Speak up
Speak loudly and clearly enough that people don't have to strain to hear you. If you don't know what to say, ask questions. Most people enjoy talking about themselves.
Listening is just as important as talking. When people are talking, pay attention to what they're saying rather than planning what you'll say next. And if you're not sure what they mean, ask!
Value people
Most importantly, show people you care. Your concern for them will be evident if you smile and listen carefully.
Respect other people's time, too. Don't keep them waiting because you arrive late or keep using your cellphone instead of talking to them.
Everyone you meet, whether they're a businessperson, a receptionist or a bus driver, is important. So make eye contact, smile and greet them. They'll appreciate it - and others may be watching.
And remember, you are important, too. You probably want people to like you, but their opinions don't define who you are. You are unique and have a lot to offer, so don't be afraid to show it.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Cell Phone or Cellphone「手機」是幾個字？
英文不斷的在演化的語言,
有些字 都是簡化的方向
手機之前是cellular phone,
後來又改為 cell phone,
到現在許多人只說 cell,
拚法也從 cell phone 變成 cellphone, (簡化為1個字)
Grammar Gym
Speak loudly and clearly enough that people don't have to strain to hear you.
[Verb 1 phrase] enough that [someone] doesn't have to [verb 2] to [verb 3].
- Straighten the room enough that guests don't have to step cautiously just to walk across the room.
- The screen is high enough that people don't have to move their heads too much to see the video.
Language Lab
strain v.
/ˈstreɪn/
to try very hard to do or get something
- The thousands of fans gathered outside the stadium strained to get a glance of their idols.
to be pulled or stretched in a forceful way
- Stanley strained his muscle during a basketball game.
strain n.[count]
a feeling of stress and worry that you have because you are trying to do too much, are dealing with a difficult problem, etc.
- Chloe performs even better when she's under a lot of strain.
evident adj.
clear to the sight or mind : obvious
- His affection for this girl is evident.
- It's evident that the merger is good for both companies.
evidence n.
[noncount] : something which shows that something else exists or is true
- The detective went to the crime scene to collect evidence.
receptionist n.
a person whose job is to deal with the people who call or enter an office, hotel, etc.
- The receptionist has a very nice smile.
receive v.
to welcome (someone) in usually a formal way
- The patients can only receive visitors from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
reception n.
the kind of welcome that someone or something is given — usually singular
- The hotel is known for offering its guests a warm reception.
unique n.
used to say that something or someone is unlike anything or anyone else
- The designer's unique style made his work so recognizable.
- The actor's unique interpretation of the character won him an Academy Award.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140930baaf615a106ba3dee099b5877cb3c0185714c218a1bf3ba1c07da7e841ff45d4107.wma
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
First Impressions (1)
Little things you can do to change how people perceive you
Does meeting new people make you nervous? If so, you're not alone. But making a good first impression isn't as hard as you might think. It just involves a few simple choices.
Look your best
Obviously your appearance influences people's impressions of you. But you don't need to look like a model to make a good impression. You just need to take care of yourself.
Make sure your clothing is clean, not wrinkled and appropriate for the situation. One survey said blue or black are best for job interviews.
In professional situations, women should avoid flashy jewelry and thick makeup, which can be a distraction.
Don't forget little things like brushing your teeth, washing your hair and trimming your nail. They change how people see you.
Stand tall
The way you stand, sit and move tells others a lot about you. Standing up straight makes you look - and feel - confident. When you approach someone, make eye contact and smile to show you're friendly and interested. Then greet them with a firm handshake.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: The Art of Handshake (握手的藝術)
shake hands 傳統上男性會先讓女性先伸出手,
如果女生不主動抻手, 男性就會用言語表達友善,
但現在二性平等都是階級取代性別,
長輩或階級較高的人先伸出手,
但若你給了機會讓對方伸手,
但對方沒有伸出手,
你就可以主動先伸手,
因為研究顯示第一次見面握手可以加深好感!
Grammar Gym
But you don't need to look like a model to make a good impression.
You don't need to [verb 1] like a [somebody] to [verb 2].
- You don't need to cook like a chef to prepare a good meal.
- You don't need to play basketball like an NBA star to join the basketball club.
Language Lab
impression n.
the opinion or feeling you have about someone or something because of the way they seem
impression on
- Kirk went to have a haircut. He wanted to leave a good first impression on his future parents-in-law.
impress v.
to make someone feel admiration and respect:
- The boy impressed all the judges with his incredible singing talent.
perceive v.
to understand or think of something or someone in a particular way
- On-line games are perceived as harmless entertainment.
to notice, see, or recognize something
- Nicky was the first who perceived our computer system's defects.
perception n.
the way you think about something and your idea of what it is like
- He tried to change the public's perception of him by doing charity work.
trim v.
past tense and past participle trimmed, present participle trimming [transitive]
to make something look neater by cutting small pieces off it:
- The gardener trimmed the bushes with large clippers.
- The boy went to a barber shop to get his hair trimmed.
trimming n.
- The girl's bangs need trimming.
eye contact n.
when you look directly at someone at the same time as they are looking at you:
- Direct eye contact is considered disrespectable in some cultures.
make eye contact
- The boy is very shy, and it's difficult for him to make eye contact.
flashy adj.
big, bright, or expensive, and intended to be impressive - used to show disapproval
- large flashy cars
someone who is flashy wears expensive clothes, jewellery etc in a way that is intended to be impressive - used to show disapproval:
- a flashy dresser
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140929baa0ee46ff2672810f8e0eba9014e5c4cadf223088b2a382f6b1adab84f2d1034ea.wma
Does meeting new people make you nervous? If so, you're not alone. But making a good first impression isn't as hard as you might think. It just involves a few simple choices.
Look your best
Obviously your appearance influences people's impressions of you. But you don't need to look like a model to make a good impression. You just need to take care of yourself.
Make sure your clothing is clean, not wrinkled and appropriate for the situation. One survey said blue or black are best for job interviews.
In professional situations, women should avoid flashy jewelry and thick makeup, which can be a distraction.
Don't forget little things like brushing your teeth, washing your hair and trimming your nail. They change how people see you.
Stand tall
The way you stand, sit and move tells others a lot about you. Standing up straight makes you look - and feel - confident. When you approach someone, make eye contact and smile to show you're friendly and interested. Then greet them with a firm handshake.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: The Art of Handshake (握手的藝術)
shake hands 傳統上男性會先讓女性先伸出手,
如果女生不主動抻手, 男性就會用言語表達友善,
但現在二性平等都是階級取代性別,
長輩或階級較高的人先伸出手,
但若你給了機會讓對方伸手,
但對方沒有伸出手,
你就可以主動先伸手,
因為研究顯示第一次見面握手可以加深好感!
Grammar Gym
But you don't need to look like a model to make a good impression.
You don't need to [verb 1] like a [somebody] to [verb 2].
- You don't need to cook like a chef to prepare a good meal.
- You don't need to play basketball like an NBA star to join the basketball club.
Language Lab
impression n.
the opinion or feeling you have about someone or something because of the way they seem
impression on
- Kirk went to have a haircut. He wanted to leave a good first impression on his future parents-in-law.
impress v.
to make someone feel admiration and respect:
- The boy impressed all the judges with his incredible singing talent.
perceive v.
to understand or think of something or someone in a particular way
- On-line games are perceived as harmless entertainment.
to notice, see, or recognize something
- Nicky was the first who perceived our computer system's defects.
perception n.
the way you think about something and your idea of what it is like
- He tried to change the public's perception of him by doing charity work.
trim v.
past tense and past participle trimmed, present participle trimming [transitive]
to make something look neater by cutting small pieces off it:
- The gardener trimmed the bushes with large clippers.
- The boy went to a barber shop to get his hair trimmed.
trimming n.
- The girl's bangs need trimming.
eye contact n.
when you look directly at someone at the same time as they are looking at you:
- Direct eye contact is considered disrespectable in some cultures.
make eye contact
- The boy is very shy, and it's difficult for him to make eye contact.
flashy adj.
big, bright, or expensive, and intended to be impressive - used to show disapproval
- large flashy cars
someone who is flashy wears expensive clothes, jewellery etc in a way that is intended to be impressive - used to show disapproval:
- a flashy dresser
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140929baa0ee46ff2672810f8e0eba9014e5c4cadf223088b2a382f6b1adab84f2d1034ea.wma
Saturday, September 27, 2014
What's In A Lie? (2)
Telling my parents a different name doesn't seem like a white lie to me.
That just sounds like a lie.
Well, maybe Linda could accompany us.
Then we wouldn't be lying.
It's just a little adjustment of the truth.
That still sounds pretty dishonest.
If my parents found out that I betrayed their trust, I don't know what I would do.
How would they find out?
Besides, it's not a big deal.
It's just one movie.
But it would be a big deal to my parents.
They've always taught me that honesty is the best policy.
But people lie all the time about all sorts of things.
It's practically part of being human.
Perhaps, but I don't think I want to lie to my parents.
They would be really hurt and wouldn't trust me anymore.
And I probably wouldn't be allowed to date until I'm 30.
That sounds like a slight exaggeration!
And I'm sure your parents would still trust you.
You're a very responsible person.
And that's exactly why I can't go.
Sorry, Jack!
Maybe we can study in the library together instead.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic:Letter Dropping.消失的字母
有時候外國人不見得照著英文拼法發音,
telling 常常省略最後的g的音
library r省略 /ˈlaɪˌbreri/
probably 3個音節變2個
Grammar Gym
But people lie all the time about all sorts of things. It's practically part of being human.
part of being human
- The desire to be loved and accepted by other people is part of being human.
- Making mistakes and learning from them is part of being human.
Language Lab
accompany v.
to go somewhere with someone:
- My brother will accompany me to New York.
- Mandy, accompanied by her parents, flew to L.A. to seek help from a famous doctor.
company n.
when you are with other people and not alone:
- Grandma really enjoyed our company.
betray v.
to be disloyal to someone who trusts you so that they are harmed or upset:
- Richard got his position by betraying his old boss.
- Lisa was betrayed by her colleagues.
betrayal n.
when you betray your country, friends, or someone who trusts you
- Susan felt a deep sense of betrayal when her boyfriend left her for another girl.
no biggie n.
said when something is not important or when you are not upset or angry about something:
- Oh, I'm sorry.' 'No biggie.'
practically adv.
almost or nearly
- Even though Dave isn't formally the CEO yet, he practically makes all the decisions in the company.
- The auditorium was practically empty. No one seemed to be interested in the game.
exaggeration n. non count
to think of or describe something as larger or greater than it really is
- It's no exaggeration that taking care of a baby is extremely exhausting.
exaggerate v.
to think of or describe something as larger or greater than it really is
- You might think that I'm exaggerating, but I'm telling the truth.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140927baa327d68e1a5eb13873206103ecf61716e1c31af57516cf2321f6235567384d346.wma
That just sounds like a lie.
Well, maybe Linda could accompany us.
Then we wouldn't be lying.
It's just a little adjustment of the truth.
That still sounds pretty dishonest.
If my parents found out that I betrayed their trust, I don't know what I would do.
How would they find out?
Besides, it's not a big deal.
It's just one movie.
But it would be a big deal to my parents.
They've always taught me that honesty is the best policy.
But people lie all the time about all sorts of things.
It's practically part of being human.
Perhaps, but I don't think I want to lie to my parents.
They would be really hurt and wouldn't trust me anymore.
And I probably wouldn't be allowed to date until I'm 30.
That sounds like a slight exaggeration!
And I'm sure your parents would still trust you.
You're a very responsible person.
And that's exactly why I can't go.
Sorry, Jack!
Maybe we can study in the library together instead.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic:Letter Dropping.消失的字母
有時候外國人不見得照著英文拼法發音,
telling 常常省略最後的g的音
library r省略 /ˈlaɪˌbreri/
probably 3個音節變2個
Grammar Gym
But people lie all the time about all sorts of things. It's practically part of being human.
part of being human
- The desire to be loved and accepted by other people is part of being human.
- Making mistakes and learning from them is part of being human.
Language Lab
accompany v.
to go somewhere with someone:
- My brother will accompany me to New York.
- Mandy, accompanied by her parents, flew to L.A. to seek help from a famous doctor.
company n.
when you are with other people and not alone:
- Grandma really enjoyed our company.
betray v.
to be disloyal to someone who trusts you so that they are harmed or upset:
- Richard got his position by betraying his old boss.
- Lisa was betrayed by her colleagues.
betrayal n.
when you betray your country, friends, or someone who trusts you
- Susan felt a deep sense of betrayal when her boyfriend left her for another girl.
no biggie n.
said when something is not important or when you are not upset or angry about something:
- Oh, I'm sorry.' 'No biggie.'
practically adv.
almost or nearly
- Even though Dave isn't formally the CEO yet, he practically makes all the decisions in the company.
- The auditorium was practically empty. No one seemed to be interested in the game.
exaggeration n. non count
to think of or describe something as larger or greater than it really is
- It's no exaggeration that taking care of a baby is extremely exhausting.
exaggerate v.
to think of or describe something as larger or greater than it really is
- You might think that I'm exaggerating, but I'm telling the truth.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140927baa327d68e1a5eb13873206103ecf61716e1c31af57516cf2321f6235567384d346.wma
Friday, September 26, 2014
[Advanced] Your Brain on File (1)
Researchers aim to build a database of brain health
Your online test results aren't pass-fail. You aren't graded. But your scores give valuable snapshots of your mental flexibility and memory, contributing to what UC San Francisco researchers hope will some day be a vast archive of information about brain health -- and the first neuroscience project to use the Internet on such a scale to advance research.
By volunteering -- repeatedly over time -- participants join a pool of research subjects in the new Brain Health Registry, opened Tuesday, for studies on brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other neurological ailments.
You won't learn your own scores; that disclosure could influence your future performance or trigger unwarranted "freak outs," said UCSF's Dr. Michael Weiner, founder of the registry and lead investigator of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, the world's largest observational study of the disease.
Rather, you will help speed up research by helping cut the time and cost of conducting clinical trials.
The trouble with trials
One-third of the cost of running trial studies is patient recruitment -- and many trials fail, or are delayed, due to problems getting enough of the right volunteers. The traditional approach to finding participants is low-tech, such as posting notices on bulletin boards or buying ads in newspapers. And it's time-consuming to determine if someone is even eligible to volunteer, then document their family and personal medical history. Think clipboards, pens and paper.
Frustrated by how much effort would be required to launch a giant Bay Area-based study in Alzheimer's prevention, "a light bulb went off in my mind," said Weiner.
Why not use the Internet as a way to enroll in trials," he said, "where volunteers take a few minutes to take some online neuropsychological test to measure brain performance?"
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140926ada2b3b68c00ab3c9572dde2d16cc87e77cec48375598b1a131252e938d3566db9f.wma
Your online test results aren't pass-fail. You aren't graded. But your scores give valuable snapshots of your mental flexibility and memory, contributing to what UC San Francisco researchers hope will some day be a vast archive of information about brain health -- and the first neuroscience project to use the Internet on such a scale to advance research.
By volunteering -- repeatedly over time -- participants join a pool of research subjects in the new Brain Health Registry, opened Tuesday, for studies on brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other neurological ailments.
You won't learn your own scores; that disclosure could influence your future performance or trigger unwarranted "freak outs," said UCSF's Dr. Michael Weiner, founder of the registry and lead investigator of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, the world's largest observational study of the disease.
Rather, you will help speed up research by helping cut the time and cost of conducting clinical trials.
The trouble with trials
One-third of the cost of running trial studies is patient recruitment -- and many trials fail, or are delayed, due to problems getting enough of the right volunteers. The traditional approach to finding participants is low-tech, such as posting notices on bulletin boards or buying ads in newspapers. And it's time-consuming to determine if someone is even eligible to volunteer, then document their family and personal medical history. Think clipboards, pens and paper.
Frustrated by how much effort would be required to launch a giant Bay Area-based study in Alzheimer's prevention, "a light bulb went off in my mind," said Weiner.
Why not use the Internet as a way to enroll in trials," he said, "where volunteers take a few minutes to take some online neuropsychological test to measure brain performance?"
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140926ada2b3b68c00ab3c9572dde2d16cc87e77cec48375598b1a131252e938d3566db9f.wma
What's In A Lie? (1)
Is there such a thing as a “little” lie?
Jack and Sasha are chatting between classes at school.
Hey, Sasha.
I want to ask you something.
Sure, Jack.
What's on your mind?
Well, I was wondering... would you like to see a movie with me this weekend?
You mean... like a date?
Um, yeah.
I think you're really nice and pretty, well, would you go on a date with me?
That's very sweet, Jack, but I don't think so.
Why? Don't you like me?
You're a very thoughtful guy.
But my parents don't want me to date yet.
Really?
But we're in high school now.
That's when a lot of people start dating.
I know.
I wish I could go to the movies with you, but my parents want me to concentrate on my studies.
And I want to get into a good university.
I don't think one date is going to affect your studies.
Maybe you could tell your parents that you're going to the movies with your friend Linda.
Then they wouldn't know that you went with me.
I don't know. That seems so misleading.
It would just be a little white lie.
The only difference is the name of the person.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Hope and Wish (Hope和Wish的差別)
hope 實現機會大
wish 實現機會小; 假設和過去相反的事實
- I wish I had studied harder in school.
- I wish I had gone to bed earlier last night.
Grammar Gym
Well, I was wondering... would you like to see a movie with me this weekend?
I was wondering.
- I have a small problem, and I was wondering if you could help me.
- I was wondering if I could borrow your car for two hours.
Language Lab
on one's mind 有心事, 有煩惱
- It seems like Lydia has something on her mind. She didn't speak a word all day.
have someone on one's mind 想念某人
- You'll always be on my mind even though we have to be apart.
thoughtful adj.
always thinking of the things you can do to make people happy or comfortable
- You're so thoughtful to prepare hot coffee for the guests.
- It's very thoughtful of you to bring us lunch.
misleading adj.
likely to make someone believe something that is not true:
- These misleading news stories on the Internet have caused much confusion.
- There is some misleading information in this report.
white lie n.
a lie that you tell someone in order to protect them or avoid hurting their feelings
- Mother always tells us: "White lies are still lies."
- Husbands sometimes tell white lies to keep their wives happy.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140926baa59c26e5131bde5b8c37b5c0443818428a135975176966cdc26898268302ceb33.wma
Jack and Sasha are chatting between classes at school.
Hey, Sasha.
I want to ask you something.
Sure, Jack.
What's on your mind?
Well, I was wondering... would you like to see a movie with me this weekend?
You mean... like a date?
Um, yeah.
I think you're really nice and pretty, well, would you go on a date with me?
That's very sweet, Jack, but I don't think so.
Why? Don't you like me?
You're a very thoughtful guy.
But my parents don't want me to date yet.
Really?
But we're in high school now.
That's when a lot of people start dating.
I know.
I wish I could go to the movies with you, but my parents want me to concentrate on my studies.
And I want to get into a good university.
I don't think one date is going to affect your studies.
Maybe you could tell your parents that you're going to the movies with your friend Linda.
Then they wouldn't know that you went with me.
I don't know. That seems so misleading.
It would just be a little white lie.
The only difference is the name of the person.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Hope and Wish (Hope和Wish的差別)
hope 實現機會大
wish 實現機會小; 假設和過去相反的事實
- I wish I had studied harder in school.
- I wish I had gone to bed earlier last night.
Grammar Gym
Well, I was wondering... would you like to see a movie with me this weekend?
I was wondering.
- I have a small problem, and I was wondering if you could help me.
- I was wondering if I could borrow your car for two hours.
Language Lab
on one's mind 有心事, 有煩惱
- It seems like Lydia has something on her mind. She didn't speak a word all day.
have someone on one's mind 想念某人
- You'll always be on my mind even though we have to be apart.
thoughtful adj.
always thinking of the things you can do to make people happy or comfortable
- You're so thoughtful to prepare hot coffee for the guests.
- It's very thoughtful of you to bring us lunch.
misleading adj.
likely to make someone believe something that is not true:
- These misleading news stories on the Internet have caused much confusion.
- There is some misleading information in this report.
white lie n.
a lie that you tell someone in order to protect them or avoid hurting their feelings
- Mother always tells us: "White lies are still lies."
- Husbands sometimes tell white lies to keep their wives happy.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140926baa59c26e5131bde5b8c37b5c0443818428a135975176966cdc26898268302ceb33.wma
Thursday, September 25, 2014
[Advanced] Colin Firth on Stardom (2)
The perks and perils of acting
For Firth, who has starred in musicals (Mamma Mia!), romantic romps (Bridget Jones's Diary) and shadowy capers (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), it comes down to what feels right in the moment. Sometimes, he's up for a lark. Other times, he craves something more serious.
"I find the criteria change every time. This one, heavily weighing in the scales was the importance of the story and why the hell wasn't it told," says Firth. And for Irvine, a World War II buff, it came down to the importance of telling this particular story. "It's also a movie about the very best in people."
In the spotlight
Firth, dapper and debonair as he is, is someone who lives his life behind closed doors, by choice. He's married to Italian environmental activist Livia Giuggioli, and has three sons.
"It's not my life plan to be private but I've never intended otherwise. I've never had an instinct to do it any other way. When I was Jeremy's age, I never imagined my work would put me in front of a camera. I liked doing plays. I didn't bargain for any level of recognition, really," says Firth.
For Irvine, it's still a learning process when he's recognized. "When someone catches you off-guard, when you're out shopping, I often think I'm more nervous than them," he says.
On dealing with inappropriate questions: Firth says his mantra is, deflect with grace whenever possible. "People will want to see if they can create copy by getting a rise out of you. It's pretty rare. Hands up. I'm not that affable. I'm here and I'm on my best behavior because I'm doing an interview," says Firth. "This is my best behavior and I also have my worst. I just try not to take it out into public life."
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140925ada8ee8fb29f4fb058597530a8f31e66288d5fd3532ead201a542f5f74168644862.wma
For Firth, who has starred in musicals (Mamma Mia!), romantic romps (Bridget Jones's Diary) and shadowy capers (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), it comes down to what feels right in the moment. Sometimes, he's up for a lark. Other times, he craves something more serious.
"I find the criteria change every time. This one, heavily weighing in the scales was the importance of the story and why the hell wasn't it told," says Firth. And for Irvine, a World War II buff, it came down to the importance of telling this particular story. "It's also a movie about the very best in people."
In the spotlight
Firth, dapper and debonair as he is, is someone who lives his life behind closed doors, by choice. He's married to Italian environmental activist Livia Giuggioli, and has three sons.
"It's not my life plan to be private but I've never intended otherwise. I've never had an instinct to do it any other way. When I was Jeremy's age, I never imagined my work would put me in front of a camera. I liked doing plays. I didn't bargain for any level of recognition, really," says Firth.
For Irvine, it's still a learning process when he's recognized. "When someone catches you off-guard, when you're out shopping, I often think I'm more nervous than them," he says.
On dealing with inappropriate questions: Firth says his mantra is, deflect with grace whenever possible. "People will want to see if they can create copy by getting a rise out of you. It's pretty rare. Hands up. I'm not that affable. I'm here and I'm on my best behavior because I'm doing an interview," says Firth. "This is my best behavior and I also have my worst. I just try not to take it out into public life."
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140925ada8ee8fb29f4fb058597530a8f31e66288d5fd3532ead201a542f5f74168644862.wma
What' New for Fall Fashion? (2)
A break from heels
Believe it or not, it's time to give your feet a break. Sneakers are taking the place of high heels. So wear sneakers to make a fashion statement. It's even acceptable to wear them with a skirt or dress.
Large turtlenecks
For those who are always cold, the turtleneck is back! This year, it looks like a large sock that covers your whole head.
Elegant becomes casual
Do you think a shiny dress is only for a special dinner? This fall, material that sparkles can be found everywhere. Wear shiny pants and a white shirt or a fancy dress for casual events.
Matching doesn't matter
Layers of clothes, fur and crazy patterns of brown and orange are being worn over dresses. This style is for someone who likes wearing different patterns at the same time. The fun doesn't end when summer does.
Keep the fun going with these new autumn fashions.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Believe It or Not 信不信由你
1. it 一定要讀出來
2. 這句話是要說驚人的事績
- Believe it or not, I used to be a champion swimmer back in high school.
3. 帶著諷刺的語氣開玩笑
- Believe it or not, I do know how to drive you know.
Grammar Gym
So wear sneakers to make a fashion statement.
to make a statement = to communicate an idea or create a certain impression without using words
- One can see the artist is making a political statement through this piece of artwork.
- One can make a social statement by driving around in a luxury car.
Language Lab
heel n.
the raised part on the bottom of a shoe that makes the shoe higher at the back:
- I'm not used to wearing high heels. I can't walk properly while wearing them.
- The heel of the shoe got stuck, so I had to pull it out.
the curved back part of your foot
- I got sore heels after walking all day.
acceptable adj. [accept v.]
good enough to be used for a particular purpose or to be considered satisfactory
- Talking back to parents has never been acceptable in my family.
- The lawyers are working on a new contract that's acceptable for both companies.
casual n.
not formal or not for a formal situation
- Sam loves to wear casual clothes. He doesn't have any suits.
- Mark wears casual shoes to work every day.
without any serious interest or attention:
- He seems to have a casual attitude towards money.
layer n.
an amount or piece of a material or substance that covers a surface or that is between two other things
- There's a thick layer of dust on the shelves.
- Cindy arranged her linens in layers in the closet.
layer v.
- The baker is layering different kinds of fruit in the mold.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140924baaa5549c80d8d0c1027bf47abc280311bad5483691d6442dca1d97b8a0329970b7.wma
Believe it or not, it's time to give your feet a break. Sneakers are taking the place of high heels. So wear sneakers to make a fashion statement. It's even acceptable to wear them with a skirt or dress.
Large turtlenecks
For those who are always cold, the turtleneck is back! This year, it looks like a large sock that covers your whole head.
Elegant becomes casual
Do you think a shiny dress is only for a special dinner? This fall, material that sparkles can be found everywhere. Wear shiny pants and a white shirt or a fancy dress for casual events.
Matching doesn't matter
Layers of clothes, fur and crazy patterns of brown and orange are being worn over dresses. This style is for someone who likes wearing different patterns at the same time. The fun doesn't end when summer does.
Keep the fun going with these new autumn fashions.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Believe It or Not 信不信由你
1. it 一定要讀出來
2. 這句話是要說驚人的事績
- Believe it or not, I used to be a champion swimmer back in high school.
3. 帶著諷刺的語氣開玩笑
- Believe it or not, I do know how to drive you know.
Grammar Gym
So wear sneakers to make a fashion statement.
to make a statement = to communicate an idea or create a certain impression without using words
- One can see the artist is making a political statement through this piece of artwork.
- One can make a social statement by driving around in a luxury car.
Language Lab
heel n.
the raised part on the bottom of a shoe that makes the shoe higher at the back:
- I'm not used to wearing high heels. I can't walk properly while wearing them.
- The heel of the shoe got stuck, so I had to pull it out.
the curved back part of your foot
- I got sore heels after walking all day.
acceptable adj. [accept v.]
good enough to be used for a particular purpose or to be considered satisfactory
- Talking back to parents has never been acceptable in my family.
- The lawyers are working on a new contract that's acceptable for both companies.
casual n.
not formal or not for a formal situation
- Sam loves to wear casual clothes. He doesn't have any suits.
- Mark wears casual shoes to work every day.
without any serious interest or attention:
- He seems to have a casual attitude towards money.
layer n.
an amount or piece of a material or substance that covers a surface or that is between two other things
- There's a thick layer of dust on the shelves.
- Cindy arranged her linens in layers in the closet.
layer v.
- The baker is layering different kinds of fruit in the mold.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140924baaa5549c80d8d0c1027bf47abc280311bad5483691d6442dca1d97b8a0329970b7.wma
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
[Advanced] Colin Firth on Stardom (1)
An interview with Colin Firth and Jeremy Irvine as they discuss their chosen career
When it comes to mentors, you could do a lot worse than eloquent, elegant and cinematically agile Colin Firth. Yet he's the last person who'll bombard anyone with bombastic bits of wisdom.
But what's the most sage bit of advice the British Oscar winner can share with Jeremy Irvine, 24, who plays the younger version of the actor in The Railway Man?
"I can't think of anything," demurs Firth, 53. "" But wait, interjects Irvine, "'You did the other day. You said, 'Treat it like a romp.'''
Firth nods. He recalls something a friend once shared with him years back about never taking himself all that seriously. And given his mastery of self-deprecation, it's a lesson Firth took to heart.
"All we do is what we like. We put on costumes and pretend, which is very similar to what I was doing when I was 5." says Firth.
'Treat your work with respect'
And yet, says Firth, treat your work, and those who do it with you, with respect. "Every so often, you get brought up short that you had a brush with something important. This story is important and you're entrusted with that," he says of his and Irvine's film, about a tortured World War II prisoner who forgives his tormentors.
Firth and Irvine have a pretty solid connection.
Firth still makes ladies swoon for his portrayal of dreamy Mr. Darcy in the 1995 British TV adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and won a best-actor Oscar for playing a stuttering monarch in 2010's The King's Speech. And Irvine carried Steven Spielberg's 2011 epic War Horse before being hand-picked by Firth to play the youthful version of train engineer turned POW Eric Lomax in The Railway Man.
Vocabulary Focus
eloquent adj.
able to express your ideas and opinions well, especially in a way that influences people:
bombard v.
to do something too often or too much, for example criticizing or questioning someone, or giving too much information:
- They bombarded him with questions.
bombastic adj.
using long and difficult words, usually to make people think you know more than you do
romp n.
a funny and energetic situation
demur v.
to express disagreement or refusal to do something
self-deprecation n.
the act of making yourself, your abilities or your achievements seem less important
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140924ada3b1e4310205206419d432110932a4c9cc2fb7d37ed8d6c027ee4e39fd8efd564.wma
When it comes to mentors, you could do a lot worse than eloquent, elegant and cinematically agile Colin Firth. Yet he's the last person who'll bombard anyone with bombastic bits of wisdom.
But what's the most sage bit of advice the British Oscar winner can share with Jeremy Irvine, 24, who plays the younger version of the actor in The Railway Man?
"I can't think of anything," demurs Firth, 53. "" But wait, interjects Irvine, "'You did the other day. You said, 'Treat it like a romp.'''
Firth nods. He recalls something a friend once shared with him years back about never taking himself all that seriously. And given his mastery of self-deprecation, it's a lesson Firth took to heart.
"All we do is what we like. We put on costumes and pretend, which is very similar to what I was doing when I was 5." says Firth.
'Treat your work with respect'
And yet, says Firth, treat your work, and those who do it with you, with respect. "Every so often, you get brought up short that you had a brush with something important. This story is important and you're entrusted with that," he says of his and Irvine's film, about a tortured World War II prisoner who forgives his tormentors.
Firth and Irvine have a pretty solid connection.
Firth still makes ladies swoon for his portrayal of dreamy Mr. Darcy in the 1995 British TV adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and won a best-actor Oscar for playing a stuttering monarch in 2010's The King's Speech. And Irvine carried Steven Spielberg's 2011 epic War Horse before being hand-picked by Firth to play the youthful version of train engineer turned POW Eric Lomax in The Railway Man.
Vocabulary Focus
eloquent adj.
able to express your ideas and opinions well, especially in a way that influences people:
bombard v.
to do something too often or too much, for example criticizing or questioning someone, or giving too much information:
- They bombarded him with questions.
bombastic adj.
using long and difficult words, usually to make people think you know more than you do
romp n.
a funny and energetic situation
demur v.
to express disagreement or refusal to do something
self-deprecation n.
the act of making yourself, your abilities or your achievements seem less important
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140924ada3b1e4310205206419d432110932a4c9cc2fb7d37ed8d6c027ee4e39fd8efd564.wma
Leatherby's Family Creamery - Elk Grove (Sacramento Area)
I went to Leatherby's with my friend for dinner last weekend. This is primarily an ice cream parlour, but they also make quality hamburgers, sandwiches, salads - traditional American meals.
This time, I was facing the counter where the ice cream, sundaes, shakes, and other sweets were prepared and awaiting to be served. Each dessert was a masterpiece!
Anyway, I already decided that next time I will order a root beer float with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream as depicted in the picture above.
This time I ordered a liverwurst sandwich meal from the specials menu. The meal comes with a sandwich, side, dessert, and drink (if you don't choose the shake). What a great deal! I liked the liverwurst sandwich; it has liver's flavor and is soft and fatty- very delicious!
I chose a garden salad with honey mustard dressing on the side!
My friend ordered a french dip sandwich with a side of coleslaw; however, the beef was overly salty and dry.
Here's all the food!
Finally, I chose a milk shake as my dessert. You can choose any flavor of ice cream they have, and they will make it into a milkshake. I insisted on my favorite flavor: cookies 'n cream!
What' New for Fall Fashion? (1)
The fall season is here with its new styles
Autumn is finally here! The hot summer weather is finally a little bit cooler. It's time to put away your summer clothes and bring out the fall fashions. What is popular this fall?
Popular styles
This fall, the plaid print has gone wild. After a season of bright colors, designers are bringing back plaid in plain colors. Plaid suits, skirts and sweaters are appearing in gray and black.
Perhaps you like to wear sweaters. This fall, the tight-knit sweater covers more than just your upper body.
Pants and dresses are also appearing in sweater knits. Why not dress in style and wrap yourself in a large sweater?
Or maybe you like to wear your clothes one size too big. Loose-fitting pants, sweaters and coats have also hit the runway. Styles like the miniskirt with knee-high boots are also showing up.
Some popular colors to watch for include dark red, yellow and blue. Lighter shades of pink and peach will also appear.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Clothes vs. Clothing (Clothes與Clothing的區分)
1. clothes 可數名詞
- How many clothes should I bring?
但要注意 clothes 只有複數沒有單數,
所以前面不可以加數字,
可以說 - I'm wearing a lot of clothes.
2. clothing 不可數名詞
- How much clothing should I bring?
若要數clothing, 可用item 或 article
- I'm wearing three items of clothing.
Grammar Gym
Or maybe you like to wear your clothes one size too big.
one size too big
one [something] too [adjective]
- Ruby didn't get the modeling job because the agency thought she's an inch too short.
- Stella is not happy with the paint job because she thinks her walls are a shade too dark.
Language Lab
plaid adj.
a pattern of crossed lines and squares, used especially on cloth
- The black-and-white plaid shirt Ray is wearing was his birthday present.
- All the gentlemen wore Scottish plaid skirts to the party.
plaid n.
- An uneven plaid pattern is the trademark for this brand.
designer n.
someone whose job is to make plans or patterns for clothes, furniture, equipment etc:
- Karl Lagerfeld is the chief designer for Chanel.
- Fashion designers from around the globe have all come for this fashion event.
- The interior designer is famous for his eco-friendly designs.
wrap v.
past tense and past participle wrapped, present participle wrapping [transitive]
wrap up to put paper or cloth over something to cover it
- The baby was wrapped in blankets.
- Hannah is wrapping the birthday present for her sister with a beautiful ribbon.
runway n.
a long narrow part of a stage that stretches out into the area where the audience sits
- At the end of the show, all the models walked down the runway again with the designer.
hit the runway
- This 16-year-old model hit the runway in Milan last week.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140924baaa5549c80d8d0c1027bf47abc280311bad5483691d6442dca1d97b8a0329970b7.wma
Autumn is finally here! The hot summer weather is finally a little bit cooler. It's time to put away your summer clothes and bring out the fall fashions. What is popular this fall?
Popular styles
This fall, the plaid print has gone wild. After a season of bright colors, designers are bringing back plaid in plain colors. Plaid suits, skirts and sweaters are appearing in gray and black.
Perhaps you like to wear sweaters. This fall, the tight-knit sweater covers more than just your upper body.
Pants and dresses are also appearing in sweater knits. Why not dress in style and wrap yourself in a large sweater?
Or maybe you like to wear your clothes one size too big. Loose-fitting pants, sweaters and coats have also hit the runway. Styles like the miniskirt with knee-high boots are also showing up.
Some popular colors to watch for include dark red, yellow and blue. Lighter shades of pink and peach will also appear.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Clothes vs. Clothing (Clothes與Clothing的區分)
1. clothes 可數名詞
- How many clothes should I bring?
但要注意 clothes 只有複數沒有單數,
所以前面不可以加數字,
可以說 - I'm wearing a lot of clothes.
2. clothing 不可數名詞
- How much clothing should I bring?
若要數clothing, 可用item 或 article
- I'm wearing three items of clothing.
Grammar Gym
Or maybe you like to wear your clothes one size too big.
one size too big
one [something] too [adjective]
- Ruby didn't get the modeling job because the agency thought she's an inch too short.
- Stella is not happy with the paint job because she thinks her walls are a shade too dark.
Language Lab
plaid adj.
a pattern of crossed lines and squares, used especially on cloth
- The black-and-white plaid shirt Ray is wearing was his birthday present.
- All the gentlemen wore Scottish plaid skirts to the party.
plaid n.
- An uneven plaid pattern is the trademark for this brand.
designer n.
someone whose job is to make plans or patterns for clothes, furniture, equipment etc:
- Karl Lagerfeld is the chief designer for Chanel.
- Fashion designers from around the globe have all come for this fashion event.
- The interior designer is famous for his eco-friendly designs.
wrap v.
past tense and past participle wrapped, present participle wrapping [transitive]
wrap up to put paper or cloth over something to cover it
- The baby was wrapped in blankets.
- Hannah is wrapping the birthday present for her sister with a beautiful ribbon.
runway n.
a long narrow part of a stage that stretches out into the area where the audience sits
- At the end of the show, all the models walked down the runway again with the designer.
hit the runway
- This 16-year-old model hit the runway in Milan last week.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140924baaa5549c80d8d0c1027bf47abc280311bad5483691d6442dca1d97b8a0329970b7.wma
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Nintendo – Past, Present and Future (2)
Nintendo's most popular ventures
Amidst the video-game popularity of the 70s, Nintendo introduced their first arcade game in 1975, EVR Race. Nintendo's next two games, Donkey Kong in 1981 and Super Mario Brothers in 1985, became legendary. Super Mario Brothers used the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a home video-game system of which nearly 62 million units were sold worldwide. Success struck again in 1989 with another Yokoi creation, Game Boy, which still ranks as the all-time best-selling portable game system.
Nintendo 64 (N64) was released in 1996, selling nearly 33 million units, and receiving Time magazine's 1996 Machine of the Year award.
In 2006, the company launched its Wii console, which became another huge success. Nintendo successfully targeted a new market: children and people who had never played video games before. Wii's interactive games, including animated games for kids and sports for the older crowd, offered an entirely new way to play.
What's ahead?
Over the years, the company has faced growing competition, prompting skeptical remarks from some about Nintendo's future. But in January, the company announced plans to begin developing a mystery device that will be launched in 2016. Nintendo is still looking toward the future, making everyone wonder what amazing devices the company will create in the next 125 years.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Sensational Spelling (感官拼字)
Wii 是因為要創造we的斜音的字,
二個ii是看起來像二個人在一起玩,
有些公司會故意將產品的英文名字拼錯,
為了是讓消費者留下印象,
這種手法叫做 sensational spelling,
例如: Krispy Kreme, Froot Loops
Grammar Gym
Amidst the video-game popularity of the 70s, Nintendo introduced their first arcade game in 1975...
Amidst [a situation at a certain time], [someone did something].
- Amidst the excitement and partying in the dormitory, Duncan tried his best to study for his exams.
- Amidst the sea of customer complaints, the company was glad to receive one positive report.
Language Lab
venture n.
a new business activity that involves taking risks
- The director's latest film venture proved very successful.
- Jonathan's business venture turned out to be a disaster.
venture v.
to go somewhere that could be dangerous:
- We ventured into the woods shortly after we arrived at the cabin.
arcade n.
a large building or part of a building where there are many shops;
an amusement arcade;
- Timmy spent most of his pocket money on the machines at the amusement arcade.
- The shopping arcade was packed with people during the year-end sale.
interactive adj.
an interactive computer program, television system etc allows you to communicate directly with it, and does things in reaction to your actions:
- The teacher's interactive teaching made learning much more fun.
interact v.
if people interact with each other, they talk to each other, work together etc
- The course encourages the students to interact as much as they can.
skeptical adj.
tending to disagree with what other people tell you
- Theo's skeptical look really irritated me.
sceptical about/of
- After giving the speech, I'm really skeptical about how much the audience understands.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140923baa2f1ee54021d382a94a36c600bb6b3f4773b87606b70e8a5244772b2ec4095b2a.wma
Amidst the video-game popularity of the 70s, Nintendo introduced their first arcade game in 1975, EVR Race. Nintendo's next two games, Donkey Kong in 1981 and Super Mario Brothers in 1985, became legendary. Super Mario Brothers used the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a home video-game system of which nearly 62 million units were sold worldwide. Success struck again in 1989 with another Yokoi creation, Game Boy, which still ranks as the all-time best-selling portable game system.
Nintendo 64 (N64) was released in 1996, selling nearly 33 million units, and receiving Time magazine's 1996 Machine of the Year award.
In 2006, the company launched its Wii console, which became another huge success. Nintendo successfully targeted a new market: children and people who had never played video games before. Wii's interactive games, including animated games for kids and sports for the older crowd, offered an entirely new way to play.
What's ahead?
Over the years, the company has faced growing competition, prompting skeptical remarks from some about Nintendo's future. But in January, the company announced plans to begin developing a mystery device that will be launched in 2016. Nintendo is still looking toward the future, making everyone wonder what amazing devices the company will create in the next 125 years.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Sensational Spelling (感官拼字)
Wii 是因為要創造we的斜音的字,
二個ii是看起來像二個人在一起玩,
有些公司會故意將產品的英文名字拼錯,
為了是讓消費者留下印象,
這種手法叫做 sensational spelling,
例如: Krispy Kreme, Froot Loops
Grammar Gym
Amidst the video-game popularity of the 70s, Nintendo introduced their first arcade game in 1975...
Amidst [a situation at a certain time], [someone did something].
- Amidst the excitement and partying in the dormitory, Duncan tried his best to study for his exams.
- Amidst the sea of customer complaints, the company was glad to receive one positive report.
Language Lab
venture n.
a new business activity that involves taking risks
- The director's latest film venture proved very successful.
- Jonathan's business venture turned out to be a disaster.
venture v.
to go somewhere that could be dangerous:
- We ventured into the woods shortly after we arrived at the cabin.
arcade n.
a large building or part of a building where there are many shops;
an amusement arcade;
- Timmy spent most of his pocket money on the machines at the amusement arcade.
- The shopping arcade was packed with people during the year-end sale.
interactive adj.
an interactive computer program, television system etc allows you to communicate directly with it, and does things in reaction to your actions:
- The teacher's interactive teaching made learning much more fun.
interact v.
if people interact with each other, they talk to each other, work together etc
- The course encourages the students to interact as much as they can.
skeptical adj.
tending to disagree with what other people tell you
- Theo's skeptical look really irritated me.
sceptical about/of
- After giving the speech, I'm really skeptical about how much the audience understands.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140923baa2f1ee54021d382a94a36c600bb6b3f4773b87606b70e8a5244772b2ec4095b2a.wma
Monday, September 22, 2014
Nintendo – Past, Present and Future (1)
A look back at one of the world’s most influential video game companies
Many people think the Nintendo Company originated around 1983, the same year the Mario Brothers made their debut and began fighting New York sewer creatures. But actually, the Japanese company started in 1889. Back then, computers and computer games were a long way off; nonetheless, the company's first product, handmade playing cards, was very popular.
Nintendo soon cornered the market in playing cards after beginning to produce plastic cards in 1953. But a 1956 trip to the U.S. convinced the CEO there wasn't much room for growth in that market, so he began experimenting with other projects, including toy-making.
Sure enough, the card market began its decline around 1962, and the company fought to stay in business.
A profitable change
A wise decision in 1965 to hire an assembly-line maintenance worker who enjoyed inventing mechanical toys helped turn things around for Nintendo. After the company produced and marketed Gunpei Yokoi's extending toy hand, Ultra Hand, they sold over one million units within the first year. Yokoi went on to create many profitable electronic toys that helped the company eliminate its debt and commence making money again.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Japanese English (日文英語化)
日文有許多字是外來語,
25年前有人統計過約有二萬個字是外來語,
到了現在已經沒有人去計算了,
因為數字已經太大了,
很多西方的思想跟觀念沒有辦法用日文來表達,
所以就直接用英文表達,
另外一個原因就是比較時尚, 所以直接用英文
Grammar Gym
A wise decision in 1965 to hire an assembly-line maintenance worker who enjoyed inventing mechanical toys helped turn things around for Nintendo.
A wise decision to ... helped...
- A wise decision to organize the workers into teams helped create a better working environment for everybody.
- A wise decision to put screens on all windows helped stop the problem with flies in the building.
Language Lab
debut n.
the first public appearance of an entertainer, sports player etc or of something new and important
- The debut for this singer was back in 1975.
make one's debut
- The band made their debut in San Francisco.
corner the market
to gain control of the whole supply of a particular kind of goods:
- The company is trying to corner the market by launching new products each season.
- These heartless businessmen stored up food to corner the market.
decline v.
to decrease in quantity or importance:
- The sales figures started to decline last year.
- Gina's health declined rapidly after she was diagnosed with cancer.
to say no politely when someone invites you somewhere, offers you something, or wants you to do something:
- Elizabeth declined Larry's proposal night.
commence v.
to begin or to start something:
- The meeting is scheduled to commence at 3 p.m. today.
- He commenced preparing for this competition early last year.
commencement n.
the beginning of something
- July 1st marks the commencement of the financial year.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140922baa12881c702bb5605c79bd2f1db0286206aec800fa4123f5082132f5eea1e1748f.wma
Many people think the Nintendo Company originated around 1983, the same year the Mario Brothers made their debut and began fighting New York sewer creatures. But actually, the Japanese company started in 1889. Back then, computers and computer games were a long way off; nonetheless, the company's first product, handmade playing cards, was very popular.
Nintendo soon cornered the market in playing cards after beginning to produce plastic cards in 1953. But a 1956 trip to the U.S. convinced the CEO there wasn't much room for growth in that market, so he began experimenting with other projects, including toy-making.
Sure enough, the card market began its decline around 1962, and the company fought to stay in business.
A profitable change
A wise decision in 1965 to hire an assembly-line maintenance worker who enjoyed inventing mechanical toys helped turn things around for Nintendo. After the company produced and marketed Gunpei Yokoi's extending toy hand, Ultra Hand, they sold over one million units within the first year. Yokoi went on to create many profitable electronic toys that helped the company eliminate its debt and commence making money again.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Japanese English (日文英語化)
日文有許多字是外來語,
25年前有人統計過約有二萬個字是外來語,
到了現在已經沒有人去計算了,
因為數字已經太大了,
很多西方的思想跟觀念沒有辦法用日文來表達,
所以就直接用英文表達,
另外一個原因就是比較時尚, 所以直接用英文
Grammar Gym
A wise decision in 1965 to hire an assembly-line maintenance worker who enjoyed inventing mechanical toys helped turn things around for Nintendo.
A wise decision to ... helped...
- A wise decision to organize the workers into teams helped create a better working environment for everybody.
- A wise decision to put screens on all windows helped stop the problem with flies in the building.
Language Lab
debut n.
the first public appearance of an entertainer, sports player etc or of something new and important
- The debut for this singer was back in 1975.
make one's debut
- The band made their debut in San Francisco.
corner the market
to gain control of the whole supply of a particular kind of goods:
- The company is trying to corner the market by launching new products each season.
- These heartless businessmen stored up food to corner the market.
decline v.
to decrease in quantity or importance:
- The sales figures started to decline last year.
- Gina's health declined rapidly after she was diagnosed with cancer.
to say no politely when someone invites you somewhere, offers you something, or wants you to do something:
- Elizabeth declined Larry's proposal night.
commence v.
to begin or to start something:
- The meeting is scheduled to commence at 3 p.m. today.
- He commenced preparing for this competition early last year.
commencement n.
the beginning of something
- July 1st marks the commencement of the financial year.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140922baa12881c702bb5605c79bd2f1db0286206aec800fa4123f5082132f5eea1e1748f.wma
Sunday, September 21, 2014
[Advanced] The ‘Open Office’ Dilemma (1) 2014-09-18
A pair of Fast Company editors debate the office space that defines their days
Maybe you spend your workdays inside a wood-paneled, book-lined chamber with your feet propped up on a Cadillac-size desk. But probably not. These days, you're more likely to toil in a huge communal room packed with rows of keyboard-tapping, phone-yakking colleagues. To some, this is a fantastic development, allowing for easier collaboration and smoother workflow. For others, it signifies the death of privacy, concentration, and dignity.
Who's right?
Jason Feifer: We both work at desks that sit out in a large, open-air pit. But we're across the floor from each other, so let me tell you what I see: The colleagues who are nearest to me are all silent, with their earphones on. I witness an inability to concentrate, a lack of privacy, and absent sense of ownership. But the business community insists this is good for me.
Supposedly, by all of us being mushed together, we're to form a beating heart of collaboration. And yet, because we're sitting together, we're doing everything we can to create the sense that we're apart. It's incontrovertible proof, that the open-office movement has the opposite of its intended effect. It's time for the business world to admit this and spare employees the condescension: Open offices may save money, but they're not for employees' benefit.
Anjali Mullany: I think the success of an open office depends in large part on what kind of work one does. Though we are both editors, we do different jobs. It would not make sense to assume that the same office layout is going to work just as well for both of us. Where I sit, we don't wear headphones very often, and my team interacts a lot. When we do wear headphones, we take it as a sign that the person doesn't want to be disturbed unless it's urgent. The system works.
Vocabulary Focus
communal adj.
belonging to or used by a group of people rather than one single person
mushed v.
to squeeze people or things together into a tight space
incontrovertible adj.
impossible to doubt because obviously true
condescension n.
behavior which shows that you consider yourself to be better or more intelligent than other people
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140918ada1a55c3d281dea108d4309dee7e70e80a2a91d996e69418ea47049d96926a55a8.wma
Maybe you spend your workdays inside a wood-paneled, book-lined chamber with your feet propped up on a Cadillac-size desk. But probably not. These days, you're more likely to toil in a huge communal room packed with rows of keyboard-tapping, phone-yakking colleagues. To some, this is a fantastic development, allowing for easier collaboration and smoother workflow. For others, it signifies the death of privacy, concentration, and dignity.
Who's right?
Jason Feifer: We both work at desks that sit out in a large, open-air pit. But we're across the floor from each other, so let me tell you what I see: The colleagues who are nearest to me are all silent, with their earphones on. I witness an inability to concentrate, a lack of privacy, and absent sense of ownership. But the business community insists this is good for me.
Supposedly, by all of us being mushed together, we're to form a beating heart of collaboration. And yet, because we're sitting together, we're doing everything we can to create the sense that we're apart. It's incontrovertible proof, that the open-office movement has the opposite of its intended effect. It's time for the business world to admit this and spare employees the condescension: Open offices may save money, but they're not for employees' benefit.
Anjali Mullany: I think the success of an open office depends in large part on what kind of work one does. Though we are both editors, we do different jobs. It would not make sense to assume that the same office layout is going to work just as well for both of us. Where I sit, we don't wear headphones very often, and my team interacts a lot. When we do wear headphones, we take it as a sign that the person doesn't want to be disturbed unless it's urgent. The system works.
Vocabulary Focus
communal adj.
belonging to or used by a group of people rather than one single person
mushed v.
to squeeze people or things together into a tight space
incontrovertible adj.
impossible to doubt because obviously true
condescension n.
behavior which shows that you consider yourself to be better or more intelligent than other people
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140918ada1a55c3d281dea108d4309dee7e70e80a2a91d996e69418ea47049d96926a55a8.wma
Saturday, September 20, 2014
The Race for the Ridge (2)
They came to an abrupt stop as the taxi ran into the side of a police car. Before Leo could take a deep breath, his door was pulled open, and he was forced out by the sheriff. "You're under arrest," said the sheriff as he aimed his gun at Leo's heart. With his hands above his head, Leo was thrown to the ground. He could barely see Erica on the other side of the police car.
"Hey, where are you taking her?" cried Leo.
"That woman is a fugitive, and you have just been caught aiding a known criminal. I don't think you'll have to wait long to find out what's going to happen to her. You'll be joining her," the sheriff sneered.
"You're making a big mistake! She's not a criminal; she's working for you! Just hear what she has to say," Leo pleaded.
"That's enough out of you! If I hear one more word out of your mouth, I'll have you thrown in jail!" the sheriff threatened.
"You can't do that! I know the law. I have rights!" Leo protested.
"Not anymore," the sheriff laughed.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Jail vs. Prison (Jail 和 Prison的差別)
jail 看守所,
prison 監獄
prisoner 囚犯, 也可指被剝噱自由的人
我們每個人都是 prisoners of time
無法從過去走出來的人 prisoner of his past
趕盡殺絕 take no prisoners
Grammar Gym
You have just been caught aiding a known criminal.
= We have caught you aiding a known criminal.
= A strange dog has been seen wandering through this neighborhood.
- We found a cat digging through our garbage can.
= A cat was found digging through our garbage can.
Language Lab
abrupt adj.
sudden and unexpected:
- The CEO's abrupt resignation shocked the staff.
- Rita's happiness came to an abrupt end when she found out she had been laid off.
seeming rude and unfriendly, especially because you do not waste time in friendly conversation
- His abrupt comment irritated all the people present.
fugitive n.
someone who is trying to avoid being caught by the police
- The fugitive was caught near his parents' home.
- These fugitives escaped from the jail last night.
- The sheriff discovered the fugitives' hiding place.
plead v.
to ask for something that you want very much, in a sincere and emotional way [= beg]:
plead with somebody (to do something)
- After being caught, the thief pleaded with the victim for mercy.
to state in a court of law whether or not you are guilty of a crime
- The defendant pleaded guilty to his crime.
protest v.
to come together to publicly express disapproval or opposition to something
protest against/at/about
- People took to the streets to protest against the tax increase.
protest n.
something that you do to show publicly that you think that something is wrong and unfair, for example taking part in big public meetings, refusing to work, or refusing to buy a company's products
- He resigned in protest against the company's new policy.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140920baa0695705af5b55152cc5d4bbc6a5009e884b2b9fb7b205798b234b4f3627368c9.wma
"Hey, where are you taking her?" cried Leo.
"That woman is a fugitive, and you have just been caught aiding a known criminal. I don't think you'll have to wait long to find out what's going to happen to her. You'll be joining her," the sheriff sneered.
"You're making a big mistake! She's not a criminal; she's working for you! Just hear what she has to say," Leo pleaded.
"That's enough out of you! If I hear one more word out of your mouth, I'll have you thrown in jail!" the sheriff threatened.
"You can't do that! I know the law. I have rights!" Leo protested.
"Not anymore," the sheriff laughed.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Jail vs. Prison (Jail 和 Prison的差別)
jail 看守所,
prison 監獄
prisoner 囚犯, 也可指被剝噱自由的人
我們每個人都是 prisoners of time
無法從過去走出來的人 prisoner of his past
趕盡殺絕 take no prisoners
Grammar Gym
You have just been caught aiding a known criminal.
= We have caught you aiding a known criminal.
[Subject] has been [past participle verb 1] [verb 2-ing].
- We have seen a strange dog wandering through this neighborhood.= A strange dog has been seen wandering through this neighborhood.
- We found a cat digging through our garbage can.
= A cat was found digging through our garbage can.
Language Lab
abrupt adj.
sudden and unexpected:
- The CEO's abrupt resignation shocked the staff.
- Rita's happiness came to an abrupt end when she found out she had been laid off.
seeming rude and unfriendly, especially because you do not waste time in friendly conversation
- His abrupt comment irritated all the people present.
fugitive n.
someone who is trying to avoid being caught by the police
- The fugitive was caught near his parents' home.
- These fugitives escaped from the jail last night.
- The sheriff discovered the fugitives' hiding place.
plead v.
to ask for something that you want very much, in a sincere and emotional way [= beg]:
plead with somebody (to do something)
- After being caught, the thief pleaded with the victim for mercy.
to state in a court of law whether or not you are guilty of a crime
- The defendant pleaded guilty to his crime.
protest v.
to come together to publicly express disapproval or opposition to something
protest against/at/about
- People took to the streets to protest against the tax increase.
protest n.
something that you do to show publicly that you think that something is wrong and unfair, for example taking part in big public meetings, refusing to work, or refusing to buy a company's products
- He resigned in protest against the company's new policy.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140920baa0695705af5b55152cc5d4bbc6a5009e884b2b9fb7b205798b234b4f3627368c9.wma
Friday, September 19, 2014
The Race for the Ridge (1)
Do Leo and Erica make it or not?
As the taxi rumbled down the road, Leo became increasingly aware of his surroundings. It felt like time was slowing down, and the road seemed to stretch before his eyes. He repeatedly checked his rearview mirror to see how many police cars were still in pursuit. He didn't see as many as he got farther away.
Pressing the gas pedal harder, he hoped to squeeze a little more speed out of the engine. Freedom was just over the ridge - if only he could reach it in time. "Almost there," he kept repeating to himself. He could sense Erica's nervous energy as they got closer to the ridge.
Leo held his breath as they flew over the edge. Then he choked. Right in front of them was a police roadblock that stretched across the entire road. A spike strip was set up from one side of the road to the other with numerous police vehicles behind it.
"Brace yourself!" Leo yelled just before the tires hit the spike strip. The taxi started spinning out of control as the tires burst. Leo had to gather all his strength to keep the taxi from flipping over.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Farther vs. Further (Farther和 Further的差別)
這二個字都是比較遠的意思,
二個字的差別是 farther /ˈfɑɚðɚ/
指的是實際上空間上的距離,
而 further /ˈfɚðɚ/ 指的是抽象的距離,
- London is farther north than Boston. (實際可測量的距離)
- Nothing could be further from the truth. (離事實很遠)
口語上現在很多人都用further, 所以 farther 也比較少用了
Grammar Gym
As the taxi rumbled down the road, Leo became increasingly aware of his surroundings.
As + [situation], [subject] became increasingly [adjective].
- As the delay got longer and longer, the passengers in the waiting room became increasingly impatient.
- As her competitors improved their skills, Evelyn became increasingly nervous about the competition.
Language Lab
rumble v. [intransitive]
to make a low, heavy, continuous sound or series of sounds
- An old truck rumbled up the hill slowly.
- An airplane rumbled over us.
rumble n.
a series of long low sounds
- You can hear the rumble of the traffic from a distance.
rearview mirror n.
a mirror inside a car etc that lets the driver see the area behind the car
- I saw a dog passing behind my car from my rearview mirror.
side-veiw mirrors n.
a mirror attached to the side of a car
- Both of my side-view mirrors were broken in the accident.
numerous adj.
many:
- The customer service department received numerous complaint calls this morning.
- Numerous critics gave positive comments on the play.
flip over v.
past tense and past participle flipped, present participle flipping
to move something with a quick sudden movement so that it is in a different position:
- The chef flipped over the steak and cooked it for another tow minutes.
- The bike bumped into a rock and flipped over.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140919baae7608bbaaf5b76e99004bdc5f49ee3132754cb404969c8e7f8f5938eeb139adc.wma
As the taxi rumbled down the road, Leo became increasingly aware of his surroundings. It felt like time was slowing down, and the road seemed to stretch before his eyes. He repeatedly checked his rearview mirror to see how many police cars were still in pursuit. He didn't see as many as he got farther away.
Pressing the gas pedal harder, he hoped to squeeze a little more speed out of the engine. Freedom was just over the ridge - if only he could reach it in time. "Almost there," he kept repeating to himself. He could sense Erica's nervous energy as they got closer to the ridge.
Leo held his breath as they flew over the edge. Then he choked. Right in front of them was a police roadblock that stretched across the entire road. A spike strip was set up from one side of the road to the other with numerous police vehicles behind it.
"Brace yourself!" Leo yelled just before the tires hit the spike strip. The taxi started spinning out of control as the tires burst. Leo had to gather all his strength to keep the taxi from flipping over.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Farther vs. Further (Farther和 Further的差別)
這二個字都是比較遠的意思,
二個字的差別是 farther /ˈfɑɚðɚ/
指的是實際上空間上的距離,
而 further /ˈfɚðɚ/ 指的是抽象的距離,
- London is farther north than Boston. (實際可測量的距離)
- Nothing could be further from the truth. (離事實很遠)
口語上現在很多人都用further, 所以 farther 也比較少用了
Grammar Gym
As the taxi rumbled down the road, Leo became increasingly aware of his surroundings.
As + [situation], [subject] became increasingly [adjective].
- As the delay got longer and longer, the passengers in the waiting room became increasingly impatient.
- As her competitors improved their skills, Evelyn became increasingly nervous about the competition.
Language Lab
rumble v. [intransitive]
to make a low, heavy, continuous sound or series of sounds
- An old truck rumbled up the hill slowly.
- An airplane rumbled over us.
rumble n.
a series of long low sounds
- You can hear the rumble of the traffic from a distance.
rearview mirror n.
a mirror inside a car etc that lets the driver see the area behind the car
- I saw a dog passing behind my car from my rearview mirror.
side-veiw mirrors n.
a mirror attached to the side of a car
- Both of my side-view mirrors were broken in the accident.
numerous adj.
many:
- The customer service department received numerous complaint calls this morning.
- Numerous critics gave positive comments on the play.
flip over v.
past tense and past participle flipped, present participle flipping
to move something with a quick sudden movement so that it is in a different position:
- The chef flipped over the steak and cooked it for another tow minutes.
- The bike bumped into a rock and flipped over.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140919baae7608bbaaf5b76e99004bdc5f49ee3132754cb404969c8e7f8f5938eeb139adc.wma
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Getting Wood to Talk (2)
The artist's style
Taking Yang's advice, Chang simplified his style, turning from realistic pieces to stylized ones. With wood as his medium of choice, Chang focused on creating landscape-themed sculptures, finding inspiration in the marble canyons of Taroko National Park. His treks to the park resulted in a series of carvings that captured the rugged beauty of Taroko's canyon walls, waterfalls and rapids.
By 1988, four years into his art career, Chang was winning awards for his art, which was becoming sought after by museums in Taiwan.
The artist's themes
Chang often features spiritual themes in his landscape sculptures. Prodigy, a piece that he labored over for 16 years, illustrates the Bible story of Moses leading the Jews out of Egypt. Considered a masterpiece, the wooden carving captures the moment when God parted the Red Sea. In The Breakthrough Bestowed by God, a copper sculpture, Chang portrays the struggle of a grape tree that's bursting through stone barriers. This complex piece serves as a metaphor for seeking God's assistance in all struggles.
As a sculptor whose career began at 47, Chang's success proves that - for a passionate artist - it's never too late to start!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: What’s a Shibboleth? 何謂Shibboleth？
Shibboleth n,
/ˈʃɪbələθ/
1: an old idea, opinion, or saying that is commonly believed and repeated but that may be seen as old-fashioned or untrue
2: a word or way of speaking or behaving which shows that a person belongs to a particular group
Language Lab
simplify v.
to make something easier or less complicated:
- The teacher simplified the story so young kids can understand.
- The new application procedure is simplified.
simple adj.
not difficult or complicated to do or understand:
- Nathan can't even solve simple math questions.
trek n.
a long and difficult journey, made especially on foot as an adventure
trek v.
trek past tense and past participle trekked, present participle trekking [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]
bestow v.
/bɪˈstoʊ/
to give someone something of great value or importance
bestow something on/upon somebody
- The university bestowed on/upon her an honorary degree.
metaphor n.
/ˈmɛtəˌfoɚ/
a word or phrase for one thing that is used to refer to another thing in order to show or suggest that they are similar
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140918baa143cec192c07e37df30f726072d97a36497bc94dbfcc612152d6aa802ffae98b.wma
Taking Yang's advice, Chang simplified his style, turning from realistic pieces to stylized ones. With wood as his medium of choice, Chang focused on creating landscape-themed sculptures, finding inspiration in the marble canyons of Taroko National Park. His treks to the park resulted in a series of carvings that captured the rugged beauty of Taroko's canyon walls, waterfalls and rapids.
By 1988, four years into his art career, Chang was winning awards for his art, which was becoming sought after by museums in Taiwan.
The artist's themes
Chang often features spiritual themes in his landscape sculptures. Prodigy, a piece that he labored over for 16 years, illustrates the Bible story of Moses leading the Jews out of Egypt. Considered a masterpiece, the wooden carving captures the moment when God parted the Red Sea. In The Breakthrough Bestowed by God, a copper sculpture, Chang portrays the struggle of a grape tree that's bursting through stone barriers. This complex piece serves as a metaphor for seeking God's assistance in all struggles.
As a sculptor whose career began at 47, Chang's success proves that - for a passionate artist - it's never too late to start!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: What’s a Shibboleth? 何謂Shibboleth？
Shibboleth n,
/ˈʃɪbələθ/
1: an old idea, opinion, or saying that is commonly believed and repeated but that may be seen as old-fashioned or untrue
2: a word or way of speaking or behaving which shows that a person belongs to a particular group
Language Lab
simplify v.
to make something easier or less complicated:
- The teacher simplified the story so young kids can understand.
- The new application procedure is simplified.
simple adj.
not difficult or complicated to do or understand:
- Nathan can't even solve simple math questions.
trek n.
a long and difficult journey, made especially on foot as an adventure
trek v.
trek past tense and past participle trekked, present participle trekking [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]
bestow v.
/bɪˈstoʊ/
to give someone something of great value or importance
bestow something on/upon somebody
- The university bestowed on/upon her an honorary degree.
metaphor n.
/ˈmɛtəˌfoɚ/
a word or phrase for one thing that is used to refer to another thing in order to show or suggest that they are similar
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140918baa143cec192c07e37df30f726072d97a36497bc94dbfcc612152d6aa802ffae98b.wma
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Getting Wood to Talk (1)
Meet a sculptor who carves powerful nature scenes
For the first half of his life, Chang Ching kept his artistic pursuits in the background. He spent his days working as an optometrist in Dounan Township while restricting his bonsai-related activities to his leisure time. On weekends and in spare moments, Chang searched through the mountains and valleys of Taiwan for miniature trees and rocks. Little did he know those mountain landscapes would play a key role in the second half of his life.
On September 11, 1984, Chang heard a voice in a dream telling him to pursue sculpture, assuring him that he would be successful within two years.
Believing he had heard from God, Chang set out to become a professional sculptor, making a radical career shift in middle age.
Formal training
After only about a year of carving wooden figures, Chang was invited to hold an exhibition at Yunlin County Cultural Center. But the self-taught artist wasn't satisfied, and he sought to become an apprentice to internationally known sculptor Yang Yu-yu. Initially , the prominent teacher turned Chang away based on his age but later accepted the novice sculptor as his student.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: High Mountains or Tall Mountains? 「高」山的學問
要形容一座山很高可以用high也可以用tall,
但如果你是geographer 地理學家的話,
high 跟 tall 就有差別了,
high 是指海拔, 高度是從海平面算起, 全世界最high 的山是Mount Everest,
tall 是指山腳算起的高度
Grammar Gym
He spent his days working as an optometrist in Dounan Township while restricting his bonsai-related activities to his leisure time.
[Subject[ spent his/her [time] [doing something] while restricting his/her [activity] to [another time].
- Aaron spends his weekdays rehearsing for the big performance while restricting his hobbies to weekends.
- Becky spends her mornings and afternoons studying for the exam while restricting her entertainment to her evening hours.
Language Lab
sculptor n.
/ˈskʌlptɚ/
someone who makes sculptures
- Picasso was not only a painter, he was also a sculptor.
sculpt v.
/ˈskʌlpt/
to make (something) by carving or molding clay, stone, etc. : to make (a sculpture)
- The sculptor sculpted a full-size replica of a hound.
sculpture n.
/ˈskʌlptʃɚ/
a piece of art that is made by carving or molding clay, stone, metal, etc.
- sculptures of Adam and Eve
hound n.
a dog which is fast and has a good sense of smell, used for hunting
miniature adj.
very small: tiny
- The miniature house is handmade.
- The miniature golf course attracts many visitors.
miniature n.
exactly like something or someone but much smaller:
- I have a detailed miniature of the Eiffel Tower.
apprentice n.
someone who works for an employer for a fixed period of time in order to learn a particular skill or job:
- Bobby is one of this famous baker's apprentices.
apprentice to
- Chelsea started off as an apprentice to this fashion designer.
apprentice v.
- Eric was apprenticed to the mechanic when he was 17.
novice n.
someone who has no experience in a skill, subject, or activity [= beginner]:
- Molly has never cooked before, so she's a complete novice.
novice at
- I'm a novice at driving.
- Sarah is a novice reporter.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140917baae340c0d8c60adb7772968ffa16789490054e9fc6bcbfb04da4e759a02ad95405.wma
For the first half of his life, Chang Ching kept his artistic pursuits in the background. He spent his days working as an optometrist in Dounan Township while restricting his bonsai-related activities to his leisure time. On weekends and in spare moments, Chang searched through the mountains and valleys of Taiwan for miniature trees and rocks. Little did he know those mountain landscapes would play a key role in the second half of his life.
On September 11, 1984, Chang heard a voice in a dream telling him to pursue sculpture, assuring him that he would be successful within two years.
Believing he had heard from God, Chang set out to become a professional sculptor, making a radical career shift in middle age.
Formal training
After only about a year of carving wooden figures, Chang was invited to hold an exhibition at Yunlin County Cultural Center. But the self-taught artist wasn't satisfied, and he sought to become an apprentice to internationally known sculptor Yang Yu-yu. Initially , the prominent teacher turned Chang away based on his age but later accepted the novice sculptor as his student.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: High Mountains or Tall Mountains? 「高」山的學問
要形容一座山很高可以用high也可以用tall,
但如果你是geographer 地理學家的話,
high 跟 tall 就有差別了,
high 是指海拔, 高度是從海平面算起, 全世界最high 的山是Mount Everest,
tall 是指山腳算起的高度
Grammar Gym
He spent his days working as an optometrist in Dounan Township while restricting his bonsai-related activities to his leisure time.
[Subject[ spent his/her [time] [doing something] while restricting his/her [activity] to [another time].
- Aaron spends his weekdays rehearsing for the big performance while restricting his hobbies to weekends.
- Becky spends her mornings and afternoons studying for the exam while restricting her entertainment to her evening hours.
Language Lab
sculptor n.
/ˈskʌlptɚ/
someone who makes sculptures
- Picasso was not only a painter, he was also a sculptor.
sculpt v.
/ˈskʌlpt/
to make (something) by carving or molding clay, stone, etc. : to make (a sculpture)
- The sculptor sculpted a full-size replica of a hound.
sculpture n.
/ˈskʌlptʃɚ/
a piece of art that is made by carving or molding clay, stone, metal, etc.
- sculptures of Adam and Eve
hound n.
a dog which is fast and has a good sense of smell, used for hunting
miniature adj.
very small: tiny
- The miniature house is handmade.
- The miniature golf course attracts many visitors.
miniature n.
exactly like something or someone but much smaller:
- I have a detailed miniature of the Eiffel Tower.
apprentice n.
someone who works for an employer for a fixed period of time in order to learn a particular skill or job:
- Bobby is one of this famous baker's apprentices.
apprentice to
- Chelsea started off as an apprentice to this fashion designer.
apprentice v.
- Eric was apprenticed to the mechanic when he was 17.
novice n.
someone who has no experience in a skill, subject, or activity [= beginner]:
- Molly has never cooked before, so she's a complete novice.
novice at
- I'm a novice at driving.
- Sarah is a novice reporter.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140917baae340c0d8c60adb7772968ffa16789490054e9fc6bcbfb04da4e759a02ad95405.wma
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Thomas Brodie-Sangster (2)
At about 16, Thomas had to make a decision. Did he really want to devote his life to acting? Many people in the public "aren't quite letting you be you because they see you as something special," he says. Also, bonds made during filming were often broken soon after the project finished. Despite these things, he found enough joy and satisfaction the work to continue.
Actually, Thomas seems to find joy in difficulty itself. He played 10-year-old Adolf Hitler in a TV movie and a teenage Paul McCartney in Nowhere Boy.
The subject of his film Death of a Superhero made it his most challenging film. Still, he found a positive message in its story of a schoolboy with cancer.
Thomas now enjoys roles in Game of Thrones and the upcoming Maze Runner films. Popular as those projects may be, most till recognize him as Sam in Love Actually.
Sam seems to run after Thomas, just as he ran through Heathrow airport to his sweetheart.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Subject vs. Theme (Subject和Theme的差別)
subject 就是 topic, 我們聊天一定會有一個話題,
例如: 愛情, 養生, 宗教, 都是不同的subject
theme 是一件藝術作品的中心思想或主旨,
或是小說裡的theme是作者要傳達的訊息,
也可以說是讀者要從當中學到的教訓,
所以一本愛情小說的subject是愛情,
但它的theme 可能是 love conquers all.
Grammar Gym
Popular as those projects may be, most till recognize him as Sam in Love Actually.
Language Lab
bond n.
something that unites two or more people or groups, such as love, or a shared interest or idea
- Babies develop bonds with their mothers quickly after they are born.
- Chinese society is known for strong family bonds. Family members are close at every stage of their lives.
despite preposition
used to say that something happens or is true even though something else might have prevented it [= in spite of]:
- Despite her illness, Natalie still goes to school every day.
- Sean still arrived at the office on time despite staying up late last night.
challenging adj.
difficult in an interesting or enjoyable way:
- Teaching is a very challenging profession.
- The course is quite challenging and interesting, too.
發人深省的
- The columnist raised some challenging questions in his article.
upcoming adj.
happening soon:
- My daughter is very excited about the upcoming May Day concert.
- All team members are in training to prepare for the upcoming game.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140916baa3b57805c7aedccd16e1180be0133e716119fc0955739cd7f8c1eb1ff888ad2df.wma
Actually, Thomas seems to find joy in difficulty itself. He played 10-year-old Adolf Hitler in a TV movie and a teenage Paul McCartney in Nowhere Boy.
The subject of his film Death of a Superhero made it his most challenging film. Still, he found a positive message in its story of a schoolboy with cancer.
Thomas now enjoys roles in Game of Thrones and the upcoming Maze Runner films. Popular as those projects may be, most till recognize him as Sam in Love Actually.
Sam seems to run after Thomas, just as he ran through Heathrow airport to his sweetheart.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Subject vs. Theme (Subject和Theme的差別)
subject 就是 topic, 我們聊天一定會有一個話題,
例如: 愛情, 養生, 宗教, 都是不同的subject
theme 是一件藝術作品的中心思想或主旨,
或是小說裡的theme是作者要傳達的訊息,
也可以說是讀者要從當中學到的教訓,
所以一本愛情小說的subject是愛情,
但它的theme 可能是 love conquers all.
Grammar Gym
Popular as those projects may be, most till recognize him as Sam in Love Actually.
[Adjective] as [something] may be, [situation].
- Affordable as this smartphone may be, most people would rather pay extra to get a smartphone from a bigger company.
- Dangerous as these shuttles may be, most passengers are still willing to ride them.
Language Lab
bond n.
something that unites two or more people or groups, such as love, or a shared interest or idea
- Babies develop bonds with their mothers quickly after they are born.
- Chinese society is known for strong family bonds. Family members are close at every stage of their lives.
despite preposition
used to say that something happens or is true even though something else might have prevented it [= in spite of]:
- Despite her illness, Natalie still goes to school every day.
- Sean still arrived at the office on time despite staying up late last night.
challenging adj.
difficult in an interesting or enjoyable way:
- Teaching is a very challenging profession.
- The course is quite challenging and interesting, too.
發人深省的
- The columnist raised some challenging questions in his article.
upcoming adj.
happening soon:
- My daughter is very excited about the upcoming May Day concert.
- All team members are in training to prepare for the upcoming game.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140916baa3b57805c7aedccd16e1180be0133e716119fc0955739cd7f8c1eb1ff888ad2df.wma
Monday, September 15, 2014
Thomas Brodie-Sangster (1)
Is that the kid from…?
Thomas Brodie-Sangster’s cars and action figures weren't just toys. "They would always be characters, and I would always put on stupid voices," says Thomas. For him, acting was just a matter of moving childhood games to a set.
Maturity and independence came to Thomas early as he started work at 10. After his first audition (for a little movie called Harry Potter), he learned about rejection. Though hurt and disappointed, he took a part in a tiny, unknown TV film in 2001. No one noticed his performance – no one except screenwriter Richard Curtis. Two years later, he played Sam, a 12-year-old in love in Curtis’ Love Actually.
After that hit film, he played actor Colin Firth’s son in Nanny McPhee. Firth then joined a film called The Last Legion and supported Thomas for its lead role. As a result, the boy played Rome’s final ruler in the action-adventure.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Titles Should Be Italicized 何時該用斜體字?
英文寫作文時, 如果是用電腦打字, 就可以使用斜體字,
如果文章是手寫時, 就不能用斜體字, 通常就會改用underline來取代 italics,
要注意不是用 quotation marks 引號取代斜體字,
但是我們如果用電腦文書處理時, 就該用斜體字,
只要是書籍, 報紙, 雜誌, 藝術品, 歌劇, 電影, 廣播節目等名稱,
都必需要用斜體字,
例如: Studio Classroom is the best magazine.
Studio Classroom 這二個字就必需用斜體字
Grammar Gym
For him, acting was just a matter of moving childhood games to a set.
[Something] is (just) a matter of [doing something]
Language Lab
rejection n.
the act of not accepting, believing in, or agreeing with something
- As a sales representative, you have to cope with constant rejection.
reject v.
to refuse to believe, accept, or consider (something)
- Valerie's application was rejected because she didn't meet the requirements.
disappointed adj. 感到失望的
unhappy because something you hoped for did not happen, or because someone or something was not as good as you expected:
- The team members were bitterly disappointed with the result of the game.
disappointing adj. 令人失望的
not as good as you hoped or expected:
- a disappointing performance
screenwriter n.
someone who writes plays for film or television
- This movie is the screenwriter's debut.
- This screenwriter is famous for his ability to cast.
playwright n.
someone who writes plays
- William Shakespeare is a legendary playwright.
legion n.
a large group of soldiers, especially in ancient Rome
- Michael's father used to serve in the French Foreign Legion.
a large number of people
- The pop star was surrounded by a legion of bodyguards.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140915baa605fe0f4104f72fe4347ec14563db1c3ba23fc8b47f6a9cd89765838bd0c51a6.wma
Thomas Brodie-Sangster’s cars and action figures weren't just toys. "They would always be characters, and I would always put on stupid voices," says Thomas. For him, acting was just a matter of moving childhood games to a set.
Maturity and independence came to Thomas early as he started work at 10. After his first audition (for a little movie called Harry Potter), he learned about rejection. Though hurt and disappointed, he took a part in a tiny, unknown TV film in 2001. No one noticed his performance – no one except screenwriter Richard Curtis. Two years later, he played Sam, a 12-year-old in love in Curtis’ Love Actually.
After that hit film, he played actor Colin Firth’s son in Nanny McPhee. Firth then joined a film called The Last Legion and supported Thomas for its lead role. As a result, the boy played Rome’s final ruler in the action-adventure.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Titles Should Be Italicized 何時該用斜體字?
英文寫作文時, 如果是用電腦打字, 就可以使用斜體字,
如果文章是手寫時, 就不能用斜體字, 通常就會改用underline來取代 italics,
要注意不是用 quotation marks 引號取代斜體字,
但是我們如果用電腦文書處理時, 就該用斜體字,
只要是書籍, 報紙, 雜誌, 藝術品, 歌劇, 電影, 廣播節目等名稱,
都必需要用斜體字,
例如: Studio Classroom is the best magazine.
Studio Classroom 這二個字就必需用斜體字
Grammar Gym
For him, acting was just a matter of moving childhood games to a set.
[Something] is (just) a matter of [doing something]
- A lot of people think this program is hard, but it really is just a matter of attending every class and getting your homework done on time.
- If you want to do a good job in the school competition, it's just a matter of being willing to practice every day.Language Lab
rejection n.
the act of not accepting, believing in, or agreeing with something
- As a sales representative, you have to cope with constant rejection.
reject v.
to refuse to believe, accept, or consider (something)
- Valerie's application was rejected because she didn't meet the requirements.
disappointed adj. 感到失望的
unhappy because something you hoped for did not happen, or because someone or something was not as good as you expected:
- The team members were bitterly disappointed with the result of the game.
disappointing adj. 令人失望的
not as good as you hoped or expected:
- a disappointing performance
screenwriter n.
someone who writes plays for film or television
- This movie is the screenwriter's debut.
- This screenwriter is famous for his ability to cast.
playwright n.
someone who writes plays
- William Shakespeare is a legendary playwright.
legion n.
a large group of soldiers, especially in ancient Rome
- Michael's father used to serve in the French Foreign Legion.
a large number of people
- The pop star was surrounded by a legion of bodyguards.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140915baa605fe0f4104f72fe4347ec14563db1c3ba23fc8b47f6a9cd89765838bd0c51a6.wma
Saturday, September 13, 2014
It’s All Connected! (2)
Some Fears
Some critics fear that the IoT could end up being a fad that people lose interest in over time. Having Twitter feeds on refrigerator doors may sound cool at first, but the attraction could fade as quickly as the excitement over last year's smartphone! Other critics are doubtful that companies making Internet-connected appliances will provide long-term software updates. If that happens, a refrigerator or washing machine that should last 10 years or more could last two or three due to software that's outdated.
A Positive Example
Early this year, owners of the Tesla Model S electric car received a recall notice alerting them to a charger plug needing to be fixed. Amazingly, owners of the Model S sat back while the company performed an "over the air" wireless update. Customers confirmed the update by tapping on the car's touchscreen console to see that the Model S was running the latest software version. No trip to the dealer was required!
Perhaps Tesla's remote fix is a sign of things to come. Someday soon, people's lives might become a lot more efficient and convenient thanks to the IoT.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Suprafixed Verbs 超音綴
超音綴
英文裡頭有很多動詞是可以當名詞或形容詞用的,
但是要注意同一個字詞性不一樣時發音也會不一樣,
例如: record, permit, present, perfect
Grammar Gym
Having Twitter feeds on refrigerator doors may sound cool at first, but the attraction could fade as quickly as the excitement over last year's smartphone!
[Something] may sound [adjective] at first, but the attraction could [verb] as quickly as [situation].
Language Lab
fad n.
something that people like or do for a short time, or that is fashionable for a short time:
- Johnson's interest in piano is only a passing fad.
- There was a fad of people wearing neon-colored clothes a few years ago.
feed v.
feed on something phrasal verb
if an animal feeds on a particular food, it usually eats that food:
- Squirrels feed on nuts.
- Sheep feed on grass or plants.
feed on 以某個東西為能源
if a feeling or process feeds on something, it becomes stronger because of it:
- The device feeds on computers.
wireless adj.
not using wires to send and receive electronic signals: sending and receiving electronic signals by using radio waves
- a wireless telephone
- Wireless networking makes communication easier and faster than before.
- The singer used her own wireless microphone.
console n.
a flat board that contains the controls for a machine, piece of electrical equipment, computer etc
- You can control the air conditioning, audio systems and central locks from the car's console panel.
console v.
to make someone feel better when they are feeling sad or disappointed
- I tried to console the little girl with some candy, but didn't succeed.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140913baa33cc6e4d3844d8dfae89f29dc52f1265f416154e842e649c5858ec167ee1a3b1.wma
Some critics fear that the IoT could end up being a fad that people lose interest in over time. Having Twitter feeds on refrigerator doors may sound cool at first, but the attraction could fade as quickly as the excitement over last year's smartphone! Other critics are doubtful that companies making Internet-connected appliances will provide long-term software updates. If that happens, a refrigerator or washing machine that should last 10 years or more could last two or three due to software that's outdated.
A Positive Example
Early this year, owners of the Tesla Model S electric car received a recall notice alerting them to a charger plug needing to be fixed. Amazingly, owners of the Model S sat back while the company performed an "over the air" wireless update. Customers confirmed the update by tapping on the car's touchscreen console to see that the Model S was running the latest software version. No trip to the dealer was required!
Perhaps Tesla's remote fix is a sign of things to come. Someday soon, people's lives might become a lot more efficient and convenient thanks to the IoT.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Suprafixed Verbs 超音綴
超音綴
英文裡頭有很多動詞是可以當名詞或形容詞用的,
但是要注意同一個字詞性不一樣時發音也會不一樣,
例如: record, permit, present, perfect
Grammar Gym
Having Twitter feeds on refrigerator doors may sound cool at first, but the attraction could fade as quickly as the excitement over last year's smartphone!
[Something] may sound [adjective] at first, but the attraction could [verb] as quickly as [situation].
- Riding in an old wagon may sound fun at first, but the attraction could go away as quickly as a leaf in the wind.
- Being sick and staying at home may sound great at first, but the attraction could wear off as quickly as a pair of paper slippers.Language Lab
fad n.
something that people like or do for a short time, or that is fashionable for a short time:
- Johnson's interest in piano is only a passing fad.
- There was a fad of people wearing neon-colored clothes a few years ago.
feed v.
feed on something phrasal verb
if an animal feeds on a particular food, it usually eats that food:
- Squirrels feed on nuts.
- Sheep feed on grass or plants.
feed on 以某個東西為能源
if a feeling or process feeds on something, it becomes stronger because of it:
- The device feeds on computers.
wireless adj.
not using wires to send and receive electronic signals: sending and receiving electronic signals by using radio waves
- a wireless telephone
- Wireless networking makes communication easier and faster than before.
- The singer used her own wireless microphone.
console n.
a flat board that contains the controls for a machine, piece of electrical equipment, computer etc
- You can control the air conditioning, audio systems and central locks from the car's console panel.
console v.
to make someone feel better when they are feeling sad or disappointed
- I tried to console the little girl with some candy, but didn't succeed.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140913baa33cc6e4d3844d8dfae89f29dc52f1265f416154e842e649c5858ec167ee1a3b1.wma
Friday, September 12, 2014
[Advanced] Google X (1) 2014/09/12
A look inside the secret lab where Google’s ‘Moonshot’ research takes place
In a rare public speech, Google Inc. CEO Larry Page once suggested the tech industry needs "safe places where we can try out new things" without rules or interference. Some people thought he was describing a futuristic fantasy.
But Page already has the next best thing in Google X, the secretive skunk works where company scientists get plenty of resources and free rein to work on things like self-driving cars, Internet-connected balloons and flying power generators.
At a time when other tech companies have trimmed research budgets or focused tightly on their core business, Google's X division is pursuing a range of seemingly outlandish ideas. And while much of it is hush-hush, the X projects that have been announced publicly may push the envelope even further than Google's ventures into ultrafast fiber networks, industrial robotics and high-tech home thermostats.
The problem solvers
"They're doing a lot of incredibly weird stuff," said Rob Enderle, analyst at the Enderle Group, "but they're rolling in money." Google made $13 billion profit on $60 billion in sales last year, mostly from online ads. "That gives them a lot of latitude in what they invest in."
"They understand that their mission is to think really audaciously, to incubate magic," Teller said in a speech last year, adding that X's goal is to "have an impact on the world and then worry later about making money on it."
Teller describes the mandate for X this way: Identify some really big problems that Google might be able to solve by applying technology in a radically new way.
"There's this open question of what Google is going to be, a decade or more from now," Teller said in an interview. "Google X isn't the only answer to that question, but it was built as a place to do some of the exploration to find some great new problems for Google to tackle."
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140912ada0c8b730659aeb0dcf74ef57946380f3c36843e9d2048ca49fd575dceaa11c993.wma
In a rare public speech, Google Inc. CEO Larry Page once suggested the tech industry needs "safe places where we can try out new things" without rules or interference. Some people thought he was describing a futuristic fantasy.
But Page already has the next best thing in Google X, the secretive skunk works where company scientists get plenty of resources and free rein to work on things like self-driving cars, Internet-connected balloons and flying power generators.
At a time when other tech companies have trimmed research budgets or focused tightly on their core business, Google's X division is pursuing a range of seemingly outlandish ideas. And while much of it is hush-hush, the X projects that have been announced publicly may push the envelope even further than Google's ventures into ultrafast fiber networks, industrial robotics and high-tech home thermostats.
The problem solvers
"They're doing a lot of incredibly weird stuff," said Rob Enderle, analyst at the Enderle Group, "but they're rolling in money." Google made $13 billion profit on $60 billion in sales last year, mostly from online ads. "That gives them a lot of latitude in what they invest in."
"They understand that their mission is to think really audaciously, to incubate magic," Teller said in a speech last year, adding that X's goal is to "have an impact on the world and then worry later about making money on it."
Teller describes the mandate for X this way: Identify some really big problems that Google might be able to solve by applying technology in a radically new way.
"There's this open question of what Google is going to be, a decade or more from now," Teller said in an interview. "Google X isn't the only answer to that question, but it was built as a place to do some of the exploration to find some great new problems for Google to tackle."
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140912ada0c8b730659aeb0dcf74ef57946380f3c36843e9d2048ca49fd575dceaa11c993.wma
It’s All Connected! (1)
How the Internet of Things will get everything talking to the Internet
The Internet of Things (IoT) aims to get everything and everyone talking. Attaching sensors to "things" such as cows, cars and refrigerators, and then assigning them unique IP address, allows them to "talk" to the Internet. Of course, the IoT will involve much more than a handful of sensors. Networking company Cisco estimates that 50 billion Internet-connected devices and objects will be transmitting data by 2020.
But getting back to those cows, cars and refrigerators, what types of data might they actually send? Cows might transmit their locations or physical conditions. Cars might communicate low oil levels and automatically schedule their own maintenance. And refrigerators might send owners text messages reminding them it's time to buy milk and eggs.
Specific Benefits
The IoT will allow people to track things and processes like never before. Airplane manufacturers will be able to continuously track the condition of airplane parts, allowing them to do preventive maintenance and avoid costly downtime. Consumers could install smart meters in their homes to monitor energy usage and observe energy price changes in real time. That would allow people to adjust their habits and use electrical appliances during lower-priced hours.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Clipped Words ( 截短詞)
1. app=application
/ˈæp/
app是一個單字, 要讀/ˈæp/, 不要讀成A-P-P, 他不是縮寫, 原形是application
2. gas= gasoline
3. exam=examination
4. telephone=phone
5. airplane=plane
6. refrigerator= fridge
7. influenza=flu
Grammar Gym
But getting back to those cows, cars and refrigerators, what types of data might they actually send?
getting back to: returning to a subject that was mentioned earlier
- I know we're busy right now, but getting back to what we were talking about an hour ago, is it possible to take tomorrow off?
- Getting back to our discussion on holiday plans, when would you like to reserve your plane tickets?
Language Lab
sensor n.
a piece of equipment used for discovering the presence of light, heat, movement etc
- The heat sensor detects all temperature changes in the lab.
- Motion sensors were connected to the light switches, so when people move around, the lights will turn on automatically.
maintenance n.
[uncountable] the repairs, painting etc that are necessary to keep something in good condition:
- My car is in the garage for routine maintenance.
- The ground staff needs to conduct maintenance checks before the airplanes take off.
maintain v.
to make something continue in the same way or at the same standard as before:
- The device helps maintain a person's heart rate.
preventive adj.
intended to stop something you do not want to happen, such as illness, from happening:
- The police took preventive measures to ensure a peaceful protest.
- The pharmaceutical company is developing many types of preventive medicine.
real time n.
deals with information as fast as it receives it:
- The viewers can watch the candidate's debate in real time.
- Umpires need to make judgments in real time.
real-time adj.
happening or shown at the speed at which a computer receives and processes information
- There's real-time language translation during each session of the conference.
umpire n.
the person who makes sure that the players obey the rules in sports such as tennis, baseball, and cricket [↪ referee]
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140912baaf1fab14723e3096f08c5de74dbd945d337e647b9c603fff23be0ee69023b0487.wma
The Internet of Things (IoT) aims to get everything and everyone talking. Attaching sensors to "things" such as cows, cars and refrigerators, and then assigning them unique IP address, allows them to "talk" to the Internet. Of course, the IoT will involve much more than a handful of sensors. Networking company Cisco estimates that 50 billion Internet-connected devices and objects will be transmitting data by 2020.
But getting back to those cows, cars and refrigerators, what types of data might they actually send? Cows might transmit their locations or physical conditions. Cars might communicate low oil levels and automatically schedule their own maintenance. And refrigerators might send owners text messages reminding them it's time to buy milk and eggs.
Specific Benefits
The IoT will allow people to track things and processes like never before. Airplane manufacturers will be able to continuously track the condition of airplane parts, allowing them to do preventive maintenance and avoid costly downtime. Consumers could install smart meters in their homes to monitor energy usage and observe energy price changes in real time. That would allow people to adjust their habits and use electrical appliances during lower-priced hours.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Clipped Words ( 截短詞)
1. app=application
/ˈæp/
app是一個單字, 要讀/ˈæp/, 不要讀成A-P-P, 他不是縮寫, 原形是application
2. gas= gasoline
3. exam=examination
4. telephone=phone
5. airplane=plane
6. refrigerator= fridge
7. influenza=flu
Grammar Gym
But getting back to those cows, cars and refrigerators, what types of data might they actually send?
getting back to: returning to a subject that was mentioned earlier
- I know we're busy right now, but getting back to what we were talking about an hour ago, is it possible to take tomorrow off?
- Getting back to our discussion on holiday plans, when would you like to reserve your plane tickets?
Language Lab
sensor n.
a piece of equipment used for discovering the presence of light, heat, movement etc
- The heat sensor detects all temperature changes in the lab.
- Motion sensors were connected to the light switches, so when people move around, the lights will turn on automatically.
maintenance n.
[uncountable] the repairs, painting etc that are necessary to keep something in good condition:
- My car is in the garage for routine maintenance.
- The ground staff needs to conduct maintenance checks before the airplanes take off.
maintain v.
to make something continue in the same way or at the same standard as before:
- The device helps maintain a person's heart rate.
preventive adj.
intended to stop something you do not want to happen, such as illness, from happening:
- The police took preventive measures to ensure a peaceful protest.
- The pharmaceutical company is developing many types of preventive medicine.
real time n.
deals with information as fast as it receives it:
- The viewers can watch the candidate's debate in real time.
- Umpires need to make judgments in real time.
real-time adj.
happening or shown at the speed at which a computer receives and processes information
- There's real-time language translation during each session of the conference.
umpire n.
the person who makes sure that the players obey the rules in sports such as tennis, baseball, and cricket [↪ referee]
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140912baaf1fab14723e3096f08c5de74dbd945d337e647b9c603fff23be0ee69023b0487.wma
Thursday, September 11, 2014
British Teachers Haul Tuk-Tuk into Record Books (3)
The pair established The Tuk Tuk Educational Trust, a U.K. registered charity. The team elected to travel around the world in a tuk-tuk. They did this to take advantage of its slow-paced, open and friendly nature.
They could explore and unlock different cultures and communities, learning about and from their values, struggles, inspirations and ambitions. The vehicle itself is eye-catching and engaging. No one has ever succeeded in traveling around the world in a tuk-tuk before.
Nick said:"Although there have been many testing times, we have been privileged to experience such wonderful places and meet some truly remarkable individuals."
Talking about their motivation, Richard said: "The world's leaders have made a commitment to achieving universal primary education by 2015 but, in spite of this pledge, over 57 million primary-aged children worldwide are still out of school; many more are in school, though still cannot access quality learning opportunities."
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Elect vs. Select (Elect 和 Select的差別)
elect v. 選舉, 投票; 選擇, 決定 (動作或行動上的選擇)
to choose someone for an official position by voting;
to choose to do something
- He elected not to go out.
select v. 事物的選擇
to choose something or someone by thinking carefully about which is the best, most suitable etc [= choose, pick]
- She selected the soup instead of the salad.
Grammar Gym
They did this to take advantage of its slow-paced, open and friendly nature.
to take advantage of: to enjoy or make good use of what something has to offer
[Subject] [did something] to take advantage of [a situation].
- Mark went to the restaurant to take advantage of its special discount.
- Nora comes to this coffee shop to take advantage of its free Wi-Fi.
Language Lab
registered charity n.
- Iris sponsored two African children through a registered charity.
- This registered charity was founded by missionaries in 1965.
ambition n.
a strong desire to achieve something
- Howard's ambition is to be a pilot.
- After years of hard work, Brenda finally achieved her ambition and became the company's CEO.
ambitious adj.
determined to be successful, rich, powerful etc:
- an ambitious attempt
privileged adj. [privilege v.]
having a special advantage or a chance to do something that most people cannot do:
- I'm so privileged to be able to work with you.
- Only the privileged few can have exclusive parking spaces.
pledge n.
a serious promise or agreement, especially one made publicly or officially
- The candidate made a pledge to cut taxes, but he never fulfilled it after he got elected.
pledge v.
to make a formal, usually public, promise that you will do something
- Our boss has pledged to raise our salaries by the end of the year.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140911baa36fa7d20e62b51348b48cc9a12d76c27b57ca35f65ce037a38e409215e467af0.wma
They could explore and unlock different cultures and communities, learning about and from their values, struggles, inspirations and ambitions. The vehicle itself is eye-catching and engaging. No one has ever succeeded in traveling around the world in a tuk-tuk before.
Nick said:"Although there have been many testing times, we have been privileged to experience such wonderful places and meet some truly remarkable individuals."
Talking about their motivation, Richard said: "The world's leaders have made a commitment to achieving universal primary education by 2015 but, in spite of this pledge, over 57 million primary-aged children worldwide are still out of school; many more are in school, though still cannot access quality learning opportunities."
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Elect vs. Select (Elect 和 Select的差別)
elect v. 選舉, 投票; 選擇, 決定 (動作或行動上的選擇)
to choose someone for an official position by voting;
to choose to do something
- He elected not to go out.
select v. 事物的選擇
to choose something or someone by thinking carefully about which is the best, most suitable etc [= choose, pick]
- She selected the soup instead of the salad.
Grammar Gym
They did this to take advantage of its slow-paced, open and friendly nature.
to take advantage of: to enjoy or make good use of what something has to offer
[Subject] [did something] to take advantage of [a situation].
- Mark went to the restaurant to take advantage of its special discount.
- Nora comes to this coffee shop to take advantage of its free Wi-Fi.
Language Lab
registered charity n.
- Iris sponsored two African children through a registered charity.
- This registered charity was founded by missionaries in 1965.
ambition n.
a strong desire to achieve something
- Howard's ambition is to be a pilot.
- After years of hard work, Brenda finally achieved her ambition and became the company's CEO.
ambitious adj.
determined to be successful, rich, powerful etc:
- an ambitious attempt
privileged adj. [privilege v.]
having a special advantage or a chance to do something that most people cannot do:
- I'm so privileged to be able to work with you.
- Only the privileged few can have exclusive parking spaces.
pledge n.
a serious promise or agreement, especially one made publicly or officially
- The candidate made a pledge to cut taxes, but he never fulfilled it after he got elected.
pledge v.
to make a formal, usually public, promise that you will do something
- Our boss has pledged to raise our salaries by the end of the year.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140911baa36fa7d20e62b51348b48cc9a12d76c27b57ca35f65ce037a38e409215e467af0.wma
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
British Teachers Haul Tuk-Tuk into Record Books (2)
The pair are now back on the road and aiming for their next goal. They want to cover the circumference of the earth and become the first people to drive a tuk-tuk around the world. They plan to pass that milestone in Northern Chile.
Along their journey they have had to tackle deserts and jungles. They have also survived close encounters with elephants in Uganda and Botswana and an accident in Malaysia. The greatest toll on the tuk-tuk has been the mountain ranges lying in their path, including the Alps, the Himalayas and the Andes.
Nick and Richard have uncovered some inspirational projects across Africa, Asia and South America. They have witnessed firsthand the extent of the educational challenges facing these areas today. They have joined street children in the slums of Cairo, Khartoum, Kampala, Mumbai and Phnom Penh. They have visited Congolese refugees in camps in Eastern Burundi. ... They witnessed how education can free sex workers in Delhi and victims of human trafficking in Nepal.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Objective, Purpose and Goal 三個不同的目標
objective/purpose/goal 這三個字意思都是目標或目的, 但用法是很不同的
goal 最終的目標, 是一個大方向, Do you have a goal in life?
purpose 意圖, 如果你的goal 是要減肥, 那你的purpose有可能是要穿上一些衣服
objective 遇期實際的成果, 也就是明確的目標, 而且要先set 設定, 例如每天都去運動30分鐘
實際的objective可以幫助我們的purpose, 近而達成我們的goal
Grammar Gym
They witnessed how education can free sex workers in Delhi and victims of human trafficking in Nepal.
[Somebody] has witnessed how [something] can [verb] in [somewhere].
- The teacher has witnessed how the afterschool program can help the students in the neighborhood.
- The farmer has witnessed how the new chemical can poison the fish in the water.
Language Lab
circumference n.
/sɚˈkʌmfrəns/
the length of a line that goes around something or that makes a circle or other round shape
- The circumference of the track field is 800 meters.
- The lake is 25 miles in circumference.
toll n.
take its toll or heavy toll on someone or something
to have a serious, bad effect on someone or something: to cause harm or damage
- The typhoon took a heavy toll on the crops in the villages along the coast.
- Financial stress started to take its toll on their marriage.
inspirational adj.
/ˌɪnspəˈreɪʃənl̟/
causing people to want to do or create something: giving inspiration
- This inspirational movie has touched many people.
inspiration n.
something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create: a force or influence that inspires someone
- The writer's won travel experience has become the inspiration for his novels.
extent n.
the range, distance, or space that is covered or affected by something or included in something
- The extent of the damage caused by the earthquake is unimaginable.
- From the helicopter, you can see the full extent of the rainforest.
refugee n.
/ˌrɛfjʊˈʤiː/
someone who has been forced to leave their country, especially during a war, or for political or religious reasons
- refugee camps
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140910baa96ba4b74d47bc85e06f4f5ef0bd19fe812b6725132e4342304d54d78244fa96b.wma
Along their journey they have had to tackle deserts and jungles. They have also survived close encounters with elephants in Uganda and Botswana and an accident in Malaysia. The greatest toll on the tuk-tuk has been the mountain ranges lying in their path, including the Alps, the Himalayas and the Andes.
Nick and Richard have uncovered some inspirational projects across Africa, Asia and South America. They have witnessed firsthand the extent of the educational challenges facing these areas today. They have joined street children in the slums of Cairo, Khartoum, Kampala, Mumbai and Phnom Penh. They have visited Congolese refugees in camps in Eastern Burundi. ... They witnessed how education can free sex workers in Delhi and victims of human trafficking in Nepal.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Objective, Purpose and Goal 三個不同的目標
objective/purpose/goal 這三個字意思都是目標或目的, 但用法是很不同的
goal 最終的目標, 是一個大方向, Do you have a goal in life?
purpose 意圖, 如果你的goal 是要減肥, 那你的purpose有可能是要穿上一些衣服
objective 遇期實際的成果, 也就是明確的目標, 而且要先set 設定, 例如每天都去運動30分鐘
實際的objective可以幫助我們的purpose, 近而達成我們的goal
Grammar Gym
They witnessed how education can free sex workers in Delhi and victims of human trafficking in Nepal.
[Somebody] has witnessed how [something] can [verb] in [somewhere].
- The teacher has witnessed how the afterschool program can help the students in the neighborhood.
- The farmer has witnessed how the new chemical can poison the fish in the water.
Language Lab
circumference n.
/sɚˈkʌmfrəns/
the length of a line that goes around something or that makes a circle or other round shape
- The circumference of the track field is 800 meters.
- The lake is 25 miles in circumference.
toll n.
take its toll or heavy toll on someone or something
to have a serious, bad effect on someone or something: to cause harm or damage
- The typhoon took a heavy toll on the crops in the villages along the coast.
- Financial stress started to take its toll on their marriage.
inspirational adj.
/ˌɪnspəˈreɪʃənl̟/
causing people to want to do or create something: giving inspiration
- This inspirational movie has touched many people.
inspiration n.
something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create: a force or influence that inspires someone
- The writer's won travel experience has become the inspiration for his novels.
extent n.
the range, distance, or space that is covered or affected by something or included in something
- The extent of the damage caused by the earthquake is unimaginable.
- From the helicopter, you can see the full extent of the rainforest.
refugee n.
/ˌrɛfjʊˈʤiː/
someone who has been forced to leave their country, especially during a war, or for political or religious reasons
- refugee camps
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140910baa96ba4b74d47bc85e06f4f5ef0bd19fe812b6725132e4342304d54d78244fa96b.wma
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
British Teachers Haul Tuk-Tuk into Record Books (1)
Two teachers travel the world with a purpose
英國老師拖嘟嘟車創下世界紀錄 兩名老師身懷使命環遊世界
Two British teachers have broken the world record for the longest journey in a tuk-tuk after pulling their failing vehicle the last 43 miles. Richard Sears and Nick Gough have traveled 37,500 kilometers around the world and passed through 37 countries. They did this to support grassroots education projects in Africa, Asia and South America.
On reaching Chile, they will become the first people to drive a tuk-tuk around the world. The pair, who set off from London on August 1, 2012, thought their expedition was over when the vehicle started to fail.
When the tuk-tuk broke, they were only 70 kilometers from the world record mark. They decided to pull it the rest of the way. The tuk-tuk, which weights 800 kilograms, was pulled in turns by Rich and Nick over three days.
On arrival in Chepen, Peru, they discovered a mechanic who specialized in tuk-tuks and managed to fix it.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: How Do You Pronounce Chile? 智利的英文名稱
Chile
有人讀/ˈtʃɪli/ 也有人讀 /chee-le/
第二個發音比較接近智利當地的發音,
所以現在大部份的人都改讀 /chee-le/
同樣的以前北京早年西方讀 Peking,
但現在都改為Beijing,
這種按照原文發音的趨勢是 globalization 全球化的現象
Grammar Gym
Two British teachers have broken the world record for the longest journey in a tuk-tuk after pulling their failing vehicle the last 43 miles.
[Subject] has [verb 1-ed] after [verb 2-ing].
- Fred has called the police after seeing what his neighbors did.
- Gordon has returned to his old job after seeing how hard his new job was.
Language Lab
haul v.
to pull something heavy with a continuous steady movement
- Our truck was stuck in the mud, and we had to haul it out with a crane.
- I hauled myself upstairs to my room and fell asleep immediately.
grassroots adj.
the ordinary people in an organization, rather than the leaders
- The reaction of the grassroots group to the changes in the policy is quite negative.
- The grassroots campaign attracted lots of media attention.
arrival n. [arrive v.]
when someone or something arrives somewhere
- Many fans and reporters are waiting for the arrival of the movie star.
- Shortly after our arrival at the airport, we took a long bus ride to a remote town.
specialize v.
to limit all or most of your study, business etc to a particular subject or activity
specialize in
- This chef specializes in fusion cuisine.
- Tom's company specializes in software design.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140909baa60d44a673871317ec02c003f4544dbe36305cd25c06b6fb9fc4b871b804f2f57.wma
英國老師拖嘟嘟車創下世界紀錄 兩名老師身懷使命環遊世界
Two British teachers have broken the world record for the longest journey in a tuk-tuk after pulling their failing vehicle the last 43 miles. Richard Sears and Nick Gough have traveled 37,500 kilometers around the world and passed through 37 countries. They did this to support grassroots education projects in Africa, Asia and South America.
On reaching Chile, they will become the first people to drive a tuk-tuk around the world. The pair, who set off from London on August 1, 2012, thought their expedition was over when the vehicle started to fail.
When the tuk-tuk broke, they were only 70 kilometers from the world record mark. They decided to pull it the rest of the way. The tuk-tuk, which weights 800 kilograms, was pulled in turns by Rich and Nick over three days.
On arrival in Chepen, Peru, they discovered a mechanic who specialized in tuk-tuks and managed to fix it.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: How Do You Pronounce Chile? 智利的英文名稱
Chile
有人讀/ˈtʃɪli/ 也有人讀 /chee-le/
第二個發音比較接近智利當地的發音,
所以現在大部份的人都改讀 /chee-le/
同樣的以前北京早年西方讀 Peking,
但現在都改為Beijing,
這種按照原文發音的趨勢是 globalization 全球化的現象
Grammar Gym
Two British teachers have broken the world record for the longest journey in a tuk-tuk after pulling their failing vehicle the last 43 miles.
[Subject] has [verb 1-ed] after [verb 2-ing].
- Fred has called the police after seeing what his neighbors did.
- Gordon has returned to his old job after seeing how hard his new job was.
Language Lab
haul v.
to pull something heavy with a continuous steady movement
- Our truck was stuck in the mud, and we had to haul it out with a crane.
- I hauled myself upstairs to my room and fell asleep immediately.
grassroots adj.
the ordinary people in an organization, rather than the leaders
- The reaction of the grassroots group to the changes in the policy is quite negative.
- The grassroots campaign attracted lots of media attention.
arrival n. [arrive v.]
when someone or something arrives somewhere
- Many fans and reporters are waiting for the arrival of the movie star.
- Shortly after our arrival at the airport, we took a long bus ride to a remote town.
specialize v.
to limit all or most of your study, business etc to a particular subject or activity
specialize in
- This chef specializes in fusion cuisine.
- Tom's company specializes in software design.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140909baa60d44a673871317ec02c003f4544dbe36305cd25c06b6fb9fc4b871b804f2f57.wma
Monday, September 8, 2014
The Moon Festival Legend
One story behind the Moon Festival
Once upon a time, 10 suns appeared in the sky, threatening to burn up Earth. The brave warrior Hou Yi shot nine of the 10 suns with arrows and became a hero. Because of his great success, the queen of heaven gave Hou Yi an elixir of life. Whoever drank this potion would receive eternal life. However, instead of drinking it right away, Hou Yi gave the potion to his wife Chang E to keep for him.
One day, when Hou Yi was out hunting, a wicked man named Feng Meng approached Chang E. He demanded the elixir. But Chang E quickly drank the elixir rather than give it to him. Immediately, she flew up to the moon.
When Hou Yi discovered that his wife had drunk the elixir, he was extremely sad. He frantically shouted Chang E's name. When he looked toward the sky, he saw a figure that looked like his wife on the moon.
Since then, on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, people look at the big, bright moon and think of Chang E.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Sound Symbolism (語音表義)
如果可以從一個單字的發音推測字的意義, 那我們是不是就不用背單字了?
fly/flicker/flail 這三個字都跟快速的動作有關
spray/splash/sprinkle 都跟水有關
glimmer/glisten/glare 輕巧, 平滑有關
dash/crash/smash 跟突然的動作有關
Grammar Gym
One day, when Hou Yi was out hunting, a wicked man named Feng Meng approached Chang E.
was out hunting: to go outside and go hunting
[be] out [verb-ing]
- He is out looking for his dog.
- She is out getting lunch.
When [subject 1] was out [verb 1-ing], [subject 2] [verb 2-ed]
- When Mrs. Lee was out shopping, Mr. Lee took a nap.
- When Richard was out walking through the neighborhood, a policeman showed up at his house.
Language Lab
eternal adj.
having no beginning and no end in time: lasting forever
- The Egyptians built the pyramids because they believed in eternal life.
eternity n.
/ɪˈtɚnəti/
time without an end;
a state that comes after death and never ends
- He promised his bride that he would love her for all eternity.
wicked adj.
morally bad: evil
- The wicked queen gave the princess a poisoned apple.
- It was wicked of you to lie to your own mother.
behaving badly in a way that is amusing:
- The host's wicked sense of humor always makes me laugh.
elixir n.
/ɪˈlɪksɚ/
a magical liquid that can cure illness or extend life
frantically adv.
feeling or showing a lot of fear and worry
- The patient's husband paced frantically outside the operating room.
frantic adj.
- The missing girl's parents are frantic with worry.
lunar adj.
relating to the moon or to travel to the moon:
- Chinese families celebrate Lunar New Year by eating a New Year's Eve dinner together.
- The satellite transmitted photos of the lunar landscape back to the earth.
solar adj.
relating to the sun
- solar power
- solar system
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140908baa56383d86a5d95777a0e9a13ddf6fc1b1771d777465ed587574801c071371a705.wma
Once upon a time, 10 suns appeared in the sky, threatening to burn up Earth. The brave warrior Hou Yi shot nine of the 10 suns with arrows and became a hero. Because of his great success, the queen of heaven gave Hou Yi an elixir of life. Whoever drank this potion would receive eternal life. However, instead of drinking it right away, Hou Yi gave the potion to his wife Chang E to keep for him.
One day, when Hou Yi was out hunting, a wicked man named Feng Meng approached Chang E. He demanded the elixir. But Chang E quickly drank the elixir rather than give it to him. Immediately, she flew up to the moon.
When Hou Yi discovered that his wife had drunk the elixir, he was extremely sad. He frantically shouted Chang E's name. When he looked toward the sky, he saw a figure that looked like his wife on the moon.
Since then, on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, people look at the big, bright moon and think of Chang E.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Sound Symbolism (語音表義)
如果可以從一個單字的發音推測字的意義, 那我們是不是就不用背單字了?
fly/flicker/flail 這三個字都跟快速的動作有關
spray/splash/sprinkle 都跟水有關
glimmer/glisten/glare 輕巧, 平滑有關
dash/crash/smash 跟突然的動作有關
Grammar Gym
One day, when Hou Yi was out hunting, a wicked man named Feng Meng approached Chang E.
was out hunting: to go outside and go hunting
[be] out [verb-ing]
- He is out looking for his dog.
- She is out getting lunch.
When [subject 1] was out [verb 1-ing], [subject 2] [verb 2-ed]
- When Mrs. Lee was out shopping, Mr. Lee took a nap.
- When Richard was out walking through the neighborhood, a policeman showed up at his house.
Language Lab
eternal adj.
having no beginning and no end in time: lasting forever
- The Egyptians built the pyramids because they believed in eternal life.
eternity n.
/ɪˈtɚnəti/
time without an end;
a state that comes after death and never ends
- He promised his bride that he would love her for all eternity.
wicked adj.
morally bad: evil
- The wicked queen gave the princess a poisoned apple.
- It was wicked of you to lie to your own mother.
behaving badly in a way that is amusing:
- The host's wicked sense of humor always makes me laugh.
elixir n.
/ɪˈlɪksɚ/
a magical liquid that can cure illness or extend life
frantically adv.
feeling or showing a lot of fear and worry
- The patient's husband paced frantically outside the operating room.
frantic adj.
- The missing girl's parents are frantic with worry.
lunar adj.
relating to the moon or to travel to the moon:
- Chinese families celebrate Lunar New Year by eating a New Year's Eve dinner together.
- The satellite transmitted photos of the lunar landscape back to the earth.
solar adj.
relating to the sun
- solar power
- solar system
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140908baa56383d86a5d95777a0e9a13ddf6fc1b1771d777465ed587574801c071371a705.wma
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Get That Ball! (2)
One gripping part of a rugby game is the scrum. Requiring exceptional teamwork, a scrum restarts play during a match. The forwards from each team link themselves together. Forming this ball of humanity tales a special technique. Once the players are in place, they push the other team backward and kick at the ball to get possession of it. A team gains possession when the ball gets to the back of a scrum.
The intensity of the strength displayed is impressive. At international competitions, each team exerts three and a half tons of pressure on the opposing team!
Rugby Union World Cup tournaments are held every four years. The first one occurred in 1987 with Australia and New Zealand hosting. The next World Cup happens in 2015 and will be hosted by England. Thousands of fans will attend the matches and cheer on their favorite teams. Believe it or not, not one team who's won the Rugby World Cup has managed to win the next World Cup! But players and fans don't mind. They just enjoy the game.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Root, Route and Rout (三個易混淆的字)
1. root for somebody phrasal verb
to support a sports team or player by shouting and cheering
2. route n.
/ˈruːt/ 但有些人會發音 /ˈraʊt/ 所以容易跟 rout 混淆
a way from one place to another
- Which route should we take?
3. rout n.
/ˈraʊt/
a game or contest in which the winner easily defeats the loser by a large amount
Grammar Gym
Once the players are in place, they push the other team backward and kick at the ball to get possession of it.
Once [something] is in place, [subject] + [verb].
- Once the soldiers were in place, the commander gave the signal to attack.
- Once the dancers were in place, the music began to play.
Language Lab
grip v. [past tense and past participle gripped, present participle gripping]
to hold something very tightly
- The boy gripped his mother's arm and refused to enter the classroom.
to hold someone's attention and interest:
- The actor's performance gripped the audience.
gripping adj.
a gripping film, story etc is very exciting and interesting:
- a gripping story
humanity n.
[uncountable] people in general:
- A large crowd of humanity gathered to protest against the new policy.
[uncountable] the state of being human rather than an animal or machine
- The severe climate change will seriously affect humanity.
exert v.
to use your power, influence etc in order to make something happen
tournament n.
a competition in which players compete against each other in a series of games until there is one winner:
- The winner of the tennis tournament will get a prize of $20,000.
- The last round of the golf tournament will be broadcast live tomorrow night.
cheer somebody ↔ on phrasal verb
to shout encouragement at a person or team to help them do well in a race or competition
- Many locals went to the stadium to cheer on their home team.
- My son and I went to watch our favorite team play and cheered them on.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140906baaa31c807ffb323fc76be32743cdb045c2e8c6300b13a5b4f8965d7ccc3c4ed916.wma
The intensity of the strength displayed is impressive. At international competitions, each team exerts three and a half tons of pressure on the opposing team!
Rugby Union World Cup tournaments are held every four years. The first one occurred in 1987 with Australia and New Zealand hosting. The next World Cup happens in 2015 and will be hosted by England. Thousands of fans will attend the matches and cheer on their favorite teams. Believe it or not, not one team who's won the Rugby World Cup has managed to win the next World Cup! But players and fans don't mind. They just enjoy the game.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Root, Route and Rout (三個易混淆的字)
1. root for somebody phrasal verb
to support a sports team or player by shouting and cheering
2. route n.
/ˈruːt/ 但有些人會發音 /ˈraʊt/ 所以容易跟 rout 混淆
a way from one place to another
- Which route should we take?
3. rout n.
/ˈraʊt/
a game or contest in which the winner easily defeats the loser by a large amount
Grammar Gym
Once the players are in place, they push the other team backward and kick at the ball to get possession of it.
Once [something] is in place, [subject] + [verb].
- Once the soldiers were in place, the commander gave the signal to attack.
- Once the dancers were in place, the music began to play.
Language Lab
grip v. [past tense and past participle gripped, present participle gripping]
to hold something very tightly
- The boy gripped his mother's arm and refused to enter the classroom.
to hold someone's attention and interest:
- The actor's performance gripped the audience.
gripping adj.
a gripping film, story etc is very exciting and interesting:
- a gripping story
humanity n.
[uncountable] people in general:
- A large crowd of humanity gathered to protest against the new policy.
[uncountable] the state of being human rather than an animal or machine
- The severe climate change will seriously affect humanity.
exert v.
to use your power, influence etc in order to make something happen
tournament n.
a competition in which players compete against each other in a series of games until there is one winner:
- The winner of the tennis tournament will get a prize of $20,000.
- The last round of the golf tournament will be broadcast live tomorrow night.
cheer somebody ↔ on phrasal verb
to shout encouragement at a person or team to help them do well in a race or competition
- Many locals went to the stadium to cheer on their home team.
- My son and I went to watch our favorite team play and cheered them on.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140906baaa31c807ffb323fc76be32743cdb045c2e8c6300b13a5b4f8965d7ccc3c4ed916.wma
Friday, September 5, 2014
Get That Ball! (1)
Players must move fast and tackle hard in rugby
衝勁滿分的英式橄欖球！ 在英式橄欖球賽中，球員必須快速移動、大力擒抱
The crowd cheers and shouts as two 15-man teams take the field. Their goal? To carry or kick a ball over their opponent's try line. The game looks like a mixture of soccer and American football. In this rough-and-tumble sport, players carry the ball, kick the ball and tackle one another. Men play it; women play it; and so do children. In fact, played in more than 120 countries, rugby is tremendously popular! Legend says the sport of rugby was invented in 1823 at Rugby School in England.
A student named William Webb Ellis was playing in a soccer match. But he got bored with just kicking the ball, so he picked up the ball and ran with it. The rest, as they say, is history.
A rugby team has two kinds of players: backs and forwards. The backs are smaller, faster players. They are the ones who score most of the points, called tires. The forwards are bigger and heavier. They tackle players on the opposing team . Each exciting, energetic match lasts 80 minutes.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: The Rest Is History (眾所皆知的「歷史」)
history 歷史
make history 創造歷史, 指的是史上的第一次
當歐巴馬選上美國總統時, 他就是 made history,
因為他是史上第一的美國黑人總統,
history in the making
意思也是創造歷史, 只是時態上是正在創造歷史, 偉大的事情正在發生之意
the rest is history
故事說到這裡, 以下的大家都知道了, 不必多說
Grammar Gym
But he got bored with just kicking the ball, so he picked up the ball and ran with it.
[Someone] got bored with just..., so he/she....
- Jake got bored with just doing his homework, so he started to draw pictures in his workbook.
- Kylie got bored with just sitting in the waiting room, so she got up and went outside.
Language Lab
opponent n.
someone who you try to defeat in a competition, game, fight, or argument:
- The team defeated their opponents with ease.
- He's such a formidable opponent that you really need to watch out.
- The candidate's opponent has a very strong political background.
formidable adj.
very powerful or impressive, and often frightening
rough-and-tumble adj.
a situation in which people compete with each other, often in a cruel way
- Henry has a hard time adjusting to the rough-and-tumble political games.
- Sherry has succeeded in the rough-and-tumble fashion business.
the rest is history informal
used to say that everyone knows the rest of a story you have been telling
- The rest, as they say, is history, as we all know the success of Macintosh.
oppose v.
to disagree with something such as a plan or idea and try to prevent it from happening or succeeding:
- Many members of the committee opposed the proposal.
opposing adj.
opposing ideas, opinions etc are completely different from each other:
opposing teams, groups, or forces are competing, arguing, or fighting against each other:
- The two opposing parties are fighting in congress in the morning session.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140905baacdeee9b025c79a0ecf22fe5d371c1ef66eac04fef6533951f4c2e86ac85483ac.wma
衝勁滿分的英式橄欖球！ 在英式橄欖球賽中，球員必須快速移動、大力擒抱
The crowd cheers and shouts as two 15-man teams take the field. Their goal? To carry or kick a ball over their opponent's try line. The game looks like a mixture of soccer and American football. In this rough-and-tumble sport, players carry the ball, kick the ball and tackle one another. Men play it; women play it; and so do children. In fact, played in more than 120 countries, rugby is tremendously popular! Legend says the sport of rugby was invented in 1823 at Rugby School in England.
A student named William Webb Ellis was playing in a soccer match. But he got bored with just kicking the ball, so he picked up the ball and ran with it. The rest, as they say, is history.
A rugby team has two kinds of players: backs and forwards. The backs are smaller, faster players. They are the ones who score most of the points, called tires. The forwards are bigger and heavier. They tackle players on the opposing team . Each exciting, energetic match lasts 80 minutes.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: The Rest Is History (眾所皆知的「歷史」)
history 歷史
make history 創造歷史, 指的是史上的第一次
當歐巴馬選上美國總統時, 他就是 made history,
因為他是史上第一的美國黑人總統,
history in the making
意思也是創造歷史, 只是時態上是正在創造歷史, 偉大的事情正在發生之意
the rest is history
故事說到這裡, 以下的大家都知道了, 不必多說
Grammar Gym
But he got bored with just kicking the ball, so he picked up the ball and ran with it.
[Someone] got bored with just..., so he/she....
- Jake got bored with just doing his homework, so he started to draw pictures in his workbook.
- Kylie got bored with just sitting in the waiting room, so she got up and went outside.
Language Lab
opponent n.
someone who you try to defeat in a competition, game, fight, or argument:
- The team defeated their opponents with ease.
- He's such a formidable opponent that you really need to watch out.
- The candidate's opponent has a very strong political background.
formidable adj.
very powerful or impressive, and often frightening
rough-and-tumble adj.
a situation in which people compete with each other, often in a cruel way
- Henry has a hard time adjusting to the rough-and-tumble political games.
- Sherry has succeeded in the rough-and-tumble fashion business.
the rest is history informal
used to say that everyone knows the rest of a story you have been telling
- The rest, as they say, is history, as we all know the success of Macintosh.
oppose v.
to disagree with something such as a plan or idea and try to prevent it from happening or succeeding:
- Many members of the committee opposed the proposal.
opposing adj.
opposing ideas, opinions etc are completely different from each other:
opposing teams, groups, or forces are competing, arguing, or fighting against each other:
- The two opposing parties are fighting in congress in the morning session.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140905baacdeee9b025c79a0ecf22fe5d371c1ef66eac04fef6533951f4c2e86ac85483ac.wma
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Sneakers
A walk through the history of these favorite shoes
The first sneaker I ever wore was an all-white shoe that was perfect for tennis, physical education classes and many other activities. While the shoe might have been practical, it was certainly not a fashion item. But sneakers have come a long way since then!
Sneakers march through time
In 1916, Keds, a comfortable shoe with a simple canvas top and rubber bottom, were the very first sneaker to be mass produced. Soon after, American shoe manufacturer Marquis Converse decided basketball players needed comfort and function, so he designed high-top sneakers that provided better ankle support.
Jump ahead to the 1970s, and high-top shoes became a must-have fashion accessory when the hip-hop community matched boldly-colored sneakers and laces with their clothes.
Sneakers reached the status symbol level in 1985 when basketball star Michael Jordan wore Nike's red, white and black high-tops. It wasn't long before these shoes were nicknamed "Air Jordans."
This fascination with high-tops created a "sneaker culture," where "sneakerheads" search for and collect out-of-production, unique and rare styles of sneakers.
The simple canvas shoe of 1916 has evolved into sneakers with different styles and colors to fit every personality and activity.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Regionalism in American English (英文的地區差異性)
在美國不同地區的人, 其實講英文有很大的差異,
例如: 球鞋
美國東北地區的人會說球鞋是sneakers,
但美國其他地方的人會說 tennis shoes,
就像中文也有人會說布鞋,
發音的部份也有些字因地區有不同,
例如: aunt
東北地區的人會讀 /ˈɑːnt/
美國其他地區的人讀 /ˈænt/
文法上的不同有: 排隊
大多數的人會說 stand in line
但紐約人會說 stand on line
Grammar Gym
"High-top shoes became a must-have fashion accessory..."
1. must-have: something that is necessary to have or get
2. adjective, always used before a noun
- must-have jacket
- must-read book
- must-see movie
n.
- High-top shoes are a must-have.
- a must-read
- a must-see
Language Lab
sneaker n.
a type of light soft shoe with a rubber
- The shoelaces on Josh's sneakers are a shocking green.
- Those street dancers designed their sneakers themselves.
canvas n.
[uncountable] strong cloth used to make bags, tents, shoes etc:
- Sandra did an oil painting on canvas.
[countable] a painting done with oil paints, or the piece of cloth it is painted on:
- The painter's canvases will be exhibited in this museum next month.
canvas adj. 帆布的
- canvas bags
- canvas shoes
fascination n.
the state of being very interested in something, so that you want to look at it, learn about it etc [ obsession]
- Bubbles hold a fascination for most young children.
in fascination 非常入迷的, 非常喜愛的
- My son always listens in fascination to electronic music.
fascinate v.
if someone or something fascinates you, you are attracted to them and think they are extremely interesting:
- Frank was fascinated by the girl's charm.
evolve v.
to develop and change gradually over a long period of time:
- This theory evolved from a very simple math concept.
evolve into
- From this article, you can see how simple country songs evolved into a specific pop-music genre.
genre n.
/ˈʒɑːnrə/
a particular type or category of literature or art
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140904baa69a2954acbcb39c43c6317349b5a27a879cc9d4a333abd29885b1458e7026d26.wma
The first sneaker I ever wore was an all-white shoe that was perfect for tennis, physical education classes and many other activities. While the shoe might have been practical, it was certainly not a fashion item. But sneakers have come a long way since then!
Sneakers march through time
In 1916, Keds, a comfortable shoe with a simple canvas top and rubber bottom, were the very first sneaker to be mass produced. Soon after, American shoe manufacturer Marquis Converse decided basketball players needed comfort and function, so he designed high-top sneakers that provided better ankle support.
Jump ahead to the 1970s, and high-top shoes became a must-have fashion accessory when the hip-hop community matched boldly-colored sneakers and laces with their clothes.
Sneakers reached the status symbol level in 1985 when basketball star Michael Jordan wore Nike's red, white and black high-tops. It wasn't long before these shoes were nicknamed "Air Jordans."
This fascination with high-tops created a "sneaker culture," where "sneakerheads" search for and collect out-of-production, unique and rare styles of sneakers.
The simple canvas shoe of 1916 has evolved into sneakers with different styles and colors to fit every personality and activity.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Regionalism in American English (英文的地區差異性)
在美國不同地區的人, 其實講英文有很大的差異,
例如: 球鞋
美國東北地區的人會說球鞋是sneakers,
但美國其他地方的人會說 tennis shoes,
就像中文也有人會說布鞋,
發音的部份也有些字因地區有不同,
例如: aunt
東北地區的人會讀 /ˈɑːnt/
美國其他地區的人讀 /ˈænt/
文法上的不同有: 排隊
大多數的人會說 stand in line
但紐約人會說 stand on line
Grammar Gym
"High-top shoes became a must-have fashion accessory..."
1. must-have: something that is necessary to have or get
2. adjective, always used before a noun
- must-have jacket
- must-read book
- must-see movie
n.
- High-top shoes are a must-have.
- a must-read
- a must-see
Language Lab
sneaker n.
a type of light soft shoe with a rubber
- The shoelaces on Josh's sneakers are a shocking green.
- Those street dancers designed their sneakers themselves.
canvas n.
[uncountable] strong cloth used to make bags, tents, shoes etc:
- Sandra did an oil painting on canvas.
[countable] a painting done with oil paints, or the piece of cloth it is painted on:
- The painter's canvases will be exhibited in this museum next month.
canvas adj. 帆布的
- canvas bags
- canvas shoes
fascination n.
the state of being very interested in something, so that you want to look at it, learn about it etc [ obsession]
- Bubbles hold a fascination for most young children.
in fascination 非常入迷的, 非常喜愛的
- My son always listens in fascination to electronic music.
fascinate v.
if someone or something fascinates you, you are attracted to them and think they are extremely interesting:
- Frank was fascinated by the girl's charm.
evolve v.
to develop and change gradually over a long period of time:
- This theory evolved from a very simple math concept.
evolve into
- From this article, you can see how simple country songs evolved into a specific pop-music genre.
genre n.
/ˈʒɑːnrə/
a particular type or category of literature or art
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140904baa69a2954acbcb39c43c6317349b5a27a879cc9d4a333abd29885b1458e7026d26.wma
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