唯「馬」獨尊的島嶼 Discover the history and horses of this small island in Michiganby Ruth Devlin
A place where horsepower takes on a new meaning
Imagine a vacation where you can sit quietly on a big porch and look out over blue water. Imagine no loud engines or car horns interrupting that quiet. Instead, the clip-clop of horses' hooves fills your ears. You'll find that on Mackinac Island, Mich. Located in Lake Huron off the coast of northern Michigan, the 3.8-square-mile island is accessible only by boat or plane. Its location made it attractive first to Native Americans and then to Europeans.
Missionaries and fur traders arrived in the 17th century. In time, British and then American soldiers were also posted here. In the 19th century, commercial fishermen used the island as a base. After the American Civil War (1861-1965), people wanted to escape the cities, and throngs of tourists found beauty and relaxation on Mackinac. The island became America's second national park in 1875. But in 1895, the nation transferred it to Michigan, and Mackinac became Michigan's first state park. In 1898, when the automobile age threatened to come to the island, the city council banned the "horseless carriage." That policy allows the island to keep its 19th century atmosphere.
Horses, horses, horses
More than 500 horses provide transportation on the island. They arrive by ferry every April and return to the Michigan mainland every November for the winter. The island's impressive draft horses weigh 2,000 pounds each and can pull (or hold back ) three times their body weight. That ability is necessary to travel the steep roads on the island. Each horse works just four and a half hours a day hauling goods or people.
Grand Hotel
Many hotel offer lodging on the island, but the luxury address is the Grand Hotel, which opened in 1887. It was built in just 93 days by 600 men who had a great incentive. Legend has it that the owners offered them a million dollar bonus if they finished in 90 days or less. No two of the hotel's 385 guest rooms are alike, and its 660-foot-long porch is the world's longest.
Every summer, about 130,000 people stay at the hotel and eat their meals there. More than 100 people on the kitchen staff prepare and serve around 4,000 meals per day.
More Information
Quite a few people stay on Mackinac Island during the winter. When the lake water freezes, people travel to the mainland by way of snowmobile. After Christmas Islanders drill a trail of holes in the ice and plant Christmas trees in them. That way, if a blizzard comes people can still find their way back to the island-by following the trees.
Grammar
Legend has it that the owners offered them a million dollar bonus if they finished in 90 days of less.
according to legend=legend has it that.
According to legend, the owners offered them a million dollar bonus if they finish ed in 90 days or less.
rumor has it=word has it
word=rumor
*Rumor has it that a famous director will be making another movie soon.
*Word has it that the company will be opening a branch office in Europe.
Vocabulary Tips
accessible-可以進入的,可使用的. may get through . access- 進入的,有進入的權利..
*The class website is only accessible for the listed students.
*The village is easily accessible by car or boat.
post-軍隊駐扎, 安排,佈署. 或崗哨
*The chief posted 2 police officers at the eyewitness' home. 佈署了.
*The soldier remained at his post by order. 接到命令..留在他的崗哨上.
*The troops have been posted in the valley for days.駐扎.
transfer- 轉讓,轉變,轉動,調動,改變,轉任. trans- 字根有"超越,通過的意思.
transferred/ transferring= 過去式或現在進行式要+r +ed / +r +ing
*After working 5 years in sales, Lisa was transferred to management.
throng-a very large group of people.
clip-clop-馬蹄聲.
porch-cover structure connected to the door, located to the front of the house.
haul-拖，拉，拖挹. 搬運
*The workers used heavy machinery to haul the car from the lake.
*We tried to haul the heavy stones away from the road. 拖走,拉走
*A truck hauled the boxes away from the dock.搬走
incentive-give a bonus or an award , cause people to be motivated and willing to put afford to it.獎勵, 或是鼓勵人去做某事的動機.
*The company offers a high bonus as an incentive for employees to work harder.
*There's little incentive for people to save money when the interest rate is so low. 沒什麽勁道。。。
legend-傳説，傳奇故事。
*The movie is based on a Chinese legend.根據中國人的傳奇故事
legend has it + that-傳説是。（過去很久以前的流傳）
*Legend has it that Zorro was a good guy who robbed the rich to help the poor.
rumor/word has it + that (最近流傳的）
draft horse-very very large and strong horse.
steep-sharp and high in climb, hard to get up.陡峭的
Chat Room
commercial (n)-廣告,尤指"電視廣告"
commercial (adj.)-sale and buy things, making profit.商業性的
commercial fishermen-商業漁民
commercial success- business is making profit.在商業上有成就的,賺錢的有營收的
profit- 賺錢的有營收的making revenue
non-profit organization-非營業組織(機構)
charity 慈善機構is a non-profit organization.
---------------------------------------
horse-馬
horse power-馬力
hold your horses-勒住你的馬，穩住，等一等，少安毋躁。（來自于西部牛仔騎馬叫對方等一下）horse 要用複數。horses.
charley horse-cramp in the leg part.腳抽筋，指腿部的抽筋。
cramp-抽筋
I could eat a horse.-肚子太餓了， 就可以說“I could eat a horse" 餓得可以吞下一匹馬。
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Long Time No See, My Dear Friends!
我的摯友們，好久不見！It’s good to be home again Luke comes home and sees his friends again. by Luke Wang
It had been a long time since I had seen my friends - I missed all of them so much. So in order to find out about their lives and experiences in college, I decided to step into their shoes. I visited six different universities in Taipei, and I also joined a few classes with my friends. Walking around their universities, I felt like a Taipei college student. The schools' cultures were so different from mine in California. The students in Taipei have such colorful and exciting lives compared with my life in the states.
Although I did not have the full experience of their classes, I feel Asian students learn differently than American students. In the States, we have papers, group projects, formal presentations and research, which help students develop the ability to learn by themselves. After being back for a month, I find myself experiencing reverse culture shock. But I am slowly readjusting to my home culture.
Colleges here have just begun their summer break. My friends and I are planning to visit some different places around the island. I am excited about my journey and am enjoying the presence of friends and family.
Grammar
After being back for a month, I found myself experiencing reverse culture shock.
After + verb-ing, subject finds oneself + verb-ing.
It's a great pattern that describe someone is doing something or going through something after they have experienced something.
After exercising regularly for two months, Jody found herself enjoying her workout sessions.
Tyler usually likes to eat spaghetti, but after having spaghetti every night for a whole week, he found himself feeling sick and tired of it.
Vocabulary Tips
step into somebody's shoes-踏入別人的鞋子裏，意即“同感身受”。也指“接替別人的工作”
*When he saw the homeless man on the streets he briefly stepped into his shoes and decided to give him some money.
*After James left the job, Greg stepped into his shoes and did a wonderful job.接替別人的工作
reverse-相反的，反向的 re- 有“回來” "back"的意思。
*If you do the procedure in reverse sequence, you will shut down the whole computer system.程序倒過來做。。
*The reverse side of the coat was lined with silk. 反面。。裏層是絲的
readjust-重新調适 re- 再一次，重新開始 adjust-調适，調整
*After Ricky moved to the suburbs, he took some time to readjust his lifestyle.他花了好一段時間去重新調适他的生活方式。
*Students need help in readjusting after a long summer vacation.
colorful and exciting-多彩多姿
culture shock- facing different culture and cause you had confused
Chat Room
story-故事
"Long Time No See, My Dear Friends! " is the title of the story.
long time no see- 好久不見的意思，是中國人說的英語，不是正當的說法但是已很普遍被使用。
to make a long story short-長話短説，簡要的說。
story-事情的原委
It's a long story-説來話長，不太想提及。
It had been a long time since I had seen my friends - I missed all of them so much. So in order to find out about their lives and experiences in college, I decided to step into their shoes. I visited six different universities in Taipei, and I also joined a few classes with my friends. Walking around their universities, I felt like a Taipei college student. The schools' cultures were so different from mine in California. The students in Taipei have such colorful and exciting lives compared with my life in the states.
Although I did not have the full experience of their classes, I feel Asian students learn differently than American students. In the States, we have papers, group projects, formal presentations and research, which help students develop the ability to learn by themselves. After being back for a month, I find myself experiencing reverse culture shock. But I am slowly readjusting to my home culture.
Colleges here have just begun their summer break. My friends and I are planning to visit some different places around the island. I am excited about my journey and am enjoying the presence of friends and family.
Grammar
After being back for a month, I found myself experiencing reverse culture shock.
After + verb-ing, subject finds oneself + verb-ing.
It's a great pattern that describe someone is doing something or going through something after they have experienced something.
After exercising regularly for two months, Jody found herself enjoying her workout sessions.
Tyler usually likes to eat spaghetti, but after having spaghetti every night for a whole week, he found himself feeling sick and tired of it.
Vocabulary Tips
step into somebody's shoes-踏入別人的鞋子裏，意即“同感身受”。也指“接替別人的工作”
*When he saw the homeless man on the streets he briefly stepped into his shoes and decided to give him some money.
*After James left the job, Greg stepped into his shoes and did a wonderful job.接替別人的工作
reverse-相反的，反向的 re- 有“回來” "back"的意思。
*If you do the procedure in reverse sequence, you will shut down the whole computer system.程序倒過來做。。
*The reverse side of the coat was lined with silk. 反面。。裏層是絲的
readjust-重新調适 re- 再一次，重新開始 adjust-調适，調整
*After Ricky moved to the suburbs, he took some time to readjust his lifestyle.他花了好一段時間去重新調适他的生活方式。
*Students need help in readjusting after a long summer vacation.
colorful and exciting-多彩多姿
culture shock- facing different culture and cause you had confused
Chat Room
story-故事
"Long Time No See, My Dear Friends! " is the title of the story.
long time no see- 好久不見的意思，是中國人說的英語，不是正當的說法但是已很普遍被使用。
to make a long story short-長話短説，簡要的說。
story-事情的原委
It's a long story-説來話長，不太想提及。
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Life With Louisa
小婦人的真實人生Life became fiction for American author Louisa May Alcott 路易莎?梅?愛爾考特的暢銷小說《小婦人》靈感來源就是家庭Family was the inspiration for Louisa May Alcott’s best-selling novels. by Chelsea Ewald.
Many notable authors dig deep into their imaginations or search far and wide to find inspiration for their stories. Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888), however, didn't have to look much further than her family.
Growing up
The second of four daughters born to Amos Bronson and Abigail May Alcott. Louisa had a childhood that was far from typical. She and her three sisters, Anna, Elizabeth and May, were educated by their deeply philosophical father and raised to practice "plain living and high thinking." Simplicity came in the form of communal living, where Alcott learned to abstain from eating meat and animal products, drink only water, and bathe in unheated water.
As for high thinking, Alcott was regularly enlightened by family friends and American literary greats Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Frequent visits to Emerson's vast library walks into nature with Thoreau and intellectual insight from Hawthorne inspired and influenced Alcott a great deal. Surrounded by such passionate and knowledgeable authors Alcott developed an early love for writing. With her rich imagination, this self-proclaimed tomboy penned stories she and her sisters would later act out for friends.
When poverty began to plague her family, 15-year-old Alcott pledged to help, proclaiming, " I'll be rich and famous and happy before I die, see if I won't !" Determined to keep her promise to help her family, Alcott began contributing to the family's income almost immediately. To do so, she worked as a teacher, seamstress and servant, all the while continuing to write. When the American Civil War broke out, Alcott enlisted as a nurse. One year later, Hospital Sketches (1863) was published detailing her experiences and propelling Alcott into the limelight.
More Information
The Alcott moved 22 times in nearly 30 years but finally settled in Concord. Massachusetts, in a home that they called Orchard House. They lived there from 1858 to 1877 during which time Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women. Today, people can visit this home that inspired the setting of the famed book and learn more about the Alcott family.
Little Women
When her publisher requested that Alcott write a book for girls, the 35-year-old author penned Little Women (1868). What would quickly become her most famous novel, Little Women is a fictional piece based on the lives of Alcott and her family. Alcott's life is represented by the novel's strong-willed and independent protagonist Jo March. Throughout the novel, Jo and her sisters enjoy exciting adventures together, no doubt similar to what Alcott would have experienced with her sisters.
Today, Alcott's life continues to live on through her fiction. Little Women's is now considered a classic and has even gone on to inspire several film adaptations along the way.
Grammar
The second of four daughters born to Amos Bronson and Abigail May Alcott. Louisa had childhood that was far from typical.
The second of four daughters.....
Tim is the youngest of three sons in his family.
Sharon is the third of five children in her family.
Vocabulary Tips
notable-somebody is well-expected by her repetition. remarkable.顯著的，著名的。
*Getting both countries to cease fire was one of the U.N.'s notable achievements.停戰。。顯著的功績。
*The museum is notable for its complete collection of famous impressionists.
abstain-戒除，避開 don't do it or avoid. abstain from- 戒除什麽。
*He admitted himself into a rehab center in order to abstain from alcohol.
*The doctor told him to abstain from excessive exercise.避免運動過量。
self-proclaimed-自命，自許，自稱 self-自己 proclaim-宣稱。
*The self-proclaimed speed-reading genius made a fortune by selling DVDs.速讀天才，賺了好多錢。。
*Josh is a self-proclaimed expert in management.自許是管理專家。
philosophical-study of human life.人生哲學。
fiction novel.
plain living and high thinking-物資 生活簡單，注重精神層面.
communal- share in common, share what you have with others.與人共用.
enlightened- educated and gain understanding.
intellectual- make brain start.
tomboy- a girl who acts as a boy.
plague-瘟疫，此指折磨，困擾。
* The disease began to plague the girl when she was just a baby.
*My brother has been plaguing me all weekend. 煩擾。
* Cindy's knee injury plagued her for years.受苦
enlist-使列于表中，入伍，徴募，徵召。
*Both brothers enlisted in the marines and had great success.
adapt-更換，改變，改編。
*The panda's adaption to the new zoo has been quite difficult.
adaptation-改編，改寫。。
*The movie is actually an adaptation of a famous sci-fi book.
Chat Room
dig-挖掘。調查。
dig deep-挖深，仔細尋找，探索。(1. slowly and carefully to seeking. 2 dig deep to give (money)away to give help.
to dig around-到處調查。
dig a hole for yourself-使自己陷入困境。
dig himself out of the hole-脫離困境。
---------------------------------
Protagonist-劇中或小説中的主角
antagonist-戲劇中或是小説中主角的對手。
plot-小説，電影裏的情節。
lose the plot-跟不上情節，掉掉了。
Many notable authors dig deep into their imaginations or search far and wide to find inspiration for their stories. Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888), however, didn't have to look much further than her family.
Growing up
The second of four daughters born to Amos Bronson and Abigail May Alcott. Louisa had a childhood that was far from typical. She and her three sisters, Anna, Elizabeth and May, were educated by their deeply philosophical father and raised to practice "plain living and high thinking." Simplicity came in the form of communal living, where Alcott learned to abstain from eating meat and animal products, drink only water, and bathe in unheated water.
As for high thinking, Alcott was regularly enlightened by family friends and American literary greats Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Frequent visits to Emerson's vast library walks into nature with Thoreau and intellectual insight from Hawthorne inspired and influenced Alcott a great deal. Surrounded by such passionate and knowledgeable authors Alcott developed an early love for writing. With her rich imagination, this self-proclaimed tomboy penned stories she and her sisters would later act out for friends.
When poverty began to plague her family, 15-year-old Alcott pledged to help, proclaiming, " I'll be rich and famous and happy before I die, see if I won't !" Determined to keep her promise to help her family, Alcott began contributing to the family's income almost immediately. To do so, she worked as a teacher, seamstress and servant, all the while continuing to write. When the American Civil War broke out, Alcott enlisted as a nurse. One year later, Hospital Sketches (1863) was published detailing her experiences and propelling Alcott into the limelight.
More Information
The Alcott moved 22 times in nearly 30 years but finally settled in Concord. Massachusetts, in a home that they called Orchard House. They lived there from 1858 to 1877 during which time Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women. Today, people can visit this home that inspired the setting of the famed book and learn more about the Alcott family.
Little Women
When her publisher requested that Alcott write a book for girls, the 35-year-old author penned Little Women (1868). What would quickly become her most famous novel, Little Women is a fictional piece based on the lives of Alcott and her family. Alcott's life is represented by the novel's strong-willed and independent protagonist Jo March. Throughout the novel, Jo and her sisters enjoy exciting adventures together, no doubt similar to what Alcott would have experienced with her sisters.
Today, Alcott's life continues to live on through her fiction. Little Women's is now considered a classic and has even gone on to inspire several film adaptations along the way.
Grammar
The second of four daughters born to Amos Bronson and Abigail May Alcott. Louisa had childhood that was far from typical.
The second of four daughters.....
Tim is the youngest of three sons in his family.
Sharon is the third of five children in her family.
Vocabulary Tips
notable-somebody is well-expected by her repetition. remarkable.顯著的，著名的。
*Getting both countries to cease fire was one of the U.N.'s notable achievements.停戰。。顯著的功績。
*The museum is notable for its complete collection of famous impressionists.
abstain-戒除，避開 don't do it or avoid. abstain from- 戒除什麽。
*He admitted himself into a rehab center in order to abstain from alcohol.
*The doctor told him to abstain from excessive exercise.避免運動過量。
self-proclaimed-自命，自許，自稱 self-自己 proclaim-宣稱。
*The self-proclaimed speed-reading genius made a fortune by selling DVDs.速讀天才，賺了好多錢。。
*Josh is a self-proclaimed expert in management.自許是管理專家。
philosophical-study of human life.人生哲學。
fiction novel.
plain living and high thinking-物資 生活簡單，注重精神層面.
communal- share in common, share what you have with others.與人共用.
enlightened- educated and gain understanding.
intellectual- make brain start.
tomboy- a girl who acts as a boy.
plague-瘟疫，此指折磨，困擾。
* The disease began to plague the girl when she was just a baby.
*My brother has been plaguing me all weekend. 煩擾。
* Cindy's knee injury plagued her for years.受苦
enlist-使列于表中，入伍，徴募，徵召。
*Both brothers enlisted in the marines and had great success.
adapt-更換，改變，改編。
*The panda's adaption to the new zoo has been quite difficult.
adaptation-改編，改寫。。
*The movie is actually an adaptation of a famous sci-fi book.
Chat Room
dig-挖掘。調查。
dig deep-挖深，仔細尋找，探索。(1. slowly and carefully to seeking. 2 dig deep to give (money)away to give help.
to dig around-到處調查。
dig a hole for yourself-使自己陷入困境。
dig himself out of the hole-脫離困境。
---------------------------------
Protagonist-劇中或小説中的主角
antagonist-戲劇中或是小説中主角的對手。
plot-小説，電影裏的情節。
lose the plot-跟不上情節，掉掉了。
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
When Is a Ring Really a Ring?
能戴又能玩的戒指Do you wear it? Play with it? Or both? by Ruth Devlin
Do you want to own a conversation piece like no other? Then check out the rings made by SouZou Creations. These playful rings show a great deal of creativity-and are just plain fun. Your finger becomes the stage for dipping ice cream, pouring cream into coffee or twisting noodles on a fork.
The creations come from Sofia Molnar, a Canadian living in Japan. It all began about two years ago when Sofia's mother asked for some Japanese miniatures. Sofia bought some for herself as well, but she wasn't sure what to do with them.
She says, " I love jewelry and especially rings, so I just started playing around. I had no intention of anything.... I was just happy to make things like I used to. And then opening SouZou Creations allowed me to sell the things I liked to make. "The rings are pretty popular. People from at least 16 countries have bought them, and the response has been very positive!"
So go ahead and visit Sophia's site. Get a ring and see for yourself!
Grammar
These playful rings show a great deal of creativity-and are just plain fun.
just plain fun--nothing special, not attractive.
plain picture- plain here is mean clearly or obviously.
These playful rings show a great deal of creativity and are obviously fun.
That movie was funny= That movie was just plain funny.
The idea is ridiculous.= The idea is just plain ridiculous.
Vocabulary Tips
twist (v)-轉,扭,搓,卷,曲解,
*The girl kept twisting her handkerchief because she was really nervous.扭卷手帕
*I tried to twist the valve but it was too tight.
*I don't understand why you always twist my words.曲解我的話
miniature-縮樣,縮小的模型縮小的東西, 迷你型mini-袖珍的,微小的型樣.迷你的.
*Charles bought a model of the London Tower in miniature.
*The miniature golf-course is one of the most popular attractions at the amusement park. 吸引人的遊樂, 遊樂場.
intention-意圖,同意 intend(v)-打算要做某件事
*Albert's intentions were good, but unfortunately he was misunderstood.被誤解了
*The owner of the house has no intention of lowering its price.
Chat Room
ring-戒子
engagement ring-訂婚戒子 engaged-訂婚, The 4th finger on the bride's hand. engagement ring or wedding ring should put on the ring finger.
wedding ring/ wedding band.結婚戒子
band-帶子，帶狀物，較寬的戒子。或樂團。
Do you want to own a conversation piece like no other? Then check out the rings made by SouZou Creations. These playful rings show a great deal of creativity-and are just plain fun. Your finger becomes the stage for dipping ice cream, pouring cream into coffee or twisting noodles on a fork.
The creations come from Sofia Molnar, a Canadian living in Japan. It all began about two years ago when Sofia's mother asked for some Japanese miniatures. Sofia bought some for herself as well, but she wasn't sure what to do with them.
She says, " I love jewelry and especially rings, so I just started playing around. I had no intention of anything.... I was just happy to make things like I used to. And then opening SouZou Creations allowed me to sell the things I liked to make. "The rings are pretty popular. People from at least 16 countries have bought them, and the response has been very positive!"
So go ahead and visit Sophia's site. Get a ring and see for yourself!
Grammar
These playful rings show a great deal of creativity-and are just plain fun.
just plain fun--nothing special, not attractive.
plain picture- plain here is mean clearly or obviously.
These playful rings show a great deal of creativity and are obviously fun.
just plain is to say that really is of something, or emphasize how funny is it.
That movie was funny= That movie was just plain funny.
The idea is ridiculous.= The idea is just plain ridiculous.
Vocabulary Tips
twist (v)-轉,扭,搓,卷,曲解,
*The girl kept twisting her handkerchief because she was really nervous.扭卷手帕
*I tried to twist the valve but it was too tight.
*I don't understand why you always twist my words.曲解我的話
miniature-縮樣,縮小的模型縮小的東西, 迷你型mini-袖珍的,微小的型樣.迷你的.
*Charles bought a model of the London Tower in miniature.
*The miniature golf-course is one of the most popular attractions at the amusement park. 吸引人的遊樂, 遊樂場.
intention-意圖,同意 intend(v)-打算要做某件事
*Albert's intentions were good, but unfortunately he was misunderstood.被誤解了
*The owner of the house has no intention of lowering its price.
Chat Room
ring-戒子
engagement ring-訂婚戒子 engaged-訂婚, The 4th finger on the bride's hand. engagement ring or wedding ring should put on the ring finger.
wedding ring/ wedding band.結婚戒子
band-帶子，帶狀物，較寬的戒子。或樂團。
Monday, June 21, 2010
Mount Vesuvius
維蘇威火山會不會再爆發Many wonder if one of the world’s most famous volcanoes will roar to life again. by Pamela Osment
On August 24 of A.D. 79 an earthquake shook Vesuvius just before the top of the mountain burst open and a monstrous cloud shot upward. Ash, stones and pumice showered down upon the frightened citizens of Pompeii. "We also saw the sea sucked away.... from the shore so that quantities of sea creatures were left stranded on dry sand...... [A] fearful black cloud was rent by ... and quivering bursts of flame, and parted to reveal great tongues of fire." Then darkness fell. "You could hear the shrieks of women, the wailing of infants, and the shouting of men. People bewailed their own fate or that of their relatives, and there were some who prayed for death in their terror of dying."
A remarkable account
While this may sound like a terrifying scene from a disaster movie, it's actually an eyewitness account of one of Italy's worst natural disasters. This description of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius marked the very first time a volcanic eruption had been described in detail. In recording the horror of the event, Pliny the Younger, a Roman author, left behind this record that still benefits historians and scientists today.
The eruption
Days before the eruption, residents of Pompeii heard rumblings and experienced several minor earthquakes. Then a huge column of volcanic ash and cinders burst from the mountain and hovered over the area. Hours later the column fell to Earth, showering the city with 400-degree- Celsius ash, gas and debris. Nearly 19 hours after the eruption began, about 3 m (meter) of ash covered practically everything except the tops of Pompeii's highest buildings. In neighboring Herculaneum, a rushing stream of boiling mud covered the town, burying everything under 23 m of ash and mud. The massive volcanic eruption lasted nearly a day and left over 3,000 people dead.
A city frozen in time
The lost cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were forgotten until 1595 when excavations uncovered artifacts from Pompeii. Over a century later, archaeologists found the city almost perfectly preserved, including what remained of hundreds of bodies. The combination of volcanic as, heat, mud and the rain that followed the eruption had buried Pompeii's citizens. Even after the bodies decayed, an imprint of amazing details was left behind in the hardened ash. Archaeologists discovered that by pouring plaster into the opening around a skeleton, a perfect from of the human at the moment of death was revealed.
Vesuvius today
The mountain erupted almost once every century from A.D. 79 until around A.D. 1037. Then it went into a quiet stage for the next 600 years until 1631, when the volcano once again roared to life and killed 4,000 residents. It has remained quiet since 1944, the year of its last eruption. Today 5 million people live in close proximity to Mount Vesuvius, mainland Europe's only active volcano. This makes it the world's deadliest volcano because of the great potential for loss of life in the event of another eruption.
That possibility doesn't deter tourists, though, who flock to see the famous volcano and the beautiful views of the Gulf of Naples. Adventurous visitors hike to the mouth of the active volcano and peer down into its 230-m-deep crater.
These days, Mount Vesuvius is a sleeping giant, and scientists are determined that should an eruption occur, residents won't be caught off guard. With careful monitoring and an evacuation plan in place, scientists hope the story of the terrifying end of Pompeii and Herculaneum will never be repeated.
Grammar
If an eruption should occur, residents won't be caught off guard.
should- take the "if " off, place "should" at the front of the sentence, make the sentence short.(informal situation)
.......should an eruption occur, residents won't be caught off guard.
Should you encounter any problems with the computer, please notify the lab technician.
If you should encounter any problems with the computer, please notify the lab technician.
Should you have any questions, please call the front desk.
If you should have any questions, please call the front desk.
Vocabulary Tips
monstrous-very large or very scary. 巨大的，或是令人害怕的
*The monstrous beast in the movie really scared some of the younger viewers.
*The monstrous stones in the desert became a famous tourist attraction.-旅遊景點
quiver-顫抖，發抖，抖動，shaking slightly.
*Nina's lips quivered and she started to cry when she heard the terrible news.
*The teenagers quivered with excitement when the pop star entered the stage.
*His voice quivered when he mentioned his father who passed away last year.
eruption -爆發 （火山， 事情）erupt-噴出，爆發。
*The eruption of the volcano caused serious damage in the area.
*The eruption of the disease affected millions.
rumbling-隆隆聲，咕嚕咕嚕聲 continue make a low deep sound
*The sudden rumbling of thunder frightened the kids at the park. 雷隆隆聲
*I could hear the rumbling of my own stomach, and it was so embarrassing.肚子咕嚕咕嚕的叫。。。把我弄得好恘，
*The loud rumbling of the race cars' engines signaled the start of the race.
hover-盤旋，或停留在空中。。
*The vulture was hovering above the wounded antelope.禿鷹。。。受傷的羚羊。
*Helicopters hovered in the sky trying to locate the fugitives.逃犯
imprint-痕跡，印， im-是進入的意思 print-印
*The preschool students left imprints of their hands on the garden's cement floor.手印。
*The accident left an imprint of terror in her mind.可怕的痕跡。
proximity-靠近，靠近什麽用“to” near or close the place prox-有靠近的意思
*Proximity to medical facilities is quite important for elderly people.
*The best things about the location of our apartment is its proximity to the supermarket.
deadly-致命的cause people to dead
*The deadly snakes were kept in a cage.籠子
*The scientists found a way to keep the deadly disease from spreading.
*A deadly chemical was found in the drink.
catch somebody off guard (idiom)-趁人不備，使人措手不及。在人沒有心理凖備時。。
*Our boss caught us off guard and showed up at the office suddenly.
*The quarterback caught his opponents off guard and made a touch-down.四分衛
evacuation-evacuate-leaving from or moving out of a danger place.撤離
deter-stop or prevent to do something.
crater- a deep hole.
Chat Room
onomatopoeia -擬人字，如中文的丁丁噹噹，劈里啪啦，嘰咕嘰咕聲
roar-lion
hoot-owl
chirp-bird
bark-dog
meow-cat
purr- when cat is feeling nice and happy.貓在快樂舒服時發出的聲音
hiss-snake
buzz-fly (蒼蠅,飛蟲)
hum-mosquito (蚊子)
-----------------------------
debris- talk about something has been destroyed.碎片，殘骸，（海上廢棄物，太空垃圾）
debris -“s”不發音。（di-bri) 代名詞是“it”而不是“they”
-----------------------------
A.D. /B.C.-Anno Domini / Before Christ 西元， 西元后（主后）
A.D. 1000-西元1000要把A.D. 放在前面。
3000 B.C.-主后， （西元后）3000，要把B.C. 放在后面
On August 24 of A.D. 79 an earthquake shook Vesuvius just before the top of the mountain burst open and a monstrous cloud shot upward. Ash, stones and pumice showered down upon the frightened citizens of Pompeii. "We also saw the sea sucked away.... from the shore so that quantities of sea creatures were left stranded on dry sand...... [A] fearful black cloud was rent by ... and quivering bursts of flame, and parted to reveal great tongues of fire." Then darkness fell. "You could hear the shrieks of women, the wailing of infants, and the shouting of men. People bewailed their own fate or that of their relatives, and there were some who prayed for death in their terror of dying."
A remarkable account
While this may sound like a terrifying scene from a disaster movie, it's actually an eyewitness account of one of Italy's worst natural disasters. This description of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius marked the very first time a volcanic eruption had been described in detail. In recording the horror of the event, Pliny the Younger, a Roman author, left behind this record that still benefits historians and scientists today.
The eruption
Days before the eruption, residents of Pompeii heard rumblings and experienced several minor earthquakes. Then a huge column of volcanic ash and cinders burst from the mountain and hovered over the area. Hours later the column fell to Earth, showering the city with 400-degree- Celsius ash, gas and debris. Nearly 19 hours after the eruption began, about 3 m (meter) of ash covered practically everything except the tops of Pompeii's highest buildings. In neighboring Herculaneum, a rushing stream of boiling mud covered the town, burying everything under 23 m of ash and mud. The massive volcanic eruption lasted nearly a day and left over 3,000 people dead.
A city frozen in time
The lost cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were forgotten until 1595 when excavations uncovered artifacts from Pompeii. Over a century later, archaeologists found the city almost perfectly preserved, including what remained of hundreds of bodies. The combination of volcanic as, heat, mud and the rain that followed the eruption had buried Pompeii's citizens. Even after the bodies decayed, an imprint of amazing details was left behind in the hardened ash. Archaeologists discovered that by pouring plaster into the opening around a skeleton, a perfect from of the human at the moment of death was revealed.
Vesuvius today
The mountain erupted almost once every century from A.D. 79 until around A.D. 1037. Then it went into a quiet stage for the next 600 years until 1631, when the volcano once again roared to life and killed 4,000 residents. It has remained quiet since 1944, the year of its last eruption. Today 5 million people live in close proximity to Mount Vesuvius, mainland Europe's only active volcano. This makes it the world's deadliest volcano because of the great potential for loss of life in the event of another eruption.
That possibility doesn't deter tourists, though, who flock to see the famous volcano and the beautiful views of the Gulf of Naples. Adventurous visitors hike to the mouth of the active volcano and peer down into its 230-m-deep crater.
These days, Mount Vesuvius is a sleeping giant, and scientists are determined that should an eruption occur, residents won't be caught off guard. With careful monitoring and an evacuation plan in place, scientists hope the story of the terrifying end of Pompeii and Herculaneum will never be repeated.
Grammar
If an eruption should occur, residents won't be caught off guard.
should- take the "if " off, place "should" at the front of the sentence, make the sentence short.(informal situation)
.......should an eruption occur, residents won't be caught off guard.
Should you encounter any problems with the computer, please notify the lab technician.
If you should encounter any problems with the computer, please notify the lab technician.
Should you have any questions, please call the front desk.
If you should have any questions, please call the front desk.
Vocabulary Tips
monstrous-very large or very scary. 巨大的，或是令人害怕的
*The monstrous beast in the movie really scared some of the younger viewers.
*The monstrous stones in the desert became a famous tourist attraction.-旅遊景點
quiver-顫抖，發抖，抖動，shaking slightly.
*Nina's lips quivered and she started to cry when she heard the terrible news.
*The teenagers quivered with excitement when the pop star entered the stage.
*His voice quivered when he mentioned his father who passed away last year.
eruption -爆發 （火山， 事情）erupt-噴出，爆發。
*The eruption of the volcano caused serious damage in the area.
*The eruption of the disease affected millions.
rumbling-隆隆聲，咕嚕咕嚕聲 continue make a low deep sound
*The sudden rumbling of thunder frightened the kids at the park. 雷隆隆聲
*I could hear the rumbling of my own stomach, and it was so embarrassing.肚子咕嚕咕嚕的叫。。。把我弄得好恘，
*The loud rumbling of the race cars' engines signaled the start of the race.
hover-盤旋，或停留在空中。。
*The vulture was hovering above the wounded antelope.禿鷹。。。受傷的羚羊。
*Helicopters hovered in the sky trying to locate the fugitives.逃犯
imprint-痕跡，印， im-是進入的意思 print-印
*The preschool students left imprints of their hands on the garden's cement floor.手印。
*The accident left an imprint of terror in her mind.可怕的痕跡。
proximity-靠近，靠近什麽用“to” near or close the place prox-有靠近的意思
*Proximity to medical facilities is quite important for elderly people.
*The best things about the location of our apartment is its proximity to the supermarket.
deadly-致命的cause people to dead
*The deadly snakes were kept in a cage.籠子
*The scientists found a way to keep the deadly disease from spreading.
*A deadly chemical was found in the drink.
catch somebody off guard (idiom)-趁人不備，使人措手不及。在人沒有心理凖備時。。
*Our boss caught us off guard and showed up at the office suddenly.
*The quarterback caught his opponents off guard and made a touch-down.四分衛
evacuation-evacuate-leaving from or moving out of a danger place.撤離
deter-stop or prevent to do something.
crater- a deep hole.
Chat Room
onomatopoeia -擬人字，如中文的丁丁噹噹，劈里啪啦，嘰咕嘰咕聲
roar-lion
hoot-owl
chirp-bird
bark-dog
meow-cat
purr- when cat is feeling nice and happy.貓在快樂舒服時發出的聲音
hiss-snake
buzz-fly (蒼蠅,飛蟲)
hum-mosquito (蚊子)
-----------------------------
debris- talk about something has been destroyed.碎片，殘骸，（海上廢棄物，太空垃圾）
debris -“s”不發音。（di-bri) 代名詞是“it”而不是“they”
-----------------------------
A.D. /B.C.-Anno Domini / Before Christ 西元， 西元后（主后）
A.D. 1000-西元1000要把A.D. 放在前面。
3000 B.C.-主后， （西元后）3000，要把B.C. 放在后面
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Internet Addiction
你對網路上癮了嗎？Spending too much time online? You might be addicted. by Bryan Hagerla
For most people these days, going online requires little effort. But leaving the Internet can be another story. For some, the act of going online is addicting, and they find it hard to log off and return to everyday life.
Ben Alexander realized he had a problem after he found himself playing the online game World of Warcraft more than 16 hours a day. Not long after flunking out of college, Alexander decided to check himself into reSTART, the first rehab center in America devoted to treating Internet addicts. During his 45-day fast from the Internet, Alexander spent most of his time exercising and learning real-world skills such as cooking and camping.
Online gamers, however, aren't the only people who can develop an Internet addiction. People who spend time gambling online, visiting social websites or even using online retail sites can all develop addictions. The reason is because each of these online activities stimulates a part of the brain that releases dopamine. This chemical, which produces pleasant feelings, is linked not only to Internet addiction but also to other types of non-Internet addictions. So what distinguishes an Internet addict from a casual surfer?
One of several distinctions is that a person who has an Internet addiction usually becomes angry or depressed when denied access to the Internet. In contrast, a casual surfer can usually switch to offline activities without such angst. Although Internet addiction still isn't labeled as a disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, many therapists are pressing the organization to do so. They hope that more addicts can receive professional treatment. Several Asian countries, on the other hand, have already labeled Internet addiction a serious health problem and have taken steps to address it.
China has required local gaming companies to penalize gamers who play online for more than three hours a day by cutting their points in half. And both China and Korea have created boot camps where addicts are denied Internet access for extended periods. In order to prevent an addiction from forming, all Internet users should take steps to limit their online activity and instead invest in real-world activities and relationships. Any time that Internet activity begins to threaten grades, jobs or relationships, it's time to log off and pull the plug.
More Information
Here are a few sighs that your computer is taking control of your life:
*You neglect friends and family.
*You feel restless when you're not engaged in some online activity.
*You're computer use is interfering with your job or school performance.
*You feel guilty, ashamed, anxious or depressed as a result of your behavior.
*Your sleep patterns are changing.
Grammar
But leaving the Internet can be another story.
another story= a different subject = a different matter.
another story=different story.
Sarah and Sally are identical twin sisters. Sarah is very organized and efficient in her work. Sally i s another story.
Going up the mountain in the late afternoon wasn't hard for me, coming down in the dark was a different story.
Vocabulary Tips
addiction-上癮，成癮 addict-使上癮，使着迷，使沉迷。
*The once-famous singer was admitted to the hospital for her drug addiction. 曾經走紅的。。住進，進了。。。
*His addiction to alcohol ruined his life.
fast (adj)-快。 fast (n)-禁戒時期，禁戒。
*The immigrants began a week-long fast (n) to protest racial discrimination at their work places. 一個星期的禁食。
* Mark fasted (v) for a whole week and eventually collapsed from hunger. 禁食。。昏倒。
retail-零售
*The company owns over 15 retail outlets on the West coast.零售商店。
*The retail price of this camera is around $400.零售價格
wholesale-批發
wholesale price.-批發價格
rehab (rehabilitation) center-修復，復建中心
angst-焦慮與不安。
*The angst of waiting for the test results was so great that she left the hospital to walk off her worry. 焦慮太大。。。以走路來消除憂慮（擔心）
*She tried to temper her angst by thinking positively.
penalize- 処以懲治，懲罰。pen-由處罰的意思。
*The new law will penalize businesses that treat minorities unfairly.少數族裔。
*The basketball player was penalized for pushing another player.
pull the plug (idiom)-把插銷（頭）拔出來（掉）。延伸意思是“終止某件事的進行”。終止什麽事的進行用"on"
*Due to low ratings, the TV station pulled the plug on the program. 停止了。。
*The professor decided to pull the plug on his research project because of insufficient funds.
Chat Room
going online requires little effort.
little effort / a little effort (有一些，positive and happy/ 幾乎一點也沒有（很負面，negative, and unhappy)
I have little money- 我沒什麽錢，我的錢根本不夠有等於無。（負面的思維）。
I have a little money.-我有一些（點）錢。（正面思維）
few/ a few- （很少幾個 / 雖很少但是還是有幾個）。
Few friends cam to see him. 很少幾個。。來看我。（他很失望，負面的思維）
A few friends came to see him.- 有幾個。。。（很高興，正面思維）
---------------------------
addiction ：
substance addiction -addict to drug, alcohol or cigarette.
process addiction- addict to shopping, eating or gambling.
---------------------------
surfing-衝浪，搜尋。
30 years ago, "surfing" 衝浪is simply means a person stand on a board, the board jumping up and down on the wave of the sea. .
1980's- the TV remote control 遙控器was created, "surfing" word is using on "change channels " from one channel to another channel.
80年代，使用遙控器不斷的變換電視頻道,搜尋自己喜歡的節目.
1990's- the Internet came out, "surfing" word is applying to change and searching the web pages.
"channel surfing" or "web surfing" -
90 年代，在電腦網路上，隨意搜尋資料，迅速的瀏覽不同網站。
"channel surfing" and " web surfing" -雖都是正當的行爲。"surfing" 是無目的的搜尋，轉換頻道， 讓人覺得是一种懶惰，無所事事，消磨時間的負面印象。
For most people these days, going online requires little effort. But leaving the Internet can be another story. For some, the act of going online is addicting, and they find it hard to log off and return to everyday life.
Ben Alexander realized he had a problem after he found himself playing the online game World of Warcraft more than 16 hours a day. Not long after flunking out of college, Alexander decided to check himself into reSTART, the first rehab center in America devoted to treating Internet addicts. During his 45-day fast from the Internet, Alexander spent most of his time exercising and learning real-world skills such as cooking and camping.
Online gamers, however, aren't the only people who can develop an Internet addiction. People who spend time gambling online, visiting social websites or even using online retail sites can all develop addictions. The reason is because each of these online activities stimulates a part of the brain that releases dopamine. This chemical, which produces pleasant feelings, is linked not only to Internet addiction but also to other types of non-Internet addictions. So what distinguishes an Internet addict from a casual surfer?
One of several distinctions is that a person who has an Internet addiction usually becomes angry or depressed when denied access to the Internet. In contrast, a casual surfer can usually switch to offline activities without such angst. Although Internet addiction still isn't labeled as a disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, many therapists are pressing the organization to do so. They hope that more addicts can receive professional treatment. Several Asian countries, on the other hand, have already labeled Internet addiction a serious health problem and have taken steps to address it.
China has required local gaming companies to penalize gamers who play online for more than three hours a day by cutting their points in half. And both China and Korea have created boot camps where addicts are denied Internet access for extended periods. In order to prevent an addiction from forming, all Internet users should take steps to limit their online activity and instead invest in real-world activities and relationships. Any time that Internet activity begins to threaten grades, jobs or relationships, it's time to log off and pull the plug.
More Information
Here are a few sighs that your computer is taking control of your life:
*You neglect friends and family.
*You feel restless when you're not engaged in some online activity.
*You're computer use is interfering with your job or school performance.
*You feel guilty, ashamed, anxious or depressed as a result of your behavior.
*Your sleep patterns are changing.
Grammar
But leaving the Internet can be another story.
another story= a different subject = a different matter.
another story=different story.
Sarah and Sally are identical twin sisters. Sarah is very organized and efficient in her work. Sally i s another story.
Going up the mountain in the late afternoon wasn't hard for me, coming down in the dark was a different story.
Vocabulary Tips
addiction-上癮，成癮 addict-使上癮，使着迷，使沉迷。
*The once-famous singer was admitted to the hospital for her drug addiction. 曾經走紅的。。住進，進了。。。
*His addiction to alcohol ruined his life.
fast (adj)-快。 fast (n)-禁戒時期，禁戒。
*The immigrants began a week-long fast (n) to protest racial discrimination at their work places. 一個星期的禁食。
* Mark fasted (v) for a whole week and eventually collapsed from hunger. 禁食。。昏倒。
retail-零售
*The company owns over 15 retail outlets on the West coast.零售商店。
*The retail price of this camera is around $400.零售價格
wholesale-批發
wholesale price.-批發價格
rehab (rehabilitation) center-修復，復建中心
angst-焦慮與不安。
*The angst of waiting for the test results was so great that she left the hospital to walk off her worry. 焦慮太大。。。以走路來消除憂慮（擔心）
*She tried to temper her angst by thinking positively.
penalize- 処以懲治，懲罰。pen-由處罰的意思。
*The new law will penalize businesses that treat minorities unfairly.少數族裔。
*The basketball player was penalized for pushing another player.
pull the plug (idiom)-把插銷（頭）拔出來（掉）。延伸意思是“終止某件事的進行”。終止什麽事的進行用"on"
*Due to low ratings, the TV station pulled the plug on the program. 停止了。。
*The professor decided to pull the plug on his research project because of insufficient funds.
Chat Room
going online requires little effort.
little effort / a little effort (有一些，positive and happy/ 幾乎一點也沒有（很負面，negative, and unhappy)
I have little money- 我沒什麽錢，我的錢根本不夠有等於無。（負面的思維）。
I have a little money.-我有一些（點）錢。（正面思維）
few/ a few- （很少幾個 / 雖很少但是還是有幾個）。
Few friends cam to see him. 很少幾個。。來看我。（他很失望，負面的思維）
A few friends came to see him.- 有幾個。。。（很高興，正面思維）
---------------------------
addiction ：
substance addiction -addict to drug, alcohol or cigarette.
process addiction- addict to shopping, eating or gambling.
---------------------------
surfing-衝浪，搜尋。
30 years ago, "surfing" 衝浪is simply means a person stand on a board, the board jumping up and down on the wave of the sea. .
1980's- the TV remote control 遙控器was created, "surfing" word is using on "change channels " from one channel to another channel.
80年代，使用遙控器不斷的變換電視頻道,搜尋自己喜歡的節目.
1990's- the Internet came out, "surfing" word is applying to change and searching the web pages.
"channel surfing" or "web surfing" -
90 年代，在電腦網路上，隨意搜尋資料，迅速的瀏覽不同網站。
"channel surfing" and " web surfing" -雖都是正當的行爲。"surfing" 是無目的的搜尋，轉換頻道， 讓人覺得是一种懶惰，無所事事，消磨時間的負面印象。
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Co-working
同辦公室，不同老闆！With co-working, working for yourself doesn’t have to be lonely有了共用辦公室，獨立工作者就不會再寂寞了Finding the best of both worlds. by Simon Stopps
Brad Neuberg really liked the freedom of being self-employed. But he missed the social interaction with others in an office. In the Past, people like Neuberg often "got out" by working in coffee shops. But Neuberg wanted more. He wanted the established community of a company without having to work for one.
To solve his problem, Neuberg started San Francisco's first co-working space, Spiral Muse, in 2005. The idea was to have a group of people share a workspace. But unlike employees of a company, the co-workers would continue to work independently. They would share an office but run their own businesses and projects. The idea quickly took off. Today there are co-working groups all over the world. Co-working has proved suitable for people from a wide range of professions. Groups often include large numbers of computer programmers, writers and designers. But the trend has also attracted accountants, lawyers and people who run small businesses.
The idea of sharing workspace is not new. Struggling artists and writers have shared work spaces for years. Most cities also have business centers that offer short-term office rentals to business people. Co-working is unique because the focus is on getting people involved in a community of workers. With this in mind, co-working groups often host social and professional development events. While community is an important part of co-working, there are other benefits too.
Offices are often open 24 hours a day, so members can set their own schedules. Co-working also allows members to use facilities-like conference rooms-that aren't available to people working from home. It is also very affordable. Sharing space and costs helps co-working groups save their members money.
Co-working lets people stop working at a company office without losing the social interaction of the workplace. It gives independent workers the best of both worlds.
Grammar
It gives independent workers the best of both worlds.
the best of both worlds- enjoying or having the benefits from two seemingly opposite choices or situations.
the best of both worlds-
Leann works from home, this allows her to have the best of both worlds since she has bills to pay and a two-year old to take care of.
Janice has signed up for a program that gives her the best of both worlds; she can work and travel at the same time.
Vocabulary Tips
self-employed-被自己雇用，即“自營的”，“個體經營”。 self-自己employ-雇用。
*Susan is a self-employed physical therapist.
*Sometimes you pay fewer taxes if you're self-employed.
interaction-互動 inter-彼此之間 action-行動。
*These ice-breaker activities are designed to increase the interaction between trainees.互動
*The teacher's interaction with parents is getting better.和。。之間的互動
employee-雇員，雇用的人。employ-雇用 "ee"-被如何如何的人。
*The company has over 1000 employees.
employer-雇主，老闆。"er" -專職的人，什麽什麽的人。
*Quincy's former employer wanted him to go back to work for him.
struggling (adj)-奮鬥中的，苦撐的。struggle-奮鬥，努力爭扎。
*Samantha is a struggling actress who also works as a part-time babysitter.
*Young struggling writers love to talk about their ideas at the cafe.
facility-設備，設施，建築，a building inside has a lot of spaces for different purpose let people to use.
*The hospital's facilities are getting old and need to be rebuilt.
*The resort is famous for its top-of-the-line sports facilities.頂級的
affordable -可以買得起的，能負擔得起的 afford-買的起，負擔的起。
*You can find really nice appliances with affordable prices here. 家電
*We're looking for a house with an affordable price.
rent (n)-rental, rent (v) -you pay something to use it, it's belongs to someone, you are not owned it.
schedule-a list of activities you need to do for future days.
Chat Room
co-worker-同事。一起工作的人。用在日常談話聊天的時候。
colleague-同事（演説，正式會議上，較正式的用語）同等職位，職權，職業的人。不一定是同公司的人，但卻是屬同業的人士。share the same profession. 不同大學的物理教授，彼此之間，互稱對方為colleague.
co-worker / colleague （較正式）
doctor/physician（較正式）
lawyer/ attorney （較正式）
----------------------
名詞當動詞用
host (n) -(to) host -主持人。。主持。。。
teacher (n) - teach 老師。。教學
driver (v) - drive 駕駛員。。 開車
writer (v)- write 作家。。寫作
engineer (v)-engineer 工程師。。。設計策劃。。
注意: doctor, police. 當動詞用時，有特殊的意思。
doctor (n)醫生。 doctor (v)- 任意更改，篡改，動手腳 在報告或是文件上。
He doctored the report.- 他篡改了報告。
police (n)-警察。police (v)- to police a place.-維持一個地方的治安，整頓一個地方。
Brad Neuberg really liked the freedom of being self-employed. But he missed the social interaction with others in an office. In the Past, people like Neuberg often "got out" by working in coffee shops. But Neuberg wanted more. He wanted the established community of a company without having to work for one.
To solve his problem, Neuberg started San Francisco's first co-working space, Spiral Muse, in 2005. The idea was to have a group of people share a workspace. But unlike employees of a company, the co-workers would continue to work independently. They would share an office but run their own businesses and projects. The idea quickly took off. Today there are co-working groups all over the world. Co-working has proved suitable for people from a wide range of professions. Groups often include large numbers of computer programmers, writers and designers. But the trend has also attracted accountants, lawyers and people who run small businesses.
The idea of sharing workspace is not new. Struggling artists and writers have shared work spaces for years. Most cities also have business centers that offer short-term office rentals to business people. Co-working is unique because the focus is on getting people involved in a community of workers. With this in mind, co-working groups often host social and professional development events. While community is an important part of co-working, there are other benefits too.
Offices are often open 24 hours a day, so members can set their own schedules. Co-working also allows members to use facilities-like conference rooms-that aren't available to people working from home. It is also very affordable. Sharing space and costs helps co-working groups save their members money.
Co-working lets people stop working at a company office without losing the social interaction of the workplace. It gives independent workers the best of both worlds.
Grammar
It gives independent workers the best of both worlds.
the best of both worlds- enjoying or having the benefits from two seemingly opposite choices or situations.
the best of both worlds-
Leann works from home, this allows her to have the best of both worlds since she has bills to pay and a two-year old to take care of.
Janice has signed up for a program that gives her the best of both worlds; she can work and travel at the same time.
Vocabulary Tips
self-employed-被自己雇用，即“自營的”，“個體經營”。 self-自己employ-雇用。
*Susan is a self-employed physical therapist.
*Sometimes you pay fewer taxes if you're self-employed.
interaction-互動 inter-彼此之間 action-行動。
*These ice-breaker activities are designed to increase the interaction between trainees.互動
*The teacher's interaction with parents is getting better.和。。之間的互動
employee-雇員，雇用的人。employ-雇用 "ee"-被如何如何的人。
*The company has over 1000 employees.
employer-雇主，老闆。"er" -專職的人，什麽什麽的人。
*Quincy's former employer wanted him to go back to work for him.
struggling (adj)-奮鬥中的，苦撐的。struggle-奮鬥，努力爭扎。
*Samantha is a struggling actress who also works as a part-time babysitter.
*Young struggling writers love to talk about their ideas at the cafe.
facility-設備，設施，建築，a building inside has a lot of spaces for different purpose let people to use.
*The hospital's facilities are getting old and need to be rebuilt.
*The resort is famous for its top-of-the-line sports facilities.頂級的
affordable -可以買得起的，能負擔得起的 afford-買的起，負擔的起。
*You can find really nice appliances with affordable prices here. 家電
*We're looking for a house with an affordable price.
rent (n)-rental, rent (v) -you pay something to use it, it's belongs to someone, you are not owned it.
schedule-a list of activities you need to do for future days.
Chat Room
co-worker-同事。一起工作的人。用在日常談話聊天的時候。
colleague-同事（演説，正式會議上，較正式的用語）同等職位，職權，職業的人。不一定是同公司的人，但卻是屬同業的人士。share the same profession. 不同大學的物理教授，彼此之間，互稱對方為colleague.
co-worker / colleague （較正式）
doctor/physician（較正式）
lawyer/ attorney （較正式）
----------------------
名詞當動詞用
host (n) -(to) host -主持人。。主持。。。
teacher (n) - teach 老師。。教學
driver (v) - drive 駕駛員。。 開車
writer (v)- write 作家。。寫作
engineer (v)-engineer 工程師。。。設計策劃。。
注意: doctor, police. 當動詞用時，有特殊的意思。
doctor (n)醫生。 doctor (v)- 任意更改，篡改，動手腳 在報告或是文件上。
He doctored the report.- 他篡改了報告。
police (n)-警察。police (v)- to police a place.-維持一個地方的治安，整頓一個地方。
Sunday, June 13, 2010
The 2010 FIFA World Cup
二○一○年世界盃 Nations gather in South Africa for their favorite sporting event!
Which soccer team will reign in South Africa this month? by Chip Ewald.
The FIFA World Cup-international soccer's biggest tournament- has been played every four years since 1930. It was originally planned as an alternative to the 1932 Olympic Games, which weren't going to include soccer. Now it ranks as the world's premier international soccer event and as history's most-watched sporting event. The last World Cup, in 2006, claimed a global audience of 5.9 billion. This number easily exceeds the 4.7 billion who viewed the Olympics in Beijing-the most-watched Olympic Games in history. Furthermore, this year's at-home spectators get an even greater viewing experience as several matches will be broadcast in 3-D!
Nearly 200 teams have spent the past four years competing to qualify for this year's tournament in South Africa. Since the tournament started last Friday, the world's 32 best national soccer teams have been facing off. During the next two rounds of intense competition, all teams but four will be eliminated. Those remaining teams will then contend in four final matches to determine their rank and ultimately the world champion.
This year's mascot: Zakumi
Once charismatic character will be cheering at all the major matches - Zakumi, the leopard. As this year's World Cup mascot, he symbolizes both his country and his continent. And his green hair, which helps him blend in on a soccer field, is fitting of his favorite sport. Zakumi combines "Za," South Africa's international abbreviation, and "kumi." the word for "10" in several African languages. So his name is appropriate for both the location and the year. And more importantly, Zakumi was "born" in 1994 - the year apartheid ended in his country.
A proud moment for South Africa
South Africa proudly claims the privilege of being the first African country to host the World Cup. Chosen by FIFA in 2004, South Africa is hosting matches at 10 stadiums in nine different cities. These venues range from Cape Town in the southwest to Polokwane, over 1,500 km to the northeast.
Since its first multiracial elections in 1994, South Africa has taken huge strides toward equality for everyone. It's hard to imagine a more appropriate place to bring together the world's races for their favorite sporting event.
More Information
People who can't travel to South Africa may still be able to feel as if they're watching the matches in person. For the first time in history, matches will be broadcast in 3-D. And, if anyone misses the action as it unfolds this month, they're in luck. After the tournament ends, Sony Pictures Entertainment plans to use the recorded 3-D footage to produce a feature film.
Grammar
....the world's 32 best national soccer teams have been facing off.
to face off- to meet face-to-face for a competitive reason.
Many people gathered to watch the two world-class chess players face off in Las Vegas.
The two political candidates will face off at a debate later this week.
Vocabulary Tips
tournament-比賽，錦標賽，連賽，(參賽者經過層層的比賽才能贏得冠軍).
*Wimbledon is one of the most important tennis tournaments.
*The golf tournament attracted a lot of attention because the grand prize is worth very much.
exceed-go over, go beyond.超越，超過。
*Our team's performance exceeded the school's expectations.
*Expenses to set up this branch office have already exceeded our budget.
contend-爭奪，競爭compete.
*Top dancers from all over the country came to contend for the title.
*Ricky will contend against his long-time opponent, Timothy in tonight's match.
ultimately- at the end, in the end.
FIFA- International football (soccer) association
eliminated-removed.
charismatic-具有魅力的，有非凡領導力的。 charisma-魅力，非凡的領導力。
*Sam is a charismatic businessman, so his employees are willing to follow his leadership.
*Kennedy was a rare and charismatic politician.
privilege-榮耀，擁有殊榮，殊榮，特權。
*I have the privilege to work for one of the best producers in the country.殊榮
*It's a great privilege to meet you.榮幸
*Senior executives enjoy the privilege of having a reserved parking space.特權
stride-take a large step, walking forward, moving toward the goal. 濶步，一大步，此指“進展”
*Many countries are taking strides to minimize vehicle exhaust.邁進一步。。廢棄物。
*The company has made strides in developing new products.
Chat Room
face off-來自曲棍球，一場球賽開始時，有二個球員face off 面對面來爭球。延伸為“和某人對抗”
face up to-勇敢面對。face up to something or someone.勇敢的面對某事或某人
He faced up to the challenge (boss). 勇於面對挑戰 (老闆，上司）。
face the music-勇於承擔責任（一個人闖禍就要 face the music)
Let's face it-面對現實吧，說真話。
Let's face it, we're not getting any younger。說真的，青春不再。
--------------------------
nation/country/State (州）國家。
nation-a group of people share the common culture. 強調民族，人民。
country-has it's boundary. 有土地，領土
State-尤其是在政治學和國際法用到的國家。
Canada has English specking nation and French specking nation is it's country.
Which soccer team will reign in South Africa this month? by Chip Ewald.
The FIFA World Cup-international soccer's biggest tournament- has been played every four years since 1930. It was originally planned as an alternative to the 1932 Olympic Games, which weren't going to include soccer. Now it ranks as the world's premier international soccer event and as history's most-watched sporting event. The last World Cup, in 2006, claimed a global audience of 5.9 billion. This number easily exceeds the 4.7 billion who viewed the Olympics in Beijing-the most-watched Olympic Games in history. Furthermore, this year's at-home spectators get an even greater viewing experience as several matches will be broadcast in 3-D!
Nearly 200 teams have spent the past four years competing to qualify for this year's tournament in South Africa. Since the tournament started last Friday, the world's 32 best national soccer teams have been facing off. During the next two rounds of intense competition, all teams but four will be eliminated. Those remaining teams will then contend in four final matches to determine their rank and ultimately the world champion.
This year's mascot: Zakumi
Once charismatic character will be cheering at all the major matches - Zakumi, the leopard. As this year's World Cup mascot, he symbolizes both his country and his continent. And his green hair, which helps him blend in on a soccer field, is fitting of his favorite sport. Zakumi combines "Za," South Africa's international abbreviation, and "kumi." the word for "10" in several African languages. So his name is appropriate for both the location and the year. And more importantly, Zakumi was "born" in 1994 - the year apartheid ended in his country.
A proud moment for South Africa
South Africa proudly claims the privilege of being the first African country to host the World Cup. Chosen by FIFA in 2004, South Africa is hosting matches at 10 stadiums in nine different cities. These venues range from Cape Town in the southwest to Polokwane, over 1,500 km to the northeast.
Since its first multiracial elections in 1994, South Africa has taken huge strides toward equality for everyone. It's hard to imagine a more appropriate place to bring together the world's races for their favorite sporting event.
More Information
People who can't travel to South Africa may still be able to feel as if they're watching the matches in person. For the first time in history, matches will be broadcast in 3-D. And, if anyone misses the action as it unfolds this month, they're in luck. After the tournament ends, Sony Pictures Entertainment plans to use the recorded 3-D footage to produce a feature film.
Grammar
....the world's 32 best national soccer teams have been facing off.
to face off- to meet face-to-face for a competitive reason.
Many people gathered to watch the two world-class chess players face off in Las Vegas.
The two political candidates will face off at a debate later this week.
Vocabulary Tips
tournament-比賽，錦標賽，連賽，(參賽者經過層層的比賽才能贏得冠軍).
*Wimbledon is one of the most important tennis tournaments.
*The golf tournament attracted a lot of attention because the grand prize is worth very much.
exceed-go over, go beyond.超越，超過。
*Our team's performance exceeded the school's expectations.
*Expenses to set up this branch office have already exceeded our budget.
contend-爭奪，競爭compete.
*Top dancers from all over the country came to contend for the title.
*Ricky will contend against his long-time opponent, Timothy in tonight's match.
ultimately- at the end, in the end.
FIFA- International football (soccer) association
eliminated-removed.
charismatic-具有魅力的，有非凡領導力的。 charisma-魅力，非凡的領導力。
*Sam is a charismatic businessman, so his employees are willing to follow his leadership.
*Kennedy was a rare and charismatic politician.
privilege-榮耀，擁有殊榮，殊榮，特權。
*I have the privilege to work for one of the best producers in the country.殊榮
*It's a great privilege to meet you.榮幸
*Senior executives enjoy the privilege of having a reserved parking space.特權
stride-take a large step, walking forward, moving toward the goal. 濶步，一大步，此指“進展”
*Many countries are taking strides to minimize vehicle exhaust.邁進一步。。廢棄物。
*The company has made strides in developing new products.
Chat Room
face off-來自曲棍球，一場球賽開始時，有二個球員face off 面對面來爭球。延伸為“和某人對抗”
face up to-勇敢面對。face up to something or someone.勇敢的面對某事或某人
He faced up to the challenge (boss). 勇於面對挑戰 (老闆，上司）。
face the music-勇於承擔責任（一個人闖禍就要 face the music)
Let's face it-面對現實吧，說真話。
Let's face it, we're not getting any younger。說真的，青春不再。
--------------------------
nation/country/State (州）國家。
nation-a group of people share the common culture. 強調民族，人民。
country-has it's boundary. 有土地，領土
State-尤其是在政治學和國際法用到的國家。
Canada has English specking nation and French specking nation is it's country.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Every June, superheroes fill this town in Illinois, U.S.A.
每年六月，超級英雄們都會在美國伊利諾州超人故鄉共聚一堂A Superman Celebration in Metropolis 超人再現 super celebration for a superhero. by Susan Zimmerman
What's in a name?
Well, when there's only one town in the United States named Metropolis, which also happens to be the "hometown" of Superman, there's a lot in a name. Superman, the ageless comic book superhero whose fame is larger than life, inspires imaginations worldwide. He has admirers of all ages who descend on the one and only Metropolis, Ill., for their Annual Superman Celebration.
Gone super
Since 1979, every second weekend in June, fact and fiction meet in this small river town in America. Everyone is welcome, and thousands come. There's no age limit on being a superhero and wearing the trademark blue, red and yellow outfit with the letter "S" emblazoned on the chest. Since costumes are optional for the festivities, I come as myself, a mild-mannered Lois Lane reporter (Superman's newspaper colleague) to get the scoop on the festivities. I'm certainly in good hands here-no bad guys would dare set foot in Metropolis this weekend with all these superheroes milling about. A 15-foot bronze Superman, who stands watch over Market Street where all the action takes place, keeps watch as well.
Super metropolis
Throughout the weekend, everyone enjoys screenings of Superman films, celebrity appearances and autograph sessions, comic book artist workshops and costume competitions. There's also the Super Museum in town that reportedly has the largest Superman memorabilia collection in the world. Displays include all sorts of original Hollywood props from Superman's capes to boots. More than just Superman appears in the daily informal parade of comic book characters on Market Street. Devoted fans return year after year to participate, like Robin Johnson, 28-year-old personal trainer who drove thirteen hours from Texas to be here for the third time.
Johnson has a variety of superhero costumes and tells me, now incognito as Superman, "I'm coming till I can't walk. I'm not going to miss a year."
I watch curiously as young and old eagerly approach the costumed visitors who happily oblige any photo request with a smile.
Collecting souvenir pictures with superheroes seems to be a favorite pastime, so I get my camera ready too. I "shoulder" up to Josh Boultinghouse, the celebration's official superhero who is over six-feet tall, for my photo memento from the weekend.
Super history
If only the town's founders could see this piece of land on the Ohio River today. It was nicknamed "City of Opportunity" in 1839, but patience was needed. It took almost another century for Superman to materialize on the pages of a comic book. Another 30-plus years passed before Metropolis made a " super" name for itself. In 1972 the town legally became the proud parent of its high-flying son. That year the Illinois State Legislature passed a resolution that declared Metropolis the "Hometown of Superman," The town then made "headlines" by permanently changing the name of the local newspaper to the Metropolis Planet, to almost match that of Superman's employer. Of course, it wasn't until Superman went to work at the Daily Planet that the metropolitan city of Metropolis became his hometown. After Sunday afternoon's Superhero Costume Contest ends, so does the festival, The weekend "actors" wander off incognito, this time in street clothes. I see a young girl in shorts and a T-shirt amble away. The only clue that she was Supergirl moments ago is the red boots in her hand. It's true that history repeats itself, and so does fiction in Metropolis... every year on the second weekend in June.
More Information
A Super Synopsis
Superman was born on the planet Krypton. He arrived by rocket ship on Earth and was raised by the Kents, a childless farm couple in the fictional town of Smallville Kan. Clark Kent then moved to the city of Metropolis to work at the Daily Planet newspaper as a reporter. There he met his trusty colleagues- reporter Lois Lane and photographer Jimmy Olsen.
Grammar
Another 30-plus years passed before Metropolis made a " super" name for itself.
"A period of time + passed before + an event."
When you emphasize that how long people have to wait, you can use above sentence pattern, put the time or hours, days ahead of the sentence.
Metropolis made a "super" name for itself after another 30-plus years.
Another 30-plus years (a period of time) passed before Metropolis made a "super" name for itself. (an event)
Seventeen hours had passed before we were finally able to get on our plane.
Another three days passed before Tricia got the results of her medical tests.
Vocabulary Tips
be larger than life-超凡的，具有傳奇色彩的，傳奇的。
* The actress played a female politician who was larger than life in the movie.
*People love to talk about the larger-than-life story of how the man became a successful businessman.
emblazoned=blazon-用圖案來裝飾。print or write in a special way that every one can noticed.
*The castle's flags were emblazoned with the royal family's coat of arms.盾甲
*The sales car was emblazoned with the product's logo.
mill about-漫無目的的游走，閑逛
* Because the boat ride was cancelled, groups of tourists milled about in the streets of the little town while they waited.
memorabilia- 紀念品，收藏品memorable-可囘憶的，memory-記憶。
*The pop star's family auctioned off his memorabilia and gave the money to charity.拍賣他的收藏品。
*Eileen has a huge collection of her favorite band's memorabilia.
incognito (adv)-僞裝，喬裝打扮，隱瞞身份的。
*The secret agent got into the party incognito.特務
*The owner of the coffee chain store visited one of his stores incognito.
oblige-答應某人的請求或效勞。
We asked Timmy to be our tour guide in the city, and he was happy to oblige.
*Sandy asked her neighbor to water her lawn when she went on the trip, but the neighbor refused to oblige. 拒絕效勞，拒絕請求。
souvenir (n)- 紀念品 souvenir (adj) picture-可做為紀念的
personal trainer- a profession who can get you in shape.
prop- anything that object which used in a set of play or film, something that identify the film.
memento- a kind of souvenir, but more personal, such as personal experience or things that you can take home to remember.
souvenir is a part of memento. memento range is broader , it can be anything that related to you.
materialize-具體成形或呈現。material-物質。
*His plan of building his dream house finally materialized when he was 50.
*Her dream of becoming a composer never materialized.
permanently-永久地，固定地。 permanent-永久的，固定的。
*Hank and his wife decided to permanently settle in this town, so they bought a house last month.
*Her heart was permanently broken after the break up.
amble-從容的漫步，緩慢的前進，slowly walk, not hurry at all.
*We ambled down the streets and did some window shopping.在街上慢步，看一些櫥窗展示。
*She ambled along the beach searching for seashells.沿著海邊慢步，尋找貝殼。
wander off - walk around slowly in relax manner with no certain destination.
metro= metropolitan, metro area is mean metropolitan area.
metropolitan-大都會。describe a very large area, something to do with city, it includes urban and surrounding area. New York and Chicago are metropolitan city. is different with metropolis (Ill. city name, superman's home town).
Chat Room
set foot in -set foot in a place (building , home, city)踏入某地方。
set foot in a bookstore-踏入書店
set foot on the road-踏上旅途(on 踏上the beach, on sidewalk, on the road)。
set out to do something-開始着手去做某事 (eating, lunch, dinner, find a job, study...)
---------------------------------
superman-超人
super-超級的（哩語），非正式用法，如囯人流行的“超”超便宜，超慢，超快，。。
super cheap, super slow, super fast, super sized, super large, super star, super market, super model.....
My computer is super slow today.
superior- better or high position
super-size- 加大的，特大的，超級大的。
-------------------
"super" word:
super structure- 101 is a super structure.
superlative- very most of something, such as tallest, highest...(infinite term)
superior- better than others, better than another.
superb- excellent, highest, perfect.
super doper-real super. super doper superman.
------------------------
superman is a comic book hero.
comic book-漫畫書
comic strip-連環畫，連環漫畫。
comic喜劇，脫口秀。也指喜劇演員（comedian-喜劇演員，脫口秀要角)
stand-up comedy-指站著説笑話的節目。.
comic relief-喜劇的舒解。 在嚴厲或緊張的情形用輕鬆，滑稽來化解人的情緒。
What's in a name?
Well, when there's only one town in the United States named Metropolis, which also happens to be the "hometown" of Superman, there's a lot in a name. Superman, the ageless comic book superhero whose fame is larger than life, inspires imaginations worldwide. He has admirers of all ages who descend on the one and only Metropolis, Ill., for their Annual Superman Celebration.
Gone super
Since 1979, every second weekend in June, fact and fiction meet in this small river town in America. Everyone is welcome, and thousands come. There's no age limit on being a superhero and wearing the trademark blue, red and yellow outfit with the letter "S" emblazoned on the chest. Since costumes are optional for the festivities, I come as myself, a mild-mannered Lois Lane reporter (Superman's newspaper colleague) to get the scoop on the festivities. I'm certainly in good hands here-no bad guys would dare set foot in Metropolis this weekend with all these superheroes milling about. A 15-foot bronze Superman, who stands watch over Market Street where all the action takes place, keeps watch as well.
Super metropolis
Throughout the weekend, everyone enjoys screenings of Superman films, celebrity appearances and autograph sessions, comic book artist workshops and costume competitions. There's also the Super Museum in town that reportedly has the largest Superman memorabilia collection in the world. Displays include all sorts of original Hollywood props from Superman's capes to boots. More than just Superman appears in the daily informal parade of comic book characters on Market Street. Devoted fans return year after year to participate, like Robin Johnson, 28-year-old personal trainer who drove thirteen hours from Texas to be here for the third time.
Johnson has a variety of superhero costumes and tells me, now incognito as Superman, "I'm coming till I can't walk. I'm not going to miss a year."
I watch curiously as young and old eagerly approach the costumed visitors who happily oblige any photo request with a smile.
Collecting souvenir pictures with superheroes seems to be a favorite pastime, so I get my camera ready too. I "shoulder" up to Josh Boultinghouse, the celebration's official superhero who is over six-feet tall, for my photo memento from the weekend.
Super history
If only the town's founders could see this piece of land on the Ohio River today. It was nicknamed "City of Opportunity" in 1839, but patience was needed. It took almost another century for Superman to materialize on the pages of a comic book. Another 30-plus years passed before Metropolis made a " super" name for itself. In 1972 the town legally became the proud parent of its high-flying son. That year the Illinois State Legislature passed a resolution that declared Metropolis the "Hometown of Superman," The town then made "headlines" by permanently changing the name of the local newspaper to the Metropolis Planet, to almost match that of Superman's employer. Of course, it wasn't until Superman went to work at the Daily Planet that the metropolitan city of Metropolis became his hometown. After Sunday afternoon's Superhero Costume Contest ends, so does the festival, The weekend "actors" wander off incognito, this time in street clothes. I see a young girl in shorts and a T-shirt amble away. The only clue that she was Supergirl moments ago is the red boots in her hand. It's true that history repeats itself, and so does fiction in Metropolis... every year on the second weekend in June.
More Information
A Super Synopsis
Superman was born on the planet Krypton. He arrived by rocket ship on Earth and was raised by the Kents, a childless farm couple in the fictional town of Smallville Kan. Clark Kent then moved to the city of Metropolis to work at the Daily Planet newspaper as a reporter. There he met his trusty colleagues- reporter Lois Lane and photographer Jimmy Olsen.
Grammar
Another 30-plus years passed before Metropolis made a " super" name for itself.
"A period of time + passed before + an event."
When you emphasize that how long people have to wait, you can use above sentence pattern, put the time or hours, days ahead of the sentence.
Metropolis made a "super" name for itself after another 30-plus years.
Another 30-plus years (a period of time) passed before Metropolis made a "super" name for itself. (an event)
Seventeen hours had passed before we were finally able to get on our plane.
Another three days passed before Tricia got the results of her medical tests.
Vocabulary Tips
be larger than life-超凡的，具有傳奇色彩的，傳奇的。
* The actress played a female politician who was larger than life in the movie.
*People love to talk about the larger-than-life story of how the man became a successful businessman.
emblazoned=blazon-用圖案來裝飾。print or write in a special way that every one can noticed.
*The castle's flags were emblazoned with the royal family's coat of arms.盾甲
*The sales car was emblazoned with the product's logo.
mill about-漫無目的的游走，閑逛
* Because the boat ride was cancelled, groups of tourists milled about in the streets of the little town while they waited.
memorabilia- 紀念品，收藏品memorable-可囘憶的，memory-記憶。
*The pop star's family auctioned off his memorabilia and gave the money to charity.拍賣他的收藏品。
*Eileen has a huge collection of her favorite band's memorabilia.
incognito (adv)-僞裝，喬裝打扮，隱瞞身份的。
*The secret agent got into the party incognito.特務
*The owner of the coffee chain store visited one of his stores incognito.
oblige-答應某人的請求或效勞。
We asked Timmy to be our tour guide in the city, and he was happy to oblige.
*Sandy asked her neighbor to water her lawn when she went on the trip, but the neighbor refused to oblige. 拒絕效勞，拒絕請求。
souvenir (n)- 紀念品 souvenir (adj) picture-可做為紀念的
personal trainer- a profession who can get you in shape.
prop- anything that object which used in a set of play or film, something that identify the film.
memento- a kind of souvenir, but more personal, such as personal experience or things that you can take home to remember.
souvenir is a part of memento. memento range is broader , it can be anything that related to you.
materialize-具體成形或呈現。material-物質。
*His plan of building his dream house finally materialized when he was 50.
*Her dream of becoming a composer never materialized.
permanently-永久地，固定地。 permanent-永久的，固定的。
*Hank and his wife decided to permanently settle in this town, so they bought a house last month.
*Her heart was permanently broken after the break up.
amble-從容的漫步，緩慢的前進，slowly walk, not hurry at all.
*We ambled down the streets and did some window shopping.在街上慢步，看一些櫥窗展示。
*She ambled along the beach searching for seashells.沿著海邊慢步，尋找貝殼。
wander off - walk around slowly in relax manner with no certain destination.
metro= metropolitan, metro area is mean metropolitan area.
metropolitan-大都會。describe a very large area, something to do with city, it includes urban and surrounding area. New York and Chicago are metropolitan city. is different with metropolis (Ill. city name, superman's home town).
Chat Room
set foot in -set foot in a place (building , home, city)踏入某地方。
set foot in a bookstore-踏入書店
set foot on the road-踏上旅途(on 踏上the beach, on sidewalk, on the road)。
set out to do something-開始着手去做某事 (eating, lunch, dinner, find a job, study...)
---------------------------------
superman-超人
super-超級的（哩語），非正式用法，如囯人流行的“超”超便宜，超慢，超快，。。
super cheap, super slow, super fast, super sized, super large, super star, super market, super model.....
My computer is super slow today.
superior- better or high position
super-size- 加大的，特大的，超級大的。
-------------------
"super" word:
super structure- 101 is a super structure.
superlative- very most of something, such as tallest, highest...(infinite term)
superior- better than others, better than another.
superb- excellent, highest, perfect.
super doper-real super. super doper superman.
------------------------
superman is a comic book hero.
comic book-漫畫書
comic strip-連環畫，連環漫畫。
comic喜劇，脫口秀。也指喜劇演員（comedian-喜劇演員，脫口秀要角)
stand-up comedy-指站著説笑話的節目。.
comic relief-喜劇的舒解。 在嚴厲或緊張的情形用輕鬆，滑稽來化解人的情緒。
Monday, June 7, 2010
The Art of Cosplay
角色扮演的藝術Fantasy meets reality with cosplay 世界各地的角色扮演迷往往打扮成自己最喜歡的人物 Around the world, fans dress up like their favorite characters. by Chelsea Ewald.
If you visit Tokyo's famous Harajuku district, you'll notice a distinct part of Japanese culture coming to life on its street. That's because anime and manga fans literally bring their favorite characters to life through cosplay. Combining the words costume and play, cosplay is becoming an increasingly popular form of performance art.
What exactly is cosplay?
First, it involves cosplayers- people who participate in the art. Consplayers buy or make an elaborate costume of their favorite animated or fantasy character and then dress up in it. But the fun doesn't stop there. In addition to looking like a character, cosplayers must also learn to imitate a character's personality, facial expressions and behaviors. This accounts for the " play" in cosplay. Once cosplayers have perfected their character, they take their talents to the streets. On weekends in Japan, cosplayers can be found outdoors posing for pictures and checking out others' costumes. The goal is to win the approval of fellow cosplayers. If approval is won, a cosplayer may consider entering a costume contest.
From science-fiction origins.
Although the term cosplay originated in Japan, the idea for it seems to have been born in the United States. In 1939, Forrest J. Ackerman attended the 1st World Science Fiction Convention in New York wearing a space suit. Forty-five years later. Japanese native Nov Takahashi attended a similar convention in Los Angles. Impressed by the many costumes at the convention, Takahashi returned home and coined the term cosplay. Soon after, he began writing about it in Japanese sci-fi magazines. Word about cosplay quickly spread throughout Japan, and the rest is history.
Costplay today
Today, people all around the world are taking part in cosplay's fantasy fun. While anime and manga are deeply rooted in Japanese cosplay, the art often looks different in the West. There, films like Star War, Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings have inspired a new generation of cosplay fans.
The goal of cosplay is to dress up, have fun and bring fantasy to life. Whether a person in a novice cosplayer or an experienced pro, cosplay is fun for everyone!
Grammar
....you'll notice a distinct part of Japanese culture coming to life on its streets.
coming to life-
Computer generated special effects have made extinct animals come to life on movie screens.
to come to life-
Henry doesn't come to life until he has had two cups of coffee.
After sleeping for ten hours, Sarah is finally coming to life.
Vocabulary Tips
distinct-明顯的，清晰的，清楚的。
*There's a distinct parking area reserved for the VIP customers.
*The distinct smell of the flower repels insects.
*The two writer's styles are quite distinct from each other.
imitate-模仿。copy, acting like someone.
*Patrick loves to imitate his big brother Frank. He talks and acts just like Frank does.
*The actress perfectly imitated a French accent in the movie.完美的模仿了。。
check out- 了解一下，試試看。check something out- take look at it, examine it.
*I heard the new restaurant is great. Do you want to check it out with me tonight?
*Did you check out my new bike?
originate (v)- 源自于，發源于。origin (n)-起源，或由來
*The custom originated among the natives of the island. 原住民。
*The technology originated in Germany, but it developed in the States.
the rest is history (idiom)- 剩下來的都是眾所皆知的。tell the interested detail, the rest, people can figure it out by itself.
*The famous soccer player and the pop star met at a party, it was love at first sight,-and the rest is history.足球員。。流行歌曲名星。。。他們一見鍾情。
novice-新收，a beginner, a learner. inexperienced person.
*For a novice graphic designer, this project is way too difficult.
*I've never played golf before. I'm a complete novice.
Sci-Fi-- Science Fiction.
convention- large gathering for professional event.
coined- created.
inspire-give people an idea and help them to creative thinking.
take part with it-participated
Chat Room
dress-服裝，dress code-服裝規定。
dress up-穿著打扮，化妝，或是穿著正式的服裝（去面試或參加宴會，舞會。。。）
dress up in costumes 以特別的服裝來打扮自己.
dress down-wear more casual than normal. 便裝打扮。
----------------------------
fantasy- 幻想小説，夢幻小説，發生在奇幻世界中的，主角都有一個"quest" or "mission" must over the quest or mission. 追尋並征服某樣東西。such as "Lord of the Rings."魔戒
science fiction- 科幻小説，發生在未來得及世界，牽涉到科學，通常與太空或別的星球有關(space travel and life and fun in the planet)，such as "Star Trek"星際大戰（爭霸戰）, "Alien", and "Avatar"
If you visit Tokyo's famous Harajuku district, you'll notice a distinct part of Japanese culture coming to life on its street. That's because anime and manga fans literally bring their favorite characters to life through cosplay. Combining the words costume and play, cosplay is becoming an increasingly popular form of performance art.
What exactly is cosplay?
First, it involves cosplayers- people who participate in the art. Consplayers buy or make an elaborate costume of their favorite animated or fantasy character and then dress up in it. But the fun doesn't stop there. In addition to looking like a character, cosplayers must also learn to imitate a character's personality, facial expressions and behaviors. This accounts for the " play" in cosplay. Once cosplayers have perfected their character, they take their talents to the streets. On weekends in Japan, cosplayers can be found outdoors posing for pictures and checking out others' costumes. The goal is to win the approval of fellow cosplayers. If approval is won, a cosplayer may consider entering a costume contest.
From science-fiction origins.
Although the term cosplay originated in Japan, the idea for it seems to have been born in the United States. In 1939, Forrest J. Ackerman attended the 1st World Science Fiction Convention in New York wearing a space suit. Forty-five years later. Japanese native Nov Takahashi attended a similar convention in Los Angles. Impressed by the many costumes at the convention, Takahashi returned home and coined the term cosplay. Soon after, he began writing about it in Japanese sci-fi magazines. Word about cosplay quickly spread throughout Japan, and the rest is history.
Costplay today
Today, people all around the world are taking part in cosplay's fantasy fun. While anime and manga are deeply rooted in Japanese cosplay, the art often looks different in the West. There, films like Star War, Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings have inspired a new generation of cosplay fans.
The goal of cosplay is to dress up, have fun and bring fantasy to life. Whether a person in a novice cosplayer or an experienced pro, cosplay is fun for everyone!
Grammar
....you'll notice a distinct part of Japanese culture coming to life on its streets.
coming to life-
Computer generated special effects have made extinct animals come to life on movie screens.
to come to life-
Henry doesn't come to life until he has had two cups of coffee.
After sleeping for ten hours, Sarah is finally coming to life.
Vocabulary Tips
distinct-明顯的，清晰的，清楚的。
*There's a distinct parking area reserved for the VIP customers.
*The distinct smell of the flower repels insects.
*The two writer's styles are quite distinct from each other.
imitate-模仿。copy, acting like someone.
*Patrick loves to imitate his big brother Frank. He talks and acts just like Frank does.
*The actress perfectly imitated a French accent in the movie.完美的模仿了。。
check out- 了解一下，試試看。check something out- take look at it, examine it.
*I heard the new restaurant is great. Do you want to check it out with me tonight?
*Did you check out my new bike?
originate (v)- 源自于，發源于。origin (n)-起源，或由來
*The custom originated among the natives of the island. 原住民。
*The technology originated in Germany, but it developed in the States.
the rest is history (idiom)- 剩下來的都是眾所皆知的。tell the interested detail, the rest, people can figure it out by itself.
*The famous soccer player and the pop star met at a party, it was love at first sight,-and the rest is history.足球員。。流行歌曲名星。。。他們一見鍾情。
novice-新收，a beginner, a learner. inexperienced person.
*For a novice graphic designer, this project is way too difficult.
*I've never played golf before. I'm a complete novice.
Sci-Fi-- Science Fiction.
convention- large gathering for professional event.
coined- created.
inspire-give people an idea and help them to creative thinking.
take part with it-participated
Chat Room
dress-服裝，dress code-服裝規定。
dress up-穿著打扮，化妝，或是穿著正式的服裝（去面試或參加宴會，舞會。。。）
dress up in costumes 以特別的服裝來打扮自己.
dress down-wear more casual than normal. 便裝打扮。
----------------------------
fantasy- 幻想小説，夢幻小説，發生在奇幻世界中的，主角都有一個"quest" or "mission" must over the quest or mission. 追尋並征服某樣東西。such as "Lord of the Rings."魔戒
science fiction- 科幻小説，發生在未來得及世界，牽涉到科學，通常與太空或別的星球有關(space travel and life and fun in the planet)，such as "Star Trek"星際大戰（爭霸戰）, "Alien", and "Avatar"
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Milk’s Big Month
牛奶月Celebrate “Dairy Month” by learning more about milk藉由多了解有關牛奶的一切，來慶祝「牛奶月」吧Eat or drink something made from milk this month by Lisa Holl Chang
In America, June is "Dairy Month," and there is no better time to learn about milk! Do you know the answers to these questions?
Q: How much milk (n) does one cow make?
A: Cows produce an average of six gallons or 90 glasses of milk a day. For each gallon of milk produced, a cow must drink two gallons of water. Cows are milked (v) two or three times a day.
Q: Is milk the only way to get calcium?
A: No, beans and green leafy vegetables also contain calcium. Your body absorbs the same amount of calcium from two cups of broccoli as it does from one cup of milk. Most people, though, still consider eating dairy products the tastiest way to consume calcium.
Q: How much milk goes into one pound of cheese?
A: Ten pounds of milk are needed for just one pound of cheese! People have enjoyed cheese since at least 6,000 B.C. Today there are more than 2,000 varieties available. Drink a cup of milk, eat a piece of cheese, or enjoy some yogurt today!
More Information
What is a Cow?
Cows are always female. A cow's offspring is called a calf. A female calf is called a heifer until she has had her first calf and starts producing milk, at which time she officially becomes a cow. Males are called either bulls which can have offspring or steers, which cannot. All of these animals together, are collectively known as cattle.
Grammar
Most people, though, still consider eating dairy products the tastiest way to consume calcium.
Subject + considers + object + the way to + verb phrase.
When describe "Somebody considers an activity the way to do something", can use above phrase pattern.
Many health experts (s) consider exercising (obj) the best way to lose weight (verb. phrase).
Most people (s) consider taking the metro (object)the most convenient way to travel around the city (verb. phrase).
Vocabulary
dairy (e)-乳製品。diary (ai)-日記
*Dairy products must be stored in low temperatures to stay fresh.
*The dairy farm owns over 200 dairy cattle.
consume-吃或喝，消耗掉，此指“攝取”
*My kids can consume over a whole loaf of bread every day. 吃掉，消耗掉。
*Eating all sorts of vegetables and fruits is the best way to consume vitamins.攝取
yogurt (yoghurt)-痠乳酪
*Helen eats plain yogurt with fruits every morning.原味痠乳酪
*Gina only had a strawberry yogurt for lunch.
*Brenda bought some low-fat yogurt for her snack.低脂痠乳酪．．點心
Chat Room
milk-牛奶
whole milk- contain up to 4 % (percent) of fat -全脂鮮奶
low-fat milk - contain 1% to 2 % of fat-低脂鮮奶。
skim milk- 脫脂牛奶。skim-將最上一層（脂油）除去，剔除。
In America, June is "Dairy Month," and there is no better time to learn about milk! Do you know the answers to these questions?
Q: How much milk (n) does one cow make?
A: Cows produce an average of six gallons or 90 glasses of milk a day. For each gallon of milk produced, a cow must drink two gallons of water. Cows are milked (v) two or three times a day.
Q: Is milk the only way to get calcium?
A: No, beans and green leafy vegetables also contain calcium. Your body absorbs the same amount of calcium from two cups of broccoli as it does from one cup of milk. Most people, though, still consider eating dairy products the tastiest way to consume calcium.
Q: How much milk goes into one pound of cheese?
A: Ten pounds of milk are needed for just one pound of cheese! People have enjoyed cheese since at least 6,000 B.C. Today there are more than 2,000 varieties available. Drink a cup of milk, eat a piece of cheese, or enjoy some yogurt today!
More Information
What is a Cow?
Cows are always female. A cow's offspring is called a calf. A female calf is called a heifer until she has had her first calf and starts producing milk, at which time she officially becomes a cow. Males are called either bulls which can have offspring or steers, which cannot. All of these animals together, are collectively known as cattle.
Grammar
Most people, though, still consider eating dairy products the tastiest way to consume calcium.
Subject + considers + object + the way to + verb phrase.
When describe "Somebody considers an activity the way to do something", can use above phrase pattern.
Many health experts (s) consider exercising (obj) the best way to lose weight (verb. phrase).
Most people (s) consider taking the metro (object)the most convenient way to travel around the city (verb. phrase).
Vocabulary
dairy (e)-乳製品。diary (ai)-日記
*Dairy products must be stored in low temperatures to stay fresh.
*The dairy farm owns over 200 dairy cattle.
consume-吃或喝，消耗掉，此指“攝取”
*My kids can consume over a whole loaf of bread every day. 吃掉，消耗掉。
*Eating all sorts of vegetables and fruits is the best way to consume vitamins.攝取
yogurt (yoghurt)-痠乳酪
*Helen eats plain yogurt with fruits every morning.原味痠乳酪
*Gina only had a strawberry yogurt for lunch.
*Brenda bought some low-fat yogurt for her snack.低脂痠乳酪．．點心
Chat Room
milk-牛奶
whole milk- contain up to 4 % (percent) of fat -全脂鮮奶
low-fat milk - contain 1% to 2 % of fat-低脂鮮奶。
skim milk- 脫脂牛奶。skim-將最上一層（脂油）除去，剔除。
Friday, June 4, 2010
The Perfect Cup of Coffee
咖啡達人教你煮出完美咖啡Making one of the world’s most popular drinks. For this coffee store owner, coffee is a science and an experience 對這位咖啡連鎖店主來說，咖啡是一種科學，也是一種體驗by Simon Stopps
This month Studio Classroom talks to Vivian Tenefrancia about making the perfect cup of coffee. Since 1991, Tenefrancia and her husband have been importing beans, developing drinks and educating people about coffee. They currently own and operate Taipei's Italian Coffee Company.
SC: How do you make great coffee?
VT: There are many ways to make coffee-espressos, drip coffees and siphon-made coffees. Different combinations of beans and equipment will produce very different beverages. Most importantly, you need to have clean, high-quality water and good-quality coffee. Water temperature is also fundamental. For example, espresso machines need to keep water at a very consistent temperature.
SC: How does coffee go from the plant to the pot?
This month Studio Classroom talks to Vivian Tenefrancia about making the perfect cup of coffee. Since 1991, Tenefrancia and her husband have been importing beans, developing drinks and educating people about coffee. They currently own and operate Taipei's Italian Coffee Company.
SC: How do you make great coffee?
VT: There are many ways to make coffee-espressos, drip coffees and siphon-made coffees. Different combinations of beans and equipment will produce very different beverages. Most importantly, you need to have clean, high-quality water and good-quality coffee. Water temperature is also fundamental. For example, espresso machines need to keep water at a very consistent temperature.
SC: How does coffee go from the plant to the pot?
VT: It's a long and complicated process. Basically, coffee beans are the seeds of coffee trees. There are both hand-picked and mechanically harvested beans. Hand picking means the beans that are taken are all ripe. In contrast, mechanical harvesting takes ripe and unripe beans, leaves- everything.
The seeds, or beans, are removed from the fruit. Then they are washed, dried and roasted.
SC: How do you keep your coffee beans fresh?
VT: Some people say to put them in the refrigerator, but don't do that. Just put them in a vacuum-sealed glass jar and use them up within seven to 14 days.
SC: Does it matter how beans are ground?
VT: It doesn't matter if beans are ground by hand or machine, but the coarseness does matter. Coarse granules are usually for French presses or drip coffees; finer ones are good for espresso machines.
When you grind the beans is also important. Our shop grinds beans only when an order is placed. If you store ground beans, they won't stay fresh very long.
SC: What do you need to make your own great coffee at home?
VT: You need to have a good espresso machine and coffee grinder. You also need a stainless steel milk pitcher and a tamper to press down the coffee. I would also recommend getting a brush to clean the machine. Maintaining your machine will help it last a long time.
SC: Do you have anything you'd like to add?
VT: I drink coffee every day and I feel very passionate about it. There are so many thins you can do with coffee and coffee flavors. It's not just coffee. It's an experience.
Grammar
When you grind the beans is also important.
when you grind the beans=The time when you grind the beans...
* using "wh" to form a questing sentence, or using it at the beginning as a noun clause.
why-- Why he made such a decision was beyond everyone's understanding.
where- Where we're going to spend the night will be arranged by the travel agent.
what- What we're going to do with the property will be discussed at the meeting.
who-Who Brent's going to marry is none of our business.
what- What we're going to do with the property will be discussed at the meeting.
how- How the prisoner was able to escape remains a mystery.
Vocabulary
combination-組合，組合體。
*The cookbook has a combination of Thai and Italian recipes.食譜
*The combination of tiredness and boredom caused the kids to feel frustrated.疲倦加上無聊。。。覺得很挫折。
beverage-飲料
*Hot beverages such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate are complimentary. 免費
*Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the students' cafeteria.禁止
beverage/drink- 飲料。beverage-指含酒精或不含酒精的飲料 很廣義。 drink- 專指含酒精的飲料，酒類。
vacuum sealed-真空包裝 vacuum (v)-使呈現真空的狀態, sealed-密封的.
vacuum sealed = vacuum packed-真空包裝 no air can get in. vacuum
*These vacuum-packed dried bananas can be stored for 6 months.
*The vacuum-packed beef jerky tastes really well.
grind-碾碎，東西磨成粉。ground (n)-地面 (v)-grind的過去式切碎的，磨碎的
*Coffee beans need to be roasted before they are ground.
ground pepper-胡椒粉
ground beef-絞牛肉
coarseness-粗糙的（成度）coarse-粗糙的，態度或言語粗魯的。
*The coarseness of the fabric makes it really uncomfortable. to wear.布料很粗糙
*The boy was rejected by his peers due to his coarseness. 同儕。。。他粗魯的言行。
recommend-建議，勸告 或是推薦。
*The doctor recommended that George take a vacation to help ease his stress.建議
*William's former supervisor recommended him for a new position.推薦
Chat Room
coffee-咖啡
caffeine-咖啡因
addicted- 上癮，
addicted to-對什麽上癮，用“to"
He is addicted to coffee-他喝咖啡成（上）癮。
He is addicted to alcohol-他喝酒成（上）癮
-------------------------------------
How do you take your coffee? 不是指用什麽方式把咖啡帶走，而是指咖啡要加些什麽料？
black-不加糖的
with cream only-只加奶精
with cream and sugar-加奶精及糖
caffeine coffee-有咖啡因的咖啡。
decaf=decaffeinated coffee. 無咖啡因的（無因）咖啡。
decaffeinated- 無咖啡因的咖啡。de-有去除或拿掉的意思, caffeine-咖啡因。
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Undersea Robots Go Green
水下滑翔機變環保了Undersea robots no longer depend on batteries for power by Ryan Batdorf
What can stay at sea for possibly years at a time, run on natural energy and will do what you tell it with no questions asked? It's certainly not a human or a sea creature. Is it an alien from another planet? No! It's an undersea robotic glider now being used for the exploration of our oceans' abysses.
The first green undersea robot
Scientists have been experimenting with this torpedo-shaped, undersea robotic glider since December 2007. This green glider, powered by heat energy harvested from the ocean, is the first self-propelled undersea vehicle to journey great distances for long periods of time. However, since this glider depends on battery power to operate the on board instruments and rudder, it is technically a hybrid.
Its potential
Unlike most battery-powered undersea robotic gliders, this one's energy source is virtually unlimited. Consequently, study of the ocean's depths around the clock for multiple years at a time is no longer out of the question. Gliders in this category are designed for long-term, long-distance journeys that are impossible or impractical for humans to make. Thanks to this glider and other inventions of this nature, exploring our blue oceans is becoming more efficient and greener all the time.
More Information
Sending humans down to explore the ocean depths can be very dangerous. However, with the development of undersea robots, the danger factor has been removed making the impossible possible. Here are three once Impossible things undersea robots have helped humans do:
* Discover Titanic's grave.
* Recover gold and other treasures from ships that sunk centuries ago.
*Extract oil from the Gulf of Mexico.
Grammar
Consequently, study of the ocean depths around the clock for multiple years at a time is no longer out of the question.
out of the question=impossible
*The study of the ocean depths around the clock for multiple years at a time is possible.
out of the question-
*For Sarah, taking a vacation this summer is out of the question.
*Try to use my cellphone to make a phone call is completely out of the question.
Vocabulary
exploration-探測，探索，勘測 ex-向外的 explore-探測，探索
*Human exploration of space never seems to cease.
*The research team started an in-depth exploration of the South Pole last year.
propelled-推進。 是“ propel ”的過去分詞，
self-propelled-自行推進，自力推進或機器推進。
a self-propelled vacuum cleaner-自行推進的吸塵器。
a self-propelled boat-機器自力推進的船。
around the clock-繞著時間轉，不眠之休的，日以繼夜的。
*Three shifts of workers worked together around the clock to meet the deadline. 三班制。。。不眠不休的。。。在期限内（完工）
*The witness was guarded by the police around the clock. 被警察24 小時保護著。
Chat Room
alien-外星人，外國的，不同性質的，也指外國人，外國來的人， 外僑。
an alien from another planet-從別的星球來的人
illegal alien-非法居留者
resident alien-合法居留者。
immigrant-移民的人
immigration-移民，移居。在機場或是囯與囯交界的地方，可以看到，意即是“出入境管理”。
What can stay at sea for possibly years at a time, run on natural energy and will do what you tell it with no questions asked? It's certainly not a human or a sea creature. Is it an alien from another planet? No! It's an undersea robotic glider now being used for the exploration of our oceans' abysses.
The first green undersea robot
Scientists have been experimenting with this torpedo-shaped, undersea robotic glider since December 2007. This green glider, powered by heat energy harvested from the ocean, is the first self-propelled undersea vehicle to journey great distances for long periods of time. However, since this glider depends on battery power to operate the on board instruments and rudder, it is technically a hybrid.
Its potential
Unlike most battery-powered undersea robotic gliders, this one's energy source is virtually unlimited. Consequently, study of the ocean's depths around the clock for multiple years at a time is no longer out of the question. Gliders in this category are designed for long-term, long-distance journeys that are impossible or impractical for humans to make. Thanks to this glider and other inventions of this nature, exploring our blue oceans is becoming more efficient and greener all the time.
More Information
Sending humans down to explore the ocean depths can be very dangerous. However, with the development of undersea robots, the danger factor has been removed making the impossible possible. Here are three once Impossible things undersea robots have helped humans do:
* Discover Titanic's grave.
* Recover gold and other treasures from ships that sunk centuries ago.
*Extract oil from the Gulf of Mexico.
Grammar
Consequently, study of the ocean depths around the clock for multiple years at a time is no longer out of the question.
out of the question=impossible
*The study of the ocean depths around the clock for multiple years at a time is possible.
out of the question-
*For Sarah, taking a vacation this summer is out of the question.
*Try to use my cellphone to make a phone call is completely out of the question.
Vocabulary
exploration-探測，探索，勘測 ex-向外的 explore-探測，探索
*Human exploration of space never seems to cease.
*The research team started an in-depth exploration of the South Pole last year.
propelled-推進。 是“ propel ”的過去分詞，
self-propelled-自行推進，自力推進或機器推進。
a self-propelled vacuum cleaner-自行推進的吸塵器。
a self-propelled boat-機器自力推進的船。
around the clock-繞著時間轉，不眠之休的，日以繼夜的。
*Three shifts of workers worked together around the clock to meet the deadline. 三班制。。。不眠不休的。。。在期限内（完工）
*The witness was guarded by the police around the clock. 被警察24 小時保護著。
Chat Room
alien-外星人，外國的，不同性質的，也指外國人，外國來的人， 外僑。
an alien from another planet-從別的星球來的人
illegal alien-非法居留者
resident alien-合法居留者。
immigrant-移民的人
immigration-移民，移居。在機場或是囯與囯交界的地方，可以看到，意即是“出入境管理”。
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