Your computer can solve scientific puzzles and raise money for charity
Millions of personal computers across the world are running at this moment, but most are using just a fraction of their full capacity to process information. Imagine what could happen. If the spare power of these millions of machines were harnessed to solve global problems. The organization Charity Engine attempts to do just that. It enables researchers and companies to use the extra computing power of thousands of personal computers. These companies pay a usage fee that goes to carefully selected charities.
The computers
Charity Engine offers a free app that has the user's computer do research as a background task. The program runs automatically, without direction from the user. Each computer works on a small chunk of a larger project and sends back its results. The results are combined to answer the researchers' questions.
The researchers
Charity Engine mostly uses its computing power for companies doing scientific, medical or commercial research. For example, Rosetta@home attempts to help find cures for serious diseases by discovering the shapes of proteins. Another project, Einstein@home, tests scientific theories. And another helps establishments in Africa such as universities search for ways to fight the spread of malaria.
Grammar Gym
just a fraction of = a very small part of
- ...but most are using just a fraction of their full capacity to process information.
- This assignment was very easy and only took a fraction of our time.
- Ned's new apartment is huge; his belongings take up only a fraction of the space.
Info Cloud
eponym n.名字命名
1. a word based on or derived from a person's name. Einstein
愛因斯坦是廿世紀著名的物理學家，是一位聰明絕頂的人，所以Einstein成為聰明絕頂的人的代名詞
- Steve is a real Einstein.
Steve是一位智多星
2.A person whose name is or is thought to be the source of the name of something.
braille盲人點字
diesel柴油引擎
guillotine斷頭台
sandwich三明治
Language Lab
harness v.控制、使用 n.馬具降落傘背帶
- The people in this town want to harness the dam's water to generate electricity.
這個鎮的人民想利用水庫的水發電
- People started to harness wind power many years ago.
人們許多年前就開始使用風力
compute v.計算、運算 computer n.計算機、電腦
- The kids spent a lot of time computing the answer to this math question.
孩子們花很多時間要解這個數學題
- The capacity of my new computer is twice that of my old one.
我的新電腦容量是舊的兩倍
chunk n.部分、大塊
- The company owns a big chunk of land outside the city.
這家公司擁有市區外的一大塊土地
- I already finished a large chunk of my report.
我已經完成我的報告的一大部分
- The cheese was cut out into chunks and served with crackers.
起司被切成厚塊和脆餅一起使用
establishment n.機構、企業
- This nonprofit establishment was founded by a group of moms.
這個非營利組織是由一群媽媽所創立的
- Terry works in a research establishment.
Terry在一家研究機構工作
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131122_79f1f.wmv
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Give Thanks (2)
The next day is a big sale day called Black Friday. The Christmas season officially begins then, and people want to buy Christmas gifts as early as possible. Also, Black Friday successfully tempts consumers to spend their money on discounted or hot sale items. Some stores open as early as midnight. you can hardly find a spot in the parking lot in front of a mall or a big retail store.
After Black Friday, people are given another chance to "Shop til you Drop" - Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday is designed for shoppers who prefer to shop online. Just click, and your order will arrive within a couple of days.
We are very thankful for our family and friends back home. They have supported and encouraged us over the past year. We are also thankful for the new friends we have met in the U.S. They have welcomed us, helped us and taken us in. With gratitude in our hearts, we wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Info Cloud
Black Friday 黑色星期五
1960s美國費城的警察創造的。因為一年一度的陸軍和海軍足球賽在這一天舉行，於是來自各地的球迷湧進費城，加上聖誕節前的採購民眾，使得城裡交通大亂，負責指揮交通的警察，稱這一天為Black Friday，因為大家心情都不好。1980s有人覺得Black Friday太負面，就用會計學in the black(有盈餘)，解釋Black Friday.
Language Lab
discount v. n.打折、減價
an amount taken off a regular price : a price reduction
- The department store discounts all items 10 percent for VIPS.
這家百貨公司為VIP貴賓，提供所有商品九折優惠
- You can get an extra 5 percent discount if you are a member.
如果你是會員，可以再打0.5折 parking lot停車場
- There's an underground parking lot near here.
這附近有一個地下停車場
parking space 停車格、停車位
space in which vehicles can be parked
- The guy rudely took my parking space.
這個男人粗魯的搶我的停車位
parking structure整棟停車場、立體停車場
- The parking structure can hold over 400 cars. 這座立體停車場可以容納四百部車
click v. n.點選、按
to press a button on a mouse or some other device in order to make something happen on a computer [+ obj]
- Click on the printer icon, and choose the format.
按影印機的圖示，選舉要印的型式
n. the act of selecting something on a computer screen by pressing a button on a mouse or some other device
- With just one click, you can transfer money to an overseas bank.
只要輕輕一點，你就可以把錢轉到海外銀
gratitude n.感激、感恩
/ˈgrætəˌtu:d,/
a feeling of appreciation or thanks
- I would like to express my gratitude to everyone here.
我想要對每一位在場的人表達感激之情
- Hank prepared this bouquet of flowers to show his gratitude to his teacher.
Hank準備這束花，要表達他對老師的感激
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131121_c237e.wmv
After Black Friday, people are given another chance to "Shop til you Drop" - Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday is designed for shoppers who prefer to shop online. Just click, and your order will arrive within a couple of days.
We are very thankful for our family and friends back home. They have supported and encouraged us over the past year. We are also thankful for the new friends we have met in the U.S. They have welcomed us, helped us and taken us in. With gratitude in our hearts, we wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Info Cloud
Black Friday 黑色星期五
1960s美國費城的警察創造的。因為一年一度的陸軍和海軍足球賽在這一天舉行，於是來自各地的球迷湧進費城，加上聖誕節前的採購民眾，使得城裡交通大亂，負責指揮交通的警察，稱這一天為Black Friday，因為大家心情都不好。1980s有人覺得Black Friday太負面，就用會計學in the black(有盈餘)，解釋Black Friday.
Language Lab
discount v. n.打折、減價
an amount taken off a regular price : a price reduction
- The department store discounts all items 10 percent for VIPS.
這家百貨公司為VIP貴賓，提供所有商品九折優惠
- You can get an extra 5 percent discount if you are a member.
如果你是會員，可以再打0.5折 parking lot停車場
- There's an underground parking lot near here.
這附近有一個地下停車場
parking space 停車格、停車位
space in which vehicles can be parked
- The guy rudely took my parking space.
這個男人粗魯的搶我的停車位
parking structure整棟停車場、立體停車場
- The parking structure can hold over 400 cars. 這座立體停車場可以容納四百部車
click v. n.點選、按
to press a button on a mouse or some other device in order to make something happen on a computer [+ obj]
- Click on the printer icon, and choose the format.
按影印機的圖示，選舉要印的型式
n. the act of selecting something on a computer screen by pressing a button on a mouse or some other device
- With just one click, you can transfer money to an overseas bank.
只要輕輕一點，你就可以把錢轉到海外銀
gratitude n.感激、感恩
/ˈgrætəˌtu:d,/
a feeling of appreciation or thanks
- I would like to express my gratitude to everyone here.
我想要對每一位在場的人表達感激之情
- Hank prepared this bouquet of flowers to show his gratitude to his teacher.
Hank準備這束花，要表達他對老師的感激
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131121_c237e.wmv
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Give Thanks (1)
The fourth Thursday in November welcomes the holiday season
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. This holiday not only involves football and turkey but also helps us remember to be thankful. Traditionally Americans go home for Thanksgiving. So people start preparing weeks before the holiday. Excited moms are eager to have their children come home. Thanksgiving is also a season for giving. Irene's school has a "Turkey Trot" race every year around Thanksgiving.You can give small amounts of money for charity to run in the race.
In our neighborhood, the Boy Scouts go door to door asking for canned food for the needy. Churches and charities sponsor coat drives for families who need winter coats. Some teen groups volunteer at homeless shelters on weekends. They either prepare food or help serve it. What does our family do? We usually go to our church potluck. The dishes are mostly Chinese, but the church prepares turkeys and pumpkin and apple pies. Afterward, we sing and share what we are thankful for in the past year.
Grammar Gym
weeks before = several weeks before to switch weeks before to days before, hours before, minutes before....
- So people start preparing weeks before the holiday.
- Zack finished his report weeks before the due date.
- Sharon's suitcase was already packed days before her Christmas break.
- Janice's friends came to see her hours before her surgery.
- Minutes before her train arrived, Martha realized she had lost her ticket.
Info Cloud
neighborhood n.
1.街坊、住家鄰近地區 a friendly neighborhood友善的區
a rough neighborhood治安不好的區 a leafy neighborhood有很多樹的區，指中產階級住的區
2.接近(通常連接數字) in the neighborhood of $800指八百美金左右
district行政區、 township小鎮，都是政府規劃的行政區
Language Lab
around the corner (idiom)就在轉角處；即將來臨、迫在眉睫
coming or happening very soon
- Bryan's graduation ceremony is just around the corner.
Bryan的畢業典禮就要到了
- The grocery store is around the corner.
雜貨店的位置在轉角處
eager adj.熱切的、急切的 eagerness n.
very excited and interested
- Charles is eager to play on the football team.
Charles很希望能加入足球隊
- Kate is eager to please her parents.
Kate迫切的想要取悅她的父母
- His eagerness to win made him really nervous during the game.
他的求勝心，造成他在比賽中非常緊張
shelter n. v.遮蔽之處、庇護所、避難所
a structure that covers or protects people or things
- We took shelter under a tree during the rain.
下雨時，我們躲在樹下
- The church provides shelter for abused women.
教堂提供受虐婦女庇護所
v.
- The village was sheltered by mountains.
這個村莊被群山保護著
potluck n.百樂餐(參加聚餐者，每人各帶菜餚，共享的餐會)；家常便飯
a meal to which everyone who is invited brings food to share
- Mandy took her famous beef stew to the potluck.
Mandy帶了她最拿手的燉牛肉，來百樂餐
- You're welcome to stay for dinner if you don't mind potluck.
如果你不介意家常便飯，歡迎留下來晚餐
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131120_c0815.wmv
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. This holiday not only involves football and turkey but also helps us remember to be thankful. Traditionally Americans go home for Thanksgiving. So people start preparing weeks before the holiday. Excited moms are eager to have their children come home. Thanksgiving is also a season for giving. Irene's school has a "Turkey Trot" race every year around Thanksgiving.You can give small amounts of money for charity to run in the race.
In our neighborhood, the Boy Scouts go door to door asking for canned food for the needy. Churches and charities sponsor coat drives for families who need winter coats. Some teen groups volunteer at homeless shelters on weekends. They either prepare food or help serve it. What does our family do? We usually go to our church potluck. The dishes are mostly Chinese, but the church prepares turkeys and pumpkin and apple pies. Afterward, we sing and share what we are thankful for in the past year.
Grammar Gym
weeks before = several weeks before to switch weeks before to days before, hours before, minutes before....
- So people start preparing weeks before the holiday.
- Zack finished his report weeks before the due date.
- Sharon's suitcase was already packed days before her Christmas break.
- Janice's friends came to see her hours before her surgery.
- Minutes before her train arrived, Martha realized she had lost her ticket.
Info Cloud
neighborhood n.
1.街坊、住家鄰近地區 a friendly neighborhood友善的區
a rough neighborhood治安不好的區 a leafy neighborhood有很多樹的區，指中產階級住的區
2.接近(通常連接數字) in the neighborhood of $800指八百美金左右
district行政區、 township小鎮，都是政府規劃的行政區
Language Lab
around the corner (idiom)就在轉角處；即將來臨、迫在眉睫
coming or happening very soon
- Bryan's graduation ceremony is just around the corner.
Bryan的畢業典禮就要到了
- The grocery store is around the corner.
雜貨店的位置在轉角處
eager adj.熱切的、急切的 eagerness n.
very excited and interested
- Charles is eager to play on the football team.
Charles很希望能加入足球隊
- Kate is eager to please her parents.
Kate迫切的想要取悅她的父母
- His eagerness to win made him really nervous during the game.
他的求勝心，造成他在比賽中非常緊張
shelter n. v.遮蔽之處、庇護所、避難所
a structure that covers or protects people or things
- We took shelter under a tree during the rain.
下雨時，我們躲在樹下
- The church provides shelter for abused women.
教堂提供受虐婦女庇護所
v.
- The village was sheltered by mountains.
這個村莊被群山保護著
potluck n.百樂餐(參加聚餐者，每人各帶菜餚，共享的餐會)；家常便飯
a meal to which everyone who is invited brings food to share
- Mandy took her famous beef stew to the potluck.
Mandy帶了她最拿手的燉牛肉，來百樂餐
- You're welcome to stay for dinner if you don't mind potluck.
如果你不介意家常便飯，歡迎留下來晚餐
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131120_c0815.wmv
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Consumer Conflicts (2)
I also like to shop in stores to support local businesses and the people who work in them. However, I have purchased a couple things from online auction sites.
Online auctions are so exciting!
What did you buy?
One time I bought an old book of myths that's not sold in stores anymore. I couldn't find it anywhere! When it came, it was just what I was expecting. I was so pleased.
That's the great thing about online shopping! You can find practically anything!
Yes. But not all my online shopping experiences have been good. Another time I bought a CD from an individual. On the website he said it was new, but it was all dirty and scratched when it arrived! I try to return it, but the person never replied to any of my emails, so I never got my money back.
What a scam artist! You do have to be careful when buying things online. I only buy from stores with good reputations. And when I buy from an auction, I only buy from sellers who have a lot of positive reviews.
Good advice! Now let me give you some advice - fashion advice! Let's go to the mall, and I'll drive!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Going Local
go local (local adv.)支持本地的企業
go local的好處是讓錢留在本地，使本地的民眾、社區、學校及公共設施受惠，並增加在地的工作機會。研究顯示：每五次消費中，只要一次是go local，就足以抵銷外地消費，因此，只要不超過這個比率，就可以幫助在地企業
- I also like to shop in stores to support local businesses. 指go local
Language Lab
auction n.
a public sale at which things are sold to the people who offer to pay the most
- I bought this painting at an auction.
我在一個拍賣會上買到這幅畫
put something up for auction
The house is being sold at auction. = The house is up for auction.
- The couple put all their furniture up for auction because they are moving.
這對夫妻因為要搬家，將所有的家具拿去拍賣
practically adv.實際上、幾乎、事實上
almost or nearly
- Practically everyone in the company was at the boss's wedding.
公司裡，幾乎所有的人都去參加老闆的婚禮
practical adj.實用的、可行的
relating to what is real rather than to what is possible or imagined
- Unfortunately, this invention has no practical use.
不幸地，這個發明並沒有實用性
scam n.騙局、詭計 scam artist騙子、詐騙高手
/ˈskæm/
a dishonest way to make money by deceiving people
- This insurance scam involves many people.
這個保險詐騙事件涉及許多人
- Alex's pathetic scam was soon discovered by his parents.
Alex可憐的騙局很快的就被父母發現
- The scam artist always targeted elderly people.
這個詐騙高手總是以老年人為目標
reputation n.名聲、名譽
the common opinion that people have about someone or something : the way in which people think of someone or something [count]
- The law firm has a very good reputation.
這家法律事務所有非常好的聲譽
- As a teacher, Tanya has a reputation for being strict.
身為老師，Tanya以嚴格著稱
- The charity campaign successfully promoted the company's reputation.
這項公益活動，成功地提昇了公司的聲譽
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131119_98f3a.wmv
Online auctions are so exciting!
What did you buy?
One time I bought an old book of myths that's not sold in stores anymore. I couldn't find it anywhere! When it came, it was just what I was expecting. I was so pleased.
That's the great thing about online shopping! You can find practically anything!
Yes. But not all my online shopping experiences have been good. Another time I bought a CD from an individual. On the website he said it was new, but it was all dirty and scratched when it arrived! I try to return it, but the person never replied to any of my emails, so I never got my money back.
What a scam artist! You do have to be careful when buying things online. I only buy from stores with good reputations. And when I buy from an auction, I only buy from sellers who have a lot of positive reviews.
Good advice! Now let me give you some advice - fashion advice! Let's go to the mall, and I'll drive!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Going Local
go local (local adv.)支持本地的企業
go local的好處是讓錢留在本地，使本地的民眾、社區、學校及公共設施受惠，並增加在地的工作機會。研究顯示：每五次消費中，只要一次是go local，就足以抵銷外地消費，因此，只要不超過這個比率，就可以幫助在地企業
- I also like to shop in stores to support local businesses. 指go local
Language Lab
auction n.
a public sale at which things are sold to the people who offer to pay the most
- I bought this painting at an auction.
我在一個拍賣會上買到這幅畫
put something up for auction
The house is being sold at auction. = The house is up for auction.
- The couple put all their furniture up for auction because they are moving.
這對夫妻因為要搬家，將所有的家具拿去拍賣
practically adv.實際上、幾乎、事實上
almost or nearly
- Practically everyone in the company was at the boss's wedding.
公司裡，幾乎所有的人都去參加老闆的婚禮
practical adj.實用的、可行的
relating to what is real rather than to what is possible or imagined
- Unfortunately, this invention has no practical use.
不幸地，這個發明並沒有實用性
scam n.騙局、詭計 scam artist騙子、詐騙高手
/ˈskæm/
a dishonest way to make money by deceiving people
- This insurance scam involves many people.
這個保險詐騙事件涉及許多人
- Alex's pathetic scam was soon discovered by his parents.
Alex可憐的騙局很快的就被父母發現
- The scam artist always targeted elderly people.
這個詐騙高手總是以老年人為目標
reputation n.名聲、名譽
the common opinion that people have about someone or something : the way in which people think of someone or something [count]
- The law firm has a very good reputation.
這家法律事務所有非常好的聲譽
- As a teacher, Tanya has a reputation for being strict.
身為老師，Tanya以嚴格著稱
- The charity campaign successfully promoted the company's reputation.
這項公益活動，成功地提昇了公司的聲譽
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131119_98f3a.wmv
Monday, November 18, 2013
Consumer Conflicts (1)
Is shopping online better than buying things in a store?
Laura and Nellie are hanging out at Nellie's house. Nellie is browsing some online stores from her laptop.
What are you looking for, Nellie?
I'm shopping for a new pair of jeans, Laura. And maybe I'll buy some shoes.
You buy your clothes online?
Aren't you afraid they won't fit? It seems pretty risky to me.
Not really. If they don't fit, I'll just send them back.
That sounds really troublesome. You have to pay the cost of shipping both ways. I would rather try on clothes in the store. Then I'll know right away if they fit or not.
That's true. But the mall is pretty far from here. It takes gas to get there, and that's expensive. If I buy something online, it comes right to my house.
Yes, but you have to wait for it. When I buy something, I want to have it right away! I'd rather drive to the mall and pay for the gas than have to wait a week or longer!
But I feel so excited when my things finally arrive! And a lot of sites offer free shipping. Not to mention, when I go to the store, I end up buying things on impulse. I just buy what I need online.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Toponyms
A toponym is the name of a place. Boston, Spain, and Ontario are all toponyms.
A toponym can also be a word derived from the name of a place.
There's one word in today's dialog that comes from a location's name.
It's the word "jeans."
This English word has its origin in the old French word "John," which is what the French called the Italian city Genoa.
Genoa is where the special cotton jean material was first manufactured in the mid 1500's.
Other places that gave their name to things people wear include tuxedo, formal clothing for men, from Tuxedo Park, New York.
And bikini, that two-piece bathing suit for women, named after the Bikini Islands, which are located in the Pacific ocean.
There are dozens of toponyms. If you remember earlier this year, we talked about Marathon, a Greek town's name that's become the English word for long distance foot races.
The word "china," with a lower case c, is also a toponym.
Originally, "china wear" or "wears made in china," the shortened version of china now refers to fine porcelain bowls, cups, and plates that are made, not just in China, but all over the world.
Grammar Gym
end up = in the end = resulting
- Not to mention, when I go to the store, I end up buying things on impulse.
- Although Kim and her roommate had agreed to divide the house chores, Kim ended up doing all the house chores herself.
- Ellie's original plan was to be in town for three days, but she ended up staying for a week.
Language Lab
consumer n.
a person who buys goods and services
- The new refund policy has attracted criticism from many consumers.
- To stay competitive, companies need to be responsive to consumer demand.
consume v.
to use (fuel, time, resources, etc.)
- This hybrid car consumes less gas than traditional ones.
troublesome adj.
causing problems or worry : causing trouble
- I find balancing my checkbook to be very troublesome.
not to mention
used when referring to another thing that relates to what you have just said
- Cathy is one of the kindest, not to mention one of the most beautiful girls I know.
impulse n.
/ˈɪmˌpʌls/
a sudden strong desire to do something
- I had a sudden impulse to walk out of the meeting.
on impulse/on an impulse
To do something on (an) impulse or on a sudden impulse is to do it suddenly and without thinking about it first.
- I bought this expensive handbag on an impulse.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131118_f06aa.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20131118baa52ec6a313b4b401ca111dddeaaa55fcd7b73ade004cbb74fd70182a166ed23be.wma
Laura and Nellie are hanging out at Nellie's house. Nellie is browsing some online stores from her laptop.
What are you looking for, Nellie?
I'm shopping for a new pair of jeans, Laura. And maybe I'll buy some shoes.
You buy your clothes online?
Aren't you afraid they won't fit? It seems pretty risky to me.
Not really. If they don't fit, I'll just send them back.
That sounds really troublesome. You have to pay the cost of shipping both ways. I would rather try on clothes in the store. Then I'll know right away if they fit or not.
That's true. But the mall is pretty far from here. It takes gas to get there, and that's expensive. If I buy something online, it comes right to my house.
Yes, but you have to wait for it. When I buy something, I want to have it right away! I'd rather drive to the mall and pay for the gas than have to wait a week or longer!
But I feel so excited when my things finally arrive! And a lot of sites offer free shipping. Not to mention, when I go to the store, I end up buying things on impulse. I just buy what I need online.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Toponyms
A toponym is the name of a place. Boston, Spain, and Ontario are all toponyms.
A toponym can also be a word derived from the name of a place.
There's one word in today's dialog that comes from a location's name.
It's the word "jeans."
This English word has its origin in the old French word "John," which is what the French called the Italian city Genoa.
Genoa is where the special cotton jean material was first manufactured in the mid 1500's.
Other places that gave their name to things people wear include tuxedo, formal clothing for men, from Tuxedo Park, New York.
And bikini, that two-piece bathing suit for women, named after the Bikini Islands, which are located in the Pacific ocean.
There are dozens of toponyms. If you remember earlier this year, we talked about Marathon, a Greek town's name that's become the English word for long distance foot races.
The word "china," with a lower case c, is also a toponym.
Originally, "china wear" or "wears made in china," the shortened version of china now refers to fine porcelain bowls, cups, and plates that are made, not just in China, but all over the world.
Grammar Gym
end up = in the end = resulting
- Not to mention, when I go to the store, I end up buying things on impulse.
- Although Kim and her roommate had agreed to divide the house chores, Kim ended up doing all the house chores herself.
- Ellie's original plan was to be in town for three days, but she ended up staying for a week.
Language Lab
consumer n.
a person who buys goods and services
- The new refund policy has attracted criticism from many consumers.
- To stay competitive, companies need to be responsive to consumer demand.
consume v.
to use (fuel, time, resources, etc.)
- This hybrid car consumes less gas than traditional ones.
troublesome adj.
causing problems or worry : causing trouble
- I find balancing my checkbook to be very troublesome.
not to mention
used when referring to another thing that relates to what you have just said
- Cathy is one of the kindest, not to mention one of the most beautiful girls I know.
impulse n.
/ˈɪmˌpʌls/
a sudden strong desire to do something
- I had a sudden impulse to walk out of the meeting.
on impulse/on an impulse
To do something on (an) impulse or on a sudden impulse is to do it suddenly and without thinking about it first.
- I bought this expensive handbag on an impulse.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131118_f06aa.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20131118baa52ec6a313b4b401ca111dddeaaa55fcd7b73ade004cbb74fd70182a166ed23be.wma
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Good Habits to Have (2)
7. Avoid cigarettes, drugs and alcohol
They affect your health, and even worse, they can make your life shorter.
8. Practice good manners
Please and thank you are magical words. They make people happy to help you.
9. Arrive on time
This shows people that you are responsible and that you respect their time.
10. Volunteer
Volunteer your time and/or your money. placing importance on others and their needs.
11. Manage your money
Good money habits will reduce stress and bring financial freedom.
12. Be honest
People will discover that you always tell the truth.
13. Practice the golden rule
Treat others the way you hope they will treat you.
14. Become a regular reader
Reading increases your vocabulary and stretches your mind.
15. Learn to relax
Your mind and body both need times of relaxation. A hot bath or good music can take away stress and help you relax.
16. Get a good night's sleep
Sleep is important because it helps to restore the brain, making your thoughts clearer. Develop some of these good habits and you'll lead a happier and more successful life.
Info Cloud
當別人對你說thank you時，下列的回應都表示不客氣，但仍應視場合及對象使用：
- You're welcome.(最規矩、安全的回答)
- My pleasure.
- Don't mention it.
- Anytime.
- No sweat.
- No problem. (美國人常用，表示沒什麼，只是舉手之勞。在正式及專業場合則不宜)
Language Lab
alcohol n.酒精 alcoholic adj.含酒精的
- This drink contains alcohol.
這個飲料含有酒精
- Bill is fighting against his addiction to alcohol.
Bill正在努力戒酒中 * These alcoholic beverages shouldn't appear at school parties.
這些含酒精的飲料，不應該出現在學校派對中
volunteer v.志願、志願服務 n.志工、志願者
- Alison volunteered to take care of her grandma.
Alison自告奮勇要照顧奶奶
- Gina volunteered to teach at an after-school program.
Gina志願當課後輔導的老師
- Many volunteers participated in the food drive.
許多志工參與這次募集食物的活動
relax v.放鬆 relaxation n.
- David took some time off to relax after finishing a big project.
David在完成一個大案後，放個假放鬆一下
- Tim plays golf for relaxation.
Tim打高爾夫球作為消遣
- Try to find time between tasks for a little relaxation.
在任務的空檔中找時間休息
restore v.恢復
- It will take time for her to restore her health after this major surgery.
經過這次重大的手術，她需要一些時間恢復
- Two years after the earthquake the building was completely restored.
地震兩年後，這棟建築被完全修復了
They affect your health, and even worse, they can make your life shorter.
8. Practice good manners
Please and thank you are magical words. They make people happy to help you.
9. Arrive on time
This shows people that you are responsible and that you respect their time.
10. Volunteer
Volunteer your time and/or your money. placing importance on others and their needs.
11. Manage your money
Good money habits will reduce stress and bring financial freedom.
12. Be honest
People will discover that you always tell the truth.
13. Practice the golden rule
Treat others the way you hope they will treat you.
14. Become a regular reader
Reading increases your vocabulary and stretches your mind.
15. Learn to relax
Your mind and body both need times of relaxation. A hot bath or good music can take away stress and help you relax.
16. Get a good night's sleep
Sleep is important because it helps to restore the brain, making your thoughts clearer. Develop some of these good habits and you'll lead a happier and more successful life.
Info Cloud
當別人對你說thank you時，下列的回應都表示不客氣，但仍應視場合及對象使用：
- You're welcome.(最規矩、安全的回答)
- My pleasure.
- Don't mention it.
- Anytime.
- No sweat.
- No problem. (美國人常用，表示沒什麼，只是舉手之勞。在正式及專業場合則不宜)
Language Lab
alcohol n.酒精 alcoholic adj.含酒精的
- This drink contains alcohol.
這個飲料含有酒精
- Bill is fighting against his addiction to alcohol.
Bill正在努力戒酒中 * These alcoholic beverages shouldn't appear at school parties.
這些含酒精的飲料，不應該出現在學校派對中
volunteer v.志願、志願服務 n.志工、志願者
- Alison volunteered to take care of her grandma.
Alison自告奮勇要照顧奶奶
- Gina volunteered to teach at an after-school program.
Gina志願當課後輔導的老師
- Many volunteers participated in the food drive.
許多志工參與這次募集食物的活動
relax v.放鬆 relaxation n.
- David took some time off to relax after finishing a big project.
David在完成一個大案後，放個假放鬆一下
- Tim plays golf for relaxation.
Tim打高爾夫球作為消遣
- Try to find time between tasks for a little relaxation.
在任務的空檔中找時間休息
restore v.恢復
- It will take time for her to restore her health after this major surgery.
經過這次重大的手術，她需要一些時間恢復
- Two years after the earthquake the building was completely restored.
地震兩年後，這棟建築被完全修復了
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Good Habits to Have (1)
Sixteen habits to live by
Philosopher Aristotle once said, "Good habits formed at youth make all the difference." It's true that the habits we form early usually stay with us. But it is never too late to learn new ones.
Habits worth developing
1. Establish a daily schedule
It's easier to face the day if you know what to expect. Plus, new habits are easier to follow if they are part of your normal day.
2. Eat breakfast
Breakfast provides the fuel your body needs to get started each day.
3. Drink lots of water
Water is good for your skin and helps you lose weight.
4. Exercise
It provides energy, reduces stress and keeps you healthy. But the key to making this a lasting habit is finding an exercise you enjoy.
5. Practice cleanliness
Make sure your hands, teeth, hair, body and clothes are clean. This habit will help you feel better and prevent disease.
6. Take time for your appearance
People judge you based on the way you look. Before you leave the house, take a few minutes to be sure you look your best.
Grammar Gym
to make all the difference = to be the most important thing in bringing a result
- Good habits formed at youth make all the difference.
- Using pure cocoa powder to make this chocolate cake makes all the difference!
- Making a good first impression when you walk into an interview makes all the difference.
Info Cloud
listicle = list + article
In journalism and blogging, a listicle is a short-form of writing that uses a list as its thematic structure, but is fleshed out with sufficient copy to be published as an article.
Language Lab
philosopher n.哲學家
/fəˈlɑ:səfɚ/
a person who studies ideas about knowledge, truth, the nature and meaning of life, etc. : a person who studies philosophy
- Einstein was not only a scientist, he was also a philosopher.
Einstein不但是位科學家，也是位哲學家
philosophy n.哲學
/fəˈlɑ:səfi/
- Professor Huang is a specialist in Chinese philosophy.
黃教授是一位中國哲學專家
fuel n.燃料
/ˈfju:wəl/
a material (such as coal, oil, or gas) that is burned to produce heat or power
- The car is low in fuel.
車子的汽油剩很少了
- The old truck consumes a lot of fuel.
這部舊卡車很耗油
v.供應燃料；激發
- The train is fueled by coal.
這台火車是用煤炭當燃料
- Ted's repetitive tardiness fueled the boss's anger.
Ted一再遲到，激發了老闆的怒氣。
disease n.疾病
an illness that affects a person, animal, or plant : a condition that prevents the body or mind from working normally [count]
- Luckily, this highly contagious disease can be cured by medication.
很幸運地，這種高度傳染性疾病可以用藥物治療
- Scientists have found a strong connection between being overweight and heart disease.
科學家發現體重過重和心臟疾病有強烈的關聯性
appearance n.外表；出現
the way that someone or something looks [count]
appear v.
- Chelsea really cares about her appearance. She spends at least two hours grooming every day.
Chelsea很在乎自己的外表，她每天至少花兩小時打扮
the action of appearing : the fact that something or someone arrives or begins to be seen — usually singular
- The singer's appearance caused a commotion.
這名歌手的出現，引起一陣騷動
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131113_8dbc2.wmv
Philosopher Aristotle once said, "Good habits formed at youth make all the difference." It's true that the habits we form early usually stay with us. But it is never too late to learn new ones.
Habits worth developing
1. Establish a daily schedule
It's easier to face the day if you know what to expect. Plus, new habits are easier to follow if they are part of your normal day.
2. Eat breakfast
Breakfast provides the fuel your body needs to get started each day.
3. Drink lots of water
Water is good for your skin and helps you lose weight.
4. Exercise
It provides energy, reduces stress and keeps you healthy. But the key to making this a lasting habit is finding an exercise you enjoy.
5. Practice cleanliness
Make sure your hands, teeth, hair, body and clothes are clean. This habit will help you feel better and prevent disease.
6. Take time for your appearance
People judge you based on the way you look. Before you leave the house, take a few minutes to be sure you look your best.
Grammar Gym
to make all the difference = to be the most important thing in bringing a result
- Good habits formed at youth make all the difference.
- Using pure cocoa powder to make this chocolate cake makes all the difference!
- Making a good first impression when you walk into an interview makes all the difference.
Info Cloud
listicle = list + article
In journalism and blogging, a listicle is a short-form of writing that uses a list as its thematic structure, but is fleshed out with sufficient copy to be published as an article.
Language Lab
philosopher n.哲學家
/fəˈlɑ:səfɚ/
a person who studies ideas about knowledge, truth, the nature and meaning of life, etc. : a person who studies philosophy
- Einstein was not only a scientist, he was also a philosopher.
Einstein不但是位科學家，也是位哲學家
philosophy n.哲學
/fəˈlɑ:səfi/
- Professor Huang is a specialist in Chinese philosophy.
黃教授是一位中國哲學專家
fuel n.燃料
/ˈfju:wəl/
a material (such as coal, oil, or gas) that is burned to produce heat or power
- The car is low in fuel.
車子的汽油剩很少了
- The old truck consumes a lot of fuel.
這部舊卡車很耗油
v.供應燃料；激發
- The train is fueled by coal.
這台火車是用煤炭當燃料
- Ted's repetitive tardiness fueled the boss's anger.
Ted一再遲到，激發了老闆的怒氣。
disease n.疾病
an illness that affects a person, animal, or plant : a condition that prevents the body or mind from working normally [count]
- Luckily, this highly contagious disease can be cured by medication.
很幸運地，這種高度傳染性疾病可以用藥物治療
- Scientists have found a strong connection between being overweight and heart disease.
科學家發現體重過重和心臟疾病有強烈的關聯性
appearance n.外表；出現
the way that someone or something looks [count]
appear v.
- Chelsea really cares about her appearance. She spends at least two hours grooming every day.
Chelsea很在乎自己的外表，她每天至少花兩小時打扮
the action of appearing : the fact that something or someone arrives or begins to be seen — usually singular
- The singer's appearance caused a commotion.
這名歌手的出現，引起一陣騷動
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131113_8dbc2.wmv
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Saying Goodbye (2)
Ben: That seems like a good idea, but it won't solve the problem of Terry leaving. He's not going to work for my competition. He's leaving because of family problems.
Uncle Bob: There isn't much you can do about him leaving then. But there are still things you can do to make your company more resistant to problems when employees do leave.
Ben: Like what?
Uncle Bob: Well, for starters, you could cross-train your employees.
Ben: What does that mean?
Uncle Bob: It just means you train your employees to do several different jobs. For example, you might train Angela to do Ralph's job, but also train Ralph to do Angela's job.
Ben: That would give me a lot more flexibility and make it easier to maintain continuity, if someone does leave.
Uncle Bob: Exactly, it also makes employees more versatile. You wouldn't have to worry about things like vacation and sick leave, for example.
Ben: Cross-training is probably good for employees, too. It would help them learn new skills and keep them from getting bored with their jobs.
Uncle Bob: That's true. And having happy employees will help keep people at the company.
Ben: Those are great ideas, Uncle Bob.
Uncle Bob: Just remember, you can't prohibit employees from leaving, but you can make losing employees more tolerable.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: The Suffix –ee
v.+ee : 表示接受這個動作的人
employee : employ +ee被雇用的人，指員工
trainee被訓練的人，指受訓者
examinee接受考試的人，指應試者
murderer殺人犯，但被殺的人不可寫為 murder+ee.
Language Lab
resistant adj.抵抗的、有抵抗力的
/rɪˈzɪstənt/
opposed to something : wanting to prevent something from happening — usually + to
- The paint is resistant to extreme weather conditions.
這種油漆可耐得住各種極端的氣候
- This super gem is resistant to all kinds of antibiotics.
這種超級細菌對所有抗生素都有抗藥性
cross-train v.交叉訓練、多重技能訓練
cross-training ( gerund /ˈʤerənd/ ) grammar : an English noun formed from a verb by adding -ing
- Our department cross-trained us in both marketing and customer service.
我們的部門作行銷與客服的交叉訓練
- Interdepartmental cross-training is quite effective.
跨部門的交叉訓練相當有效
continuity n.持續性、連貫性
/ˌkɑ:ntəˈnu:wəti/
the quality of something that does not stop or change as time passes : a continuous quality
- There has been no continuity in this course because we have had three different teachers.
這堂課完全沒有連貫性，因為我們換了三次老師
- To maintain continuity in this sequel the producer used the director of the original movie.
為了讓續集有持續性，製作人用了首部曲的導演
versatile adj.多才多藝的、多功能的
/ˈvɚsətl̟,/
able to do many different things
versatility n.
- Sherry is a versatile entertainer who can sing and act.
Sherry是一位多才多藝的藝人，既能唱又能演
- Hank's versatility made him stand out as an athlete.
Hank的全面性，使他成為一位極出色的運動員
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131112_2f81c.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20131112baa45ff9a7b4394ffcb89fe6558045cfd57f24ea1eff945b8488f33ddeab1d53e1d.wma
Uncle Bob: There isn't much you can do about him leaving then. But there are still things you can do to make your company more resistant to problems when employees do leave.
Ben: Like what?
Uncle Bob: Well, for starters, you could cross-train your employees.
Ben: What does that mean?
Uncle Bob: It just means you train your employees to do several different jobs. For example, you might train Angela to do Ralph's job, but also train Ralph to do Angela's job.
Ben: That would give me a lot more flexibility and make it easier to maintain continuity, if someone does leave.
Uncle Bob: Exactly, it also makes employees more versatile. You wouldn't have to worry about things like vacation and sick leave, for example.
Ben: Cross-training is probably good for employees, too. It would help them learn new skills and keep them from getting bored with their jobs.
Uncle Bob: That's true. And having happy employees will help keep people at the company.
Ben: Those are great ideas, Uncle Bob.
Uncle Bob: Just remember, you can't prohibit employees from leaving, but you can make losing employees more tolerable.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: The Suffix –ee
v.+ee : 表示接受這個動作的人
employee : employ +ee被雇用的人，指員工
trainee被訓練的人，指受訓者
examinee接受考試的人，指應試者
murderer殺人犯，但被殺的人不可寫為 murder+ee.
Language Lab
resistant adj.抵抗的、有抵抗力的
/rɪˈzɪstənt/
opposed to something : wanting to prevent something from happening — usually + to
- The paint is resistant to extreme weather conditions.
這種油漆可耐得住各種極端的氣候
- This super gem is resistant to all kinds of antibiotics.
這種超級細菌對所有抗生素都有抗藥性
cross-train v.交叉訓練、多重技能訓練
cross-training ( gerund /ˈʤerənd/ ) grammar : an English noun formed from a verb by adding -ing
- Our department cross-trained us in both marketing and customer service.
我們的部門作行銷與客服的交叉訓練
- Interdepartmental cross-training is quite effective.
跨部門的交叉訓練相當有效
continuity n.持續性、連貫性
/ˌkɑ:ntəˈnu:wəti/
the quality of something that does not stop or change as time passes : a continuous quality
- There has been no continuity in this course because we have had three different teachers.
這堂課完全沒有連貫性，因為我們換了三次老師
- To maintain continuity in this sequel the producer used the director of the original movie.
為了讓續集有持續性，製作人用了首部曲的導演
versatile adj.多才多藝的、多功能的
/ˈvɚsətl̟,/
able to do many different things
versatility n.
- Sherry is a versatile entertainer who can sing and act.
Sherry是一位多才多藝的藝人，既能唱又能演
- Hank's versatility made him stand out as an athlete.
Hank的全面性，使他成為一位極出色的運動員
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131112_2f81c.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20131112baa45ff9a7b4394ffcb89fe6558045cfd57f24ea1eff945b8488f33ddeab1d53e1d.wma
Monday, November 11, 2013
Saying Goodbye (1)
Losing employees can be tough
Hey, Uncle Bob. I'm glad to see you.
I'm glad to see you, too, Ben. You look tired. Are you sleeping OK?
No, I've been having a rough time lately.
What seems to be the problem?
I'm losing one of my best employees Terry. It's not really a problem, I guess. It's more of an annoyance.
But it's still keeping you up at night.
Right! He's been with the company for less than six months, and by leaving, he's depriving me of a great worker.
He's also creating a lot more work for you. Now you'll have to retrain people or get a replacement for him.
Exactly. It makes me wonder if I shouldn't have all my employees sign contracts or something.
Contracts don't keep employees from leaving, Ben.
And if you aren't careful, they can cause a lot of resentment.
I can see that. But if contracts don't keep employees from leaving, why do so many companies use them?
One reason is that contracts can help keep your employees from leaving to work for your competitors.
How do they do that?
Many contracts include a clause that prevents employees from working for a competitor for a period of time.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Hey, Hi and Hello
Hey, friends, good to see you again.
Welcome to the Info Cloud.
Uh... Steve.
You just said, "Hey friends." Don't you usually say "hi friends" or "hello friends?"
I do, Ken.
But, today, I felt like being more casual.
That's why I said, "hey" instead of "hi."
I know it's very common for young people to say "hey" to a friend rather than "hi."
But if we're meeting someone for the first time, especially someone much older than us, then we should probably not say "hey."
You're right, Ken.
That would be impolite.
That would be considered impolite.
So, in that situation, say "hi" or "hello."
Now, a related topic is how to greet someone when we're writing an email.
Traditionally, the word "dear" is used, but nowadays, it's very common to see people use "hi," "hello," or even "hey."
I know some people feel the word "dear" is old fashioned and out-of-date, but in your initial correspondence with someone you've never met, it's still a good idea to use "dear."
After you've established a relationship with the person, you can then switch to "hi" or "hello."
Also, be sure to include the person's name along with your greeting.
Don't just write "Hi," but write "Hi Ken" or even "Hi Mr. Lee," if Ken hasn't given you permission to use his first name.
But with friends, you may be as informal as you like.
When I email Ken, I usually write, "Yo man, what's up?"
"Hey, peace bro."
Grammar Gym
I guess: not really sure about what was just said.
- It's not really a problem, I guess.
- I suppose it's not really a problem.
- I'm not sure what the plan is for this evening, but we can go watch a movie, I guess.
- It's strange how Karen just started crying; she must be upset about something, I guess.
Language Lab
annoyance n.
/əˈnojəns/
slight anger : the feeling of being annoyed
something that causes feelings of slight anger or irritation : a source of annoyance
- Mosquitoes are such an annoyance.
- Susan thinks dealing with customers is an annoyance.
annoy v.
to cause (someone) to feel slightly angry
- My sister's snoring really annoys me.
deprive
/dɪˈpraɪv/
deprive of [phrasal verb]
to take something away from someone or something : to not allow (someone or something) to have or keep (something)
- Jessica thinks her parents deprive her of her freedom.
- Our competitor has deprived us of our most outstanding salesperson.
resentment n.
/rɪˈzɛntmənt/
[noncount] : a feeling of anger or displeasure about someone or something unfair
- George hid his resentment toward his parents.
resent v.
to be angry or upset about (someone or something that you think is unfair)
- Fanny resents the hypocrisy found in politics.
clause n.
/ˈklɑ:z/
a separate part of a legal document
- There's a clause in the contract that entitles the buyers to a refund if there are defects.
grammar : a part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb
- The sentence contains an adverb clause.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131111_eb725.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20131111baae79505cdaf7133d7512676ab0096f38d2af03435519ba094f67663c6d57d4fd9.wma
Hey, Uncle Bob. I'm glad to see you.
I'm glad to see you, too, Ben. You look tired. Are you sleeping OK?
No, I've been having a rough time lately.
What seems to be the problem?
I'm losing one of my best employees Terry. It's not really a problem, I guess. It's more of an annoyance.
But it's still keeping you up at night.
Right! He's been with the company for less than six months, and by leaving, he's depriving me of a great worker.
He's also creating a lot more work for you. Now you'll have to retrain people or get a replacement for him.
Exactly. It makes me wonder if I shouldn't have all my employees sign contracts or something.
Contracts don't keep employees from leaving, Ben.
And if you aren't careful, they can cause a lot of resentment.
I can see that. But if contracts don't keep employees from leaving, why do so many companies use them?
One reason is that contracts can help keep your employees from leaving to work for your competitors.
How do they do that?
Many contracts include a clause that prevents employees from working for a competitor for a period of time.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Hey, Hi and Hello
Hey, friends, good to see you again.
Welcome to the Info Cloud.
Uh... Steve.
You just said, "Hey friends." Don't you usually say "hi friends" or "hello friends?"
I do, Ken.
But, today, I felt like being more casual.
That's why I said, "hey" instead of "hi."
I know it's very common for young people to say "hey" to a friend rather than "hi."
But if we're meeting someone for the first time, especially someone much older than us, then we should probably not say "hey."
You're right, Ken.
That would be impolite.
That would be considered impolite.
So, in that situation, say "hi" or "hello."
Now, a related topic is how to greet someone when we're writing an email.
Traditionally, the word "dear" is used, but nowadays, it's very common to see people use "hi," "hello," or even "hey."
I know some people feel the word "dear" is old fashioned and out-of-date, but in your initial correspondence with someone you've never met, it's still a good idea to use "dear."
After you've established a relationship with the person, you can then switch to "hi" or "hello."
Also, be sure to include the person's name along with your greeting.
Don't just write "Hi," but write "Hi Ken" or even "Hi Mr. Lee," if Ken hasn't given you permission to use his first name.
But with friends, you may be as informal as you like.
When I email Ken, I usually write, "Yo man, what's up?"
"Hey, peace bro."
Grammar Gym
I guess: not really sure about what was just said.
- It's not really a problem, I guess.
- I suppose it's not really a problem.
- I'm not sure what the plan is for this evening, but we can go watch a movie, I guess.
- It's strange how Karen just started crying; she must be upset about something, I guess.
Language Lab
annoyance n.
/əˈnojəns/
slight anger : the feeling of being annoyed
something that causes feelings of slight anger or irritation : a source of annoyance
- Mosquitoes are such an annoyance.
- Susan thinks dealing with customers is an annoyance.
annoy v.
to cause (someone) to feel slightly angry
- My sister's snoring really annoys me.
deprive
/dɪˈpraɪv/
deprive of [phrasal verb]
to take something away from someone or something : to not allow (someone or something) to have or keep (something)
- Jessica thinks her parents deprive her of her freedom.
- Our competitor has deprived us of our most outstanding salesperson.
resentment n.
/rɪˈzɛntmənt/
[noncount] : a feeling of anger or displeasure about someone or something unfair
- George hid his resentment toward his parents.
resent v.
to be angry or upset about (someone or something that you think is unfair)
- Fanny resents the hypocrisy found in politics.
clause n.
/ˈklɑ:z/
a separate part of a legal document
- There's a clause in the contract that entitles the buyers to a refund if there are defects.
grammar : a part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb
- The sentence contains an adverb clause.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131111_eb725.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20131111baae79505cdaf7133d7512676ab0096f38d2af03435519ba094f67663c6d57d4fd9.wma
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Ten Fun Things to Do in Singapore (3)
7. Fort Siloso
This fort stands as a reminder of Singapore's past. It contains Singapore's largest collection of items from World War II. It's old tunnels and original weapons will give you a close-up view of history.
8. Jurong Bird Park
At Jurong Bird Park you can encounter 5,000 birds of 380 species and even feed some of them by hand! If feeding birds makes you hungry, you can join the park's parrots for lunch. Don't miss the High Flyers Show, where birds demonstrate their talents.
9. Forest Adventure
Seeking a thrill or a physical challenge? Try Forest Adventure's obstacle courses. Its Grand Course contains 34 obstacles, including four ziplines. A separate kids' course is available for children ages 5 to 10.
10. Mall's and Markets
Wander through Orchard Road's modern malls that connect underground and stretch for almost 2.2 kilometers. Then try an open-air shopping experience at the Thieves; Market. There you can buy inexpensive clothes, toys and even antiques. With all these possibilities, Singapore is sure to impress you!
Grammar Gym
stands as a reminder = helps people to remember
- This fort stands as a reminder of Singapore's past.
- Uncle Kenneth's bookshelf full of books stands as a reminder of his days as a professor.
- This roadside memorial stands as a reminder to the community not to drink and drive.
Info Cloud
selfie n.自拍、自拍照
A selfie is a type of self-portrait photograph, typically taken with a hand-held digital camera or camera phone.
- Do you like taking selfies?
- She just posted another selfie on Facebook. That's her seventh selfie today!
narcissistic adj.自戀的
Language Lab
fort n.堡壘、要塞
- The fort was surrounded by enemies for almost two days.
這個堡壘被敵人包圍了將近兩天
hold down the fort for someone替別人負責
- Alex is holding down the fort for his boss while she's away.
當Alex的上司不在時，他代為負責她的業務
demonstrate v.示範、展示 demonstration n.
- The salesperson demonstrated how to use the multi-functional food processor.
推銷員示範如何使用這部多功能的食物調理機
- The demonstration of the product is clear and simple.
這件產品的示範既清楚又簡單
thrill n.驚喜、刺激、恐懼 v.使驚喜、感到刺激
- The thrill of bungee jumping is incomparable.
高空彈跳的刺激是無與倫比的
- I still remember the thrill of opening Christmas gifts when I was a child.
我還記得自己小時候打開聖誕禮物的驚喜
- Thrilled at seeing their idol, the teenagers screamed his name.
這些青少年看到他們的偶像，因為太興奮而尖叫他的名字
antique n.古董 adj.古老的、古董的
- This armchair is actually an expensive antique.
這張扶手椅實際上是很昂貴的古董
- The antique watch was a gift from Grandma.
這隻古董錶是奶奶給我的禮物
This fort stands as a reminder of Singapore's past. It contains Singapore's largest collection of items from World War II. It's old tunnels and original weapons will give you a close-up view of history.
8. Jurong Bird Park
At Jurong Bird Park you can encounter 5,000 birds of 380 species and even feed some of them by hand! If feeding birds makes you hungry, you can join the park's parrots for lunch. Don't miss the High Flyers Show, where birds demonstrate their talents.
9. Forest Adventure
Seeking a thrill or a physical challenge? Try Forest Adventure's obstacle courses. Its Grand Course contains 34 obstacles, including four ziplines. A separate kids' course is available for children ages 5 to 10.
10. Mall's and Markets
Wander through Orchard Road's modern malls that connect underground and stretch for almost 2.2 kilometers. Then try an open-air shopping experience at the Thieves; Market. There you can buy inexpensive clothes, toys and even antiques. With all these possibilities, Singapore is sure to impress you!
Grammar Gym
stands as a reminder = helps people to remember
- This fort stands as a reminder of Singapore's past.
- Uncle Kenneth's bookshelf full of books stands as a reminder of his days as a professor.
- This roadside memorial stands as a reminder to the community not to drink and drive.
Info Cloud
selfie n.自拍、自拍照
A selfie is a type of self-portrait photograph, typically taken with a hand-held digital camera or camera phone.
- Do you like taking selfies?
- She just posted another selfie on Facebook. That's her seventh selfie today!
narcissistic adj.自戀的
Language Lab
fort n.堡壘、要塞
- The fort was surrounded by enemies for almost two days.
這個堡壘被敵人包圍了將近兩天
hold down the fort for someone替別人負責
- Alex is holding down the fort for his boss while she's away.
當Alex的上司不在時，他代為負責她的業務
demonstrate v.示範、展示 demonstration n.
- The salesperson demonstrated how to use the multi-functional food processor.
推銷員示範如何使用這部多功能的食物調理機
- The demonstration of the product is clear and simple.
這件產品的示範既清楚又簡單
thrill n.驚喜、刺激、恐懼 v.使驚喜、感到刺激
- The thrill of bungee jumping is incomparable.
高空彈跳的刺激是無與倫比的
- I still remember the thrill of opening Christmas gifts when I was a child.
我還記得自己小時候打開聖誕禮物的驚喜
- Thrilled at seeing their idol, the teenagers screamed his name.
這些青少年看到他們的偶像，因為太興奮而尖叫他的名字
antique n.古董 adj.古老的、古董的
- This armchair is actually an expensive antique.
這張扶手椅實際上是很昂貴的古董
- The antique watch was a gift from Grandma.
這隻古董錶是奶奶給我的禮物
Friday, November 8, 2013
Ten Fun Things to Do in Singapore (2)
4. Pulau Ubin
Take a small boat into Singapore's past. A 10-minute ride will take you to this island where life has remained unchanged since the 1960s. Walk through the streets, lovely forest paths and along quiet beaches. Chek Jawa, the "jade of Singapore," lies on the island's southeastern tip, and area filled with plants, animals and natural beauty.
5. Underwater World
Underwater World is more than just another aquarium. It offers rare opportunities to interact with sea creatures. Sign up in advance to swim with dolphins or dive among sharks. Be sure to feed the stingrays! Extend your hand into the water holding a piece of fish between your fingers. Then watch as the huge, gentle animals swim up and suck the food into their mouths!
6. Singapore Flyer
The world's largest observation wheel stands 165 meters tall and looks over all of Singapore. You can ride it around or pay more to enjoy a 4-course meal in a special capsule. Or you can bring a new meaning to the phrase high tea by enjoying tea, sandwiches and pastries during your ride.
Info Cloud
pun n.雙關語
high tea 下午茶
本文指在新加坡高165公尺的觀景摩天輪上享用下午茶，是名符其實的high tea.
- You can bring a new meaning to the phrase high tea by enjoying tea, sandwiches and pastries during your ride.
charge v.收費；攻擊
- How do you stop a charging bull?
要如何阻止一隻衝向你的公牛? (要如何阻止刷卡?) Take away his credit card.
Language Lab
jade n.玉、翡翠 adj.玉的、翡翠色的
- The museum has a large jade collection.
這座博物館的玉器收藏非常豐富
- The vase was carved of jade.
這隻花瓶是用玉雕刻而成
- Francine's jade-green dress is very unique and attractive.
Francine的翡翠色洋裝，既獨特又吸引人
interact v.互動 interaction n.
- The teacher soon found a way to interact with the new student.
老師很快就找到一個和這位新同學互動的方式
- The interaction between the parents and their baby is very natural and relaxed.
這對父母和小寶寶的互動，非常自然又放鬆
extend v.伸出、伸展、延伸 extension n.
- Eric extended his hand to greet his guests.
Eric伸出手來迎接客人
- This table can be extended.
這張桌子可以拉長
- The trail extends seven kilometers.
這條小徑有七公里長
- The building's extension will take three months to build.
這棟建物加建的部分需要花費三個月
pastry n.(油酥類的)糕餅
- The bakery's pastry is crisp and delicious.
這家糕餅店的糕餅既酥脆又美味
- The pastry's crust is overdone.
這個酥餅的外皮烤過頭了
- There is a wide variety of pastry on the buffet.
這家自助餐有許多種類的糕點
Take a small boat into Singapore's past. A 10-minute ride will take you to this island where life has remained unchanged since the 1960s. Walk through the streets, lovely forest paths and along quiet beaches. Chek Jawa, the "jade of Singapore," lies on the island's southeastern tip, and area filled with plants, animals and natural beauty.
5. Underwater World
Underwater World is more than just another aquarium. It offers rare opportunities to interact with sea creatures. Sign up in advance to swim with dolphins or dive among sharks. Be sure to feed the stingrays! Extend your hand into the water holding a piece of fish between your fingers. Then watch as the huge, gentle animals swim up and suck the food into their mouths!
6. Singapore Flyer
The world's largest observation wheel stands 165 meters tall and looks over all of Singapore. You can ride it around or pay more to enjoy a 4-course meal in a special capsule. Or you can bring a new meaning to the phrase high tea by enjoying tea, sandwiches and pastries during your ride.
Info Cloud
pun n.雙關語
high tea 下午茶
本文指在新加坡高165公尺的觀景摩天輪上享用下午茶，是名符其實的high tea.
- You can bring a new meaning to the phrase high tea by enjoying tea, sandwiches and pastries during your ride.
charge v.收費；攻擊
- How do you stop a charging bull?
要如何阻止一隻衝向你的公牛? (要如何阻止刷卡?) Take away his credit card.
Language Lab
jade n.玉、翡翠 adj.玉的、翡翠色的
- The museum has a large jade collection.
這座博物館的玉器收藏非常豐富
- The vase was carved of jade.
這隻花瓶是用玉雕刻而成
- Francine's jade-green dress is very unique and attractive.
Francine的翡翠色洋裝，既獨特又吸引人
interact v.互動 interaction n.
- The teacher soon found a way to interact with the new student.
老師很快就找到一個和這位新同學互動的方式
- The interaction between the parents and their baby is very natural and relaxed.
這對父母和小寶寶的互動，非常自然又放鬆
extend v.伸出、伸展、延伸 extension n.
- Eric extended his hand to greet his guests.
Eric伸出手來迎接客人
- This table can be extended.
這張桌子可以拉長
- The trail extends seven kilometers.
這條小徑有七公里長
- The building's extension will take three months to build.
這棟建物加建的部分需要花費三個月
pastry n.(油酥類的)糕餅
- The bakery's pastry is crisp and delicious.
這家糕餅店的糕餅既酥脆又美味
- The pastry's crust is overdone.
這個酥餅的外皮烤過頭了
- There is a wide variety of pastry on the buffet.
這家自助餐有許多種類的糕點
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Ten Fun Things to Do in Singapore (1)
This country may be small, but its possibilities are endless
A bustling city. Historical sites. Amusement parks. Tropical beaches. You can find all this and more packed into the 715-plus square kilometers of Singapore. If you visit this small but impressive country, here are some sights you won’t want to miss.
1. Night Safari
One of Singapore Zoo’s most famous attractions, Night Safari lets you see nocturnal animals in their natural environment. Walk through the park at night for up-close views of animals from seven different geographical zones. Or take a tram ride with a guide who will share fascinating facts and stories.
2. Chinatown
This area gets its unique flavor from the wide variety of Chinese people who live there. Beautiful historical buildings and classy restaurants line its streets. You can watch people practice traditional arts from calligraphy to dance. And Food Street offers many delicious snacks.
3. Universal Studios
Enter the world of your favorite movies! This amusement park includes seven zones based on real or imaginary places. Enjoy roller coasters, live shows and street entertainment. You can even meet your favorite characters from Shrek, Transformers and more!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Slurred Words
Hello friends.
What's the difference between spoken and written language?
Lots of things.
For example, when a language is spoken, we usually get to see the speaker's facial expressions and body gestures.
We get to hear the speaker's tempo and tone of voice, all of which add meaning to what's being said.
Spoken language is more informal, too.
Sentence structures change, grammar rules are relaxed, and words get slurred.
Why? Because it saves time and effort.
As an example, let's use the two words "want to" from this sentence, in the first paragraph of today's lesson.
"Here are some sights you won’t want to miss."
Now, when we speak, the words "want to" often get slurred together.
So that, they sound something like this: "Here are some sights you won’t 'wanna' miss."
Did you hear it.
Listen carefully and you'll also hear English speakers say "gonna" instead of "going to."
They'll say "gimme" instead of "give me."
And "what are you" when spoken gets slurred into "whatcha," as in "whatcha doing?"
Because they are so informal, slurred words aren't usually taught in the classroom.
But you need to be aware of them and train your ear to listen for them because English speakers love to slur their words.
spoken language 口語
written language 書寫語
spoken language 為省時省力，與written language有相當大的差異：
1. spoken language 比較 informal, 如句型結構、文法，比 written language 鬆散
2. spoken language的發音跟written language所拼的字，有很大的出入
- Here are some sights you won't want to miss.(written language)
- Here are some sights you won't wanna miss.(spoken language)
- going to: gonna
- give me: gimme
- What are you doing? Whatcha doing?
Language Lab
bustle v. 喧鬧
/ˈbʌsəl/
to move or go in a busy or hurried way
- Grandma has been bustling around the kitchen since noon to prepare our feast.
奶奶從中午就在廚房忙進忙出，準備我們的大餐
n. noisy or busy activity 忙亂
- Sandra still can't get used to the hustle and bustle of city life.
Sandra仍然無法適應都市生活的喧鬧與忙亂
geographical adj.地理的、地理學的
/ˌʤi:jəˈgræfɪk/
- The island's geographical position is near the Bermuda Triangle.
這個島嶼的位置靠近百慕達三角洲
geography n.地理、地形、地勢
- This chapter concentrates on the geography of Switzerland.
這一章主要在介紹瑞士的地理
calligraphy n.書法、書法作品
/kəˈlɪgrəfi/
the art of making beautiful handwriting
- His calligraphy looks effortless and graceful.
他的書法看起來輕鬆又優雅
- Sean won first prize at the calligraphy competition.
Sean在書法比賽中贏得冠軍
- Rita has a special interest in calligraphy.
Rita特別喜歡書法藝術
imaginary adj.幻想的、虛構的
/ɪˈmæʤəˌneri,/
not real : existing only in your mind or imagination
imagine v.想像、幻想
/ɪˈmæʤən/
- The patient created an imaginary world in his mind.
這位病患在腦海中創造一個幻想世界
- Jason used to have an imaginary friend when he was little.
Jason小時候曾經有一個幻想的朋友
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20131107baaad3ce4fe1a5ab8e7679ddbe18515a2aab8447882442fd20d7f73f687182bc9cf.wma
A bustling city. Historical sites. Amusement parks. Tropical beaches. You can find all this and more packed into the 715-plus square kilometers of Singapore. If you visit this small but impressive country, here are some sights you won’t want to miss.
1. Night Safari
One of Singapore Zoo’s most famous attractions, Night Safari lets you see nocturnal animals in their natural environment. Walk through the park at night for up-close views of animals from seven different geographical zones. Or take a tram ride with a guide who will share fascinating facts and stories.
2. Chinatown
This area gets its unique flavor from the wide variety of Chinese people who live there. Beautiful historical buildings and classy restaurants line its streets. You can watch people practice traditional arts from calligraphy to dance. And Food Street offers many delicious snacks.
3. Universal Studios
Enter the world of your favorite movies! This amusement park includes seven zones based on real or imaginary places. Enjoy roller coasters, live shows and street entertainment. You can even meet your favorite characters from Shrek, Transformers and more!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Slurred Words
Hello friends.
What's the difference between spoken and written language?
Lots of things.
For example, when a language is spoken, we usually get to see the speaker's facial expressions and body gestures.
We get to hear the speaker's tempo and tone of voice, all of which add meaning to what's being said.
Spoken language is more informal, too.
Sentence structures change, grammar rules are relaxed, and words get slurred.
Why? Because it saves time and effort.
As an example, let's use the two words "want to" from this sentence, in the first paragraph of today's lesson.
"Here are some sights you won’t want to miss."
Now, when we speak, the words "want to" often get slurred together.
So that, they sound something like this: "Here are some sights you won’t 'wanna' miss."
Did you hear it.
Listen carefully and you'll also hear English speakers say "gonna" instead of "going to."
They'll say "gimme" instead of "give me."
And "what are you" when spoken gets slurred into "whatcha," as in "whatcha doing?"
Because they are so informal, slurred words aren't usually taught in the classroom.
But you need to be aware of them and train your ear to listen for them because English speakers love to slur their words.
spoken language 口語
written language 書寫語
spoken language 為省時省力，與written language有相當大的差異：
1. spoken language 比較 informal, 如句型結構、文法，比 written language 鬆散
2. spoken language的發音跟written language所拼的字，有很大的出入
- Here are some sights you won't want to miss.(written language)
- Here are some sights you won't wanna miss.(spoken language)
- going to: gonna
- give me: gimme
- What are you doing? Whatcha doing?
Language Lab
bustle v. 喧鬧
/ˈbʌsəl/
to move or go in a busy or hurried way
- Grandma has been bustling around the kitchen since noon to prepare our feast.
奶奶從中午就在廚房忙進忙出，準備我們的大餐
n. noisy or busy activity 忙亂
- Sandra still can't get used to the hustle and bustle of city life.
Sandra仍然無法適應都市生活的喧鬧與忙亂
geographical adj.地理的、地理學的
/ˌʤi:jəˈgræfɪk/
- The island's geographical position is near the Bermuda Triangle.
這個島嶼的位置靠近百慕達三角洲
geography n.地理、地形、地勢
- This chapter concentrates on the geography of Switzerland.
這一章主要在介紹瑞士的地理
calligraphy n.書法、書法作品
/kəˈlɪgrəfi/
the art of making beautiful handwriting
- His calligraphy looks effortless and graceful.
他的書法看起來輕鬆又優雅
- Sean won first prize at the calligraphy competition.
Sean在書法比賽中贏得冠軍
- Rita has a special interest in calligraphy.
Rita特別喜歡書法藝術
imaginary adj.幻想的、虛構的
/ɪˈmæʤəˌneri,/
not real : existing only in your mind or imagination
imagine v.想像、幻想
/ɪˈmæʤən/
- The patient created an imaginary world in his mind.
這位病患在腦海中創造一個幻想世界
- Jason used to have an imaginary friend when he was little.
Jason小時候曾經有一個幻想的朋友
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20131107baaad3ce4fe1a5ab8e7679ddbe18515a2aab8447882442fd20d7f73f687182bc9cf.wma
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Google Glass is a Promising Innovation (2)
Putting the Internet right before your eyes
Where Glass begin
Glass originated as a special project at Google X, Google's top-secret research lab. The first prototype for Glass was a 10-pound, head-mounted display. Later versions looked like swimming goggles with cellphones connected to them.The current version is a slim visor that weighs about the same as a pair of sunglasses.
First impressions
The first group of Glass testers, called Explorers, shared their experiences with Google this past spring. Several users enjoyed using Glass to take hands-free pictures and hear turn-by-turn directions while walking. Negative experiences included low battery life and the awkward feeling of talking to Glass in public.
Major concerns
Despite the hype surrounding Glass many are worried that the device's video recording function could endanger privacy. In response, a handful of U.S. lawmakers requested Google CEO Larry Page to disclose how Google will add privacy protection functions to Glass.
Info Cloud
the public 公眾、大眾
public (集合名詞)
1. 和單數動詞一起(美式英文)
- The public is not allowed in. 禁止一般民眾進入
2. 和複數動詞一起(英式英文)
- The public are not allowed in. in public在公共場所
- ....awkward feeling of talking to Glass in public.
Grammar Gym
[something] + not[verb] beyond what [something else] + [verb]
- Supporters of Glass respond by saying that Glass can't do anything beyond what smartphones can already do.
- It's useless asking the nurse about the test results, she doesn't know anything beyond what we already know.
- This hotel isn't any better than the last one, it doesn't provide any free services beyond what the previous hotel can provide.
Language Lab
originate v.源自、來自 origin n.起源
o begin to exist : to be produced or created
- This disease originated in Africa, but is soon spread to other countries.
這種病源自非洲，但很快的就散布到其他國家
That idea did not originate with him. [=he was not the first person to have that idea]
- The idea of the movie didn't originate with the writer, but with the producer.
這部電影的概念不是來自作家而是製作人
visor n.護目鏡；(汽車)遮陽板
a piece on the front of a helmet that you can pull down to protect your face
a flat, stiff piece of material on the inside of a car above the windshield that you can pull down to keep sunlight from shining in your eyes
- The motorcycle rider raised the visor of his helmet while he stopped at the red light.
這位摩托車騎士在紅燈停下來時，把安全帽上的護目鏡拉開
- I put down the visor because the sunlight was too bright.
因為陽光太強，烈所以我把遮陽板放下
hype n.大肆宣傳、天花亂墜的公開宣傳
talk or writing that is intended to make people excited about or interested in something or someone
- The pop star created a media hype while touring in Asia.
這位流行音樂明星在亞洲巡迴演出時，創造大量媒體炒作
- A lot of viewers went to see the movie because of the hype.
許多觀眾是因為大量廣告炒作的關係去看這部電影
disclose v.公開、揭露、使暴露
to make (something) known to the public
- The agent disclosed to the press the signing of the pitcher's new contract.
經紀人向媒體透露這位投手的新合約
- The police refused to disclose the details of the case.
警方拒絕透露這個案子的細節
Where Glass begin
Glass originated as a special project at Google X, Google's top-secret research lab. The first prototype for Glass was a 10-pound, head-mounted display. Later versions looked like swimming goggles with cellphones connected to them.The current version is a slim visor that weighs about the same as a pair of sunglasses.
First impressions
The first group of Glass testers, called Explorers, shared their experiences with Google this past spring. Several users enjoyed using Glass to take hands-free pictures and hear turn-by-turn directions while walking. Negative experiences included low battery life and the awkward feeling of talking to Glass in public.
Major concerns
Despite the hype surrounding Glass many are worried that the device's video recording function could endanger privacy. In response, a handful of U.S. lawmakers requested Google CEO Larry Page to disclose how Google will add privacy protection functions to Glass.
Info Cloud
the public 公眾、大眾
public (集合名詞)
1. 和單數動詞一起(美式英文)
- The public is not allowed in. 禁止一般民眾進入
2. 和複數動詞一起(英式英文)
- The public are not allowed in. in public在公共場所
- ....awkward feeling of talking to Glass in public.
Grammar Gym
[something] + not[verb] beyond what [something else] + [verb]
- Supporters of Glass respond by saying that Glass can't do anything beyond what smartphones can already do.
- It's useless asking the nurse about the test results, she doesn't know anything beyond what we already know.
- This hotel isn't any better than the last one, it doesn't provide any free services beyond what the previous hotel can provide.
Language Lab
originate v.源自、來自 origin n.起源
o begin to exist : to be produced or created
- This disease originated in Africa, but is soon spread to other countries.
這種病源自非洲，但很快的就散布到其他國家
That idea did not originate with him. [=he was not the first person to have that idea]
- The idea of the movie didn't originate with the writer, but with the producer.
這部電影的概念不是來自作家而是製作人
visor n.護目鏡；(汽車)遮陽板
a piece on the front of a helmet that you can pull down to protect your face
a flat, stiff piece of material on the inside of a car above the windshield that you can pull down to keep sunlight from shining in your eyes
- The motorcycle rider raised the visor of his helmet while he stopped at the red light.
這位摩托車騎士在紅燈停下來時，把安全帽上的護目鏡拉開
- I put down the visor because the sunlight was too bright.
因為陽光太強，烈所以我把遮陽板放下
hype n.大肆宣傳、天花亂墜的公開宣傳
talk or writing that is intended to make people excited about or interested in something or someone
- The pop star created a media hype while touring in Asia.
這位流行音樂明星在亞洲巡迴演出時，創造大量媒體炒作
- A lot of viewers went to see the movie because of the hype.
許多觀眾是因為大量廣告炒作的關係去看這部電影
disclose v.公開、揭露、使暴露
to make (something) known to the public
- The agent disclosed to the press the signing of the pitcher's new contract.
經紀人向媒體透露這位投手的新合約
- The police refused to disclose the details of the case.
警方拒絕透露這個案子的細節
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Google Glass is a Promising Innovation (1)
Putting the Internet right before your eyes
With the arrival of smartphones, our computers moved from our desktops into our pockets. Now, tech giant Google is betting that people will warm up to the idea of wearing computers on their faces in the form of Internet-connected eyewear. This new device, called Glass, looks like a pair of sunglasses from a science-fiction movie, minus the lenses.
The computer that powers Glass is built into the arm of the glasses frame, which also contains a touch pad, microphone and front-facing camera. Glass connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi or to the user's smartphone by means of a Bluetooth@link.
Users view Glass's display by glancing up at a small prism in the upper right corner of their field of vision. The prism displays the user's timeline, which appears as a row of cards featuring such things as current time, calendar appointments or email notifications. Users communicate with Glass by using voice commands or by tapping the touch pad. All voice commands begin with the phrase "OK, Glass" followed by specific instructions such as "Take a picture," or "Get directions to Gino's Pizza." Thanks to the use of bone conduction, users can hear Glass giving turn-by-turn directions or reading emails to them.
Info Cloud
mail n.郵件(集合名詞)
1. 複數不可加s，如果要數有幾件郵件需用piece.
- I received seven pieces of mail today.
2. 涵蓋所有的郵件，包括：letters, bills, junk mail..etc.
email n.電子郵件(可數名詞，因為email是email message的簡寫)
- Users can hear Glass giving turn-by-turn directions or reading emails to them.
- I have 45 email messages. = I have 45 emails.
letter n.信件(可數名詞)
1. 僅限於私人信函，所以seven pieces of mail≠seven letters
Language Lab
innovation n.新發明；改革、創新
- The microwaving was an innovation that changed the way people prepare food.
微波爐是一項改變人們預備食物的新發明
- We provide a working environment that promotes creativity and innovation.
我們提供一個鼓勵創意和改革的工作環境
warm up to (somebody/something) =to begin to like or enjoy someone or something
- After a couple of days at the camp, the kids warmed up to each other.
在營隊相處兩三天後，孩子們開始熟絡起來
- Many people have warmed up to the idea of shopping online, but some still can't accept it.
許多人已經開始喜歡網路購物的方式，但是仍然有些人不能接受
field of vision 視野、視線範圍
- A rabbit hopped into the hunter's field of vision.
一隻兔子跳進獵人的視線
- Our field of vision was blocked by the tall guy in front of us.
我們的視線被前面這位高個子的人擋住了
- Traveling can widen one's field of vision.
旅行可以擴展一個人的視野
notification n.(正式的)通知、發布 notify v.
- Theo received a written notification that this application was accepted.
Theo收到他的申請被接受的書信通知
- Henry was notified that he needed to report to his superior at the base.
Henry被通知必須到基地向他的上級報到
With the arrival of smartphones, our computers moved from our desktops into our pockets. Now, tech giant Google is betting that people will warm up to the idea of wearing computers on their faces in the form of Internet-connected eyewear. This new device, called Glass, looks like a pair of sunglasses from a science-fiction movie, minus the lenses.
The computer that powers Glass is built into the arm of the glasses frame, which also contains a touch pad, microphone and front-facing camera. Glass connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi or to the user's smartphone by means of a Bluetooth@link.
Users view Glass's display by glancing up at a small prism in the upper right corner of their field of vision. The prism displays the user's timeline, which appears as a row of cards featuring such things as current time, calendar appointments or email notifications. Users communicate with Glass by using voice commands or by tapping the touch pad. All voice commands begin with the phrase "OK, Glass" followed by specific instructions such as "Take a picture," or "Get directions to Gino's Pizza." Thanks to the use of bone conduction, users can hear Glass giving turn-by-turn directions or reading emails to them.
Info Cloud
mail n.郵件(集合名詞)
1. 複數不可加s，如果要數有幾件郵件需用piece.
- I received seven pieces of mail today.
2. 涵蓋所有的郵件，包括：letters, bills, junk mail..etc.
email n.電子郵件(可數名詞，因為email是email message的簡寫)
- Users can hear Glass giving turn-by-turn directions or reading emails to them.
- I have 45 email messages. = I have 45 emails.
letter n.信件(可數名詞)
1. 僅限於私人信函，所以seven pieces of mail≠seven letters
Language Lab
innovation n.新發明；改革、創新
- The microwaving was an innovation that changed the way people prepare food.
微波爐是一項改變人們預備食物的新發明
- We provide a working environment that promotes creativity and innovation.
我們提供一個鼓勵創意和改革的工作環境
warm up to (somebody/something) =to begin to like or enjoy someone or something
- After a couple of days at the camp, the kids warmed up to each other.
在營隊相處兩三天後，孩子們開始熟絡起來
- Many people have warmed up to the idea of shopping online, but some still can't accept it.
許多人已經開始喜歡網路購物的方式，但是仍然有些人不能接受
field of vision 視野、視線範圍
- A rabbit hopped into the hunter's field of vision.
一隻兔子跳進獵人的視線
- Our field of vision was blocked by the tall guy in front of us.
我們的視線被前面這位高個子的人擋住了
- Traveling can widen one's field of vision.
旅行可以擴展一個人的視野
notification n.(正式的)通知、發布 notify v.
- Theo received a written notification that this application was accepted.
Theo收到他的申請被接受的書信通知
- Henry was notified that he needed to report to his superior at the base.
Henry被通知必須到基地向他的上級報到
Monday, November 4, 2013
November
There is a lot to celebrate in November
In the north, cold winds blow. The rich colors of autumn have faded, and winter is not far away. But in the Southern Hemisphere, summer is just heading up! Whatever the weather, there is plenty to celebrate in November.
Britain celebrates Guy Fawkes Day on November 5. They remember the plot to blow up the English Parliament and King James I in 1605. Thankfully, the plot did not succeed. The English remember this day and celebrate it with big fires and fireworks. November 11 is celebrated as Veterans Day or Remembrance Day. This day honors soldiers who have fought for their countries. On November 17, celebrate Electronic Greeting Card Day by sending your Friends ecards!
World Hello Day is November 21. Say hello to 10 people on this day to promote peace. Americas celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November. It's a time to be thankful and to have a turkey dinner with family and friends. November's birthstone is the topaz or citrine, and its flower is the beautiful chrysanthemum. Enjoy November - no matter what the weather is like!
Grammar Gym
Whatever the [something] : No matter what [something is]
- Whatever the weather, there is plenty to celebrate in November!
- Whatever happens, we'll meet here tonight.
- Whatever the outcome, the contestant are all glad they have this chance to compete in this tournament.
- Whatever the material, this style of dress is very comfortable.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Hello, Again
hello跟任何人打招呼皆適用
- Nice to meet you. 很高興認識你(只用於第一次見面時)
- It's nice to see you again.
- It's nice to run into you again. 很高興又見到你
Language Lab
fade v.褪色、失去光澤；(聲音)逐漸微弱、(光)逐漸消失、(感情)逐漸變淡
- The color of the curtains started to fade under the direct sunlight.
直接日曬之下，窗簾的顏色開始褪色了
- The sound of the jet faded away into the distance.
噴射機的聲音隨著距離逐漸遠去
- The love between this young couple faded after many quarrels.
經過多次爭吵，這對年輕戀人的感情逐漸變淡了
plot n.陰謀、密謀；(電視、電影、小說中的)情節
- The report of the assassination plot was submitted to the FBI.
這份暗殺計畫的報告，被送進聯邦調查局
- The plot of the movie is similar to the plot of a recent best-selling novel.
這部電影的情節，和最近一本暢銷小說的情節很相似
electronic adj.電子的、用電子操控的 electric adj.電的、電動的
- Al loves to buy fancy electronic gadgets.
Al喜歡買很炫的電子裝置
- The electronic surveillance system is hard to invade.
這個電子監視系統很難侵入
- Mark bought an electric guitar as a gift for his brother.
Mark買了一把電吉他給他的弟弟當作禮物
promote v.促進、促銷
- The president's visit promoted friendship between the two countries.
總統的參訪促進了兩國的友誼
- The campaign promoted the sales of the new product successfully.
這個宣傳活動成功的促銷了新產品
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20131104baafdec176a7315dc0f9b11e4fb251b62c4c5f55ac7a6b22f83566c9b64bcdf5c10.wma
In the north, cold winds blow. The rich colors of autumn have faded, and winter is not far away. But in the Southern Hemisphere, summer is just heading up! Whatever the weather, there is plenty to celebrate in November.
Britain celebrates Guy Fawkes Day on November 5. They remember the plot to blow up the English Parliament and King James I in 1605. Thankfully, the plot did not succeed. The English remember this day and celebrate it with big fires and fireworks. November 11 is celebrated as Veterans Day or Remembrance Day. This day honors soldiers who have fought for their countries. On November 17, celebrate Electronic Greeting Card Day by sending your Friends ecards!
World Hello Day is November 21. Say hello to 10 people on this day to promote peace. Americas celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November. It's a time to be thankful and to have a turkey dinner with family and friends. November's birthstone is the topaz or citrine, and its flower is the beautiful chrysanthemum. Enjoy November - no matter what the weather is like!
Grammar Gym
Whatever the [something] : No matter what [something is]
- Whatever the weather, there is plenty to celebrate in November!
- Whatever happens, we'll meet here tonight.
- Whatever the outcome, the contestant are all glad they have this chance to compete in this tournament.
- Whatever the material, this style of dress is very comfortable.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Hello, Again
hello跟任何人打招呼皆適用
- Nice to meet you. 很高興認識你(只用於第一次見面時)
- It's nice to see you again.
- It's nice to run into you again. 很高興又見到你
Language Lab
fade v.褪色、失去光澤；(聲音)逐漸微弱、(光)逐漸消失、(感情)逐漸變淡
- The color of the curtains started to fade under the direct sunlight.
直接日曬之下，窗簾的顏色開始褪色了
- The sound of the jet faded away into the distance.
噴射機的聲音隨著距離逐漸遠去
- The love between this young couple faded after many quarrels.
經過多次爭吵，這對年輕戀人的感情逐漸變淡了
plot n.陰謀、密謀；(電視、電影、小說中的)情節
- The report of the assassination plot was submitted to the FBI.
這份暗殺計畫的報告，被送進聯邦調查局
- The plot of the movie is similar to the plot of a recent best-selling novel.
這部電影的情節，和最近一本暢銷小說的情節很相似
electronic adj.電子的、用電子操控的 electric adj.電的、電動的
- Al loves to buy fancy electronic gadgets.
Al喜歡買很炫的電子裝置
- The electronic surveillance system is hard to invade.
這個電子監視系統很難侵入
- Mark bought an electric guitar as a gift for his brother.
Mark買了一把電吉他給他的弟弟當作禮物
promote v.促進、促銷
- The president's visit promoted friendship between the two countries.
總統的參訪促進了兩國的友誼
- The campaign promoted the sales of the new product successfully.
這個宣傳活動成功的促銷了新產品
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20131104baafdec176a7315dc0f9b11e4fb251b62c4c5f55ac7a6b22f83566c9b64bcdf5c10.wma
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Life in Nepal: Part 3 (2)
Living at the dorm was uncomfortable. My bed was like a rock and too short for my 165 cm frame - my feet hung over the end. Lentils and rice were served twice a day, but my problems with food poisoning kept me from eating any. We had no shower, so I washed my hair twice a week in a bucket. My roommates made my stay bearable and even fun. They were Nepali sisters who had grown up in Singapore. They bridged the language and cultural gaps I experienced daily.
They came from the developed world but navigated the rough edges of Kathmandu with learned ease. We shared stories, sighed over pop stars and watched Korean dramas into the night together. Without their help and humor, I would have probably cried myself to sleep every night. Now years later, I remember my stay in Nepal as a time of homesickness, I was so relieved to go home. It wasn't until much later that I realized the full value of my experience and all it had taught me.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Homesick vs. Home Sick
homesick v.想家
homesickness n.鄉愁
- Johnny is home sick with the flu.
Johnny因為感冒，待在家裡養病
Language Lab
frame n.(人或動物的) 骨骼、身軀；架構、骨架、結構
the basic structure and shape of the body of a person or animal
- Her small frame makes her look like a teenager.
她的嬌小的骨架，讓她看起來像個青少年
- Ellen kept a picture of her child in a silver frame.
Ellen把她的小孩的照片，放在一個銀色的相框裡
- The house's frame is quite solid.
這個房子的結構非常穩固
bearable adj.可忍受的、可容忍的
possible to bear : able to be accepted or endured
opposite - unbearable adj.令人無法忍受的
- Her friendship with her classmates made Chloe's life in school bearable.
同學之間的友誼，讓Chloe的學校生活可以忍受
- People find her arrogance unbearable.
人們覺得她驕傲的態度，令人無法忍受
navigate v.航行、橫渡、穿越；駕馭、成功的應付 [nav字根-船]
to find the way to get to a place when you are traveling in a ship, airplane, car, etc.
to sail on, over, or through an area of water [+ obj]
to control the direction of (something, such as a ship or airplane) : steer
- The boat set out to navigate the fjord. 這艘船出發，要開進峽灣了
- With this device you can navigate the Internet at a faster speed.
有了這個裝置，你可以更快速漫遊於網際網路
relieve v.使解脫、使減輕
to reduce or remove (something, such as pain or an unpleasant feeling)
- Isabel decided to hire a helper to relieve her of her housework.
Isabel決定要請一位幫手，來分擔家務事
- Everyone was so relieved when we heard the lost boy had been found.
當聽見這個失蹤的男孩已經找到時，每個人都鬆了一口氣
They came from the developed world but navigated the rough edges of Kathmandu with learned ease. We shared stories, sighed over pop stars and watched Korean dramas into the night together. Without their help and humor, I would have probably cried myself to sleep every night. Now years later, I remember my stay in Nepal as a time of homesickness, I was so relieved to go home. It wasn't until much later that I realized the full value of my experience and all it had taught me.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Homesick vs. Home Sick
homesick v.想家
homesickness n.鄉愁
- Johnny is home sick with the flu.
Johnny因為感冒，待在家裡養病
Language Lab
frame n.(人或動物的) 骨骼、身軀；架構、骨架、結構
the basic structure and shape of the body of a person or animal
- Her small frame makes her look like a teenager.
她的嬌小的骨架，讓她看起來像個青少年
- Ellen kept a picture of her child in a silver frame.
Ellen把她的小孩的照片，放在一個銀色的相框裡
- The house's frame is quite solid.
這個房子的結構非常穩固
bearable adj.可忍受的、可容忍的
possible to bear : able to be accepted or endured
opposite - unbearable adj.令人無法忍受的
- Her friendship with her classmates made Chloe's life in school bearable.
同學之間的友誼，讓Chloe的學校生活可以忍受
- People find her arrogance unbearable.
人們覺得她驕傲的態度，令人無法忍受
navigate v.航行、橫渡、穿越；駕馭、成功的應付 [nav字根-船]
to find the way to get to a place when you are traveling in a ship, airplane, car, etc.
to sail on, over, or through an area of water [+ obj]
to control the direction of (something, such as a ship or airplane) : steer
- The boat set out to navigate the fjord. 這艘船出發，要開進峽灣了
- With this device you can navigate the Internet at a faster speed.
有了這個裝置，你可以更快速漫遊於網際網路
relieve v.使解脫、使減輕
to reduce or remove (something, such as pain or an unpleasant feeling)
- Isabel decided to hire a helper to relieve her of her housework.
Isabel決定要請一位幫手，來分擔家務事
- Everyone was so relieved when we heard the lost boy had been found.
當聽見這個失蹤的男孩已經找到時，每個人都鬆了一口氣
Friday, November 1, 2013
Life in Nepal: Part 3 (1)
My challenges continued in Kathmandu
I returned to Kathmandu from Dolakha a bit worse for wear. I had planned to stay in the village only one week. But a political strike halted public transportation, which forced my translator and me to stay longer. Then the day the strike ended I got food poisoning, which delayed my return another two days. "Flexibility is key." That advice from the nonprofit's director seemed like ages ago.
I finally arrived at Summit Girls Dormitory, my home away from home in Kathmandu. Thirty Nepali girls lived here, all students at a local university. Few of them spoke English, but we still connected right away. When I arrived, a thin girl about 18 years old came up to me, took my arm and said, "I love you!" She then whisked me upstairs to show me the room she shared with three other girls. But our budding friendship was short-lived. That evening the dorm "father" told me I couldn't hang around the other girls anyone. Why? I was too fascinating and would distract them from their studies.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Different Forms of Strike Action
When employees get really upset with their employer, they may decide to stop working, and sometimes the result is a strike action or more commonly known as a strike.
That's right, Ken.
What usually happens is employees just walk out of their work place, and so a strike can also be called a walk out.
But, there is a difference between the two.
Right. Walk out is normally used to refer to a strike in its earliest moments.
A strike that is in its second or third month is not called a walk out because everyone has, well, walked out.
And, then, there are also times when workers choose to do the opposite of walking out.
They refuse to leave their work place until a settlement is reached.
And, that is called a sit down strike.
Which can also be called a sit-in.
But a sit-in usually refers to a type of demonstration in which participants occupy a space by sitting down and refusing to move until certain demands are met.
OK. And then, there are hunger strikes.
That is when people protest by not eating.
Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. were two famous people who went on a hunger strike.
And there is one other type of strike.
When moms are fed up with household chores, they may decide to go on strike by not cooking a meal or not doing the laundry.
This is, of course, an informal usage of strike. Moms who go on strike often do so because they don't feel appreciated.
strike = strike action = walkout罷工
sit-down strike霸占罷工 sit-in靜坐
hunger strike絕食抗議
- I'm going on strike! 我要罷工!
(口語用法，如：家庭主婦有一天覺得太累了，不想煮飯做家事時，可以向家人說!)
Grammar Gym
short-lived: doesn't last for a long time.
- But our budding friendship was short-lived.
- Wendy's dream to become a vet was short-lived when she realized she was allergic to dogs and cats.
- Spencer's plan to study abroad was short-lived when his mother became ill and he had to take care of her.
Language Lab
worse for wear (idiom)狼狽地、疲憊地 adj.破舊的、損壞的
Someone or something that is slightly/somewhat/much (etc.) (the) worse for wear looks worse after doing or experiencing something.
- After being lost for two hours, we reached the hotel a bit worse for wear.
經過兩小時的迷路，我們疲憊不堪的到達旅館
- Daddy's armchair is a bit worse for wear.
爸爸的扶手椅已經有點老舊了
translator n.翻譯員、譯者、口譯者(=interpreter) translate v.翻譯
a person who changes words written in one language into a different language
- You need a professional translator to translate this document.
你需要一位專業的翻譯員來翻譯這份文件
- Brendan took his translator to the meeting.
Brendan帶著口譯員，一起來參加會議
whisk v.迅速帶走(送走)、快速經過
to move or take (someone or something) to another place very quickly
- The movie star was whisked away in a van.
一部廂型車快速的把這位電影明星帶走
- The patient was whisked to the OR right away.
這位病人立刻快速的被送進開刀房
- The president whisked through Japan and went back to the US.
總統快速的過境日本後，回到美國了
distract v.使分心、使轉向、使苦惱 [dis-字首-離開]
to take (attention) away from someone or something
- The kids were distracted by the noise from the construction site.
小朋友因為工地的噪音而分心
- Frank would not let anything distract him from his online game.
Frank不會讓任何事物，干擾到他打線上遊戲
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20131101baadeae29740911bb0e8803c69e59705ab38ad98e203df931c8a9ab45acb16b6ef4.wma
I returned to Kathmandu from Dolakha a bit worse for wear. I had planned to stay in the village only one week. But a political strike halted public transportation, which forced my translator and me to stay longer. Then the day the strike ended I got food poisoning, which delayed my return another two days. "Flexibility is key." That advice from the nonprofit's director seemed like ages ago.
I finally arrived at Summit Girls Dormitory, my home away from home in Kathmandu. Thirty Nepali girls lived here, all students at a local university. Few of them spoke English, but we still connected right away. When I arrived, a thin girl about 18 years old came up to me, took my arm and said, "I love you!" She then whisked me upstairs to show me the room she shared with three other girls. But our budding friendship was short-lived. That evening the dorm "father" told me I couldn't hang around the other girls anyone. Why? I was too fascinating and would distract them from their studies.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Different Forms of Strike Action
When employees get really upset with their employer, they may decide to stop working, and sometimes the result is a strike action or more commonly known as a strike.
That's right, Ken.
What usually happens is employees just walk out of their work place, and so a strike can also be called a walk out.
But, there is a difference between the two.
Right. Walk out is normally used to refer to a strike in its earliest moments.
A strike that is in its second or third month is not called a walk out because everyone has, well, walked out.
And, then, there are also times when workers choose to do the opposite of walking out.
They refuse to leave their work place until a settlement is reached.
And, that is called a sit down strike.
Which can also be called a sit-in.
But a sit-in usually refers to a type of demonstration in which participants occupy a space by sitting down and refusing to move until certain demands are met.
OK. And then, there are hunger strikes.
That is when people protest by not eating.
Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. were two famous people who went on a hunger strike.
And there is one other type of strike.
When moms are fed up with household chores, they may decide to go on strike by not cooking a meal or not doing the laundry.
This is, of course, an informal usage of strike. Moms who go on strike often do so because they don't feel appreciated.
strike = strike action = walkout罷工
sit-down strike霸占罷工 sit-in靜坐
hunger strike絕食抗議
- I'm going on strike! 我要罷工!
(口語用法，如：家庭主婦有一天覺得太累了，不想煮飯做家事時，可以向家人說!)
Grammar Gym
short-lived: doesn't last for a long time.
- But our budding friendship was short-lived.
- Wendy's dream to become a vet was short-lived when she realized she was allergic to dogs and cats.
- Spencer's plan to study abroad was short-lived when his mother became ill and he had to take care of her.
Language Lab
worse for wear (idiom)狼狽地、疲憊地 adj.破舊的、損壞的
Someone or something that is slightly/somewhat/much (etc.) (the) worse for wear looks worse after doing or experiencing something.
- After being lost for two hours, we reached the hotel a bit worse for wear.
經過兩小時的迷路，我們疲憊不堪的到達旅館
- Daddy's armchair is a bit worse for wear.
爸爸的扶手椅已經有點老舊了
translator n.翻譯員、譯者、口譯者(=interpreter) translate v.翻譯
a person who changes words written in one language into a different language
- You need a professional translator to translate this document.
你需要一位專業的翻譯員來翻譯這份文件
- Brendan took his translator to the meeting.
Brendan帶著口譯員，一起來參加會議
whisk v.迅速帶走(送走)、快速經過
to move or take (someone or something) to another place very quickly
- The movie star was whisked away in a van.
一部廂型車快速的把這位電影明星帶走
- The patient was whisked to the OR right away.
這位病人立刻快速的被送進開刀房
- The president whisked through Japan and went back to the US.
總統快速的過境日本後，回到美國了
distract v.使分心、使轉向、使苦惱 [dis-字首-離開]
to take (attention) away from someone or something
- The kids were distracted by the noise from the construction site.
小朋友因為工地的噪音而分心
- Frank would not let anything distract him from his online game.
Frank不會讓任何事物，干擾到他打線上遊戲
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20131101baadeae29740911bb0e8803c69e59705ab38ad98e203df931c8a9ab45acb16b6ef4.wma
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Fall Festivals in Maryland (2)
The wonderful Maryland Renaissance Festival takes place every weekend in the fall. Workers and actors dress like people from the Middle Ages and welcome all visitors. Comedies, talk shows, children's plays and stage dramas are performed throughout the day. A Midsummer Night's Dream is a big production as well. In addition, magic shows, sword fights and more attract audiences in every corner of the "village."
You can spot the king and queen greeting people or pausing for photos. Several sports and games are demonstrated in the arena. We actually tried using the bows and arrows while others participated in the tug of war game. The high point is the jousts. Two teams compete for the highest honor and rewards from the king and queen. The knights ride horses and use spear-like weapons to knock their opponents down. The audience is divided into two groups to cheer for their teams.
The food is traditional and tasty. We loved the big turkey legs and barbecue ribs. No forks or knives are needed.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: The Genius of Shakespeare
Our lesson today mentions a play without mentioning the playwright who wrote it.
There's no need, because we already know who wrote it: William Shakespeare.
And, Shakespeare is a name that needs no introduction.
He's the greatest English writer ever.
Four hundred years after his death, we're still reading his poetry, staging his plays, and making movies based on his works.
Shakespeare's contribution to the English language was massive.
He introduced over 1700 new vocabulary words into English, many of which we still use today.
From A Midsummer Night's Dream for example, came the words, flowery, rival, and mimic.
And then, there are the many words and phrases and common expressions that Shakespeare coined. From the same drama came the now familiar words and phrases: pale face, swift as a shadow, and fancy-free.
Shakespeare was also good at taking an existing word and creating a new form of it.
An example, which also comes from A Midsummer Night's Dream, is the word "moonbeam."
OK. Shakespeare had a tremendous vocabulary.
He used almost 18,000 different words in his writings, a tenth of which had never been used before.
Now, imagine, if every tenth word you used was an original word.
needs no introduction 不需要介紹，指家喻戶曉、大名鼎鼎的人
本文中提到 A midsummer Night's Dream (仲夏夜之夢)
並沒有說明是誰寫的,
因為它的作者 Shakespeare (莎士比亞)是一位不需要介紹的人
Shakespeare：
1.是歷史上最偉大的英文作家, 直到死後四百年, 世人還在閱讀他寫的詩、演出他寫的戲劇或拍他的劇本改編的電影
2.英文單字中, 有超過1700個字是他創造的,
如：flowery, rival, mimic, fancy-free 都是源自於仲夏夜之夢
Language Lab
comedy n.喜劇；喜劇成分、喜劇性
a play, movie, television program, novel, etc., that is meant to make people laugh
things that are done and said to make an audience laugh : comic entertainment
the funny or amusing part of something : humor
- Renee enjoys romantic comedies.
Renee喜歡看浪漫愛情的喜劇
- When the professor suddenly forgot his points, it provided some good comedy during the dull lecture.
當教授突然忘記他的重點時，這時提供了無趣講座中的一些樂趣
pause v. n.暫停、停頓
a temporary stop : a period of time in which something is stopped before it is started again
a control that you use when you want to stop a recorded song, movie, etc., for a short time
- Vivian paused awhile to calm down before continuing her speech.
Vivian停頓一下，安定情緒之後，繼續她的演講
- Theo had to pause to clear his throat.
Theo必須停下來，清一下喉嚨。
- After a long pause, Richard started to talk again.
經過很長時間的停頓，Richard又開始說話
opponent n.對手、敵手
a person, team, group, etc., that is competing against another in a contest
- The team studied their opponent's strategies before the game.
這支隊伍比賽前研究他們對手的戰略
- Nathan and Tom are business opponents, but they are also very close friends.
Nathan和Tom是生意上的競爭對手，但也是非常要好的朋友
cheer v.喝采、歡呼
to shout with joy, approval, or enthusiasm
- The crowd cheered at the player made a rebound.
當這位球員籃板球得分時，觀眾發出歡呼
- Lawry's family and friends drove all the way from San Francisco to cheer for him.
Lawry的家人朋友特地從舊金山開車來為他加油
You can spot the king and queen greeting people or pausing for photos. Several sports and games are demonstrated in the arena. We actually tried using the bows and arrows while others participated in the tug of war game. The high point is the jousts. Two teams compete for the highest honor and rewards from the king and queen. The knights ride horses and use spear-like weapons to knock their opponents down. The audience is divided into two groups to cheer for their teams.
The food is traditional and tasty. We loved the big turkey legs and barbecue ribs. No forks or knives are needed.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: The Genius of Shakespeare
Our lesson today mentions a play without mentioning the playwright who wrote it.
There's no need, because we already know who wrote it: William Shakespeare.
And, Shakespeare is a name that needs no introduction.
He's the greatest English writer ever.
Four hundred years after his death, we're still reading his poetry, staging his plays, and making movies based on his works.
Shakespeare's contribution to the English language was massive.
He introduced over 1700 new vocabulary words into English, many of which we still use today.
From A Midsummer Night's Dream for example, came the words, flowery, rival, and mimic.
And then, there are the many words and phrases and common expressions that Shakespeare coined. From the same drama came the now familiar words and phrases: pale face, swift as a shadow, and fancy-free.
Shakespeare was also good at taking an existing word and creating a new form of it.
An example, which also comes from A Midsummer Night's Dream, is the word "moonbeam."
OK. Shakespeare had a tremendous vocabulary.
He used almost 18,000 different words in his writings, a tenth of which had never been used before.
Now, imagine, if every tenth word you used was an original word.
needs no introduction 不需要介紹，指家喻戶曉、大名鼎鼎的人
本文中提到 A midsummer Night's Dream (仲夏夜之夢)
並沒有說明是誰寫的,
因為它的作者 Shakespeare (莎士比亞)是一位不需要介紹的人
Shakespeare：
1.是歷史上最偉大的英文作家, 直到死後四百年, 世人還在閱讀他寫的詩、演出他寫的戲劇或拍他的劇本改編的電影
2.英文單字中, 有超過1700個字是他創造的,
如：flowery, rival, mimic, fancy-free 都是源自於仲夏夜之夢
Language Lab
comedy n.喜劇；喜劇成分、喜劇性
a play, movie, television program, novel, etc., that is meant to make people laugh
things that are done and said to make an audience laugh : comic entertainment
the funny or amusing part of something : humor
- Renee enjoys romantic comedies.
Renee喜歡看浪漫愛情的喜劇
- When the professor suddenly forgot his points, it provided some good comedy during the dull lecture.
當教授突然忘記他的重點時，這時提供了無趣講座中的一些樂趣
pause v. n.暫停、停頓
a temporary stop : a period of time in which something is stopped before it is started again
a control that you use when you want to stop a recorded song, movie, etc., for a short time
- Vivian paused awhile to calm down before continuing her speech.
Vivian停頓一下，安定情緒之後，繼續她的演講
- Theo had to pause to clear his throat.
Theo必須停下來，清一下喉嚨。
- After a long pause, Richard started to talk again.
經過很長時間的停頓，Richard又開始說話
opponent n.對手、敵手
a person, team, group, etc., that is competing against another in a contest
- The team studied their opponent's strategies before the game.
這支隊伍比賽前研究他們對手的戰略
- Nathan and Tom are business opponents, but they are also very close friends.
Nathan和Tom是生意上的競爭對手，但也是非常要好的朋友
cheer v.喝采、歡呼
to shout with joy, approval, or enthusiasm
- The crowd cheered at the player made a rebound.
當這位球員籃板球得分時，觀眾發出歡呼
- Lawry's family and friends drove all the way from San Francisco to cheer for him.
Lawry的家人朋友特地從舊金山開車來為他加油
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Fall Festivals in Maryland (1)
Fun in the fall
In October, a variety of produce is ripe and ready for people to enjoy. The pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farms and orchards are open to the public. Apples, pumpkins and other vegetables wait! Haystacks are built for children to jump on. This is family fun during the harvest season.
When we arrived at the apple orchard, we saw many people pushing handcarts from the parking lot to the orchard. But we just grabbed two big baskets, which we filled up quickly. After walking around the orchard with two baskets of apples, I knew why people had chosen the handcart!
Our next stop was the pumpkin patch. We could choose pumpkins from piles or pick our own. Many Americans put pumpkins on their front steps at Halloween. Some carve a face in a pumpkin and put a candle in it. They call this decoration a jack-o-lantern. We could 't leave without buying some homemade apple desserts. Fresh hot or cold apple cider is also perfect for the season.
Grammar Gym
"Apples, pumpkins and other vegetables wait!"
wait
1. if you are waiting for something that you expect or hope will happen or arrive, it has not happened or arrived yet:
- I need to wait for the bus.
2. to be ready or available
- When the kids got home, they found dinner waiting on the table.
- The manager has a stack of reports waiting on his desk as well as several phone calls to return.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Compound Words
Today, let's highlight one of the ways English words come into existence through the formation of compound words.
Ok. Compound words are made up of what we call primary words- what we might call the basic building blocks of English.
Primary words are simple nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, and pronoun, like the words, sun, run, fun, so, and you.
Now, two or primary words in any combination can produce a compound word.
Compound words come in three forms.
Let's look at each form in the order it appears in today's lesson.
The first is the hyphenated form, like "take-your-own."
In this example, we see three primary words brought together, but separated by hyphens, to form one new word.
The second compound form is the closed form, which are two primary words stuck together back-to-back.
We see a few of these in today's lesson, like "haystack" and "handcart."
The third form is the open form, two primary words separated by a space.
A little further along in the lesson, we see an example, "parking lot."
Ok. Knowing how compound words are created will enable you to create some new English words of your own.
Hey, who says you can't?
compound words複合詞
由兩個或兩個以上的primary words(基本字)組成的，共有三種類型：
1.由hyphen連字組成的
- The pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farms.
2.將兩個基本字合併成一個字，如haystacks, handcart, haircut, greenhouse..etc.
3.兩個分開的基本字，如parking lot,high school, post office..etc.
Language Lab
produce n.農產品
food or other things that have been grown or produced on a farm to be sold
- The produce in the open-air market looks so fresh.
這個露天市場的農產品看起來很新鮮
produce v.製作、生產
to make, write etc something to be bought, used, or enjoyed by people
- The award-winning team produced many blockbusters.
這個得獎的團隊製作過許多電影巨片
grab v.抓取 grabbed-grabbing
to take hold of someone or something with a sudden or violent movement
- The police officer grabbed the thief's arm and arrested him.
警官抓住了小偷的手臂，並且逮捕他
- The boy grabbed a handful of cookies from the jar.
這個男孩從罐子裡抓起滿手的餅乾
decoration n.裝飾、裝飾品；裝潢
something that is added to something else to make it more attractive
- The decorations for the surprise party were hung last night.
這個驚喜派對的裝飾品，昨晚就掛起來了
- The unique style of decoration of the cafe attracts a lot of customers.
這家咖啡店獨特風格的裝潢，吸引了許多顧客
homemade adj.自製的、自家做的
made in the home and not in a factory, store, etc.
- Grandma's homemade jam is famous in the neighborhood.
奶奶自製的果醬在鄰里間非常出名
- Mom always keeps homemade lemonade in our fridge.
媽媽總是會在冰箱裡預備自製的檸檬汁
In October, a variety of produce is ripe and ready for people to enjoy. The pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farms and orchards are open to the public. Apples, pumpkins and other vegetables wait! Haystacks are built for children to jump on. This is family fun during the harvest season.
When we arrived at the apple orchard, we saw many people pushing handcarts from the parking lot to the orchard. But we just grabbed two big baskets, which we filled up quickly. After walking around the orchard with two baskets of apples, I knew why people had chosen the handcart!
Our next stop was the pumpkin patch. We could choose pumpkins from piles or pick our own. Many Americans put pumpkins on their front steps at Halloween. Some carve a face in a pumpkin and put a candle in it. They call this decoration a jack-o-lantern. We could 't leave without buying some homemade apple desserts. Fresh hot or cold apple cider is also perfect for the season.
Grammar Gym
"Apples, pumpkins and other vegetables wait!"
wait
1. if you are waiting for something that you expect or hope will happen or arrive, it has not happened or arrived yet:
- I need to wait for the bus.
2. to be ready or available
- When the kids got home, they found dinner waiting on the table.
- The manager has a stack of reports waiting on his desk as well as several phone calls to return.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Compound Words
Today, let's highlight one of the ways English words come into existence through the formation of compound words.
Ok. Compound words are made up of what we call primary words- what we might call the basic building blocks of English.
Primary words are simple nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, and pronoun, like the words, sun, run, fun, so, and you.
Now, two or primary words in any combination can produce a compound word.
Compound words come in three forms.
Let's look at each form in the order it appears in today's lesson.
The first is the hyphenated form, like "take-your-own."
In this example, we see three primary words brought together, but separated by hyphens, to form one new word.
The second compound form is the closed form, which are two primary words stuck together back-to-back.
We see a few of these in today's lesson, like "haystack" and "handcart."
The third form is the open form, two primary words separated by a space.
A little further along in the lesson, we see an example, "parking lot."
Ok. Knowing how compound words are created will enable you to create some new English words of your own.
Hey, who says you can't?
compound words複合詞
由兩個或兩個以上的primary words(基本字)組成的，共有三種類型：
1.由hyphen連字組成的
- The pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farms.
2.將兩個基本字合併成一個字，如haystacks, handcart, haircut, greenhouse..etc.
3.兩個分開的基本字，如parking lot,high school, post office..etc.
Language Lab
produce n.農產品
food or other things that have been grown or produced on a farm to be sold
- The produce in the open-air market looks so fresh.
這個露天市場的農產品看起來很新鮮
produce v.製作、生產
to make, write etc something to be bought, used, or enjoyed by people
- The award-winning team produced many blockbusters.
這個得獎的團隊製作過許多電影巨片
grab v.抓取 grabbed-grabbing
to take hold of someone or something with a sudden or violent movement
- The police officer grabbed the thief's arm and arrested him.
警官抓住了小偷的手臂，並且逮捕他
- The boy grabbed a handful of cookies from the jar.
這個男孩從罐子裡抓起滿手的餅乾
decoration n.裝飾、裝飾品；裝潢
something that is added to something else to make it more attractive
- The decorations for the surprise party were hung last night.
這個驚喜派對的裝飾品，昨晚就掛起來了
- The unique style of decoration of the cafe attracts a lot of customers.
這家咖啡店獨特風格的裝潢，吸引了許多顧客
homemade adj.自製的、自家做的
made in the home and not in a factory, store, etc.
- Grandma's homemade jam is famous in the neighborhood.
奶奶自製的果醬在鄰里間非常出名
- Mom always keeps homemade lemonade in our fridge.
媽媽總是會在冰箱裡預備自製的檸檬汁
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
The Whistlers of Mexico (2)
The Chinantec lifestyle
Over 104,000 Chinantec people live in northern Daxasa, Mexico, mostly in small villages where their traditional languages are spoken. Some temporarily move to Mexico city to work but most return home afterward. Most Chinantecs farm maize and beans. They also produce coffee, timber and chili peppers as well as pottery and baskets. Most of them no longer wear traditional clothing except on special occasions, but they may make and sell it.
The whistled language is mostly used by men, and while women usually can interpret it, they don't "speak" it.
A threatened lifestyle
Chinantec whistling has ancient roots, but can it survive in a changing world? Modern inventions like cellphones are replacing whistling as a form of long-distance communication. And the Chinantec languages themselves may be in danger. As Spanish becomes more and more prevalent, even within Chinantec communities, some fear that traditional languages will disappear. Linguists are studying this unique and fascinating language while they have the chance. Yet they hope that Chinantec whistles will fly over the mountains for years to come.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Quantifiers
Quantifiers are, as the name suggests, words that express the quantity of something.
They're different from numbers in that they don't give a precise amount, they're approximate.
Some of the most common quantifiers are "all," "some," "much," and "most."
And quantifiers normally come before nouns.
In today's lesson, our author writes, "Most Chinantecans farm maize and beans."
"Most" is the quantifier here, and it modifies the noun Chinantecan.
And so, we learn that not all Chinantecans are farmers who raise maize and beans.
Quantifiers can sometimes act as pronouns, though.
Let's look back to the previous sentence for an example.
OK. In it we read, "Some temporarily move to Mexico City to work, but most return home afterward."
Here, the quantifiers, "some" and "most," are acting as pronouns.
OK. Finally, we should know that certain quantifiers only work for certain kinds of nouns.
Right. The quantifier "most," for example, works for both uncountable nouns, like maize, and countable nouns, like beans.
Others, like "a little," work only with uncountable nouns: a little maize.
Well, other quantifiers, like "each," work only with countable nouns: each bean.
Now, the best way to keep quantifiers straight: practice.
quantifier n.數量詞、量詞
1. 代表大約的數量
such as "all", "some", "much", "most", "a little", "each", "any", "a lot of"...etc.
2. 量詞有時可當代名詞
- Some temporarily move to Mexico city to work but most return home afterward.
some, most 都是代名詞
3.a little只可用來修飾不可數名詞
- There is a little time left.
4.each可修飾可數名詞
- My technique improved with each lesson.
Language Lab
temporarily adv.暫時地、短暫地
/ˌtɛmpəˈrerəli/
continuing for a limited amount of time : not permanent
- Sherry is staying with her sister temporarily, and then she will get her own place.
Sherry現在暫時和妹妹住，然後她會找自己的住處
temporary adj.
/ˈtɛmpəˌreri/
- Timothy needs a temporary job to earn money for his tuition.
Timothy需要一份暫時的工作來賺取學費
chili pepper 墨西哥紅蕃椒
a small pepper with a very hot flavor —called also chili pepper
- Daniel loves to put chopped up chili peppers on his pizza.
Daniel喜歡在他的披薩上放切碎的紅番椒
red pepper 紅辣椒
a hot pepper that is red and that is added to food to make it spicy ; also [noncount] : cayenne pepper
- The chef used some red peppers to decorate the dish.
主廚用紅辣椒來裝飾這道菜
prevalent adj.普遍的、盛行的
/ˈprɛvələnt/
- Addiction to computer games is prevalent among teens.
沉迷電腦遊戲在青少年中是常見的
prevalence n.
/ˈprɛvələns/
[noncount] formal — usually + of
- The campaign fights against the prevalence of smoking among young people.
這個宣傳活動就是要遏止年輕人抽菸的普遍問題
fascinating adj.迷人的、極好的
/ˈfæsəˌneɪtɪŋ/
very interesting or appealing
-The plot of the hit movie was so fascinating that a lot of viewers went back to see it a second time.
這部電影的情節太棒了，因此許多觀眾回來看第二次
- The fascinating view of the lake captured our eyes.
這座湖泊的美景吸引我們的視線
fascinate v.
/ˈfæsəˌneɪt/
to cause (someone) to be very interested in something or someone [+ obj]
Over 104,000 Chinantec people live in northern Daxasa, Mexico, mostly in small villages where their traditional languages are spoken. Some temporarily move to Mexico city to work but most return home afterward. Most Chinantecs farm maize and beans. They also produce coffee, timber and chili peppers as well as pottery and baskets. Most of them no longer wear traditional clothing except on special occasions, but they may make and sell it.
The whistled language is mostly used by men, and while women usually can interpret it, they don't "speak" it.
A threatened lifestyle
Chinantec whistling has ancient roots, but can it survive in a changing world? Modern inventions like cellphones are replacing whistling as a form of long-distance communication. And the Chinantec languages themselves may be in danger. As Spanish becomes more and more prevalent, even within Chinantec communities, some fear that traditional languages will disappear. Linguists are studying this unique and fascinating language while they have the chance. Yet they hope that Chinantec whistles will fly over the mountains for years to come.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Quantifiers
Quantifiers are, as the name suggests, words that express the quantity of something.
They're different from numbers in that they don't give a precise amount, they're approximate.
Some of the most common quantifiers are "all," "some," "much," and "most."
And quantifiers normally come before nouns.
In today's lesson, our author writes, "Most Chinantecans farm maize and beans."
"Most" is the quantifier here, and it modifies the noun Chinantecan.
And so, we learn that not all Chinantecans are farmers who raise maize and beans.
Quantifiers can sometimes act as pronouns, though.
Let's look back to the previous sentence for an example.
OK. In it we read, "Some temporarily move to Mexico City to work, but most return home afterward."
Here, the quantifiers, "some" and "most," are acting as pronouns.
OK. Finally, we should know that certain quantifiers only work for certain kinds of nouns.
Right. The quantifier "most," for example, works for both uncountable nouns, like maize, and countable nouns, like beans.
Others, like "a little," work only with uncountable nouns: a little maize.
Well, other quantifiers, like "each," work only with countable nouns: each bean.
Now, the best way to keep quantifiers straight: practice.
quantifier n.數量詞、量詞
1. 代表大約的數量
such as "all", "some", "much", "most", "a little", "each", "any", "a lot of"...etc.
2. 量詞有時可當代名詞
- Some temporarily move to Mexico city to work but most return home afterward.
some, most 都是代名詞
3.a little只可用來修飾不可數名詞
- There is a little time left.
4.each可修飾可數名詞
- My technique improved with each lesson.
Language Lab
temporarily adv.暫時地、短暫地
/ˌtɛmpəˈrerəli/
continuing for a limited amount of time : not permanent
- Sherry is staying with her sister temporarily, and then she will get her own place.
Sherry現在暫時和妹妹住，然後她會找自己的住處
temporary adj.
/ˈtɛmpəˌreri/
- Timothy needs a temporary job to earn money for his tuition.
Timothy需要一份暫時的工作來賺取學費
chili pepper 墨西哥紅蕃椒
a small pepper with a very hot flavor —called also chili pepper
- Daniel loves to put chopped up chili peppers on his pizza.
Daniel喜歡在他的披薩上放切碎的紅番椒
red pepper 紅辣椒
a hot pepper that is red and that is added to food to make it spicy ; also [noncount] : cayenne pepper
- The chef used some red peppers to decorate the dish.
主廚用紅辣椒來裝飾這道菜
prevalent adj.普遍的、盛行的
/ˈprɛvələnt/
- Addiction to computer games is prevalent among teens.
沉迷電腦遊戲在青少年中是常見的
prevalence n.
/ˈprɛvələns/
[noncount] formal — usually + of
- The campaign fights against the prevalence of smoking among young people.
這個宣傳活動就是要遏止年輕人抽菸的普遍問題
fascinating adj.迷人的、極好的
/ˈfæsəˌneɪtɪŋ/
very interesting or appealing
-The plot of the hit movie was so fascinating that a lot of viewers went back to see it a second time.
這部電影的情節太棒了，因此許多觀眾回來看第二次
- The fascinating view of the lake captured our eyes.
這座湖泊的美景吸引我們的視線
fascinate v.
/ˈfæsəˌneɪt/
to cause (someone) to be very interested in something or someone [+ obj]
Monday, October 28, 2013
The Whistlers of Mexico (1)
For the Chinantec people, whistling is a language
對奇南特克人而言，吹口哨是一種語言
If you find yourself in Mexico's Sierra Madre del Sol mountains, listen for a whistle floating across the rugged peaks. Then listen for an answer - you may overhear a conversation in a rare and unusual language.
For centuries, the Chinantec people have lived in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. They established villages and planted crops on the steep slopes. But the rough landscape made travel - and communication - difficult.
Shouting over the mountains can strain one's voice, but whistling does not. So some Chinantecs developed a language composed entirely of whistles. It can express almost every word in their spoken language. Some scholars think this form of communication dates back to the time of the first languages. Chinantecs use different styles of whistling at different distances. The shortest is used face to face.
A median-range style can be heard up to 200 meters away. And for long-distance communication, they place their fingers in their mouths and let out a piercing whistle. In some circumstances, it can be heard over a Kilometer away.
Grammar Gym
find yourself: you are
- If you find yourself in Mexico's Sierra Madre del Sol mountains...
- If you find yourself wondering what the tour guide is saying please don't hesitate to ask for clarification.
- After studying chemistry for two years, Dennis found himself feeling bored in his classes.
Info Cloud
Oh, I am so close.
Huh... so close to what, Ken?
Well, I'm trying to make an anagram, using the words "Chinantecan whistlers."
And, what have you got so far?
"When a rich cat listens," but that doesn't make sense.
Plus, I have an extra 'n' I don't know what to do with.
Hmm... keep trying.
Friends, an anagram is a type of word play.
You make one by rearranging the letters in a word or phrase to produce an altogether new word or phrase.
Now the tricky part is each letter from the original word or phrase may only be used once.
And, it needs to make sense.
Anagrams have been around for centuries.
They've been used by scientists and diplomats to create secret messages.
They've been used by psychiatrists to test patients' memories.
But, mostly anagrams have been used for fun.
The best anagrams have in some way a connection with the original work.
For example, "dormitory" can be turned into "dirty road."
See the connection?
Good one, how about the anagrams "two plus eleven" and "one plus twelve?"
Not only do both use the same letters, they give the same mathematical result, thirteen.
anagram n.變位詞(組)
將一個單字裡的字母或片語拆開，重新排列組合成另一個單字或片語
such as： tea --- eat (重新排列成eat)
dormitory 重新排列成 dirty room
Language Lab
overhear v.偶然聽到、無意中聽到、偷聽
to hear (something that was said to another person) by accident [+ obj]
- The patient overheard the doctors discussing his condition.
這位病人無意中聽到醫生們在討論他的病情
- Gina intentionally stood close to the judges to overhear the results of the contest.
Gina故意站著離評審很近，想要偷聽比賽結果
establish v.建立、設立
to begin or create (something that is meant to last for a long time)
- The charitable organization was established by a group of teachers.
這個慈善機構是由一群老師所建立的
establishment n.建立；企業、機構
a place or organization where people live or do business
- The food chain is a well organized establishment.
那個餐廳連鎖企業非常的有組織
be + composed of 由某些事物(人)組成的
- The band is composed of top musicians.
這個樂團是由頂尖的樂手組成的
- Her diet was composed of mainly vegetables and chicken breasts..
她的餐飲主要是由蔬菜和雞胸肉所組成的
circumstance n.情況、環境、境遇
the conditions that affect a situation, action, event etc:
- Under the circumstances, we have to cut our expenses as much as possible.
就目前情況而言，我們必須盡量減少開銷
- Under no circumstances will we agree to sell our store.
在任何情況下，我們都不會賣掉我們的店
對奇南特克人而言，吹口哨是一種語言
If you find yourself in Mexico's Sierra Madre del Sol mountains, listen for a whistle floating across the rugged peaks. Then listen for an answer - you may overhear a conversation in a rare and unusual language.
For centuries, the Chinantec people have lived in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. They established villages and planted crops on the steep slopes. But the rough landscape made travel - and communication - difficult.
Shouting over the mountains can strain one's voice, but whistling does not. So some Chinantecs developed a language composed entirely of whistles. It can express almost every word in their spoken language. Some scholars think this form of communication dates back to the time of the first languages. Chinantecs use different styles of whistling at different distances. The shortest is used face to face.
A median-range style can be heard up to 200 meters away. And for long-distance communication, they place their fingers in their mouths and let out a piercing whistle. In some circumstances, it can be heard over a Kilometer away.
Grammar Gym
find yourself: you are
- If you find yourself in Mexico's Sierra Madre del Sol mountains...
- If you find yourself wondering what the tour guide is saying please don't hesitate to ask for clarification.
- After studying chemistry for two years, Dennis found himself feeling bored in his classes.
Info Cloud
Oh, I am so close.
Huh... so close to what, Ken?
Well, I'm trying to make an anagram, using the words "Chinantecan whistlers."
And, what have you got so far?
"When a rich cat listens," but that doesn't make sense.
Plus, I have an extra 'n' I don't know what to do with.
Hmm... keep trying.
Friends, an anagram is a type of word play.
You make one by rearranging the letters in a word or phrase to produce an altogether new word or phrase.
Now the tricky part is each letter from the original word or phrase may only be used once.
And, it needs to make sense.
Anagrams have been around for centuries.
They've been used by scientists and diplomats to create secret messages.
They've been used by psychiatrists to test patients' memories.
But, mostly anagrams have been used for fun.
The best anagrams have in some way a connection with the original work.
For example, "dormitory" can be turned into "dirty road."
See the connection?
Good one, how about the anagrams "two plus eleven" and "one plus twelve?"
Not only do both use the same letters, they give the same mathematical result, thirteen.
anagram n.變位詞(組)
將一個單字裡的字母或片語拆開，重新排列組合成另一個單字或片語
such as： tea --- eat (重新排列成eat)
dormitory 重新排列成 dirty room
Language Lab
overhear v.偶然聽到、無意中聽到、偷聽
to hear (something that was said to another person) by accident [+ obj]
- The patient overheard the doctors discussing his condition.
這位病人無意中聽到醫生們在討論他的病情
- Gina intentionally stood close to the judges to overhear the results of the contest.
Gina故意站著離評審很近，想要偷聽比賽結果
establish v.建立、設立
to begin or create (something that is meant to last for a long time)
- The charitable organization was established by a group of teachers.
這個慈善機構是由一群老師所建立的
establishment n.建立；企業、機構
a place or organization where people live or do business
- The food chain is a well organized establishment.
那個餐廳連鎖企業非常的有組織
be + composed of 由某些事物(人)組成的
- The band is composed of top musicians.
這個樂團是由頂尖的樂手組成的
- Her diet was composed of mainly vegetables and chicken breasts..
她的餐飲主要是由蔬菜和雞胸肉所組成的
circumstance n.情況、環境、境遇
the conditions that affect a situation, action, event etc:
- Under the circumstances, we have to cut our expenses as much as possible.
就目前情況而言，我們必須盡量減少開銷
- Under no circumstances will we agree to sell our store.
在任何情況下，我們都不會賣掉我們的店
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Making Old Sports New (2)
Bossball
This exciting sport is part volleyball and part soccer. But unlike both of those sports, players jump up and down throughout the game. That's because it's played on an inflatable volleyball court with a trampoline on either side of the net. One player bounces on the trampoline while up to four others stand around it. A team can touch the ball six times before sending it back across the net. Each player may touch the ball once with arms or twice with other body parts.
Cycleball
Another fun game to watch, cycleball is like indoor soccer on wheels. Each player rides a special bike designed for the game. Like soccer, a team must put the ball in a goal. However, there is a catch.
The ball can only be touched with the bike's wheels or the players' heads. This game requires a lot of practice to learn the skills needed. Though these sports may not be common, give them a look or even a try.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Win vs. Beat
This lesson about sports give us good reason to review the difference between the words, "win" and "beat."
Now, some people, even native English speakers, use these two words as if they were synonymous, but they're not.
So, let's try to clear up the confusion.
OK. Use "win" when you want to focus on the competition.
For example, you win a game or you win a race.
Using "beat" on the other hand, puts the focus on the person or the team that loses.
You beat your opponent.
Your opponent beat you or your team beat the other team.
Now, when using "win", you don't need an object because it's understood or unstated.
That's why you can say, "we will win", but you cannot say, "we will win you."
Right! However, when using "beat", you do need that object.
For example, we will beat you.
Unless you are trying to gain a person's affection or support.
Used in this way, a boy might try to win a girl's affection by sending her flowers.
That is the only time "win" is followed by an object.
But again, to summarize, you win a competition, but you beat a person.
win (在競賽、遊戲、選舉中)獲勝
1.著眼於competition
2.不及物動詞，不需要受詞
3.當及物動詞時，表示獲得、贏得something.
- We won the game.
- We will win.(不可說We will win you.)
我們將會獲勝
- I win a girl's heart. 我贏得一個女孩的芳心
beat 打敗、勝過
1.著眼於person
2.及物動詞，需要受詞
- We beat our opponent. 我們打敗了對手
- They beat us. 他們把我們打敗了
- We will beat you. 我們會把你們打敗
Grammar Gym
to give something a look- to look at something with attention
- Though these sports may not be common, give them a look or even a try.
- Jerry saw a strange statue not far from him and he decided to walk over and give it a look.
- The manager handed the report to his secretary and asked her to give it a look.
Language Lab
unlike prep.不像某人
completely different from a particular person or thing
- Unlike most teenagers, Ricky doesn't like playing online games.
與大部分青少年不同Ricky不喜歡玩線上遊戲
- It was so unlike Alex to talk back to his teacher.
Alex居然和老師頂嘴，真的不像他
inflatable adj.可充氣的、可膨脹的 in-進入
inflate v.充氣、使膨脹
to add air or gas to (something, such as a tire or a balloon) and make it larger
- Kids are playing in the inflatable castle.
孩子們在充氣的城堡裡玩
- The inflatable pad is part of our camping equipment.
這個充氣式的墊子是我們的露營裝備之一
- The flight attendant is demonstrating how to inflate a life jacket.
空服員正在示範如何將救生衣充氣
indoor adj.室內的 outdoor 室外的 indoors adv. [compare outdoor]
done, living, located, or used inside a building
- There is an indoor swimming in the school.
- Maggie prefers outdoor exercises than indoor sports.
- The cold weather kept the kids indoors.
冷天讓孩子們都留在室內
- It's great to go outdoors and get some fresh air.
到戶外走走、呼吸新鮮空氣，很舒服
catch n.圈套、陷阱、隱藏的困難
a hidden problem or difficulty
- The job offer is way too good, there must be a catch somewhere.
這個工作條件太好了，一定有問題
- The restaurant provides meals, but the catch is that you'll be too busy to eat.
餐廳會提供餐點，但問題是你會忙到沒時間吃飯
v.抓接住
to get hold of and stop an object such as a ball that is moving through the air
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20131026baa5ef15b26a5c8268a04978695832bb221d58b477d9fa767197b613e89954ff12d.wma
This exciting sport is part volleyball and part soccer. But unlike both of those sports, players jump up and down throughout the game. That's because it's played on an inflatable volleyball court with a trampoline on either side of the net. One player bounces on the trampoline while up to four others stand around it. A team can touch the ball six times before sending it back across the net. Each player may touch the ball once with arms or twice with other body parts.
Cycleball
Another fun game to watch, cycleball is like indoor soccer on wheels. Each player rides a special bike designed for the game. Like soccer, a team must put the ball in a goal. However, there is a catch.
The ball can only be touched with the bike's wheels or the players' heads. This game requires a lot of practice to learn the skills needed. Though these sports may not be common, give them a look or even a try.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Win vs. Beat
This lesson about sports give us good reason to review the difference between the words, "win" and "beat."
Now, some people, even native English speakers, use these two words as if they were synonymous, but they're not.
So, let's try to clear up the confusion.
OK. Use "win" when you want to focus on the competition.
For example, you win a game or you win a race.
Using "beat" on the other hand, puts the focus on the person or the team that loses.
You beat your opponent.
Your opponent beat you or your team beat the other team.
Now, when using "win", you don't need an object because it's understood or unstated.
That's why you can say, "we will win", but you cannot say, "we will win you."
Right! However, when using "beat", you do need that object.
For example, we will beat you.
Unless you are trying to gain a person's affection or support.
Used in this way, a boy might try to win a girl's affection by sending her flowers.
That is the only time "win" is followed by an object.
But again, to summarize, you win a competition, but you beat a person.
win (在競賽、遊戲、選舉中)獲勝
1.著眼於competition
2.不及物動詞，不需要受詞
3.當及物動詞時，表示獲得、贏得something.
- We won the game.
- We will win.(不可說We will win you.)
我們將會獲勝
- I win a girl's heart. 我贏得一個女孩的芳心
beat 打敗、勝過
1.著眼於person
2.及物動詞，需要受詞
- We beat our opponent. 我們打敗了對手
- They beat us. 他們把我們打敗了
- We will beat you. 我們會把你們打敗
Grammar Gym
to give something a look- to look at something with attention
- Though these sports may not be common, give them a look or even a try.
- Jerry saw a strange statue not far from him and he decided to walk over and give it a look.
- The manager handed the report to his secretary and asked her to give it a look.
Language Lab
unlike prep.不像某人
completely different from a particular person or thing
- Unlike most teenagers, Ricky doesn't like playing online games.
與大部分青少年不同Ricky不喜歡玩線上遊戲
- It was so unlike Alex to talk back to his teacher.
Alex居然和老師頂嘴，真的不像他
inflatable adj.可充氣的、可膨脹的 in-進入
inflate v.充氣、使膨脹
to add air or gas to (something, such as a tire or a balloon) and make it larger
- Kids are playing in the inflatable castle.
孩子們在充氣的城堡裡玩
- The inflatable pad is part of our camping equipment.
這個充氣式的墊子是我們的露營裝備之一
- The flight attendant is demonstrating how to inflate a life jacket.
空服員正在示範如何將救生衣充氣
indoor adj.室內的 outdoor 室外的 indoors adv. [compare outdoor]
done, living, located, or used inside a building
- There is an indoor swimming in the school.
- Maggie prefers outdoor exercises than indoor sports.
- The cold weather kept the kids indoors.
冷天讓孩子們都留在室內
- It's great to go outdoors and get some fresh air.
到戶外走走、呼吸新鮮空氣，很舒服
catch n.圈套、陷阱、隱藏的困難
a hidden problem or difficulty
- The job offer is way too good, there must be a catch somewhere.
這個工作條件太好了，一定有問題
- The restaurant provides meals, but the catch is that you'll be too busy to eat.
餐廳會提供餐點，但問題是你會忙到沒時間吃飯
v.抓接住
to get hold of and stop an object such as a ball that is moving through the air
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20131026baa5ef15b26a5c8268a04978695832bb221d58b477d9fa767197b613e89954ff12d.wma
Friday, October 25, 2013
Making Old Sports New (1)
New ways to play your favorite games
Basketball, baseball and soccer are classic sports that people will always enjoy. And yet we keep changing popular games like these in new ways to keep them fresh.
Underwater hockey
This game is played in swimming pools with two teams of six players. Each player has flippers, a snorkel and a stick used for hitting a puck. Each team earns points by hitting the puck into its underwater goal.
Other team members must be ready to take the puck when a team member goes up for air. That makes underwater hockey a true team sport.
Chessboxing
A sport can also be revised by mixing it with another game. In chessboxing, two players compete on the chess board and in the ring. First, their minds are tested in a game of chess. Then they use their strength in a round of boxing. They repeat this for 11 round. The winner beats the loser in chess, knocks him out while boxing or gets more boxing points.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: How to Cheer on a Team
This month's sports feature gives us a good excuse to discuss how to cheer on a sports team.
Knowing how to cheer a team on to victory in English isn't as easy as it might be in certain other languages.
The reason is the cheer depends on who it is exactly you want to cheer for.
That's right!
You can cheer the whole team on or just the team's offense or just the defense or you can cheer on an individual player.
Or if you and your friends feel like it, you can cheer against the other team.
But again, each cheer would be different, depending on who you're cheering for.
Also, the cheer you use will depend on which sport is being played.
If we use basketball as an example, a good cheer to use at the game would be, "Defense! Defense!"
But that's not something you hear at a baseball game.
OK.
Here is a good all purpose cheer you can use in any sport including under water hockey and chess boxing.
Insert the team's name or player's name between the phrases, "let's go."
The cheer will sound something like this, "Let's go, Ken, let's go! Let's go, Ken, let's go!"
OK.
Got it.
Language Lab
popular adj.受歡迎的、廣受大眾喜愛的
liked by a lot of people
- The Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular sites in Europe.
艾菲爾鐵塔是歐洲最受歡迎的景點之一
unpopular adj.不受歡迎的
not liked by most people
- Such an attitude made him unpopular in the company.
這種態度讓他在公司裡不受歡迎
underwater adj.水中的、水面下的
below the surface of an area of water, or able to be used there:
- The underwater lights make the fountain shine at night.
水中的照明燈讓這個噴水池在夜裡閃閃發亮
- Underwater aerobics is great for expecting moms because it's mild yet burns a lot of calories.
水中有氧舞蹈非常適合孕婦，因為既溫和又可消耗許多卡路里
revise v. 修改、修正；調整
to change something because of new information or ideas;
to change a piece of writing by adding new information, making improvements, or correcting mistakes
- Teresa spent a lot of time revising her English report.
Teresa花了許多時間，修改她的報告。
- After comparing themselves with their competitors, the company revised their prices.
經過與競爭者的比較後，公司決定要調整他們的價格。
compete v.競爭 competition n.
to try to gain something and stop someone else from having it or having as much of it
compete against
- Our team will compete against last year's state champion tonight.
我們的隊伍今天晚上要和去年的州冠軍決勝負
- The fierce competition attracted a large audience.
激烈的競爭，吸引了許多的觀眾
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131025_333db.wmv
Basketball, baseball and soccer are classic sports that people will always enjoy. And yet we keep changing popular games like these in new ways to keep them fresh.
Underwater hockey
This game is played in swimming pools with two teams of six players. Each player has flippers, a snorkel and a stick used for hitting a puck. Each team earns points by hitting the puck into its underwater goal.
Other team members must be ready to take the puck when a team member goes up for air. That makes underwater hockey a true team sport.
Chessboxing
A sport can also be revised by mixing it with another game. In chessboxing, two players compete on the chess board and in the ring. First, their minds are tested in a game of chess. Then they use their strength in a round of boxing. They repeat this for 11 round. The winner beats the loser in chess, knocks him out while boxing or gets more boxing points.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: How to Cheer on a Team
This month's sports feature gives us a good excuse to discuss how to cheer on a sports team.
Knowing how to cheer a team on to victory in English isn't as easy as it might be in certain other languages.
The reason is the cheer depends on who it is exactly you want to cheer for.
That's right!
You can cheer the whole team on or just the team's offense or just the defense or you can cheer on an individual player.
Or if you and your friends feel like it, you can cheer against the other team.
But again, each cheer would be different, depending on who you're cheering for.
Also, the cheer you use will depend on which sport is being played.
If we use basketball as an example, a good cheer to use at the game would be, "Defense! Defense!"
But that's not something you hear at a baseball game.
OK.
Here is a good all purpose cheer you can use in any sport including under water hockey and chess boxing.
Insert the team's name or player's name between the phrases, "let's go."
The cheer will sound something like this, "Let's go, Ken, let's go! Let's go, Ken, let's go!"
OK.
Got it.
Language Lab
popular adj.受歡迎的、廣受大眾喜愛的
liked by a lot of people
- The Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular sites in Europe.
艾菲爾鐵塔是歐洲最受歡迎的景點之一
unpopular adj.不受歡迎的
not liked by most people
- Such an attitude made him unpopular in the company.
這種態度讓他在公司裡不受歡迎
underwater adj.水中的、水面下的
below the surface of an area of water, or able to be used there:
- The underwater lights make the fountain shine at night.
水中的照明燈讓這個噴水池在夜裡閃閃發亮
- Underwater aerobics is great for expecting moms because it's mild yet burns a lot of calories.
水中有氧舞蹈非常適合孕婦，因為既溫和又可消耗許多卡路里
revise v. 修改、修正；調整
to change something because of new information or ideas;
to change a piece of writing by adding new information, making improvements, or correcting mistakes
- Teresa spent a lot of time revising her English report.
Teresa花了許多時間，修改她的報告。
- After comparing themselves with their competitors, the company revised their prices.
經過與競爭者的比較後，公司決定要調整他們的價格。
compete v.競爭 competition n.
to try to gain something and stop someone else from having it or having as much of it
compete against
- Our team will compete against last year's state champion tonight.
我們的隊伍今天晚上要和去年的州冠軍決勝負
- The fierce competition attracted a large audience.
激烈的競爭，吸引了許多的觀眾
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131025_333db.wmv
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
New Ways to Shop for Clothes (1) (2)
Some retailers are creating new in-store experiences
More and more shoppers are buying things online these days, allowing them to avoid aggressive salespeople and long lines at checkout counters. In spite of online convenience, however, there are some items - like clothes - that customers prefer to examine before buying. In light of this, two companies are finding ways to modernize stores and bridge the gap between online and in-store retail.
A software company that also happens to sell designer jeans, Hointer has created a fast and painless shopping experience for its customers. The company is led by Dr. Nadia Shouraboura, a former tech executive at Amazon.
Shoppers walk into a Hointer store and select one of the many pairs of jeans hanging down from bars. Then they point their smartphones of the tag and activate the Hointer app, after which they select the size and press "try on." The app then directs them to a specific dressing room. German-made robots retrieve the desired jeans and deliver them through a chute to the dressing room in about 30 seconds immediately after unwanted pairs of jeans are dropped through another chute, the "outbox," they disappear from the list in the app.
-----
Purchases at Hointer are made with a swipe of a credit card. And interacting with a salesperson is optional! This allows Hointer to hire fewer people and focus on their ultimate goal: developing technology that supports a retail revolution.
Men's clothing retailer Bonobos has come up with a more personalized shopping experience. Although it is -in fact - an online retailer, Bonobos has decided to open a handful of brick-and-mortar stores called Guideshops. Shoppers make an appointment online before arriving at a Guideshop, where they receive one-on-one attention from a fitting guide.
Because these shops have limited inventories, shoppers aren't able to take home the outfits they select. But guides help shoppers make online purchases before they leave, after which the items will be delivered to customers in one or two days. Following the purchase, the Bonobos customer service database keeps a record of each shopper's size, making future online purchases easier.
While Hointer focuses on convenience, Bonobos Guideshops focus on customer service. But both efforts have one thing in common: giving clothing retailers a new look for the 21st century.
Info Cloud (1)
Teaching Topic: The Art of Lining Up
You know, one thing in life that I absolutely hate is waiting in line.
Or as the British would say, "waiting in a queue."
Me too. Either a line or a queue, it's no fun to wait in one.
And what's even worse than waiting in line, seeing someone "cut in line" or as the British would say, "jump the queue."
Line cutting is considered rude and selfish.
If you cut in line, you'll be regarded as having no manners.
We also need to be aware of how people line up.
Sometimes in a bank, post office, pharmacy, or airport, there might be several service points for customers.
But instead of forming a separate line in front of each of the service points, everyone just waits in one single line.
And then, when a service point opens up, the next person in line can leave the line and go to that service point.
That's right. In places like airport immigration or check-in counters, there's often a sign that says, "Please wait here for the next available agent."
And, that's where you should wait.
When a service point opens up, the agent would either call you out, or wave for you to go up to him or her.
Info Cloud (2)
Teaching Topic: Less vs. Fewer
Yesterday, we talked about how people line up in America.
And, one place that you'll often see lines of people is in the supermarket.
Hmm huh...
Now, there is a way to move faster than others in the supermarket checkout lines.
Use the express lane.
Grocery stores often have a sign to identify this lane, and it reads, "Ten items or less."
But, that's just wrong.
At least from a grammatical standpoint.
The sign should say, "Ten items or fewer."
Why is that Steve?
Because items are individual things.
They're countable things.
And when we deal with countable nouns, like apples, frozen chickens, soda bottles, and carrots, we should use the word "fewer", not "less."
And, when we deal with uncountable mass nouns like, water, heat, (and) money, we should use "less."
I have less money than you.
But I have fewer bills in my billfold than you.
So, as you can see friends, the words "fewer" and "less" are commonly confused in English, even to native English speakers.
But we hope you'll be less confused and make fewer mistakes after today's lesson.
Grammar Gym
in light of: considering : because of
- In light of this, two companies are finding ways to modernize stores....
- In light of the investigation, witnesses have been asked not to say anything to the media.
- In light of the recent discoveries in the laboratory, scientists are positive they can find a cure for the rare disease.
Language Lab
modernize 使現代化
to make (something) modern and more suited to present styles or needs
- The bank did a great modernizing its customer service system.
這家銀行在課服系統的現代化上有很好的成效
- The company needs to modernize if it wants to stay competitive.
如果這家公司想要保持競爭力，就必須現代化
bridge the gap (idiom)消除隔閡或分歧
- The policy was designed to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
這個政策是要設計來彌補富人與窮人之間的差異
- The book talks about ways to bridge the generation gap.
這本書討論如何消除代溝
activate v.啟動
to make (something) active or more active: such as a : to cause (a device) to start working
b chemistry : to cause (a chemical reaction or natural process) to begin
- The security system has already been activated.
保全系統已經啟動了
- You need to enter your PIN code in order to activate your credit card.
你必須輸入個人密碼，才能將信用卡開卡
chute n.陡坡道斜槽滑道
/ˈʃu:t/
a narrow tube or passage that things and people go down or through
- There is a chute in the building for the residents to throw away their garbage.
公寓中，有個讓住戶丟垃圾的滑道
- One of the emergency chutes on the air plane was jammed.
飛機的其中一個緊急滑道卡住了
- The laundry chute in the hotel goes directly down to the laundry room.
旅館的衣物滑道直接通到洗衣房
swipe n.刷信用卡的動作
to pass (a credit card, ATM card, etc.) through a machine that reads information from it
- We just one swipe of my credit card, half a month's salary was gone.
我的信用卡輕輕一刷，半個月的薪水就沒了
- Swipe your card for authorization, and then your can enter the office.
刷卡經過認證後，就可以進入辦公室了
brick-and-mortar adj.實體的
used to describe a traditional store or business that is in a building instead of on the Internet
- Some customers still insist on shopping in brick-and-mortar stores.
有些顧客還是堅持在實體的店購物
- The online stores gradually lured customers away from brick-and-mortar retailers.
網路商店逐漸吸引顧客離開實體的零售商
inventory n.存貨、存貨清單
all the goods in a shop [= stock]
- The store has a large inventory of canned food.
這家商店的罐頭食品存貨非常充裕
- The inventory of unsold cars can last at least three months.
未售出車輛的總數，至少可以再賣三個月
a list of all the things in a place;
- The manager asked me to make an inventory of supplies at our office.
經理要我列出我們辦公室補給品清單
database n.資料庫、數據庫
a collection of pieces of information that is organized and used on a computer
- The sales department spent weeks building a database of our customers' preferences.
銷售部門花了幾個禮拜時間，建立了我們顧客偏好的資料庫
More and more shoppers are buying things online these days, allowing them to avoid aggressive salespeople and long lines at checkout counters. In spite of online convenience, however, there are some items - like clothes - that customers prefer to examine before buying. In light of this, two companies are finding ways to modernize stores and bridge the gap between online and in-store retail.
A software company that also happens to sell designer jeans, Hointer has created a fast and painless shopping experience for its customers. The company is led by Dr. Nadia Shouraboura, a former tech executive at Amazon.
Shoppers walk into a Hointer store and select one of the many pairs of jeans hanging down from bars. Then they point their smartphones of the tag and activate the Hointer app, after which they select the size and press "try on." The app then directs them to a specific dressing room. German-made robots retrieve the desired jeans and deliver them through a chute to the dressing room in about 30 seconds immediately after unwanted pairs of jeans are dropped through another chute, the "outbox," they disappear from the list in the app.
-----
Purchases at Hointer are made with a swipe of a credit card. And interacting with a salesperson is optional! This allows Hointer to hire fewer people and focus on their ultimate goal: developing technology that supports a retail revolution.
Men's clothing retailer Bonobos has come up with a more personalized shopping experience. Although it is -in fact - an online retailer, Bonobos has decided to open a handful of brick-and-mortar stores called Guideshops. Shoppers make an appointment online before arriving at a Guideshop, where they receive one-on-one attention from a fitting guide.
Because these shops have limited inventories, shoppers aren't able to take home the outfits they select. But guides help shoppers make online purchases before they leave, after which the items will be delivered to customers in one or two days. Following the purchase, the Bonobos customer service database keeps a record of each shopper's size, making future online purchases easier.
While Hointer focuses on convenience, Bonobos Guideshops focus on customer service. But both efforts have one thing in common: giving clothing retailers a new look for the 21st century.
Info Cloud (1)
Teaching Topic: The Art of Lining Up
You know, one thing in life that I absolutely hate is waiting in line.
Or as the British would say, "waiting in a queue."
Me too. Either a line or a queue, it's no fun to wait in one.
And what's even worse than waiting in line, seeing someone "cut in line" or as the British would say, "jump the queue."
Line cutting is considered rude and selfish.
If you cut in line, you'll be regarded as having no manners.
We also need to be aware of how people line up.
Sometimes in a bank, post office, pharmacy, or airport, there might be several service points for customers.
But instead of forming a separate line in front of each of the service points, everyone just waits in one single line.
And then, when a service point opens up, the next person in line can leave the line and go to that service point.
That's right. In places like airport immigration or check-in counters, there's often a sign that says, "Please wait here for the next available agent."
And, that's where you should wait.
When a service point opens up, the agent would either call you out, or wave for you to go up to him or her.
Info Cloud (2)
Teaching Topic: Less vs. Fewer
Yesterday, we talked about how people line up in America.
And, one place that you'll often see lines of people is in the supermarket.
Hmm huh...
Now, there is a way to move faster than others in the supermarket checkout lines.
Use the express lane.
Grocery stores often have a sign to identify this lane, and it reads, "Ten items or less."
But, that's just wrong.
At least from a grammatical standpoint.
The sign should say, "Ten items or fewer."
Why is that Steve?
Because items are individual things.
They're countable things.
And when we deal with countable nouns, like apples, frozen chickens, soda bottles, and carrots, we should use the word "fewer", not "less."
And, when we deal with uncountable mass nouns like, water, heat, (and) money, we should use "less."
I have less money than you.
But I have fewer bills in my billfold than you.
So, as you can see friends, the words "fewer" and "less" are commonly confused in English, even to native English speakers.
But we hope you'll be less confused and make fewer mistakes after today's lesson.
Grammar Gym
in light of: considering : because of
- In light of this, two companies are finding ways to modernize stores....
- In light of the investigation, witnesses have been asked not to say anything to the media.
- In light of the recent discoveries in the laboratory, scientists are positive they can find a cure for the rare disease.
Language Lab
modernize 使現代化
to make (something) modern and more suited to present styles or needs
- The bank did a great modernizing its customer service system.
這家銀行在課服系統的現代化上有很好的成效
- The company needs to modernize if it wants to stay competitive.
如果這家公司想要保持競爭力，就必須現代化
bridge the gap (idiom)消除隔閡或分歧
- The policy was designed to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
這個政策是要設計來彌補富人與窮人之間的差異
- The book talks about ways to bridge the generation gap.
這本書討論如何消除代溝
activate v.啟動
to make (something) active or more active: such as a : to cause (a device) to start working
b chemistry : to cause (a chemical reaction or natural process) to begin
- The security system has already been activated.
保全系統已經啟動了
- You need to enter your PIN code in order to activate your credit card.
你必須輸入個人密碼，才能將信用卡開卡
chute n.陡坡道斜槽滑道
/ˈʃu:t/
a narrow tube or passage that things and people go down or through
- There is a chute in the building for the residents to throw away their garbage.
公寓中，有個讓住戶丟垃圾的滑道
- One of the emergency chutes on the air plane was jammed.
飛機的其中一個緊急滑道卡住了
- The laundry chute in the hotel goes directly down to the laundry room.
旅館的衣物滑道直接通到洗衣房
swipe n.刷信用卡的動作
to pass (a credit card, ATM card, etc.) through a machine that reads information from it
- We just one swipe of my credit card, half a month's salary was gone.
我的信用卡輕輕一刷，半個月的薪水就沒了
- Swipe your card for authorization, and then your can enter the office.
刷卡經過認證後，就可以進入辦公室了
brick-and-mortar adj.實體的
used to describe a traditional store or business that is in a building instead of on the Internet
- Some customers still insist on shopping in brick-and-mortar stores.
有些顧客還是堅持在實體的店購物
- The online stores gradually lured customers away from brick-and-mortar retailers.
網路商店逐漸吸引顧客離開實體的零售商
inventory n.存貨、存貨清單
all the goods in a shop [= stock]
- The store has a large inventory of canned food.
這家商店的罐頭食品存貨非常充裕
- The inventory of unsold cars can last at least three months.
未售出車輛的總數，至少可以再賣三個月
a list of all the things in a place;
- The manager asked me to make an inventory of supplies at our office.
經理要我列出我們辦公室補給品清單
database n.資料庫、數據庫
a collection of pieces of information that is organized and used on a computer
- The sales department spent weeks building a database of our customers' preferences.
銷售部門花了幾個禮拜時間，建立了我們顧客偏好的資料庫
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Skipping School (2)
Vi: Well, we don't have a family emergency or anything urgent going on. And I don't think our teachers would appreciate us skipping to study for a test. Besides, the only reason I would ever feel OK about missing school is if I were sick.
Mi: OK, OK. But for me, other things take priority over school attendance.
Vi: Like what?
Mi: Sometimes people want to stay home for a mental health day or because they're dealing with some emotional problem. Maybe they're being bullied and have to get out of the situation. Just because someone skips school doesn't mean they don't think their classes are worthwhile.
Vi: Maybe for some people those are good reasons, but I think it's good to be in class as much as possible. Besides, what if we have a pop quiz in one of the classes we skip? That wouldn't be good.
Mi: Well, that's true. OK, if you really feel uncomfortable missing school, I guess I can stay awhile longer before going home.
Vi: Thanks! We might not agree on whether or not to skip school, but we can always agree to help each other.
Grammar Gym
just because....doesn't mean...
- Just because someone skips school doesn't mean they don't think their classes are worthwhile.
- Just because a person looks tired when you're talking to them doesn't mean he isn't interested in what you're saying.
- Just because your friend forgets your birthday doesn't mean he doesn't care about your friendship.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: What English Really Needs
With all its rich vocabulary and fun quirky slang, there's still one thing that's sorely missing in the English language: a singular, gender-neutral pronoun.
OK. We're reminded of this deficiency again in today's lesson, when the singular "someone" gets paired up with the the two plural words, "they" and "their."
If we were to rewrite this sentence, keeping all the pronouns consistent, it would read, "Just because someone skips school doesn't mean he or she doesn't think his or her classes are worthwhile."
Now, that's solves the problem, but communicating like this is just really awkward.
So, for many years, the solution was to use "he" and "his" as the default gender-neutral pronoun.
The thinking was inaccuracy in gender was less troublesome than inaccuracy in number.
That's why you've heard it said, "When someone helps you, tell him thanks."
But today, this style is considered prejudice.
How can we be so sure the person who helps us in the future will be a male.
Right! We can't.
So, until something better, comes along, we'll continue to make "they", "them", and "their" work double duty.
That's why it's still OK to say, "When someone helps you, tell them thanks."
這裡的文法主詞someone+單數名詞skips，後面應為單數的he/she，跟單數的所有格his/her，才能保有主詞和代名詞一致性。但是本句用複數的they/their，這是因為用he/she太累贅了，如果用he/his則女性會抗議性別歧視，所以，後來口語的講法，就採用複數代名詞they/them/their，雖然不符合文法，但這是一個實用的妥協。
Language Lab
attendance n.出席、參加、出勤
the act of being present at a place
- Attendance at this course is compulsory.
這門課程規定一定要出席
the number of people present at an event, meeting, etc.
- Attendance at the amusement park is dropping.
這個主題公園的進場人數正在下降
emotional adj.情緒的、情緒上的；表達強烈情感的、感情脆弱的
relating to emotions;
showing emotion — used especially to describe someone who is crying because of strong;
causing a person to feel emotion
- The book introduced the emotional development of a child.
這本書介紹小朋友的情緒發展
- Mandy gets really emotional when she is criticized.
當Mandy被批評時，會變得非常情緒化
uncomfortable adj.令人不舒服的、不自在的
not feeling physically comfortable, or not making you feel comfortable
- The sofa looks nice, but it's actually very uncomfortable.
這張沙發看起來很好，但實際上非常不舒服
- Irene felt uncomfortable when she was questioned by her boss.
當Irene被老闆詢問時，她覺得很不自在
awhile adv.一下子、片刻
for a short time
- After resting awhile, the mountaineers continued their climb.
休息片刻後，登山客們又繼續爬山
- Patricia talked awhile to her kids and then rushed back to the office to work.
Patricia和孩子們談了一下，然後匆匆趕回辦公室上班
Mi: OK, OK. But for me, other things take priority over school attendance.
Vi: Like what?
Mi: Sometimes people want to stay home for a mental health day or because they're dealing with some emotional problem. Maybe they're being bullied and have to get out of the situation. Just because someone skips school doesn't mean they don't think their classes are worthwhile.
Vi: Maybe for some people those are good reasons, but I think it's good to be in class as much as possible. Besides, what if we have a pop quiz in one of the classes we skip? That wouldn't be good.
Mi: Well, that's true. OK, if you really feel uncomfortable missing school, I guess I can stay awhile longer before going home.
Vi: Thanks! We might not agree on whether or not to skip school, but we can always agree to help each other.
Grammar Gym
just because....doesn't mean...
- Just because someone skips school doesn't mean they don't think their classes are worthwhile.
- Just because a person looks tired when you're talking to them doesn't mean he isn't interested in what you're saying.
- Just because your friend forgets your birthday doesn't mean he doesn't care about your friendship.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: What English Really Needs
With all its rich vocabulary and fun quirky slang, there's still one thing that's sorely missing in the English language: a singular, gender-neutral pronoun.
OK. We're reminded of this deficiency again in today's lesson, when the singular "someone" gets paired up with the the two plural words, "they" and "their."
If we were to rewrite this sentence, keeping all the pronouns consistent, it would read, "Just because someone skips school doesn't mean he or she doesn't think his or her classes are worthwhile."
Now, that's solves the problem, but communicating like this is just really awkward.
So, for many years, the solution was to use "he" and "his" as the default gender-neutral pronoun.
The thinking was inaccuracy in gender was less troublesome than inaccuracy in number.
That's why you've heard it said, "When someone helps you, tell him thanks."
But today, this style is considered prejudice.
How can we be so sure the person who helps us in the future will be a male.
Right! We can't.
So, until something better, comes along, we'll continue to make "they", "them", and "their" work double duty.
That's why it's still OK to say, "When someone helps you, tell them thanks."
這裡的文法主詞someone+單數名詞skips，後面應為單數的he/she，跟單數的所有格his/her，才能保有主詞和代名詞一致性。但是本句用複數的they/their，這是因為用he/she太累贅了，如果用he/his則女性會抗議性別歧視，所以，後來口語的講法，就採用複數代名詞they/them/their，雖然不符合文法，但這是一個實用的妥協。
Language Lab
attendance n.出席、參加、出勤
the act of being present at a place
- Attendance at this course is compulsory.
這門課程規定一定要出席
the number of people present at an event, meeting, etc.
- Attendance at the amusement park is dropping.
這個主題公園的進場人數正在下降
emotional adj.情緒的、情緒上的；表達強烈情感的、感情脆弱的
relating to emotions;
showing emotion — used especially to describe someone who is crying because of strong;
causing a person to feel emotion
- The book introduced the emotional development of a child.
這本書介紹小朋友的情緒發展
- Mandy gets really emotional when she is criticized.
當Mandy被批評時，會變得非常情緒化
uncomfortable adj.令人不舒服的、不自在的
not feeling physically comfortable, or not making you feel comfortable
- The sofa looks nice, but it's actually very uncomfortable.
這張沙發看起來很好，但實際上非常不舒服
- Irene felt uncomfortable when she was questioned by her boss.
當Irene被老闆詢問時，她覺得很不自在
awhile adv.一下子、片刻
for a short time
- After resting awhile, the mountaineers continued their climb.
休息片刻後，登山客們又繼續爬山
- Patricia talked awhile to her kids and then rushed back to the office to work.
Patricia和孩子們談了一下，然後匆匆趕回辦公室上班
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