Our conversation began normally but headed south when we began discussing my job search. George's pessimism showed immediately. He informed me that he didn't think there were many jobs available in Taipei. I told him I wanted to be a writer. He told me that the competition would be too vicious for me to succeed; everybody wanted to write.
According to George, everything was hopeless. I was doomed. If I were lucky enough to find a job, it wouldn't be the one I wanted. At first my heart sank. But I decided not to listen to his negative predictions. What kind of person says such discouraging things to someone they just met? Obviously, life in Taipei had not been good to George. We parted ways after that and haven't met since in life there are always "Georges" trying to pull us down. Will we believe them and give up? Or will we ignore them and chase our dreams anyway?
I'm pleased to say none of George's predictions came true. I did find the job I was looking for - in Taipei - and I decided to stay.
Info Cloud
heart
the organ in your chest which pumps blood through your body
除指心臟還有其他含義
1.the heart of city/the heart of the matter (中心, 核心)
the centre of an area [countable] the middle part of an area furthest from the edge
2.my heart sink/don't lose heart (bad mood, 灰心, 失望)
somebody's heart sinks used to say that someone suddenly lost hope and began to feel unhappy:
- Her heart sank when she saw the number of books she had to read.
3.take heart (振作)
encouragement [uncountable] confidence and courage
4.heart-to-heart n. (坦誠的談話, 談心)
an honest, serious, and private conversation
5.have one's heart set on something (嚮往, 渴望, 熱衷於某事)
have your heart set on (something) or set your heart on (something)
- When you have your heart set on something or when you set your heart on something, you want it very much.
Language Lab
head south 出差錯, 下滑, 失敗 [head 出發/south 南方]
to fall; to go down
- The stock market started to head south as the government decided to raise the tax rate.
- Our sales have been heading south since last quarter.
vicious adj.
/ˈvɪʃəs/
very violent and cruel
- The vicious criticism almost made the actor quit acting.
- His vicious temper always gets him in troble.
- The vicious attack agitated the international community.
prediction n. [pre字首-之前]
a statement about what you think is going to happen, or the act of making this statement
- The experts' prediction of a serious recession affected the stock market.
predict v.
to say that something will happen, before it happens
- It's hard to predict how customers will respond to the new product.
pull down [phrasal verb]
to cause (someone) to become sad or depressed
- The coach thinks the wounded pitcher is pulling down the team.
pull somebody down
to make someone less successful, happy, or healthy
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131231_8d3c0.wmv
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
Moving Forward (1)
Moving Forward I chase my dreams east, to Taipei
My present life in Taipei commenced with a bit of a gamble. After Nepal, I knew I wanted to write, and I wanted to live in East Asia. I searched for jobs throughout the region and found a few promising options in Taipei. I had just enough money saved for a month-long trip. If I couldn't find work, I'd have to return home broke. Then I'd live with my parents awhile until I could save up enough money to try again. So I took the plunge and bought a plane ticket to try my luck in the job market in Taipei.
To save money, I split my time between hostels and Couchsurfing. In doing so, I got to know Taipei's Couchsurfing community. They were a hospitable bunch, and I was relieved to meet so many new friends right away. Everyone was helpful when they heard I was looking for a job, offering advice and suggestions. I always felt encouraged. Only one man had some negative things to say. I'll call him George, and we met on one of the Couchsurfing forums. George was a foreigner like me, and he offered to meet me for coffee.
Info Cloud
few/ a few 只有一個字母差別, 但意思完全不同
二者都是指很少的數目, 但相較之下, few比 a few 更少，
甚至幾乎接近零
另外 a few 有正面的含意,
few 強調很少, 幾乎沒有, 有負面的含意,
本文作者找到台北有 a few promising options 一些前景不錯的工作機會
這是正面帶有肴望的意思
Grammar Gym
"They were a hospitable bunch."
bunch: a lot
- I have a bunch of things to do.
bunch: a group of people
- I couldn't sleep on the train because there were other passengers and they were a noisy bunch.
- The teacher was tired at the end of the day; her students were certainly an energetic bunch to teach.
Language Lab
commence v.
/kəˈmɛns/
to begin
- The meeting is scheduled to commence at 10 a.m.
- We will commence with this project next month.
commencement n.
the time when something begins
- The mayor announced the commencement of the new policy.
take the plunge
to do something after thinking about it especially for a long time
plunge n.
/ˈplʌnʤ/
a sudden fall or jump usually from a high place
- Renee took the plunge and went to New York to learn acting.
- Eric took the plunge and sold his house and moved to Hawaii.
hospitable adj.
generous and friendly to guests or visitors
- The people of the South are very hospitable.
hospitality n.
generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests : hospitable treatment
- The host's hospitality made every guest feel welcomed.
forum n.
a meeting at which a subject can be discussed;
a place or opportunity for discussing a subject
- The book club serves as a forum where parents can discuss their parenting problems.
- The political forum is quite influential.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131230_0ca9b.wmv
My present life in Taipei commenced with a bit of a gamble. After Nepal, I knew I wanted to write, and I wanted to live in East Asia. I searched for jobs throughout the region and found a few promising options in Taipei. I had just enough money saved for a month-long trip. If I couldn't find work, I'd have to return home broke. Then I'd live with my parents awhile until I could save up enough money to try again. So I took the plunge and bought a plane ticket to try my luck in the job market in Taipei.
To save money, I split my time between hostels and Couchsurfing. In doing so, I got to know Taipei's Couchsurfing community. They were a hospitable bunch, and I was relieved to meet so many new friends right away. Everyone was helpful when they heard I was looking for a job, offering advice and suggestions. I always felt encouraged. Only one man had some negative things to say. I'll call him George, and we met on one of the Couchsurfing forums. George was a foreigner like me, and he offered to meet me for coffee.
Info Cloud
few/ a few 只有一個字母差別, 但意思完全不同
二者都是指很少的數目, 但相較之下, few比 a few 更少，
甚至幾乎接近零
另外 a few 有正面的含意,
few 強調很少, 幾乎沒有, 有負面的含意,
本文作者找到台北有 a few promising options 一些前景不錯的工作機會
這是正面帶有肴望的意思
Grammar Gym
"They were a hospitable bunch."
bunch: a lot
- I have a bunch of things to do.
bunch: a group of people
- I couldn't sleep on the train because there were other passengers and they were a noisy bunch.
- The teacher was tired at the end of the day; her students were certainly an energetic bunch to teach.
Language Lab
commence v.
/kəˈmɛns/
to begin
- The meeting is scheduled to commence at 10 a.m.
- We will commence with this project next month.
commencement n.
the time when something begins
- The mayor announced the commencement of the new policy.
take the plunge
to do something after thinking about it especially for a long time
plunge n.
/ˈplʌnʤ/
a sudden fall or jump usually from a high place
- Renee took the plunge and went to New York to learn acting.
- Eric took the plunge and sold his house and moved to Hawaii.
hospitable adj.
generous and friendly to guests or visitors
- The people of the South are very hospitable.
hospitality n.
generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests : hospitable treatment
- The host's hospitality made every guest feel welcomed.
forum n.
a meeting at which a subject can be discussed;
a place or opportunity for discussing a subject
- The book club serves as a forum where parents can discuss their parenting problems.
- The political forum is quite influential.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131230_0ca9b.wmv
Saturday, December 28, 2013
O-Kai (3)
Looking up
There's no doubt that things have been going well for O-Kai. Some of their favorite foreign professional arrangers were happy to arrange songs for their album after the group approached them. O-Kai A Cappella was named one of the top 10 Taiwanese albums of 2012 because it brought something new to the table. Now their hard work and creativity has been rewarded with three Golden Melody Awards, Taiwan's highest honor for music. Rather than dwell on their own achievements, though, O-Kai thank God for His guidance and give honor to Him.
Looking forward
O-Kai continue to push forward with more performances and projects with no signs of their energy running low. As I am talking to them, Sean even uses spare moments to practice his vocal percussion. Before I hear them sing, they create a zoo of musical sounds to warm up, caring little if anyone hears. Though their schedule is packed, they still gather around their music like carefree children. Perhaps their hearts are still back in that village church around the piano.
Info Cloud
rest on one's laurel
to stop trying because one is satisfied with one's past achievements.
to be satisfied with what you have achieved and therefore stop trying to achieve anything new
laurel: a small tree with smooth shiny dark green leaves that do not fall in winter
laurel 是月桂樹的植物, 在古希臘中他被用來做為比賽勝力者的桂冠,
所以如果你 rest on your laurels 表示你沉浸在自己的成就中,而不思進取
你過去的成功也許非常精彩, 導至你不需要做任何事情
所以to rest on one's laurels 指的是停止嘗試, 不再前進,
因為你非常滿足過去的成功
今天課文提到 O-Kai 不沉浸在自己的成就中, 是感謝上帝的引導
其實在演藝介有不少上進的藝人會試途 reinvent 他們自己
意思是撤底改造自己, 讓自己有展新的一面再出發
Grammar Gym
zoo: a situation where there is a lot of confusion
- Before I hear them sing, they create a zoo of musical sounds to warm up, caring little if anyone hears.
- The teacher had only left her classroom for five minutes, but when she got back, it was a zoo.
- Brent avoids going to the mall during the holiday season in order to stay away from the zoo of shoppers.
Language Lab
bring to the table
bring something to the table
to provide something that will be a benefit
If you bring something to the table, you make a contribution or an offer in a discussion or negotiation.
- The new manager brought a lot of new ideas to the table.
- Gina was hired because she could bring her experience and insights to the department.
dwell on [phrasal verb]
dwell on/upon (something) to think or talk about (something) for a long time
dwell- dwelt (dwelled) / 現在分詞 dwelling
- For a long time, Frank dwelt on his past glory and could not move on.
vocal percussion n.
vocal : relating to the voice or to singing
percussion: musical instruments such as drums, bells etc which you play by hitting them
- The band's vocal percussion performance was brilliant.
- You must use different facial muscles to create a complex vocal percussion sound.
carefree n.
having no worries or problems
- Charles looks happy and carefree since he retired.
- Jackson spent a long, carefree summer at his grandparents' cottage.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131228_6341a.wmv
There's no doubt that things have been going well for O-Kai. Some of their favorite foreign professional arrangers were happy to arrange songs for their album after the group approached them. O-Kai A Cappella was named one of the top 10 Taiwanese albums of 2012 because it brought something new to the table. Now their hard work and creativity has been rewarded with three Golden Melody Awards, Taiwan's highest honor for music. Rather than dwell on their own achievements, though, O-Kai thank God for His guidance and give honor to Him.
Looking forward
O-Kai continue to push forward with more performances and projects with no signs of their energy running low. As I am talking to them, Sean even uses spare moments to practice his vocal percussion. Before I hear them sing, they create a zoo of musical sounds to warm up, caring little if anyone hears. Though their schedule is packed, they still gather around their music like carefree children. Perhaps their hearts are still back in that village church around the piano.
Info Cloud
rest on one's laurel
to stop trying because one is satisfied with one's past achievements.
to be satisfied with what you have achieved and therefore stop trying to achieve anything new
laurel: a small tree with smooth shiny dark green leaves that do not fall in winter
laurel 是月桂樹的植物, 在古希臘中他被用來做為比賽勝力者的桂冠,
所以如果你 rest on your laurels 表示你沉浸在自己的成就中,而不思進取
你過去的成功也許非常精彩, 導至你不需要做任何事情
所以to rest on one's laurels 指的是停止嘗試, 不再前進,
因為你非常滿足過去的成功
今天課文提到 O-Kai 不沉浸在自己的成就中, 是感謝上帝的引導
其實在演藝介有不少上進的藝人會試途 reinvent 他們自己
意思是撤底改造自己, 讓自己有展新的一面再出發
Grammar Gym
zoo: a situation where there is a lot of confusion
- Before I hear them sing, they create a zoo of musical sounds to warm up, caring little if anyone hears.
- The teacher had only left her classroom for five minutes, but when she got back, it was a zoo.
- Brent avoids going to the mall during the holiday season in order to stay away from the zoo of shoppers.
Language Lab
bring to the table
bring something to the table
to provide something that will be a benefit
If you bring something to the table, you make a contribution or an offer in a discussion or negotiation.
- The new manager brought a lot of new ideas to the table.
- Gina was hired because she could bring her experience and insights to the department.
dwell on [phrasal verb]
dwell on/upon (something) to think or talk about (something) for a long time
dwell- dwelt (dwelled) / 現在分詞 dwelling
- For a long time, Frank dwelt on his past glory and could not move on.
vocal percussion n.
vocal : relating to the voice or to singing
percussion: musical instruments such as drums, bells etc which you play by hitting them
- The band's vocal percussion performance was brilliant.
- You must use different facial muscles to create a complex vocal percussion sound.
carefree n.
having no worries or problems
- Charles looks happy and carefree since he retired.
- Jackson spent a long, carefree summer at his grandparents' cottage.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131228_6341a.wmv
Friday, December 27, 2013
O-Kai (2)
Looking back
The spirit of aboriginal Taiwan is quite personal to O-Kai. In 1995, JC Lai (賴家慶) felt that spirit at just the right time in Hsinchu's Jianshi Village (尖石鄉). Feeling no purpose, JC's own spirit was fading away in hopelessness until he found this simple place. He had loved music since childhood, and he found others with an equal affection for it there. Many villagers sang in the local church as he played piano at their request every night. A fire of purpose, sparked by God, took flame in JC's heart at those get-togethers.
The three children of the church's piano player and choir leader struck up a relationship with JC. This chemistry led them to practice and perform together even though Jen, Sean and Anton were in school.
Determined to work together, JC taught piano lessons for several years until they finished their studies. Out of patience, passion and a love for music, the four formed O-Kai in 2004. Later the group added alto Tanya, performed internationally, won awards at various contests and produced an album.
Info Cloud
play instrument
若是要描寫不同樂器的演奏,
中文會用不同的字, 例如: 彈, 吹, 拉, 打, 等等...
英文所有樂器演奏都使用都是用 play
彈吉它 play the guitar
吹笛子 play the flute
打鼓 play the drums
play 要當及物動詞, 要用play the piano 而不是用play on the piano
當然也有些動詞是專門形容某種樂器的彈奏
例如: strum the guitar 彈播吉它的弦 / tickle the ivory 調播象牙 意指彈琴
Language Lab
affection n.
/əˈfɛkʃən/
a feeling of liking and caring for someone or something [noncount]
- Dad is a reserved person, so he seldom shows his affection for Mom.
- After staying here for the summer, we have developed an affection for this little town.
spark v.
a small piece of burning material that comes from a fire or is produced by rubbing or hitting two hard objects together
- The outlet suddenly sparked as I plugged in my hairdryer.
a quality that makes someone or something enjoyable, interesting, successful, etc.
to be the cause of something, especially trouble or violence [= provoke]:
- The mayor's careless comment sparked a heated debate. at one's request -- means someone asks you to do something
chemistry n.
the science that is concerned with studying the structure of substances and the way that they change or combine with each other
if there is chemistry between two people, they like each other and find each other attractive
- Brenda majored in chemistry in college.
- The chemistry between the leading actor and actress is wonderful in this movie.
contest n.
a competition or a situation in which two or more people or groups are competing with each other
- The finals of this TV singing contest made the headlines yesterday.
- Charlene participated in several beauty contests when she was a teen.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131227_61551.wmv
The spirit of aboriginal Taiwan is quite personal to O-Kai. In 1995, JC Lai (賴家慶) felt that spirit at just the right time in Hsinchu's Jianshi Village (尖石鄉). Feeling no purpose, JC's own spirit was fading away in hopelessness until he found this simple place. He had loved music since childhood, and he found others with an equal affection for it there. Many villagers sang in the local church as he played piano at their request every night. A fire of purpose, sparked by God, took flame in JC's heart at those get-togethers.
The three children of the church's piano player and choir leader struck up a relationship with JC. This chemistry led them to practice and perform together even though Jen, Sean and Anton were in school.
Determined to work together, JC taught piano lessons for several years until they finished their studies. Out of patience, passion and a love for music, the four formed O-Kai in 2004. Later the group added alto Tanya, performed internationally, won awards at various contests and produced an album.
Info Cloud
play instrument
若是要描寫不同樂器的演奏,
中文會用不同的字, 例如: 彈, 吹, 拉, 打, 等等...
英文所有樂器演奏都使用都是用 play
彈吉它 play the guitar
吹笛子 play the flute
打鼓 play the drums
play 要當及物動詞, 要用play the piano 而不是用play on the piano
當然也有些動詞是專門形容某種樂器的彈奏
例如: strum the guitar 彈播吉它的弦 / tickle the ivory 調播象牙 意指彈琴
Language Lab
affection n.
/əˈfɛkʃən/
a feeling of liking and caring for someone or something [noncount]
- Dad is a reserved person, so he seldom shows his affection for Mom.
- After staying here for the summer, we have developed an affection for this little town.
spark v.
a small piece of burning material that comes from a fire or is produced by rubbing or hitting two hard objects together
- The outlet suddenly sparked as I plugged in my hairdryer.
a quality that makes someone or something enjoyable, interesting, successful, etc.
to be the cause of something, especially trouble or violence [= provoke]:
- The mayor's careless comment sparked a heated debate. at one's request -- means someone asks you to do something
chemistry n.
the science that is concerned with studying the structure of substances and the way that they change or combine with each other
if there is chemistry between two people, they like each other and find each other attractive
- Brenda majored in chemistry in college.
- The chemistry between the leading actor and actress is wonderful in this movie.
contest n.
a competition or a situation in which two or more people or groups are competing with each other
- The finals of this TV singing contest made the headlines yesterday.
- Charlene participated in several beauty contests when she was a teen.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131227_61551.wmv
Thursday, December 26, 2013
O-Kai (1)
This group captures Taiwan’s native spirit in an unexpected way
When I hear Taiwanese aboriginal music, I imagine the kind, dark face of an old man singing memories. Yet, when O-Kai sings the Atayal song "Lahuy ta riax soni" ("We gather together"), it produces a very different effect.
Looking closely
O-Kai's first album is in part a government-funded attempt to preserve aboriginal music, particularly lesser-known songs. But where you might expect traditional performances of folk songs, you get O-Kai's original blend of styles.
You'll notice that the entire album is sung a cappella. O-Kai's members prove that they are very capable of complex harmonies and creative voice techniques. And beyond a cappella, O-Kai has also planted itself in the world of jazz. Of course, it is far from the first group to perform a cappella jazz. In fact, O-Kai marvels at many such groups, especially gospel group Take 6, which uses both jazz and R&B. However, O-Kai may be first to put a lively jazz stamp on the warm, joyful music of Taiwan's native people.
Info Cloud
a cappella
without instrumental music
英文當中有許多的外來語,
除了法文之外, 義大利文也占有一席之地,
之前課文關於咖啡文章的 espresso/cappuccino/latte/venti 咖啡用語源自義大利,
今天的課文 a cappella 指的是沒有樂器伴奏的清唱,
這個字也是源自於義大利文,
其實有許多音樂用字亦同,
例如: piano 鋼琴 / soprano 女高音/ tempo 節奏 / crescendo 漸強音
在文藝復興時期和巴洛克時期, 許多的作曲家都是義大利人
Language Lab
aboriginal adj.
relating to the people or animals that have existed in a place or country from the earliest times
aboriginal n.
/ˌæbəˈrɪʤənl̟/
an aborigine
- The aboriginal handicrafts on display were not for sale.
- The aboriginal people here are friendly and hospitable.
blend n.
a mixture of different things that combine together well:
- The blend of two different coffee beans creates a distinct aroma.
- The chef makes his own blend of flour to make pancakes.
blend v.
- Mix the egg whites and sugar until they are blended together.
harmony n.
/ˈhɑɚməni/
notes of music combined together in a pleasant way
- The complex vocal harmonies are difficult to master.
- The choir sang the song in perfect harmony.
- The politician devoted his life to racial harmony.
gospel n. 福音, adj. 福音的
the teachings of the Christian religion — usually used with the
- The pastor spent all his life preaching the Gospel.
- The pastor spent all his life preaching the Gospel.
a type of Christian music in which religious songs are sung very loudly
- Her gospel album was the hit of the year.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131226_f6042.wmv
When I hear Taiwanese aboriginal music, I imagine the kind, dark face of an old man singing memories. Yet, when O-Kai sings the Atayal song "Lahuy ta riax soni" ("We gather together"), it produces a very different effect.
Looking closely
O-Kai's first album is in part a government-funded attempt to preserve aboriginal music, particularly lesser-known songs. But where you might expect traditional performances of folk songs, you get O-Kai's original blend of styles.
You'll notice that the entire album is sung a cappella. O-Kai's members prove that they are very capable of complex harmonies and creative voice techniques. And beyond a cappella, O-Kai has also planted itself in the world of jazz. Of course, it is far from the first group to perform a cappella jazz. In fact, O-Kai marvels at many such groups, especially gospel group Take 6, which uses both jazz and R&B. However, O-Kai may be first to put a lively jazz stamp on the warm, joyful music of Taiwan's native people.
Info Cloud
a cappella
without instrumental music
英文當中有許多的外來語,
除了法文之外, 義大利文也占有一席之地,
之前課文關於咖啡文章的 espresso/cappuccino/latte/venti 咖啡用語源自義大利,
今天的課文 a cappella 指的是沒有樂器伴奏的清唱,
這個字也是源自於義大利文,
其實有許多音樂用字亦同,
例如: piano 鋼琴 / soprano 女高音/ tempo 節奏 / crescendo 漸強音
在文藝復興時期和巴洛克時期, 許多的作曲家都是義大利人
Language Lab
aboriginal adj.
relating to the people or animals that have existed in a place or country from the earliest times
aboriginal n.
/ˌæbəˈrɪʤənl̟/
an aborigine
- The aboriginal handicrafts on display were not for sale.
- The aboriginal people here are friendly and hospitable.
blend n.
a mixture of different things that combine together well:
- The blend of two different coffee beans creates a distinct aroma.
- The chef makes his own blend of flour to make pancakes.
blend v.
- Mix the egg whites and sugar until they are blended together.
harmony n.
/ˈhɑɚməni/
notes of music combined together in a pleasant way
- The complex vocal harmonies are difficult to master.
- The choir sang the song in perfect harmony.
- The politician devoted his life to racial harmony.
gospel n. 福音, adj. 福音的
the teachings of the Christian religion — usually used with the
- The pastor spent all his life preaching the Gospel.
- The pastor spent all his life preaching the Gospel.
a type of Christian music in which religious songs are sung very loudly
- Her gospel album was the hit of the year.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131226_f6042.wmv
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
What Child is This?
The answer is in this favorite Christmas
In his beautiful Christmas carol, William Chatterton Dix asks a question people down through the centuries have asked, "What child is this?"
Even today people wonder about this baby who was born in a manger in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. Dix provides some answers in this well-loved Christmas song.
The setting
Dix wrote the lyrics for the song in 1865 during a time when Christmas was not a large, commercial, materialistic celebration. Some religious people remembered the day and celebrated it in a quiet, solemn way. Others didn't celebrate the day at all.
The hymn's meaning
Dix was moved to write about witnesses at the manger scene who knew that this was no ordinary birth yet didn't really fully understand its significance. The writer described an infant who sleeps on his mother's lap, is guarded by shepherds, greeted by angels with sweet songs and worshiped by kings.
Dix then answers his initial question by declaring that the baby is "Christ the King," who brings salvation to all people. He concluded that for this reason, we should sing about Christ, worship him and be filled with joy! Jesus indeed gives us cause for celebration on this, His birthday, Christmas day!
Info Cloud
whom/who 關係代名詞, 表示誰
What Child is This?
歌詞中一段 This is Christ the King whom shepherds guard.
whom 作及物動詞的受格, guard為及物動詞
Whom did you meet this morning? 你今早遇見誰?
(meet為及物動詞) 正式用法仍使用whom
Grammar Gym
While shepherds watch are keeping?
watch: here means the duty or period of time of guarding something
- Hank is a security guard at a museum, and during his watch, he enjoys walking around the exhibits.
- The soldiers claimed that during their watch, they saw a mysterious aircraft fly over them.
Language Lab
materialistic adj. 物質主義的
- The girl became superficial and materialistic after she became famous.
superficial adj. 膚淺的
- After several years, Sam found his pursuit of materialistic goals meaningless.
solemn adj. 莊重的, 嚴肅的(n不發音)
- The boss was very solemn when he talked about the company's financial problems.
- Her bright jacket wasn't appropriate for the solemn occasion.
occasion n. 場面, 場合
- How are people moved?
worship v. 崇拜, 敬仰
- The worship leader of the church is also a famous entertainer.
worshipped/worshipping
- The aboriginals worshipped ravens in the old days.
salvation n. 救世, 救恩, 救贖, 救助
- The worship song is about Jesus's salvation.
- The dress I'm making is beyond salvation; I need to start over.
beyond salvation 無法補救
In his beautiful Christmas carol, William Chatterton Dix asks a question people down through the centuries have asked, "What child is this?"
Even today people wonder about this baby who was born in a manger in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. Dix provides some answers in this well-loved Christmas song.
The setting
Dix wrote the lyrics for the song in 1865 during a time when Christmas was not a large, commercial, materialistic celebration. Some religious people remembered the day and celebrated it in a quiet, solemn way. Others didn't celebrate the day at all.
The hymn's meaning
Dix was moved to write about witnesses at the manger scene who knew that this was no ordinary birth yet didn't really fully understand its significance. The writer described an infant who sleeps on his mother's lap, is guarded by shepherds, greeted by angels with sweet songs and worshiped by kings.
Dix then answers his initial question by declaring that the baby is "Christ the King," who brings salvation to all people. He concluded that for this reason, we should sing about Christ, worship him and be filled with joy! Jesus indeed gives us cause for celebration on this, His birthday, Christmas day!
Info Cloud
whom/who 關係代名詞, 表示誰
What Child is This?
歌詞中一段 This is Christ the King whom shepherds guard.
whom 作及物動詞的受格, guard為及物動詞
Whom did you meet this morning? 你今早遇見誰?
(meet為及物動詞) 正式用法仍使用whom
Grammar Gym
While shepherds watch are keeping?
watch: here means the duty or period of time of guarding something
- Hank is a security guard at a museum, and during his watch, he enjoys walking around the exhibits.
- The soldiers claimed that during their watch, they saw a mysterious aircraft fly over them.
Language Lab
materialistic adj. 物質主義的
- The girl became superficial and materialistic after she became famous.
superficial adj. 膚淺的
- After several years, Sam found his pursuit of materialistic goals meaningless.
solemn adj. 莊重的, 嚴肅的(n不發音)
- The boss was very solemn when he talked about the company's financial problems.
- Her bright jacket wasn't appropriate for the solemn occasion.
occasion n. 場面, 場合
- How are people moved?
worship v. 崇拜, 敬仰
- The worship leader of the church is also a famous entertainer.
worshipped/worshipping
- The aboriginals worshipped ravens in the old days.
salvation n. 救世, 救恩, 救贖, 救助
- The worship song is about Jesus's salvation.
- The dress I'm making is beyond salvation; I need to start over.
beyond salvation 無法補救
Friday, December 20, 2013
Planning for the Future
Plan for all the possibilities
Ben: Hey, Uncle Bob. How are you today?
Uncle Bob: I'm doing well, Ben. Actually, I have some big news to share with you.
Ben: What is it?
Uncle Bob: Well, your Aunt June and I are moving to Hawaii.
Ben: Hawaii? Why Hawaii?
Uncle Bob: We've always loved Hawaii, and now that we're retire, there's nothing to stop us from spending more time there. We've been contemplating a change of scenery for some time.
Ben: Wow, That is big news. Are you planning to keep your place here?
Uncle Bob: Sure. We've purchased a condo in Hawaii, but we're only planning to live there during the winter.
-----
Ben: That's great, Uncle Bob. I can see Hawaii is beckoning, but I don't know what I'll do if you aren't around.
Uncle Bob: Thanks, Ben, but I doubt you'll need me that badly.
Ben: Seriously, Uncle Bob, I'm pretty sure my business will go under without your advice.
Uncle Bob: That's a bit premature. You've built that business with a lot of time and hard work.
Ben: I have put a lot of work into it, but there are still so many things I'm unsure of.
Uncle Bob: Like what?
Ben: Well, I still have lots of questions, and I'm really not sure which direction the company is headed.
-----
Uncle Bob: What? I've read your business plan, and it was very clear.
Ben: Right. It was clear, but you'd be stunned by how much my industry has changed in the last year.
Uncle Bob: That's just the way business is, Ben.
Ben: I know, but what can I do about it?
Uncle Bob: Well, Ben, you need to take some initiative. You need to refocus on your business plan.
Ben: Refocus?
Uncle Bob: Sure. When we first talked about business plans, I told you that they need to evolve over time.
Ben: I get that. That's why I've worked hard to stay abreast of changes that are happening in the industry.
Uncle Bob: I know you have. But sometimes being aware of changes isn't enough. Sometimes you need to get ahead of the changes in order to stay relevant.
Ben: How do I do that?
Uncle Bob: I think the main thing is to look at prospective changes in your industry and to consider how you might deal with them.
Ben: You mean I should plan for things that might happen and not just react to things that have happened.
Uncle Bob: Exactly, Ben. You see, you don't need me at all.
Ben: I'll always need you, Uncle Bob. Uncle Bob: Then you'll have to come and visit Hawaii.
Ben: Now that's good advice!
Info Cloud
news [noncount] 不可數名詞, 要和單數動詞連用
Is there any news? No, there is not much news.
(注意要用much 而不是用many)
今天課文裡說到 I have some big news to share with you.
some 可接可數或不可數名詞來修飾
課文裡回答 Wow. That is big news.
(注意不要說 a big news, 因為不定冠詞 a 只能用於可數名詞)
要數一則一則的新聞可以用 item, report, story 來說明哪則報導
Did you see the news report about the train crash?
Language Lab
contemplate v.
/ˈkɑ:ntəmˌpleɪt/
to think deeply or carefully about (something)
- For a long time, Timothy has been contemplating a career change.
- Nathan contemplated moving to the suburbs but gave up the idea because of the long commute.
condo n. condominium
/ˌkɑ:ndəˈmɪnijəm/
a room or set of rooms that is owned by the people who live there and that is part of a larger building containing other similar sets of rooms — compare apartment
- Jacob and his wife and kids live in a condo near the beach.
condo / apartment
apartment
a usually rented room or set of rooms that is part of a building and is used as a place to live
beckon v.
/ˈbɛkən/
to attract (someone or something)
- The beautiful dress in the window is beckoning me.
- The long, sandy beach is beckoning swimmers and sunbathers.
premature adj. [pre 字首-之前/ mature成熟]
happening too soon or earlier than usual
- The premature baby stayed in the incubator for a week.
- It's still too premature to predict who's going to win the election.
Ben: Hey, Uncle Bob. How are you today?
Uncle Bob: I'm doing well, Ben. Actually, I have some big news to share with you.
Ben: What is it?
Uncle Bob: Well, your Aunt June and I are moving to Hawaii.
Ben: Hawaii? Why Hawaii?
Uncle Bob: We've always loved Hawaii, and now that we're retire, there's nothing to stop us from spending more time there. We've been contemplating a change of scenery for some time.
Ben: Wow, That is big news. Are you planning to keep your place here?
Uncle Bob: Sure. We've purchased a condo in Hawaii, but we're only planning to live there during the winter.
-----
Ben: That's great, Uncle Bob. I can see Hawaii is beckoning, but I don't know what I'll do if you aren't around.
Uncle Bob: Thanks, Ben, but I doubt you'll need me that badly.
Ben: Seriously, Uncle Bob, I'm pretty sure my business will go under without your advice.
Uncle Bob: That's a bit premature. You've built that business with a lot of time and hard work.
Ben: I have put a lot of work into it, but there are still so many things I'm unsure of.
Uncle Bob: Like what?
Ben: Well, I still have lots of questions, and I'm really not sure which direction the company is headed.
-----
Uncle Bob: What? I've read your business plan, and it was very clear.
Ben: Right. It was clear, but you'd be stunned by how much my industry has changed in the last year.
Uncle Bob: That's just the way business is, Ben.
Ben: I know, but what can I do about it?
Uncle Bob: Well, Ben, you need to take some initiative. You need to refocus on your business plan.
Ben: Refocus?
Uncle Bob: Sure. When we first talked about business plans, I told you that they need to evolve over time.
Ben: I get that. That's why I've worked hard to stay abreast of changes that are happening in the industry.
Uncle Bob: I know you have. But sometimes being aware of changes isn't enough. Sometimes you need to get ahead of the changes in order to stay relevant.
Ben: How do I do that?
Uncle Bob: I think the main thing is to look at prospective changes in your industry and to consider how you might deal with them.
Ben: You mean I should plan for things that might happen and not just react to things that have happened.
Uncle Bob: Exactly, Ben. You see, you don't need me at all.
Ben: I'll always need you, Uncle Bob. Uncle Bob: Then you'll have to come and visit Hawaii.
Ben: Now that's good advice!
Info Cloud
news [noncount] 不可數名詞, 要和單數動詞連用
Is there any news? No, there is not much news.
(注意要用much 而不是用many)
今天課文裡說到 I have some big news to share with you.
some 可接可數或不可數名詞來修飾
課文裡回答 Wow. That is big news.
(注意不要說 a big news, 因為不定冠詞 a 只能用於可數名詞)
要數一則一則的新聞可以用 item, report, story 來說明哪則報導
Did you see the news report about the train crash?
Language Lab
contemplate v.
/ˈkɑ:ntəmˌpleɪt/
to think deeply or carefully about (something)
- For a long time, Timothy has been contemplating a career change.
- Nathan contemplated moving to the suburbs but gave up the idea because of the long commute.
condo n. condominium
/ˌkɑ:ndəˈmɪnijəm/
a room or set of rooms that is owned by the people who live there and that is part of a larger building containing other similar sets of rooms — compare apartment
- Jacob and his wife and kids live in a condo near the beach.
condo / apartment
apartment
a usually rented room or set of rooms that is part of a building and is used as a place to live
beckon v.
/ˈbɛkən/
to attract (someone or something)
- The beautiful dress in the window is beckoning me.
- The long, sandy beach is beckoning swimmers and sunbathers.
premature adj. [pre 字首-之前/ mature成熟]
happening too soon or earlier than usual
- The premature baby stayed in the incubator for a week.
- It's still too premature to predict who's going to win the election.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Coffee Culture
Learn the language you need to order coffee
Could you order coffee in English or would you become tongue-tied? If you would, you might need a lesson in coffee language.
Size
If you order a small, medium or large coffee, they'll know what you mean. But you'll be considered an amateur. Instead, ask for a "tall," "grande" or "venti."
Coffee names
Espresso: a strong coffee made by forcing hot water through ground coffee beans
Espresso Creme: expresso served with an ounce of cream
Shot: a measure of espresso. You can add an "extra shot" to any coffee drink.
Cappuccino: expresso made with foamy milk on top
Cappuccino Mochaccino: cappuccino with chocolate
Latte: espresso made with steamed milk
Latte Granita: espresso made with frozen milk and sugar
Latte Mocha: latte with chocolate
Latte: espresso made with steamed milk
Latte Granita: espresso made with frozen milk and sugar
Latte Mocha: latte with chocolate
White coffee: coffee beans that aren't roasted as long as regular beans, resulting in a lighter coffee
Decaffeinated: no caffeine in your coffee
Skinny: espresso made with skim milk and sugar-free syrup
The next time you order coffee, use some of your newly acquired language. If you order a "grande decaffeinated cappuccion mochaccion," you're certain to sound impressive!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: How Do You Take Your Coffee?
Just like when you order a cold drink at a tea stand, you need to answer a few questions when you order a coffee at a coffee shop.
Right. Because you'll likely be asked, "How do you take your coffee?" And that just means what you'd like to put in your coffee, if anything.
Do you take sugar, milk, or cream? If you're like me, you can say your prefer your coffee with cream and sugar. How about you, Ken?
I prefer nothing. Just give it to me black, so I can enjoy everything the bean has to be offer.
Then, you're a purist. Drinking it black is an acquired taste, and I for one haven't acquired it.
No worries. There are as many ways to take your coffee as there are kinds of people. Some people even take it with a dash of salt.
OK. Let's look at another frequently asked question when we order coffee.
Would you like regular or decaf?
In this case, regular means coffee that has caffeine in it, while decaf does not.
And, decaf is short for decaffeinated, meaning the caffeine has been removed from the coffee beans.
1.
Quesion: How do you take your coffee?
Answer: Blak, with cream only, or with cream and sugar.
2.
decaf: decaffeinated coffee
Grammar Gym
"If you order a "grande decaffeinated cappuccion mochaccion," you're certain to sound impressive!"
certain to
certainly or definitely
- If I show up late, I am certain to get in trouble.
- The company is certain to launch their new product next month.
Language Lab
amateur n.
/ˈæməˌtɚ/
1 : a person who does something (such as a sport or hobby) for pleasure and not as a job
2 : a person who does something poorly : a person who is not skillful at a job or other activity
- You can tell the girl is just an amateur by the way she sings.
professional (pro)
- Even though Claire is just an amateur, she acts better than many pros.
grind v. [grind-ground-ground]
to crush or break (something) into very small pieces by rubbing it against a rough surface or using a special machine
- Gloria had the coffee beans ground by the store.
- The smell of freshly ground coffee fills the kitchen.
foamy adj.
producing or consisting of foam
[foam]
a mass of small bubbles that are formed in or on a liquid
- We stood on the beach watching the foamy waves.
- My kids love a foamy bubble bath.
skim milk n.
milk from which all the cream and fat has been removed —called also (chiefly Brit) skimmed milk
skim n.
to remove a layer of something from the surface of a liquid
- Vivian drinks only skim milk to maintain her weight.
whole milk n.
whole adj.
low-fat milk
half-and-half
[note to self]
(Has the) Cat got your tongue.
Why are you not saying anything? (Often said by adults to children.)
A question addressed to someone who is inexplicably silent.
Could you order coffee in English or would you become tongue-tied? If you would, you might need a lesson in coffee language.
Size
If you order a small, medium or large coffee, they'll know what you mean. But you'll be considered an amateur. Instead, ask for a "tall," "grande" or "venti."
Coffee names
Espresso: a strong coffee made by forcing hot water through ground coffee beans
Espresso Creme: expresso served with an ounce of cream
Shot: a measure of espresso. You can add an "extra shot" to any coffee drink.
Cappuccino: expresso made with foamy milk on top
Cappuccino Mochaccino: cappuccino with chocolate
Latte: espresso made with steamed milk
Latte Granita: espresso made with frozen milk and sugar
Latte Mocha: latte with chocolate
Latte: espresso made with steamed milk
Latte Granita: espresso made with frozen milk and sugar
Latte Mocha: latte with chocolate
White coffee: coffee beans that aren't roasted as long as regular beans, resulting in a lighter coffee
Decaffeinated: no caffeine in your coffee
Skinny: espresso made with skim milk and sugar-free syrup
The next time you order coffee, use some of your newly acquired language. If you order a "grande decaffeinated cappuccion mochaccion," you're certain to sound impressive!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: How Do You Take Your Coffee?
Just like when you order a cold drink at a tea stand, you need to answer a few questions when you order a coffee at a coffee shop.
Right. Because you'll likely be asked, "How do you take your coffee?" And that just means what you'd like to put in your coffee, if anything.
Do you take sugar, milk, or cream? If you're like me, you can say your prefer your coffee with cream and sugar. How about you, Ken?
I prefer nothing. Just give it to me black, so I can enjoy everything the bean has to be offer.
Then, you're a purist. Drinking it black is an acquired taste, and I for one haven't acquired it.
No worries. There are as many ways to take your coffee as there are kinds of people. Some people even take it with a dash of salt.
OK. Let's look at another frequently asked question when we order coffee.
Would you like regular or decaf?
In this case, regular means coffee that has caffeine in it, while decaf does not.
And, decaf is short for decaffeinated, meaning the caffeine has been removed from the coffee beans.
1.
Quesion: How do you take your coffee?
Answer: Blak, with cream only, or with cream and sugar.
2.
decaf: decaffeinated coffee
Grammar Gym
"If you order a "grande decaffeinated cappuccion mochaccion," you're certain to sound impressive!"
certain to
certainly or definitely
- If I show up late, I am certain to get in trouble.
- The company is certain to launch their new product next month.
Language Lab
amateur n.
/ˈæməˌtɚ/
1 : a person who does something (such as a sport or hobby) for pleasure and not as a job
2 : a person who does something poorly : a person who is not skillful at a job or other activity
- You can tell the girl is just an amateur by the way she sings.
professional (pro)
- Even though Claire is just an amateur, she acts better than many pros.
grind v. [grind-ground-ground]
to crush or break (something) into very small pieces by rubbing it against a rough surface or using a special machine
- Gloria had the coffee beans ground by the store.
- The smell of freshly ground coffee fills the kitchen.
foamy adj.
producing or consisting of foam
[foam]
a mass of small bubbles that are formed in or on a liquid
- We stood on the beach watching the foamy waves.
- My kids love a foamy bubble bath.
skim milk n.
milk from which all the cream and fat has been removed —called also (chiefly Brit) skimmed milk
skim n.
to remove a layer of something from the surface of a liquid
- Vivian drinks only skim milk to maintain her weight.
whole milk n.
whole adj.
low-fat milk
half-and-half
[note to self]
(Has the) Cat got your tongue.
Why are you not saying anything? (Often said by adults to children.)
A question addressed to someone who is inexplicably silent.
Monday, December 16, 2013
1919
Their motto – To save, to save
"Instead of just giving money, you can see how it's used and meet the people it helps. It doesn't take that much to be a blessing to others," says Steven Pan. Steven is one of the bicyclists in the "1919 Ride for Love" campaign. Started in 2002 as a project of the Chinese Christian Relief Association, the "1919 Ride for Love" serves the poorest of the poor. Three yearly biking events enable 1919 to raise awareness and funds.
Accompany Riding
On eight Saturdays from October through December, "Accompany Riding" events take place. Each events is around 25 kilometers. A total of 10,000 people participate. The entire family can join and fun.
The Challenge
The first Saturday in October around 1,000 riders bike 30 kilometers and engage in activities from rope climbing to scavenger hunts.
The Ride for Love
From December 22 to January 4, 38 people will ride around the island. These biking enthusiasts raise at least NT$75,000 each to participate. Plus, they pay NT$30,000 for food and hotels. They stop twice a day at supported villages and are always met with a hearty welcome. "Meeting kids in countryside villages with basically nothing is a very moving experience," states Steven.
Info Cloud
biker n. motorcyclist 摩托車騎士, 因為 bike 是 motorbike 的簡稱
cyclist n. 專業的自行車運動騎士, 像是參加環法自行車賽的選手
bicyclists n. 一般騎腳踏車的人
Grammar Gym
"Meeting kids in countryside villages with basically nothing is a very moving experience.
"moving experience: an experience that involves strong feelings
moving: with very strong feelings, often times to the point of crying
- Watching movie can be a moving experience.
- It was a moving experience watching the bride and groom express their gratitude to their parents.
Language Lab
blessing n. 祝福
something that you have or something that happens which is good because it improves your life, helps you in some way, or makes you happy:
- One of the blessings of living close to my parents is that I can see them a lot.
bless v. 祝福, 保佑, 為...祈福
to ask God to care for and protect (someone or something)
- Bless you, my darling!
Chinese Christian Relief Association n. 中華基督教救助協會
relief n. 解脫, 欣慰, 安心, 救濟, 救濟物資
a feeling of comfort when something frightening, worrying, or painful has ended or has not happened [↪ relieve]
- An international relief operation was activated to help the tsunami victims.
accompany v. 陪伴, 伴隨 [ac字首-去/company 陪伴, 陪同]
to go somewhere with (someone) : to be a companion for (someone)
- Andrew insisted on accompanying us home.
- Patrick accompanied his grandmother when she went to the hospital for a checkup.
scavenger n. 清道夫, 撿破爛的人, 拾荒者, 清潔工, 食腐動物
/ˈskævənʤ/
to search through waste, junk, etc., for something that can be saved or used [no obj] — often + for
- At the dump site, you can see hundreds of scavengers looking for things they can use.
scavenger hunt n. 尋寶遊戲
a game in which players try to find specified items within a particular period of time
- The kids had a great time on a scavenger hunt in the backyard.
"Instead of just giving money, you can see how it's used and meet the people it helps. It doesn't take that much to be a blessing to others," says Steven Pan. Steven is one of the bicyclists in the "1919 Ride for Love" campaign. Started in 2002 as a project of the Chinese Christian Relief Association, the "1919 Ride for Love" serves the poorest of the poor. Three yearly biking events enable 1919 to raise awareness and funds.
Accompany Riding
On eight Saturdays from October through December, "Accompany Riding" events take place. Each events is around 25 kilometers. A total of 10,000 people participate. The entire family can join and fun.
The Challenge
The first Saturday in October around 1,000 riders bike 30 kilometers and engage in activities from rope climbing to scavenger hunts.
The Ride for Love
From December 22 to January 4, 38 people will ride around the island. These biking enthusiasts raise at least NT$75,000 each to participate. Plus, they pay NT$30,000 for food and hotels. They stop twice a day at supported villages and are always met with a hearty welcome. "Meeting kids in countryside villages with basically nothing is a very moving experience," states Steven.
Info Cloud
biker n. motorcyclist 摩托車騎士, 因為 bike 是 motorbike 的簡稱
cyclist n. 專業的自行車運動騎士, 像是參加環法自行車賽的選手
bicyclists n. 一般騎腳踏車的人
Grammar Gym
"Meeting kids in countryside villages with basically nothing is a very moving experience.
"moving experience: an experience that involves strong feelings
moving: with very strong feelings, often times to the point of crying
- Watching movie can be a moving experience.
- It was a moving experience watching the bride and groom express their gratitude to their parents.
Language Lab
blessing n. 祝福
something that you have or something that happens which is good because it improves your life, helps you in some way, or makes you happy:
- One of the blessings of living close to my parents is that I can see them a lot.
bless v. 祝福, 保佑, 為...祈福
to ask God to care for and protect (someone or something)
- Bless you, my darling!
Chinese Christian Relief Association n. 中華基督教救助協會
relief n. 解脫, 欣慰, 安心, 救濟, 救濟物資
a feeling of comfort when something frightening, worrying, or painful has ended or has not happened [↪ relieve]
- An international relief operation was activated to help the tsunami victims.
accompany v. 陪伴, 伴隨 [ac字首-去/company 陪伴, 陪同]
to go somewhere with (someone) : to be a companion for (someone)
- Andrew insisted on accompanying us home.
- Patrick accompanied his grandmother when she went to the hospital for a checkup.
scavenger n. 清道夫, 撿破爛的人, 拾荒者, 清潔工, 食腐動物
/ˈskævənʤ/
to search through waste, junk, etc., for something that can be saved or used [no obj] — often + for
- At the dump site, you can see hundreds of scavengers looking for things they can use.
scavenger hunt n. 尋寶遊戲
a game in which players try to find specified items within a particular period of time
- The kids had a great time on a scavenger hunt in the backyard.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
All About Bikes (1)(2)(3)
Grab your bike and hit the road!
When did you first learn to ride a bike? Even if it was long ago, chances are you still remember how. With bikes available for many different styles of riding, there's no excuse not to get out and ride!
Bikes for commuting
For getting to work, you'll want a bike that's comfortable and sturdy. Choose one that can handle going across holes in the road. Popular choices include mountain bikes and hybrid bikes, also known as cross bikes. Of the two, hybrids offer a more comfortable ride since they are lighter and have smoother tires. A cheaper alternative is a city bike. It may be less attractive, but it offers a more comfortable seat.
Bikes for exploring
For riding through mud and over rocks and surfaces that aren't paved, nothing beats a mountain bike! These bikes are designed to be ridden on dirt or rocky trails. They have low gears that help riders handle steep trails. Nearly all mountain bikes offer a front shock. Bikes with both front and rear shocks can handle large bumps.
Bikes built for speed
If going fast is your goal, you'll want to choose a road bike. These bikes are lighter than other bikes, so riders can go faster. The downside is that their frames aren't made to handle riding over small holes in the road. But for pushing the limits of speed, nothing beats a road bike. The style of handlebars normally used on road bikes forces riders to bend forward while pedaling. This position offers less wind resistance and makes faster speeds possible. Road bikes come with more gears than other bikes, so riders can go up and down steep mountain roads more easily.
Bike care and maintenance
Whatever bike you choose to ride, bike company Merida suggests doing a few things before every ride.
These include checking and greasing the chain, checking the tire pressure and testing the brakes. For new bikes, Merida recommends and inspection after three to six weeks of riding. The reason? Several parts on the bike will shift and change, so fixing them will help your bike last longer.
Getting the appropriate fit
Choose a bike with a frame height that fits your body. When you are standing over the bike, there should be a comfortable distance between the top bar and your body. The recommended distance is 25 to 50 millimeters for road bikes and 40 to 100 millimeters for mountains bikes. Next, adjust the seat height. Getting the right height will help you feel comfortable while pedaling. Move the seat until your leg is slightly bent when the pedal is at its lowest point. Finally, adjust your bike's handlebars so that you can reach them with your elbows slightly bent.
Supporting the biking community
If you're eager to start riding, Merida sponsors several community activities that help spread the love of biking. This past summer, they sponsored a bike DIY camp for youth in Taipei. Participants gained experience in bike assembly and maintenance as well as learned proper riding techniques. The company also encourages bicyclists to ride in 1919's annual charity bike event. Whether you're young or old, there's nothing like biking. Get out and pedal today!
When did you first learn to ride a bike? Even if it was long ago, chances are you still remember how. With bikes available for many different styles of riding, there's no excuse not to get out and ride!
Bikes for commuting
For getting to work, you'll want a bike that's comfortable and sturdy. Choose one that can handle going across holes in the road. Popular choices include mountain bikes and hybrid bikes, also known as cross bikes. Of the two, hybrids offer a more comfortable ride since they are lighter and have smoother tires. A cheaper alternative is a city bike. It may be less attractive, but it offers a more comfortable seat.
Bikes for exploring
For riding through mud and over rocks and surfaces that aren't paved, nothing beats a mountain bike! These bikes are designed to be ridden on dirt or rocky trails. They have low gears that help riders handle steep trails. Nearly all mountain bikes offer a front shock. Bikes with both front and rear shocks can handle large bumps.
Bikes built for speed
If going fast is your goal, you'll want to choose a road bike. These bikes are lighter than other bikes, so riders can go faster. The downside is that their frames aren't made to handle riding over small holes in the road. But for pushing the limits of speed, nothing beats a road bike. The style of handlebars normally used on road bikes forces riders to bend forward while pedaling. This position offers less wind resistance and makes faster speeds possible. Road bikes come with more gears than other bikes, so riders can go up and down steep mountain roads more easily.
Bike care and maintenance
Whatever bike you choose to ride, bike company Merida suggests doing a few things before every ride.
These include checking and greasing the chain, checking the tire pressure and testing the brakes. For new bikes, Merida recommends and inspection after three to six weeks of riding. The reason? Several parts on the bike will shift and change, so fixing them will help your bike last longer.
Getting the appropriate fit
Choose a bike with a frame height that fits your body. When you are standing over the bike, there should be a comfortable distance between the top bar and your body. The recommended distance is 25 to 50 millimeters for road bikes and 40 to 100 millimeters for mountains bikes. Next, adjust the seat height. Getting the right height will help you feel comfortable while pedaling. Move the seat until your leg is slightly bent when the pedal is at its lowest point. Finally, adjust your bike's handlebars so that you can reach them with your elbows slightly bent.
Supporting the biking community
If you're eager to start riding, Merida sponsors several community activities that help spread the love of biking. This past summer, they sponsored a bike DIY camp for youth in Taipei. Participants gained experience in bike assembly and maintenance as well as learned proper riding techniques. The company also encourages bicyclists to ride in 1919's annual charity bike event. Whether you're young or old, there's nothing like biking. Get out and pedal today!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Happy Facts
These fun facts are sure to make you smile
Here are some things you can be happy about even if you're having a bad day.
Cartoon romance: Wayne Allwine was the voice of Mickey Mouse in many cartoons. He married Russi Taylor, who supplied Minnie Mouse's voice.
Friendly cows: Cows form close bonds with other cows. They have best friends and feel stressed if they are separated from their friends.
Rabbit sports: In a Swedish sport, rabbits hop through courses with jumps of different heights and lengths. The sport has spread throughout Europe, the U.S. Canada and even Japan.
Hanging on: Otters hold hands when they sleep. This stops them from drifting away from each other.
Hugs heal: When you touch another person, your body produces a hormone called oxytocin. Studies suggest that oxytocin actually helps heal physical wounds.
Superheroes visit sick children: Sometimes window washers at children's hospitals wear superhero costumes. The kids love these visits from their favorite characters.
Remember these, and you'll always have a reason to smile.
Info Cloud
hugs heal
擁抱可以療傷, 但對東方人來說談何容易,
在西方文化, 擁抱是很平常的舉動,
父母之間, 兄弟姊妹, 好朋友之間, 都有擁抱的習慣,
見面的時候會擁抱, 道別時也會擁抱, 甚至親吻,
好朋友寫信寫email的時候, 常常會在結尾畫出二個ooxx,
這是代表 hugs and kisses 擁抱和親親,
也許你會覺得不需要用支體來表達人與人之間的友好和親近,
但你到了西方國家, 你會發現擁抱是生活的一部份,
久了以後也就習以為常了
Grammar Gym
"In a Swedish sport, rabbits hop through courses with jumps of different heights and lengths."
(something ) of different (description 1) and (description 2).
- use on describe "different kinds of (something).
- At the hair salon, I saw pictures of models with hairstyles of different colors and cuts.
- It was hard for Sarah to pick out a bike at the bike shop; there were bikes of all styles and sizes for her to choose from.
- When you walk into the candy store, you are surrounded by these delicious treats in different shapes and flavors.
Language Lab
romance n.
an exciting and often short relationship between two people who love each other
- After a whirlwind romance, the couple got married in Hawaii last week.
the feeling of being in love
- Despite the distance between Mark and Terri, their romance blossomed.
bond n.
/ˈbɑ:nd/
something that unites two or more people or groups, such as love, or a shared interest or idea [↪ tie]
- A bond between the nanny and the baby quickly formed.
- The volunteers came from different walks of life, but they shared a common bond.
bond v.
to form a close relationship with someone — often + with
- The teacher bonds with her students easily.
drift v. [intransitive] 不及物動詞, +介系詞+受詞
to move slowly on water or in the air
- We drifted down the stream and finally reached a river.
- The couple drifted apart after they graduated from school.
costume n.
a set of clothes worn by an actor or by someone to make them look like something such as an animal, famous person etc [↪ outfit]:
- All the costumes for this play were handmade by the the director's wife.
- The costume designer won several awards because of this film.
Here are some things you can be happy about even if you're having a bad day.
Cartoon romance: Wayne Allwine was the voice of Mickey Mouse in many cartoons. He married Russi Taylor, who supplied Minnie Mouse's voice.
Friendly cows: Cows form close bonds with other cows. They have best friends and feel stressed if they are separated from their friends.
Rabbit sports: In a Swedish sport, rabbits hop through courses with jumps of different heights and lengths. The sport has spread throughout Europe, the U.S. Canada and even Japan.
Hanging on: Otters hold hands when they sleep. This stops them from drifting away from each other.
Hugs heal: When you touch another person, your body produces a hormone called oxytocin. Studies suggest that oxytocin actually helps heal physical wounds.
Superheroes visit sick children: Sometimes window washers at children's hospitals wear superhero costumes. The kids love these visits from their favorite characters.
Remember these, and you'll always have a reason to smile.
Info Cloud
hugs heal
擁抱可以療傷, 但對東方人來說談何容易,
在西方文化, 擁抱是很平常的舉動,
父母之間, 兄弟姊妹, 好朋友之間, 都有擁抱的習慣,
見面的時候會擁抱, 道別時也會擁抱, 甚至親吻,
好朋友寫信寫email的時候, 常常會在結尾畫出二個ooxx,
這是代表 hugs and kisses 擁抱和親親,
也許你會覺得不需要用支體來表達人與人之間的友好和親近,
但你到了西方國家, 你會發現擁抱是生活的一部份,
久了以後也就習以為常了
Grammar Gym
"In a Swedish sport, rabbits hop through courses with jumps of different heights and lengths."
(something ) of different (description 1) and (description 2).
- use on describe "different kinds of (something).
- At the hair salon, I saw pictures of models with hairstyles of different colors and cuts.
- It was hard for Sarah to pick out a bike at the bike shop; there were bikes of all styles and sizes for her to choose from.
- When you walk into the candy store, you are surrounded by these delicious treats in different shapes and flavors.
Language Lab
romance n.
an exciting and often short relationship between two people who love each other
- After a whirlwind romance, the couple got married in Hawaii last week.
the feeling of being in love
- Despite the distance between Mark and Terri, their romance blossomed.
bond n.
/ˈbɑ:nd/
something that unites two or more people or groups, such as love, or a shared interest or idea [↪ tie]
- A bond between the nanny and the baby quickly formed.
- The volunteers came from different walks of life, but they shared a common bond.
bond v.
to form a close relationship with someone — often + with
- The teacher bonds with her students easily.
drift v. [intransitive] 不及物動詞, +介系詞+受詞
to move slowly on water or in the air
- We drifted down the stream and finally reached a river.
- The couple drifted apart after they graduated from school.
costume n.
a set of clothes worn by an actor or by someone to make them look like something such as an animal, famous person etc [↪ outfit]:
- All the costumes for this play were handmade by the the director's wife.
- The costume designer won several awards because of this film.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Things to Do in Madrid (2)
A taste of Egypt
Visitors strolling through the Parque del Oeste will come upon a little bit of Egypt in the heart of Spain - the Debod Temple. Originally located in southern Egypt, the structure was donated to Spain in 1968, rebuilt and opened to the public in 1972.
Entertainment
No trip to Madrid is complete without seeing a performance of Spain's famous art form, flamenco.
Every day, flamenco performers sing, dance or play the guitar in small cafes and grand theaters alike.
Over the years, famous celebrities have traveled to madrid to see this famous folk art.
Food
Madird has wide assortment of restaurants, but because the Spanish typically eat late - around 9 or 10 p.m.
- it's difficult to find good dinner food earlier. If you get hungry before then, the best solution is to try a tapas bar where light snack are served. Be sure to try the jamon, dry-cured ham; Spain is famous for it.
Time for a break
After a day of touring, relax in 350-acre Retiro Park, with its beautiful gardens, fish pond and lake.
It is the perfect place to reflect on all you've enjoyed in this marvelous Spanish city.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: When Spaniards Eat
If you ever visit Spain, and you want to blend in with the locals and get an authentic feel for the culture, you'll need to be very flexible about when you eat your meals.
Right! Because the Spaniards have unquestionably one of the most unusual eating schedules in the world.
OK. A typical Spanish day starts at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast - nothing unusual there.
But, then, around 11:30, they have a mid-morning snack, bigger than a coffee break, but smaller than a proper sit down meal.
Two hours after that - lunch.
Now, the two hour lunch break isn't necessarily for napping.
It's to give workers plenty of time to go home, make lunch, and eat it.
At four o'clock, it's back to work.
Then, around six, there might be another little snack to hold them over until dinner time.
Now, at nine o'clock, dinner time is considered early.
A ten o'clock dinner time is more the norm.
But because it's so late in the day, dinner isn't normally a big heavy meal.
So, that's how the Spanish do it.
They have five meals a day, instead of three.
I think I can get used to that.
Language Lab
stroll v.[I]
to walk slowly in usually a pleasant and relaxed way [no obj]
- We strolled down the street after lunch.
- While strolling in town, we found several interesting stores.
performer n.
a person (such as an actor or a musician) who acts, sings, dances, etc., for an audience
perform v.
to do an action or activity that usually requires training or skill
- The circus performers all came from Russia.
performance n.
the way an actor performs a part in a play, movie, etc.
an activity (such as singing a song or acting in a play) that a person or group does to entertain an audience
- The dancers' outstanding performance won them the first prize.
assortment n.
a group or collection of different things or people
- The store offers a good assortment of ingredients for Italian cuisine.
assort v.
place in a group; classify.
- Tanya's clothes are assorted by season.
marvelous adj.
extremely good or enjoyable : wonderful
- The actor's marvelous interpretation of the character touched the entire audience.
- The result of the treatment is marvelous.
Visitors strolling through the Parque del Oeste will come upon a little bit of Egypt in the heart of Spain - the Debod Temple. Originally located in southern Egypt, the structure was donated to Spain in 1968, rebuilt and opened to the public in 1972.
Entertainment
No trip to Madrid is complete without seeing a performance of Spain's famous art form, flamenco.
Every day, flamenco performers sing, dance or play the guitar in small cafes and grand theaters alike.
Over the years, famous celebrities have traveled to madrid to see this famous folk art.
Food
Madird has wide assortment of restaurants, but because the Spanish typically eat late - around 9 or 10 p.m.
- it's difficult to find good dinner food earlier. If you get hungry before then, the best solution is to try a tapas bar where light snack are served. Be sure to try the jamon, dry-cured ham; Spain is famous for it.
Time for a break
After a day of touring, relax in 350-acre Retiro Park, with its beautiful gardens, fish pond and lake.
It is the perfect place to reflect on all you've enjoyed in this marvelous Spanish city.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: When Spaniards Eat
If you ever visit Spain, and you want to blend in with the locals and get an authentic feel for the culture, you'll need to be very flexible about when you eat your meals.
Right! Because the Spaniards have unquestionably one of the most unusual eating schedules in the world.
OK. A typical Spanish day starts at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast - nothing unusual there.
But, then, around 11:30, they have a mid-morning snack, bigger than a coffee break, but smaller than a proper sit down meal.
Two hours after that - lunch.
Now, the two hour lunch break isn't necessarily for napping.
It's to give workers plenty of time to go home, make lunch, and eat it.
At four o'clock, it's back to work.
Then, around six, there might be another little snack to hold them over until dinner time.
Now, at nine o'clock, dinner time is considered early.
A ten o'clock dinner time is more the norm.
But because it's so late in the day, dinner isn't normally a big heavy meal.
So, that's how the Spanish do it.
They have five meals a day, instead of three.
I think I can get used to that.
Language Lab
stroll v.[I]
to walk slowly in usually a pleasant and relaxed way [no obj]
- We strolled down the street after lunch.
- While strolling in town, we found several interesting stores.
performer n.
a person (such as an actor or a musician) who acts, sings, dances, etc., for an audience
perform v.
to do an action or activity that usually requires training or skill
- The circus performers all came from Russia.
performance n.
the way an actor performs a part in a play, movie, etc.
an activity (such as singing a song or acting in a play) that a person or group does to entertain an audience
- The dancers' outstanding performance won them the first prize.
assortment n.
a group or collection of different things or people
- The store offers a good assortment of ingredients for Italian cuisine.
assort v.
place in a group; classify.
- Tanya's clothes are assorted by season.
marvelous adj.
extremely good or enjoyable : wonderful
- The actor's marvelous interpretation of the character touched the entire audience.
- The result of the treatment is marvelous.
Friday, December 6, 2013
To Tell or Not to Tell (2)
Should you keep cheating a secret or tell a teacher?
But this is Mr. Brown.
Everyone knows what a strict teacher he is.
He might call the student's parents or even have him suspended!
Mr. Brown can't suspend the student yet.
He'd need more evidence than just my word.
He'll probably just give him a warning and keep an eye on him.
And what if our classmates find out you told on him?
Everyone in the class will call you a tattletale.
I don't care. I'm doing the right thing.
But I'll ask Mr. Brown not to mention my name.
I still don't see why this is such a big deal to you.
It's pretty naive to think only one person cheated on the test.
The fact is that lots of studnets cheat.
But that doesn't make it right.
And I didn't see them all.
I just saw one, and I feel I should take some action.
Furthermore, I don't think school is just about getting good grades.
It's about learning things we'll use later in life.
And, moer importantly, doing it in an honest way.
Maybe. But if I were you, I still wouldn't tell.
I really need to get going. See you tomorrow.
Bye, Angela.
Grammar Gym
word
a letter or a group of letters that are put together and mean something
a comment or statement from someont
- He'd need more evidence than just my word.
- He'd need more evidence than just my statement.
- What Henry said sounded very strange; it's hard to believe his word.
- The manager had trouble settling the dispute; there were no witnesses and it was simply one employee's word against another.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Teacher’s Pet
Hi friends, so what do you think of Nick in our lesson today?
Do you think telling the teacher about the cheater is the right thing to do?
There's always a Nick in every classroom, and we've all known him growing up.
He may not be the most popular kid, more likely he's the teacher's pet.
A teacher's pet is someone greatly favored by a teacher.
He or she is usually nicely dressed, asks a lot of questions in class, always comes prepared with homework done, helps the teacher out with classroom chores, always says hello and goodbye to the teacher, and sometimes brings a gift to the teacher.
Wow, Ken, it sounds like you really know how to become a teacher's pet. Were you a teacher's pet?
Who me? Uh.. no, of course not.
I just read a book about a teacher's pet.
Well, one thing you left out is that a teacher's pet is also a tattletale, which is someone who tattles or tells on somebody.
So, in the lesson, Nick is planning on tattling or telling on the cheater to the teacher.
Not the most popular thing to do in school.
Language Lab
suspend v.
leave a job/school
to make someone leave their school or job for a short time, especially because they have broken the rules
- Jodie got suspended because she kept skipping school.
- The football player was suspended because he attached the referee.
referee
someone who makes sure that the rules of a sport such as football,basketball, or boxing, are followed
tattletale n.
a word meaning someone who tattles - used by or to children
tattle v.
if a child tattles, they tell a parent or teacher that another child has done something bad
- Laura was called a tattletale because she told the teacher who was dating in the school.
- Kids at school don't want to play with Nicole becasue they think she's a tattletale.
naive adj.
not having much experience of how complicated life is, so that you trust people too much and believe that good things will always happen
- Annie was so naive that she signed the contract without even consulting a lawyer.
- I must have been naive to think that everyone would be happy about my promotion.
furthermore adv.
in addition to what has already been said:
further
more, or to a greater degree
- Professor Williams is a respected professor in our school. Furthermore, he is loved by his students for his wit.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131207_4a6bd.wmv
But this is Mr. Brown.
Everyone knows what a strict teacher he is.
He might call the student's parents or even have him suspended!
Mr. Brown can't suspend the student yet.
He'd need more evidence than just my word.
He'll probably just give him a warning and keep an eye on him.
And what if our classmates find out you told on him?
Everyone in the class will call you a tattletale.
I don't care. I'm doing the right thing.
But I'll ask Mr. Brown not to mention my name.
I still don't see why this is such a big deal to you.
It's pretty naive to think only one person cheated on the test.
The fact is that lots of studnets cheat.
But that doesn't make it right.
And I didn't see them all.
I just saw one, and I feel I should take some action.
Furthermore, I don't think school is just about getting good grades.
It's about learning things we'll use later in life.
And, moer importantly, doing it in an honest way.
Maybe. But if I were you, I still wouldn't tell.
I really need to get going. See you tomorrow.
Bye, Angela.
Grammar Gym
word
a letter or a group of letters that are put together and mean something
a comment or statement from someont
- He'd need more evidence than just my word.
- He'd need more evidence than just my statement.
- What Henry said sounded very strange; it's hard to believe his word.
- The manager had trouble settling the dispute; there were no witnesses and it was simply one employee's word against another.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Teacher’s Pet
Hi friends, so what do you think of Nick in our lesson today?
Do you think telling the teacher about the cheater is the right thing to do?
There's always a Nick in every classroom, and we've all known him growing up.
He may not be the most popular kid, more likely he's the teacher's pet.
A teacher's pet is someone greatly favored by a teacher.
He or she is usually nicely dressed, asks a lot of questions in class, always comes prepared with homework done, helps the teacher out with classroom chores, always says hello and goodbye to the teacher, and sometimes brings a gift to the teacher.
Wow, Ken, it sounds like you really know how to become a teacher's pet. Were you a teacher's pet?
Who me? Uh.. no, of course not.
I just read a book about a teacher's pet.
Well, one thing you left out is that a teacher's pet is also a tattletale, which is someone who tattles or tells on somebody.
So, in the lesson, Nick is planning on tattling or telling on the cheater to the teacher.
Not the most popular thing to do in school.
Language Lab
suspend v.
leave a job/school
to make someone leave their school or job for a short time, especially because they have broken the rules
- Jodie got suspended because she kept skipping school.
- The football player was suspended because he attached the referee.
referee
someone who makes sure that the rules of a sport such as football,basketball, or boxing, are followed
tattletale n.
a word meaning someone who tattles - used by or to children
tattle v.
if a child tattles, they tell a parent or teacher that another child has done something bad
- Laura was called a tattletale because she told the teacher who was dating in the school.
- Kids at school don't want to play with Nicole becasue they think she's a tattletale.
naive adj.
not having much experience of how complicated life is, so that you trust people too much and believe that good things will always happen
- Annie was so naive that she signed the contract without even consulting a lawyer.
- I must have been naive to think that everyone would be happy about my promotion.
furthermore adv.
in addition to what has already been said:
further
more, or to a greater degree
- Professor Williams is a respected professor in our school. Furthermore, he is loved by his students for his wit.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131207_4a6bd.wmv
To Tell or Not to Tell (1)
Should you keep cheating a secret or tell a teacher?
Angela and Nick just finished a history test. They stop outside the classroom to talk.
Angela: That was such a difficult test! It's a good thing I studied so hard for it, or I probably would have failed.
Nick: Me, too. You go on ahead. I need to talk to Mr. Brown about something.
Angela: Oh, what about?
Nick: I saw a guy peering at a piece of paper under his desk during the test.
Angela: Really?
Nick: Yeah. I think it was a cheat sheet.
Angela: And you're going to tell the teacher? Why? He probably had a really busy week and didn't have time to study.
Nick: You and I were busy this week, too, but we still made time to study. If someone else didn't, that doesn't justify cheating.
Angela: It seems to me that this is really none of our business. After all, his cheating doesn't affect our grades on the test.
Nick: Maybe not directly, but it will affect the class ranks. It's not fair to hard-working students if someone else gets a high rank by cheating.
Angela: True. But I really feel that we shouldn't take matters into our own hands. What if he wasn't cheating?
Nick: Well, I'm just going to report what I saw to someone in authority. The teacher can take care of it.
Info Cloud
cram 填塞, 惡補, 填鴨式
burn the midnight oil 開夜車,挑燈夜戰
all night 整晚
all nighter 通宵K書或趕工作
Language Lab
peer v. [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]
to look very carefully at something, especially because you are having difficulty seeing it
- Nathan peered at his watch anxiously.
- The old lady peered through her window trying to see who had rung the doorbell.
cheat v.
to break a rule or law usually to gain an advantage at something
- Tony was caught cheating on his finals.
cheat sheet n.
- The boy hid his cheat sheet in his shoe.
- The teacher found a double-side cheat sheet under the student's desk.
justify v. [just adj. agreeing with what is considered morally right or good : fair]
to provide or be a good reason for (something) : to prove or show (something) to be just, right, or reasonable
to provide a good reason for the actions of (someone)
- Mark tried to justify his tardiness with all kinds of lame excuses.
- How can your department justify spending so much money on travel?
take matters into your own hands 接手, 親自處理
- When the police failed to find the killer, the victim's dad decided to take matters into his own hands.
Angela and Nick just finished a history test. They stop outside the classroom to talk.
Angela: That was such a difficult test! It's a good thing I studied so hard for it, or I probably would have failed.
Nick: Me, too. You go on ahead. I need to talk to Mr. Brown about something.
Angela: Oh, what about?
Nick: I saw a guy peering at a piece of paper under his desk during the test.
Angela: Really?
Nick: Yeah. I think it was a cheat sheet.
Angela: And you're going to tell the teacher? Why? He probably had a really busy week and didn't have time to study.
Nick: You and I were busy this week, too, but we still made time to study. If someone else didn't, that doesn't justify cheating.
Angela: It seems to me that this is really none of our business. After all, his cheating doesn't affect our grades on the test.
Nick: Maybe not directly, but it will affect the class ranks. It's not fair to hard-working students if someone else gets a high rank by cheating.
Angela: True. But I really feel that we shouldn't take matters into our own hands. What if he wasn't cheating?
Nick: Well, I'm just going to report what I saw to someone in authority. The teacher can take care of it.
Info Cloud
cram 填塞, 惡補, 填鴨式
burn the midnight oil 開夜車,挑燈夜戰
all night 整晚
all nighter 通宵K書或趕工作
Language Lab
peer v. [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]
to look very carefully at something, especially because you are having difficulty seeing it
- Nathan peered at his watch anxiously.
- The old lady peered through her window trying to see who had rung the doorbell.
cheat v.
to break a rule or law usually to gain an advantage at something
- Tony was caught cheating on his finals.
cheat sheet n.
- The boy hid his cheat sheet in his shoe.
- The teacher found a double-side cheat sheet under the student's desk.
justify v. [just adj. agreeing with what is considered morally right or good : fair]
to provide or be a good reason for (something) : to prove or show (something) to be just, right, or reasonable
to provide a good reason for the actions of (someone)
- Mark tried to justify his tardiness with all kinds of lame excuses.
- How can your department justify spending so much money on travel?
take matters into your own hands 接手, 親自處理
- When the police failed to find the killer, the victim's dad decided to take matters into his own hands.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Holiday Movies for Everyone (1) (2) (3)
Holiday films really bring in the crowds
Alien enemies, icy adventures, Middle Earth... the 2013 holiday film season offers it all! Many people watch films at home or online. But there is still nothing like seeing a film in a theater with other people. What awaits moviegoers this holiday season?
Science-fiction fans are excited about Ender's Game. The people of Earth must work together to save themselves after an alien war. They choose Ender Wiggen, a smart, quiet boy, and send him to battle school. Everyone hopes he will be the one to save them all.
Chris Hemsworth is back as the powerful Thor in Thor: The Dark World. A young woman, Jane Foster, is threatened by evil beings. Thor must battle to save her.The Hunger Games: Catching Fire finds Jennifer Lawrence returning as Katniss. She must go on a victory tour after winning the 74th annual Hunger Games. Preparations begin for the 75th annual Hunger Games. Those games could change Panem forever.
In the animated film Frozen, the kingdom of Arendelle lies trapped in winter. Anna's sister Elsa is responsible for the spell. Anna teams up with tough mountain man Kristoff and his reindeer Sven. They must find Elsa and save the kingdom before it's too late.
In The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Bilbo and his friends have crossed the Misty Mountains. Now they must travel through Mirkwood Forest. But they must go without the wizard Gandalf. Will they make it to Lonely Mountain where the dragon Smaug guards the dwarfs' gold?
The film The Monuments Men is based on a true story. A group of art historians and museum people must work together. They race against time to get back some stolen artwork before Hitler can destroy it.
What was life like when dinosaurs walked on Earth? Find out in Walking with Dinosaurs. Viewers will feel like they are part of the dinosaurs' world. And some things in that world are very dangerous!
-----
Action adventure 47 Ronin is set in 18th-century Japan. A group of samurai must avenge their master's death.
Adventure finds a most unlikely person in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Walter, a timid magazine photo manager, lives a quiet life. Exciting things only happen to him in his dreams. But when a negative disappears, Walter finds himself in a real-life adventure!
Audiences loved Mary Poppins, but the film almost didn't get made! The film Saving Mr. Banks tells the story of Walt Disney and author P.L. Travers. Disney talked her into allowing him to make a movie of her story. Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson star.
Movie star Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier of Monaco and became Princess Grace. Grace of Monaco tells how she helped save Monaco from a looming French invasion in the early 1960s.
These are a few of the films that offer you the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful story this winter. Don't miss them!
Grammar Gym
... elipses
acts like an em dash ("-") to show that an additional idea is coming up
- "Alien enemies, icy adventures, Middle Earth... the 2013 holiday film season offers it all!"
- I would like to take a trip... anywhere is fine.
- You can put all kinds of fruit on your shaved ice: strawberries, peaches, pineapple... anything you like.
Info Cloud
based on a true story 根據真實故事改篇/ inspired by actual event 電影改編
artistic license 藝術破格:藝術家對作品表現方式的自由 (license在這指許可, 放縱)
Language Lab
avenge v.
to do something to hurt or punish someone because they have harmed or offended you
- The boy swore to avenge his mother's murder.
avenge oneself on someone
- The policeman avenged himself on the man who killed his partner.
negative adj.
harmful, unpleasant, or not wanted
considering only the bad qualities of a situation, person etc and not the good ones
- negative thoughts
negative n.
an image on a photographic film that shows dark areas as light and light areas as dark, from which the final picture is printed
- I took the negatives to the photo shop to be developed.
- Chelsea still has the black-and-white negatives of her wedding photos.
timid adj.
/ˈtɪməd/
not having courage or confidence [= shy; ≠ confident]:
timidity n.
/təˈmɪdəti/
audience n. [audio-聽, 聽覺有關的]
a group of people who gather together to listen to something (such as a concert) or watch something (such as a movie or play) : the people who attend a performance
- The studio audience cheered when the producer gave them the signal.
- This popular band has audiences around the globe.
loom v.
if a problem or difficulty looms, it is likely to happen very soon
- With the super typhoon looming, all residents along coastal areas were evacuated.
to appear as a large unclear shape, especially in a threatening way
- Suddenly a strange guy loomed out of the fog.
Alien enemies, icy adventures, Middle Earth... the 2013 holiday film season offers it all! Many people watch films at home or online. But there is still nothing like seeing a film in a theater with other people. What awaits moviegoers this holiday season?
Science-fiction fans are excited about Ender's Game. The people of Earth must work together to save themselves after an alien war. They choose Ender Wiggen, a smart, quiet boy, and send him to battle school. Everyone hopes he will be the one to save them all.
Chris Hemsworth is back as the powerful Thor in Thor: The Dark World. A young woman, Jane Foster, is threatened by evil beings. Thor must battle to save her.The Hunger Games: Catching Fire finds Jennifer Lawrence returning as Katniss. She must go on a victory tour after winning the 74th annual Hunger Games. Preparations begin for the 75th annual Hunger Games. Those games could change Panem forever.
In the animated film Frozen, the kingdom of Arendelle lies trapped in winter. Anna's sister Elsa is responsible for the spell. Anna teams up with tough mountain man Kristoff and his reindeer Sven. They must find Elsa and save the kingdom before it's too late.
In The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Bilbo and his friends have crossed the Misty Mountains. Now they must travel through Mirkwood Forest. But they must go without the wizard Gandalf. Will they make it to Lonely Mountain where the dragon Smaug guards the dwarfs' gold?
The film The Monuments Men is based on a true story. A group of art historians and museum people must work together. They race against time to get back some stolen artwork before Hitler can destroy it.
What was life like when dinosaurs walked on Earth? Find out in Walking with Dinosaurs. Viewers will feel like they are part of the dinosaurs' world. And some things in that world are very dangerous!
-----
Action adventure 47 Ronin is set in 18th-century Japan. A group of samurai must avenge their master's death.
Adventure finds a most unlikely person in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Walter, a timid magazine photo manager, lives a quiet life. Exciting things only happen to him in his dreams. But when a negative disappears, Walter finds himself in a real-life adventure!
Audiences loved Mary Poppins, but the film almost didn't get made! The film Saving Mr. Banks tells the story of Walt Disney and author P.L. Travers. Disney talked her into allowing him to make a movie of her story. Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson star.
Movie star Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier of Monaco and became Princess Grace. Grace of Monaco tells how she helped save Monaco from a looming French invasion in the early 1960s.
These are a few of the films that offer you the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful story this winter. Don't miss them!
Grammar Gym
... elipses
acts like an em dash ("-") to show that an additional idea is coming up
- "Alien enemies, icy adventures, Middle Earth... the 2013 holiday film season offers it all!"
- I would like to take a trip... anywhere is fine.
- You can put all kinds of fruit on your shaved ice: strawberries, peaches, pineapple... anything you like.
Info Cloud
based on a true story 根據真實故事改篇/ inspired by actual event 電影改編
artistic license 藝術破格:藝術家對作品表現方式的自由 (license在這指許可, 放縱)
Language Lab
avenge v.
to do something to hurt or punish someone because they have harmed or offended you
- The boy swore to avenge his mother's murder.
avenge oneself on someone
- The policeman avenged himself on the man who killed his partner.
negative adj.
harmful, unpleasant, or not wanted
considering only the bad qualities of a situation, person etc and not the good ones
- negative thoughts
negative n.
an image on a photographic film that shows dark areas as light and light areas as dark, from which the final picture is printed
- I took the negatives to the photo shop to be developed.
- Chelsea still has the black-and-white negatives of her wedding photos.
timid adj.
/ˈtɪməd/
not having courage or confidence [= shy; ≠ confident]:
timidity n.
/təˈmɪdəti/
audience n. [audio-聽, 聽覺有關的]
a group of people who gather together to listen to something (such as a concert) or watch something (such as a movie or play) : the people who attend a performance
- The studio audience cheered when the producer gave them the signal.
- This popular band has audiences around the globe.
loom v.
if a problem or difficulty looms, it is likely to happen very soon
- With the super typhoon looming, all residents along coastal areas were evacuated.
to appear as a large unclear shape, especially in a threatening way
- Suddenly a strange guy loomed out of the fog.
Info Cloud - Teaching Topic: The Decade Without a Name (2013/12/05)
Teaching Topic: The Decade Without a Name
In the late 1990's, many people worried that on January 1st 2000, all of our computers would shut down and civilization would come to a standstill.
Equally worrisome was what we would call the coming decade, spanning from 2000 to 2010.
Some suggested the O's, the zeros, the zips, the nadas, and the most creative suggestion of all, the naughties.
But we never could come up with a term.
Right now, it seems the name we use most to refer to the first decade of the 21st century is "the first decade of the 21st century." Lame.
Well, it's not very often that English failed to accommodate are need for a simple descriptive word, but this time it did.
And it was painful. Was this language not rich enough or flexible enough to provide a word for the trivial linguistic problem. We were all reminded that, yes, English does have its limits.
Well, what are people going to call this decade. The teens? If we take our cue from last century, we might call it the 2010's, but that sounds weird, right? I just can't wait for the 20's to get here.
Well, we'll just have to wait a few years.
還記得上個世紀, 每個十年的單位都有一個名稱,
比如說, the seventies 70年代 / the eighties 80年代/ the nineties 90年代
但進入二十一世紀後, 人們突然詞窮了,
有什麼名詞可以用來稱呼從2000年到2009年呢?
其實有很多不同的建議,
像是
the O's
the zeros
the zips
the nadas
the naughties
因為 naught 在英式英文表示零
但這些字都沒有被民眾接受
最後只好用 first decade of the 21st century
現在我們要進入第二個十年, 問題來了,
是要用teens? the 2010's?
到目前還是沒有一個統一的稱呼,
看來只有到2020年時, 才會有一個正式的十年單位名稱
In the late 1990's, many people worried that on January 1st 2000, all of our computers would shut down and civilization would come to a standstill.
Equally worrisome was what we would call the coming decade, spanning from 2000 to 2010.
Some suggested the O's, the zeros, the zips, the nadas, and the most creative suggestion of all, the naughties.
But we never could come up with a term.
Right now, it seems the name we use most to refer to the first decade of the 21st century is "the first decade of the 21st century." Lame.
Well, it's not very often that English failed to accommodate are need for a simple descriptive word, but this time it did.
And it was painful. Was this language not rich enough or flexible enough to provide a word for the trivial linguistic problem. We were all reminded that, yes, English does have its limits.
Well, what are people going to call this decade. The teens? If we take our cue from last century, we might call it the 2010's, but that sounds weird, right? I just can't wait for the 20's to get here.
Well, we'll just have to wait a few years.
還記得上個世紀, 每個十年的單位都有一個名稱,
比如說, the seventies 70年代 / the eighties 80年代/ the nineties 90年代
但進入二十一世紀後, 人們突然詞窮了,
有什麼名詞可以用來稱呼從2000年到2009年呢?
其實有很多不同的建議,
像是
the O's
the zeros
the zips
the nadas
the naughties
因為 naught 在英式英文表示零
但這些字都沒有被民眾接受
最後只好用 first decade of the 21st century
現在我們要進入第二個十年, 問題來了,
是要用teens? the 2010's?
到目前還是沒有一個統一的稱呼,
看來只有到2020年時, 才會有一個正式的十年單位名稱
Monday, December 2, 2013
December
The last month of the year is filled with joy and celebration
"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." This popular song's title and lyrics reflect the happiness many people feel during the holiday season, which lasts the whole month of December. Stores are filled with lights, decorations - and sales signs. Businesses and families hold parties. The smell of baking cookies and other holiday treats fills homes.
Geneva, Switzerland, holds a chocolate festival called I'Escalade on December 11 to commemorate the defeat of an attacking army. According to one story, a woman poured soup on a soldier's head, hit him with her cauldron and then ran to warn her neighbors. This stopped the attack, so now people smash and eat chocolate cauldrons in her honor.
From December 6 to 14 this year, the Dubai International Film Festival will show fabulous films from around the world. Some important medical issues are remembered this month. December 1 is World AIDS Day, and December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
This month is Oslo, Norway, Nobel Prizes will be awarded to people who have made outstanding contributions to the world. The awards recognize scientific discoveries, profound literature and peace efforts.
The flower associated with December is the narcissus. December's gemstone, the turquoise, symbolizes happiness, success and prosperity. Those are things everyone hopes for during this wonderful time of year.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Acronym vs. Initialism
An abbreviation is any shortened form of a word or phrase.
However, we need to be aware that there're two different types of abbreviations: acronyms and initialisms.
An initialism, as the name suggests, is a group of initial letters used as an abbreviation for a name or expression.
For example, USA is an initialism for the United States of America.
BBC is an initialism for the British Broadcasting Corporation.
An acronym is also made from the first letter or letters of a string of words.
But the difference is that an acronym is pronounced like a word.
For example, the abbreviation for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, N-A-S-A, should be pronounced "NASA," not N-A-S-A.
So, it has to be one or the other.
Nobody pronounces U-S-A, "USA", because it's an initialism.
And we should not pronounce the acronym "AIDS," A-I-D-S.
It should be AIDS.
That's right.
It should be pronounced like a word, AIDS, not spelled out because it's an acronym which, by the way, stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
Now, another mistake I often hear is "app," which is not even an abbreviation.
No, it's a clipped word that comes from the word "application" as we mentioned last month.
Therefore, a-p-p should always be pronounced "app."
I just downloaded a new app on my cell phone.
Grammar Gym
recognize
to see something and remembering that you do know what it is.
- I recognize the man's face but I can't remember his name.
to recognize
to officially say or show that somebody did a good job
- The awards recognize scientific discoveries, profound literature and peace efforts.
Language Lab
lyric n. — usually plural
[count] the words of a song
- The lyrics of the song were written by the singer herself.
- I love Paul Simon's lyrics.
- Both the music and the lyrics to the song were written by Mariah Carey.
commemorate v. [memor 字根-記憶]
/kəˈmɛməˌreɪt/
to exist or be done in order to remind people of (an important event or person from the past)
to do something special in order to remember and honor (an important event or person from the past)
- The exhibition was held to commemorate the birth of this great artist.
commemoration n.
something (such as a special ceremony) that is intended to honor an important event or person from the past [count]
- The statue was built in commemoration of a grate general.
fabulous adj.
very good
- The boy's fabulous singing talent amazed his teacher.
- We had a fabulous time on our trip.
- Janet is a fabulous actress.
symbolize v.
to be a symbol of (something)
- The color red symbolizes passion and determination.
- Heart-shaped chocolates symbolize adoration.
symbol n.
picture or shape that has a particular meaning or represents a particular organization or idea
- The ring is a symbol of commitment.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131202_f9556.wmv
http://203.69.69.81/studio/20131202baa068be45e6ee173fcad277eed958ba2d31061e313f7fa5188eab42eb044aff38b.wma
"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." This popular song's title and lyrics reflect the happiness many people feel during the holiday season, which lasts the whole month of December. Stores are filled with lights, decorations - and sales signs. Businesses and families hold parties. The smell of baking cookies and other holiday treats fills homes.
Geneva, Switzerland, holds a chocolate festival called I'Escalade on December 11 to commemorate the defeat of an attacking army. According to one story, a woman poured soup on a soldier's head, hit him with her cauldron and then ran to warn her neighbors. This stopped the attack, so now people smash and eat chocolate cauldrons in her honor.
From December 6 to 14 this year, the Dubai International Film Festival will show fabulous films from around the world. Some important medical issues are remembered this month. December 1 is World AIDS Day, and December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
This month is Oslo, Norway, Nobel Prizes will be awarded to people who have made outstanding contributions to the world. The awards recognize scientific discoveries, profound literature and peace efforts.
The flower associated with December is the narcissus. December's gemstone, the turquoise, symbolizes happiness, success and prosperity. Those are things everyone hopes for during this wonderful time of year.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Acronym vs. Initialism
An abbreviation is any shortened form of a word or phrase.
However, we need to be aware that there're two different types of abbreviations: acronyms and initialisms.
An initialism, as the name suggests, is a group of initial letters used as an abbreviation for a name or expression.
For example, USA is an initialism for the United States of America.
BBC is an initialism for the British Broadcasting Corporation.
An acronym is also made from the first letter or letters of a string of words.
But the difference is that an acronym is pronounced like a word.
For example, the abbreviation for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, N-A-S-A, should be pronounced "NASA," not N-A-S-A.
So, it has to be one or the other.
Nobody pronounces U-S-A, "USA", because it's an initialism.
And we should not pronounce the acronym "AIDS," A-I-D-S.
It should be AIDS.
That's right.
It should be pronounced like a word, AIDS, not spelled out because it's an acronym which, by the way, stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
Now, another mistake I often hear is "app," which is not even an abbreviation.
No, it's a clipped word that comes from the word "application" as we mentioned last month.
Therefore, a-p-p should always be pronounced "app."
I just downloaded a new app on my cell phone.
Grammar Gym
recognize
to see something and remembering that you do know what it is.
- I recognize the man's face but I can't remember his name.
to recognize
to officially say or show that somebody did a good job
- The awards recognize scientific discoveries, profound literature and peace efforts.
- Ladies and gentlemen, we want to thank and recognize all of you who put in so much energy and time to help us with this project.
- This certificate recognizes the outstanding achievements of Peter Sanders.Language Lab
lyric n. — usually plural
[count] the words of a song
- The lyrics of the song were written by the singer herself.
- I love Paul Simon's lyrics.
- Both the music and the lyrics to the song were written by Mariah Carey.
commemorate v. [memor 字根-記憶]
/kəˈmɛməˌreɪt/
to exist or be done in order to remind people of (an important event or person from the past)
to do something special in order to remember and honor (an important event or person from the past)
- The exhibition was held to commemorate the birth of this great artist.
commemoration n.
something (such as a special ceremony) that is intended to honor an important event or person from the past [count]
- The statue was built in commemoration of a grate general.
fabulous adj.
very good
- The boy's fabulous singing talent amazed his teacher.
- We had a fabulous time on our trip.
- Janet is a fabulous actress.
symbolize v.
to be a symbol of (something)
- The color red symbolizes passion and determination.
- Heart-shaped chocolates symbolize adoration.
symbol n.
picture or shape that has a particular meaning or represents a particular organization or idea
- The ring is a symbol of commitment.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131202_f9556.wmv
http://203.69.69.81/studio/20131202baa068be45e6ee173fcad277eed958ba2d31061e313f7fa5188eab42eb044aff38b.wma
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