智慧型手機交響樂Grab your phone and make some music! by Bryan Hagerla
The days of carrying around both a cell phone and an MP3 player are history. Nearly all cell phones sold today double as music-listening devices, with Smartphones going one step further. Thanks to features such as built-in motion sensors and touch screens, Smartphones have turned cell phones into music - making devices that respond to a user's hand movements. Music apps available now allow users to produce the sounds of instruments by tapping virtual drums and forming chords on virtual strings. The following musical apps are two of the most powerful and creative ones on the market.
Improvox
Robert Taub, a famous concert pianist, was looking for a way to help his daughter remember musical compositions. His original idea was to develop software that could photograph a score, play it back and allow a student to imitate the music. Taub decided to leave his performing career behind and form a start-up company called MuseAmi for the purpose of developing such a musical app. Although MuseAmi's first app, the iPhone app called Improvox, doesn't live up to Taub's original idea, it does break new ground.
Described as a "vocal instrument," Improvox helps even terrible singers sound like professionals by correcting their pitch in real-time. Users sing into their phone's microphones and slide their fingers across their touch screens to adjust background harmony and add in effects like echo and reverb. Indeed, Improvox provides tools similar to the ones used in professional recording studios so the users can adjust their sound. And when they're done singing, they have the option of saving their performances and sharing them with friends via e-mail.
Ocarina
Dr. Ge Wang, a professor at Stanford University's Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA) specializes in making computer-generated music more mobile. His efforts have led to the formation of such experimental groups as the Princeton Laptop Orchestra (PLOrk) and the Standford Mobile Phone Orchestra, or MoPhO. Dressed in black and wearing gloves with round speakers attached, the members of MoPhO look more like super heroes or rock stars than orchestra members. As Wang conducts, they make music by moving their hands in different directions and sliding their fingers across their iPhones' touch screens.
Wang's passion for developing Smartphone music led him to co-found Smule, or "Sonic Mule." This start-up allows him to share his music research with the masses by developing apps that feature "interactive and expressive audio." To date, the company's most popular product is Ocarina, an app that turns the iPhone into an electronic version of the ancient wind instrument of the same name. Users create melodies by placing their fingers on the touch screen's four animated finger holes and then blowing into the phone's microphone. It looks and sounds as if the users are playing real ocarinas!
In line with the company's goal of creating interactive apps, Smule designed Ocarina with World Listener mode. When this mode is selected, users can listen to Ocarina players from around the world whose locations are represented on a global map. As Wang says, Ocarina is perhaps the first instrument in history that allows players from around the world to hear each other. To date, more than 40 million performances have been shared within the around the world to hear each other. To date, more than 40 million performances have been shared within the Ocarina community. And if Wany has his way, millions more will soon join this global Smartphone symphony.
More Information:
As the creativity and power of music-making apps continues to grow, some music bands are turning in their traditional instruments for smartphones.
One such group, iBand, a trio from Europe, plays original music using iPods and iPhones with costume-designed musical apps. Although the group features computer-generated music, the band's singer, Mara, still uses her actuarial voice to sing the group's lyrics.
Grammar Tips:
Although Museami's first app... doesn't live up to Taub's original idea, it does break new ground.
"to break new ground"
"break"-making into pieces
"ground" - the surface we are standing on.
"break ground" - to make progress or achievement that no one else has done before.
*In 1960 Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Ceylon (or Sri Lanka) broke new ground by becoming the world's first female prime minister.
*The medical team broke new ground when they discovered how the new drug could fight cancer cells in mice.
Vocabulary Tips:
double as something-more than one use, use as something else.
double- 兼具另外一种身份或功用.
*The dining room table double s as Josh's worktable.
*Before we find a substitute, the receptionist, Becky, will have to double as our operator.
score-(n)這兒不是指"成績”而是指“樂譜”，也指“戲劇或電影的配樂。”
*This music genius memorized the whole score of Symphony No. 7 by Beethoven.
*The score of this new song can be downloaded on the Internet.
*The score for this animated movie were written by a Chines composer.
"start - up" - 新成立的，創業公司。small and young company.
*A lot of people are paying attention to this start-up because the owner is a celebrity.
*This start-up software company only focuses on the local market for now.
vocal-聲音，使用嗓音的。"voc"-聲音
*Lips are an important vocal instrument. 嘴唇是非常重要得發聲樂器。
*The vocal techniques for singing operas take years of training to master.歌劇的發聲技巧 *The vocal part of this piece of music was recorded in another studio.音樂中人聲部分
via-經由，透過。
*I ordered a new cell-phone via on-line shopping. 透過網路買的
*we had our meeting via Skype.透過。
*The plane flew from Taipei to L.A. via Tokyo.經由東京
conducting -指揮，或是執行某些事情。conductor -指揮員（家）
*Henry has been conducting a church choir for several years. 指揮教會的詩班。
This piece of music is considered extremely difficult to conduct. 。。被認爲非常難指揮的
interactive-互動的，互動式。 "inter" -“二者之間”。
*Language development is an interactive process.
version-同一種物件不同的版本，型號，樣式。
*The latest version of this computer software costs over $1000. 最新的版本
*A Chinese version of this novel will be published in May. 中文版
mode-電腦，電話被設定的狀態。
*The office phone was set to automatic-transfer mode during the holidays.
*The computer was set to hibernation mode. 休眠的狀態。
Chat Room:
muse- 繆斯，宙斯的九個女兒之一。善長詩歌，音樂，舞蹈等。靈感的來源，任何給你靈感的東西，讀、都可以說是“muse”。（v）深思熟慮，沉思，冥想，深思。
exercise is my Muse -運動是我靈感的來源。
I'm musing over a trip to South America.-深思熟慮。
----------------------------------------
speaker- refer to a person who does speech演説者. or an instrument that makes sound loud.叭
keynote speaker - 大會主持人。
woofer-低音喇叭
subwoofer-超低音喇叭。很多人在汽車裏加裝（sub woofer）.
loudspeaker-擴音器。
-----------------------------------------
coin (n)- money, coins. 銅板
coin (v)- create， 創新的
a newly coined word：-一個創新的字。
unfriend--拒絕戶，不是朋友。是個網路創新字。
blend word = 混和字：two single words to them together.
Smule = Sonic Mule = Sonic and Mule compose together.
Sonic is a name brand of electronic company.
mule- a slow animal, can carry heavy load.
brunch= breakfast and Lunch= late breakfast and early lunch, skip one meal.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Cavities: Going, Going, Gone
蛀牙不見了New research could make a trip to the dentist less painful by Ruth Devlin
Face it -few people joyfully anticipate a trip to the dentist. Time spent in a dentist's chair means discomfort in addition to the possibility of a lecture on how to better care for one's teeth. Dentistry routinely makes people's lists of most-hated professions, but most everyone would agree that a trip to the dentist is a necessary evil. This is especially true when it comes to fixing cavities. To do that, a dentist drills out the decay and fills the tooth with gold or other filling material.
New research, however, may make that process a thing of the past. A new peptide called MSH, which is placed in a gel or thin film and pasted next to a cavity, encourages cells inside the tooth to regrow. A study in mice showed that cavities treated with the gel disappeared in about a month. The French scientists who performed the study warned, however, that the gel does not prevent cavities.
People still need to brush several times a day, floss and use mouthwash to maintain good dental health. Also, it will be years before an MSH gel or film will be approved for use in humans.
Grammar Tips:
Time spent in a dentist's chair means discomfort....
"mean" -
What does "rough" mean? It means "not smooth".
time spent in a dentist's chair - it does not mean (definition) of discomfort.
"mean" here is when we talk about the situation has a certain result.
=Sitting in a dentist's chair is expected to be an uncomfortable experience
*Going to Aunt Susan's house means getting delicious apple pie and coffee.
*For most people, having a typhoon means getting a day off.
Vocabulary Tips:
anticipate-期待，期盼 know what going to happen, people are prepared for..
*The kids have been anticipating this trip for weeks.
*We didn't anticipate much opposition from the board when we proposed this change.
decay-朽腐，腐朽，蛀牙，（衰敗，荒涼，腐爛）。
decay(v)-getting worst, or being damaged.
decay(n) - the damaged area of teeth, the damaged thing.
*Eating too many sweets can cause tooth decay.
*The city has fallen into decay after the bombing.
*The wooden floor is in decay and it's hard to restore it.
gel-凝膠，膠狀物，a thick, clear liquid-like substance.
*The doctor rubbed some heat-resistant gel on the patient before he did the ultrasound. 超音波
*You have to use a lot of hair gel to keep that hairstyle.
Chloe doesn't like shower gel. She prefers soaps. 沐浴膠
peptide - a type of chemical.
mouthwash-a liquid put in your mouth, let it move around inside the mouth to clean your mouth and teeth.
painful- two meaning here (1)-physical pain, (2)a feeling that very discomfort, painful in feeling.
necessary evil, going to dentist is not a evil thing, it is an unpleasant thing, but it also a necessary thing.
Chat Room:
pulling teeth-拔牙.
is like pulling teeth -某事相當困難，很難達成，就像要拔對方的牙那般。hard to ask someone to do something.
Getting Billy to clean his room is like pulling teeth.
a kick in the teeth-粗暴對待，侮辱，出乎意料的被判。
sink your teeth into something.-興致勃勃，迫不及待，等不及的要去做（讀，看) eagerly to do
sink your teeth into the new book -買了新書，等不及的要去讀它。
have a tooth pulled.
Face it -few people joyfully anticipate a trip to the dentist. Time spent in a dentist's chair means discomfort in addition to the possibility of a lecture on how to better care for one's teeth. Dentistry routinely makes people's lists of most-hated professions, but most everyone would agree that a trip to the dentist is a necessary evil. This is especially true when it comes to fixing cavities. To do that, a dentist drills out the decay and fills the tooth with gold or other filling material.
New research, however, may make that process a thing of the past. A new peptide called MSH, which is placed in a gel or thin film and pasted next to a cavity, encourages cells inside the tooth to regrow. A study in mice showed that cavities treated with the gel disappeared in about a month. The French scientists who performed the study warned, however, that the gel does not prevent cavities.
People still need to brush several times a day, floss and use mouthwash to maintain good dental health. Also, it will be years before an MSH gel or film will be approved for use in humans.
Grammar Tips:
Time spent in a dentist's chair means discomfort....
"mean" -
What does "rough" mean? It means "not smooth".
time spent in a dentist's chair - it does not mean (definition) of discomfort.
"mean" here is when we talk about the situation has a certain result.
=Sitting in a dentist's chair is expected to be an uncomfortable experience
*Going to Aunt Susan's house means getting delicious apple pie and coffee.
*For most people, having a typhoon means getting a day off.
Vocabulary Tips:
anticipate-期待，期盼 know what going to happen, people are prepared for..
*The kids have been anticipating this trip for weeks.
*We didn't anticipate much opposition from the board when we proposed this change.
decay-朽腐，腐朽，蛀牙，（衰敗，荒涼，腐爛）。
decay(v)-getting worst, or being damaged.
decay(n) - the damaged area of teeth, the damaged thing.
*Eating too many sweets can cause tooth decay.
*The city has fallen into decay after the bombing.
*The wooden floor is in decay and it's hard to restore it.
gel-凝膠，膠狀物，a thick, clear liquid-like substance.
*The doctor rubbed some heat-resistant gel on the patient before he did the ultrasound. 超音波
*You have to use a lot of hair gel to keep that hairstyle.
Chloe doesn't like shower gel. She prefers soaps. 沐浴膠
peptide - a type of chemical.
mouthwash-a liquid put in your mouth, let it move around inside the mouth to clean your mouth and teeth.
painful- two meaning here (1)-physical pain, (2)a feeling that very discomfort, painful in feeling.
necessary evil, going to dentist is not a evil thing, it is an unpleasant thing, but it also a necessary thing.
Chat Room:
pulling teeth-拔牙.
is like pulling teeth -某事相當困難，很難達成，就像要拔對方的牙那般。hard to ask someone to do something.
Getting Billy to clean his room is like pulling teeth.
a kick in the teeth-粗暴對待，侮辱，出乎意料的被判。
sink your teeth into something.-興致勃勃，迫不及待，等不及的要去做（讀，看) eagerly to do
sink your teeth into the new book -買了新書，等不及的要去讀它。
have a tooth pulled.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Good Parenting Skills Can Change the World
改變世界就從良好的教養技巧做起 All of us need to practice healthy parental behaviors toward young children and teenagers by Judi Light Hopson, Emma H. Hopson, R.N. and Ted Ha
Have you noticed that relationships all over the world are full of tension? Many families are stressed to the breaking point. Governments, schools and workplaces all wrestle with "people problems."
The world cannot change for the better until families become more emotionally healthy. Mental health and balanced citizens create a sane society. There is no substitute for a mentally healthy parent figure in one's life. Individuals who raise mentally and emotionally healthy children make a major contribution to our world.
Good parents use these strategies:
* They listen to their children. We all feel valued when other people listen to us. Children cannot feel safe without adults taking time to listen.
* They treat children with respect. Respect means treating a child's feelings tenderly in every possible situation. They give out hugs. Children need the power of touch. Parents who dish out orders and never give hugs are raising emotionally deprived children.
* They discipline properly and consistently. Parents should take control and speak authoritatively when feel safe when parents take control.
(Four keys: listen, respect, love, discipline)
"I see patients in my counseling office who've never had true nurturing from anyone," says a psychologist we'll call Gerald. "They've never known the inner peace of feeling loved and cared for." Gerald says that children under the age of six cannot receive too much love and attention. He adds that discipline is part of that package, but he emphasizes that small children really need this kind of devotion. "Small children who've been hugged, kissed and loved on will grow up to be mentally stable adults," says Gerald.
He goes on to say that hungering for parenting can, for example, get teenage girls into trouble. If the father figure isn't there, a teenage girl will look for love in all the wrong places, Gerald emphasizes. "People in good marriages try hard to nurture each other," says Gerald. "But, if you're married to someone who never got tenderness and hugs, they don't feel comfortable giving that nurturing to you."
Adults who've lived with kindness and respect coming from their parents are the luckiest people on earth. That's not to say they don't feel upset, stressed out or depressed at times. But, those who've been nurtured have the resiliency to bounce back from most problems. It's tough to simulate this kind of nurturing once you're grown. But it can be done.
Gary Smalley, the nationally known relationship expert and author, believes that adults can form "small groups" to kind of "parent" each other. This can be a spiritually based group, or a small group can be caring friends who desire to open up about their lives.
They help each other grow and heal and vow to "be there" for each other. "I'm 65 now," says a woman we'll call Betty. "My parents are gone and my children are scattered around the country. I was depressed for three years before I decided to form a small group. We kind of parent each other." Betty continues, "We meet twice a month to share problems and help each other figure out what to do. We simply encourage each other in a thousand ways."
Grammar Tips:
Gerald says that children under the age of six cannot receive too much love and attention.
"subject cannot verb too much."- "something can never verb too much"
As far as Franklin is concerned he can't ever get too much sleep.
Ralph loves watching Jackie Chan movies; he can never get too much of the action.
Vocabulary Tips:
wrestle- 摔跤,絞力. wrestle with something -努力,解決,對付某個問題.
*For weeks, Sean has been wrestling with the decision of which school he should go to.
*The government is wrestling with the problem of unemployment.
dish out something-(口語用法)分發,給與. give out something.
*Tome loves to dish out advice that you don't need.
*Hilary dishes out criticism so easily that she often hurts the people around her.
*Bendy came from a deprived family, but that only motivated her to succeed.
deprived ( adj )貧窮的,被剝奪 .- deprive-剝奪,使喪失
*Sleep-deprived teenagers may have emotional problems. 缺少睡眠
devotion - 熱愛,関愛,專一devote (v)-專心致力於于某事. 對某個對專一用" ".
*Janet's devotion to acting made her character really touch the audience.
*His unselfish devotion to his pupils was greatly respected. 無私德熱誠...他的學生.
hunger for something -strong desire for something. hunger- (n )飢餓, (v)-渴望.
*Vivian hungers for attention, which explains why she acts out a lot in class.
*William hungers for his parents' approval.
tenderness-love, gentle, and care. 親切溫柔的
Even though she's gone, Nick will never forget his mother's tenderness.
Mandy always treats people with love and tenderness.
resiliency -彈性，此指“恢復的能力”。 resilience=resiliency
*Patrick has the resiliency to face frustrations at work.
*Kate was very ill, but she recovered because of her strong resilience.
bounce back-振作起來，重振旗鼓，重新站起（上），重新囘到。。bounce- 彈起來
*Alex bounced back from his breakup really quickly.
*Oil prices bounced back after a steep plunge.
simulate-模仿，摸凝。摩擬
*This computer program simulates a real driving situation.
*This training exercise is made to simulate what would happen during a fire.
spiritually- something to do with "faith".
scattered around - spare out around.
Chat Room:
parent figure- 像父母親般的人, 給與你多方面的照顧. parent -父親,母親. figure-人物.
guardian-法定上的監護人.
home away from home-提供一個像家一樣舒適的地方
----------------------------------------
hugged, kissed, and loved on .......
love someone-愛某個人.
to love on someone -関愛某人.很口語,同常是指父母對孩子, 長輩對晚輩的關愛.
nurture-養育,也指"後天的(培育)"
nature- 自然，指"先天的（才智）
nature (n) /nurture (n) -先天的/後天的
-----------------------------------------
empty Nest-空巢
empty nest syndrome -空巢疹侯群 （感到孤單沮喪）
empty Nestor -空巢者
Have you noticed that relationships all over the world are full of tension? Many families are stressed to the breaking point. Governments, schools and workplaces all wrestle with "people problems."
The world cannot change for the better until families become more emotionally healthy. Mental health and balanced citizens create a sane society. There is no substitute for a mentally healthy parent figure in one's life. Individuals who raise mentally and emotionally healthy children make a major contribution to our world.
Good parents use these strategies:
* They listen to their children. We all feel valued when other people listen to us. Children cannot feel safe without adults taking time to listen.
* They treat children with respect. Respect means treating a child's feelings tenderly in every possible situation. They give out hugs. Children need the power of touch. Parents who dish out orders and never give hugs are raising emotionally deprived children.
* They discipline properly and consistently. Parents should take control and speak authoritatively when feel safe when parents take control.
(Four keys: listen, respect, love, discipline)
"I see patients in my counseling office who've never had true nurturing from anyone," says a psychologist we'll call Gerald. "They've never known the inner peace of feeling loved and cared for." Gerald says that children under the age of six cannot receive too much love and attention. He adds that discipline is part of that package, but he emphasizes that small children really need this kind of devotion. "Small children who've been hugged, kissed and loved on will grow up to be mentally stable adults," says Gerald.
He goes on to say that hungering for parenting can, for example, get teenage girls into trouble. If the father figure isn't there, a teenage girl will look for love in all the wrong places, Gerald emphasizes. "People in good marriages try hard to nurture each other," says Gerald. "But, if you're married to someone who never got tenderness and hugs, they don't feel comfortable giving that nurturing to you."
Adults who've lived with kindness and respect coming from their parents are the luckiest people on earth. That's not to say they don't feel upset, stressed out or depressed at times. But, those who've been nurtured have the resiliency to bounce back from most problems. It's tough to simulate this kind of nurturing once you're grown. But it can be done.
Gary Smalley, the nationally known relationship expert and author, believes that adults can form "small groups" to kind of "parent" each other. This can be a spiritually based group, or a small group can be caring friends who desire to open up about their lives.
They help each other grow and heal and vow to "be there" for each other. "I'm 65 now," says a woman we'll call Betty. "My parents are gone and my children are scattered around the country. I was depressed for three years before I decided to form a small group. We kind of parent each other." Betty continues, "We meet twice a month to share problems and help each other figure out what to do. We simply encourage each other in a thousand ways."
Grammar Tips:
Gerald says that children under the age of six cannot receive too much love and attention.
"subject cannot verb too much."- "something can never verb too much"
As far as Franklin is concerned he can't ever get too much sleep.
Ralph loves watching Jackie Chan movies; he can never get too much of the action.
Vocabulary Tips:
wrestle- 摔跤,絞力. wrestle with something -努力,解決,對付某個問題.
*For weeks, Sean has been wrestling with the decision of which school he should go to.
*The government is wrestling with the problem of unemployment.
dish out something-(口語用法)分發,給與. give out something.
*Tome loves to dish out advice that you don't need.
*Hilary dishes out criticism so easily that she often hurts the people around her.
*Bendy came from a deprived family, but that only motivated her to succeed.
deprived ( adj )貧窮的,被剝奪 .- deprive-剝奪,使喪失
*Sleep-deprived teenagers may have emotional problems. 缺少睡眠
devotion - 熱愛,関愛,專一devote (v)-專心致力於于某事. 對某個對專一用" ".
*Janet's devotion to acting made her character really touch the audience.
*His unselfish devotion to his pupils was greatly respected. 無私德熱誠...他的學生.
hunger for something -strong desire for something. hunger- (n )飢餓, (v)-渴望.
*Vivian hungers for attention, which explains why she acts out a lot in class.
*William hungers for his parents' approval.
tenderness-love, gentle, and care. 親切溫柔的
Even though she's gone, Nick will never forget his mother's tenderness.
Mandy always treats people with love and tenderness.
resiliency -彈性，此指“恢復的能力”。 resilience=resiliency
*Patrick has the resiliency to face frustrations at work.
*Kate was very ill, but she recovered because of her strong resilience.
bounce back-振作起來，重振旗鼓，重新站起（上），重新囘到。。bounce- 彈起來
*Alex bounced back from his breakup really quickly.
*Oil prices bounced back after a steep plunge.
simulate-模仿，摸凝。摩擬
*This computer program simulates a real driving situation.
*This training exercise is made to simulate what would happen during a fire.
spiritually- something to do with "faith".
scattered around - spare out around.
Chat Room:
parent figure- 像父母親般的人, 給與你多方面的照顧. parent -父親,母親. figure-人物.
guardian-法定上的監護人.
home away from home-提供一個像家一樣舒適的地方
----------------------------------------
hugged, kissed, and loved on .......
love someone-愛某個人.
to love on someone -関愛某人.很口語,同常是指父母對孩子, 長輩對晚輩的關愛.
nurture-養育,也指"後天的(培育)"
nature- 自然，指"先天的（才智）
nature (n) /nurture (n) -先天的/後天的
-----------------------------------------
empty Nest-空巢
empty nest syndrome -空巢疹侯群 （感到孤單沮喪）
empty Nestor -空巢者
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Aluminum Does it All
萬用金屬：鋁You’ll be amazed at what this silvery metal can do! by Bryan Hagerla
Ask your friends to name some things made with aluminum. Chances are they'll mention common items like cooking foil or soda cans. But do they know that aluminum was once so rare it was considered a precious metal?
Before the late 19th century, aluminum was rarely found in its pure form. But in 1886, American Charles Martin Hall and Frenchman Paul-Louis -Toussaint Heroult both made a discovery. They found an inexpensive way to separate aluminum from other minerals using electricity. Thanks to Hall and Heroult, aluminum became easier to process. It has since become the second most-used metal in the world after iron.
Prized for its many uses, aluminum can be combined with other metals to create alloys with unique features. Depending on which metal is added, aluminum can be made stronger or more flexible. By far, aluminum's most attractive feature is its light weight. Pure aluminum is roughly one-third the weight of steel. That means aluminum can be used to make items that are light and durable. Uses range from car parts to power cables. Aluminum may be less expensive than it once was, but it remains as valuable as ever!
More Information:
Why does aluminum have two different pronunciations?
Before the metal was officially discovered, it was known as aluminum.
Later, to conform to the I-U-M ending of the other elements on the periodic table, the British changed aluminum to aluminium.
In 1925, the American Chemical Society officially changed the name of aluminium back to aluminum.
And that's why there are two different pronunciations - one American and one British!
Grammar Tips:
Prized for its many uses, aluminum can be combined with other metals....
"Prized for its...., subject + verb " -sentence pattern to describe "hose high value is because in a certain character and quality.
Prized for its ability to improve many things in life, salt has been fought over by different governments and people groups throughout history.
Prized for its soft texture, light weight, and breathable quality, silk was traditionally reserved only for the Chinese imperial courts.
Vocabulary Tips:
electricity- 電，電力- power。electrical -電的，有電的, electric -電動的
* Make sure you turn off the electricity before you change the light bulbs.
*There's no electricity left in my laptop.
electrical wire -電線
electric -電動的
electric cars-電動車
flexible-彎曲自如，有彈性的。"flex"- 彎曲，bendable, will not break easily.
*These flexible plastic tubes are replacing the old tubes.
*The flexible working hours allow me to study while I am at work.
durable -持久耐用的。strong,unbreakable, can last for long time. "dur" 堅固
*The appliances manufactured by this company are very durable.
*The cell-phones they made are quite durable.
pure- is nothing added to it.
alloy -(a -lo-i) - combination of two or three metals.
Chat Room:
uses (n) -sound "s" for uses. 用処多多。很多功能。
uses (v) - sound "z" for uses. （第三人稱）使用
John uses the chopsticks well. uses (z) sound.多用途的，多方面的，多才多藝的
versatile - sound "ver -sa- tle" in USA -多用途的，多方面的，多才多藝的
versatile -sound "ver-sa-ti (ai)le "- British
versatile tool -多用途的工具
versatile chef -多才多藝的廚師，能做多方面的菜肴。
Ask your friends to name some things made with aluminum. Chances are they'll mention common items like cooking foil or soda cans. But do they know that aluminum was once so rare it was considered a precious metal?
Before the late 19th century, aluminum was rarely found in its pure form. But in 1886, American Charles Martin Hall and Frenchman Paul-Louis -Toussaint Heroult both made a discovery. They found an inexpensive way to separate aluminum from other minerals using electricity. Thanks to Hall and Heroult, aluminum became easier to process. It has since become the second most-used metal in the world after iron.
Prized for its many uses, aluminum can be combined with other metals to create alloys with unique features. Depending on which metal is added, aluminum can be made stronger or more flexible. By far, aluminum's most attractive feature is its light weight. Pure aluminum is roughly one-third the weight of steel. That means aluminum can be used to make items that are light and durable. Uses range from car parts to power cables. Aluminum may be less expensive than it once was, but it remains as valuable as ever!
More Information:
Why does aluminum have two different pronunciations?
Before the metal was officially discovered, it was known as aluminum.
Later, to conform to the I-U-M ending of the other elements on the periodic table, the British changed aluminum to aluminium.
In 1925, the American Chemical Society officially changed the name of aluminium back to aluminum.
And that's why there are two different pronunciations - one American and one British!
Grammar Tips:
Prized for its many uses, aluminum can be combined with other metals....
"Prized for its...., subject + verb " -sentence pattern to describe "hose high value is because in a certain character and quality.
Prized for its ability to improve many things in life, salt has been fought over by different governments and people groups throughout history.
Prized for its soft texture, light weight, and breathable quality, silk was traditionally reserved only for the Chinese imperial courts.
Vocabulary Tips:
electricity- 電，電力- power。electrical -電的，有電的, electric -電動的
* Make sure you turn off the electricity before you change the light bulbs.
*There's no electricity left in my laptop.
electrical wire -電線
electric -電動的
electric cars-電動車
flexible-彎曲自如，有彈性的。"flex"- 彎曲，bendable, will not break easily.
*These flexible plastic tubes are replacing the old tubes.
*The flexible working hours allow me to study while I am at work.
durable -持久耐用的。strong,unbreakable, can last for long time. "dur" 堅固
*The appliances manufactured by this company are very durable.
*The cell-phones they made are quite durable.
pure- is nothing added to it.
alloy -(a -lo-i) - combination of two or three metals.
Chat Room:
uses (n) -sound "s" for uses. 用処多多。很多功能。
uses (v) - sound "z" for uses. （第三人稱）使用
John uses the chopsticks well. uses (z) sound.多用途的，多方面的，多才多藝的
versatile - sound "ver -sa- tle" in USA -多用途的，多方面的，多才多藝的
versatile -sound "ver-sa-ti (ai)le "- British
versatile tool -多用途的工具
versatile chef -多才多藝的廚師，能做多方面的菜肴。
Sunday, February 20, 2011
A Different Approach to Choosing a Career
職涯規劃要趁早 Helping teens find a career path that suits them by Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz (c) 2010, Chicago Tribune. Di
As students near the end of high school, many for the first time start thinking seriously about what they want to do when they grow up and how they plan to get there. And, more often than not, the answer is a nervous shrug: no idea. The challenge is to get students - and parents -to think beyond external rewards, like salary and prestige, so they explore careers that are fulfilling on a deeper level.
Because a teen's interests and skills are often transient and changing, a more useful approach to identifying fitting career paths is to focus on the teen's personality, said Paul Tieger, an expert in personality typing and co-author of Do What You Are.....
"If you know your personality type, you have an extraordinary advantage in finding something satisfying," said Tieger, the creator of mypersonaljobcoach.com. On Tieger's website, people take a personality assessment that evaluates how they interact with others, make decisions and take in information. It classifies them as one of 16 personality types based on the Myers-Briggs model. This model measures four aspects of personality: extrovert or introvert; sensor or intuitive; thinking or feeling; judging or perceiving.
The resulting combination points you to jobs meant to be in sync with your nature. For example, extroverts need a lot of people contact, so they might make good sales people, introverts need depth and focus, often preferring to work behind the scenes. Sensors thrive on concrete details and facts, so they might consider accounting. Intuitive people prefer ideas and concepts, and so are more inclined toward the arts or advertising.
Armed with a list of personality-appropriate jobs, teens can then research to find out what the job entails. "The main question is: What do I do that makes me really feel alive, that energizes me? Tieger said. High school students likely won't -and shouldn't -nail down a specific career path; exploring your interests and life's purpose is partly what college is for. But it helps to develop a general idea, so when the time comes to pick a major they can choose something relevant.
Basically what you're starting out with is a compass needle that's going around in circles, so anything you can do to make the swing of the compass needle smaller will be really helpful," said Nicholas Lore, director of the Rockport Institure (rockportinstiture.com), a career design and research firm in Rockville, Md.
Grammar Tips:
Armed with a list of personality -appropriate jobs, teens can then research to find out what the job entails.
arm (n)- a part of body. (v)-to ahve something useful in order to successfully accomplish a task.
When Randy went to babysit his nieces and nephews, he was armed with a good storybook and a children's DVD.
Even though Priscilla has never cooked a meal, she was armed with a cookbook when she walked into the kitchen to fix dinner for her family.
Vocabulary Tips:
transient-短暫的,三人成虎鈡熱度,稍縱即逝的 last only a short time. temporary. "trans"- 越過,通過
*His transient fame made him very proud and he lost a lot of friends.
*Transient workers move from state to state to help with the different harvests. 臨時工
extrovert-外向的(人),新性格外向的 "ex"-有"向外"之意, "in" -有"向内"之意.
*Sally is an extrovert. She hardly stays at home. On the contrary, her sister Georgia is an introvert.-内向的,性格内向的
perceived- 感知或察覺到 "ceive" -有"拿取, 接收"之意
*Computer games are often perceived as bad influences on children.(一般) 被認定..
*I perceived someone walking toward me in the darkness. 察覺到
sync/synch -同步,一致,符合. "syn"-有"一起,同步"之意.
in sync with - 與某事或某對象同步,一致.
*She sang in sync with the playing of the band.
out of sync- 不一致,不搭調
*The style of the costumes is out of sync with the setting of the film.
incline (v)-傾向于, 容易如何如何. "cline"- 有"有彎曲"之意.
*Cathy is inclined to sympathize with people. She would be a great counselor.
*Laura inclines to get frustrated. -容易發脾氣,
nail down-確定,做出決定. 蓋棺論定 "nail"- 集中某個目標.
nail down something -settled something for permanent, will not change.
*We will nail down our sales target for this season in today's meeting.
*The two companies finally nailed down the details of the contract.
Chat Room:
personality- 個性,人格(1) well known people in certain field. 在某領域裏的人物或名人.
(2) remarkable or unique person. 人的特質,優良品格
(3) a place its design, display or decoration that reflect some kind of person unique character. 場所得特質.
personality test - 人格測驗,了解自己的個性.
sports personality- 體壇上的名人.
TV personality -TV 名人或名嘴。
Radio personality-廣播名人，名嘴或是電臺節目主持人。
has a lot of personality- 很有獨特個性的室内設計。
----------------------------
picking a major- 選擇主修科目
major- 主修
declare a major- 正式申明要主修什麽。declare at Sophomore Year.大學二年生要申明主修科系
apply- 申請 student need to apply for a USA college
rejection letter- 拒絕信,即"不錄取"不被申請學校接受.
acceptance letter-錄取信, 被接受通知.被申請學校接受,學校送達申請學生的錄取通知.
As students near the end of high school, many for the first time start thinking seriously about what they want to do when they grow up and how they plan to get there. And, more often than not, the answer is a nervous shrug: no idea. The challenge is to get students - and parents -to think beyond external rewards, like salary and prestige, so they explore careers that are fulfilling on a deeper level.
Because a teen's interests and skills are often transient and changing, a more useful approach to identifying fitting career paths is to focus on the teen's personality, said Paul Tieger, an expert in personality typing and co-author of Do What You Are.....
"If you know your personality type, you have an extraordinary advantage in finding something satisfying," said Tieger, the creator of mypersonaljobcoach.com. On Tieger's website, people take a personality assessment that evaluates how they interact with others, make decisions and take in information. It classifies them as one of 16 personality types based on the Myers-Briggs model. This model measures four aspects of personality: extrovert or introvert; sensor or intuitive; thinking or feeling; judging or perceiving.
The resulting combination points you to jobs meant to be in sync with your nature. For example, extroverts need a lot of people contact, so they might make good sales people, introverts need depth and focus, often preferring to work behind the scenes. Sensors thrive on concrete details and facts, so they might consider accounting. Intuitive people prefer ideas and concepts, and so are more inclined toward the arts or advertising.
Armed with a list of personality-appropriate jobs, teens can then research to find out what the job entails. "The main question is: What do I do that makes me really feel alive, that energizes me? Tieger said. High school students likely won't -and shouldn't -nail down a specific career path; exploring your interests and life's purpose is partly what college is for. But it helps to develop a general idea, so when the time comes to pick a major they can choose something relevant.
Basically what you're starting out with is a compass needle that's going around in circles, so anything you can do to make the swing of the compass needle smaller will be really helpful," said Nicholas Lore, director of the Rockport Institure (rockportinstiture.com), a career design and research firm in Rockville, Md.
Grammar Tips:
Armed with a list of personality -appropriate jobs, teens can then research to find out what the job entails.
arm (n)- a part of body. (v)-to ahve something useful in order to successfully accomplish a task.
When Randy went to babysit his nieces and nephews, he was armed with a good storybook and a children's DVD.
Even though Priscilla has never cooked a meal, she was armed with a cookbook when she walked into the kitchen to fix dinner for her family.
Vocabulary Tips:
transient-短暫的,三人成虎鈡熱度,稍縱即逝的 last only a short time. temporary. "trans"- 越過,通過
*His transient fame made him very proud and he lost a lot of friends.
*Transient workers move from state to state to help with the different harvests. 臨時工
extrovert-外向的(人),新性格外向的 "ex"-有"向外"之意, "in" -有"向内"之意.
*Sally is an extrovert. She hardly stays at home. On the contrary, her sister Georgia is an introvert.-内向的,性格内向的
perceived- 感知或察覺到 "ceive" -有"拿取, 接收"之意
*Computer games are often perceived as bad influences on children.(一般) 被認定..
*I perceived someone walking toward me in the darkness. 察覺到
sync/synch -同步,一致,符合. "syn"-有"一起,同步"之意.
in sync with - 與某事或某對象同步,一致.
*She sang in sync with the playing of the band.
out of sync- 不一致,不搭調
*The style of the costumes is out of sync with the setting of the film.
incline (v)-傾向于, 容易如何如何. "cline"- 有"有彎曲"之意.
*Cathy is inclined to sympathize with people. She would be a great counselor.
*Laura inclines to get frustrated. -容易發脾氣,
nail down-確定,做出決定. 蓋棺論定 "nail"- 集中某個目標.
nail down something -settled something for permanent, will not change.
*We will nail down our sales target for this season in today's meeting.
*The two companies finally nailed down the details of the contract.
Chat Room:
personality- 個性,人格(1) well known people in certain field. 在某領域裏的人物或名人.
(2) remarkable or unique person. 人的特質,優良品格
(3) a place its design, display or decoration that reflect some kind of person unique character. 場所得特質.
personality test - 人格測驗,了解自己的個性.
sports personality- 體壇上的名人.
TV personality -TV 名人或名嘴。
Radio personality-廣播名人，名嘴或是電臺節目主持人。
has a lot of personality- 很有獨特個性的室内設計。
----------------------------
picking a major- 選擇主修科目
major- 主修
declare a major- 正式申明要主修什麽。declare at Sophomore Year.大學二年生要申明主修科系
apply- 申請 student need to apply for a USA college
rejection letter- 拒絕信,即"不錄取"不被申請學校接受.
acceptance letter-錄取信, 被接受通知.被申請學校接受,學校送達申請學生的錄取通知.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Fashion Goes Green
時尚吹起環保風When it comes to fashion, green is the new black by Chelsea Ewald.
Every day you wake up and get dressed. But have you ever stopped to think about the clothes in your closet? Most likely, they were manufactured in distant countries under hazardous conditions in pollution-emitting factories before being loaded into shipping containers or trucks. From there, they made the long, oil-burning journey across land and sea to finally arrive in local shops, and ultimately, in your closet.
Every time the fashion industry carries this process out, it's at the expense of the environment. And what's more, most of the clothes produced - including the ones found in your closet -are not made from sustainable materials.
Fortunately, there is a solution to this environmental problem: sustainable fashion. Also known as eco-fashion, it is the concept of considering the environmental impact of what you wear each day. So what exactly makes eco-fashion so eco-friendly? For one, it encourages designers to create clothing using green fabrics and fibers such as organic cotton and bamboo. In addition, designers and manufacturers are encouraged to use responsible production techniques, which include producing materials that use fewer toxic chemicals and striving for more energy-efficient processes.
Designers and manufacturers clearly have environmental responsibilities to uphold and so do consumers. Fortunately, getting a green wardrobe is easier than you think.
Shop your own closet
Instead of purchasing a new outfit from the mall, make what you already have look new again. Use your creativity to mix old items and accessories together in fresh, new ways. If you know how to sew, the possibilities are endless. Cut up old shirts and piece them together to make a new skirt or jacket. Have fun and be creative.
Be a thrifty shopper
Save money and avoid waste at the same time by shopping for gently used clothing items. Although thrift shops are most ideal for this type of shopping, many online sites, including eBay, sell used clothing.
Get to know eco-friendly brands
What brands do you shop for? Today, high-end designers like Stella MaCartney and Loomstate are supporting sustainable fashion. Likewise, more affordable options include popular chain
H& M, which is committed to responsibly using the planet's resources to manufacture its clothing. Buy brands that support eco-fashion. Become an environmental activist by starting with your closet. Dress green every day!
Grammar Tips:
....What's more, most of the clothes produced are not made from sustainable materials.
what's more -furthermore, in addition.
what's more -add more information to it...
Because we just bought a new house, we can't afford to go on a trip this year. And, what's more, we still have to pay for our kids' tuition.
Joe likes to use other people's things without asking. And, what is more, he always forgets to return the things he's borrowed.
Vocabulary Tips:
hazardous (adj)-有害的，有危險的．． dangerous, hazard (n)-危險，危險物
* A hazardous working environment can damage the workers' health in a very short period of time.
*The chemicals in the detergent were reported to be hazardous to human bodies.
"all the expense of something or somebody" (idiom) - 為．．付上代價 cost of something or someone. expense -refer to "犧牲，損失，代價 ".
*He made a lot money at the expense of his family. ．．．犧牲了家庭．
uphold -refer to up holding, suppurt ,obey and believe a rule, a standard, a principle.
outfit -combination of many pieces of clothing together, put shirt, pants, coat, tie on. 服裝,穿着打扮.
toxic -有毒的 poisonous, dangerous.
*These toxic chemicals need to be stored in special containers.
Toxic fumes can cause nausea and dizziness. 有毒氣體會使人噁心，暈眩
go green - material go more eco-friendly. It doesn't have to green color.
black - is a staple color, last long time an go well with everything.
ultimately - in the end, final, after some period of time or after all those concerned.
sustainable- able to last for long time, can be continue of over the time.
eco ＝ ecology = people, animal and nature are live together mingled.
responsible -here means" making right decision to be good for everyone."
energy-efficient - use energy wisely, not wasting. save energy.
green fabric - fabric made of eco-friendly material (green material).
wardrobe-衣櫃，衣櫥，或指一個人所有的衣物。
*Check your wardrobe before shopping so you can avoid buying things you already have.
*Betty showed us her new red-wood wardrobe.
accessories -配件。something added to pants, shirts or dress.
*The Store has all kinds of accessories to go with dresses.
*The accessories for the convertible are too expensive.
thrifty (adj) -(positive) a good way to save money.省錢的, 節儉的，cheap (negative) -吝嗇的,小氣
be a thrifty shopper.-花錢買東西會精打細算的人.
thrift (n)-節約,節省
*Even though Eric is very rich now, he's still very thrifty.
*Mom has always been a thrifty housewife.
Chat Room:
When it comes to fashion, green is the new black. 注重環保，新的色彩，新的流行，新的主流．
40 is the new 30 -指人很會保養自己，４０嵗看上去像３０嵗．
30 is the new 20 - ３０嵗看上去像２０嵗
small is the new big - （電腦趨勢）小型的取代了大型電腦．
--------------------------------------
tightwad-把錢抓得緊緊的, 守財奴
wad-一曡的東西
a wad of bills -一曡鈔票.
tight -緊的,緊緊的
Pay an arm and a leg-付出一支手臂和一條腿. 即"付出昂貴的价碼才買到,花大价錢買.
"cost" or "charge" can replace "pay"
That hair salon charges an arm and leg for a haircut ...索取价錢 好昂貴.
Every day you wake up and get dressed. But have you ever stopped to think about the clothes in your closet? Most likely, they were manufactured in distant countries under hazardous conditions in pollution-emitting factories before being loaded into shipping containers or trucks. From there, they made the long, oil-burning journey across land and sea to finally arrive in local shops, and ultimately, in your closet.
Every time the fashion industry carries this process out, it's at the expense of the environment. And what's more, most of the clothes produced - including the ones found in your closet -are not made from sustainable materials.
Fortunately, there is a solution to this environmental problem: sustainable fashion. Also known as eco-fashion, it is the concept of considering the environmental impact of what you wear each day. So what exactly makes eco-fashion so eco-friendly? For one, it encourages designers to create clothing using green fabrics and fibers such as organic cotton and bamboo. In addition, designers and manufacturers are encouraged to use responsible production techniques, which include producing materials that use fewer toxic chemicals and striving for more energy-efficient processes.
Designers and manufacturers clearly have environmental responsibilities to uphold and so do consumers. Fortunately, getting a green wardrobe is easier than you think.
Shop your own closet
Instead of purchasing a new outfit from the mall, make what you already have look new again. Use your creativity to mix old items and accessories together in fresh, new ways. If you know how to sew, the possibilities are endless. Cut up old shirts and piece them together to make a new skirt or jacket. Have fun and be creative.
Be a thrifty shopper
Save money and avoid waste at the same time by shopping for gently used clothing items. Although thrift shops are most ideal for this type of shopping, many online sites, including eBay, sell used clothing.
Get to know eco-friendly brands
What brands do you shop for? Today, high-end designers like Stella MaCartney and Loomstate are supporting sustainable fashion. Likewise, more affordable options include popular chain
H& M, which is committed to responsibly using the planet's resources to manufacture its clothing. Buy brands that support eco-fashion. Become an environmental activist by starting with your closet. Dress green every day!
Grammar Tips:
....What's more, most of the clothes produced are not made from sustainable materials.
what's more -furthermore, in addition.
what's more -add more information to it...
Because we just bought a new house, we can't afford to go on a trip this year. And, what's more, we still have to pay for our kids' tuition.
Joe likes to use other people's things without asking. And, what is more, he always forgets to return the things he's borrowed.
Vocabulary Tips:
hazardous (adj)-有害的，有危險的．． dangerous, hazard (n)-危險，危險物
* A hazardous working environment can damage the workers' health in a very short period of time.
*The chemicals in the detergent were reported to be hazardous to human bodies.
"all the expense of something or somebody" (idiom) - 為．．付上代價 cost of something or someone. expense -refer to "犧牲，損失，代價 ".
*He made a lot money at the expense of his family. ．．．犧牲了家庭．
uphold -refer to up holding, suppurt ,obey and believe a rule, a standard, a principle.
outfit -combination of many pieces of clothing together, put shirt, pants, coat, tie on. 服裝,穿着打扮.
toxic -有毒的 poisonous, dangerous.
*These toxic chemicals need to be stored in special containers.
Toxic fumes can cause nausea and dizziness. 有毒氣體會使人噁心，暈眩
go green - material go more eco-friendly. It doesn't have to green color.
black - is a staple color, last long time an go well with everything.
ultimately - in the end, final, after some period of time or after all those concerned.
sustainable- able to last for long time, can be continue of over the time.
eco ＝ ecology = people, animal and nature are live together mingled.
responsible -here means" making right decision to be good for everyone."
energy-efficient - use energy wisely, not wasting. save energy.
green fabric - fabric made of eco-friendly material (green material).
wardrobe-衣櫃，衣櫥，或指一個人所有的衣物。
*Check your wardrobe before shopping so you can avoid buying things you already have.
*Betty showed us her new red-wood wardrobe.
accessories -配件。something added to pants, shirts or dress.
*The Store has all kinds of accessories to go with dresses.
*The accessories for the convertible are too expensive.
thrifty (adj) -(positive) a good way to save money.省錢的, 節儉的，cheap (negative) -吝嗇的,小氣
be a thrifty shopper.-花錢買東西會精打細算的人.
thrift (n)-節約,節省
*Even though Eric is very rich now, he's still very thrifty.
*Mom has always been a thrifty housewife.
Chat Room:
When it comes to fashion, green is the new black. 注重環保，新的色彩，新的流行，新的主流．
40 is the new 30 -指人很會保養自己，４０嵗看上去像３０嵗．
30 is the new 20 - ３０嵗看上去像２０嵗
small is the new big - （電腦趨勢）小型的取代了大型電腦．
--------------------------------------
tightwad-把錢抓得緊緊的, 守財奴
wad-一曡的東西
a wad of bills -一曡鈔票.
tight -緊的,緊緊的
Pay an arm and a leg-付出一支手臂和一條腿. 即"付出昂貴的价碼才買到,花大价錢買.
"cost" or "charge" can replace "pay"
That hair salon charges an arm and leg for a haircut ...索取价錢 好昂貴.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Working From Home
在家工作For many, working from home is more efficient and saves money 對許多人而言，在家工作效率更好而且又節省開銷by Laura Casey (c) 2010, Contra Costa Times (Walnut C
With a rich Bologness sauce simmering in a pot in her kitchen - that's for tonight's dinner - Cheryl Haga starts her workday. But instead of hopping in her car and driving 40 minutes to her San Francisco office, Haga takes about 10 steps to her dining room table and fires up her laptop.
Working at home is a delicate balance between being productive on the job and avoiding distractions like that pile of laundry. It's all about organization, Haga says.
"I've created an action plan for myself, and I prioritize what I am doing each day. I estimate the time each general task is going to take. For example, it's going to take me five hours to get to all e-mails on Monday, " Haga says. She organizes her time in terms of priority and checks off each task once completed.
According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and private studies on the subject, a growing number of people are telecommuting, working from home one or several days a week.
"There are radiologists working at home in their pajamas reading X-rays. There are nurses taking calls at home from anxious mothers-to-be. There are a lot of industries going this way even in a wholesale way, not just ad hoc. a couple of days a week," says Kate Lister author of Undress for Success: The Naked Truth About Making Money at Home. She says about 2 percent of the American workforce currently telecommute some days a week.
Lister is a champion of working at home. She says if more companies would allow their employees to work at home just a couple days a week, the overall savings nationwide would amount to billions of dollars. She also says that individuals would save $2,000 to $7,000 per year, including a total of $15 billion at the gas pumps. Lister argues that workers appear to lead more balanced lives when they work at home. "It does take an amount of discipline. There is a settling-in period," Lister says. "But generally, when you get a routine down, you work more when you work at home."
Rachelle Goldenberg, a contract social worker, says setting up a home office dedicated to work was a necessity when she started working form her residence. She also created a routine to keep her motivated to work rather than goof off throughout the day.
"I set a specific time when I start working on projects in the morning. When 8 a.m. rolls around, I start to work," she says.
Goldenberg says working at home has been a necessity because she was laid off last year. But she says she has been rewarded with more time for her kids and a flexible schedule. That allows her to, for example, take a break to watch her son's swim meet and then work later in the evening. Goldenberg is also highly organized. She creates lists of tasks that need to be done and checks them off when complete.
Author Lister says the most successful at-home workers are systematic with their work. They have a home office and never routinely take care of children at home while trying to perform work tasks.
"There are so many remote workers doing so many different jobs today." she says.
Song of Encourage:
"Dare to dream"
Deep within you'll find your faith,
You will have no regrets
Step out from the shadows
And from behind the silhouette
Now you're glowing like the sun
Your life has just begun
Should you stumble, you won't fall
Just believe and have faith
In the one who sees it all
He'll never let you fall
If you just...
Dare to dream, dare to believe
You can soar so high beyond the clouds
Discovering where dreams are found
Dare to dream, dare to believe
God knows all that you can do
How far you go is up to Him and you
Dare to dream, dare to believe
This is your once in a lifetime
This is your moment
Your time to shine
Any dream is possible
Any star is reachable
Life is so incredible when you can dream
Life is so incredible when you can dream
Any star is reachable
When you can dream
More Information:
If you're considering using your computer to work from home, you'll have a much better chance of succeeding if you....
**** Have a supportive family
**** Don't have to care for young children during work hours.
**** Have a quiet, secluded area to work in.
**** Have strong communication skills.
**** Are a self-starter.
**** Have a strong work ethic.
**** Have good time management skills.
**** Are goal-oriented.
**** Are comfortable with technology.
Grammar Tips:
When 8 a.m. rolls around, I start to work...
to roll around -rolling around/ to roll around (move in circle)
*The pig likes to roll around in the mud.
"to roll around" - to happen again.
When summer rolls around, the school campus becomes a very quiet place.
When evening rolls around, bats come flying out of their cave looking for food.
Vocabulary Tips:
simmer- 小火燉煮, 小火煨煮cook with warm fire, not cook with big fire.也指" 蘊釀"
*Let the beef simmer for 40 minutes.
*The spaghetti sauce is simmering on the stove. 正在爐上燉煮
*The protest has been simmering for weeks. 抗議..醖釀了一個星期.
fire up something - 啓動,激發 start up something, could be a car, computer or a conversation. *He fired up his convertible and headed to the beach.
*Jack is all fire up about this new project.
priority (n)-優先
*Katherine's first priority is to finish her schooling.
prioritize (v) -按優先次序排列(排出表來),排列出優先次序, make a list, put the most importance thing, urgent to be done on the first of the list.
*Frank's job involves many duties, so he's learning how to prioritize them.
Bologness - Italy cousin
delicate- refer to very fragile, soft thing, easy to break it. something need to be done with extra careful.
distraction- something is easy to take your attention away from what you are doing.
U.S Bureau: is a government department in USA, the job in US Bureau is collect all people who live in USA's for number of family, job, economy etc. information. Done it by every 10 years.
telecommuting - not traveling a distance to work through computer, electronic, WFH (work from home)
tele- over a distance, such as telephone, television, telegraph..
commuting - from home to work and back home.
wholesale-(n) 批發的，批發（價格）, (adj)-此指大盅的，大批的，大幅度的，全面性的，大規模的。
*The wholesale price of this TV is only $350.
*The wholesale changes in the management caused many confusion.在管理方面大幅度德量力更變造成。。。
*The bombing caused wholesale destruction of the city. 炸彈轟炸造成這城市全面性的摧毀。（毀壞）
champion - (n)冠軍。 (v) 對某事物的支持或提倡。
*Sherry is a champion of home-schooling. 支持留在家裏受教育。
*Lindsey has long been a champion of equal rights for the disabled. 長久以來擁護。。權益。
discipline -紀律，自我控制能力。自制力。
*The class needs better discipline for the students to excel. 需要更好的紀律，。才能突破。
*Ricky lacks discipline. He seldom shows up at work on time. 缺乏自制力， 很少準時上班。
radiologist- person specialize in radiology, able to read the Xray.
ad hoc -only one thing, one single thing.
workforce - is a large of group people who are working. A company or a country has their own work force.
lay someone off - company cut workforce to save money. 裁員
residence - 住所，住宅reside (v)- 居住
*The Peterson's residence is undergoing some remodeling now.
*The governor's residence is located near the state capitol.
goof off -偷懶，混日子，"goof"- 閑晃 take easy, play around wasting time.
*The boy has been goofing off the whole weekend and didn't finish any homework.
*Becky and her classmate goofed off and went for a movie.
systematic-有條有理，有條理的，有系統化的 system - 系統
*The article is a systematic introduction to the issue of global warming.
Hank is systematic in his job.
Chat Room:
productive -有生産力的，多產的，用在“人”身上是“很有效率的，工作事半功倍。
conducive -good for... 對。。。有幫助，有助於。
conducive to studying -有助於學習。
Smoking is never conducive to one's health.
Is that conducive for your health? -is it good for your health?
-----------------------------------------
the necessities of life -生活中必需的（東西）．
necessities (n)-必需的，必要的，須要的．重音在第二節． necessary － 必要的
necessary evil- 指＂不喜歡做的但是又必須做的＂，如：報稅，清洗浴室或做整潔等．
----------------------------------------
HBWM = Home Base Work Mom. - working from home, 在家工作的母親
SAHM = Stay At Home Mom - mainly is staying home and take care of children. may or may not work. 主要是在家照顧小孩子的母親.
Housewife -married female, not employee outside the home, mainly stay at home to take care of children, family and also keep the house nice and clean, a 24/7 job, is a hardest job around. To some woman, "Housewife" the "title" has a negative feeling of lack of the working ability and knowledge. But to some woman, they take it seriously and proud of being a "housewife" , so be carefully when you use this word "housewife". 賢内助,不上班,但是從早到晚忙孩子,忙家務,在家為家人忙吃忙喝, 洗衣燒飯把家弄得整整齊齊,乾乾淨淨, 讓家人無後顧之憂, 在家工作24小時一天,一周7天,一年365天,沒日沒夜的太太.
My point of view:
Housewife:
Actual, not a lot of woman doesn't like to be a "housewife" , nowadays, one income is not enough to satisfy a family need, so wife have to go out to work hard.
Another thing is most of man are not appreciated their wife to be a good housewife. I see many men despise their wives being stay home, they don't support their wives, they don't bring money home on time, they don't hand money to wife before wife ask.
Next, most of woman go out to work, they don't want to be humiliated by their husband, many wife feel shame each time when they ask husband for household living, get their husband's insult look or words.
Another reason, woman work outside, is to show their abilities and gaining back self-esteem, some husbands, they are so stingy with their wives but spend money generously when they go out seeking their own pleasure.
With a rich Bologness sauce simmering in a pot in her kitchen - that's for tonight's dinner - Cheryl Haga starts her workday. But instead of hopping in her car and driving 40 minutes to her San Francisco office, Haga takes about 10 steps to her dining room table and fires up her laptop.
Working at home is a delicate balance between being productive on the job and avoiding distractions like that pile of laundry. It's all about organization, Haga says.
"I've created an action plan for myself, and I prioritize what I am doing each day. I estimate the time each general task is going to take. For example, it's going to take me five hours to get to all e-mails on Monday, " Haga says. She organizes her time in terms of priority and checks off each task once completed.
According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and private studies on the subject, a growing number of people are telecommuting, working from home one or several days a week.
"There are radiologists working at home in their pajamas reading X-rays. There are nurses taking calls at home from anxious mothers-to-be. There are a lot of industries going this way even in a wholesale way, not just ad hoc. a couple of days a week," says Kate Lister author of Undress for Success: The Naked Truth About Making Money at Home. She says about 2 percent of the American workforce currently telecommute some days a week.
Lister is a champion of working at home. She says if more companies would allow their employees to work at home just a couple days a week, the overall savings nationwide would amount to billions of dollars. She also says that individuals would save $2,000 to $7,000 per year, including a total of $15 billion at the gas pumps. Lister argues that workers appear to lead more balanced lives when they work at home. "It does take an amount of discipline. There is a settling-in period," Lister says. "But generally, when you get a routine down, you work more when you work at home."
Rachelle Goldenberg, a contract social worker, says setting up a home office dedicated to work was a necessity when she started working form her residence. She also created a routine to keep her motivated to work rather than goof off throughout the day.
"I set a specific time when I start working on projects in the morning. When 8 a.m. rolls around, I start to work," she says.
Goldenberg says working at home has been a necessity because she was laid off last year. But she says she has been rewarded with more time for her kids and a flexible schedule. That allows her to, for example, take a break to watch her son's swim meet and then work later in the evening. Goldenberg is also highly organized. She creates lists of tasks that need to be done and checks them off when complete.
Author Lister says the most successful at-home workers are systematic with their work. They have a home office and never routinely take care of children at home while trying to perform work tasks.
"There are so many remote workers doing so many different jobs today." she says.
Song of Encourage:
"Dare to dream"
Deep within you'll find your faith,
You will have no regrets
Step out from the shadows
And from behind the silhouette
Now you're glowing like the sun
Your life has just begun
Should you stumble, you won't fall
Just believe and have faith
In the one who sees it all
He'll never let you fall
If you just...
Dare to dream, dare to believe
You can soar so high beyond the clouds
Discovering where dreams are found
Dare to dream, dare to believe
God knows all that you can do
How far you go is up to Him and you
Dare to dream, dare to believe
This is your once in a lifetime
This is your moment
Your time to shine
Any dream is possible
Any star is reachable
Life is so incredible when you can dream
Life is so incredible when you can dream
Any star is reachable
When you can dream
More Information:
If you're considering using your computer to work from home, you'll have a much better chance of succeeding if you....
**** Have a supportive family
**** Don't have to care for young children during work hours.
**** Have a quiet, secluded area to work in.
**** Have strong communication skills.
**** Are a self-starter.
**** Have a strong work ethic.
**** Have good time management skills.
**** Are goal-oriented.
**** Are comfortable with technology.
Grammar Tips:
When 8 a.m. rolls around, I start to work...
to roll around -rolling around/ to roll around (move in circle)
*The pig likes to roll around in the mud.
"to roll around" - to happen again.
When summer rolls around, the school campus becomes a very quiet place.
When evening rolls around, bats come flying out of their cave looking for food.
Vocabulary Tips:
simmer- 小火燉煮, 小火煨煮cook with warm fire, not cook with big fire.也指" 蘊釀"
*Let the beef simmer for 40 minutes.
*The spaghetti sauce is simmering on the stove. 正在爐上燉煮
*The protest has been simmering for weeks. 抗議..醖釀了一個星期.
fire up something - 啓動,激發 start up something, could be a car, computer or a conversation. *He fired up his convertible and headed to the beach.
*Jack is all fire up about this new project.
priority (n)-優先
*Katherine's first priority is to finish her schooling.
prioritize (v) -按優先次序排列(排出表來),排列出優先次序, make a list, put the most importance thing, urgent to be done on the first of the list.
*Frank's job involves many duties, so he's learning how to prioritize them.
Bologness - Italy cousin
delicate- refer to very fragile, soft thing, easy to break it. something need to be done with extra careful.
distraction- something is easy to take your attention away from what you are doing.
U.S Bureau: is a government department in USA, the job in US Bureau is collect all people who live in USA's for number of family, job, economy etc. information. Done it by every 10 years.
telecommuting - not traveling a distance to work through computer, electronic, WFH (work from home)
tele- over a distance, such as telephone, television, telegraph..
commuting - from home to work and back home.
wholesale-(n) 批發的，批發（價格）, (adj)-此指大盅的，大批的，大幅度的，全面性的，大規模的。
*The wholesale price of this TV is only $350.
*The wholesale changes in the management caused many confusion.在管理方面大幅度德量力更變造成。。。
*The bombing caused wholesale destruction of the city. 炸彈轟炸造成這城市全面性的摧毀。（毀壞）
champion - (n)冠軍。 (v) 對某事物的支持或提倡。
*Sherry is a champion of home-schooling. 支持留在家裏受教育。
*Lindsey has long been a champion of equal rights for the disabled. 長久以來擁護。。權益。
discipline -紀律，自我控制能力。自制力。
*The class needs better discipline for the students to excel. 需要更好的紀律，。才能突破。
*Ricky lacks discipline. He seldom shows up at work on time. 缺乏自制力， 很少準時上班。
radiologist- person specialize in radiology, able to read the Xray.
ad hoc -only one thing, one single thing.
workforce - is a large of group people who are working. A company or a country has their own work force.
lay someone off - company cut workforce to save money. 裁員
residence - 住所，住宅reside (v)- 居住
*The Peterson's residence is undergoing some remodeling now.
*The governor's residence is located near the state capitol.
goof off -偷懶，混日子，"goof"- 閑晃 take easy, play around wasting time.
*The boy has been goofing off the whole weekend and didn't finish any homework.
*Becky and her classmate goofed off and went for a movie.
systematic-有條有理，有條理的，有系統化的 system - 系統
*The article is a systematic introduction to the issue of global warming.
Hank is systematic in his job.
Chat Room:
productive -有生産力的，多產的，用在“人”身上是“很有效率的，工作事半功倍。
conducive -good for... 對。。。有幫助，有助於。
conducive to studying -有助於學習。
Smoking is never conducive to one's health.
Is that conducive for your health? -is it good for your health?
-----------------------------------------
the necessities of life -生活中必需的（東西）．
necessities (n)-必需的，必要的，須要的．重音在第二節． necessary － 必要的
necessary evil- 指＂不喜歡做的但是又必須做的＂，如：報稅，清洗浴室或做整潔等．
----------------------------------------
HBWM = Home Base Work Mom. - working from home, 在家工作的母親
SAHM = Stay At Home Mom - mainly is staying home and take care of children. may or may not work. 主要是在家照顧小孩子的母親.
Housewife -married female, not employee outside the home, mainly stay at home to take care of children, family and also keep the house nice and clean, a 24/7 job, is a hardest job around. To some woman, "Housewife" the "title" has a negative feeling of lack of the working ability and knowledge. But to some woman, they take it seriously and proud of being a "housewife" , so be carefully when you use this word "housewife". 賢内助,不上班,但是從早到晚忙孩子,忙家務,在家為家人忙吃忙喝, 洗衣燒飯把家弄得整整齊齊,乾乾淨淨, 讓家人無後顧之憂, 在家工作24小時一天,一周7天,一年365天,沒日沒夜的太太.
My point of view:
Housewife:
Actual, not a lot of woman doesn't like to be a "housewife" , nowadays, one income is not enough to satisfy a family need, so wife have to go out to work hard.
Another thing is most of man are not appreciated their wife to be a good housewife. I see many men despise their wives being stay home, they don't support their wives, they don't bring money home on time, they don't hand money to wife before wife ask.
Next, most of woman go out to work, they don't want to be humiliated by their husband, many wife feel shame each time when they ask husband for household living, get their husband's insult look or words.
Another reason, woman work outside, is to show their abilities and gaining back self-esteem, some husbands, they are so stingy with their wives but spend money generously when they go out seeking their own pleasure.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Flowers of Valentine’s Day
情人節的花朵Discover the meaning behind some of your favorite flowers 探索你最喜愛的一些花朵的背後意涵 by Audrey Osment
Walk into a flower store and an amazing number of colors and smells greet you! How do you choose which flowers to give to that special someone? Believe it or not, flowers can convey many messages. You can "say it with flowers."
The power of flowers
Even before the first Valentine's Day, people celebrated events by giving flowers. Back in the 1700s, people believed every flower had a special meaning. When they gave flowers, they chose the ones that best expressed their feelings.
Remember that not everyone agrees on these meanings. But to help you make your choice, here are some flowers and the ideas they can stand for.
Red roses
Each color of rose has its own meaning, and red roses often show romantic feelings.
Peruvian lilies
These flowers suggest both loyalty and the bond between friends.
Forget-me-nots
These cleverly named flowers are associated with cherished memories.
Sweet peas
These sweet-smelling flowers are often given when people move and are saying good-bye.
In the end, it doesn't matter which flowers you choose. They will always carry your own personal meaning.
Information
If you plan on giving roses to that special someone today, you should know that different colored roses give different messages.
There's a color that symbolizes love at first sight, a color for appreciation, a color for friendship, and a color that expresses wishes for good health. Now, be careful with black roses because the very unromantic message they send is : the relationship is over!
Grammar Tips
Walk into a flower store and an amazing number of colors and smells greet you!
Different flowers have different meanings so let's take a look at the meaning behind some of your favorite flowers.
Walk into a flower store
Last week, while I was crossing a street in the rain with two heavy bags of grocery, a taxi driver honked at me impatiently.
Growing up I enjoyed spending time with my grandmother. Although she had never attended school, I learned more from her than from any class or teacher.
Vocabulary Tips:
convey- 傳達，表達saying or telling something to someone.
In the article, the reporter conveyed his opposition toward the new foreign policy.
I tried to convey, in my letter, how grateful I am for his help. 極其的感謝
celebrate-慶祝
We're throwing a surprise party tonight to celebrate Henry's birthday.
celebration -慶祝。
*The couple invited many friends to join their anniversary celebration.
cherish- 珍貴的 cherished是 cherish 的過去式， 當 (adj)-寶貴的，珍愛的。
*These cherished love letters were kept in a beautiful wooden box. 珍貴的情書
*His most cherished possession is his Harley motorcycle. 最珍貴的擁有物。。。
Chat Room:
birth flower-生日花。在美國，每個月都有一种代表每個月的花。
daffodil -三月的水仙花
corsage-在正式場合上，女性胸前或手腕上戴的花，(kor-'sa-dge)
boutonniere -在正式場合上， 男性上裝口袋上或鈕扣上插的花。(bu-'tang-nir)
florist - (flo- rist) -花商，花匠，或是花卉的栽培者。
Walk into a flower store and an amazing number of colors and smells greet you! How do you choose which flowers to give to that special someone? Believe it or not, flowers can convey many messages. You can "say it with flowers."
The power of flowers
Even before the first Valentine's Day, people celebrated events by giving flowers. Back in the 1700s, people believed every flower had a special meaning. When they gave flowers, they chose the ones that best expressed their feelings.
Remember that not everyone agrees on these meanings. But to help you make your choice, here are some flowers and the ideas they can stand for.
Red roses
Each color of rose has its own meaning, and red roses often show romantic feelings.
Peruvian lilies
These flowers suggest both loyalty and the bond between friends.
Forget-me-nots
These cleverly named flowers are associated with cherished memories.
Sweet peas
These sweet-smelling flowers are often given when people move and are saying good-bye.
In the end, it doesn't matter which flowers you choose. They will always carry your own personal meaning.
Information
If you plan on giving roses to that special someone today, you should know that different colored roses give different messages.
There's a color that symbolizes love at first sight, a color for appreciation, a color for friendship, and a color that expresses wishes for good health. Now, be careful with black roses because the very unromantic message they send is : the relationship is over!
Grammar Tips
Walk into a flower store and an amazing number of colors and smells greet you!
Different flowers have different meanings so let's take a look at the meaning behind some of your favorite flowers.
Walk into a flower store
Last week, while I was crossing a street in the rain with two heavy bags of grocery, a taxi driver honked at me impatiently.
Growing up I enjoyed spending time with my grandmother. Although she had never attended school, I learned more from her than from any class or teacher.
Vocabulary Tips:
convey- 傳達，表達saying or telling something to someone.
In the article, the reporter conveyed his opposition toward the new foreign policy.
I tried to convey, in my letter, how grateful I am for his help. 極其的感謝
celebrate-慶祝
We're throwing a surprise party tonight to celebrate Henry's birthday.
Lunar New Year is celebrated in many Asian countries.農曆年，舊曆年
celebration -慶祝。
*The couple invited many friends to join their anniversary celebration.
cherish- 珍貴的 cherished是 cherish 的過去式， 當 (adj)-寶貴的，珍愛的。
*These cherished love letters were kept in a beautiful wooden box. 珍貴的情書
*His most cherished possession is his Harley motorcycle. 最珍貴的擁有物。。。
Chat Room:
birth flower-生日花。在美國，每個月都有一种代表每個月的花。
daffodil -三月的水仙花
corsage-在正式場合上，女性胸前或手腕上戴的花，(kor-'sa-dge)
boutonniere -在正式場合上， 男性上裝口袋上或鈕扣上插的花。(bu-'tang-nir)
florist - (flo- rist) -花商，花匠，或是花卉的栽培者。
Friday, February 11, 2011
Training New Staff
訓練新人Training new people correctly takes time and energy 正確地訓練新人就能節省時間和力氣by Joan Yu
Training someone to do a job can be harder than doing the work yourself. It's hard partially because people vary in their approaches to a task. But mostly it's because people's working paces and styles are very different.
In the last three months, I have trained two new members in my group. I have to say these have been the longest three months I've had at work. my philosophy of training is to teach someone how to fish instead of just giving him or her the fish. But human nature makes people want a shortcut to get a job done. They prefer that (taking shortcut) to (instead) taking the time to understand why things are done in a certain way. Their desire for a shortcut is my biggest frustration in training. I try my best to explain the "whys" of a task so the new people understand how to solve a problem on their own. That way they can it themselves in the future.
When I begin to instruct someone, I first give the big picture of the project and where our group fits into it. Next. I set up daily, weekly and monthly agendas and goals. These help new people understand what we need to accomplish by the end of each training section.
But people can be so impatient with all this step-by-step training. They get the gist of a project and immediately begin to think of ways to make the process better. I tell them that before they do that, they probably should understand why things are done the way they are.
I've learned two important lessons through my experiences in training people. One is that everyone is different; I can't force others to learn things my way. If I do, I will be frustrated all the time. The second is not to micromanage but leave room for the trainees to grow. Who knows- they might come up with newer and better ideas. Isn't that why companies like to hire new blood?
Grammar Tips:
They prefer that to taking the time to understand why things are done in a certain way. "to prefer A to B" - to think A is better than B.
"to prefer A to B" - is to prefer A instead of B. like A more than B.
I prefer taking the bullet train to going by plane. (prefer to take train instead of plane)
Haley prefers the French cafe to the Japanese restaurant. (Haley likes the French cafe better than Japanese restaurant)
Vocabulary Tips:
partially-部分地 partial -部分的
*The house was partially renovated修復，裝修
*Mark admitted that he was partially responsible for the delay.
*The company is partially owned by the government.
philosophy-哲學，理念，人生觀。
*Many young people nowadays adapt the philosophy of "live now, pay later." 承襲先享受，後付出的人生觀。
*The company's philosophy of management is very human-based. 管理理念是相當人性化的。
frustration-挫折，失敗。 frustrate-咀喪， 阻撓。在謀事上感到挫折 用“at ”
*Despite all the frustrations, Simon is determined to get this deal. 不顧所有的挫折。執意。。
*Charles expressed his frustration at not being able to help. 在不能給與幫助上表示他的挫敗感。
instruct-指導，，或訓練。也指“吩咐，指示” struct-有“建造”的意思
*All the students were instructed in the use of the school website.
*My boss instructed me to collect information about our competitors. 吩咐
gist-the gist要點，重點，主旨。always go with "The", add "the" at front of "gist"
*Sarah gives the gist of the new of the day to the boss every morning.
get/catch the gist of something - 掌握重點
*After a while, I think I got the gist of what the speaker wanted to express.
micromanage- 上司對什麽事都要管，連小細節事都要過問。（有負面之意）micro-微小的
*Larry was criticized by his employees for micromanaging. He leaves them no room to express their own thoughts. 被批評
impatient- not have patient.
trainee, employee, payee.
Chat Room:
training new staff-訓練新的職員
staff -(不可數集合名詞)一個組織的全體職員或是所有的工作人員.
staff member -一個員工,不能說是一個" "
on the staff -在職的,屬於一個組織的員工.
She is on the staff of Studio Classroom-
employee-受聘的,受僱的人, (可數名詞),一個員工
faculty (不可數集合名詞）- 指“學校裏的全體教職員。
--------------------------------
give the big picture of the project. 大方向
big picture-大的圖畫，人看大幅的畫，若是站得太近，很難看得清楚整幅的畫，即看不清大局，大方向，大局面。
Look at the big picture-請以大局為重。
big-picture person-以大局為重的人，富顧全大局，專注于大方向，以大局着想，從大方向出發的人。
detail-oriented person- 非常注重細節的人，很仔細，很周全，處處設想周到。。的人
事情要做的好，做的成功，一定要有big-picture person and detail- oriented person 倆种人
Note:
The standard way on the job training in U.S.A. :
1, Demonstrate the task.
2, Review the task.
3, Demonstrate the task again.
4, Let the worker doing the easier part of job.
5, Help the worker perform the entire task.
6, Let the worker doing the job while you watch.
7, Let the worker do the job with no supervision.
Training someone to do a job can be harder than doing the work yourself. It's hard partially because people vary in their approaches to a task. But mostly it's because people's working paces and styles are very different.
In the last three months, I have trained two new members in my group. I have to say these have been the longest three months I've had at work. my philosophy of training is to teach someone how to fish instead of just giving him or her the fish. But human nature makes people want a shortcut to get a job done. They prefer that (taking shortcut) to (instead) taking the time to understand why things are done in a certain way. Their desire for a shortcut is my biggest frustration in training. I try my best to explain the "whys" of a task so the new people understand how to solve a problem on their own. That way they can it themselves in the future.
When I begin to instruct someone, I first give the big picture of the project and where our group fits into it. Next. I set up daily, weekly and monthly agendas and goals. These help new people understand what we need to accomplish by the end of each training section.
But people can be so impatient with all this step-by-step training. They get the gist of a project and immediately begin to think of ways to make the process better. I tell them that before they do that, they probably should understand why things are done the way they are.
I've learned two important lessons through my experiences in training people. One is that everyone is different; I can't force others to learn things my way. If I do, I will be frustrated all the time. The second is not to micromanage but leave room for the trainees to grow. Who knows- they might come up with newer and better ideas. Isn't that why companies like to hire new blood?
Grammar Tips:
They prefer that to taking the time to understand why things are done in a certain way. "to prefer A to B" - to think A is better than B.
"to prefer A to B" - is to prefer A instead of B. like A more than B.
I prefer taking the bullet train to going by plane. (prefer to take train instead of plane)
Haley prefers the French cafe to the Japanese restaurant. (Haley likes the French cafe better than Japanese restaurant)
Vocabulary Tips:
partially-部分地 partial -部分的
*The house was partially renovated修復，裝修
*Mark admitted that he was partially responsible for the delay.
*The company is partially owned by the government.
philosophy-哲學，理念，人生觀。
*Many young people nowadays adapt the philosophy of "live now, pay later." 承襲先享受，後付出的人生觀。
*The company's philosophy of management is very human-based. 管理理念是相當人性化的。
frustration-挫折，失敗。 frustrate-咀喪， 阻撓。在謀事上感到挫折 用“at ”
*Despite all the frustrations, Simon is determined to get this deal. 不顧所有的挫折。執意。。
*Charles expressed his frustration at not being able to help. 在不能給與幫助上表示他的挫敗感。
instruct-指導，，或訓練。也指“吩咐，指示” struct-有“建造”的意思
*All the students were instructed in the use of the school website.
*My boss instructed me to collect information about our competitors. 吩咐
gist-the gist要點，重點，主旨。always go with "The", add "the" at front of "gist"
*Sarah gives the gist of the new of the day to the boss every morning.
get/catch the gist of something - 掌握重點
*After a while, I think I got the gist of what the speaker wanted to express.
micromanage- 上司對什麽事都要管，連小細節事都要過問。（有負面之意）micro-微小的
*Larry was criticized by his employees for micromanaging. He leaves them no room to express their own thoughts. 被批評
impatient- not have patient.
trainee, employee, payee.
Chat Room:
training new staff-訓練新的職員
staff -(不可數集合名詞)一個組織的全體職員或是所有的工作人員.
staff member -一個員工,不能說是一個" "
on the staff -在職的,屬於一個組織的員工.
She is on the staff of Studio Classroom-
employee-受聘的,受僱的人, (可數名詞),一個員工
faculty (不可數集合名詞）- 指“學校裏的全體教職員。
--------------------------------
give the big picture of the project. 大方向
big picture-大的圖畫，人看大幅的畫，若是站得太近，很難看得清楚整幅的畫，即看不清大局，大方向，大局面。
Look at the big picture-請以大局為重。
big-picture person-以大局為重的人，富顧全大局，專注于大方向，以大局着想，從大方向出發的人。
detail-oriented person- 非常注重細節的人，很仔細，很周全，處處設想周到。。的人
事情要做的好，做的成功，一定要有big-picture person and detail- oriented person 倆种人
Note:
The standard way on the job training in U.S.A. :
1, Demonstrate the task.
2, Review the task.
3, Demonstrate the task again.
4, Let the worker doing the easier part of job.
5, Help the worker perform the entire task.
6, Let the worker doing the job while you watch.
7, Let the worker do the job with no supervision.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Sally Hawkins – Toronto’s Belle of the Ball
女星莎莉?霍金斯在多倫多影展大放光芒This star loves both the theater and film by Claudia Puig / 2010, USA TODAY International. Dist
Sally Hawkins loves movies - even the not so great ones. " I love film," she says. " I love all genres of film. It's still exciting for me. I even love the ones that aren't so good. There's always a piece of magic there, always a moment which engages you or moves you in different ways."
So it's appropriate that she's the big Toronto player - with three movies at the Toronto International Film Festival. Hawkins, 34, stars in the much - buzzed - about Never Let Me Go, as well as Made in Dagenham and Submarine. Don't ask her to choose her favorite when it comes to theater versus film. "I love both," she said. "I'm interested in creating stories. Theater is how I got into acting, and theater is how I learned."
Even as a child growing up in southeast London, she was always playing characters. "In primary school I was engaged with creating characters with friends," she said. "It was like an extension of play."
When it comes to her own films she says, "I just love creating characters, but it's always weird to watch yourself, I'll be thinking I didn't know my mouth made that shape. It's so big. What am I doing? Oh, don't do that! " But you just have to kind of get over it. And the older I get, the less I worry about it all."
But theater has a definite allure for someone who's all about creating characters. "There's nothing like a live audience," she says. "It's great, so very different from film. You're having to communicate to a big collection of people, but it's a two-way thing. You're getting back from the audience. You have to be aware of what's happening as well as of what you're doing. " But you can overdo it. "You have to be aware but also you have to not be aware," she said. "It's terrifying to be on Broadway, and it's also very exciting."
More Information:
Actress Sally Hawkins has avoided being typecast by giving convincing performances in a variety of roles. Her breakout performance was as the charismatic schoolteacher Poppy in the 2008 film Happy Go Lucky. In Submarine, Hawkins played a self-absorbed mother of a teenage boy who has a vivid imagination. In Made In Dagenham, Hawkins plays a hardworking machinist who engineers an important workers strike.
Grammar Tip:
...Theater has a definite allure for someone who's all about creating characters.
be all about = relate to
*This book is all about the history of Germany.
be all about = here means " very interested or dedicated to "
* Theater has a definite allure for someone who's very interested in creating characters.
*John is all about protecting the environment.
*When it comes to hosting a party, Martha is all about the presentation.
Vocabulary Tips:
engage-吸引住，從事某件事
*The magician's performance fully engaged the audience. 完全吸引住了觀衆
*Work engages most of Bobby's life. He hardly spends time with his family. 工作佔據了．．
buzz-飛蟲＂翁翁＂的叫聲，此指＂人們唧唧咂咂的討論聲．
*The girls are buzzing about what they should wear to the prom. 女孩們唧唧咂咂的討論．畢業舞會
versus- 對抗，與某對象相對, one or the other, two teams or two individuals to compare. 簡寫為"vs"
*Tonight's game is the Red Sox versus the Dodgers. 對抗
versus -法律上的訴訟
*The Robinson vs Clark case made the headlines today. Robinson and Clark 訴訟案登上了頭版新聞
genres - different categories, different types
belle of the ball - the center of the attention.
belle - prettiest woman.
ball - another word say about "fancy dance, fancy party"
primary school - 5 to 11 age attend, elementary school.
extension - to add on .
get over something -克服某件事，把某件事給忘記。
*Although years have passed, George still can't get over the break-up with Molly, his ex-girlfriend.
*After a lot of practice, Sandra finally got over her stage-fright.
definite-明確，肯定的
*There has been a definite improvement of the patient's health since he was admitted.
*The owner of the house needs a definite offer from us by tomorrow.
allure-魅力，誘惑，強烈的吸引力。
*The allure of winning a fortune attracts people to buy lotto tickets.
*The allure of working in the fashion business draws many young talented people.
Chat Room:
I love film.... I love all genres of film.
film-綜合名詞，指電影藝術的製作，拍攝等統稱．如說單個的片子，則加＂s＂films is talk about individual movie.
movie-是指＂大衆化的，有娛樂性的電影＂
the big screen (n)- 大熒幕movie
the big screen (adj) -movie.
He is a movie star.
He is a big-screen star.－電影明星
the small screen - TV
film festival-影展
------------------------------------
typecase- 讓演員演相同的角色，久而久之被定了型。分配角色（在戲劇或電影裏) 類型。
Peter was cast as a salesman in the play. 分派演銷貨員角色
stereotype - 對某特定的族群普遍的看法。（通常是暴力負面的印象）
Sally Hawkins loves movies - even the not so great ones. " I love film," she says. " I love all genres of film. It's still exciting for me. I even love the ones that aren't so good. There's always a piece of magic there, always a moment which engages you or moves you in different ways."
So it's appropriate that she's the big Toronto player - with three movies at the Toronto International Film Festival. Hawkins, 34, stars in the much - buzzed - about Never Let Me Go, as well as Made in Dagenham and Submarine. Don't ask her to choose her favorite when it comes to theater versus film. "I love both," she said. "I'm interested in creating stories. Theater is how I got into acting, and theater is how I learned."
Even as a child growing up in southeast London, she was always playing characters. "In primary school I was engaged with creating characters with friends," she said. "It was like an extension of play."
When it comes to her own films she says, "I just love creating characters, but it's always weird to watch yourself, I'll be thinking I didn't know my mouth made that shape. It's so big. What am I doing? Oh, don't do that! " But you just have to kind of get over it. And the older I get, the less I worry about it all."
But theater has a definite allure for someone who's all about creating characters. "There's nothing like a live audience," she says. "It's great, so very different from film. You're having to communicate to a big collection of people, but it's a two-way thing. You're getting back from the audience. You have to be aware of what's happening as well as of what you're doing. " But you can overdo it. "You have to be aware but also you have to not be aware," she said. "It's terrifying to be on Broadway, and it's also very exciting."
More Information:
Actress Sally Hawkins has avoided being typecast by giving convincing performances in a variety of roles. Her breakout performance was as the charismatic schoolteacher Poppy in the 2008 film Happy Go Lucky. In Submarine, Hawkins played a self-absorbed mother of a teenage boy who has a vivid imagination. In Made In Dagenham, Hawkins plays a hardworking machinist who engineers an important workers strike.
Grammar Tip:
...Theater has a definite allure for someone who's all about creating characters.
be all about = relate to
*This book is all about the history of Germany.
be all about = here means " very interested or dedicated to "
* Theater has a definite allure for someone who's very interested in creating characters.
*John is all about protecting the environment.
*When it comes to hosting a party, Martha is all about the presentation.
Vocabulary Tips:
engage-吸引住，從事某件事
*The magician's performance fully engaged the audience. 完全吸引住了觀衆
*Work engages most of Bobby's life. He hardly spends time with his family. 工作佔據了．．
buzz-飛蟲＂翁翁＂的叫聲，此指＂人們唧唧咂咂的討論聲．
*The girls are buzzing about what they should wear to the prom. 女孩們唧唧咂咂的討論．畢業舞會
versus- 對抗，與某對象相對, one or the other, two teams or two individuals to compare. 簡寫為"vs"
*Tonight's game is the Red Sox versus the Dodgers. 對抗
versus -法律上的訴訟
*The Robinson vs Clark case made the headlines today. Robinson and Clark 訴訟案登上了頭版新聞
genres - different categories, different types
belle of the ball - the center of the attention.
belle - prettiest woman.
ball - another word say about "fancy dance, fancy party"
primary school - 5 to 11 age attend, elementary school.
extension - to add on .
get over something -克服某件事，把某件事給忘記。
*Although years have passed, George still can't get over the break-up with Molly, his ex-girlfriend.
*After a lot of practice, Sandra finally got over her stage-fright.
definite-明確，肯定的
*There has been a definite improvement of the patient's health since he was admitted.
*The owner of the house needs a definite offer from us by tomorrow.
allure-魅力，誘惑，強烈的吸引力。
*The allure of winning a fortune attracts people to buy lotto tickets.
*The allure of working in the fashion business draws many young talented people.
Chat Room:
I love film.... I love all genres of film.
film-綜合名詞，指電影藝術的製作，拍攝等統稱．如說單個的片子，則加＂s＂films is talk about individual movie.
movie-是指＂大衆化的，有娛樂性的電影＂
the big screen (n)- 大熒幕movie
the big screen (adj) -movie.
He is a movie star.
He is a big-screen star.－電影明星
the small screen - TV
film festival-影展
------------------------------------
typecase- 讓演員演相同的角色，久而久之被定了型。分配角色（在戲劇或電影裏) 類型。
Peter was cast as a salesman in the play. 分派演銷貨員角色
stereotype - 對某特定的族群普遍的看法。（通常是暴力負面的印象）
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Rally Fighter
賽車鬥士A whole new way of building cars 製造汽車的全新方式by Simon Stopps
Though it might look like an ordinary sports car, the Rally Fighter is anything but average. The US $50, 000 off - road, street - legal racer was designed by an online community, making it the world's first open-source car design to reach production. That makes the Rally Fighter more than just an ingenious idea; it's a whole new way of making cars. And for Local Motors, the company that builds it, the racer is just the beginning.
The Rally Fighter versus the auto industry
Today, most people drive cars produced by large automakers. These companies spend huge amounts of time and money developing vehicles that are suitable for mass production. Theoretically, this process results in safe, well-engineered cars that normal people can afford. Unfortunately, developmental costs also mean automakers can't effectively take customer feedback into account in their designs.
Local Motors is challenging the auto makers' model with a unique developmental process that combines professional engineering with the input of an online community. When moving cars from the drawing board to production. Local Motors takes less time and incurs lower costs than larger companies.
The process
The Local Motors' process begins with members of their open, online community submitting vehicle designs for review by other members. Than the community votes to select the best design. Winning concepts are further developed through co-creation, a process that combines the professional Local Motors' team with the online community. During co-creation, everything from the vehicle's body to its engine and components are chosen. This means the company can focus on producing cars that have already been proven popular by winning a contest.
Development of the Rally Fighter was made more efficient by the use of off-the-shelf parts from companies like BMW, Mazda and Ford. This allows owners to customize their cars, and it makes replacement parts easy to acquire. After a design is finalized, a micro-factory is established to produce the cars one at a time. These factories create local jobs, generate less waste and allow for further customization. Car buyers spend two three-day weekends at the factory helping to build their own cars as part of a "build experience."
The small size of Local Motors doesn't pose a direct challenge to large automakers, but it does give drivers an option.
Grammar Tips:
That makes the Rally Fighter more than just an ingenious idea.
"to make something more than just a _________."
The refrigerator's computer panel makes it more than just another household appliance.
This watch's ability to take pictures makes it more than just a timepiece.
Vocabulary
ingenious- 巧妙的,精巧的,有創造力的.
*This ingenious model of human organs captured the students' attention.精細的人體器官模型吸引了...
*His ingenious design was copied by many other fashion designers.他的原創性設計被..抄襲.
theoretically - 理論上來説 theory (n)-理論
*Theoretically, processing such a large amount of data is possible.
*A cure for this disease is theoretically possible. 在理論上是可行的
incur-產生,使產生,帶來,招致,導致.
*The cost incurred by the surgery will be covered by the patient's health insurance.產生...
*The mayor's careless comments incurred much criticism by the press.導致批評
component- 組成要素，成份，零件。com-有“一起”之意，
*The aircraft components are mostly made in America.
*Vegetables are an important component of a healthy diet.
off - the -shelf : 從置物柜上直接取得的，現成的，買來不需修改即可使用的，非訂制的 shelf-置物柜的板子。
*You can buy all these beautiful accessories off-the-shelf.
*These off-the shelf computer software programs can no longer meet our needs.
option-選擇,選項
*Considering the weather condition, the best option seems to be for us to return home right now.
*There are several options available for people who are willing to work abroad.
* It seems like I have no other option but to say goodbye right now.
Chat Room:
It is the right make but not the right model.
make - 製造 make (n) -company. 厰牌
model -車 型, 款式 a type of car
Toyota is make 公司,厰牌, you can't say 不能說" maker"
Camry is model. 是車型,車款.
automaker-汽車製造商(公司)
vehicle -車, 任何交通工具. anything designed to transport the people we call it "vehicle"
Police use "vehicle" for car on their report, specially, the year, make or model of car unknown.
------------------------------------
body shop- 汽車修理廠,
body-人的身體，也指“汽車的車身”
the body shop - 加定冠詞 "the" 指的是“美体美膚salon”
body shop- for car bodies - a body shop 汽車板金工廠，車身有損傷，可拿去body shop修
the vehicle's body -汽車的車身.
Though it might look like an ordinary sports car, the Rally Fighter is anything but average. The US $50, 000 off - road, street - legal racer was designed by an online community, making it the world's first open-source car design to reach production. That makes the Rally Fighter more than just an ingenious idea; it's a whole new way of making cars. And for Local Motors, the company that builds it, the racer is just the beginning.
The Rally Fighter versus the auto industry
Today, most people drive cars produced by large automakers. These companies spend huge amounts of time and money developing vehicles that are suitable for mass production. Theoretically, this process results in safe, well-engineered cars that normal people can afford. Unfortunately, developmental costs also mean automakers can't effectively take customer feedback into account in their designs.
Local Motors is challenging the auto makers' model with a unique developmental process that combines professional engineering with the input of an online community. When moving cars from the drawing board to production. Local Motors takes less time and incurs lower costs than larger companies.
The process
The Local Motors' process begins with members of their open, online community submitting vehicle designs for review by other members. Than the community votes to select the best design. Winning concepts are further developed through co-creation, a process that combines the professional Local Motors' team with the online community. During co-creation, everything from the vehicle's body to its engine and components are chosen. This means the company can focus on producing cars that have already been proven popular by winning a contest.
Development of the Rally Fighter was made more efficient by the use of off-the-shelf parts from companies like BMW, Mazda and Ford. This allows owners to customize their cars, and it makes replacement parts easy to acquire. After a design is finalized, a micro-factory is established to produce the cars one at a time. These factories create local jobs, generate less waste and allow for further customization. Car buyers spend two three-day weekends at the factory helping to build their own cars as part of a "build experience."
The small size of Local Motors doesn't pose a direct challenge to large automakers, but it does give drivers an option.
Grammar Tips:
That makes the Rally Fighter more than just an ingenious idea.
"to make something more than just a _________."
The refrigerator's computer panel makes it more than just another household appliance.
This watch's ability to take pictures makes it more than just a timepiece.
Vocabulary
ingenious- 巧妙的,精巧的,有創造力的.
*This ingenious model of human organs captured the students' attention.精細的人體器官模型吸引了...
*His ingenious design was copied by many other fashion designers.他的原創性設計被..抄襲.
theoretically - 理論上來説 theory (n)-理論
*Theoretically, processing such a large amount of data is possible.
*A cure for this disease is theoretically possible. 在理論上是可行的
incur-產生,使產生,帶來,招致,導致.
*The cost incurred by the surgery will be covered by the patient's health insurance.產生...
*The mayor's careless comments incurred much criticism by the press.導致批評
component- 組成要素，成份，零件。com-有“一起”之意，
*The aircraft components are mostly made in America.
*Vegetables are an important component of a healthy diet.
off - the -shelf : 從置物柜上直接取得的，現成的，買來不需修改即可使用的，非訂制的 shelf-置物柜的板子。
*You can buy all these beautiful accessories off-the-shelf.
*These off-the shelf computer software programs can no longer meet our needs.
option-選擇,選項
*Considering the weather condition, the best option seems to be for us to return home right now.
*There are several options available for people who are willing to work abroad.
* It seems like I have no other option but to say goodbye right now.
Chat Room:
It is the right make but not the right model.
make - 製造 make (n) -company. 厰牌
model -車 型, 款式 a type of car
Toyota is make 公司,厰牌, you can't say 不能說" maker"
Camry is model. 是車型,車款.
automaker-汽車製造商(公司)
vehicle -車, 任何交通工具. anything designed to transport the people we call it "vehicle"
Police use "vehicle" for car on their report, specially, the year, make or model of car unknown.
------------------------------------
body shop- 汽車修理廠,
body-人的身體，也指“汽車的車身”
the body shop - 加定冠詞 "the" 指的是“美体美膚salon”
body shop- for car bodies - a body shop 汽車板金工廠，車身有損傷，可拿去body shop修
the vehicle's body -汽車的車身.
Friday, February 4, 2011
America’s Big Game
美式足球超級杯America gets ready for its favorite television event – the Super Bowl 全美準備好迎接最受歡迎的電視盛事——超級杯by Chip Ewald
Tomorrow, millions will gather at parties to watch the Super Bowl - professional football's championship game. For years, football has ranked as America's most popular sport. Last year's Super Bowl was the most-watched show of any kind in U.S. history. What makes this annual television event so popular? Here are a few reasons:
The game
Football is fun to watch. Each team strives to score by running or passion the football to get it down the field. And, they must avoid getting tackled. So, players must display an amazing combination of elephant-like strength and cat-like agility.
The halftime show
After the game's first half, famous musicians give a brief but exciting musical performance. Past Super Bowl halftime shows have featured names like Aerosmith, U2 and Michael Jackson.
The commercials
Companies know that a large TV audience means huge opportunities to advertise. Therefore, companies broadcast their newest and most entertaining commercials during the Super Bowl. Even if you're not a real football fan, Super Bowl Sunday is still an exciting day!
More Information:
Because the Super bowl is one of the most watched television events of the year, commercial time costs big money. Last year, the average price for a 30 second commercial was between 2.5 and 2.8 million dollars. Because of the global economic problems, those prices were actually lower than the 2009 prices, which averaged 3 million dollars per commercial in other words, a cost of 100,000 dollars for every second!
Grammar Tips:
Each team strives to score by running or passing the football to get it down the field.
part 1: subject : Each team strives to score
part 2: how : by running or passing the football
part 3: lead to what: to get it down the field.
Scientists are testing a drug by giving it to rats to see if it can fight tumors or not.
The celebrity wants to help by sending food and medical supplies to support the refugee camps.
Vocabulary Tips:
tackle-美式足球以擒抱，並摔倒對方以達到阻擊效果。force them to get down to the ground.
* The receiver was tackled by number 32 of the opposing team. 對手的隊。
tackle-抓住
*The police officer tackled the robber in an alley. 在巷子裏抓住了小偷。
agility-ability to move quickly and change position or direction very fast. 靈活，敏捷
agile -靈活的。
* The taxi driver maneuvers his car with agility on the streets jammed with traffic.靈活 （敏捷的）操縱他的車。。。
* The boy showed great mental agility at a young age. 展現他靈活的思想（頭腦）
agile-靈活的。
*Leopards are agile hunters. 美洲豹是靈活敏捷的狩獵者。
commercial -電視上的廣告。
*The commercial for this cereal was so successful that it boosted sales almost 20%. 穀片
advertisement -平面廣告或宣傳。advertise (v) -做宣傳，做廣告。
*An advertisement on the front page costs a lot of money.
halftime- the time between the first half and second half.
rank -position in the list
strive- trying very hard with afford.
Chat Room
the Super Bowl -美式足球縂冠軍賽，超級杯冠軍賽。
spectator sport-吸引大量觀衆的運動。有旁觀者的運動。
spectator-旁觀者，觀賞的民衆，觀衆。
participant sports -自己參與，沒有旁觀者的運動。
participant-參與者。
Life is not a spectator sport.- 人生並非是一個觀賞性的運動，不參與生命中任何的活動， 只是扮演一個旁觀者，簡直是在浪費生命。
Tomorrow, millions will gather at parties to watch the Super Bowl - professional football's championship game. For years, football has ranked as America's most popular sport. Last year's Super Bowl was the most-watched show of any kind in U.S. history. What makes this annual television event so popular? Here are a few reasons:
The game
Football is fun to watch. Each team strives to score by running or passion the football to get it down the field. And, they must avoid getting tackled. So, players must display an amazing combination of elephant-like strength and cat-like agility.
The halftime show
After the game's first half, famous musicians give a brief but exciting musical performance. Past Super Bowl halftime shows have featured names like Aerosmith, U2 and Michael Jackson.
The commercials
Companies know that a large TV audience means huge opportunities to advertise. Therefore, companies broadcast their newest and most entertaining commercials during the Super Bowl. Even if you're not a real football fan, Super Bowl Sunday is still an exciting day!
More Information:
Because the Super bowl is one of the most watched television events of the year, commercial time costs big money. Last year, the average price for a 30 second commercial was between 2.5 and 2.8 million dollars. Because of the global economic problems, those prices were actually lower than the 2009 prices, which averaged 3 million dollars per commercial in other words, a cost of 100,000 dollars for every second!
Grammar Tips:
Each team strives to score by running or passing the football to get it down the field.
part 1: subject : Each team strives to score
part 2: how : by running or passing the football
part 3: lead to what: to get it down the field.
Scientists are testing a drug by giving it to rats to see if it can fight tumors or not.
The celebrity wants to help by sending food and medical supplies to support the refugee camps.
Vocabulary Tips:
tackle-美式足球以擒抱，並摔倒對方以達到阻擊效果。force them to get down to the ground.
* The receiver was tackled by number 32 of the opposing team. 對手的隊。
tackle-抓住
*The police officer tackled the robber in an alley. 在巷子裏抓住了小偷。
agility-ability to move quickly and change position or direction very fast. 靈活，敏捷
agile -靈活的。
* The taxi driver maneuvers his car with agility on the streets jammed with traffic.靈活 （敏捷的）操縱他的車。。。
* The boy showed great mental agility at a young age. 展現他靈活的思想（頭腦）
agile-靈活的。
*Leopards are agile hunters. 美洲豹是靈活敏捷的狩獵者。
commercial -電視上的廣告。
*The commercial for this cereal was so successful that it boosted sales almost 20%. 穀片
advertisement -平面廣告或宣傳。advertise (v) -做宣傳，做廣告。
*An advertisement on the front page costs a lot of money.
halftime- the time between the first half and second half.
rank -position in the list
strive- trying very hard with afford.
Chat Room
the Super Bowl -美式足球縂冠軍賽，超級杯冠軍賽。
spectator sport-吸引大量觀衆的運動。有旁觀者的運動。
spectator-旁觀者，觀賞的民衆，觀衆。
participant sports -自己參與，沒有旁觀者的運動。
participant-參與者。
Life is not a spectator sport.- 人生並非是一個觀賞性的運動，不參與生命中任何的活動， 只是扮演一個旁觀者，簡直是在浪費生命。
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Jade Mountain: Asia’s Best-Kept Secret
玉山：亞洲最鮮為人知的祕境Jade Mountain offers more than an impressive view 玉山所擁有的不只是瑰麗美景by Ashley Dakin
Without a doubt, Taiwan is a beautiful, mountainous island. But among all the island's natural wonders, Jade Mountain (玉山）really stands out.
A world of natural wonder
At 3,952 meters, Jade Mountain is the highest peak in northeastern Asia and the central feature of Yushan National Park （玉山國家公園）. A natural treasure, the park contains the island's largest wilderness area - a wealth of mountains, forests and wildlife. As you ascend any of the park's mountains, the climate and ecology change from warm and subtropical to a chilly alpine zone.
Within the park, hikers can glimpse Formosan rock monkeys, deer, wild boar and even the rare Formosan black bear. The park is also a cultural center for the Bunun (布農族）aboriginal people, who still live throughout the area today. One a recent visit to the park, I was able to climb Jade Mountain. The climb to the top can take up to three days to hike and covers plenty of rough, steep terrain. Fortunately, the park provides hikers with free cabins, some of which have solar-powered lights and, in one case, showers.
Becoming a park
Jade Mountain hasn't always been a major tourist destination. The area has long been inhabited by the Bunun tribe and has occasionally been the site of violent conflict. Today, several of the park's attractions serve to remind us of the area's difficult past. The Batongguan Trail (八通關越道 ), which crosses the park, was built by soldiers trying to gain control of the area.
Visitors can also stop at the Kesipanan Monument ( 碦西帕南紀念碑 ), near the park's Nanan Walami Visitor Center. (南安瓦拉米遊客中心 ). The monument was built in memory of the Bunun warriors, who fought against the Japanese during the colonial period. When the Japanese did take control, they logged the region heavily, leaving many areas nearly bare of trees. It wasn't until Jade Mountain was found to be higher than Japan's Mt. Fuji that the area's fame grew. Taiwanese and Japanese hikers have flocked to the area ever since.
Eventually the park gained an even broader following. In fact, Jade Mountain is currently one of 28 finalists in the New7Wonders of Nature contest.
Grammar:
But among all the island's natural wonders. Jade Mountain really stands out.
"to stand out" =to be noticeable, =to be easily noticed or seen.
"to stand out " -
If you go to a job interview wearing a clown outfit, you will stand out, but it is no guarantee that you will get the job.
James spent more hours on his art projects than any other student , so it's not surprising that his artwork stood out at the school exhibition.
Vocabulary Tips:
mountainous -a lot of mountains on it.多山的， mountain -山
*Mountainous waves raised right in front of us. 大浪掀起如高山的。
*The mountainous country is famous for its rich natural resources.
alpine (adj)- from " the Alp (n) "阿爾卑斯山。 -refer to " high altitude", no tree to grow there.
*These alpine plants are rarely seen. 高山植物，難得看見的
*The alpine resort is world renowned for its beautiful scenery and good price. 高山度假村
solar-powered : 太陽能 solar-利用太陽光的
*These solar-powered streetlights turn on automatically when it is dark.
*The students won first prize at the science fair for their solar-powered car.
aboriginal people-原住民 people live in a place since long, long time ago.
inhabit-居住 people live there. "hab"-“保持”之意。
*many aboriginal people inhabit this coastal area.
*This remote valley was only inhabited by tribal people.
attraction-bring attention, brings interesting. 吸引人的事物，受歡迎，遊樂場，
*Taipei 101 is the Taipei attraction.
*Magic Mountain is one of the most popular attractions in L.A. county.
*The space shuttle is the main attraction of the museum.
*Everybody can sense the mutual attraction between Patrick and Gina. 互相吸引，相互感興趣
colonial (adj)-殖民地的，殖民式的 colony (n)-殖民地，the area or group people controlled by another area or group of people.
*The restaurant is in a colonial style house.
*The island had been under the colonial rule of Spain for decades.多年在西班牙的統治下
monument-紀念碑a status or building make to honor a special person or special event.
conflict - fight against
tourist - a person who travel for interest or study.
flock - 群a group of animal such as " a flock of birds"
flock (v)- in a large group, in a large number of people.
eventually- after the long time... "at the end"
broader- more than just (hikers)
following- people who are following to to there.
glimpse- get a quick look of something.
terrain - the surface of the land.
ecology-system of life, living together each other in same environment.
stand out- noticeable, easy to be seen and remember.
treasure- valuable, beautiful, precious.
natural - in nature
wilderness - 曠野。far away from city.
Chat Room:
mountaintop-apex, peak, summit 山頂
peak- the top of the mountain, refer to mountain itself.
*climb a peak- 爬一座山峰。
summit- is mountaintop.
* reach a summit, summit can not climb. must say "reach" 抵達山頂
apex -the highest point of the mountain, mountaintop, summit. 頂端，尖端，最高峰。
mountain range- 山系，由一連串的peaks 構成
Jade Mountain is the highest peak in northeastern Asia.
----------------------------------
When the Japanese did take control, they logged the region heavily.
log-原木，伐木。砍伐樹木
timber -加工的木材，木料。
"timber"- 當哈伐木工人每砍倒一棵樹，在樹要倒地之前，會大喊“timber ”提醒人小心哪。
fell-fall 的過去式 , fell-繫到，打倒，砍倒一棵樹。
Not seeing the forest for the trees (idiom)- 專注于一棵樹而看不見整片樹林。意即“見樹不見林，太注重細節，忽略了整體大局。
Without a doubt, Taiwan is a beautiful, mountainous island. But among all the island's natural wonders, Jade Mountain (玉山）really stands out.
A world of natural wonder
At 3,952 meters, Jade Mountain is the highest peak in northeastern Asia and the central feature of Yushan National Park （玉山國家公園）. A natural treasure, the park contains the island's largest wilderness area - a wealth of mountains, forests and wildlife. As you ascend any of the park's mountains, the climate and ecology change from warm and subtropical to a chilly alpine zone.
Within the park, hikers can glimpse Formosan rock monkeys, deer, wild boar and even the rare Formosan black bear. The park is also a cultural center for the Bunun (布農族）aboriginal people, who still live throughout the area today. One a recent visit to the park, I was able to climb Jade Mountain. The climb to the top can take up to three days to hike and covers plenty of rough, steep terrain. Fortunately, the park provides hikers with free cabins, some of which have solar-powered lights and, in one case, showers.
Becoming a park
Jade Mountain hasn't always been a major tourist destination. The area has long been inhabited by the Bunun tribe and has occasionally been the site of violent conflict. Today, several of the park's attractions serve to remind us of the area's difficult past. The Batongguan Trail (八通關越道 ), which crosses the park, was built by soldiers trying to gain control of the area.
Visitors can also stop at the Kesipanan Monument ( 碦西帕南紀念碑 ), near the park's Nanan Walami Visitor Center. (南安瓦拉米遊客中心 ). The monument was built in memory of the Bunun warriors, who fought against the Japanese during the colonial period. When the Japanese did take control, they logged the region heavily, leaving many areas nearly bare of trees. It wasn't until Jade Mountain was found to be higher than Japan's Mt. Fuji that the area's fame grew. Taiwanese and Japanese hikers have flocked to the area ever since.
Eventually the park gained an even broader following. In fact, Jade Mountain is currently one of 28 finalists in the New7Wonders of Nature contest.
Grammar:
But among all the island's natural wonders. Jade Mountain really stands out.
"to stand out" =to be noticeable, =to be easily noticed or seen.
"to stand out " -
If you go to a job interview wearing a clown outfit, you will stand out, but it is no guarantee that you will get the job.
James spent more hours on his art projects than any other student , so it's not surprising that his artwork stood out at the school exhibition.
Vocabulary Tips:
mountainous -a lot of mountains on it.多山的， mountain -山
*Mountainous waves raised right in front of us. 大浪掀起如高山的。
*The mountainous country is famous for its rich natural resources.
alpine (adj)- from " the Alp (n) "阿爾卑斯山。 -refer to " high altitude", no tree to grow there.
*These alpine plants are rarely seen. 高山植物，難得看見的
*The alpine resort is world renowned for its beautiful scenery and good price. 高山度假村
solar-powered : 太陽能 solar-利用太陽光的
*These solar-powered streetlights turn on automatically when it is dark.
*The students won first prize at the science fair for their solar-powered car.
aboriginal people-原住民 people live in a place since long, long time ago.
inhabit-居住 people live there. "hab"-“保持”之意。
*many aboriginal people inhabit this coastal area.
*This remote valley was only inhabited by tribal people.
attraction-bring attention, brings interesting. 吸引人的事物，受歡迎，遊樂場，
*Taipei 101 is the Taipei attraction.
*Magic Mountain is one of the most popular attractions in L.A. county.
*The space shuttle is the main attraction of the museum.
*Everybody can sense the mutual attraction between Patrick and Gina. 互相吸引，相互感興趣
colonial (adj)-殖民地的，殖民式的 colony (n)-殖民地，the area or group people controlled by another area or group of people.
*The restaurant is in a colonial style house.
*The island had been under the colonial rule of Spain for decades.多年在西班牙的統治下
monument-紀念碑a status or building make to honor a special person or special event.
conflict - fight against
tourist - a person who travel for interest or study.
flock - 群a group of animal such as " a flock of birds"
flock (v)- in a large group, in a large number of people.
eventually- after the long time... "at the end"
broader- more than just (hikers)
following- people who are following to to there.
glimpse- get a quick look of something.
terrain - the surface of the land.
ecology-system of life, living together each other in same environment.
stand out- noticeable, easy to be seen and remember.
treasure- valuable, beautiful, precious.
natural - in nature
wilderness - 曠野。far away from city.
Chat Room:
mountaintop-apex, peak, summit 山頂
peak- the top of the mountain, refer to mountain itself.
*climb a peak- 爬一座山峰。
summit- is mountaintop.
* reach a summit, summit can not climb. must say "reach" 抵達山頂
apex -the highest point of the mountain, mountaintop, summit. 頂端，尖端，最高峰。
mountain range- 山系，由一連串的peaks 構成
Jade Mountain is the highest peak in northeastern Asia.
----------------------------------
When the Japanese did take control, they logged the region heavily.
log-原木，伐木。砍伐樹木
timber -加工的木材，木料。
"timber"- 當哈伐木工人每砍倒一棵樹，在樹要倒地之前，會大喊“timber ”提醒人小心哪。
fell-fall 的過去式 , fell-繫到，打倒，砍倒一棵樹。
Not seeing the forest for the trees (idiom)- 專注于一棵樹而看不見整片樹林。意即“見樹不見林，太注重細節，忽略了整體大局。
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