幻小說的夢想家 French author Jules Verne takes readers on adventures in his stories by Lisa Holl Chang
Balloon flights over Africa, journeys under the sea in a submarine, expeditions to the North Pole – even today these ideas sound thrilling. But at the time French author Jules Verne (1828-1905) wrote of them, his readers could only imagine them.
Childhood adventures
Even as a young boy, Verne was fascinated with travel. His passion was sparked by watching boats travel the Loire River, which his family vacationed by in the summer. At 12, the young Verne hopped on an ocean-going vessel without his parents’ knowledge. Unfortunately for Verne, his father found out and caught him before the ship Coralie actually went to sea. Verne promised then that he “would only travel in imagination.”
Becoming a writer
At the time, his parents didn't understand what he actually meant by those words, Verne's father, a lawyer, expected his son to follow in his footsteps. He sent Verne to Paris to study law. There, Verne concentrated on writing instead, causing his father to stop his financial support. Undeterred, Verne worked at a theater owned, Verne worked at a theater owned by Alexandre Dumas and wrote several plays.
At the age of 28, Verne married Honorine Morel, a young widow who had two daughters. With a family to support, Verne began working as a stockbroker. But he continued to write, getting up at 5a.m. to write before going to his job in the afternoon. Verne's break finally came in 1862 when he met publisher Pierre-Jules Hetzel. Hetzel saw potential in Verne's stories and advised Verne on how to make them better. Verne successfully published his first book in 1863 and went on to write 54 novels.
In his books, Verne enthralls readers with tales of extraordinary adventures. For example, in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Verne's characters explore oceans in a submarine. In Around the World in 80 Days, a man makes a bet to circle the globe in 80 days. Known as a visionary. Verne portrayed skyscrapers, automobiles and air-conditioners in Paris in the 20th Century. None of those things existed then; they sprung from Verne's imagination. But he would not be surprised that today they are reality.
Information
Many of Jules Verne's books are part of what is known as "The Extraordinary Voyages", Some of the more famous titles include Journey to the Center of the Earth, a story that has been retold in movie format our times!
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is a classic underwater adventure, while Verne's Around the World in 80 Days is a novel that was recently adapted into a movie starring Jackie Chan.
Grammar
With a family to support, Verne began working as a stockbroker.
With a family to support-Because he has a family to support, Verne... (is too wordy, and too plain)
With only a few dollars left in his wallet, Sam needed to find an ATM soon.
With three meetings to attend and several reports to finish. Tara knew her day was going to be a busy one.
With three meetings to attend and several reports to finish, Tara knew her day was going to be a busy one.
Vocabulary
spark (n)-火花(v)-激起，引发 The trip to Paris sparked her interest to lean French.
Mass demonstrations were sparked by the controversial policy. 引起大型示威。
footstep-足迹
follow in someone’s footsteps-跟随某人的足迹。继承衣钵，追随某人的脚步。
*Samuel followed in his father's footsteps and became an engineer. 继承父亲的衣钵。。
*Nicky followed in her sister's footsteps by attending Harvard.跟随她姐姐的脚踪。
undeterred-未受阻的或不气馁的not being bothered. un-否定的意思 deter-使某人打消念头
*Nobody supported Bob's idea of starting his own business, but he was undeterred.
*Undeterred, we went on vacation even though the typhoon was coming.
thrilling-exciting.
expedition-means take a trip or journey.
hopped on-get on without planning ahead.
vessel-another word for large ship.
widow-The poor window had to give up her children and send them to the orphanage.
*After the accident, Patrick found himself a widower with three kids.
publish-The author's latest novel was published in 1999.
*His book was published by Random House, a world-renown publisher.
*Dave works for a publisher that only publishes text books.
visionary-The Nobel-Prize winner was a visionary who started a new era in his professional field.
Chat Room
vacation/holiday- 假期，度假/ 节日，假日
vacation-(n), (v)- American says" go on vacation (n) or go vacation (v)度假
holiday- Englishman says "go on holiday" 度假（英国人）加拿大人say both ways.
holiday- American people mean that country reserve a day off to memorable or celebrate, such as July 4th, a national holiday. 国定假日
--------------------
break-在此表达“好运”
break a leg 跌断你的腿= a big break 幸运之神=a lucky break =good luck
say to a player on his/her performance "break a leg" instead of "good luck", they are very superstitious. They believe that when people say "good luck " to them is mean there are some "bad luck" will happen to them.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
A New Semester
迎接新學期 I’m ready to catch the ball New challenges come with the start of a new semester by Luke Wang
Watching the crystal ball drop and the people count down on New Year’s Eve, I realized my Christmas break was ending. A couple of days later, I flew back to Los Angeles. Although I was more familiar with the school’s environment, the tensions of starting a new semester still held me in a death grip. Like last semester, I chose all my classes but soon realized that some weren’t suitable. Fortunately, in American universities, students can change all their classes within the first few weeks. So I dropped and then added some classes.
I am determined that difficulties won’t stop me. I will be stronger and sturdier as I go through challenging times – this is the belief that holds me. I take these challenges as a way to improve myself. I have evaluated myself over and over to see whether I have improved. I want to show my friends and family back home that I have grown, so I need to push myself harder. I want to test my limits. I am ready. Even though this semester is going to be hard, my every step is stronger and sturdier.
Grammar
I am ready to catch the ball--.it's not talking about real ball, ball game or P.E . He is borrow a lot of phrases of the ball game to describe situation in every day's life. .-here means "I am ready to facing new challenge"
The ball is in your court (from tennis)-it's your responsibility now to make a decision.
not up to par (golf)-not acceptable for a position.
to call the shots-to be in charge and make decisions.
to get the ball rolling-let's to get the thing start it.
Vocabulary
count down-倒数。预期某事发生（倒数计时）counting numbers from small to large, we say counting up such as 1,2,3...up, counting down, counting numbers from large to small.
*All the spectators counted down together before the spacecraft launched.
we were counting down the days until the prom. 毕业舞会
drop-掉落，此指“退选” take the name off something.
*I found that French 201 is way too difficult for me, so I dropped it.
*Sherry decided to add Economy 101 to her class schedule. 加选
sturdy-坚强的，坚固的或是坚固耐用的。。
He's a sturdy fighter who can beat the disease.坚强的斗士。
*She had no problem climbing the mountain thanks to her sturdy boots坚固的靴子.
*a sturdy chair ideal for kids.坚固耐用得着椅子是专为小孩设计的。
death grip-holding you so tied that almost can kill you.
Chat Room
step-脚步
one step at a time-一次一小步，一步一步来，不要急，慢慢来，
step by step- 一步一个脚印，一步一步的
one step forward, two steps back-向前前进一步，却倒退两步。想要努力，却毫无进展。
out of step-打乱了脚步，弄乱了章程，是说不协调。
step on it-driving too slow, we will say" step on it" 踩油门，“加快车属速”
the first step is the hardest-迈出第一步总是最困难的。万事起头难。
step it up-faster, hurry up 加快脚步，赶快。
take one step, take the first step.
Watching the crystal ball drop and the people count down on New Year’s Eve, I realized my Christmas break was ending. A couple of days later, I flew back to Los Angeles. Although I was more familiar with the school’s environment, the tensions of starting a new semester still held me in a death grip. Like last semester, I chose all my classes but soon realized that some weren’t suitable. Fortunately, in American universities, students can change all their classes within the first few weeks. So I dropped and then added some classes.
I am determined that difficulties won’t stop me. I will be stronger and sturdier as I go through challenging times – this is the belief that holds me. I take these challenges as a way to improve myself. I have evaluated myself over and over to see whether I have improved. I want to show my friends and family back home that I have grown, so I need to push myself harder. I want to test my limits. I am ready. Even though this semester is going to be hard, my every step is stronger and sturdier.
Grammar
I am ready to catch the ball--.it's not talking about real ball, ball game or P.E . He is borrow a lot of phrases of the ball game to describe situation in every day's life. .-here means "I am ready to facing new challenge"
The ball is in your court (from tennis)-it's your responsibility now to make a decision.
not up to par (golf)-not acceptable for a position.
to call the shots-to be in charge and make decisions.
to get the ball rolling-let's to get the thing start it.
Vocabulary
count down-倒数。预期某事发生（倒数计时）counting numbers from small to large, we say counting up such as 1,2,3...up, counting down, counting numbers from large to small.
*All the spectators counted down together before the spacecraft launched.
we were counting down the days until the prom. 毕业舞会
drop-掉落，此指“退选” take the name off something.
*I found that French 201 is way too difficult for me, so I dropped it.
*Sherry decided to add Economy 101 to her class schedule. 加选
sturdy-坚强的，坚固的或是坚固耐用的。。
He's a sturdy fighter who can beat the disease.坚强的斗士。
*She had no problem climbing the mountain thanks to her sturdy boots坚固的靴子.
*a sturdy chair ideal for kids.坚固耐用得着椅子是专为小孩设计的。
death grip-holding you so tied that almost can kill you.
Chat Room
step-脚步
one step at a time-一次一小步，一步一步来，不要急，慢慢来，
step by step- 一步一个脚印，一步一步的
one step forward, two steps back-向前前进一步，却倒退两步。想要努力，却毫无进展。
out of step-打乱了脚步，弄乱了章程，是说不协调。
step on it-driving too slow, we will say" step on it" 踩油门，“加快车属速”
the first step is the hardest-迈出第一步总是最困难的。万事起头难。
step it up-faster, hurry up 加快脚步，赶快。
take one step, take the first step.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Dangerous Driving Habits
向不良駕駛習慣說不Some things to avoid when behind the wheel of your car 保持警覺，開車安全至上Stay alert and drive safely by Pamela Osment
Quite often we see people driving recklessly and paying no attention to anyone else on the road. In fact, over 75 percent of the time, car accidents happen because of carelessness and driver error. What about you? Are you a safe driver, or have you developed dangerous driving habits that put you and others at risk?
Distractions – a major factor
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distractions lead to one-fourth of all U.S. crashes. And drivers who don’t pay attention to the road cause 10 percent of all fatal crashes. The following actions may seem harmless, but they contribute to accidents every day:
- Eating, drinking and smoking while driving
- Tuning the radio
- Picking something up off the floor
-Reading a map or some other material
-Turning to talk to someone
-Opening the glove compartment
-Watching something on the side of the road
-Putting on makeup
Any of these distractions can steal your attention away only briefly. But those few seconds your eyes are off the road could change your life forever.
Techno-distractions
As technology becomes even more portable, it leads to more distractions inside the car. Studies show that using a cell phone while driving increases one's risk of a car accident by 400 percent! And while the hands-free versions are safer, they're not risk-free either. Whether you're dialing a number or just conversing with someone, cell phones prevent you from fully concentrating on your driving. While talking on cell phones has proven to be risky behavior, texting while driving can be even worse.
Research suggests that this all-too-common practice might be even more dangerous than drinking and driving. A stduy by Car and Driver magazine found that texting drivers had slower reaction times than drinking drivers! A separate study revealed that when drivers were texting, their collision risk was 23 times higher than when they weren't texting.
Drivers traveling 55 mph covered around 360 feet in the nearly five seconds that they were looking at their phones or adjusting their GPS. (Global Positioning System)
The best advice
Are you guilty of any of these dangerous driving habits? If so, make some changes today-for your sake and others'!
Grammar
Those phrases is very useful for direct point out something :
Studies show....., Research suggests, A study found...., A separate study revealed....(more direct way to say) =according to the research...(less direct saying)
show, suggests, found, revealed, discovered, confirmed, established... are more direct way to describe the statistic of the fact.
Vocabulary
recklessly-，毫无顾忌的 Without caution and care. similar with carelessness.没欧顾忌的，不在乎的。reck介意，顾虑，鲁莽的
He spent his inheritance recklessly and soon became poor.
*She behaves recklessly in front o her parents.
distraction- 分心 distraction, something take your attention away.
fatal-something causing death
converse (v)-交谈,谈话.(动词,重音在"ver" 第二音节).与什么对象交谈用"with".
*Conversing with computer game characters is lots of fun.
*Experts warn that investing money in the stock market is quite risky right now.
risky-危险的,风险的 risk-危险
*The operation might be risky, but it's also necessary. 手术.
collision- 碰撞,
*Hundreds of passengers were injured in the train collision. 火车碰撞.
*The collision between those two cars was caused by heavy rain.
*The motorist was in a collision with a truck. 和卡车相撞.
percent- 百分比
*Only one percent of the participants involved in this experiment experienced side effects.
percentage-What percentage of foreign students attend our school?
contribute-help the thing happen.导致，促成。促成什么用 "to"
Smoking contributes to heart disease.导致
*Smoking contributes to heart disease
*Your support contributed to our success.你闷的支持促使。。。成功。
Chat Room
Put some one at risk- 将某人置于危险cause someone in danger
put you and others at risk-把自己和别人置于危险。
The typhoon will put the crops at risk.会伤害到农作物。
at one's own risk-由自己负危险责任。
You swim in the ocean at your own risk
at the risk of something-冒什么危险
at the risk of loosing the friendship.
------------------------
free-not cost anything 免费的
-not control for obligation, no one force you to take or do. 自由的
feel free-自由地, 自在的
(Noun-free): something without.
hand-free-无手触的
sugar-free-无糖的
fat-free-无脂肪的
toll-free-免费的
duty-free-免税的
risk-free-无风险的
Quite often we see people driving recklessly and paying no attention to anyone else on the road. In fact, over 75 percent of the time, car accidents happen because of carelessness and driver error. What about you? Are you a safe driver, or have you developed dangerous driving habits that put you and others at risk?
Distractions – a major factor
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distractions lead to one-fourth of all U.S. crashes. And drivers who don’t pay attention to the road cause 10 percent of all fatal crashes. The following actions may seem harmless, but they contribute to accidents every day:
- Eating, drinking and smoking while driving
- Tuning the radio
- Picking something up off the floor
-Reading a map or some other material
-Turning to talk to someone
-Opening the glove compartment
-Watching something on the side of the road
-Putting on makeup
Any of these distractions can steal your attention away only briefly. But those few seconds your eyes are off the road could change your life forever.
Techno-distractions
As technology becomes even more portable, it leads to more distractions inside the car. Studies show that using a cell phone while driving increases one's risk of a car accident by 400 percent! And while the hands-free versions are safer, they're not risk-free either. Whether you're dialing a number or just conversing with someone, cell phones prevent you from fully concentrating on your driving. While talking on cell phones has proven to be risky behavior, texting while driving can be even worse.
Research suggests that this all-too-common practice might be even more dangerous than drinking and driving. A stduy by Car and Driver magazine found that texting drivers had slower reaction times than drinking drivers! A separate study revealed that when drivers were texting, their collision risk was 23 times higher than when they weren't texting.
Drivers traveling 55 mph covered around 360 feet in the nearly five seconds that they were looking at their phones or adjusting their GPS. (Global Positioning System)
The best advice
Are you guilty of any of these dangerous driving habits? If so, make some changes today-for your sake and others'!
Grammar
Those phrases is very useful for direct point out something :
Studies show....., Research suggests, A study found...., A separate study revealed....(more direct way to say) =according to the research...(less direct saying)
show, suggests, found, revealed, discovered, confirmed, established... are more direct way to describe the statistic of the fact.
Vocabulary
recklessly-，毫无顾忌的 Without caution and care. similar with carelessness.没欧顾忌的，不在乎的。reck介意，顾虑，鲁莽的
He spent his inheritance recklessly and soon became poor.
*She behaves recklessly in front o her parents.
distraction- 分心 distraction, something take your attention away.
fatal-something causing death
converse (v)-交谈,谈话.(动词,重音在"ver" 第二音节).与什么对象交谈用"with".
*Conversing with computer game characters is lots of fun.
*Experts warn that investing money in the stock market is quite risky right now.
risky-危险的,风险的 risk-危险
*The operation might be risky, but it's also necessary. 手术.
collision- 碰撞,
*Hundreds of passengers were injured in the train collision. 火车碰撞.
*The collision between those two cars was caused by heavy rain.
*The motorist was in a collision with a truck. 和卡车相撞.
percent- 百分比
*Only one percent of the participants involved in this experiment experienced side effects.
percentage-What percentage of foreign students attend our school?
contribute-help the thing happen.导致，促成。促成什么用 "to"
Smoking contributes to heart disease.导致
*Smoking contributes to heart disease
*Your support contributed to our success.你闷的支持促使。。。成功。
Chat Room
Put some one at risk- 将某人置于危险cause someone in danger
put you and others at risk-把自己和别人置于危险。
The typhoon will put the crops at risk.会伤害到农作物。
at one's own risk-由自己负危险责任。
You swim in the ocean at your own risk
at the risk of something-冒什么危险
at the risk of loosing the friendship.
------------------------
free-not cost anything 免费的
-not control for obligation, no one force you to take or do. 自由的
feel free-自由地, 自在的
(Noun-free): something without.
hand-free-无手触的
sugar-free-无糖的
fat-free-无脂肪的
toll-free-免费的
duty-free-免税的
risk-free-无风险的
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Adam Rapa and Naoki Ishikawa
當小號遇上鼓Two remarkable musicians use their talent to teach and inspire by Chelsea Ewald
What do you get when you combine the bold and majestic sound of a trumpet with the fluid, rhythmic beat of a drum? You get none other than dynamic musical duo Adam Rapa and Naoki Ishikawa.
Musicians from the start
Adam and Naoki both discovered a love for music while young. As a child in Boston, Adam came under the early musical influence of his music enthusiast parents. After years of gaining appreciation for music through activities like singalongs with his mom, Adam picked up the trumpet at the age of 11. As soon as he began playing, it was full steam ahead. Two years later, he was already performing as a professional and gaining the respect of seasoned trumpeters from far and wide.
Music first intrigued Naoki while he was attending elementary school in his native Japan. there, he and his classmates learned to play the recorder and harmonica, but it wasn't until Naoki moved to America as a teenager that his interest in music turned into a full-blown zeal. Unable to communicate in English, Naoki began playing a flute his aunt had given him and decided to join his high school band.
Naoki did his best to focus on the flute but found himself distracted by the percussion section. The percussionists' ability to combine playing with physical movement enthralled him. The following year Noaki gave up the flute and turned to percussion where his natuarl talent flourished.
The language of music
Although he couldn't speak or comprehend much English at the time, Naoki quickly realized he could communicate using a language that required no words: music. Now years later, both Rapa and Ishikawa use their music to "speak" to people around the world.
Believing that music is a language that connects with people, the talented trumpeter and drummer also see music as a way to express themselves. Adam states, "Sometimes emotions are too difficult to express through spoken language... through music you can express yourself in a different way." One of those different ways came in 2001 when Adam and Naoki both began to perform in the hit Broadway show Blast! This award-winning musical uses music performance and pageantry to tell a story. Blast! was the first of many musical collaborations to come for the two musicians.
Today, when they're not composing (write), performing (play), creating (desire) stage shows, or working on individual projects, Adam and Naoki can be found combining forces to educate and inspire musicians around the world. For these two professionals, it's no longer about improving their own technique and skill. Now that they each have mastery of their instrument, it's about sharing their knowledge with others. Aspiring musicians around the globe learn a lot from these two via the classes and workshops the duo offers. One crucial bit of advice they give all students is to make playing about the music, not about being the best.
Saddened by the fact that many musicians today focus on fame and fortune, Adam and Naoki teach people to play for the love of the music. They also encourage people to be lifelong learners and players. Regardless of whether players are beginners or seasoned musicians, it's important for them to pick up the instrument and play to simply enjoy it. For Adam and Naoki, their greatest reward is seeing other musicians come to enjoy their own music, appreciate their talent, and communicate the language of music to others
Grammar
Two years later, he was already performing as a professional and gaining the respect of seasoned trumpeters from far and wide.
from far and wide= covering a large area = many different places. describe how far people came or heard from all different places.
....he was already performing as a professional and gaining the respect of seasoned trumpeters, from many different places.
The singer was so popular that people came from far and wide to attend his concert.
The free medical clinic attracted villagers from far and wide to come with their sick children and family members.
Vocabulary
fluid (n)-液体 (adj)-流畅的, 容易变动的.
*The dancers' fluid movements make the musical really enjoyable.
*The movie's fluid plot was praised by the critics.
*The fluid military situation-瞬息万变
full steam ahead- 全数用蒸汽产生的动力去推进.全速前进,全力以赴. steam-蒸汽.
*Once the board collected sufficient funds, the company proceeded full steam ahead.董事会
*The sub is now moving through the water full steam ahead.
intrigue (v)- 激发好奇心.使产生兴趣something cause to interested you.
*The world of animation intrigued the cartoonist from the time he was just a kid.动画的世界在卡通动画家还小的时候他了
*Lillian was deeply intrigued by the artist's work.深深吸引
zeal-completely eagerness.
enthusiast-every interested and involve.
collaboration-two group or people working together to achieve the goal.
Chat Room
What do you get when you combine the bold and majestic sound of a trumpet with the fluid, rhythmic beat of a drum? You get none other than dynamic musical duo Adam Rapa and Naoki Ishikawa.
Musicians from the start
Adam and Naoki both discovered a love for music while young. As a child in Boston, Adam came under the early musical influence of his music enthusiast parents. After years of gaining appreciation for music through activities like singalongs with his mom, Adam picked up the trumpet at the age of 11. As soon as he began playing, it was full steam ahead. Two years later, he was already performing as a professional and gaining the respect of seasoned trumpeters from far and wide.
Music first intrigued Naoki while he was attending elementary school in his native Japan. there, he and his classmates learned to play the recorder and harmonica, but it wasn't until Naoki moved to America as a teenager that his interest in music turned into a full-blown zeal. Unable to communicate in English, Naoki began playing a flute his aunt had given him and decided to join his high school band.
Naoki did his best to focus on the flute but found himself distracted by the percussion section. The percussionists' ability to combine playing with physical movement enthralled him. The following year Noaki gave up the flute and turned to percussion where his natuarl talent flourished.
The language of music
Although he couldn't speak or comprehend much English at the time, Naoki quickly realized he could communicate using a language that required no words: music. Now years later, both Rapa and Ishikawa use their music to "speak" to people around the world.
Believing that music is a language that connects with people, the talented trumpeter and drummer also see music as a way to express themselves. Adam states, "Sometimes emotions are too difficult to express through spoken language... through music you can express yourself in a different way." One of those different ways came in 2001 when Adam and Naoki both began to perform in the hit Broadway show Blast! This award-winning musical uses music performance and pageantry to tell a story. Blast! was the first of many musical collaborations to come for the two musicians.
Today, when they're not composing (write), performing (play), creating (desire) stage shows, or working on individual projects, Adam and Naoki can be found combining forces to educate and inspire musicians around the world. For these two professionals, it's no longer about improving their own technique and skill. Now that they each have mastery of their instrument, it's about sharing their knowledge with others. Aspiring musicians around the globe learn a lot from these two via the classes and workshops the duo offers. One crucial bit of advice they give all students is to make playing about the music, not about being the best.
Saddened by the fact that many musicians today focus on fame and fortune, Adam and Naoki teach people to play for the love of the music. They also encourage people to be lifelong learners and players. Regardless of whether players are beginners or seasoned musicians, it's important for them to pick up the instrument and play to simply enjoy it. For Adam and Naoki, their greatest reward is seeing other musicians come to enjoy their own music, appreciate their talent, and communicate the language of music to others
Grammar
Two years later, he was already performing as a professional and gaining the respect of seasoned trumpeters from far and wide.
from far and wide= covering a large area = many different places. describe how far people came or heard from all different places.
....he was already performing as a professional and gaining the respect of seasoned trumpeters, from many different places.
The singer was so popular that people came from far and wide to attend his concert.
The free medical clinic attracted villagers from far and wide to come with their sick children and family members.
Vocabulary
fluid (n)-液体 (adj)-流畅的, 容易变动的.
*The dancers' fluid movements make the musical really enjoyable.
*The movie's fluid plot was praised by the critics.
*The fluid military situation-瞬息万变
full steam ahead- 全数用蒸汽产生的动力去推进.全速前进,全力以赴. steam-蒸汽.
*Once the board collected sufficient funds, the company proceeded full steam ahead.董事会
*The sub is now moving through the water full steam ahead.
intrigue (v)- 激发好奇心.使产生兴趣something cause to interested you.
*The world of animation intrigued the cartoonist from the time he was just a kid.动画的世界在卡通动画家还小的时候他了
*Lillian was deeply intrigued by the artist's work.深深吸引
zeal-completely eagerness.
enthusiast-every interested and involve.
collaboration-two group or people working together to achieve the goal.
distract-(离开吸引) 使分心, dis-使离开, tract-吸引.
*The students are easily distracted when there's noise outside.
*Mom told me not to distract my brother while he was cramming for his mid-term.
enthrall- (使成为奴隶）吸引住,迷住, thrall-奴隶
*The audience was completely enthralled by the plot of the movie.电影情节。
*This classic cartoon still enthralls kids today.
comprehend-了解 The little boy seems to have a problem comprehending the text.
*I cannot comprehend why she has to be so mean to her employees.
mastery (n)-不可数名词，精通，熟练的master (v)-精通，对什么精通用"of"
She acquired mastery of business negotiation through field experience. 实地经验学习
*He showed complete mastery of French during the presentation.
aspiring (adj)-有抱负的或是心怀大志的。aspire (v)-有雄心大志的
These aspiring actors dare to take on many challenges.
He used to be an aspiring politician, but now he cares nothing about politics.心怀大志得意满政客，政治
regardless-without being affected or influenced by something.不管，不顾
regardless of something- "of" usually follows after "regardless"
George insisted on going to college regardless of his family's financial situation. 坚持。
*Ray decided to take the job regardless of the pay. 不管钱多钱少.
Chat Room
discover-发现
concrete-具体的,实质的东西.
Columbus discovered America-哥伦布发现美洲新大陆.
discover abstract things-抽象东西, 如爱,喜乐,平安.
discovered a love for something. discovered a love/joy/peace.
make a discovery (idiom)-(有主动的含意,用在指人刻意的去寻找,才发现的.) 发现
Scientists make a discovery of a cure for cancer-发现
...make a discovery of the ancient treasure-发现古老的宝藏
concrete-具体的,实质的东西.
Columbus discovered America-哥伦布发现美洲新大陆.
discover abstract things-抽象东西, 如爱,喜乐,平安.
discovered a love for something. discovered a love/joy/peace.
make a discovery (idiom)-(有主动的含意,用在指人刻意的去寻找,才发现的.) 发现
Scientists make a discovery of a cure for cancer-发现
...make a discovery of the ancient treasure-发现古老的宝藏
-----------------------
combine- put together and mix it up. combine/mix 结合，混在一起的结合。如食物，音乐等。
connect-join together, may not be mix with each other结合，连接在一起，但各自独立个体。
combination is a mixture things- 混合体，混合物。
-----------------------------
season (n)-winter is a cold season, is one of the four seasons.
four seasons-Springing, Summer, Fall, Winter.
in season -时令的，当季的
season (v)-调味
seasoning (n)-调味品
seasoned (adj)-经验老到的，有多年经验的，老练的。
a seasoned musician-A really good musician, have been play and practice for many, many years, seasons after seasons
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Credit Cards
信用卡How will you be paying today? 你如何付款？
Credit cards allow consumers to “buy now, pay later.” But that convenience can sometimes cause people to spend beyond their means. Sean, a university student, is asking his classmate Dave for advice about getting one.
Conversation A
Sean: I’ve been thinking about getting a credit card.
Dave: What do you plan to use it for?
Sean: Well, tuition for next semester is due in a couple of weeks.
Dave: Wow … that’s a lot to charge! Will you be able to pay off the balance at the end of the month?
Sean: Do I have to? If I use a credit card, I can just make the minimum payment each month until I pay it off.
Dave: You can, but the problem with that is you’ll get charged a sky-high interest rate. Why don’t you just apply for a student loan?
Sean: I could do that but I also want to use a credit card when I goes to Hawaii with my family on vacation. It's safer to carry a credit card on vacation than to carry a lot of cash.
Dave: That's true.
Sean: Don't forget about reward points. Some cards allow you to earn points that can eventually be redeemed for a free flight.
Dave: Just keep in mind that it's easy to spend more than you really can afford with the credit card.. I really feel I should caution you about overspending . I started the credit card in my freshman year.
Sean: For what?
Dave: Mostly for living expenses.
Sean: I heard that credit card can help you keep tract of staff like that . You see every thing on your bill.
Dave: That's may be so, but things got out of control really quickly. I spent too much even can't make minimum payment. So I got the another credit card to pay the bill on the first one, and another one after that. Before I knew it, I was in major credit card debt.
Sean: So what happen?
Dave: I have to get a part time job to pay off the debt. Not only that, now my credit is ruined.
Sean: That's terrible. But if I pay you the full balance every month, I can avoid all those problems, right?
Dave: Right, but that's take a lot of discipline. I suggest you to get a student loan for tuition and save money for while you plan to spend on Hawaii.
Sean: It sounds credit card wasn't the "magic" as I thought.
Grammar:
Before I knew it, I was in major credit card debt.
before I knew it-very soon or in no time. (before I knew -very useful phrase when describe "something happen very very fast, so quickly that you can't keep track or notice)
very soon, I was in major credit card debt.
Sylvia helped me with the project, and before I knew it, the report was finished.
The two of you had so much fun chatting that, before you knew it, you've arrived at your destination.
Vocabulary
means-一个人的财力，收入。
David has four kids, and they've all been living beyond their means for a long time.
live beyond your means-入不敷出。
live within one's means-收支可以平衡。
balance-The balance of my checking account is $350.
After we paid all the bills, our bank balance wasn't very large.
redeemed- 对换，赎回。re-回来的意思
Brenda redeemed her mileage and flew to Japan fro vacation.
This coupon can be redeemed in major supermarkets.
caution- 警告，警示。对什么的警示用"against"
The sing cautions drivers to slow down while passing through this steep and narrow road.
* The columnist cautions his readers against buying any shares before getting objective advice. 客观的建议
keep track- 掌握纪录. track-行踪，足迹。
As an accountant, Eric needs to keep track of changes in the stock market.
*As an accountant, Eric needs to keep track of changes in the stock markets.
lose track of something-失去对某事的掌控
*I lost track of time and came to work late today.
discipline-纪律，自我训练 It takes years of discipline to be an outstanding cellist.大提琴手。
*The school is famous for their discipline and excellent academic performance.
Chat Room
charge-收费，free of charge-免费
the total charge-总共多少费用
Will that be cash or charge? 付现或刷卡。charge-means charge card.
------------------------
over-too much of something 过渡，过分
overate- eat too much 吃太多
overspending- spend too much
overcharge- charge too much 索取过多的钱。
oversleep- sleep too much, late for work/school. 睡的太多,通常是指睡过头/起晚了所以迟到了。
over-is a preffix word, but not add to all the verbs. over exercise- 运动过量not overexercise.
Credit cards allow consumers to “buy now, pay later.” But that convenience can sometimes cause people to spend beyond their means. Sean, a university student, is asking his classmate Dave for advice about getting one.
Conversation A
Sean: I’ve been thinking about getting a credit card.
Dave: What do you plan to use it for?
Sean: Well, tuition for next semester is due in a couple of weeks.
Dave: Wow … that’s a lot to charge! Will you be able to pay off the balance at the end of the month?
Sean: Do I have to? If I use a credit card, I can just make the minimum payment each month until I pay it off.
Dave: You can, but the problem with that is you’ll get charged a sky-high interest rate. Why don’t you just apply for a student loan?
Sean: I could do that but I also want to use a credit card when I goes to Hawaii with my family on vacation. It's safer to carry a credit card on vacation than to carry a lot of cash.
Dave: That's true.
Sean: Don't forget about reward points. Some cards allow you to earn points that can eventually be redeemed for a free flight.
Dave: Just keep in mind that it's easy to spend more than you really can afford with the credit card.. I really feel I should caution you about overspending . I started the credit card in my freshman year.
Sean: For what?
Dave: Mostly for living expenses.
Sean: I heard that credit card can help you keep tract of staff like that . You see every thing on your bill.
Dave: That's may be so, but things got out of control really quickly. I spent too much even can't make minimum payment. So I got the another credit card to pay the bill on the first one, and another one after that. Before I knew it, I was in major credit card debt.
Sean: So what happen?
Dave: I have to get a part time job to pay off the debt. Not only that, now my credit is ruined.
Sean: That's terrible. But if I pay you the full balance every month, I can avoid all those problems, right?
Dave: Right, but that's take a lot of discipline. I suggest you to get a student loan for tuition and save money for while you plan to spend on Hawaii.
Sean: It sounds credit card wasn't the "magic" as I thought.
Grammar:
Before I knew it, I was in major credit card debt.
before I knew it-very soon or in no time. (before I knew -very useful phrase when describe "something happen very very fast, so quickly that you can't keep track or notice)
very soon, I was in major credit card debt.
Sylvia helped me with the project, and before I knew it, the report was finished.
The two of you had so much fun chatting that, before you knew it, you've arrived at your destination.
Vocabulary
means-一个人的财力，收入。
David has four kids, and they've all been living beyond their means for a long time.
live beyond your means-入不敷出。
live within one's means-收支可以平衡。
balance-The balance of my checking account is $350.
After we paid all the bills, our bank balance wasn't very large.
redeemed- 对换，赎回。re-回来的意思
Brenda redeemed her mileage and flew to Japan fro vacation.
This coupon can be redeemed in major supermarkets.
caution- 警告，警示。对什么的警示用"against"
The sing cautions drivers to slow down while passing through this steep and narrow road.
* The columnist cautions his readers against buying any shares before getting objective advice. 客观的建议
keep track- 掌握纪录. track-行踪，足迹。
As an accountant, Eric needs to keep track of changes in the stock market.
*As an accountant, Eric needs to keep track of changes in the stock markets.
lose track of something-失去对某事的掌控
*I lost track of time and came to work late today.
discipline-纪律，自我训练 It takes years of discipline to be an outstanding cellist.大提琴手。
*The school is famous for their discipline and excellent academic performance.
Chat Room
charge-收费，free of charge-免费
the total charge-总共多少费用
Will that be cash or charge? 付现或刷卡。charge-means charge card.
------------------------
over-too much of something 过渡，过分
overate- eat too much 吃太多
overspending- spend too much
overcharge- charge too much 索取过多的钱。
oversleep- sleep too much, late for work/school. 睡的太多,通常是指睡过头/起晚了所以迟到了。
over-is a preffix word, but not add to all the verbs. over exercise- 运动过量not overexercise.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Your Digital Footprint
凡走過，必留下「數位」足跡How much information are you leaving behind?你知道自己無意間遺留下多少私人的訊息嗎？by Jeremiah Clark
It’s Monday morning, and you’re late for work. Instead of walking as usual, you head straight to the subway. On the train, you use your cell phone to call a co-worker about a meeting. Then you use your laptop and the subway’s Wi-Fi connection to update Facebook and catch up on your e-mails. When you finally get to your office building's lobby, you swiper your ID card and zip up to your office. Without realizing it, you’ve left a trail of information easily accessible to others starting back at the subway station. This is your digital footprint.
Your digital footprint consists of all the information about you that is stored digitally. Why does this even matter? It matters because people you don’t know have access to your information whether you like it or not. Your information can be divided into two categories-active and passive. Your active data is everything you've added to the digital universe, like personal details on Facebook and Twitter. Your passive data is the information about you that is being recorded without your knowledge.
Think back to your activities this morning. When you took the subway, cameras at the station recorded your entering the station or bording the train. Your cell phone company kept a record of the time and length of your phone calls. The websites you browsed stored information about you on their servers, and that is available to others. And your office recorded your data when you signed in. All of this adds to the size of your digital footprint.
Should you be worried? It all depends, Information you actively add to your digital footprint can be seen by anyone-and it never completely disappears from the digital universe. But most of that information is secure. Companies usually don't give out your information. Some companies use your digital footprint for your benefit. If you have ever gotten a recommendation for a product while shopping online. it's because of your digital footprint.
If you are worried about the size of your digital footprint, "walk" carefully. Don't share anything online that you don't want strangers to see.
More Information
Be careful on Facebook!
Your digital footprint on your Facebook page may be used for more than just keeping Friends informed of your activities.
College admissions departments regularly check Facebood pages to ascertain the character of the applicant. Employers check up on potential employees to find out more than resumes reveal. Even the taxman checks networking sites to see if those avoiding taxes made any references to financial matters.
Grammar
It matters because people you don't know have access to your information whether you like it or not. "whether you like it or not "-is very useful sentence when you talk about the situation will happen without your control.
Whether she likes it or not, we're still going to have a birthday party for her.
Whether you like it or not, I'm going to take your video games away.
Vocabulary
Wi-Fi-wireless internet.
footprint-shape of your foot left on teh ground, following the footprint can follow that person.
zip-快速行动,迅速通过,飞快 fast, quick.
Mom always wants to zip through the duty-free shops before departure.
A convertible zipped by us when we were about to cross the road.敞篷跑车
digitally- 数位地All the customers' statements were digitally stored in the bank's main computer.
*The production line is controlled digitally.数位化控制
passive-非主动提供的,被动的,消极的,反义词是active主动地,积极的.
Women are sometimes educated to play a more passive role in relationships.
Chat Room
catch up-追赶,赶上.补救.追上进度.赶工.
catch up sleep补眠, catch up on my email, catch up my reading....
catch up with someone-许久不见的朋友,了解对方的近况,包刮生活,工作,感情各方面的
It’s Monday morning, and you’re late for work. Instead of walking as usual, you head straight to the subway. On the train, you use your cell phone to call a co-worker about a meeting. Then you use your laptop and the subway’s Wi-Fi connection to update Facebook and catch up on your e-mails. When you finally get to your office building's lobby, you swiper your ID card and zip up to your office. Without realizing it, you’ve left a trail of information easily accessible to others starting back at the subway station. This is your digital footprint.
Your digital footprint consists of all the information about you that is stored digitally. Why does this even matter? It matters because people you don’t know have access to your information whether you like it or not. Your information can be divided into two categories-active and passive. Your active data is everything you've added to the digital universe, like personal details on Facebook and Twitter. Your passive data is the information about you that is being recorded without your knowledge.
Think back to your activities this morning. When you took the subway, cameras at the station recorded your entering the station or bording the train. Your cell phone company kept a record of the time and length of your phone calls. The websites you browsed stored information about you on their servers, and that is available to others. And your office recorded your data when you signed in. All of this adds to the size of your digital footprint.
Should you be worried? It all depends, Information you actively add to your digital footprint can be seen by anyone-and it never completely disappears from the digital universe. But most of that information is secure. Companies usually don't give out your information. Some companies use your digital footprint for your benefit. If you have ever gotten a recommendation for a product while shopping online. it's because of your digital footprint.
If you are worried about the size of your digital footprint, "walk" carefully. Don't share anything online that you don't want strangers to see.
More Information
Be careful on Facebook!
Your digital footprint on your Facebook page may be used for more than just keeping Friends informed of your activities.
College admissions departments regularly check Facebood pages to ascertain the character of the applicant. Employers check up on potential employees to find out more than resumes reveal. Even the taxman checks networking sites to see if those avoiding taxes made any references to financial matters.
Grammar
It matters because people you don't know have access to your information whether you like it or not. "whether you like it or not "-is very useful sentence when you talk about the situation will happen without your control.
Whether she likes it or not, we're still going to have a birthday party for her.
Whether you like it or not, I'm going to take your video games away.
Vocabulary
Wi-Fi-wireless internet.
footprint-shape of your foot left on teh ground, following the footprint can follow that person.
zip-快速行动,迅速通过,飞快 fast, quick.
Mom always wants to zip through the duty-free shops before departure.
A convertible zipped by us when we were about to cross the road.敞篷跑车
digitally- 数位地All the customers' statements were digitally stored in the bank's main computer.
*The production line is controlled digitally.数位化控制
passive-非主动提供的,被动的,消极的,反义词是active主动地,积极的.
Women are sometimes educated to play a more passive role in relationships.
Chat Room
catch up-追赶,赶上.补救.追上进度.赶工.
catch up sleep补眠, catch up on my email, catch up my reading....
catch up with someone-许久不见的朋友,了解对方的近况,包刮生活,工作,感情各方面的
Monday, January 18, 2010
Sport Stacking
史塔客運動These cups aren’t for drinking – they’re for playing by Chelsea Ewald
Basketball and baseball move over! There’s a new sport in town, and if you blink, you might miss the action. It’s that fast!
In sport stacking, one player competes at a time. The player must quickly arrange 12 special plastic cups into various formations. As the player builds formations, a touch-pad timer records his or her speed. The goal is to be the fastest “stacker” without making any mistakes.
This competitive sport started in the early 1980s in southern California. At the time, not many people participated in it. Then in 1990, it caught the attention of Bob Fox, an elementary school physical education teacher. He was so impressed with the sport that he began promoting it in schools around the country. As sport stacking continued to gain popularity. Fox founded Speed Stacks, Inc. His company is dedicated to spreading sport staking around the world. Today the sport can be found. Today the sport can be found in 22 countries and nearly 30,000 schools and organizations worldwide.
Benefits of sport stacking
Besides being fun and competitive, sport stacking also has many benefits. It improves an individual's hand-eye coordination, quickness and reaction time. Using two hands at once develops both sides of the brain. This development can improve other activities where two hands are needed, such as playing an instrument. It can even help in the classroom. Some stackers have shown increases in test scores and levels of concentration!
The best news is that sport stacking is for everyone! Unlike many sports, people of all backgrounds, abilities and ages can enjoy it. With time, patience and practice, even people who are not athletic can become excellent stackers.
If your school or organization does not offer sport stacking, you can buy your own kit. Then you can enjoy the benefits of this fun sport at home. Encourage your friends to join you. Set up your very own competitions. Before you know it, you'll agree that this sport really stacks up!
More Information:
How to "Pile the Plastic"-- Steven Puruganan, a Filipino-American from Longmeadow, Massachusetts, really knows how to pile the plastic. He currently holds the world records for all sport stacking events. In the time it takes me to read this one sentence about ten seconds. Puruganan can perform the 3-3-3 stack, the 3-6-3 stack, and the cycle stack. Needless to say that plastic is moving pretty fast.
Grammar
There's a new sport in town, and if you blink, you might miss the action.
in town- within society- that people are starting to notice or get involved with.
There's a new fashion trend in town.
The musical was so popular that it will be back in town next month.
Vocabulary
blink (n)- 眨眼睛，眨眼之间The little girl blinked with surprise when she saw her birthday gift.
*He stared at the TV screen without even blinking.
*In the blink of an eye, the quarterback made a touchdown.
formation- 排列或对形,结构,构成. form 形成,构成and creation two word combine.
*Formations play an important part in cheerleading.
The band marched in their parade formation.
the formation of a snowflake.
competitive (adj)- 竞争剧烈的,很有竞争的,好竞争的.compete竞争.
Victor is a competitive football player. He performs best under stress.
*The product still remains at the top in such a competitive market.
benefit-something good for people 益处,好处
*The benefits of living in a city include the convenience and the exciting entertainment.
*The new community center will be a great benefit to the neighborhood.
concentration (n)-集中,专心,专注concentrate(adj)-集中精神,全力以赴.focusing the thoughts in one subject.
*A quiet environment improves the students' concentration.
*I lost my concentration when I heard the music outside the classroom
stack up (idiom)-比较,竞争或一较高下,彼此较劲.compare against other things.
stack (v)-叠起来
*Do you think this new software can stack up against other similar products?
Chat Room
heteronyms同形异音异词，如同中文里的破音字。
record (n)- 记录 (v)- 登记，记录下来。（注意二者发音不同）
minute (n)- 分（时间） (v)- 微小的，微不足道的。
-------------------------
abilities/skills- 能力或本领/ 特殊的技能技术,特能是从学习而获得的.,
abilities-able to do, not very good but through more practice to achieve. able (adj)
skills-something you gained or acquired through learning and you possessed.
people skill-待人的能力,人际关系的能力.
talent- born with.
Basketball and baseball move over! There’s a new sport in town, and if you blink, you might miss the action. It’s that fast!
In sport stacking, one player competes at a time. The player must quickly arrange 12 special plastic cups into various formations. As the player builds formations, a touch-pad timer records his or her speed. The goal is to be the fastest “stacker” without making any mistakes.
This competitive sport started in the early 1980s in southern California. At the time, not many people participated in it. Then in 1990, it caught the attention of Bob Fox, an elementary school physical education teacher. He was so impressed with the sport that he began promoting it in schools around the country. As sport stacking continued to gain popularity. Fox founded Speed Stacks, Inc. His company is dedicated to spreading sport staking around the world. Today the sport can be found. Today the sport can be found in 22 countries and nearly 30,000 schools and organizations worldwide.
Benefits of sport stacking
Besides being fun and competitive, sport stacking also has many benefits. It improves an individual's hand-eye coordination, quickness and reaction time. Using two hands at once develops both sides of the brain. This development can improve other activities where two hands are needed, such as playing an instrument. It can even help in the classroom. Some stackers have shown increases in test scores and levels of concentration!
The best news is that sport stacking is for everyone! Unlike many sports, people of all backgrounds, abilities and ages can enjoy it. With time, patience and practice, even people who are not athletic can become excellent stackers.
If your school or organization does not offer sport stacking, you can buy your own kit. Then you can enjoy the benefits of this fun sport at home. Encourage your friends to join you. Set up your very own competitions. Before you know it, you'll agree that this sport really stacks up!
More Information:
How to "Pile the Plastic"-- Steven Puruganan, a Filipino-American from Longmeadow, Massachusetts, really knows how to pile the plastic. He currently holds the world records for all sport stacking events. In the time it takes me to read this one sentence about ten seconds. Puruganan can perform the 3-3-3 stack, the 3-6-3 stack, and the cycle stack. Needless to say that plastic is moving pretty fast.
Grammar
There's a new sport in town, and if you blink, you might miss the action.
in town- within society- that people are starting to notice or get involved with.
There's a new fashion trend in town.
The musical was so popular that it will be back in town next month.
Vocabulary
blink (n)- 眨眼睛，眨眼之间The little girl blinked with surprise when she saw her birthday gift.
*He stared at the TV screen without even blinking.
*In the blink of an eye, the quarterback made a touchdown.
formation- 排列或对形,结构,构成. form 形成,构成and creation two word combine.
*Formations play an important part in cheerleading.
The band marched in their parade formation.
the formation of a snowflake.
competitive (adj)- 竞争剧烈的,很有竞争的,好竞争的.compete竞争.
Victor is a competitive football player. He performs best under stress.
*The product still remains at the top in such a competitive market.
benefit-something good for people 益处,好处
*The benefits of living in a city include the convenience and the exciting entertainment.
*The new community center will be a great benefit to the neighborhood.
concentration (n)-集中,专心,专注concentrate(adj)-集中精神,全力以赴.focusing the thoughts in one subject.
*A quiet environment improves the students' concentration.
*I lost my concentration when I heard the music outside the classroom
stack up (idiom)-比较,竞争或一较高下,彼此较劲.compare against other things.
stack (v)-叠起来
*Do you think this new software can stack up against other similar products?
Chat Room
heteronyms同形异音异词，如同中文里的破音字。
record (n)- 记录 (v)- 登记，记录下来。（注意二者发音不同）
minute (n)- 分（时间） (v)- 微小的，微不足道的。
-------------------------
abilities/skills- 能力或本领/ 特殊的技能技术,特能是从学习而获得的.,
abilities-able to do, not very good but through more practice to achieve. able (adj)
skills-something you gained or acquired through learning and you possessed.
people skill-待人的能力,人际关系的能力.
talent- born with.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The Big Mac Index
大麥克漢堡裡有密碼？How much do you pay for a hamburger? by Simon Stopps.
In 1986, Pam Woodall, an editor for The Economist magazine, introduced the Big Mac Index as a fun way of demonstrating the theory of purchasing power parity (PPP). By tracking the prices of McDonald’s Big Mac sandwiches around the world, the index has become a handy and frequently cited example of how exchange rates work.
An old concept from international economics, PPP at its core is a method for calculating a “correct” exchange rate between two currencies. The idea is that goods and services should sell at the same prices no matter what country a person is in. Basically, a "correct" exchange rate would be one that makes products the same price when measured in the same currency. The US $3.54 you spend on a Big Mac in America, for example, should buy the same sandwich in Hong Kong for that same US $ 3.54 in Hong Kong currency.
In the real world, however, exchange rates frequently do not reflect the "correct" rate in terms of product price. For example, a Big Mac in Hong Kong actually costs about US$1.72 while the same sandwich in Norway will run you a whopping US$5.79.
Though not intended as a serious economic tool, over the years the Big Mac Index has proven to be both valuable and resilient. PPP is typically calculated by tracking the price of a "basket" of everyday goods in different countries. However, the Big Mac Index only measures the price of one product-the Big Mac. By illustrating cost differences in different countries, the index can also be a handy way of comparing relative living standards around the world. More importantly, with Big Macs should in about 120 countries, the index has a global appeal.
Though not always accurate, some research studies have found the Big Mac Index to be a surprisingly accurate predictor of currency trends. Exchange rates are not the only factor that influences the price of sandwiches Many people. for example don't like or cannot afford to eat Big Macs. As a result, factors like local demand and tastes also play a major role in pricing.
Despite these shortcomings, the index has remained a popular and instructive measure of exchange rates for more than 20 years. It has even spawned spin-off indexes that measure items like iPods and Starbucks' lattes.
More Information
How long do you have to work to pay for a McDonald's Big Mac? Well, that depends on where in the world you live. In the American city of Chicago, you'd have to work about 10-12 minutes. In other cities around the world, like Jakarta and Nairobi, you'd have to work over two hours to pay for your Big Mac! The "Work for a Big Mac", world average is about 37 minutes.
Grammar
.....While the same sandwich in Norway will run you a whopping $5.79 USD.
run-to move quickly on your feet from one place to another.
Please don't run in the hallway.
run-here mean " cost" , usually we use "run" in a informal conversation when we talking about the cost.
The same sandwich in Norway will cost you a whopping $5.79 USD.
Wendy wants to invite all her friends to a party on a cruise ship,but it will run her $150USD per guest.
The flowers for their wedding ran the bride and groom over $1000.
Vocabulary
Index (n)-指数
The Dow Jones Index rose 15 points today.道琼斯指数
The Nikkei Index plunged 200 points yesterday.日经指数
The Consumer Price Index is announced periodically.销费物价指数定期会公布.
What's the current exchange rate between the dollar and the euro?
As an import company, we have to keep an eye on the exchange rates.进口公司,密切注意
whopping-极大的,庞大的. (whopping + numbers表示数目惊人的)
He told a whopping lie and everyone believed it.
The unemployment rate rose by a whopping 1 percent last month.大大的提升了..
resilient-迅速恢复,有弹性的(人,物)return back to original shape through a difficult time.
Pamela is a resilient girl. She won't be down too long.
*The workers used a very resilient material to protect the walls from being scratched.
predictor-预言者,指标,或进行预测的人或仪器.predict-预测,预料
*The rainfall in spring serves as a good predictor of how the harvest of the grapes will be during summer.
spawn(v)-蔓延,延伸,造成, 酿成The director's original film spawned lots of discussion.
*The government's economic policies spawned many new small businesses.
Chat Room
core-核心,中心the central part of something, the most important part of something.
core-the center of an apple苹果核 apple core.
core subject-核心科目
to the core-道地的,道道地地的To the core, She is an American.
rotten to the core-烂透了,坏透了. This person is rotten to the core.
---------------------
handy-useful.
handy- 手头的,离手很近的.
Keep a pen handy. or I always have a pen handy(with reach around)
handy-a handy reference book. ...很容易操作的
handy (adj)-good at doing things with hands. My brother is handy with electronic devices.
handyman (n)-a person who has variety of skill on many small jobs or task.善长于多种手艺的人.很会修修补补家中的小问题.
In 1986, Pam Woodall, an editor for The Economist magazine, introduced the Big Mac Index as a fun way of demonstrating the theory of purchasing power parity (PPP). By tracking the prices of McDonald’s Big Mac sandwiches around the world, the index has become a handy and frequently cited example of how exchange rates work.
An old concept from international economics, PPP at its core is a method for calculating a “correct” exchange rate between two currencies. The idea is that goods and services should sell at the same prices no matter what country a person is in. Basically, a "correct" exchange rate would be one that makes products the same price when measured in the same currency. The US $3.54 you spend on a Big Mac in America, for example, should buy the same sandwich in Hong Kong for that same US $ 3.54 in Hong Kong currency.
In the real world, however, exchange rates frequently do not reflect the "correct" rate in terms of product price. For example, a Big Mac in Hong Kong actually costs about US$1.72 while the same sandwich in Norway will run you a whopping US$5.79.
Though not intended as a serious economic tool, over the years the Big Mac Index has proven to be both valuable and resilient. PPP is typically calculated by tracking the price of a "basket" of everyday goods in different countries. However, the Big Mac Index only measures the price of one product-the Big Mac. By illustrating cost differences in different countries, the index can also be a handy way of comparing relative living standards around the world. More importantly, with Big Macs should in about 120 countries, the index has a global appeal.
Though not always accurate, some research studies have found the Big Mac Index to be a surprisingly accurate predictor of currency trends. Exchange rates are not the only factor that influences the price of sandwiches Many people. for example don't like or cannot afford to eat Big Macs. As a result, factors like local demand and tastes also play a major role in pricing.
Despite these shortcomings, the index has remained a popular and instructive measure of exchange rates for more than 20 years. It has even spawned spin-off indexes that measure items like iPods and Starbucks' lattes.
More Information
How long do you have to work to pay for a McDonald's Big Mac? Well, that depends on where in the world you live. In the American city of Chicago, you'd have to work about 10-12 minutes. In other cities around the world, like Jakarta and Nairobi, you'd have to work over two hours to pay for your Big Mac! The "Work for a Big Mac", world average is about 37 minutes.
Grammar
.....While the same sandwich in Norway will run you a whopping $5.79 USD.
run-to move quickly on your feet from one place to another.
Please don't run in the hallway.
run-here mean " cost" , usually we use "run" in a informal conversation when we talking about the cost.
The same sandwich in Norway will cost you a whopping $5.79 USD.
Wendy wants to invite all her friends to a party on a cruise ship,but it will run her $150USD per guest.
The flowers for their wedding ran the bride and groom over $1000.
Vocabulary
Index (n)-指数
The Dow Jones Index rose 15 points today.道琼斯指数
The Nikkei Index plunged 200 points yesterday.日经指数
The Consumer Price Index is announced periodically.销费物价指数定期会公布.
What's the current exchange rate between the dollar and the euro?
As an import company, we have to keep an eye on the exchange rates.进口公司,密切注意
whopping-极大的,庞大的. (whopping + numbers表示数目惊人的)
He told a whopping lie and everyone believed it.
The unemployment rate rose by a whopping 1 percent last month.大大的提升了..
resilient-迅速恢复,有弹性的(人,物)return back to original shape through a difficult time.
Pamela is a resilient girl. She won't be down too long.
*The workers used a very resilient material to protect the walls from being scratched.
predictor-预言者,指标,或进行预测的人或仪器.predict-预测,预料
*The rainfall in spring serves as a good predictor of how the harvest of the grapes will be during summer.
spawn(v)-蔓延,延伸,造成, 酿成The director's original film spawned lots of discussion.
*The government's economic policies spawned many new small businesses.
Chat Room
core-核心,中心the central part of something, the most important part of something.
core-the center of an apple苹果核 apple core.
core subject-核心科目
to the core-道地的,道道地地的To the core, She is an American.
rotten to the core-烂透了,坏透了. This person is rotten to the core.
---------------------
handy-useful.
handy- 手头的,离手很近的.
Keep a pen handy. or I always have a pen handy(with reach around)
handy-a handy reference book. ...很容易操作的
handy (adj)-good at doing things with hands. My brother is handy with electronic devices.
handyman (n)-a person who has variety of skill on many small jobs or task.善长于多种手艺的人.很会修修补补家中的小问题.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Rubik's Cubeby
會變魔術的方塊After 30 years, this little cube continues to puzzle the world魔術方塊最早原本是簡單的教學道具，後來卻廣受世人喜愛 Once a simple calssaroom example, this toy has gained worldwide popularity Ashley Dakin
Pick up one of these cubes and you probably won’t be able to put it down. How hard can it be to rearrange the nine colored squares on each side of the cube? In reality, there are 43 quintillion possibilities! This year marks the 30th anniversary of the cube’s debut in stores around the world. Its beginnings, however, began years earlier as a simple classroom example.
In 1974, Professor Ernö Rubik invented the “Magic Cube” as he called it. He did this to help his students understand complex 3-D concepts. This classroom model was quickly transformed into a popular toy. In 1979, Ideal Toys bought the rights and sold it as "Rubik's Cube." The invention quickly became a 1980s cultural icon. Eventually, the cube's popularity faded; however, it made a comeback with the internet. Now anyone can go online and find many videos that show ways to solve the cube. Erik Akkersdijk of the Netherlands holds the current world record. He finished in just 7,08 seconds!
Pick up one of these cubes and you probably won’t be able to put it down. How hard can it be to rearrange the nine colored squares on each side of the cube? In reality, there are 43 quintillion possibilities! This year marks the 30th anniversary of the cube’s debut in stores around the world. Its beginnings, however, began years earlier as a simple classroom example.
In 1974, Professor Ernö Rubik invented the “Magic Cube” as he called it. He did this to help his students understand complex 3-D concepts. This classroom model was quickly transformed into a popular toy. In 1979, Ideal Toys bought the rights and sold it as "Rubik's Cube." The invention quickly became a 1980s cultural icon. Eventually, the cube's popularity faded; however, it made a comeback with the internet. Now anyone can go online and find many videos that show ways to solve the cube. Erik Akkersdijk of the Netherlands holds the current world record. He finished in just 7,08 seconds!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Radio Broadcasting Goes Public
就是愛聽無線電廣播What would you do without radio? by Ryan Batdorf
What was radio like one hundred years ago?你知道百年前的無線電廣播，是什麼光景嗎？January is the Radio Broadcasting 100th birthday.
What’s your radio tuned to? Listening to radio programs like Studio Classroom has become a part of our daily lives. How did this start?
Radio broadcasting in the beginning
Radio began as ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication. In the early 1900s, several people showed that radio could do more than that. One of them, Dr. Lee De Forest, is widely honored as the father of radio. He made the first public radio broadcast. A fan of opera, De Forest wanted to send the musical entertainment into homes.
His first attempt was on January 13, 1910, from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.
However, the broadcast ran into interference from other signals. Only a few listening stations and anyone in the harbor area were able to hear this broadcast. Although there was a lot of room for improvement, it showed what radio could do.
Radio broadcasting today
Fast-forward one century, and the world looks very different. Radio broadcasts are everywhere. Information now travels at the speed of light. Music, news, traffic reports and speeches from world leaders are all on the radio. Can you imagine a world without radio?
Grammar
Radio began as ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication
ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore
ship-to-ship communication, ship-to-shore communication. (long "adjective" before "noun" we use "-" hyphen between words.
John is learning to be patient during this in-between-job period.
The writing instructor always reminds her students her keep-things-simple rule.
Vocabulary
tune- (n)曲调,调子- (v)调整频道或收听,收看-We always turn to Wave Radio for light music.
His radio is always tuned to the only rock station in our town.
interference-电波干扰, 干涉, 干扰 inter-二者之间.
The interference that appeared on the TV screen was caused by the bad weather.电波干扰
The government's interference in the stock market proved to be a mistake. 干涉股市
fast-forward-使(向前)快转. fast快速的, forward-向前
Bobby fast-forwarded the DVD and went directly to the end of the movie.
rewind is opposite of fast-forward. 倒带,回转导带是向前快转的反义词.
Can you rewind the tape so I can hear it again?
Chat Room
room (n)-房间(可数名词) ,空间(不可数名词)
a lot room for improvement-有很多改进的空间.
make room-制造空间(挤一弄出些空间来.
elbow room-手腕(手肘)大小的空间距离.
What was radio like one hundred years ago?你知道百年前的無線電廣播，是什麼光景嗎？January is the Radio Broadcasting 100th birthday.
What’s your radio tuned to? Listening to radio programs like Studio Classroom has become a part of our daily lives. How did this start?
Radio broadcasting in the beginning
Radio began as ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication. In the early 1900s, several people showed that radio could do more than that. One of them, Dr. Lee De Forest, is widely honored as the father of radio. He made the first public radio broadcast. A fan of opera, De Forest wanted to send the musical entertainment into homes.
His first attempt was on January 13, 1910, from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.
However, the broadcast ran into interference from other signals. Only a few listening stations and anyone in the harbor area were able to hear this broadcast. Although there was a lot of room for improvement, it showed what radio could do.
Radio broadcasting today
Fast-forward one century, and the world looks very different. Radio broadcasts are everywhere. Information now travels at the speed of light. Music, news, traffic reports and speeches from world leaders are all on the radio. Can you imagine a world without radio?
Grammar
Radio began as ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication
ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore
ship-to-ship communication, ship-to-shore communication. (long "adjective" before "noun" we use "-" hyphen between words.
John is learning to be patient during this in-between-job period.
The writing instructor always reminds her students her keep-things-simple rule.
Vocabulary
tune- (n)曲调,调子- (v)调整频道或收听,收看-We always turn to Wave Radio for light music.
His radio is always tuned to the only rock station in our town.
interference-电波干扰, 干涉, 干扰 inter-二者之间.
The interference that appeared on the TV screen was caused by the bad weather.电波干扰
The government's interference in the stock market proved to be a mistake. 干涉股市
fast-forward-使(向前)快转. fast快速的, forward-向前
Bobby fast-forwarded the DVD and went directly to the end of the movie.
rewind is opposite of fast-forward. 倒带,回转导带是向前快转的反义词.
Can you rewind the tape so I can hear it again?
Chat Room
room (n)-房间(可数名词) ,空间(不可数名词)
a lot room for improvement-有很多改进的空间.
make room-制造空间(挤一弄出些空间来.
elbow room-手腕(手肘)大小的空间距离.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Amelia Earhart
女飛行先驅：愛蜜莉亞? 埃爾哈特 She made history by taking risks This record-breaking pilot didn’t say no to danger by Pamela Osment.
In the early days of flight, one woman captured the world’s attention by setting aviation records. That woman, Amelia Earhart, became even more famous in death though, because of the mystery surrounding her disappearance. That mystery remains unsolved to this day.
The early years
When Amelia Mary Earhart was born in 1897, young women were expected to lead simple, traditional lives as wives and mothers. But it became clear that Earhart’s life would be different as she gained a reputation for climbing trees and hunting rats.
At age 7, she discovered how much she enjoyed heights while riding a Ferris wheel. Sixteen years later, Earhart rode in an airplane and knew she had to fly! Just days after that, she took her first flying lesson, and within six months, Earhart purchased her own airplane!
A life-changing flight
On June 18, 1928, Earhart gained international fame when she became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. Although she didn't pilot the plane Earhart received the praise and credit for the flight. From that point on, she began to concentrate on flying.
After Earhart's Atlantic crossing, the press dubbed her the "Queen of the Air," As she planned new flights, opportunities arrived in the form of product promotions, a book deal 出书and a lecture 讲演tour.
Setting and breaking records
In spite of the publicity, Earhart's objective 目标continued to be flying. In 1932, she became the first woman to fly solo across独自飞越 the Atlantic. She then became the first person to fly solo over the Pacific from Hawaii to California in 1935.
The final flight
As her 40th birthday approached, Earhart prepared for her biggest challenge-- an around-the-world flight. On June 1, 1937, Earhart and her navigator导航者, Fred Noonan, began their 46,671-km journey in Florida.
They arrived in New Guinea on June 29 with only 11,265 km left to go. Sadly, their plane disappeared on the next leg of the trip, and they were never heard from again.
Amelia once wrote to her husband, "Please know that I am aware of the hazards危险. (But) women must try to do things as men have tried" Because of her courageous effort, Amelia Earhart's name lives on.
Grammar
But it became clear that Earhart's life would be different as she gained a reputation for climbing trees and hunting rats.
gained a reputation for....=to become know for....
But it became clear that Earhart's life would be different as she became known for climbing trees and hunting rats.
gain a reputation =to become known for
use "to gain" is meaning stronger than "to become".
to gain a reputation=to become know
The new manager is fluent in five languages and quickly gained a reputation for being able to handle the company's overseas partners. ( positive)
Greg likes to take his time and has gained a reputation for always being late. (negative)
Vocabulary
reputation- 名声,声誉,名誉.The car dealer has an excellent reputation for customer service.
*This magazine has a bad reputation for twisting the interviewees' comments曲解被访人的意见..
purchase (v)- 购买The couple purchased their first house after they had their first baby.
*You can purchase tickets for the concert online one month in advance.
concentrate-全神贯注,集中精神, 集中心力,全力以赴的做那件事用"ON"
Valerie finally decided to concentrate on her studying.
*The company is now concentrating on developing new products.全力开发新产品.
dub-give someone a nick name. 取绰号,取名称.
*Sean was dubbed " Prince" by his classmates because he adores himself so much.太自恋
*The press has dubbed her " the Diva forever".媒体称她为"永远的天后(女主唱者)"
objective-(adj) 客观的, (n)目标
*The objective of this session is to help trainees express themselves verbally.语言表达
*The objective of this fund raising campaign is to collect one million dollars.目标是..
courageous-勇敢的,英勇的.He is a courageous fireman who has saved many people's lives.
*It was very courageous of you to tell the truth.
navigator-a person with map or compass to tell the direction.
leg of the trip or journey -means one step or one part of the trip. travel between thses stops we call it "leg".
Chat Room
fear/ phobia- both are afraid of something, the different is in some degree of .
fear-惧怕,恐惧.
phobia-恐惧(心理)症. 心理学上的名词.intense fear.强烈的恐惧.
acrophobia- 惧高症.
claustrophobia-幽闭恐惧症. (害怕被局限在一个小小的空间里)
arachnophobia-对蛛蛛产生特殊的恐惧感.蜘蛛恐惧症.
---------------------
solo/duet/trio
solo-独自,单独,独唱( 是名词也是形容词) I travel solo 我独自旅行.
duet-双重唱,双重奏 , 只能用在music 方面
trio-三重奏,三重唱.
in a pair-二人一起working (travel) in a pair
in threes-三人一起 doing things in threes.
duo双人组/ trio 三人组
In the early days of flight, one woman captured the world’s attention by setting aviation records. That woman, Amelia Earhart, became even more famous in death though, because of the mystery surrounding her disappearance. That mystery remains unsolved to this day.
The early years
When Amelia Mary Earhart was born in 1897, young women were expected to lead simple, traditional lives as wives and mothers. But it became clear that Earhart’s life would be different as she gained a reputation for climbing trees and hunting rats.
At age 7, she discovered how much she enjoyed heights while riding a Ferris wheel. Sixteen years later, Earhart rode in an airplane and knew she had to fly! Just days after that, she took her first flying lesson, and within six months, Earhart purchased her own airplane!
A life-changing flight
On June 18, 1928, Earhart gained international fame when she became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. Although she didn't pilot the plane Earhart received the praise and credit for the flight. From that point on, she began to concentrate on flying.
After Earhart's Atlantic crossing, the press dubbed her the "Queen of the Air," As she planned new flights, opportunities arrived in the form of product promotions, a book deal 出书and a lecture 讲演tour.
Setting and breaking records
In spite of the publicity, Earhart's objective 目标continued to be flying. In 1932, she became the first woman to fly solo across独自飞越 the Atlantic. She then became the first person to fly solo over the Pacific from Hawaii to California in 1935.
The final flight
As her 40th birthday approached, Earhart prepared for her biggest challenge-- an around-the-world flight. On June 1, 1937, Earhart and her navigator导航者, Fred Noonan, began their 46,671-km journey in Florida.
They arrived in New Guinea on June 29 with only 11,265 km left to go. Sadly, their plane disappeared on the next leg of the trip, and they were never heard from again.
Amelia once wrote to her husband, "Please know that I am aware of the hazards危险. (But) women must try to do things as men have tried" Because of her courageous effort, Amelia Earhart's name lives on.
Grammar
But it became clear that Earhart's life would be different as she gained a reputation for climbing trees and hunting rats.
gained a reputation for....=to become know for....
But it became clear that Earhart's life would be different as she became known for climbing trees and hunting rats.
gain a reputation =to become known for
use "to gain" is meaning stronger than "to become".
to gain a reputation=to become know
The new manager is fluent in five languages and quickly gained a reputation for being able to handle the company's overseas partners. ( positive)
Greg likes to take his time and has gained a reputation for always being late. (negative)
Vocabulary
reputation- 名声,声誉,名誉.The car dealer has an excellent reputation for customer service.
*This magazine has a bad reputation for twisting the interviewees' comments曲解被访人的意见..
purchase (v)- 购买The couple purchased their first house after they had their first baby.
*You can purchase tickets for the concert online one month in advance.
concentrate-全神贯注,集中精神, 集中心力,全力以赴的做那件事用"ON"
Valerie finally decided to concentrate on her studying.
*The company is now concentrating on developing new products.全力开发新产品.
dub-give someone a nick name. 取绰号,取名称.
*Sean was dubbed " Prince" by his classmates because he adores himself so much.太自恋
*The press has dubbed her " the Diva forever".媒体称她为"永远的天后(女主唱者)"
objective-(adj) 客观的, (n)目标
*The objective of this session is to help trainees express themselves verbally.语言表达
*The objective of this fund raising campaign is to collect one million dollars.目标是..
courageous-勇敢的,英勇的.He is a courageous fireman who has saved many people's lives.
*It was very courageous of you to tell the truth.
navigator-a person with map or compass to tell the direction.
leg of the trip or journey -means one step or one part of the trip. travel between thses stops we call it "leg".
Chat Room
fear/ phobia- both are afraid of something, the different is in some degree of .
fear-惧怕,恐惧.
phobia-恐惧(心理)症. 心理学上的名词.intense fear.强烈的恐惧.
acrophobia- 惧高症.
claustrophobia-幽闭恐惧症. (害怕被局限在一个小小的空间里)
arachnophobia-对蛛蛛产生特殊的恐惧感.蜘蛛恐惧症.
---------------------
solo/duet/trio
solo-独自,单独,独唱( 是名词也是形容词) I travel solo 我独自旅行.
duet-双重唱,双重奏 , 只能用在music 方面
trio-三重奏,三重唱.
in a pair-二人一起working (travel) in a pair
in threes-三人一起 doing things in threes.
duo双人组/ trio 三人组
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Winter Safaris
冬季生態之旅正當紅Safaris aren’t just a summer activity by Ruth Devlin
When the snow covers the ground outside and the cold wind blows, not everyone chooses to lounge around inside. Nature enthusiasts have discovered that wintertime can be ideal for viewing animals they usually only see on Animal Planet shows.
California-based company KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel offers an opportunity to track snow leopards on the company’s “Wintertime Quest for the Snow Leopard” trip. The 16-day adventure takes travelers high into the Himalayas in Ladakh, India, in search of the elusive cats. The trip coincides with the leopards’ mating season and the time they descend from the high snowy mountains in search of food.
This is one of the best times to spot the animals. Trip participants should not be afraid of high elevations as part of the trip involves camping at altitudes of 3,780 m. Another company, Southern Explorations, organizes expeditions from November to March. These give travelers a chance to view the wonders of Antarctica and some South Atlantic islands in the area's summer months. At that time, hundreds of seals congregate in South Georgia along with millions of penguins and other marine birds. People on some trips have the opportunity to camp within sight of thousands of emperor penguins.
For another ice adventure, this time in the Arctic, Natural Habitat Adventures offers a trip to Canada's Magdalen Islands and the surrounding ice floes. Travelers fly in by helicopter to spend time among the 250,000 harp seals that have migrated from Greenland to bear their young. For centuries, harp seal babies have been hunted for their white pelts, but now ecotourism is helping to protect the babies. Other activities on the trip include snowshoeing and dogsled trips.
What could be more exhilarating than viewing the king of the Arctic in the wild?
Polar bears abound on the tundra near Churchill, Manitoba, in early winter. Natural Habitat Adventures offers several polar bear encounters to let participants get close-up looks at the white bears. In America's first national park, Yellowstone Wolf Tracker takes adventurers on a winter wolf retreat. participants learn about wolves, their habits and the conservation efforts on their behalf. Trips into Lamar Valley to see wolves in action and snowshoe adventures complete the tour package. These expeditions and others like them give nature enthusiasts opportunities to view wildlife and help preserve the animal's habitats for future generations.
More Information
There are no campgrounds in Antarctica, only ice. Campers are allowed to stay on the ice between 8 and 11 hours. They can't bring any food and aren't even allowed to go to the bathroom.
Campers must leave nothing behind when they leave. Even so the vast continent of Antarctica is still worth visiting. The stars seem close enough to touch and, during the night campers may receive visits from curious wildlife!
Grammar
People on some trips have the opportunity to camp within sight of thousands of emperor penguins.
within sight of -close enough to be able to see 。
People on some trips have the opportunity to camp close enough to be able to see thousands of emperor penguins.眼睛看得到的距离
within sight of -Terry's car ran out of gas, but he was thankfully within sight of a gas station.
After months of meetings and negotiations, the two companies were finally within sight of a partnership agreement. (something is about to happen in short time period)
Vocabulary
safari-探险之旅，狩獵之旅 a trip or journey go out into the wilderness
Hank joined a reindeer safari in Alaska last winter.麋鹿探险
go on safari-去探险
The Roberts went on safari in East Africa for 3 months.东非
lounged around-闲逛,闲晃,懒散的消磨时间.
Mark lounged around the pool the whole afternoon.悠闲的消磨了一个下午.
Since jack lounged around the whole summer, his parents became really upset.
coincide-about the same time. 同时开始用"with"
Laura timed her vacation to coincide with her wedding anniversary so that she and her husband could celebrate.
Timed something to coincide with something.-时间上做安排把两件事安排在一起做.
migrate (v)- 迁徙,移居Canadian Geese migrate to the South each winter.
*These whales migrate between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean each season.
*These tribes migrate to find food and water for their cattle. 部落
exhilarating (adj)-令人振奋的,最受欢迎的exhilarate-使开心,使振奋,使兴奋.
The exhilarating roller coaster ride is one of the most popular items in this amusement park.
*An exhilarating walk by the sea really makes my day. 令我开心.
conservation-保育,对自然生态的保护.refer to protection, conserve to keep and protect.
Much effort was put into water conservation in the area.水资源保护
Wildlife conservation has become an important issue in recent years.野生动物保育,重要议题.
pelt (n)-coat made with animal fine, soft skin
ice floe- large sheets of ice flow on the water.
tundra-is a type of environment.
Chat Room
elevation/altitudes-高度both refer to "high". can changeable use these two words.but.
elevation-is refer to geographic feature like lake, mountain or fix structure as Taipei 101地理上的环境或是固定建筑物的高度,讲说"湖泊,高山,或摩天大楼"的高度.
altitudes- is refer to an object's high, like airplane, it high can be changeable.形容某个物体的高度，如飞机，高度时可以改变的。
-----------------------------
sled / sleigh
sled--小朋友或一般人玩的小型雪橇.只能在斜坡上玩,由上滑下来.
dogsled- is sled pulling by dogs.
sleigh-有座位的大型雪橇, 由动物拖行的,如圣诞老人坐的那种.
When the snow covers the ground outside and the cold wind blows, not everyone chooses to lounge around inside. Nature enthusiasts have discovered that wintertime can be ideal for viewing animals they usually only see on Animal Planet shows.
California-based company KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel offers an opportunity to track snow leopards on the company’s “Wintertime Quest for the Snow Leopard” trip. The 16-day adventure takes travelers high into the Himalayas in Ladakh, India, in search of the elusive cats. The trip coincides with the leopards’ mating season and the time they descend from the high snowy mountains in search of food.
This is one of the best times to spot the animals. Trip participants should not be afraid of high elevations as part of the trip involves camping at altitudes of 3,780 m. Another company, Southern Explorations, organizes expeditions from November to March. These give travelers a chance to view the wonders of Antarctica and some South Atlantic islands in the area's summer months. At that time, hundreds of seals congregate in South Georgia along with millions of penguins and other marine birds. People on some trips have the opportunity to camp within sight of thousands of emperor penguins.
For another ice adventure, this time in the Arctic, Natural Habitat Adventures offers a trip to Canada's Magdalen Islands and the surrounding ice floes. Travelers fly in by helicopter to spend time among the 250,000 harp seals that have migrated from Greenland to bear their young. For centuries, harp seal babies have been hunted for their white pelts, but now ecotourism is helping to protect the babies. Other activities on the trip include snowshoeing and dogsled trips.
What could be more exhilarating than viewing the king of the Arctic in the wild?
Polar bears abound on the tundra near Churchill, Manitoba, in early winter. Natural Habitat Adventures offers several polar bear encounters to let participants get close-up looks at the white bears. In America's first national park, Yellowstone Wolf Tracker takes adventurers on a winter wolf retreat. participants learn about wolves, their habits and the conservation efforts on their behalf. Trips into Lamar Valley to see wolves in action and snowshoe adventures complete the tour package. These expeditions and others like them give nature enthusiasts opportunities to view wildlife and help preserve the animal's habitats for future generations.
More Information
There are no campgrounds in Antarctica, only ice. Campers are allowed to stay on the ice between 8 and 11 hours. They can't bring any food and aren't even allowed to go to the bathroom.
Campers must leave nothing behind when they leave. Even so the vast continent of Antarctica is still worth visiting. The stars seem close enough to touch and, during the night campers may receive visits from curious wildlife!
Grammar
People on some trips have the opportunity to camp within sight of thousands of emperor penguins.
within sight of -close enough to be able to see 。
People on some trips have the opportunity to camp close enough to be able to see thousands of emperor penguins.眼睛看得到的距离
within sight of -Terry's car ran out of gas, but he was thankfully within sight of a gas station.
After months of meetings and negotiations, the two companies were finally within sight of a partnership agreement. (something is about to happen in short time period)
Vocabulary
safari-探险之旅，狩獵之旅 a trip or journey go out into the wilderness
Hank joined a reindeer safari in Alaska last winter.麋鹿探险
go on safari-去探险
The Roberts went on safari in East Africa for 3 months.东非
lounged around-闲逛,闲晃,懒散的消磨时间.
Mark lounged around the pool the whole afternoon.悠闲的消磨了一个下午.
Since jack lounged around the whole summer, his parents became really upset.
coincide-about the same time. 同时开始用"with"
Laura timed her vacation to coincide with her wedding anniversary so that she and her husband could celebrate.
Timed something to coincide with something.-时间上做安排把两件事安排在一起做.
migrate (v)- 迁徙,移居Canadian Geese migrate to the South each winter.
*These whales migrate between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean each season.
*These tribes migrate to find food and water for their cattle. 部落
exhilarating (adj)-令人振奋的,最受欢迎的exhilarate-使开心,使振奋,使兴奋.
The exhilarating roller coaster ride is one of the most popular items in this amusement park.
*An exhilarating walk by the sea really makes my day. 令我开心.
conservation-保育,对自然生态的保护.refer to protection, conserve to keep and protect.
Much effort was put into water conservation in the area.水资源保护
Wildlife conservation has become an important issue in recent years.野生动物保育,重要议题.
pelt (n)-coat made with animal fine, soft skin
ice floe- large sheets of ice flow on the water.
tundra-is a type of environment.
Chat Room
elevation/altitudes-高度both refer to "high". can changeable use these two words.but.
elevation-is refer to geographic feature like lake, mountain or fix structure as Taipei 101地理上的环境或是固定建筑物的高度,讲说"湖泊,高山,或摩天大楼"的高度.
altitudes- is refer to an object's high, like airplane, it high can be changeable.形容某个物体的高度，如飞机，高度时可以改变的。
-----------------------------
sled / sleigh
sled--小朋友或一般人玩的小型雪橇.只能在斜坡上玩,由上滑下来.
dogsled- is sled pulling by dogs.
sleigh-有座位的大型雪橇, 由动物拖行的,如圣诞老人坐的那种.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Pet Airways
寵物航空起飛Cats and dogs can now fly the skies on their own airline by Lisa Holl Chang
On July 14, 2009, Pet Airways Flight 1101 departed New York City and made history. Pet Airways’ first flight was also the first for cats and dogs only. Attendants checked on “pawsengers” – not passengers – as they flew in the air-conditioned main cabin. The pets’ owners took separate, “human” flights. For some people, an airline just for pets sounds silly, but for Pet Airways it’s good business.
An idea is born
Dan Wiesel and Alysa Binder claim their idea for Pet Airways came from their dog, Zoe. The couple once took a flight with Zoe, but she rode with the plane’s cargo. They became so worried about Zoe that they realized they needed a better option. Hence, Pet Airways was born. On Pet Airways, pets fly between U.S. cities including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.
The company flies 19-passenger planes with the seats removed. Each flight holds up to 50 pets in carriers. They get "potty breaks" before and after flights.
Fans and critics
Pet Airways has won the love of pet owners. It has over 14,000 Facebook fans and 4,000 followers on Twitter.
But the company also has critics. Some people view an airline for pets as silly. Others question whether it will succeed.
Those who work for Pet Airways view their service as anything but silly. Pets deal with temperature extremes and air pressure changes when flying with cargo. Airlines may even lose pets on occasion.
How much does it cost
With one-way tickets starting at $149, Pet Airways provides a less frightening option. And pet owners have responded: The first two months of flights quickly sold out. Pet Airways is growing and plans to serve 25 U.S. cities within three years. Furthermore, the airline considers international travel a long-term goal.
A dog named Ellie recently flew across America on Pet Airways. When Ellie's owner came to pick her up, she ran to say goodbye to Captain Wiesel. For Pet Airways, having happy and contented
pawsengers is the company's greatest reward.
Grammar
Those who work for Pet Airways view their service as anything but silly.
anything but=definitely not= not at all (not a case for something or someone)
Those who work for Pet Airways definitely do not view their service as silly.
He is anything but lazy.-He is not lazy.
The party was anything but fun -The party was horrible
Vocabulary
depart-离开,出发. 反义词arrive到达,抵达.
The next train to London departs at 1:30 p.m.
*Flight 061 departing from New York will arrive in Los Angeles at 5:30 p.m.
cabin (n)-舱,小木屋,飞机的坐舱
Business class passengers always sit in the front part of the airplane cabin.
*The airline offers top-quality cabin service, but their tickets are more expensive than others'.
*The cabin crew is doing the safety check right now.
carrier-载送的器具(工具)如车,船,飞机等.也指运输业者.carry-载送
Your carrier on this flight is Singapore Airlines.你的航班
*This shipping company is one of the biggest carriers in Europe.运输业
extremes(n)-极端 extreme (adj)-极度的
He experienced the extremes of wealth and poverty during his life.极端富裕与贫穷
She took her anger to the extreme and harmed a lot of people.她的脾气一发不可收拾
extreme tolerance-极度的包容
on occasion-偶尔(当副词片语使用)sometimes, not very often. occasion-时机,机会
Sean goes to business trips on occasion, but not very often.
Diane visits her grandparents on occasion.
He only makes mistakes on occasion but that's still not acceptable.
long-term--长的-期限It seems that the cooperation of the two companies will be long-term.
The long-term effect of the treatment remains unknown.
Chat Room
made history- you done something new and important that can remember for long time.
history in the making- the new and important thing is occurring.一个伟大,重要的事情正在发生,进行
the rest in history- very one knows about the history, so you don't have to mention any more or continue the story.
---------------
fans/follower-粉丝/追随者are the same meaning, it means really like of something.
对什么事情着迷,就可说"I'm fan of something"
"I'm a follower of something "
You may say "Fan Club"粉丝后援会 not you can't say不可说是 "Follower Club"
On July 14, 2009, Pet Airways Flight 1101 departed New York City and made history. Pet Airways’ first flight was also the first for cats and dogs only. Attendants checked on “pawsengers” – not passengers – as they flew in the air-conditioned main cabin. The pets’ owners took separate, “human” flights. For some people, an airline just for pets sounds silly, but for Pet Airways it’s good business.
An idea is born
Dan Wiesel and Alysa Binder claim their idea for Pet Airways came from their dog, Zoe. The couple once took a flight with Zoe, but she rode with the plane’s cargo. They became so worried about Zoe that they realized they needed a better option. Hence, Pet Airways was born. On Pet Airways, pets fly between U.S. cities including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.
The company flies 19-passenger planes with the seats removed. Each flight holds up to 50 pets in carriers. They get "potty breaks" before and after flights.
Fans and critics
Pet Airways has won the love of pet owners. It has over 14,000 Facebook fans and 4,000 followers on Twitter.
But the company also has critics. Some people view an airline for pets as silly. Others question whether it will succeed.
Those who work for Pet Airways view their service as anything but silly. Pets deal with temperature extremes and air pressure changes when flying with cargo. Airlines may even lose pets on occasion.
How much does it cost
With one-way tickets starting at $149, Pet Airways provides a less frightening option. And pet owners have responded: The first two months of flights quickly sold out. Pet Airways is growing and plans to serve 25 U.S. cities within three years. Furthermore, the airline considers international travel a long-term goal.
A dog named Ellie recently flew across America on Pet Airways. When Ellie's owner came to pick her up, she ran to say goodbye to Captain Wiesel. For Pet Airways, having happy and contented
pawsengers is the company's greatest reward.
Grammar
Those who work for Pet Airways view their service as anything but silly.
anything but=definitely not= not at all (not a case for something or someone)
Those who work for Pet Airways definitely do not view their service as silly.
He is anything but lazy.-He is not lazy.
The party was anything but fun -The party was horrible
Vocabulary
depart-离开,出发. 反义词arrive到达,抵达.
The next train to London departs at 1:30 p.m.
*Flight 061 departing from New York will arrive in Los Angeles at 5:30 p.m.
cabin (n)-舱,小木屋,飞机的坐舱
Business class passengers always sit in the front part of the airplane cabin.
*The airline offers top-quality cabin service, but their tickets are more expensive than others'.
*The cabin crew is doing the safety check right now.
carrier-载送的器具(工具)如车,船,飞机等.也指运输业者.carry-载送
Your carrier on this flight is Singapore Airlines.你的航班
*This shipping company is one of the biggest carriers in Europe.运输业
extremes(n)-极端 extreme (adj)-极度的
He experienced the extremes of wealth and poverty during his life.极端富裕与贫穷
She took her anger to the extreme and harmed a lot of people.她的脾气一发不可收拾
extreme tolerance-极度的包容
on occasion-偶尔(当副词片语使用)sometimes, not very often. occasion-时机,机会
Sean goes to business trips on occasion, but not very often.
Diane visits her grandparents on occasion.
He only makes mistakes on occasion but that's still not acceptable.
long-term--长的-期限It seems that the cooperation of the two companies will be long-term.
The long-term effect of the treatment remains unknown.
Chat Room
made history- you done something new and important that can remember for long time.
history in the making- the new and important thing is occurring.一个伟大,重要的事情正在发生,进行
the rest in history- very one knows about the history, so you don't have to mention any more or continue the story.
---------------
fans/follower-粉丝/追随者are the same meaning, it means really like of something.
对什么事情着迷,就可说"I'm fan of something"
"I'm a follower of something "
You may say "Fan Club"粉丝后援会 not you can't say不可说是 "Follower Club"
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Happy Pets, Happy People
寵物快樂，主人才會快樂A veterinarian gives advice on how to take care of petsby Simon Stopp.
SC: What should a person consider when choosing a pet?
JH: The determining factor should be your lifestyle. Do you spend more time at home or outdoors? Do you have small children or elderly people in the house? Do you keep your house neat? You should also ask yourself how long you are willing to commit to the pet. Dogs and cats may live 15 to 20 years, but birds can live 30 years or more.
SC: How can people and pets adjust to living with each other?
JH: Good, continuous training and lots of love are the keys to good relationships between pets and people.
SC: What is the best way to go about training your pet?
JH: Patience! Patience! Patience! Teach your pet one skill at a time, and reward your pet for good performance instead of just punishing it for failures.
SC: How much exercise do pets really need?
JH: As a general rule of thumb, most dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Most cats, in contrast, exercise when they feel like it.
SC: How often should people take their pets to the vet?
JH: At two months old, a pet should be brought to the vet for an initial vaccination and checkup. Bring them back for another shot a month or two later. When your pet reaches 1, yearly checks are required. After your pet is 6, visits to the vet every six months are recommended.
SC: How do you know when your pet is sick?
JH: There are a number of things that might signal that your pet is not well. These include, but are not limited to, vomiting diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, and losing weight or not eating.
SC: What can people do to keep their pets healthy and happy?
JH: Providing a safe environment, enough exercise, quality food and daily oral care can make your pet healthy and happy. Regular visits to the vet for complete checkups can also help prevent problems.
SC: What is the most important thing a pet owner should know?
JH: If I had to pick one thing , I'd say: Remember your regular vet's phone number and have it on speed dial.
More Information
Can dogs eat chocolate?
The simple answer is no Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which dogs have a hard time digesting. Dogs will usually vomit and develop diarrhea after eating small amounts of chocolate. If dogs eat large amounts of chocolate, they may become restless or hyperactive, pant or have difficulty breathing . The heart may even stop working, resulting in the animal's death.
Grammar
These include, but are not limited to, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, and losing weight or not eating.
these include...but are not limited to...(It means there is a long list of things, but here just listed or mention some of them.)
The assistant's responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering the phone, organizing files, sending documents, and making schedules.
Recreational activities include, but are not limited to, jet skiing, wind surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Vocabulary
commit-承担某种责任或答应负责Parents must commit themselves to their children.
*He seems to have a problem committing himself to relationships.在感情上赋予承诺.
adjust-调整,使适合. He quickly adjusted to the new environment when he moved to town.很快适应
She adjusted well to the extreme weather in this area.
rule of thumb (idiom)- 经验法则.A good rule of thumb is to brush your teeth before bed.
A good rule of thumb is to exercise 30 minutes a day.
rule of thumb, "tip" of thumb.
patience-abilities to wait someone or something without get angry
cardiologist心脏科医生, cardiology-heart disease.心脏科
initial-first, beginning, 最初的,开始的,初步的,起初的
The initial assessment of the typhoon damage was around 200,000,000 dollars.初步估计
Her initial reaction to the bad news was shock and confusion.起初的反应,震惊,困惑
vomit(v)-呕吐 The kid vomited after riding the roller coaster.
*The patient was vomiting after surgery.
vomit (n)-(同意词Threw up, ) The baby threw up all over his clothes.
oral (adj)- 口部的,口腔的,口头的,口述的 oral hygiene-口腔卫生
The oral dose of medicine has a strong smell that might make it difficult to swallow.口服药
Josh needs to prepare for his oral presentation.口头简报
Sherry passed her oral exam this morning.口试
Chat Room
key-钥匙(literal照字面上真实的解释) key to open the door.
key- 关键,秘诀(figurative比喻的,象征性的解释) key to success.
Diet and exercise are the keys to good health-秘诀
the key to the problem-解决一个问题要用"to"
the keys to good relationships-建立良好关系的关键秘诀
--------------
check-
checkup (n)-refer to exam in the doctor office.检查,通常指身体方面的
check in (v. phrase)- register for something. Check in the airport. 登记
check out (v. phrase)- sign out for leaving. Check out the hotel, check out the book at register)离去前办理的手续(登记)
check out -also mean " go to take a look" check out the car/ my new car.去看看,瞧瞧去
SC: What should a person consider when choosing a pet?
JH: The determining factor should be your lifestyle. Do you spend more time at home or outdoors? Do you have small children or elderly people in the house? Do you keep your house neat? You should also ask yourself how long you are willing to commit to the pet. Dogs and cats may live 15 to 20 years, but birds can live 30 years or more.
SC: How can people and pets adjust to living with each other?
JH: Good, continuous training and lots of love are the keys to good relationships between pets and people.
SC: What is the best way to go about training your pet?
JH: Patience! Patience! Patience! Teach your pet one skill at a time, and reward your pet for good performance instead of just punishing it for failures.
SC: How much exercise do pets really need?
JH: As a general rule of thumb, most dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Most cats, in contrast, exercise when they feel like it.
SC: How often should people take their pets to the vet?
JH: At two months old, a pet should be brought to the vet for an initial vaccination and checkup. Bring them back for another shot a month or two later. When your pet reaches 1, yearly checks are required. After your pet is 6, visits to the vet every six months are recommended.
SC: How do you know when your pet is sick?
JH: There are a number of things that might signal that your pet is not well. These include, but are not limited to, vomiting diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, and losing weight or not eating.
SC: What can people do to keep their pets healthy and happy?
JH: Providing a safe environment, enough exercise, quality food and daily oral care can make your pet healthy and happy. Regular visits to the vet for complete checkups can also help prevent problems.
SC: What is the most important thing a pet owner should know?
JH: If I had to pick one thing , I'd say: Remember your regular vet's phone number and have it on speed dial.
More Information
Can dogs eat chocolate?
The simple answer is no Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which dogs have a hard time digesting. Dogs will usually vomit and develop diarrhea after eating small amounts of chocolate. If dogs eat large amounts of chocolate, they may become restless or hyperactive, pant or have difficulty breathing . The heart may even stop working, resulting in the animal's death.
Grammar
These include, but are not limited to, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, and losing weight or not eating.
these include...but are not limited to...(It means there is a long list of things, but here just listed or mention some of them.)
The assistant's responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering the phone, organizing files, sending documents, and making schedules.
Recreational activities include, but are not limited to, jet skiing, wind surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Vocabulary
commit-承担某种责任或答应负责Parents must commit themselves to their children.
*He seems to have a problem committing himself to relationships.在感情上赋予承诺.
adjust-调整,使适合. He quickly adjusted to the new environment when he moved to town.很快适应
She adjusted well to the extreme weather in this area.
rule of thumb (idiom)- 经验法则.A good rule of thumb is to brush your teeth before bed.
A good rule of thumb is to exercise 30 minutes a day.
rule of thumb, "tip" of thumb.
patience-abilities to wait someone or something without get angry
cardiologist心脏科医生, cardiology-heart disease.心脏科
initial-first, beginning, 最初的,开始的,初步的,起初的
The initial assessment of the typhoon damage was around 200,000,000 dollars.初步估计
Her initial reaction to the bad news was shock and confusion.起初的反应,震惊,困惑
vomit(v)-呕吐 The kid vomited after riding the roller coaster.
*The patient was vomiting after surgery.
vomit (n)-(同意词Threw up, ) The baby threw up all over his clothes.
oral (adj)- 口部的,口腔的,口头的,口述的 oral hygiene-口腔卫生
The oral dose of medicine has a strong smell that might make it difficult to swallow.口服药
Josh needs to prepare for his oral presentation.口头简报
Sherry passed her oral exam this morning.口试
Chat Room
key-钥匙(literal照字面上真实的解释) key to open the door.
key- 关键,秘诀(figurative比喻的,象征性的解释) key to success.
Diet and exercise are the keys to good health-秘诀
the key to the problem-解决一个问题要用"to"
the keys to good relationships-建立良好关系的关键秘诀
--------------
check-
checkup (n)-refer to exam in the doctor office.检查,通常指身体方面的
check in (v. phrase)- register for something. Check in the airport. 登记
check out (v. phrase)- sign out for leaving. Check out the hotel, check out the book at register)离去前办理的手续(登记)
check out -also mean " go to take a look" check out the car/ my new car.去看看,瞧瞧去
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