," in unusual title for a group in their late-teens and early 20s. But age wasn't a problem for the members of U-KISS, in 2009 their single "Man Man Ha Ni" spurred them on to success. They've been famous ever since.
An international start
From the beginning, U-KISS was created for an international audience. Although the seven members are all Korean, U-KISS was a joint project between Korean and
Japanese media groups. And the members have a skill most other K-pop bands don't possess: They're multilingual. Several of them have lived and studied overseas. Among them, they can speak Korean, English, Japanese and Mandarin, thus winning them a wide audience in Asia.
Info Cloud
boy band
如New Kids on the Block(NKOTB)街頭頑童合唱團，於1980年代至1990年代前期風靡流行樂壇。
Backstreet Boys(BSB) 新好男孩 、Jackson Five(積遜五人組)也是早期的boy band.
UKISS則是近代亞洲的boy band.
Grammar Gym
* The members have a skill most other K-pop bands don't possess. They're multilingual.
* There is a reason why John doesn't want to go into the pool. He can't swim.
* Trent and Ashley made the announcement yesterday. They're finally getting married!
Language Lab
amidst prep.在...之中、在...中間
* My missing mobile phone was finally found amidst piles of books.
我遺失的手機，終於在成堆的書中被找到了。
* Amidst many contestants, Renan stands out as the most talented.
在眾多的參賽者中，Renan很明顯的是最有才華的。
spur on 鞭策、激勵 spurred/spurring
* The rise of the stock market spurred on the real estate market.
股市上揚，刺激房地產市場的景氣。
* Spurred on try the success of their previous album, the band will release another album next month.
受到上一張專輯成功的激勵，這個樂團下個月會發行另一張專輯。
joint adj.聯合的、共同的 n.關節、接合點
* U-KISS was a joint project between Korean and Japanese media group.
* The joint project of the two companies was a great success.
這兩家公司共同合作的企劃，成就斐然。
* The joint of his left knee got hurt when he went hiking.
他去爬山時，左膝關節受傷了。
possess v.擁有、具有
possession n.擁有、具有
* Annie possesses a keen sense of fashion.
Annie具有對時尚的敏銳度
* The man was charged with illegal possession of weapons.
這位男子被控非法持有武器
Amidst the many successful Korean boy bands, U-KISS is rising to the top - at home and abroad. U-KISS stands for "Ubiquitous Korean International Idol Super Star," a filling name for this world-famous group. They were created by NH Media and got their start in 2008. A little bit pop, dance and R & B, U-KISS' sound is modern and catchy. Their first single was "Not Young," in unusual title for a group in their late-teens and early 20s. But age wasn't a problem for the members of U-KISS, in 2009 their single "Man Man Ha Ni" spurred them on to success. They've been famous ever since.
An international start
From the beginning, U-KISS was created for an international audience. Although the seven members are all Korean, U-KISS was a joint project between Korean and
Japanese media groups. And the members have a skill most other K-pop bands don't possess: They're multilingual. Several of them have lived and studied overseas. Among them, they can speak Korean, English, Japanese and Mandarin, thus winning them a wide audience in Asia.
Info Cloud
boy band
如New Kids on the Block(NKOTB)街頭頑童合唱團，於1980年代至1990年代前期風靡流行樂壇。
Backstreet Boys(BSB) 新好男孩 、Jackson Five(積遜五人組)也是早期的boy band.
UKISS則是近代亞洲的boy band.
Grammar Gym
* The members have a skill most other K-pop bands don't possess. They're multilingual.
* There is a reason why John doesn't want to go into the pool. He can't swim.
* Trent and Ashley made the announcement yesterday. They're finally getting married!
Language Lab
amidst prep.在...之中、在...中間
* My missing mobile phone was finally found amidst piles of books.
我遺失的手機，終於在成堆的書中被找到了。
* Amidst many contestants, Renan stands out as the most talented.
在眾多的參賽者中，Renan很明顯的是最有才華的。
spur on 鞭策、激勵 spurred/spurring
* The rise of the stock market spurred on the real estate market.
股市上揚，刺激房地產市場的景氣。
* Spurred on try the success of their previous album, the band will release another album next month.
受到上一張專輯成功的激勵，這個樂團下個月會發行另一張專輯。
joint adj.聯合的、共同的 n.關節、接合點
* U-KISS was a joint project between Korean and Japanese media group.
* The joint project of the two companies was a great success.
這兩家公司共同合作的企劃，成就斐然。
* The joint of his left knee got hurt when he went hiking.
他去爬山時，左膝關節受傷了。
possess v.擁有、具有
possession n.擁有、具有
* Annie possesses a keen sense of fashion.
Annie具有對時尚的敏銳度
* The man was charged with illegal possession of weapons.
這位男子被控非法持有武器
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Betrayed! (2)
Sara: Well, you have to do something. Otherwise, Veronica will keep taking advantage of you and telling your secrets.
Kelly: I don't know if I would say she's taking advantage of me. She probably just forgot that I told her to keep it secret.
Sara: That seems very unlikely. This is not the first time you've come home upset that Veronica betrayed your trust.
Kelly: Yeah, maybe you're right, but I don't want to confront her. It might hurt our friendship.
Sara: So what kind of friendship is that? I know you don't like conflict, but you should still talk to her. You need to discourage her from doing this kind of thing in the future.
Kelly: Talking to her might help, but it also might make her really mad.
Sara: Why should she get mad? She's the one who's out of line! She needs to know you're upset. Not to mention, she owes you an apology!
Kelly: Thanks for the advice. I need to think a little bit more about how to handle this.
Sara: So, what was the secret anyway?
Kelly: Ha! I'm not telling you.
Info Cloud
italics n.斜體字
italicize v.使用斜體字
1.表示可以獨立存在事物的名稱，如書、小說、劇本、報紙、雜誌、交通工具如Titanic等名稱，要用斜體字。
2.用來強調說話語氣
* Sara: Why should she get mad?
強調she為什麼會生氣
Grammar Gym
not to mention => in addition to => plus
* Sara: Not to mention, she owes you an apology!
* Roger didn't want to go running because he was lazy. Not to mention, it's raining too.
* Let's not have seafood for dinner, it's expensive. Not to mention, some of us are allergic to seafood.
Language Lab
take advantage of someone欺騙(某人)、佔(某人)便宜
* William used to take advantage of his friends, and he ended up losing them.
William以前佔朋友便宜，結果他失去了朋友。
confront v.勇敢地面對、正視、對抗
* Karen finally found the courage to confront her neighbor who was always stealing her newspaper.
Karen終於鼓起勇氣，面對那位總是偷她報紙的鄰居。
* I get so nervous when confronted with strangers.
我面對陌生人時會很緊張
out of line(idiom)言行舉止不當的
* Peggy was way out of line when she got mad at her boss at the meeting.
Peggy在會議中對老闆發火，實在是太過分了。
* Victor was out of line when he quarreled with his teacher.
Victor和老師吵架是非常不當的
not to mention更不用說、更別提
* Jack works day and night because he has three kids. Not to mention, he has to take care of his parents, too.
Jack日以繼夜的工作，因為他有三個小孩，更別提他還要撫養他的父母。
Kelly: I don't know if I would say she's taking advantage of me. She probably just forgot that I told her to keep it secret.
Sara: That seems very unlikely. This is not the first time you've come home upset that Veronica betrayed your trust.
Kelly: Yeah, maybe you're right, but I don't want to confront her. It might hurt our friendship.
Sara: So what kind of friendship is that? I know you don't like conflict, but you should still talk to her. You need to discourage her from doing this kind of thing in the future.
Kelly: Talking to her might help, but it also might make her really mad.
Sara: Why should she get mad? She's the one who's out of line! She needs to know you're upset. Not to mention, she owes you an apology!
Kelly: Thanks for the advice. I need to think a little bit more about how to handle this.
Sara: So, what was the secret anyway?
Kelly: Ha! I'm not telling you.
Info Cloud
italics n.斜體字
italicize v.使用斜體字
1.表示可以獨立存在事物的名稱，如書、小說、劇本、報紙、雜誌、交通工具如Titanic等名稱，要用斜體字。
2.用來強調說話語氣
* Sara: Why should she get mad?
強調she為什麼會生氣
Grammar Gym
not to mention => in addition to => plus
* Sara: Not to mention, she owes you an apology!
* Roger didn't want to go running because he was lazy. Not to mention, it's raining too.
* Let's not have seafood for dinner, it's expensive. Not to mention, some of us are allergic to seafood.
Language Lab
take advantage of someone欺騙(某人)、佔(某人)便宜
* William used to take advantage of his friends, and he ended up losing them.
William以前佔朋友便宜，結果他失去了朋友。
confront v.勇敢地面對、正視、對抗
* Karen finally found the courage to confront her neighbor who was always stealing her newspaper.
Karen終於鼓起勇氣，面對那位總是偷她報紙的鄰居。
* I get so nervous when confronted with strangers.
我面對陌生人時會很緊張
out of line(idiom)言行舉止不當的
* Peggy was way out of line when she got mad at her boss at the meeting.
Peggy在會議中對老闆發火，實在是太過分了。
* Victor was out of line when he quarreled with his teacher.
Victor和老師吵架是非常不當的
not to mention更不用說、更別提
* Jack works day and night because he has three kids. Not to mention, he has to take care of his parents, too.
Jack日以繼夜的工作，因為他有三個小孩，更別提他還要撫養他的父母。
Friday, January 25, 2013
Betrayed! (1)
What should you do when a friend betrays you?
Sara comes home to find her sister, Kelly looking very upset.
Sara: You look miserable, Kelly. What's wrong?
Kelly: I told Veronica a secret, and she told it to everyone in school. Now all my classmates are talking about it and me!
Sara: That's awful! One time last year, I told my friend a secret, and she posted it on Facebook for everyone to see.
Kelly: What did you do about it?
Sara: I knew a couple of secrets about her, so I started spreading them around our class. I'm sure you know something about Veronica that, you could use to get revenge.
Kelly: Yeah, I do know some of Veronica's secrets, but if I tell them, I'll be just like her. I don't know if I want to stoop to her level.
Sara: But she has been a terrible friend. Do you really want to keep being nice to her?
Kelly: Well, it is the right thing to do. Besides, if I remember right, your plan to get revenge backfired.
Sara: Well, yes, a lot of our mutual friends did get mad at me, and I developed a reputation for gossiping.
Kelly: See? That's why I don't know if trying to get revenge will help.
Info Cloud
well 是particle(語助詞)、是sentence connector(句連接詞)、是語言的潤滑劑，不但讓對話注入好的節奏，而且強化說話者的態度及語氣，讓說話更生動有力。
* Kelly: Well, it is the right thing to do.
Sara: Well, yes, a lot of our mutual friends did get mad at me.
interjection(感嘆詞)、conjunction(連接詞)都是particle(語助詞)
Language Lab
miserable adj.悲慘的、痛苦的、難過的
* Richard has been miserable since he quit his job.
Richard辭職後，過得很糟糕。
* Susie has a very bad cold today and feels miserale.
misery n.痛苦、不幸
* These abandoned children live in misery. 這些被遺棄的孩子們活在痛苦中
revenge n.復仇、報復
* The prince got revenge on the bad queen for trying to poison him.
這位王子因為壞皇后要毒害他而報復
* He wanted revenge for his father's murder.
他要為遇害的父親復仇
* If Tommy hits you, you should not hit him back to get revenge.
stoop v.自甘墮落、自貶
* I don't think Daniel will stoop to stealing.
我不認為Daniel會自甘墮落到偷竊
* I want to know what Sam said, but I won't stoop to reading his email.
mutual adj.共同的、共有的
* One of the secrets of a happy marriage is mutual respect.
美滿婚姻的祕訣之一就是相互尊重
* Their relationship was built on mutual interests only.
他們的關係只建立在共同的利益上
* Dave and I have a lot of mutual friends because we are in the same grade.
betray v.
1. to give information about (a person, group, country, etc.) to an enemy
2. to hurt (someone who trusts you, such as a friend or relative) by not giving help or by doing something morally wrong
backfire v.
to have the opposite result of what was desired or expected
Sara comes home to find her sister, Kelly looking very upset.
Sara: You look miserable, Kelly. What's wrong?
Kelly: I told Veronica a secret, and she told it to everyone in school. Now all my classmates are talking about it and me!
Sara: That's awful! One time last year, I told my friend a secret, and she posted it on Facebook for everyone to see.
Kelly: What did you do about it?
Sara: I knew a couple of secrets about her, so I started spreading them around our class. I'm sure you know something about Veronica that, you could use to get revenge.
Kelly: Yeah, I do know some of Veronica's secrets, but if I tell them, I'll be just like her. I don't know if I want to stoop to her level.
Sara: But she has been a terrible friend. Do you really want to keep being nice to her?
Kelly: Well, it is the right thing to do. Besides, if I remember right, your plan to get revenge backfired.
Sara: Well, yes, a lot of our mutual friends did get mad at me, and I developed a reputation for gossiping.
Kelly: See? That's why I don't know if trying to get revenge will help.
Info Cloud
well 是particle(語助詞)、是sentence connector(句連接詞)、是語言的潤滑劑，不但讓對話注入好的節奏，而且強化說話者的態度及語氣，讓說話更生動有力。
* Kelly: Well, it is the right thing to do.
Sara: Well, yes, a lot of our mutual friends did get mad at me.
interjection(感嘆詞)、conjunction(連接詞)都是particle(語助詞)
Language Lab
miserable adj.悲慘的、痛苦的、難過的
* Richard has been miserable since he quit his job.
Richard辭職後，過得很糟糕。
* Susie has a very bad cold today and feels miserale.
misery n.痛苦、不幸
* These abandoned children live in misery. 這些被遺棄的孩子們活在痛苦中
revenge n.復仇、報復
* The prince got revenge on the bad queen for trying to poison him.
這位王子因為壞皇后要毒害他而報復
* He wanted revenge for his father's murder.
他要為遇害的父親復仇
* If Tommy hits you, you should not hit him back to get revenge.
stoop v.自甘墮落、自貶
* I don't think Daniel will stoop to stealing.
我不認為Daniel會自甘墮落到偷竊
* I want to know what Sam said, but I won't stoop to reading his email.
mutual adj.共同的、共有的
* One of the secrets of a happy marriage is mutual respect.
美滿婚姻的祕訣之一就是相互尊重
* Their relationship was built on mutual interests only.
他們的關係只建立在共同的利益上
* Dave and I have a lot of mutual friends because we are in the same grade.
betray v.
1. to give information about (a person, group, country, etc.) to an enemy
2. to hurt (someone who trusts you, such as a friend or relative) by not giving help or by doing something morally wrong
backfire v.
to have the opposite result of what was desired or expected
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Stores Attract Shoppers With Technology
In-store displays are becoming quite an attraction
Some storeowners think shopping should be more fun and convenient. That's way they're introducing high-tech displays in their stores.
Wall of virtual shoes
Some Adidas stores now feature adiVERSE-the Virtual Footwear Wall. The wall is actually a huge touch-screen panel with 3-D images of Adidas shoes.
Shoppers can select from nearly 8,000 pairs of Adidas shoes. That's more than any store can hold!
Interactive makeup area
Macy's has added Beauty Spot, and interactive station, to a few of its department stores. By touching the screen, shoppers can learn about every makeup brand in the store. After choosing items, shoppers print out their orders and buy them.
Grocery store robots
Shoppers who visit the real - Future Store in Tonisvorst, Germany, can meet Ally and Roger. Both robots, called "innovation Guides," have cameras for eyes and can roll around the store. They explain the store's technology to shoppers and guide them around the store.
With high-tech attractions like these, stores will keep shoppers coming back for more.
Info Cloud
to round up or down四捨五入
* To round up 79 to 80.
* To round down 72 to 70.
round number整數
* Shoppers can select from nearly 8,000 pairs of Adidas shoes. (8,000 is a round number)
Grammar Gym
That's more than any + n. can/could + v.
* That's more than any store can hold!
* She has more clothes than any girl could wear in her lifetime.
* It's no wonder nobody wants that job - long hours, low pay with risk of diseases - that's more than any person can handle!
Language Lab
attract v.吸引、引起注意(興趣)
attraction n.吸引力、吸引人(事、物)
* This new online game attracts many players because of its interesting designs.
這個新的線上遊戲，因為有趣的設計，吸引許多玩家。
* "Space Mountain" is one of the most popular attraction at Disneyland.
太空山是狄斯耐樂園最受歡迎的項目之一
panel n.控制板、面板
* The TV screen's panel is made in Japan.
這個電視的螢幕面板是日本製的
* The sound system's control panel is controlled by two engineers.
這個音響系統的控制面板是由兩位工程師控制的
makeup n.化妝品
* Benjamin is a very famous makeup artist in New York.
Benjamin是紐約相當有名的彩妝師
* Sherry wears a lot of makeup.
Sherry化妝化得很濃
put on上妝
* Helen spends only 10 minutes putting on her makeup.
Helen只花十分鐘上妝
grocery store n.食品雜貨店
grocery n.食品雜貨
* Ray stopped by a grocery store to get some milk on his way home.
Ray在回家的路上，到一家雜貨店買了些牛奶。
* I bought some groceries in the supermarket.
我在超市買一些食品雜貨
Some storeowners think shopping should be more fun and convenient. That's way they're introducing high-tech displays in their stores.
Wall of virtual shoes
Some Adidas stores now feature adiVERSE-the Virtual Footwear Wall. The wall is actually a huge touch-screen panel with 3-D images of Adidas shoes.
Shoppers can select from nearly 8,000 pairs of Adidas shoes. That's more than any store can hold!
Interactive makeup area
Macy's has added Beauty Spot, and interactive station, to a few of its department stores. By touching the screen, shoppers can learn about every makeup brand in the store. After choosing items, shoppers print out their orders and buy them.
Grocery store robots
Shoppers who visit the real - Future Store in Tonisvorst, Germany, can meet Ally and Roger. Both robots, called "innovation Guides," have cameras for eyes and can roll around the store. They explain the store's technology to shoppers and guide them around the store.
With high-tech attractions like these, stores will keep shoppers coming back for more.
Info Cloud
to round up or down四捨五入
* To round up 79 to 80.
* To round down 72 to 70.
round number整數
* Shoppers can select from nearly 8,000 pairs of Adidas shoes. (8,000 is a round number)
Grammar Gym
That's more than any + n. can/could + v.
* That's more than any store can hold!
* She has more clothes than any girl could wear in her lifetime.
* It's no wonder nobody wants that job - long hours, low pay with risk of diseases - that's more than any person can handle!
Language Lab
attract v.吸引、引起注意(興趣)
attraction n.吸引力、吸引人(事、物)
* This new online game attracts many players because of its interesting designs.
這個新的線上遊戲，因為有趣的設計，吸引許多玩家。
* "Space Mountain" is one of the most popular attraction at Disneyland.
太空山是狄斯耐樂園最受歡迎的項目之一
panel n.控制板、面板
* The TV screen's panel is made in Japan.
這個電視的螢幕面板是日本製的
* The sound system's control panel is controlled by two engineers.
這個音響系統的控制面板是由兩位工程師控制的
makeup n.化妝品
* Benjamin is a very famous makeup artist in New York.
Benjamin是紐約相當有名的彩妝師
* Sherry wears a lot of makeup.
Sherry化妝化得很濃
put on上妝
* Helen spends only 10 minutes putting on her makeup.
Helen只花十分鐘上妝
grocery store n.食品雜貨店
grocery n.食品雜貨
* Ray stopped by a grocery store to get some milk on his way home.
Ray在回家的路上，到一家雜貨店買了些牛奶。
* I bought some groceries in the supermarket.
我在超市買一些食品雜貨
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
A Taste of Austria
Austria offers mountain fun for everyone
奧地利之旅 -
We need a secretary who can speak Spanish and Russian, but where can we find such a person?
You want a part-time job with a full-time pay? There is no such job!
布满
绝妙的品味是无庸置疑的。。
雄伟状观的景观。。。感动
雄伟的豪宅
*The article is taking about how violence pervades the media.
在十多岁的孩子身上看到穿透性影响力
loom- 隐约可见。隐约逼近。not clear showing or high above, grand, big.
*A ship loomed out of the mist.
loom large -事态变得严重。
*As the exam loomed large. Patrick got more and more nervous. 越来越逼近。
*cloud loom above. 云层笼罩上空。
Be sure to hear some of Salzburg's beautiful music for yourself.
for oneself -为自己。
*Eric kept the sticker for himself. 存留贴纸给他自己。
for oneself -自己亲自体验某事件。
I suggest you taste the ice cream for yourself.自己亲自品甞ice cream.
spectacular - imposing。壮观的，壮丽的。 "spec" - see有“看见”之意。,
*The spectacular magic show attracts thousands of people every week.
reward - get back something from what you did.
medieval - (me-di-' e (i)val) -中世纪。
creative genius - 发明天才。
all manner of something - a lot of something (books, toys, computers)
haven - wonderful place.乐土，避难所。
*The bordering countries provided safe havens for the refugees.
*The club is a haven for jazz lovers.这俱乐部是 爱好者的乐土。
*My room is my little haven.
trek (n) - long and difficult journey, long travel.长途辛劳的旅行，或长途辛苦步行
* We were so exhausted after the trek to the campsite.长途辛苦步行到营地已是疲惫不堪了。
trek (v)-长途辛劳的旅行，或长途辛苦步行
trekked / trekking-
*We trekked along the river bank.沿着河畔缓慢（辛苦）而行。
spiral (adj) - a shape circle down or going up. a kind of emotion up and down, or slide down in circle.
*You can see the spiral shaped spring of the mattress from the side.
spiral (adj) - 盘旋的，螺旋的。螺旋式的上升或下降。
A downward economic spiral. 不断恶化的经济。
hospitality -好客般热情招待/接待你，供你吃住等。
*We were very impressed by the hospitality of our host and hostess.
hospitable (adj) - hospitable person.
(v) to your heart's content - just do it until your heart is fully satisfied.
A hospitable person tell me: eat that until your heart's content, and make yourself at home. ( nice:))
varied (adj) - there are a lots of things are going on.
variety (n) - 多样化的。多种类的。
folk vs folks -
folk - refer to culture things.
folks - refer to people, those folks stand by table.
folks - slam word for "parents".
yodel (n) -岳得尔歌词， 反复用真假嗓音互换唱歌。
yodel (v)- vi/vt。 用岳得尔歌词调唱， 反复用真假嗓音互换唱歌
leisurely walk - relax walking, amble.
capture one's imagination - you think of it often, it stays in your mind for long.
graze / gaze -
graze - cows or animals eat grass.
gaze - stare on it, intent, look. deeply look. （因吃惊或有兴趣而）目不转睛。凝视。
* gaze deeply into someone's eyes.
dairy farms - milking farms.
老师要学生尽量不要重复使用同样的字，以避免单调没深度。。。鼓励多用同义字。
“magnificent, wonderful, exquisite, elegant, picturesque, fine, beautiful, pretty, nice...”.are all synonyms to describe a place,but the meaning is not exactly same and not perfectly inter exchangeable。 用同义字但用法与意义上还是略有些不同。
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The loveliness of the area will take your breath away.
take your breath away -something is really great that surprised you. (figurative 用法) 叹为观止，惊叹不已。
take your breath away - you are not able to breathe. (literal 用法) 拿走你的呼吸，窒息。
word has figurative meaning and literal meaning.
figurative - 比喻，象征性用法。
literal -照字面上的，不夸张地。
literally -名副其实的。但有时此字被滥用，用来加强语气而变成“ really ”之意。
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
mountain climbing -登高山，有难度的且要繋戴重装备，绳索等爬高山 有挑战性和危险度的，且有专业登山知识的登高山。
mountaineer -登高山，有难度的且要繋戴重装备，绳索等爬高山，具备专业登山知识的登山家。
hiking -爬山，
hiking in the mountains -轻便的穿戴，上上下下在山中小径上 健走。
hiker -健行者。在上上下下在山中小径上 健走的人。
奧地利之旅 -
We need a secretary who can speak Spanish and Russian, but where can we find such a person?
You want a part-time job with a full-time pay? There is no such job!
布满
绝妙的品味是无庸置疑的。。
雄伟状观的景观。。。感动
雄伟的豪宅
*The article is taking about how violence pervades the media.
在十多岁的孩子身上看到穿透性影响力
loom- 隐约可见。隐约逼近。not clear showing or high above, grand, big.
*A ship loomed out of the mist.
loom large -事态变得严重。
*As the exam loomed large. Patrick got more and more nervous. 越来越逼近。
*cloud loom above. 云层笼罩上空。
Be sure to hear some of Salzburg's beautiful music for yourself.
for oneself -为自己。
*Eric kept the sticker for himself. 存留贴纸给他自己。
for oneself -自己亲自体验某事件。
I suggest you taste the ice cream for yourself.自己亲自品甞ice cream.
spectacular - imposing。壮观的，壮丽的。 "spec" - see有“看见”之意。,
*The spectacular magic show attracts thousands of people every week.
reward - get back something from what you did.
medieval - (me-di-' e (i)val) -中世纪。
creative genius - 发明天才。
all manner of something - a lot of something (books, toys, computers)
haven - wonderful place.乐土，避难所。
*The bordering countries provided safe havens for the refugees.
*The club is a haven for jazz lovers.这俱乐部是 爱好者的乐土。
*My room is my little haven.
trek (n) - long and difficult journey, long travel.长途辛劳的旅行，或长途辛苦步行
* We were so exhausted after the trek to the campsite.长途辛苦步行到营地已是疲惫不堪了。
trek (v)-长途辛劳的旅行，或长途辛苦步行
trekked / trekking-
*We trekked along the river bank.沿着河畔缓慢（辛苦）而行。
spiral (adj) - a shape circle down or going up. a kind of emotion up and down, or slide down in circle.
*You can see the spiral shaped spring of the mattress from the side.
spiral (adj) - 盘旋的，螺旋的。螺旋式的上升或下降。
A downward economic spiral. 不断恶化的经济。
hospitality -好客般热情招待/接待你，供你吃住等。
*We were very impressed by the hospitality of our host and hostess.
hospitable (adj) - hospitable person.
(v) to your heart's content - just do it until your heart is fully satisfied.
A hospitable person tell me: eat that until your heart's content, and make yourself at home. ( nice:))
varied (adj) - there are a lots of things are going on.
variety (n) - 多样化的。多种类的。
folk vs folks -
folk - refer to culture things.
folks - refer to people, those folks stand by table.
folks - slam word for "parents".
yodel (n) -岳得尔歌词， 反复用真假嗓音互换唱歌。
yodel (v)- vi/vt。 用岳得尔歌词调唱， 反复用真假嗓音互换唱歌
leisurely walk - relax walking, amble.
capture one's imagination - you think of it often, it stays in your mind for long.
graze / gaze -
graze - cows or animals eat grass.
gaze - stare on it, intent, look. deeply look. （因吃惊或有兴趣而）目不转睛。凝视。
* gaze deeply into someone's eyes.
dairy farms - milking farms.
老师要学生尽量不要重复使用同样的字，以避免单调没深度。。。鼓励多用同义字。
“magnificent, wonderful, exquisite, elegant, picturesque, fine, beautiful, pretty, nice...”.are all synonyms to describe a place,but the meaning is not exactly same and not perfectly inter exchangeable。 用同义字但用法与意义上还是略有些不同。
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The loveliness of the area will take your breath away.
take your breath away -something is really great that surprised you. (figurative 用法) 叹为观止，惊叹不已。
take your breath away - you are not able to breathe. (literal 用法) 拿走你的呼吸，窒息。
word has figurative meaning and literal meaning.
figurative - 比喻，象征性用法。
literal -照字面上的，不夸张地。
literally -名副其实的。但有时此字被滥用，用来加强语气而变成“ really ”之意。
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
mountain climbing -登高山，有难度的且要繋戴重装备，绳索等爬高山 有挑战性和危险度的，且有专业登山知识的登高山。
mountaineer -登高山，有难度的且要繋戴重装备，绳索等爬高山，具备专业登山知识的登山家。
hiking -爬山，
hiking in the mountains -轻便的穿戴，上上下下在山中小径上 健走。
hiker -健行者。在上上下下在山中小径上 健走的人。
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Getting Started(2)
Ben: I guess making a business plan would help me think through all of
those details. I'm more worried about the financial aspects of starting a
business, though. It can take a long time to make a business
profitable. How will I keep the lights on?
Bob: Your business plan should help you with that in a couple of ways. First it should predict what your operational costs will be and now many sales you need to make your company profitable.
Ben: That would be a good indicator of how viable my business idea is.
Bob: Right! The other thing is that you will need a business plan if you are going to attract investors. get business loans or even government grants.
Ben: All right, but how do I go about writing a business plan?
Bob: There are plenty of online resources to help you.
Most libraries also have books that walk you through the steps of writing a plan.
Ben: So if I write a business plan, what do you think the outlook for my business will be?
Bob: A good business plan will answer that question far better than I can. Ben. Let's get some more coffee.
Ben: That sounds good!
Info Cloud
Company, family, crowd, army, class, police, people, nation, party, team, mankind, cattle...etc. are called collective nouns(集合名詞).
集合名詞作總稱用時，使用單數動詞；指所有成員時，使用複數動詞。
* The orchestra was playing.
管絃樂團正在演奏
* The orchestra have all gone home.
管絃樂團的團員都回家了
Grammar Gym
to go about=> to set something
* How do I go about writing a business plan?
* How do I go about getting information for this report?
* How do I go about applying for the position?
Language Lab
aspect n.角度、方面
* When you design a new car, you always have to consider the safety aspect.
當你設計一台新車時，一定要考慮安全方面。
* You can look at the painting from different aspects.
你可以用不同的角度來欣賞這幅畫
viable adj.可行的、可實施的
* The old pay roll system is no longer viable.
原來發薪水的系統，現在不可行了。
* The health program is no longer financially viable.
這個健保計畫就財務上是行不通的
grant n.補助款、補助金 v.給予、准予
* The project receives grants from various foundations.
這個計畫收到不同基金會的捐助
* My boss granted my request for an extended leave without pay.
老闆答應我延長留職停薪的時間
outlook n.展望、前景
* The general outlook for our company is better than our competitors.
我們公司各方面的前景比其他的競爭者好
* The economic outlook of this country is bleak.
這個國家的經濟前景非常暗淡
Bob: Your business plan should help you with that in a couple of ways. First it should predict what your operational costs will be and now many sales you need to make your company profitable.
Ben: That would be a good indicator of how viable my business idea is.
Bob: Right! The other thing is that you will need a business plan if you are going to attract investors. get business loans or even government grants.
Ben: All right, but how do I go about writing a business plan?
Bob: There are plenty of online resources to help you.
Most libraries also have books that walk you through the steps of writing a plan.
Ben: So if I write a business plan, what do you think the outlook for my business will be?
Bob: A good business plan will answer that question far better than I can. Ben. Let's get some more coffee.
Ben: That sounds good!
Info Cloud
Company, family, crowd, army, class, police, people, nation, party, team, mankind, cattle...etc. are called collective nouns(集合名詞).
集合名詞作總稱用時，使用單數動詞；指所有成員時，使用複數動詞。
* The orchestra was playing.
管絃樂團正在演奏
* The orchestra have all gone home.
管絃樂團的團員都回家了
Grammar Gym
to go about=> to set something
* How do I go about writing a business plan?
* How do I go about getting information for this report?
* How do I go about applying for the position?
Language Lab
aspect n.角度、方面
* When you design a new car, you always have to consider the safety aspect.
當你設計一台新車時，一定要考慮安全方面。
* You can look at the painting from different aspects.
你可以用不同的角度來欣賞這幅畫
viable adj.可行的、可實施的
* The old pay roll system is no longer viable.
原來發薪水的系統，現在不可行了。
* The health program is no longer financially viable.
這個健保計畫就財務上是行不通的
grant n.補助款、補助金 v.給予、准予
* The project receives grants from various foundations.
這個計畫收到不同基金會的捐助
* My boss granted my request for an extended leave without pay.
老闆答應我延長留職停薪的時間
outlook n.展望、前景
* The general outlook for our company is better than our competitors.
我們公司各方面的前景比其他的競爭者好
* The economic outlook of this country is bleak.
這個國家的經濟前景非常暗淡
Friday, January 18, 2013
Getting Started(1)
Things to think about before starting your own business
Ben and Sandy Johnson have been talking about starting a business. But before they take the plunge, Ben decides to talk to his mentor, Uncle Bob.
Bob: Hey, Ben, how are things going?
Ben: Pretty well, Uncle Bob. Sandy and I are talking about starting a business. What do you think?
Bob: I think it's great! Starting a business is one of the most challenging and worthwhile things I've ever done. What kind of business are you interested in starting?
Ben: Well, I've been thinking about setting up a little company that makes smartphone apps. But we're not sure. I really don't know anything about starting a business.
Bob: It sounds like a business plan would be very advantageous for you. Ben: But I have a business plan. I just told you - I'm going to make apps! Bob: No, no.
Ben. That's a business idea. A business plan is very different. Ben: How is a business plan different from a business idea?
Bob: Well, a business plan is a written document that lays out a lot of specific information about your business.
Ben: You mean like a description of one's products?
Bob: It includes that, but there's more to it. A business plan should be a strategic outline of what you are going to do, why and how you are going to do it.
Info Cloud
take the plunge
=> to do something important or difficult that you have been thinking about doing for a long time
指下定決心、大膽的去嘗試一件事，如結婚、事業投資、參加競選等。
* I've decided to take the plunge and start up my own business.
look before you leap prov.
=>Think carefully about what you are about to do before you do it.
* I'm not saying you shouldn't sign the lease for that apartment. I'm just saying you should look before you leap.
Language Lab
worthwhile adj. 值得做的、值得花費時間(金錢)的
* All the hard work proved worthwhile when we won the case.
當我們贏得這個案子時，一切辛勞證明是值得的。
worth n.值(多少)價值
* The watch is worth 2,000 dollars.
這支手錶價值兩千美元
advantageous adj.有利的、有益的、有幫助的
* It is advantageous to do market research before developing a new product.
在發展一個新的產品前，先作市場調查是有幫助的。
document n.文件、公文
* Tina sorted all her documents in alphabetical order.
Tina按照字母順序歸檔所有的文件
* The documents related to this case were categorized as "Classified". 跟這個案件相關的文件被歸類為機密文件
strategic adj. 策略性的、策略的；戰略上的
* The strategic market planning proved to be very efficient.
這個策略性行銷計畫證明非常有效率
* This island's strategic position made it well known around the world.
這個島嶼戰略性的位置使它聞名全球
Ben and Sandy Johnson have been talking about starting a business. But before they take the plunge, Ben decides to talk to his mentor, Uncle Bob.
Bob: Hey, Ben, how are things going?
Ben: Pretty well, Uncle Bob. Sandy and I are talking about starting a business. What do you think?
Bob: I think it's great! Starting a business is one of the most challenging and worthwhile things I've ever done. What kind of business are you interested in starting?
Ben: Well, I've been thinking about setting up a little company that makes smartphone apps. But we're not sure. I really don't know anything about starting a business.
Bob: It sounds like a business plan would be very advantageous for you. Ben: But I have a business plan. I just told you - I'm going to make apps! Bob: No, no.
Ben. That's a business idea. A business plan is very different. Ben: How is a business plan different from a business idea?
Bob: Well, a business plan is a written document that lays out a lot of specific information about your business.
Ben: You mean like a description of one's products?
Bob: It includes that, but there's more to it. A business plan should be a strategic outline of what you are going to do, why and how you are going to do it.
Info Cloud
take the plunge
=> to do something important or difficult that you have been thinking about doing for a long time
指下定決心、大膽的去嘗試一件事，如結婚、事業投資、參加競選等。
* I've decided to take the plunge and start up my own business.
look before you leap prov.
=>Think carefully about what you are about to do before you do it.
* I'm not saying you shouldn't sign the lease for that apartment. I'm just saying you should look before you leap.
Language Lab
worthwhile adj. 值得做的、值得花費時間(金錢)的
* All the hard work proved worthwhile when we won the case.
當我們贏得這個案子時，一切辛勞證明是值得的。
worth n.值(多少)價值
* The watch is worth 2,000 dollars.
這支手錶價值兩千美元
advantageous adj.有利的、有益的、有幫助的
* It is advantageous to do market research before developing a new product.
在發展一個新的產品前，先作市場調查是有幫助的。
document n.文件、公文
* Tina sorted all her documents in alphabetical order.
Tina按照字母順序歸檔所有的文件
* The documents related to this case were categorized as "Classified". 跟這個案件相關的文件被歸類為機密文件
strategic adj. 策略性的、策略的；戰略上的
* The strategic market planning proved to be very efficient.
這個策略性行銷計畫證明非常有效率
* This island's strategic position made it well known around the world.
這個島嶼戰略性的位置使它聞名全球
Thursday, January 17, 2013
A Lesson in Culture(2)
I learned quickly never to assume a New Yorker speaks English and to be
respectful of lifestyles that were new to me. New York is home to people
of all walks of life, from all corners of the world. My coworkers were
Polish, Columbian, Puerto Rican, Greek and Armenian, to name a few. I
ran errands to a shop where all the male employees were Orthodox Jews
and wore their hair in traditional curls. I spent hours wandering Canal
Street in Chinatown - the closest I'd ever been to an Asian country.
By the end of my internship, I was a little older, a little wiser and sick of big city life. I hated the skyscrapers, tourists and the high price I had to pay for a cheeseburger and fries. But I had grown, too. I was quicker, smarter and more independent. I knew I would miss that feeling of having the world right at my doorstep. But it was good preparation for the life of travel I'd soon begin.
Info Cloud
assume v.假定(wild guess)
有亂槍打鳥，把尚具爭論的事實當作論定的基礎。
* I learned quickly never to assume a New Yorker speaks English.
我不應該隨便就假定每個紐約人都會講英文
presume v.假定(educated guess)
依知識、經驗作為根據的假定，較有充分的理由。
* I presume Henry is married because he wears a ring.
我相信Henry結婚了，因為他戴著戒指。
Language Lab
respectful adj.尊敬的、尊重的
respect v.尊敬
disrespectful不尊重他人的
* You need to be respectful of other people's opinions.
你需要對別人的意見表示尊重
errand n.差事、任務
* The boss just sent her secretary out on an errand.
老闆剛派秘書出去辦一件事
* I have to run some errands for my mother this morning.
今天早上，我得幫媽媽跑腿辦一些事。
doorstep n.門階
* Jack is waiting for his girlfriend on the doorstep.
Jack在門階那裡等他的女朋友
at one's doorstep指離自己很接近
* When you enter the world of the Internet, it feels like all the info you need is right at your doorstep.
當你進入網際網路世界，好像所有你需要的資料都在你的眼前。
preparation n.準備；預備的工作
* My experience as a server was good preparation for running a restaurant.
我當服務生的經驗，對於經營餐廳是非常好的預備。
* Mom is really busy with preparations for my sister's wedding.
媽媽為了姐姐婚禮的籌備，非常忙碌。
By the end of my internship, I was a little older, a little wiser and sick of big city life. I hated the skyscrapers, tourists and the high price I had to pay for a cheeseburger and fries. But I had grown, too. I was quicker, smarter and more independent. I knew I would miss that feeling of having the world right at my doorstep. But it was good preparation for the life of travel I'd soon begin.
Info Cloud
assume v.假定(wild guess)
有亂槍打鳥，把尚具爭論的事實當作論定的基礎。
* I learned quickly never to assume a New Yorker speaks English.
我不應該隨便就假定每個紐約人都會講英文
presume v.假定(educated guess)
依知識、經驗作為根據的假定，較有充分的理由。
* I presume Henry is married because he wears a ring.
我相信Henry結婚了，因為他戴著戒指。
Language Lab
respectful adj.尊敬的、尊重的
respect v.尊敬
disrespectful不尊重他人的
* You need to be respectful of other people's opinions.
你需要對別人的意見表示尊重
errand n.差事、任務
* The boss just sent her secretary out on an errand.
老闆剛派秘書出去辦一件事
* I have to run some errands for my mother this morning.
今天早上，我得幫媽媽跑腿辦一些事。
doorstep n.門階
* Jack is waiting for his girlfriend on the doorstep.
Jack在門階那裡等他的女朋友
at one's doorstep指離自己很接近
* When you enter the world of the Internet, it feels like all the info you need is right at your doorstep.
當你進入網際網路世界，好像所有你需要的資料都在你的眼前。
preparation n.準備；預備的工作
* My experience as a server was good preparation for running a restaurant.
我當服務生的經驗，對於經營餐廳是非常好的預備。
* Mom is really busy with preparations for my sister's wedding.
媽媽為了姐姐婚禮的籌備，非常忙碌。
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
A Lesson in Culture(1)
I found a foreign land in my home country
I've had many opportunities to experience living in a foreign culture, but my first experience came in an unexpected place - my own country. When I was 20, I got an internship in New York City. It was my first time to live outside of my home state of Texas.
With my move north came culture shock. I grew up in a big city in Texas. But it was no comparison to the tightly packed burroughs of New York with their 8 million residents.
My new home was in Times Square, a hub constantly filled with traffic, noise, people and lights. I was used to life at a relaxed pace, New York moved fast. The saying is true - this city never sleeps. I had to adjust.
My first reaction was fear. Fear I would fail at my new internship in the 54-story office building. Fear of getting lost on the subway. Fear that the locals wouldn't have patience for my frequent moments of confusion.
My anxieties ranged from reasonable to ridiculous. But I faced my fears and kept trying.
Info Cloud
urban adj.都市的
* In some developing countries more and more people are migrating to urban areas.
在某些發展中的國家，越來越多的人向市區遷移。
suburban adj.郊區的
suburbs n.郊區(複數形態)
因為一個城市周邊有許多不同的區，每個區是一個suburb，整體就是the suburbs.
rural adj.農村的、田園的
rural area指人口較少的小鎮
megacity n.百萬人口以上之巨型城市
Grammar Gym
* My first reaction was fear.
Fear I would fail at my new internship in the 54-story office building.
Fear of getting lost on the subway.
Fear that the locals wouldn't have patience for my frequent moments of confusion.
* This past month has been really crazy for Jan and she is tired.
Tired of all the work she was to do.
Tired of taking care of the bills at home.
Tired of being yelled at by everybody.
Language Lab
internship n.實習工作；實習醫生
intern n.實習生；實習醫生
* Joshua got an internship at Microsoft.
Joshua得到一個在微軟的實習工作
* Victor completed his internship at the county hospital.
Victor在縣立醫院完成他的實習工作
culture shock n.文化、衝擊
* When we first moved to the States, we went through quite a culture shock.
當我們剛搬到美國時，經歷了一段不小的文化衝擊。
constantly adv.不斷地、時常地
constant adj.持續的
* Sherry is constantly checking her cellphone.
Sherry不斷地檢視她的手機
* His constant nagging really annoys me.
他持續不斷的嘮叨，真的讓我很煩。
confusion n.困惑、混亂
* There was a lot of confusion about who was the head of the project.
對於誰是這個計畫的主導者，大家有許多的疑惑。
I've had many opportunities to experience living in a foreign culture, but my first experience came in an unexpected place - my own country. When I was 20, I got an internship in New York City. It was my first time to live outside of my home state of Texas.
With my move north came culture shock. I grew up in a big city in Texas. But it was no comparison to the tightly packed burroughs of New York with their 8 million residents.
My new home was in Times Square, a hub constantly filled with traffic, noise, people and lights. I was used to life at a relaxed pace, New York moved fast. The saying is true - this city never sleeps. I had to adjust.
My first reaction was fear. Fear I would fail at my new internship in the 54-story office building. Fear of getting lost on the subway. Fear that the locals wouldn't have patience for my frequent moments of confusion.
My anxieties ranged from reasonable to ridiculous. But I faced my fears and kept trying.
Info Cloud
urban adj.都市的
* In some developing countries more and more people are migrating to urban areas.
在某些發展中的國家，越來越多的人向市區遷移。
suburban adj.郊區的
suburbs n.郊區(複數形態)
因為一個城市周邊有許多不同的區，每個區是一個suburb，整體就是the suburbs.
rural adj.農村的、田園的
rural area指人口較少的小鎮
megacity n.百萬人口以上之巨型城市
Grammar Gym
* My first reaction was fear.
Fear I would fail at my new internship in the 54-story office building.
Fear of getting lost on the subway.
Fear that the locals wouldn't have patience for my frequent moments of confusion.
* This past month has been really crazy for Jan and she is tired.
Tired of all the work she was to do.
Tired of taking care of the bills at home.
Tired of being yelled at by everybody.
Language Lab
internship n.實習工作；實習醫生
intern n.實習生；實習醫生
* Joshua got an internship at Microsoft.
Joshua得到一個在微軟的實習工作
* Victor completed his internship at the county hospital.
Victor在縣立醫院完成他的實習工作
culture shock n.文化、衝擊
* When we first moved to the States, we went through quite a culture shock.
當我們剛搬到美國時，經歷了一段不小的文化衝擊。
constantly adv.不斷地、時常地
constant adj.持續的
* Sherry is constantly checking her cellphone.
Sherry不斷地檢視她的手機
* His constant nagging really annoys me.
他持續不斷的嘮叨，真的讓我很煩。
confusion n.困惑、混亂
* There was a lot of confusion about who was the head of the project.
對於誰是這個計畫的主導者，大家有許多的疑惑。
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Basketball Terms (2)
Getting the ball
When the other team has the ball, your team wants to stop them from scoring. You can do this in several different ways. In man-to-man defense, each player on your team has someone from the other team to defend. In a zone defense, each person on your team defends one area of the floor.
Scoring points
One of the easiest offensive player is the give-and-go. In a give-and-go, you pass the ball to a teammate. Then that teammate passes the ball back to you so you can score.
If you want to be like Jeremy Lin, you need to master the pick-and-roll. In a pick-and-roll, a teammate picks or screens you from a defender. This lets you get away from the defender and score a basket.
Communication is important for any team. Try using these basketball terms the next time you play.
Info Cloud
stop/prevent v.避免、阻止
* I grabbed her hand to prevent her from falling.(American)
* I grabbed her hand to prevent her falling.(British)
我抓住她的手，避免她跌倒。
* When the other team has the ball, your team wants to stop them from scoring.
* When the other team has the ball, your team wants to stop them scoring.(British)
Language Lab
man-to-man
1. adj.一對一、盯人
2. adv.坦誠地、坦率地(適用於男性)
* The coach gave the signal to play man-to-man.
教練給了一對一防守的信號
* It's time for us to talk man-to-man.
我們是該坦率地談一談
defense n.防守、防禦
defensive adj.防守的
* The team has a very strong defense today.
今天，這支球隊的防守非常強。
* Jeremy Lin is an excellent defensive player.
Jeremy Lin是一位善於防守的球員
offensive adj.進攻的；冒犯他人的、不當的
* Henry snatched an offensive rebound.
Henry搶了一次進攻的籃板球
* The show contains offensive language.
這場表演中有冒犯他人的用詞
master v.精通、掌握
* French is a difficult language to master.
法文是一種不太容易精通的語言
* She has fully mastered this newly developed software.
她已經精通這個新發展出來的軟體
When the other team has the ball, your team wants to stop them from scoring. You can do this in several different ways. In man-to-man defense, each player on your team has someone from the other team to defend. In a zone defense, each person on your team defends one area of the floor.
Scoring points
One of the easiest offensive player is the give-and-go. In a give-and-go, you pass the ball to a teammate. Then that teammate passes the ball back to you so you can score.
If you want to be like Jeremy Lin, you need to master the pick-and-roll. In a pick-and-roll, a teammate picks or screens you from a defender. This lets you get away from the defender and score a basket.
Communication is important for any team. Try using these basketball terms the next time you play.
Info Cloud
stop/prevent v.避免、阻止
* I grabbed her hand to prevent her from falling.(American)
* I grabbed her hand to prevent her falling.(British)
我抓住她的手，避免她跌倒。
* When the other team has the ball, your team wants to stop them from scoring.
* When the other team has the ball, your team wants to stop them scoring.(British)
Language Lab
man-to-man
1. adj.一對一、盯人
2. adv.坦誠地、坦率地(適用於男性)
* The coach gave the signal to play man-to-man.
教練給了一對一防守的信號
* It's time for us to talk man-to-man.
我們是該坦率地談一談
defense n.防守、防禦
defensive adj.防守的
* The team has a very strong defense today.
今天，這支球隊的防守非常強。
* Jeremy Lin is an excellent defensive player.
Jeremy Lin是一位善於防守的球員
offensive adj.進攻的；冒犯他人的、不當的
* Henry snatched an offensive rebound.
Henry搶了一次進攻的籃板球
* The show contains offensive language.
這場表演中有冒犯他人的用詞
master v.精通、掌握
* French is a difficult language to master.
法文是一種不太容易精通的語言
* She has fully mastered this newly developed software.
她已經精通這個新發展出來的軟體
Monday, January 14, 2013
Basketball Terms (1)
Learn the language you need to be the best you can be
Every sport, including basketball, has its own special words and terms. Knowing these terms will help you understand the sport better. If you are playing the game, they will also help you cooperate with other players.
The basketball court
Basketball courts are divided in half by a midcourt line. In the middle of this line is the center circle where the game begins with a jump ball.
Each end of the court has a basket and a three-point line. When players throw the ball into the basket from behind that line they score three points. If they shoot the ball from anywhere in front of the line, they score two points.
The area under each basket is called the key. Since the key is sometimes painted a different color, it is also called the paint. At the "top" of each key is the free-throw line. Players stand behind this line when shooting free throws or foul shots if there has been a penalty.
Grammar Gym
* In the middle of this line is the center circle.
=> The center circle is in the middle of this line.
* There was once a very old castle. In the middle of the castle is a magical fountain.
* Walk into the museum and you will see a big statue.
At the bottom of the statue is a famous quote.
Info Cloud
court n.場地
tennis court網球場
volleyball court排球場
badminton court羽球場
basketball court籃球場
field n.大型戶外運動場
baseball field棒球場
soccer field足球場
rugby field橄欖球場
arena n.
1.(古羅馬圓形劇場中央的)競技場
2.體育館、室內運動場
stadium n.大型戶外體育場
Language Lab
cooperate v.合作
cooperation n.合作
* The witness refused to cooperate with the police.
這名證人拒絕和警方合作
* The project requires close cooperation of both companies.
這項計畫需要兩方公司的緊密合作
court n.球場；法庭
* The defendant showed up in court at the last minute.
這名被告在最後一分鐘才在法庭出現
score n.分數 v.得分
* This player scored 9 points in the first quarter.
這名球員在第一節比賽得到九分
* Rita scored 17 out of 20 in her spelling test.
Rita在拼字測驗滿分廿分中，她得了十七分。
penalty n.處罰；[體育中]犯規的處罰、罰球
* The penalty kick gave the opponents the lead.
這個判決對方罰球，讓他們取得優勢。
* The referee awarded a penalty shot.
裁判裁決讓對方罰一球
You might also like
http://www.topendsports.com/sport/basketball/terms.htm
Every sport, including basketball, has its own special words and terms. Knowing these terms will help you understand the sport better. If you are playing the game, they will also help you cooperate with other players.
The basketball court
Basketball courts are divided in half by a midcourt line. In the middle of this line is the center circle where the game begins with a jump ball.
Each end of the court has a basket and a three-point line. When players throw the ball into the basket from behind that line they score three points. If they shoot the ball from anywhere in front of the line, they score two points.
The area under each basket is called the key. Since the key is sometimes painted a different color, it is also called the paint. At the "top" of each key is the free-throw line. Players stand behind this line when shooting free throws or foul shots if there has been a penalty.
Grammar Gym
* In the middle of this line is the center circle.
=> The center circle is in the middle of this line.
* There was once a very old castle. In the middle of the castle is a magical fountain.
* Walk into the museum and you will see a big statue.
At the bottom of the statue is a famous quote.
Info Cloud
court n.場地
tennis court網球場
volleyball court排球場
badminton court羽球場
basketball court籃球場
field n.大型戶外運動場
baseball field棒球場
soccer field足球場
rugby field橄欖球場
arena n.
1.(古羅馬圓形劇場中央的)競技場
2.體育館、室內運動場
stadium n.大型戶外體育場
Language Lab
cooperate v.合作
cooperation n.合作
* The witness refused to cooperate with the police.
這名證人拒絕和警方合作
* The project requires close cooperation of both companies.
這項計畫需要兩方公司的緊密合作
court n.球場；法庭
* The defendant showed up in court at the last minute.
這名被告在最後一分鐘才在法庭出現
score n.分數 v.得分
* This player scored 9 points in the first quarter.
這名球員在第一節比賽得到九分
* Rita scored 17 out of 20 in her spelling test.
Rita在拼字測驗滿分廿分中，她得了十七分。
penalty n.處罰；[體育中]犯規的處罰、罰球
* The penalty kick gave the opponents the lead.
這個判決對方罰球，讓他們取得優勢。
* The referee awarded a penalty shot.
裁判裁決讓對方罰一球
You might also like
http://www.topendsports.com/sport/basketball/terms.htm
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Look Your Best! (2)
Too thin
Clothes made from thick material add weight to a thin frame. Wear clothes that fit well, or you will appear even thinner. Bright colors also make your body look fuller.
A big tummy
Choose tops in a material that doesn't stick to you and isn't too tight. Two-piece sets and loose-fitting, low-waisted dresses disguise a large tummy.
Large bottom
Stay away from tops that are too short and have large designs. Hip-length tops and flared pants move the eyes away from the hips.
Thick thighs
Avoid perfectly straight pants, which put the focus on your hips and thighs. Instead, choose flared pants, which lengthen the leg and make the thighs look slimmer.
Big arms
Choose three-quarter length sleeves that stop below the elbow, the thinnest part of the arm.
Wide ankles
Never wear shoes that fasten at the ankle. They make your legs look shorter and your ankles and legs look wider.
No one has a perfect body. But you can make yours look great with these simple clothing tricks.
Info Cloud
thin adj.瘦的(正面意義，指not fat，having a little fat on the body)
skinny adj.皮包骨的、極瘦的(負面意義，表示不健康的瘦，但可用於形容很瘦的小孩。)
Thin and skinny have the same meaning but different connotation(內涵、言外之意).
slim adj.苗條的瘦 (= slender).
Language Tips
frame n.骨架、體型；框架
* Larry's small frame made him look younger than his pears.
Larry瘦小的骨架，讓他看起來比同儕瘦小。
* The frame of the picture is made of silver.
這是銀製的相框
* The wooden door frame needs to be replaced.
這個木頭門框需要換新了
disguise v.偽裝、掩飾
* The secret agent disguised himself with a wig.
這位特務員戴假髮變裝
* She tried to disguise her freckles with a thick foundation.
她試圖用厚厚的粉底來掩飾她的雀斑
lengthen v.加長、延長
length n.長度
* Molly got her son's pants lengthened by a tailor.
Molly請裁縫師把兒子的褲子加長
* Irene decided to lengthen her stay at her parents'.
Irene決定要延長住在父母家的時間
fasten v.繫牢、扣住
* Please make sure your seat-belt is securely fastened.
請確認你的安全帶已繫牢了
* The boat was fastened to a post.
這艘船被繫在一根柱子上
Clothes made from thick material add weight to a thin frame. Wear clothes that fit well, or you will appear even thinner. Bright colors also make your body look fuller.
A big tummy
Choose tops in a material that doesn't stick to you and isn't too tight. Two-piece sets and loose-fitting, low-waisted dresses disguise a large tummy.
Large bottom
Stay away from tops that are too short and have large designs. Hip-length tops and flared pants move the eyes away from the hips.
Thick thighs
Avoid perfectly straight pants, which put the focus on your hips and thighs. Instead, choose flared pants, which lengthen the leg and make the thighs look slimmer.
Big arms
Choose three-quarter length sleeves that stop below the elbow, the thinnest part of the arm.
Wide ankles
Never wear shoes that fasten at the ankle. They make your legs look shorter and your ankles and legs look wider.
No one has a perfect body. But you can make yours look great with these simple clothing tricks.
Info Cloud
thin adj.瘦的(正面意義，指not fat，having a little fat on the body)
skinny adj.皮包骨的、極瘦的(負面意義，表示不健康的瘦，但可用於形容很瘦的小孩。)
Thin and skinny have the same meaning but different connotation(內涵、言外之意).
slim adj.苗條的瘦 (= slender).
Language Tips
frame n.骨架、體型；框架
* Larry's small frame made him look younger than his pears.
Larry瘦小的骨架，讓他看起來比同儕瘦小。
* The frame of the picture is made of silver.
這是銀製的相框
* The wooden door frame needs to be replaced.
這個木頭門框需要換新了
disguise v.偽裝、掩飾
* The secret agent disguised himself with a wig.
這位特務員戴假髮變裝
* She tried to disguise her freckles with a thick foundation.
她試圖用厚厚的粉底來掩飾她的雀斑
lengthen v.加長、延長
length n.長度
* Molly got her son's pants lengthened by a tailor.
Molly請裁縫師把兒子的褲子加長
* Irene decided to lengthen her stay at her parents'.
Irene決定要延長住在父母家的時間
fasten v.繫牢、扣住
* Please make sure your seat-belt is securely fastened.
請確認你的安全帶已繫牢了
* The boat was fastened to a post.
這艘船被繫在一根柱子上
Friday, January 11, 2013
Look Your Best! (1)
Try these ideas to help you look better in your clothes
"Does this make me look fat?"
We've all heard this question before and have probably asked it ourselves. But why are we so concerned about the clothes we wear? The answer is simple. We want to look our best, so we worry that our clothes don't flatter our bodies.
There is good news, though! By wearing the right clothing, you can hide those less-than-perfect trouble spots.
Problem areas
Short legs
Few people have long legs like a model, but short legs can appear longer. Create an unbroken line by matching your hose to your shoes. Wear black shoes with black hose. By matching them both to the bottom of your dress, you'll create an extra long line. High heels and pointed-toed shoes also make legs look longer.
"Muffin top"
Fat around the middle can spill over your pants, causing a "muffin top." Avoid this by staying away from pants that are too tight or too low. Instead, choose pants that fit above your hips and close to your waist.
Info Cloud
clothes n.衣服
* I bought a suit of clothes.
我買了一套衣服
* How many clothes should I bring?
* I'm wearing a lot of clothes.
clothing n.衣服
* How much clothing should I bring?
* I'm wearing three items of clothing.
Grammar Gym
* You can hide those less-than-perfect trouble spots.
* It's a ordinary less-than-idea design clothes.
* I think that is just a less-than-stellar performance.
* Sorry, I can only give you a less-than-helpful suggestion.
Language Tips
concerned adj.擔心的、掛慮的
concern v.使不安、使關心
* Theo is very concerned about his test results.
Theo很擔心自己考試的結果
flatter v.奉承、諂媚；使高興、使感到滿意
* The perm really flatters Cindy.
燙過的髮型，讓Cindy看起來更漂亮。
* The picture doesn't flatter Wilma. She looks much younger in person.
Wilma這張照片看起來不好看，她本人年輕多了。
spill v.溢出、灑出、濺出
* Milk spilled from the glass.
牛奶從玻璃杯裡溢出來
* Fat around the middle can spill over your pants.
身體中間部位的贅肉會罩住你的整個褲頭
stay away遠離、避免
* Avoid this by staying away from pants that are too tight or too low.
* The doctor advised Alex to stay away from caffeine.
醫生要Alex遠離咖啡因
You might also like
http://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-Your-Body-Type
"Does this make me look fat?"
We've all heard this question before and have probably asked it ourselves. But why are we so concerned about the clothes we wear? The answer is simple. We want to look our best, so we worry that our clothes don't flatter our bodies.
There is good news, though! By wearing the right clothing, you can hide those less-than-perfect trouble spots.
Problem areas
Short legs
Few people have long legs like a model, but short legs can appear longer. Create an unbroken line by matching your hose to your shoes. Wear black shoes with black hose. By matching them both to the bottom of your dress, you'll create an extra long line. High heels and pointed-toed shoes also make legs look longer.
"Muffin top"
Fat around the middle can spill over your pants, causing a "muffin top." Avoid this by staying away from pants that are too tight or too low. Instead, choose pants that fit above your hips and close to your waist.
Info Cloud
clothes n.衣服
* I bought a suit of clothes.
我買了一套衣服
* How many clothes should I bring?
* I'm wearing a lot of clothes.
clothing n.衣服
* How much clothing should I bring?
* I'm wearing three items of clothing.
Grammar Gym
* You can hide those less-than-perfect trouble spots.
* It's a ordinary less-than-idea design clothes.
* I think that is just a less-than-stellar performance.
* Sorry, I can only give you a less-than-helpful suggestion.
Language Tips
concerned adj.擔心的、掛慮的
concern v.使不安、使關心
* Theo is very concerned about his test results.
Theo很擔心自己考試的結果
flatter v.奉承、諂媚；使高興、使感到滿意
* The perm really flatters Cindy.
燙過的髮型，讓Cindy看起來更漂亮。
* The picture doesn't flatter Wilma. She looks much younger in person.
Wilma這張照片看起來不好看，她本人年輕多了。
spill v.溢出、灑出、濺出
* Milk spilled from the glass.
牛奶從玻璃杯裡溢出來
* Fat around the middle can spill over your pants.
身體中間部位的贅肉會罩住你的整個褲頭
stay away遠離、避免
* Avoid this by staying away from pants that are too tight or too low.
* The doctor advised Alex to stay away from caffeine.
醫生要Alex遠離咖啡因
You might also like
http://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-Your-Body-Type
Thursday, January 10, 2013
It's About Time (3)
Out in his workshop, the professor drew lost of plans for his new time machine. He soon lost track of time. He created models and used clocks and timers of every shape and size. He attempted every method he could think of. He tried reading books backward as a way to turn back the clock. He looked at a calendar under a lamp through his telescope - to see light years into the future.
Then he remembered the saying that time flies, so he threw his watch out of the window to see if it was true. He applied for a loan at the bank - he had heard about people living on borrowed time. Sadly, the banker wouldn't give him the time of day.
Finally, he made an amazing discovery - a way to save time and give him lots of extra time. "I've got it. Mildred!" he exclaimed. "If I give up on my time machine project. I'll have plenty of time for other things!"
His wife smiled. "Well, it's about time!"
Info Cloud
time machine時光機器
The Time Machine 英國 H.G. Wells（威爾斯）1895年著作的科幻小說《時間機器》。經由這部小說的啟發，科幻創作或電影就不斷地出現這類與time travel「時間旅行」或將「不同時代的人物擺在一起」的故事或電影，如Back to the Future，故事中的time machine 不是傳統的時光機器，而是一部八O年代「DeLorean DMC- 12」改裝的跑車。
Language Tips
lose track of time(idiom)失去線索、忘記時間
* I lost track of Nancy after we graduated from high school.
從高中畢業後，我就沒有Nancy的消息了。
* We lost track of time and were late for the meeting.
我們忘了時間，開會時遲到了。
turn back the clock指讓時光倒流
* If I could turn back the clock, I would chase after my dreams no matter what.
如果能夠讓時光倒流，無論如何我都會追逐我的夢想。
live on borrowed time指僥倖還活著
* Nathan feels like he is living on borrowed time since he was diagnosed with cancer.
自從Nathan被診斷患有癌症之後，他覺得他是僥倖活著。
not give someone the time of day指對某人不理不睬
* Jack keeps asking Lucy to go out with him, but she won't give him the time of day.
Jack一直邀 Lucy跟他出去約會，但是她對他毫不理睬。
You might also like
http://www.classicshorts.com/stories/timemach.html
Then he remembered the saying that time flies, so he threw his watch out of the window to see if it was true. He applied for a loan at the bank - he had heard about people living on borrowed time. Sadly, the banker wouldn't give him the time of day.
Finally, he made an amazing discovery - a way to save time and give him lots of extra time. "I've got it. Mildred!" he exclaimed. "If I give up on my time machine project. I'll have plenty of time for other things!"
His wife smiled. "Well, it's about time!"
Info Cloud
time machine時光機器
The Time Machine 英國 H.G. Wells（威爾斯）1895年著作的科幻小說《時間機器》。經由這部小說的啟發，科幻創作或電影就不斷地出現這類與time travel「時間旅行」或將「不同時代的人物擺在一起」的故事或電影，如Back to the Future，故事中的time machine 不是傳統的時光機器，而是一部八O年代「DeLorean DMC- 12」改裝的跑車。
Language Tips
lose track of time(idiom)失去線索、忘記時間
* I lost track of Nancy after we graduated from high school.
從高中畢業後，我就沒有Nancy的消息了。
* We lost track of time and were late for the meeting.
我們忘了時間，開會時遲到了。
turn back the clock指讓時光倒流
* If I could turn back the clock, I would chase after my dreams no matter what.
如果能夠讓時光倒流，無論如何我都會追逐我的夢想。
live on borrowed time指僥倖還活著
* Nathan feels like he is living on borrowed time since he was diagnosed with cancer.
自從Nathan被診斷患有癌症之後，他覺得他是僥倖活著。
not give someone the time of day指對某人不理不睬
* Jack keeps asking Lucy to go out with him, but she won't give him the time of day.
Jack一直邀 Lucy跟他出去約會，但是她對他毫不理睬。
You might also like
http://www.classicshorts.com/stories/timemach.html
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
It's About Time (2)
The professor's dream wasn't just any old time machine. His invention not only would allow people to go back in time or forward in time but also would create time.
"Everyone always complains about running out of time," he thought. "Why not make a machine that can create more time when you need it? Or stretch time and make it last longer? Or save time like putting it in a bank? (With interest!)" He knew he had no time to lose. He was eager to create his world-changing invention.
His wife, Mildred, wasn't so sure about the professor's great idea. "It'll never work," she doubted. "You can't make time." The professor disagreed. "Time is money," he explained. "If you can make money and save money, why can't you do the same with time?"
Mildred complained, "The only thing you're doing with time is wasting it. I still think you're crazy, but only time will tell." She knew that the professor was determined to try out his idea, so she decided to keep quiet for the time being.
Grammar Gym
world-changing invention
=> an invention that changing the world
* He was eager to create his world-changing invention.
* There are 10 fire-breathing dragons.
* I need a money-grabbing idea.
* We want more energy-saving solutions.
Language Lab
run out of time(idiom)沒有時間、時間不夠
run out of something用完、耗盡(某種事物)
* We better hurry up and leave. We're running out of time!
我們最好趕快動身離開，我們沒有時間了。
* We ran out of both coffee and sugar yesterday.
昨天，我們的咖啡和糖都用完了。
have no time to lose沒有時間可浪費、時間緊迫不可拖延
* Our flight could leave any second. We have no time to lose.
我們的班機隨時都會起飛，不可以再拖延了。
time will tell時間能證明
* Whether this treatment works or not, only time will tell.
這種治療方式是否有效，只有時間能夠證明。
for the time being(idiom)暫時、目前
* I haven't found a suitable place to live yet, so I am living with my parents for the time being.
我還沒找到適合的住處，所以先和父母一起住。
Info Clund
professor n.教授
要成為教授需先取得PH. D.(博士學位)，然後在大學任教，一般階段為：
1. assistant professor助理教授
2. associate professor副教授
3. full professor教授(享有tenure終身教職)
You might also like
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Time_Machine
"Everyone always complains about running out of time," he thought. "Why not make a machine that can create more time when you need it? Or stretch time and make it last longer? Or save time like putting it in a bank? (With interest!)" He knew he had no time to lose. He was eager to create his world-changing invention.
His wife, Mildred, wasn't so sure about the professor's great idea. "It'll never work," she doubted. "You can't make time." The professor disagreed. "Time is money," he explained. "If you can make money and save money, why can't you do the same with time?"
Mildred complained, "The only thing you're doing with time is wasting it. I still think you're crazy, but only time will tell." She knew that the professor was determined to try out his idea, so she decided to keep quiet for the time being.
Grammar Gym
world-changing invention
=> an invention that changing the world
* He was eager to create his world-changing invention.
* There are 10 fire-breathing dragons.
* I need a money-grabbing idea.
* We want more energy-saving solutions.
Language Lab
run out of time(idiom)沒有時間、時間不夠
run out of something用完、耗盡(某種事物)
* We better hurry up and leave. We're running out of time!
我們最好趕快動身離開，我們沒有時間了。
* We ran out of both coffee and sugar yesterday.
昨天，我們的咖啡和糖都用完了。
have no time to lose沒有時間可浪費、時間緊迫不可拖延
* Our flight could leave any second. We have no time to lose.
我們的班機隨時都會起飛，不可以再拖延了。
time will tell時間能證明
* Whether this treatment works or not, only time will tell.
這種治療方式是否有效，只有時間能夠證明。
for the time being(idiom)暫時、目前
* I haven't found a suitable place to live yet, so I am living with my parents for the time being.
我還沒找到適合的住處，所以先和父母一起住。
Info Clund
professor n.教授
要成為教授需先取得PH. D.(博士學位)，然後在大學任教，一般階段為：
1. assistant professor助理教授
2. associate professor副教授
3. full professor教授(享有tenure終身教職)
You might also like
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Time_Machine
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
It's About Time (1)
Who doesn't need a little extra time? by Billy Haselton
The professor always tried so hard. No question about that. He had tons of brilliant ideas — but they never worked. Time after time, he would dream up an amazing idea that was sure to change the world — and then it didn’t. “The professor is going to change the world?” people joked. “He couldn’t change a light bulb. He couldn’t even change the channel on the TV!” The professor ignored all the jokes people made. He wasn’t about to give up. He knew that he was just ahead of his time.
One day, after teaching his classes at the university, the professor had some time on his hands. He decided to stop at a coffee shop and think. And think he did. He thought so hard that steam came out of his ears. Then, in the blink of an eye, an idea hit him. It didn’t hurt much, but he did rub his head a little. “Of course!” he exclaimed. “A time machine!” He realized it was an idea that had come at the right time.
Info Cloud
ton n.
1.一噸=2000磅，適用於美國。
2.大量、許多
* I had tons of fun hiking in the mountains with my family.
跟家人去爬山，非常好玩
* He had tons of brilliant ideas.
他有一大堆的好點子
tonne n.公噸(metric ton)=1000公斤，用於美國以外國家。
Language Tips
time after time(idiom)一次又一次、一再
* Time after time, Eric has promised to show up on time, but he is always late.
Eric每次都承諾要準時出現，但他總是遲到。
ahead of one's time超越時代、走在時代尖端
* The writer's style was ahead of her time so it wasn't accepted by the critics.
這位作家寫作方式遠超過她的時代，所以不被評論家所接受。
time on one's hands(idiom)有空閒時間
* Wesley had some time on his hands this afternoon, so he went to visit his parents.
Wesley今天下午有空檔，所以他去探望父母。
in the blink of an eye(idiom)一瞬間、一眨眼間
* In the blink of an eye, the thief took my purse and my luggage.
一轉眼間，小偷就偷走我的皮包和行李。
You might also like
http://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/time-idioms
The professor always tried so hard. No question about that. He had tons of brilliant ideas — but they never worked. Time after time, he would dream up an amazing idea that was sure to change the world — and then it didn’t. “The professor is going to change the world?” people joked. “He couldn’t change a light bulb. He couldn’t even change the channel on the TV!” The professor ignored all the jokes people made. He wasn’t about to give up. He knew that he was just ahead of his time.
One day, after teaching his classes at the university, the professor had some time on his hands. He decided to stop at a coffee shop and think. And think he did. He thought so hard that steam came out of his ears. Then, in the blink of an eye, an idea hit him. It didn’t hurt much, but he did rub his head a little. “Of course!” he exclaimed. “A time machine!” He realized it was an idea that had come at the right time.
Info Cloud
ton n.
1.一噸=2000磅，適用於美國。
2.大量、許多
* I had tons of fun hiking in the mountains with my family.
跟家人去爬山，非常好玩
* He had tons of brilliant ideas.
他有一大堆的好點子
tonne n.公噸(metric ton)=1000公斤，用於美國以外國家。
Language Tips
time after time(idiom)一次又一次、一再
* Time after time, Eric has promised to show up on time, but he is always late.
Eric每次都承諾要準時出現，但他總是遲到。
ahead of one's time超越時代、走在時代尖端
* The writer's style was ahead of her time so it wasn't accepted by the critics.
這位作家寫作方式遠超過她的時代，所以不被評論家所接受。
time on one's hands(idiom)有空閒時間
* Wesley had some time on his hands this afternoon, so he went to visit his parents.
Wesley今天下午有空檔，所以他去探望父母。
in the blink of an eye(idiom)一瞬間、一眨眼間
* In the blink of an eye, the thief took my purse and my luggage.
一轉眼間，小偷就偷走我的皮包和行李。
You might also like
http://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/time-idioms
Monday, January 7, 2013
January
Shakespeare wrote in The Winter's Tale "that blasts of January would blow you through and through"
J - Japanese New Year, Shogatsu, is celebrated from January 1 to 3. During Japan's most important holiday, business close and families gather together.
A - American National Pie Day is celebrated on January 23! Around since the ancient Egyptians, pies evolved over the centuries into the dessert Americans eat today. In fact, pies have become so American that the expression "as American as apple pie" can be widely heard.
N - The northern hemisphere experiences its coldest time of year. Ice and snow cover the land in many places, and blizzards turn the air white. Many animals sleep day and night, hibernating until spring. In contrast, the southern hemisphere experiences its warmest time.
U - The undying love of a mother is symbolized by the pink carnation. Also known as dianthus and pinks, carnations of all colors claim the honor of being January's flower.
A - Australia Day on January 26 marks the British First Fleet's landing at Sydney Cove in 1788.
R - Roman ruler Pompilius added January and February to the calendar in about 700 B.C., making it 12 months long.
Y - Yellow and red are just two colors of the garnet - January's birth gemstone!
The word "garnet" comes from pomegranate in Latin because scientists said the crystals resembled pomegranate seeds.
And there you have it - JANUARY in a nutshell!
Info Cloud
As American as apple pie.
如同蘋果派那麼的美國
指apple pie是美國文化的一部分
As American as baseball and hot dogs.
如同棒球和熱狗那麼的美國
* He drove a Corvette Chevrolet.
他開著一部雪佛蘭超級跑車
Corvette Chevrolet是經典的美國精神象徵，
所以說As American as the Chevrolet Corvette.
Grammar Gym
And there you have it.
=> That's it.
=> That all you can say about something.
* And there you have it - JANUARY in a nutshell!
* And there you have it - the five reasons why we should protect the environment.
* And there you have it - why everyone should own this new product.
Language Tips
hemisphere n.(地球的)半球、半球體；大腦半球
* What is the largest city in the southern hemisphere?
南半球上，哪個城市最大?
* His cerebral hemisphere had been operated on.
他的大腦半球動了手術
hibernate v.冬眠
hibernation n.
* Brown bears hibernate in winter.
棕熊會在冬天冬眠
* Squirrels and hamsters go into hibernation in winter.
松鼠和倉鼠冬天會進入冬眠
symbolize v.象徵、用符號表示
* The friendship between my best friend and me is symbolized by this pendant.
這個墜子象徵我和我最好的朋友之間的友誼
in a nutshell(idiom)概括來說、一言以蔽之
* To put it in a nutshell, we lost the game.
一言以蔽之，我們輸了這場比賽。
* Well, in a nutshell, the couple broke up.
總而言之，這對情侶分手了。
J - Japanese New Year, Shogatsu, is celebrated from January 1 to 3. During Japan's most important holiday, business close and families gather together.
A - American National Pie Day is celebrated on January 23! Around since the ancient Egyptians, pies evolved over the centuries into the dessert Americans eat today. In fact, pies have become so American that the expression "as American as apple pie" can be widely heard.
N - The northern hemisphere experiences its coldest time of year. Ice and snow cover the land in many places, and blizzards turn the air white. Many animals sleep day and night, hibernating until spring. In contrast, the southern hemisphere experiences its warmest time.
U - The undying love of a mother is symbolized by the pink carnation. Also known as dianthus and pinks, carnations of all colors claim the honor of being January's flower.
A - Australia Day on January 26 marks the British First Fleet's landing at Sydney Cove in 1788.
R - Roman ruler Pompilius added January and February to the calendar in about 700 B.C., making it 12 months long.
Y - Yellow and red are just two colors of the garnet - January's birth gemstone!
The word "garnet" comes from pomegranate in Latin because scientists said the crystals resembled pomegranate seeds.
And there you have it - JANUARY in a nutshell!
Info Cloud
As American as apple pie.
如同蘋果派那麼的美國
指apple pie是美國文化的一部分
As American as baseball and hot dogs.
如同棒球和熱狗那麼的美國
* He drove a Corvette Chevrolet.
他開著一部雪佛蘭超級跑車
Corvette Chevrolet是經典的美國精神象徵，
所以說As American as the Chevrolet Corvette.
Grammar Gym
And there you have it.
=> That's it.
=> That all you can say about something.
* And there you have it - JANUARY in a nutshell!
* And there you have it - the five reasons why we should protect the environment.
* And there you have it - why everyone should own this new product.
Language Tips
hemisphere n.(地球的)半球、半球體；大腦半球
* What is the largest city in the southern hemisphere?
南半球上，哪個城市最大?
* His cerebral hemisphere had been operated on.
他的大腦半球動了手術
hibernate v.冬眠
hibernation n.
* Brown bears hibernate in winter.
棕熊會在冬天冬眠
* Squirrels and hamsters go into hibernation in winter.
松鼠和倉鼠冬天會進入冬眠
symbolize v.象徵、用符號表示
* The friendship between my best friend and me is symbolized by this pendant.
這個墜子象徵我和我最好的朋友之間的友誼
in a nutshell(idiom)概括來說、一言以蔽之
* To put it in a nutshell, we lost the game.
一言以蔽之，我們輸了這場比賽。
* Well, in a nutshell, the couple broke up.
總而言之，這對情侶分手了。
Saturday, January 5, 2013
BrainPOP (2)
Why BrainPOP
The reason for BrainPOP's popularity among teachers is simple. It works. A 2009 study conducted by SEG Research compared students who used BrainPOP to those who didn't. The BrainPOP users experienced more improvement in vocabulary, reading comprehension, language skills and science than the other students.
And the benefits of BrainPOP are not limited to native English speakers. One award-winning Canadian school with students from many linguistic backgrounds makes BrainPOP available to all its teachers.
They find it helpful because it integrates pictures into its presentations instead of relying solely on language.
Similarly, a school in the U.S. for students with learning disabilities has found BrainPOP very effective at keeping students engaged and encouraging them to participate.
Teachers said that BrainPOP's quick pace and humor helps students ignore distractions and continue to focus. The kids
love the character Moby, a robot that cannot speak but communicates with facial expressions and beeps. Teachers think this may be because the students can relate to the robot's limitations. For more than 10 years, BrainPOP's fun, clear and educational materials have helped students learn - and enjoy it.
Info Cloud
native adj.本國的、本土的
* Maria is a native English speaker.
* Tom was native to America.
Tom原籍美國
* Indian are Native American.
印地安人是美國原住民
mother tongue = native language = first language母語
Language Tips
conduct v.執行、進行 n.言行舉止
* This housing project will be conducted by the city government next year.
這個興建住屋計畫，明年將由市政府執行。
* He's old enough to be responsible for his own conduct.
他已經大到可以為自己的行為負責了
comprehension n.理解、理解力
* There are three parts of this English test: listening comprehension, reading comprehension and composition.
這個英文測驗包括三個部分：聽力、閱讀理解及作文。
find v.尋找、發現
* Irene found her new job fun and challenging at the same time.
Irene發現她的新工作既有趣又有挑戰性
* Louis found his mom waiting for him at the school entrance.
Louis發現媽媽在校門口等他
distraction n.使分心的事物
distract v.使分心
* Tina studies in the library to avoid any distractions.
Tina到圖書館讀書，以避免使分心的事物。
The reason for BrainPOP's popularity among teachers is simple. It works. A 2009 study conducted by SEG Research compared students who used BrainPOP to those who didn't. The BrainPOP users experienced more improvement in vocabulary, reading comprehension, language skills and science than the other students.
And the benefits of BrainPOP are not limited to native English speakers. One award-winning Canadian school with students from many linguistic backgrounds makes BrainPOP available to all its teachers.
They find it helpful because it integrates pictures into its presentations instead of relying solely on language.
Similarly, a school in the U.S. for students with learning disabilities has found BrainPOP very effective at keeping students engaged and encouraging them to participate.
Teachers said that BrainPOP's quick pace and humor helps students ignore distractions and continue to focus. The kids
love the character Moby, a robot that cannot speak but communicates with facial expressions and beeps. Teachers think this may be because the students can relate to the robot's limitations. For more than 10 years, BrainPOP's fun, clear and educational materials have helped students learn - and enjoy it.
Info Cloud
native adj.本國的、本土的
* Maria is a native English speaker.
* Tom was native to America.
Tom原籍美國
* Indian are Native American.
印地安人是美國原住民
mother tongue = native language = first language母語
Language Tips
conduct v.執行、進行 n.言行舉止
* This housing project will be conducted by the city government next year.
這個興建住屋計畫，明年將由市政府執行。
* He's old enough to be responsible for his own conduct.
他已經大到可以為自己的行為負責了
comprehension n.理解、理解力
* There are three parts of this English test: listening comprehension, reading comprehension and composition.
這個英文測驗包括三個部分：聽力、閱讀理解及作文。
find v.尋找、發現
* Irene found her new job fun and challenging at the same time.
Irene發現她的新工作既有趣又有挑戰性
* Louis found his mom waiting for him at the school entrance.
Louis發現媽媽在校門口等他
distraction n.使分心的事物
distract v.使分心
* Tina studies in the library to avoid any distractions.
Tina到圖書館讀書，以避免使分心的事物。
Friday, January 4, 2013
BrainPOP (1)
Making education fun
Pediatrician Avraham Kadar faced the challenge of explaining complex medical concepts to children he was treating. But, in 1999, he found a solution, and teachers have been reaping the benefits ever since.
Kadar created BrainPOP, an educational program consisting of brief animatd videos in which a man named Tim and his robot friend Moby discuss various subjects. The videos fall into seven categories: engineering and technology, science, social studies, English, math, health, and arts and music. They cover over 500 topics, from historical figures to recent inventions, fostering interest in the subjects. Through humor and illustrations, BrainPOP's materials also include quizzes, activities answers to questions and extra information about each topic.
BrainPOP can be used in the classroom or at home through the internet, and it is now accessible everywhere through its apps for mobile devices.
BrainPOP also provides resources for different group: BrainPOP Jr. for younger students, BrainPOP Espanol for Spanish speakers and BrainPOP ESL for those learning English. Almost 20 percent of American schools have embraced BrainPOP, and its popularity is growing worldwide. Its website, apps and products have won multiple awards from magazines, websites and other organizations.
Info Cloud
historic adj.歷史上著名的、歷史上有重大意義的、有歷史性的
* White House is a historic house.
historical adj.有關歷史的、根據歷史的
* Megan is writing a historical novel.
Megan正在寫一本歷史小說
* Dr. Sun Yat-sen was a historical figure.
historic times=historical times
Grammar Gym
Part 1: They cover over 500 topics, from historical figures to recent inventions.
Part 2: This foster interest in the subjects. Through humor and illustrations.
=> They cover over 500 topics, from historical figures to recent inventions, fostering interest in the subjects. Through humor and illustrations.
Part 1: The bus had a flat tire.
Part 2: This made everyone late to work.
=> The bus had a flat tire, making everyone late to work.
Part 1: There was a big accident downtown.
Part 2: This created a traffic jam.
=> There was a big accident downtown, creating a traffic jam.
Language Tips
reap v.收穫、獲得
* Our firm is likely to reap a big profit this year.
今年我們公司很可能獲得巨額利潤。
foster v.培養、促進
* A good parent-child relationship fosters the child's self-esteem.
良好的親子關係能培養孩子的自尊心
* High temperatures fostered the spread of the disease.
高溫促進這個疾病的傳播
accessible adj.可使用的、可進入的、可取得的
* The mobile library made books more easily accessible for children living in remote areas.
流動圖書館讓住在偏遠地區的孩子，比較容易接觸到書籍。
embrace v. 擁抱；欣然接受
* The couple embraced each other before they ported.
這對情侶分開前彼此擁抱
* Tom embraced a golden opportunity to work abroad.
Tom欣然接受到國外工作的大好機會
Pediatrician Avraham Kadar faced the challenge of explaining complex medical concepts to children he was treating. But, in 1999, he found a solution, and teachers have been reaping the benefits ever since.
Kadar created BrainPOP, an educational program consisting of brief animatd videos in which a man named Tim and his robot friend Moby discuss various subjects. The videos fall into seven categories: engineering and technology, science, social studies, English, math, health, and arts and music. They cover over 500 topics, from historical figures to recent inventions, fostering interest in the subjects. Through humor and illustrations, BrainPOP's materials also include quizzes, activities answers to questions and extra information about each topic.
BrainPOP can be used in the classroom or at home through the internet, and it is now accessible everywhere through its apps for mobile devices.
BrainPOP also provides resources for different group: BrainPOP Jr. for younger students, BrainPOP Espanol for Spanish speakers and BrainPOP ESL for those learning English. Almost 20 percent of American schools have embraced BrainPOP, and its popularity is growing worldwide. Its website, apps and products have won multiple awards from magazines, websites and other organizations.
Info Cloud
historic adj.歷史上著名的、歷史上有重大意義的、有歷史性的
* White House is a historic house.
historical adj.有關歷史的、根據歷史的
* Megan is writing a historical novel.
Megan正在寫一本歷史小說
* Dr. Sun Yat-sen was a historical figure.
historic times=historical times
Grammar Gym
Part 1: They cover over 500 topics, from historical figures to recent inventions.
Part 2: This foster interest in the subjects. Through humor and illustrations.
=> They cover over 500 topics, from historical figures to recent inventions, fostering interest in the subjects. Through humor and illustrations.
Part 1: The bus had a flat tire.
Part 2: This made everyone late to work.
=> The bus had a flat tire, making everyone late to work.
Part 1: There was a big accident downtown.
Part 2: This created a traffic jam.
=> There was a big accident downtown, creating a traffic jam.
Language Tips
reap v.收穫、獲得
* Our firm is likely to reap a big profit this year.
今年我們公司很可能獲得巨額利潤。
foster v.培養、促進
* A good parent-child relationship fosters the child's self-esteem.
良好的親子關係能培養孩子的自尊心
* High temperatures fostered the spread of the disease.
高溫促進這個疾病的傳播
accessible adj.可使用的、可進入的、可取得的
* The mobile library made books more easily accessible for children living in remote areas.
流動圖書館讓住在偏遠地區的孩子，比較容易接觸到書籍。
embrace v. 擁抱；欣然接受
* The couple embraced each other before they ported.
這對情侶分開前彼此擁抱
* Tom embraced a golden opportunity to work abroad.
Tom欣然接受到國外工作的大好機會
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Snow
Cool facts about snow
What is 15 inches wide, eight inches thick and made of billions of water molecules? If you guessed the world's largest snowflake, you are right! Most snowflakes are very small and are less than half an inch wide. However, a snowstorm in Fort Keogh, Montana, on January 28, 1887, produced this record 15-inch snowflake.
While some parts of the world never see snow, the white stuff permanently covers about 10 percent of the earth's surface. For snow to fall, the temperature must stay very cold. Snow forms when the water inside a cloud freezes.
Snowflakes are groups of ice crystals that fail from a cloud. Many people believe that every snowflake is unique. However, scientists have discovered two snowflakes that look exactly the same. In addition, snow is not really white - it's clear!
Different factors in the environment can also make the snow look blue, green, yellow or even pink! With all of the different colors and designs, snow really is a work of art!
Grammar Gym
[part A] for something to happen in [part B] something else must happen
* For snow to fall, the temperature must stay very cold.
=> The temperature must stay very cold for snow to fall.
* For Mary to make her special cake, there must be something important to celebrate.
* For the package to not be late, you must mail it before tomorrow.
Language Tips
billion n.十億 million n.百萬
billionaire n.億萬富翁 millionaire n.百萬富翁
* These defensive weapons cost billions of dollars.
這些防禦性武器價值幾十億美金
permanently adv.長久地、固定不變地 n.燙髮
permanent adj.長期的、固定的、永久的
* Brenda was permanently crippled by the accident.
Brenda因為這場車禍，這輩子都跛著腳了。
* This is my permanent address.
這是我的固定的地址
in addition 另外、除此之外
* Not only can I earn money working in this restaurant, inaddition, I get free dinners.
我在這家餐廳工作除了能賺錢，另外，可以得到免費的晚餐。
work of art藝術品、像藝術品的創作
* The playwright's witty dialogue is a work of art.
這位劇作家風趣的對話，真是一件藝術作品。
* The Christmas tree at the Johnsons' is a work of art.
Johnson家的聖誕樹是一件藝術品
Info Cloud
snowflake n.雪花
* You're not a unique snowflake.
別以為你是與眾不同的人(有負面含義)
flake n.不負責的人、怪僻的人
* He is a real flake.
他真是一個靠不住的人
flaky adj.靠不住的、不負責的
You might also like
http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/photos/photos.htm
What is 15 inches wide, eight inches thick and made of billions of water molecules? If you guessed the world's largest snowflake, you are right! Most snowflakes are very small and are less than half an inch wide. However, a snowstorm in Fort Keogh, Montana, on January 28, 1887, produced this record 15-inch snowflake.
While some parts of the world never see snow, the white stuff permanently covers about 10 percent of the earth's surface. For snow to fall, the temperature must stay very cold. Snow forms when the water inside a cloud freezes.
Snowflakes are groups of ice crystals that fail from a cloud. Many people believe that every snowflake is unique. However, scientists have discovered two snowflakes that look exactly the same. In addition, snow is not really white - it's clear!
Different factors in the environment can also make the snow look blue, green, yellow or even pink! With all of the different colors and designs, snow really is a work of art!
Grammar Gym
[part A] for something to happen in [part B] something else must happen
* For snow to fall, the temperature must stay very cold.
=> The temperature must stay very cold for snow to fall.
* For Mary to make her special cake, there must be something important to celebrate.
* For the package to not be late, you must mail it before tomorrow.
Language Tips
billion n.十億 million n.百萬
billionaire n.億萬富翁 millionaire n.百萬富翁
* These defensive weapons cost billions of dollars.
這些防禦性武器價值幾十億美金
permanently adv.長久地、固定不變地 n.燙髮
permanent adj.長期的、固定的、永久的
* Brenda was permanently crippled by the accident.
Brenda因為這場車禍，這輩子都跛著腳了。
* This is my permanent address.
這是我的固定的地址
in addition 另外、除此之外
* Not only can I earn money working in this restaurant, inaddition, I get free dinners.
我在這家餐廳工作除了能賺錢，另外，可以得到免費的晚餐。
work of art藝術品、像藝術品的創作
* The playwright's witty dialogue is a work of art.
這位劇作家風趣的對話，真是一件藝術作品。
* The Christmas tree at the Johnsons' is a work of art.
Johnson家的聖誕樹是一件藝術品
Info Cloud
snowflake n.雪花
* You're not a unique snowflake.
別以為你是與眾不同的人(有負面含義)
flake n.不負責的人、怪僻的人
* He is a real flake.
他真是一個靠不住的人
flaky adj.靠不住的、不負責的
You might also like
http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/photos/photos.htm
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Resolutions Worth Keeping (2)
Watch your numbers
According to the World Health Organization's 2008 report, 29.5 percent of men and 25.6 percent of women in mainland China had high blood pressure. However, most of them didn't know it. Not knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels can be destructive to your health. That's because both of these numbers have been linked to dangerous medical conditions.
Visit your doctor regularly to check on them, and ask whether you should monitor them at home as well.
Eat more whole grains
Replace refined carbohydrates like white rice and pasta with whole grains like whole-wheat pasta, brown rice and whole-grain bread. This will lessen your risk of disease, improve your digestion and help control your weight.
Spend time with family and friends
Having close relationships with your loved ones isn't just an enjoyable experience. It also means you'll be less likely to suffer from colds, depression and problems related to aging. Work quality time with your family into your schedule, like any other appointment.
Eat dinner together, play games and have real, sincere conversations. Healthy relationships will make you healthier - body and soul.
Info Cloud
control v.控制
* I need to control my weight, I'm over weight recently.
我必須控制體重，我近來過重了。
* Parents have to control their kids in the public.
在公共場所，父母親必須控制他們的小孩。
* The captain has to control his ship and crew.
船長必須指揮控制他的船和船員們
* Nina must learn to control her temper.
Nina必須學會克制著不發脾氣
* Kevin should control his tongue. He always said the wrong thing.
Kevin應該控制自己說的話，他說話總是傷到別人。
* He behaved with admirable self-control although he was very angry.
雖然他很生氣，他表現出令人欽佩的自我克制。
Language Tips
destructive adj.破壞性的、毀滅性的
destroy v.破壞、毀滅
* The scandal is destructive to the governor's political career.
這件醜聞對州長的政治生涯極具毀滅性
* The bombing destroyed the whole city.
這場轟炸毀滅了整個城市
lessen v.減輕、變少 weaken變弱 worsen惡化
* The new treatment successfully lessened the patient's symptoms.
這種新藥成功的減緩了病患的症狀
likely adj.可能的
less likely比較不可能的、機會比較低的
* Compared to other candidates, George is less likely to get promoted.
和其他候選人比起來，George晉升的機會比較低。
depression n.憂鬱症；意志消沉
depress v.使沮喪
* Fanny has suffered from depression for years.
Fanny幾年來，都深受憂鬱症所苦。
* A trip to the beach brought Susan out of her depression.
海邊一遊，讓Susan脫離沮喪。
Grammar Gym
work A into B
* Work quality time with your family into your schedule..
* The doctor is busy in the morning but he can work you into his afternoon schedule.
* The magician's performance was worked into the program at the last minute.
According to the World Health Organization's 2008 report, 29.5 percent of men and 25.6 percent of women in mainland China had high blood pressure. However, most of them didn't know it. Not knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels can be destructive to your health. That's because both of these numbers have been linked to dangerous medical conditions.
Visit your doctor regularly to check on them, and ask whether you should monitor them at home as well.
Eat more whole grains
Replace refined carbohydrates like white rice and pasta with whole grains like whole-wheat pasta, brown rice and whole-grain bread. This will lessen your risk of disease, improve your digestion and help control your weight.
Spend time with family and friends
Having close relationships with your loved ones isn't just an enjoyable experience. It also means you'll be less likely to suffer from colds, depression and problems related to aging. Work quality time with your family into your schedule, like any other appointment.
Eat dinner together, play games and have real, sincere conversations. Healthy relationships will make you healthier - body and soul.
Info Cloud
control v.控制
* I need to control my weight, I'm over weight recently.
我必須控制體重，我近來過重了。
* Parents have to control their kids in the public.
在公共場所，父母親必須控制他們的小孩。
* The captain has to control his ship and crew.
船長必須指揮控制他的船和船員們
* Nina must learn to control her temper.
Nina必須學會克制著不發脾氣
* Kevin should control his tongue. He always said the wrong thing.
Kevin應該控制自己說的話，他說話總是傷到別人。
* He behaved with admirable self-control although he was very angry.
雖然他很生氣，他表現出令人欽佩的自我克制。
Language Tips
destructive adj.破壞性的、毀滅性的
destroy v.破壞、毀滅
* The scandal is destructive to the governor's political career.
這件醜聞對州長的政治生涯極具毀滅性
* The bombing destroyed the whole city.
這場轟炸毀滅了整個城市
lessen v.減輕、變少 weaken變弱 worsen惡化
* The new treatment successfully lessened the patient's symptoms.
這種新藥成功的減緩了病患的症狀
likely adj.可能的
less likely比較不可能的、機會比較低的
* Compared to other candidates, George is less likely to get promoted.
和其他候選人比起來，George晉升的機會比較低。
depression n.憂鬱症；意志消沉
depress v.使沮喪
* Fanny has suffered from depression for years.
Fanny幾年來，都深受憂鬱症所苦。
* A trip to the beach brought Susan out of her depression.
海邊一遊，讓Susan脫離沮喪。
Grammar Gym
work A into B
* Work quality time with your family into your schedule..
* The doctor is busy in the morning but he can work you into his afternoon schedule.
* The magician's performance was worked into the program at the last minute.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Resolutions Worth Keeping (1)
What New Year's resolutions do doctors suggest you make?
The start of a new year brings hope - hope for better health, more happiness and greater success. New Year's resolutions are a great way to pursue those things by eliminating bad habits and creating good ones. But which resolutions should you choose? According to a survey of doctors, here are some good ideas:
Get moving
Exercise is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions - and one of the healthiest. Exercise helps prevent disease, improves memory, relieves stress and helps you live longer.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. Plan regular times for activities like walking, swimming, biking or playing sports. And don't hesitate to make small changes - even taking the stairs instead of the elevator makes a huge difference.
Sleep at least seven hours each night
Sleep isn't a waste of time; it lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and strengthens your immune system. And lack of sleep increases your risk of memory problems, headaches, heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
Chat Room
elevator n.電梯
* Mom was taking the stairs instead of the elevator to exercise.
escalator n.(升降的)手扶梯
* The new store has escalators to carry customers from one floor to another.
這家新商店有自動扶梯，將顧客從一層樓面運送到另一層樓面。
moving sidewalk=moving walkway(機場平面式的)電動走道
Language Tips
resolution n.決心、決定
resolve v.決心、決定
* One of my New Year's resolutions is to study English at least an hour per day.
我的新年新計畫之一是每天至少讀一小時英文
* Patrick resolved to quite his job and moved to L.A.
Patrick決定要辭掉工作，並且搬到加州去。
eliminate v.戒除、消除；(比賽中)淘汰
* The infectious disease has not been totally eliminated yet.
這種傳染病目前尚未完全絕跡
* The ten teams ranked the last will be eliminated from the game.
最後十名的隊伍會被淘汰
moderate adj.適度的、不過分的；溫和的
* Moderate pressure sometimes can help one person progress rapidly.
適度的壓力，有時候可以幫助一個人快速的進步。
* It has been moderate economic growth since last season.
自上季以來，經濟一直溫和成長。
strengthen v.強化、加強
* Sufficient intake of calcium can strengthen your bones.
足夠的鈣質攝取能夠強化你的骨骼
* Their relationship was strengthened after working together.
經過一起共事，他們的關係更穩固了。
You might also like
http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/New-Years-Resolutions.shtml
The start of a new year brings hope - hope for better health, more happiness and greater success. New Year's resolutions are a great way to pursue those things by eliminating bad habits and creating good ones. But which resolutions should you choose? According to a survey of doctors, here are some good ideas:
Get moving
Exercise is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions - and one of the healthiest. Exercise helps prevent disease, improves memory, relieves stress and helps you live longer.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. Plan regular times for activities like walking, swimming, biking or playing sports. And don't hesitate to make small changes - even taking the stairs instead of the elevator makes a huge difference.
Sleep at least seven hours each night
Sleep isn't a waste of time; it lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and strengthens your immune system. And lack of sleep increases your risk of memory problems, headaches, heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
Chat Room
elevator n.電梯
* Mom was taking the stairs instead of the elevator to exercise.
escalator n.(升降的)手扶梯
* The new store has escalators to carry customers from one floor to another.
這家新商店有自動扶梯，將顧客從一層樓面運送到另一層樓面。
moving sidewalk=moving walkway(機場平面式的)電動走道
Language Tips
resolution n.決心、決定
resolve v.決心、決定
* One of my New Year's resolutions is to study English at least an hour per day.
我的新年新計畫之一是每天至少讀一小時英文
* Patrick resolved to quite his job and moved to L.A.
Patrick決定要辭掉工作，並且搬到加州去。
eliminate v.戒除、消除；(比賽中)淘汰
* The infectious disease has not been totally eliminated yet.
這種傳染病目前尚未完全絕跡
* The ten teams ranked the last will be eliminated from the game.
最後十名的隊伍會被淘汰
moderate adj.適度的、不過分的；溫和的
* Moderate pressure sometimes can help one person progress rapidly.
適度的壓力，有時候可以幫助一個人快速的進步。
* It has been moderate economic growth since last season.
自上季以來，經濟一直溫和成長。
strengthen v.強化、加強
* Sufficient intake of calcium can strengthen your bones.
足夠的鈣質攝取能夠強化你的骨骼
* Their relationship was strengthened after working together.
經過一起共事，他們的關係更穩固了。
You might also like
http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/New-Years-Resolutions.shtml
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