Punishing the guilty and protecting the weak. 国际公义宣教组织，惩罚有罪者，保护弱势者。
A slave since the age of 12, Nagaraj was forced to make bricks, laboring for long hours in intense heat. His owner's brutality terrified the slaves, but the worst part for Nagaraj was seeing his children with no education or hope for a better life. It seemed they were trapped in an environment where heat and excessive work were already making them sick. But then, investigators from International Justice Mission (IJM) collaborated with local authorities to free 78 slaves, including Nagaraj, along with their families. Today, Nagaraj is still making bricks-but now he works for himself as a free man.
Nagaraj is far from alone in facing injustice in modern times. Millions of people around the world are currently held as slaves, including almost 2 million child prostitutes, and transporting slaves internationally is a US$32 billion industry. In many countries, widows have no defense against neighbors stealing their land, and police can imprison or beat innocent people without fear of punishment.
Tragic circumstances like these are heartbreaking but for lawyer Gary Haugen, the world's injustice fueled his passion to make a difference. Haugen observed that many organizations dedicatede to helping victims took no action against perpetrators of injustice, who went on to harm more people. He realized that his legal training gave him the ability to work with local legal systems to protect the poor by enforcing law's against harming them. Haugen founded IJM in 1997 to address all types of injustice worldwide, including slavery, forced prostitution, women's lack of land rights and illegal detention by police.
The organization now has field offices in 14 countries in Asia, Africa and Central and South. When IJM confronts one of these issues, its first goal is always to relieve the victim's suffering. It might help the police fine and free slaves, work to restore stolen property or pressure authorities to release an innocent person from prison.
IJM also strives to take legal action against the perpetrators to prevent them from doing more harm and to discourage others from similar behavior. Knowing that the people who harmed them are behind bars can reassure victims that they are safe. Many crimes, however leave their victims with physical and emotional problems that hinder their return to normal life. Thus another goal of IJM is helping those rescued to overcome the trauma they experienced injustice persists in many countries, because local police and court systems are corrupt or incapable of enforcing the laws. In these cases, IJM works to reform and strengthen existing institutions so that they can provide justice on a permanent basis.
To achieve these goals, IJM relies on the help of staff from different backgrounds with different sets of skills. These people are united by a passion for protecting and helping the poor and weak. Their fervent Christian faith motivates them to devote their lives to fighting injustice.
IJM believes that all people are made in the image of God, who loves them and wants to protect them. In Gary Haugen's words, "This is not a God who offers sympathy, best wishes. This is a God who wants evildoers brought to account and vulnerable people protected - here and now!"
Grammar Tips:
Tragic circumstances like these are heartbreaking, but for lawyer Gary Haugen, the worlds injustice fueled his passion to make a difference.
"fueled his passion"- make someone's interest or enthusiasm become even stronger.
"to fuel one's passion" -
Watching his grandmother prepare meals in the kitchen every day fueled Ricky's passion for good food and cooking.
Seeing stray dogs and cats wander in the streets fueled Nicole's passion to help and protect homeless animals.
"fuel his passion", "fuel someone's passion", "to fuel one's passion"。
Vocabulary Tips:
brutality-残害，残忍，残酷，无慈悲，野蛮 brutal -兽性，残酷的，下流的。
*The terrorists' brutality was the worse the hostages could imagine.
*The documentary revealed the brutality of the civil war in Africa.
injustice -没有公义的。 "in"- 无，"justice"-公义
*The proposal was aimed to eliminate the injustice that exists in the legal system.
*The verdict of the trial showed the injustice of this corrupt judge.
imprison - 关进监牢。"im"-“进入，在里面” "prison"-坚牢
*The leaders of the protest were imprisoned for six months.
*The man was imprisoned for theft.
perpetrator-作恶者，犯罪者，行凶者，
*The perpetrators of the abuse of captives were brought to justice after the war.
*The perpetrators of the fraud were sentenced to 20 years in prison.
detention-拘留，延误，挽留。
*The suspect was held in detention during the investigation.
*The lawyer sued the police for illegal detention of a minor.
*The boy was given a one hour detention.
reassure-再次的保证。 "re"-“再一次” "assure"-保证，确保
*The little boy's mom reassured him that she would pick him up right after school.
*The police reassured the witness of his safety.
intense heat- very hot.
trauma-不幸，心灵受创伤，痛苦，心灵痛苦。
*Alan suffers from depression due to a series of childhood traumas.
*Sandy still couldn't get over the trauma of her parents' divorce.
incapable-无能力的，不能。capable-有能力的 "in"-“无”“不”
*Ricky seems incapable of keeping a permanent job.
*The new CEO is incapable of managing this big corporation.
fervent-火热的，狂热的。热心的，热烈的。
*Amanda has always been this band's fervent fan.
*An athlete needs fervent desire to win.
hinder- keep them from (enjoy the nomal life).
persist- continue to happen.
corrupt- not doing the right thing.
Chat Room:
fuel-energy, 加增力量，
fueled his passion to make a difference.
fueled one's (passion/anger/curiosity)
burn-燃烧，激动
burning with passion/anger.
-----------------------------------------------------
behind bars-作牢。关入监狱
behind the bar- person standing behind the bar. A Bartender work behind the bar.
the people who harmed them are behind bars.
lock up- put in jail, lock criminal up in a place. 关入（监牢）
under lock and key- keep someone or something in a place where they want easy to access.
keep under lock and key- well keep in a safe place.妥善保存或看管。
-----------------------------------------------------
staff-（复数）全体职员（员工），组织里的全体成员，或是一个职员。
The staff is in a meeting.（全体职员工）可用单数“动词”。
IJM relies on the help of staff from different background with different sets of skills.
Several staff were unable to control the man. (staff member)
Several staff member were unable to control the man.
on staff-在职。
Bryan is on staff here at the library.在。。就职，工作。
.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Unusual Job Titles
Can a strange job title can help or hurt you? 奇特的工作头衔竟对事业生涯有意还是有害？
What kind of career do you want? Would you like to be a "wet leisure assistant" or a "social media rock star"? These jobs sound unusual, but they're really just creative titles for ordinary jobs. A "wet leisure assistant" is a lifeguard. A "social media rock star" works on a company's Facebook account. These crazy titles are part of a new work trend - renaming jobs. Some titles give old jobs new style. Others identify jobs that didn't even exist 10 years ago.
Why choose a job title that sounds different? An interesting title can make a worker feel valued or proud. It can make the employee want to work harder too. But there are also disadvantages. Some customers don't want to do business with a person whose title doesn't sound serious. And putting this kind of title on your r'esume could make it hard to get a job. What will an interviewer think about your old job as a "public happy-maker"? If you have a strange title for your job, enjoy it. But keep a normal title too, just in case.
Vocabulary Tips:
leisure-闲暇，空闲，
*Sean loves to play guitar in his leisure time.
*The club has different kinds of leisure facilities. 娱乐设施。
*Pamela is so busy that she has no leisure time to work out.
trend-趋势，潮流，时尚。
*The magazine introduces the latest fashion trends in every issue.
*The singer always creates new trends in pop music.
*The article talks about a recent upward trend of the stock-market.
disadvantage- 缺点，不利的条件，致命伤。advantage-有利的条件，优点， "dis"-有“否定”之意。
*His shyness is a disadvantage during his job interviews.
*Over-spending is the biggest disadvantage of using credit cards.
Chat Room:
job titles-职称
job description- 工作性质，内容，项目等工作明细。
This is not part of my job description. (work as a team, we should do whatever as needed. "This is not part of my job description" is not a good attitude for the team.)
What kind of career do you want? Would you like to be a "wet leisure assistant" or a "social media rock star"? These jobs sound unusual, but they're really just creative titles for ordinary jobs. A "wet leisure assistant" is a lifeguard. A "social media rock star" works on a company's Facebook account. These crazy titles are part of a new work trend - renaming jobs. Some titles give old jobs new style. Others identify jobs that didn't even exist 10 years ago.
Why choose a job title that sounds different? An interesting title can make a worker feel valued or proud. It can make the employee want to work harder too. But there are also disadvantages. Some customers don't want to do business with a person whose title doesn't sound serious. And putting this kind of title on your r'esume could make it hard to get a job. What will an interviewer think about your old job as a "public happy-maker"? If you have a strange title for your job, enjoy it. But keep a normal title too, just in case.
Vocabulary Tips:
leisure-闲暇，空闲，
*Sean loves to play guitar in his leisure time.
*The club has different kinds of leisure facilities. 娱乐设施。
*Pamela is so busy that she has no leisure time to work out.
trend-趋势，潮流，时尚。
*The magazine introduces the latest fashion trends in every issue.
*The singer always creates new trends in pop music.
*The article talks about a recent upward trend of the stock-market.
disadvantage- 缺点，不利的条件，致命伤。advantage-有利的条件，优点， "dis"-有“否定”之意。
*His shyness is a disadvantage during his job interviews.
*Over-spending is the biggest disadvantage of using credit cards.
Chat Room:
job titles-职称
job description- 工作性质，内容，项目等工作明细。
This is not part of my job description. (work as a team, we should do whatever as needed. "This is not part of my job description" is not a good attitude for the team.)
Friday, February 17, 2012
Amazing Races: Bobsleigh, Skeleton and Luge
Racers compete as they speed over ice and snow!
Thrills and excitement await visitors at the 2012 International Federation of Bobsleigh and Tobogganing. Federation Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing) (FIBT) World Championships! Athletes will race around 20 curves on a 1,455- meter course in Lake Placid, New York. The bobsleighs will travel at speeds close to 130 kilometers per hour during the February 13 to 26 event.
All about bobsleighing
The sport of bobsleighing is popular today, but it didn't start out as a competitive sport. In the beginning, bobsleighing was used for fun and as a form of transportation. Accounts of the activity date back to the 16th century. Yet bobsleighing as a sport didn't begin until the 19th century, when the Swiss designed a de vice to steer a sleigh. These sleighs were called "bobsleighs" because of the way the racers bobbed back and forth, hoping to increase their speed.
In 1923 the FIBT was formed. One year later, the four-man bobsleigh competition made its appearance at the 1924 Winter Olympics in France. Today, bobsleighs are made of steel and fiberglass, weigh up to 210 kilograms and hold two- or four-person teams.
What is a "skeleton"?
In 1892, a British man invented a new sled made almost entirely of metal. The design allowed a single rider to lie face down on a flat surface and slide headfirst. The sled became known as a "skeleton." Though no one knows where the name originated, some say the original sled resembled a human skeleton.
In 1926, the International Olympic Committee declared skeleton on Olympic sport. Participation in the sport continues to grow, and currently 30 countries from six continents compete in the sport.
Luge: An independent federation
Although the sport of luge was once part of the FIBT, in FIL (International Luge Federation) was formed. Seven years later, luge made its Olympic debut. The fastest and perhaps the most dangerous of the three sports, luge racing uses a small sled, which provides little protection. Lugers lie on their backs and plunge feet-first down icy tracks at speeds up to 150 km per hour.
These fast and exciting winter sports draw crowds of people! If you're looking for some winter fun, why not join them?
Grammar Tips:
Accounts of the activity date back to the 16th century.
"to date back to" - to begin in a certain time.
"date back to" - talk about something started for a period of time, and the time passed.
The country club dates back to the 60s.
The tourists are visiting a castle that dates back to the 13th century.
Vocabulary Tips:
federation-a group of people or nations gather together.联盟，联合会。联邦。
*The federation of Hong Kong industries held a luncheon on Sep. 26th. 联合会
* The U.S.A. is a federation of 50 states. 美国是一个由50个州组成的联邦政府。
transportation- 运输，运送，（交通，运输工具）"trans"-越过
*The transportation of this artwork cost a lot of money.运送
*Visitors to the exhibition are advised to take public transportation. 建议搭乘公共运输。
bob- (bobbing/bobbed)moving or bounce up and down, side to side, back and force.上下左右快速摆动（移动）
*The raft was bobbing on the rushing river and the people almost fell into the water.
*The race car bobbed a lot when it passed this muddy area.
originate-start, begin发源，来自，产生 "ori"- “ 开始.”
originate (from/in)
*The customs of Lunar New Year originated from a legend of a monster.
*These spices originated in India.香料来自于。。
debut - "t"在此不发音。初次登场，初次演出，初次发片 to be seen in the public at first time.
*The actress made her debut in her school's musical when she was 15.
*The singer made her debut in 1995.
plunge-going down at very fast speed, quickly falling.快速下降，快速下滑。空中跳伞，高空跳板下水。
*The elevator suddenly plunged a few feet, hurting passengers in the fall.
*Due to the strike, the stock price of this car company plunged 10% today.
Chat Room:
thrills and excitement await visitors.
wait/await- 等待
wait-intransitive 用在口语上，不及物动词，要加“介系词for"
await-transitive 及物动词，不加“介系词”， 比较”文言“大多用在等待抽象事物，如等某人的到来。
I'm awaiting Peter's arrival.
waiting for someone - I'm waiting for Peter.
----------------------------------------------------
bobsleigh, skeleton and luge- 雪车，俯卧雪橇，需橇
sleigh/sled-雪橇
sleigh (Europe)有座位的大型雪橇，有动物在前拉跑的
sled (U.S.A)体积小的，小孩在雪地上玩的小雪橇，必须是在斜坡地上才能玩，由上而下滑行。
dog sled-狗拉的雪橇。sled pulled by dog.
.
Thrills and excitement await visitors at the 2012 International Federation of Bobsleigh and Tobogganing. Federation Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing) (FIBT) World Championships! Athletes will race around 20 curves on a 1,455- meter course in Lake Placid, New York. The bobsleighs will travel at speeds close to 130 kilometers per hour during the February 13 to 26 event.
All about bobsleighing
The sport of bobsleighing is popular today, but it didn't start out as a competitive sport. In the beginning, bobsleighing was used for fun and as a form of transportation. Accounts of the activity date back to the 16th century. Yet bobsleighing as a sport didn't begin until the 19th century, when the Swiss designed a de vice to steer a sleigh. These sleighs were called "bobsleighs" because of the way the racers bobbed back and forth, hoping to increase their speed.
In 1923 the FIBT was formed. One year later, the four-man bobsleigh competition made its appearance at the 1924 Winter Olympics in France. Today, bobsleighs are made of steel and fiberglass, weigh up to 210 kilograms and hold two- or four-person teams.
What is a "skeleton"?
In 1892, a British man invented a new sled made almost entirely of metal. The design allowed a single rider to lie face down on a flat surface and slide headfirst. The sled became known as a "skeleton." Though no one knows where the name originated, some say the original sled resembled a human skeleton.
In 1926, the International Olympic Committee declared skeleton on Olympic sport. Participation in the sport continues to grow, and currently 30 countries from six continents compete in the sport.
Luge: An independent federation
Although the sport of luge was once part of the FIBT, in FIL (International Luge Federation) was formed. Seven years later, luge made its Olympic debut. The fastest and perhaps the most dangerous of the three sports, luge racing uses a small sled, which provides little protection. Lugers lie on their backs and plunge feet-first down icy tracks at speeds up to 150 km per hour.
These fast and exciting winter sports draw crowds of people! If you're looking for some winter fun, why not join them?
Grammar Tips:
Accounts of the activity date back to the 16th century.
"to date back to" - to begin in a certain time.
"date back to" - talk about something started for a period of time, and the time passed.
The country club dates back to the 60s.
The tourists are visiting a castle that dates back to the 13th century.
Vocabulary Tips:
federation-a group of people or nations gather together.联盟，联合会。联邦。
*The federation of Hong Kong industries held a luncheon on Sep. 26th. 联合会
* The U.S.A. is a federation of 50 states. 美国是一个由50个州组成的联邦政府。
transportation- 运输，运送，（交通，运输工具）"trans"-越过
*The transportation of this artwork cost a lot of money.运送
*Visitors to the exhibition are advised to take public transportation. 建议搭乘公共运输。
bob- (bobbing/bobbed)moving or bounce up and down, side to side, back and force.上下左右快速摆动（移动）
*The raft was bobbing on the rushing river and the people almost fell into the water.
*The race car bobbed a lot when it passed this muddy area.
originate-start, begin发源，来自，产生 "ori"- “ 开始.”
originate (from/in)
*The customs of Lunar New Year originated from a legend of a monster.
*These spices originated in India.香料来自于。。
debut - "t"在此不发音。初次登场，初次演出，初次发片 to be seen in the public at first time.
*The actress made her debut in her school's musical when she was 15.
*The singer made her debut in 1995.
plunge-going down at very fast speed, quickly falling.快速下降，快速下滑。空中跳伞，高空跳板下水。
*The elevator suddenly plunged a few feet, hurting passengers in the fall.
*Due to the strike, the stock price of this car company plunged 10% today.
Chat Room:
thrills and excitement await visitors.
wait/await- 等待
wait-intransitive 用在口语上，不及物动词，要加“介系词for"
await-transitive 及物动词，不加“介系词”， 比较”文言“大多用在等待抽象事物，如等某人的到来。
I'm awaiting Peter's arrival.
waiting for someone - I'm waiting for Peter.
----------------------------------------------------
bobsleigh, skeleton and luge- 雪车，俯卧雪橇，需橇
sleigh/sled-雪橇
sleigh (Europe)有座位的大型雪橇，有动物在前拉跑的
sled (U.S.A)体积小的，小孩在雪地上玩的小雪橇，必须是在斜坡地上才能玩，由上而下滑行。
dog sled-狗拉的雪橇。sled pulled by dog.
.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
KING TUT'S TOMB
Finding this Egyptian king changed history.
Ninety years ago this year a man named Howard Carter made a great find. But he didn't discover an unknown people group or a new plant. He found the resting place of a king. People had seen signs of King Tutankhamun's tomb but had never found it.
Eventually, Carter's crew discovered a set of steps that led down to some underground rooms. There Carter found the king's body and many of his treasures.
The discovery has made king Tutankhamun, Tut for short, one of the better-remembered kings of Egypt. No one is sure why, but he died suddenly before he turned 20. Because he died so young, there wasn't time to prepare a grand tomb for him. So he ended up with a smaller burial room. Its small size was actually the reason it stayed hidden for so long. And, unlike other Egyptian kings' tombs, Tut's was not as damaged by time or robbers. King Tut's tomb remains the best-preserved royal tomb ever discovered.
The discovery of this little tomb has helped people learn a great deal about ancient Egypt.
Grammar Tips:
The discovery has made king Tutankhamun, Tut for short, one of the better-remembered kings of Egypt.
for short- as a short way of saying a long name.
Tut for short -Tut is the short way of saying Tutankhamun.
Alexander prefers you call him Alex for short.
The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF for short, is an angency of the United Nations.
short for -for short 相反. Alext is short for Alexander.
UNICEF is short for United Nations Children's Fund.
Vocabulary Tips:
eventually-最后，终於。
*Timmy spent 6 years in college and eventually graduated last summer.
*After considering all other alternaties, the patient eventually had to go through with this major surgery.
discover (v)-发现。 "dis"-除去, "cover"-覆盖物，除去覆盖物，即是“发现“
*The team discovered many dinosaur fossils at the dig.
discovery (n)-发现，发现的事物。
*THe great discovery that the earth is round changed the scientific world.
preserve- 保存preserved (adj)- 被保存的，被保护的，保护的很好。
*preserved fruit-蜜饯
*The cathedral is still well-preserved after World War I and II. 被很好的保存。。
Chat Room:
The discovery has made King Tutankhamun, Tut for short...
for short- 太长的名字简单化，简称。
William, Bill is for short.- Bill is short for William.
to be short for -简略，简化
Bob is short for Robert. Liz is short for Elizabeth. "phone" is short for "telephone".
B & B is short for "bed and breakfast".
Ninety years ago this year a man named Howard Carter made a great find. But he didn't discover an unknown people group or a new plant. He found the resting place of a king. People had seen signs of King Tutankhamun's tomb but had never found it.
Eventually, Carter's crew discovered a set of steps that led down to some underground rooms. There Carter found the king's body and many of his treasures.
The discovery has made king Tutankhamun, Tut for short, one of the better-remembered kings of Egypt. No one is sure why, but he died suddenly before he turned 20. Because he died so young, there wasn't time to prepare a grand tomb for him. So he ended up with a smaller burial room. Its small size was actually the reason it stayed hidden for so long. And, unlike other Egyptian kings' tombs, Tut's was not as damaged by time or robbers. King Tut's tomb remains the best-preserved royal tomb ever discovered.
The discovery of this little tomb has helped people learn a great deal about ancient Egypt.
Grammar Tips:
The discovery has made king Tutankhamun, Tut for short, one of the better-remembered kings of Egypt.
for short- as a short way of saying a long name.
Tut for short -Tut is the short way of saying Tutankhamun.
Alexander prefers you call him Alex for short.
The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF for short, is an angency of the United Nations.
short for -for short 相反. Alext is short for Alexander.
UNICEF is short for United Nations Children's Fund.
Vocabulary Tips:
eventually-最后，终於。
*Timmy spent 6 years in college and eventually graduated last summer.
*After considering all other alternaties, the patient eventually had to go through with this major surgery.
discover (v)-发现。 "dis"-除去, "cover"-覆盖物，除去覆盖物，即是“发现“
*The team discovered many dinosaur fossils at the dig.
discovery (n)-发现，发现的事物。
*THe great discovery that the earth is round changed the scientific world.
preserve- 保存preserved (adj)- 被保存的，被保护的，保护的很好。
*preserved fruit-蜜饯
*The cathedral is still well-preserved after World War I and II. 被很好的保存。。
Chat Room:
The discovery has made King Tutankhamun, Tut for short...
for short- 太长的名字简单化，简称。
William, Bill is for short.- Bill is short for William.
to be short for -简略，简化
Bob is short for Robert. Liz is short for Elizabeth. "phone" is short for "telephone".
B & B is short for "bed and breakfast".
Monday, February 13, 2012
FUNNY ENGLISH
When learning English, you need a good sense humor.
English is a funny language. Learning it is not always fun. But like any language. it's often good for a laugh. If you're going to catch the humor, though, you need to understand why something is funny. Maybe it's a word that has two different meanings. Or perhaps it's a misuse of the grammar that adds to the humor. If you don't get the joke, you won't share in the laughter. And nobody likes to feel left out.
A pun is one of the most common forms of humor in English. Also known as a "play on words," a pun uses a word that has a double meaning. Sometimes it uses a word that sounds similar to another word. Many jokes and riddles are based on puns. For instance, a guy rushes into the doctor's office and gasps, "Doctor! Doctor! I think I'm shrinking!" The doctor replies, "Don't worry. You'll just have to be a little patient." Get it? The word patient can have two different meanings.
Puns are easy to create. Just take two words that sound alike and substitute one for the other. Like this: When is it time to go to the dentist? Tooth hurty. (Two thirty. Get it?) Or this: When the lady got married, she got a new name and a dress. (Address, see?) You can also use a word with a double meaning: Why can't a bicycle stand alone? It's two tires. (Get it? It has two tires, but it's also too tired.) Can you see why puns tend to make people groan? Or have you groan (grown) to like them?
Getting your tongue tangled up can create some funny expressions called spoonerisms. Dr. William Archibald Spooner of Oxford, England, became famous for switching sounds around. Once when a stranger was sitting in the wrong place, he offered, "May I sew you to another sheet? (May I show you to another seat?) Anyone can make spoonerism unintentionally. Did you eat "keys and parrots" for lunch? (Or was it peas and carrots?)
Another type of play on words is called a malapropism. It was named after Mrs. Malaprop, a comic character from a play by Richard Sheridan. She had a bad habit of confusing words like affluence and
and influence.
Of course, she's not the only one. Many famous people get their words mixed up. Take Casey Stengel, the well-known baseball manager. He once asked his players to line up in alphabetical order according to their size. And what about the movie producer Samuel Goldwyn, who once said he read part of a book all the way through!.
You can find amusing things about English almost everywhere you look. Why do we drive on the parkway and park on the driveway? Why is it that writers can write, but fingers don't "fing? Why do we ship things by truck, but send cargo by ship? And why is it that your nose runs and your feet smell? There's no doubt about it: English really is a funny language. So it's Ok to laugh when you're learning it.
Grammar Tips:
...perhaps it's a misuse of the grammar that adds to the humor.
adds to- Add two to five and you will get seven.
adds to, add to, added to - increases in ....
Henry was very late to the birthday party, and his ugly present just added to his embarrassment.
The roses that Jimmy placed all over the room for his wife just added to the romantic atmosphere.
Vocabulary Tips:
catch- get with hands.捕捉，抓住。。体会，领会
*Henry didn't catch it when Patrick was making fun of him.
*The music was too loud and I didn't catch what the announcement said.
feel left out-感觉被忽略，被遗落。
left out -忽略，冷落，漏掉，疏忽。- leave out
*Diana felt left out because no one wanted to play with her at school.
*The teacher paired the kids for the activity so no one would feel left out. 二人一组。
gasp-喘着气的说， 上气不接下气的说，气喘吁吁的
*Jason gasped "help!" when he rushed into the emergency room.
*Nathan was gasping for air after running the race.气喘吁吁的
substitute-代替 use one thing for another, use one teach for another. "sub"-替代
substitute 以什么来替代用 "for"-
*You can substitute rice for mashed potatoes.
*the mechanic was sued for substituting local parts for imported parts.
groan-叹息，呻吟，抱怨，发出不满或是痛苦的声音。
*The audience groaned at the speaker's inappropriate comment.
*The patient groaned with pain when the doctor cleaned his wound.
*The old man groaned when he saw kids playing in his garden.
unintentionally -不是故意地， 不经意的。。
intention-有意，存心，故意intentionally-有意地，故意地
*The proposal unintentionally turned into a comedy.
*I unintentionally opened this classified file.秘密档案
tangled- tongue twisted, unorganized, words stock with tongue. 嚼舌的，零乱的。
* My hair get tangled.
affluence-has a lot of money, rich. 富有，致富，丰富，富裕
*Even though he lives a life of affluence, deep in his heart, he still feels empty.
*The Owners of the company quickly rose to affluence after the success of their product.
alphabetical -字母的，
in alphabetical order-按字母次序排列。
*All the files were sorted in alphabetical order.
*The names of the people participating in the film are listed in alphabetical order.
driveway- a short way lead to some one's house.每家房子车库前的私人车道。drive驾驶
*The Thompson are having a party. Their driveway is packed with cars.林荫大道。
Parkway- a long open way with trees on sides for people to drive.
cargo-packages or something pack together sent by ship.
feet- for run and walk.
smell-闻，味道，臭味，不好的味道。
feet smell-feet smell bad. feet has bad smell.
Chat Room:
fun/funny- 有趣的
fun- 好玩的
funny-滑稽的，好笑的， 古怪，不正常的，怪怪的。
This cake has a funny taste. This dress looks funny.怪怪的。
John is a fun guy.-“强”是个很有趣的人，和他在一起很有趣，好玩。
John is a funny guy.- “强”是个很会说笑话，搞笑 或古怪的人。
English is a funny language. Learning is not always fun.
-------------------------------------------------------------
On the tip of my tongue - 很熟的人或事，一下子叫不出来，就在嘴边。知道就是说不出来，在舌尖上。
a slip of the tongue-不小心说错了话。子音对调。
spoonerism- a slip of the tongue is “spoonerism”.
Look before you leap. slip of the tongue (spoonerism )不小心， 说成了 "Loop before you leak."
-------------------------------------------------------------
comprehension- 理解
apprehension-担心，恐惧
malapropism -麦加普现象
SUV -休旅车
USB-电脑的随身碟。
cliffhanger-惊险的故事
cliff dweller-住在洞穴里的人。
.
English is a funny language. Learning it is not always fun. But like any language. it's often good for a laugh. If you're going to catch the humor, though, you need to understand why something is funny. Maybe it's a word that has two different meanings. Or perhaps it's a misuse of the grammar that adds to the humor. If you don't get the joke, you won't share in the laughter. And nobody likes to feel left out.
A pun is one of the most common forms of humor in English. Also known as a "play on words," a pun uses a word that has a double meaning. Sometimes it uses a word that sounds similar to another word. Many jokes and riddles are based on puns. For instance, a guy rushes into the doctor's office and gasps, "Doctor! Doctor! I think I'm shrinking!" The doctor replies, "Don't worry. You'll just have to be a little patient." Get it? The word patient can have two different meanings.
Puns are easy to create. Just take two words that sound alike and substitute one for the other. Like this: When is it time to go to the dentist? Tooth hurty. (Two thirty. Get it?) Or this: When the lady got married, she got a new name and a dress. (Address, see?) You can also use a word with a double meaning: Why can't a bicycle stand alone? It's two tires. (Get it? It has two tires, but it's also too tired.) Can you see why puns tend to make people groan? Or have you groan (grown) to like them?
Getting your tongue tangled up can create some funny expressions called spoonerisms. Dr. William Archibald Spooner of Oxford, England, became famous for switching sounds around. Once when a stranger was sitting in the wrong place, he offered, "May I sew you to another sheet? (May I show you to another seat?) Anyone can make spoonerism unintentionally. Did you eat "keys and parrots" for lunch? (Or was it peas and carrots?)
Another type of play on words is called a malapropism. It was named after Mrs. Malaprop, a comic character from a play by Richard Sheridan. She had a bad habit of confusing words like affluence and
and influence.
Of course, she's not the only one. Many famous people get their words mixed up. Take Casey Stengel, the well-known baseball manager. He once asked his players to line up in alphabetical order according to their size. And what about the movie producer Samuel Goldwyn, who once said he read part of a book all the way through!.
You can find amusing things about English almost everywhere you look. Why do we drive on the parkway and park on the driveway? Why is it that writers can write, but fingers don't "fing? Why do we ship things by truck, but send cargo by ship? And why is it that your nose runs and your feet smell? There's no doubt about it: English really is a funny language. So it's Ok to laugh when you're learning it.
Grammar Tips:
...perhaps it's a misuse of the grammar that adds to the humor.
adds to- Add two to five and you will get seven.
adds to, add to, added to - increases in ....
Henry was very late to the birthday party, and his ugly present just added to his embarrassment.
The roses that Jimmy placed all over the room for his wife just added to the romantic atmosphere.
Vocabulary Tips:
catch- get with hands.捕捉，抓住。。体会，领会
*Henry didn't catch it when Patrick was making fun of him.
*The music was too loud and I didn't catch what the announcement said.
feel left out-感觉被忽略，被遗落。
left out -忽略，冷落，漏掉，疏忽。- leave out
*Diana felt left out because no one wanted to play with her at school.
*The teacher paired the kids for the activity so no one would feel left out. 二人一组。
gasp-喘着气的说， 上气不接下气的说，气喘吁吁的
*Jason gasped "help!" when he rushed into the emergency room.
*Nathan was gasping for air after running the race.气喘吁吁的
substitute-代替 use one thing for another, use one teach for another. "sub"-替代
substitute 以什么来替代用 "for"-
*You can substitute rice for mashed potatoes.
*the mechanic was sued for substituting local parts for imported parts.
groan-叹息，呻吟，抱怨，发出不满或是痛苦的声音。
*The audience groaned at the speaker's inappropriate comment.
*The patient groaned with pain when the doctor cleaned his wound.
*The old man groaned when he saw kids playing in his garden.
unintentionally -不是故意地， 不经意的。。
intention-有意，存心，故意intentionally-有意地，故意地
*The proposal unintentionally turned into a comedy.
*I unintentionally opened this classified file.秘密档案
tangled- tongue twisted, unorganized, words stock with tongue. 嚼舌的，零乱的。
* My hair get tangled.
affluence-has a lot of money, rich. 富有，致富，丰富，富裕
*Even though he lives a life of affluence, deep in his heart, he still feels empty.
*The Owners of the company quickly rose to affluence after the success of their product.
alphabetical -字母的，
in alphabetical order-按字母次序排列。
*All the files were sorted in alphabetical order.
*The names of the people participating in the film are listed in alphabetical order.
driveway- a short way lead to some one's house.每家房子车库前的私人车道。drive驾驶
*The Thompson are having a party. Their driveway is packed with cars.林荫大道。
Parkway- a long open way with trees on sides for people to drive.
cargo-packages or something pack together sent by ship.
feet- for run and walk.
smell-闻，味道，臭味，不好的味道。
feet smell-feet smell bad. feet has bad smell.
Chat Room:
fun/funny- 有趣的
fun- 好玩的
funny-滑稽的，好笑的， 古怪，不正常的，怪怪的。
This cake has a funny taste. This dress looks funny.怪怪的。
John is a fun guy.-“强”是个很有趣的人，和他在一起很有趣，好玩。
John is a funny guy.- “强”是个很会说笑话，搞笑 或古怪的人。
English is a funny language. Learning is not always fun.
-------------------------------------------------------------
On the tip of my tongue - 很熟的人或事，一下子叫不出来，就在嘴边。知道就是说不出来，在舌尖上。
a slip of the tongue-不小心说错了话。子音对调。
spoonerism- a slip of the tongue is “spoonerism”.
Look before you leap. slip of the tongue (spoonerism )不小心， 说成了 "Loop before you leak."
-------------------------------------------------------------
comprehension- 理解
apprehension-担心，恐惧
malapropism -麦加普现象
SUV -休旅车
USB-电脑的随身碟。
cliffhanger-惊险的故事
cliff dweller-住在洞穴里的人。
.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Friends, Family and Money
Dealing with difficult money situations.
Mixing money and personal relationships can create all kinds of discomfort. On one hand, family and friends can provide crucial support during a financial crisis. On the other hand, relationships can be easily damaged by money -especially when there are different expectations.
Money may make the world go around, but it can bring friendships to a screeching halt.
The Situation:
Your business is doing extremely well - until your friends and family start asking for hug discounts
and special services.
The Solution:
Uncomfortable feelings that arise from doing business with friends and family don't just go one way. You may feel put out by requests for discounts, but friends and family may resent feeling obligated to support your business.
One way to deal with these problems is to establish a clear policy for dealing with friends and family before problems begin. Set terms and discount rates you are comfortable with. Then when Cousin Fred comes looking for a deal, you will be ready. You can explain, for example, that while you offer a discount to friends and family, you must give priority to regular clients. If Fred's project is urgent, he can pay full price or look elsewhere.
The Situation:
An old friend has found a wonderful business opportunity and is looking for a large loan.
The Solution:
Explain that you aren't comfortable lending money to anyone. Alternatively, offer to lend a smaller amount. If you decide to make the loan, create a written agreement to make expectations clear.
You may even set terms that are favorable to you - like charging interest and establishing a repayment schedule. Just make sure you never lend more money than you are willing to lose.
The Situation:
You are asked to be a cosigner an a loan, credit card application or mortgage.
The Solution:
There are many reasons to be a cosigner. Parents often help their children establish credit by cosigning for them. But there are risks.
Limit your risks by talking to the lender. Find out how cosigning will impact your credit rating, and have the lender agree to notify you of any late or missed payments. That way you can deal with problems before they get out of hand. You can even try to limit your liability to the principle and not the interest owed.
Money talks, but make sure it doesn't stop your relatives and friends from talking to you!
Crammer Tips:
You may feel put out by requests for discounts, but friends and family may resent feeling obligate to support your business.
put out - stop,to stop a fire, to put out a fire.
put out - here is refer to "to be upset or irritated".
Sara felt put out by the idea of having the dinner party at her house.
If it's too much trouble for you to help me, please tell me. I don't want you to feel put out by this.
Vocabulary Tips:
bring to a halt- bring (brought)- come to, let something happen.
halt- stop, end of it.
bring to a halt -make things stop or end of.
*A sudden illness brought his career to a halt.
*Traffic was brought to a halt by an accident.
screech-loud, and high voice, very high pitch sound.发出尖锐的声音，尖叫。
*The parrot was screeching while the owner clipped its wings.
*The brakes screeched when I made a sudden stop.
*The baby screeched so loudly that he lost his voice.
obligated-responsibility, have to do it. 有义务的，有责任的，别无旁待的。
*Police are obligated to protect people.
*Claire felt obligated to help her brother, although he's already 30.
discomfort - "dis" -"not".
impulse purchases- buying things without thinking.
We need to learn how to avoid impulse spending/purchases.
alternative -a big fancy way to say that there is another possibility or option. 其他选择，二者选一。alter-其他
*We can go to a movie tonight, or alternatively we can stay home and watch DVDs.
*We can drive to Seattle, or alternatively we can fly there.
repayment- pay back money you owe.偿还 repay-偿还, payment 付款
repayment schedule-偿还欠款时间表。
*Being responsible with your repayment can get you out of debt sooner.
*The bank issued a notification demanding instant repayment.
liability -legally responsible for something. 责任，义务。
*The judge found the defendant exempt from all liabilities from the car accident.免除被告所有的责任。
*The company is now facing heavy liabilities.巨额债务。
cosigner- sign your name on a formal contract with someone else and responsible for it.
out of hand - out of control.
Chat Room:
money makes the world go around.- money make the world move. 金钱使这世界运转。
love makes the world go around. 爱使世界运转
something makes the world go around, something is powerful and very strong that can influence others.
What goes around，comes around. repay by what you do, refer to bad things that you did to others, now it is happened to you.
enough to go around. - enough for every one, enough for the whole event.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
money talks -片语，金钱能使鬼推磨，有钱就是大爷。不是“钱会说话”之意
money is power-金钱万能。
Put your money where your mouth is.-不要说大话，光说不练，不如用实际行动来证明。
.
Mixing money and personal relationships can create all kinds of discomfort. On one hand, family and friends can provide crucial support during a financial crisis. On the other hand, relationships can be easily damaged by money -especially when there are different expectations.
Money may make the world go around, but it can bring friendships to a screeching halt.
The Situation:
Your business is doing extremely well - until your friends and family start asking for hug discounts
and special services.
The Solution:
Uncomfortable feelings that arise from doing business with friends and family don't just go one way. You may feel put out by requests for discounts, but friends and family may resent feeling obligated to support your business.
One way to deal with these problems is to establish a clear policy for dealing with friends and family before problems begin. Set terms and discount rates you are comfortable with. Then when Cousin Fred comes looking for a deal, you will be ready. You can explain, for example, that while you offer a discount to friends and family, you must give priority to regular clients. If Fred's project is urgent, he can pay full price or look elsewhere.
The Situation:
An old friend has found a wonderful business opportunity and is looking for a large loan.
The Solution:
Explain that you aren't comfortable lending money to anyone. Alternatively, offer to lend a smaller amount. If you decide to make the loan, create a written agreement to make expectations clear.
You may even set terms that are favorable to you - like charging interest and establishing a repayment schedule. Just make sure you never lend more money than you are willing to lose.
The Situation:
You are asked to be a cosigner an a loan, credit card application or mortgage.
The Solution:
There are many reasons to be a cosigner. Parents often help their children establish credit by cosigning for them. But there are risks.
Limit your risks by talking to the lender. Find out how cosigning will impact your credit rating, and have the lender agree to notify you of any late or missed payments. That way you can deal with problems before they get out of hand. You can even try to limit your liability to the principle and not the interest owed.
Money talks, but make sure it doesn't stop your relatives and friends from talking to you!
Crammer Tips:
You may feel put out by requests for discounts, but friends and family may resent feeling obligate to support your business.
put out - stop,to stop a fire, to put out a fire.
put out - here is refer to "to be upset or irritated".
Sara felt put out by the idea of having the dinner party at her house.
If it's too much trouble for you to help me, please tell me. I don't want you to feel put out by this.
Vocabulary Tips:
bring to a halt- bring (brought)- come to, let something happen.
halt- stop, end of it.
bring to a halt -make things stop or end of.
*A sudden illness brought his career to a halt.
*Traffic was brought to a halt by an accident.
screech-loud, and high voice, very high pitch sound.发出尖锐的声音，尖叫。
*The parrot was screeching while the owner clipped its wings.
*The brakes screeched when I made a sudden stop.
*The baby screeched so loudly that he lost his voice.
obligated-responsibility, have to do it. 有义务的，有责任的，别无旁待的。
*Police are obligated to protect people.
*Claire felt obligated to help her brother, although he's already 30.
discomfort - "dis" -"not".
impulse purchases- buying things without thinking.
We need to learn how to avoid impulse spending/purchases.
alternative -a big fancy way to say that there is another possibility or option. 其他选择，二者选一。alter-其他
*We can go to a movie tonight, or alternatively we can stay home and watch DVDs.
*We can drive to Seattle, or alternatively we can fly there.
repayment- pay back money you owe.偿还 repay-偿还, payment 付款
repayment schedule-偿还欠款时间表。
*Being responsible with your repayment can get you out of debt sooner.
*The bank issued a notification demanding instant repayment.
liability -legally responsible for something. 责任，义务。
*The judge found the defendant exempt from all liabilities from the car accident.免除被告所有的责任。
*The company is now facing heavy liabilities.巨额债务。
cosigner- sign your name on a formal contract with someone else and responsible for it.
out of hand - out of control.
Chat Room:
money makes the world go around.- money make the world move. 金钱使这世界运转。
love makes the world go around. 爱使世界运转
something makes the world go around, something is powerful and very strong that can influence others.
What goes around，comes around. repay by what you do, refer to bad things that you did to others, now it is happened to you.
enough to go around. - enough for every one, enough for the whole event.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
money talks -片语，金钱能使鬼推磨，有钱就是大爷。不是“钱会说话”之意
money is power-金钱万能。
Put your money where your mouth is.-不要说大话，光说不练，不如用实际行动来证明。
.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Bath Safety
Your bathroom can be a dangerous place.
Accidents can occur anywhere around your home. But your bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house. Some of the most common dangers include:
# Electricity
* Keep everything electric away from bath water, sinks and toilets.
*Put away anything electric after use.
* Don't use any kind of electric appliance while standing in water or even on a wet floor.
* Never touch an electric appliance with wet hands. Dry your hands completely first.
# Water
*Never leave young children alone in the bathroom. A child can drown in a few seconds in just a few inches of water.
*Always stay within arm's reach of a child in a bathtub.
#Falls
*Use non-slip mats around the bathtub and shower.
*Install a bar to hold onto by the tub or shower and near the toilet.
#Poisons
*Children are curious and will eat or drink brightly colored or interesting-looking things. Keep medicine and cleaning supplies in a safe place away from children.
With just a few changes, you can make your bathroom the safest room in the house.
Grammar Tips:
Aways stay within arm's reach of a child in a bathtub.
arm's reach - a distance between you and something else. very close that you can easy reach.
Fred is so lazy. The TV remote control is within arm's reach, but he still wants somebody to bring it to him.
Kenneth likes to keep his alarm clock within arm's reach so that when it rings in the morning, he could turn it off without needing to move too much.
Vocabulary Tips:
accident-意外something unexpected to happen.
*The climbing accident was caused by severe weather conditions.
*The terrible scene of the car accident stuck in my mind for years.
*The invention of this cleaning technique was originally an accident.
drown-溺毙，淹死，淹没，浸泡 can't not breath in water and die.
*Many animals drowned in the flood.
*The little boy drowned his cornflakes in chocolate milk.玉米片。浸泡
*The man fell out of the canoe and almost drowned.
install -安 装， 设置。in-有“进入“的意思。to put or add something.
*The security company installed several surveillance cameras around the mansion.监视摄影机
*Charles spent hours trying to install this software.
Chat Room:
Bathroom-厕所`
At home we say "bathroom". in the public we can say "bathroom", "restroom", "men's room"男厕，, "ladies room"女厕. but we can't say "women's room".
W.C. - in Europe, people say bathroom "Water Closet"
use the facilities- 上洗手间，婉约的用法。 watch is "facilities" not "facility"要用复数。
Accidents can occur anywhere around your home. But your bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house. Some of the most common dangers include:
# Electricity
* Keep everything electric away from bath water, sinks and toilets.
*Put away anything electric after use.
* Don't use any kind of electric appliance while standing in water or even on a wet floor.
* Never touch an electric appliance with wet hands. Dry your hands completely first.
# Water
*Never leave young children alone in the bathroom. A child can drown in a few seconds in just a few inches of water.
*Always stay within arm's reach of a child in a bathtub.
#Falls
*Use non-slip mats around the bathtub and shower.
*Install a bar to hold onto by the tub or shower and near the toilet.
#Poisons
*Children are curious and will eat or drink brightly colored or interesting-looking things. Keep medicine and cleaning supplies in a safe place away from children.
With just a few changes, you can make your bathroom the safest room in the house.
Grammar Tips:
Aways stay within arm's reach of a child in a bathtub.
arm's reach - a distance between you and something else. very close that you can easy reach.
Fred is so lazy. The TV remote control is within arm's reach, but he still wants somebody to bring it to him.
Kenneth likes to keep his alarm clock within arm's reach so that when it rings in the morning, he could turn it off without needing to move too much.
Vocabulary Tips:
accident-意外something unexpected to happen.
*The climbing accident was caused by severe weather conditions.
*The terrible scene of the car accident stuck in my mind for years.
*The invention of this cleaning technique was originally an accident.
drown-溺毙，淹死，淹没，浸泡 can't not breath in water and die.
*Many animals drowned in the flood.
*The little boy drowned his cornflakes in chocolate milk.玉米片。浸泡
*The man fell out of the canoe and almost drowned.
install -安 装， 设置。in-有“进入“的意思。to put or add something.
*The security company installed several surveillance cameras around the mansion.监视摄影机
*Charles spent hours trying to install this software.
Chat Room:
Bathroom-厕所`
At home we say "bathroom". in the public we can say "bathroom", "restroom", "men's room"男厕，, "ladies room"女厕. but we can't say "women's room".
W.C. - in Europe, people say bathroom "Water Closet"
use the facilities- 上洗手间，婉约的用法。 watch is "facilities" not "facility"要用复数。
Monday, February 6, 2012
Jeremy Lin -Chasing Dreams And Finding Joy
Among professional basketball players, Jeremy Lin's background is not typical. He graduated from Harvard University, which sends few players to the NBA, and he is the only Chinese-American NBA player. But when you watch him on the court, there is no doubt that he belongs there. He moves with speed and grace that demonstrate years of faithful practice, which is fueled by a love for basketball.
The Family Effect
Lin's enjoyment of basketball actually began in Taiwan, where his father started watching it. Lin's father moved to the U.S., and his interest in the sport only grew. He passed on this love of basketball to his son, introducing him to the game at the age of five.
The young Lin spent much of his youth playing basketball for fun, learning from his father and older brother. But his family taught him about more than basketball. After games, his parents would discuss not only his score but also his conduct toward other players. This taught Lin that character was more important than playing well, a lesson he still remembers.
Rise of a Star
In high school, Lin dreamed of playing in the NBA but did not really expect to do so. When he applied for college, he was not offered a single sports scholarship. However, after his admission to Harvard, he was offered a place on its college basketball team. During Lin's time at Harvard, his basketball career began to take off.
He scored 1,482 points making him one of the highest scorers in Ivy League history. Eventually, the recognition he received led him to suspect that his NBA dream could come true. When he first graduated, no professional teams offered Lin a contract, but he was invited to play in the NBA Summer League. He played well and ended up eagerly signing a contract with the Golden State Warriors.
Life in the NBA
At first, playing in professional games filled Lin with excitement. He treasured opportunities to meet players he had been watching on TV for years. He was thrilled by the opportunities he had to ride in private planes and give interviews. But slowly, the excitement wore off and was replaced by anxiety. Lin was afraid of playing badly and disappointing his fans. He constantly compared himself to other players and gave himself no time to rest up. For the first time in his life, he no longer enjoyed playing basketball.
After a few very difficult months, Lin turned to his Christian faith to help transform his attitude. He realized that much of his anxiety and stress come from self-centered desires like wanting to be famous. Instead, Lin chose to see basketball as a way of serving God. As he said in an interview, "I"m not working hard and practicing day in and day out so that I can please other people. My audience is God."
Lin is confident that God loves him whether he plays well or not. This assurance gives him peace in spite of the pressure he faces. Now Lin tries to play each game with joy and gratitude for the opportunities he has been given.
Grammar Tips:
I'm not working hard and practicing day in and day out so that I can please other people.
"day in and day out" -every day, day after day. Speaking every day situation people often use"day in and day out"
We will have to work day in and day out to get this assignment done in one week.
Having a puppy is fun, but it's also a huge job. You have to take care of it day in and day out.
Vocabulary Tips:
NBA = National Basketball Association.
court -球场 area for sport activities.
*He was seriously injured when he fell on the court in today's game.
Name + court = 什么球场，在球场前加上“名词”
basketball court蓝球场, tennis 网球 court, volleyball排球 court, badminton 羽毛球 court.
faithful-忠实可靠，诚实可信。 faith-信心，信赖
*The butler's faithful service won him respect from the whole family.
*This faithful old clock never fails us.
conduct (v) con'duct -实施，执行
conduct (n) 'conduct -行为举止，品行。behavior.
*As a public figure, the district attorney's conduct is carefully watched.
enjoyment - like it very much.
admission- accept and get in, enter, a fee paid for get in. 进入许可，入场费用。
*Many students applied for admission to this prestigious college.
*Admission to the exhibition is restricted to invited guests.
*The admission to the museum is $5. 入场费。
take off -quickly go up, fast to success.飞机起飞，突飞猛进，大受欢迎，一飞冲天，窜升，
*The actress acting career took off after she got married.
*The sales of our new product took off because of our commercials.
thrill- very happy, very exciting.使惊喜，使欢欣，。
*The triumph of our basketball team thrilled the whole school.
*The baby was thrilled by the sight of this big teddy bear.常用被动语态。
rest up-彻底的，好好的休息，get good rest to regain one's strength.
*Patty is too weak now. She needs to rest up before she starts working again.
*After finishing this novel, the author decided to rest up for a few months.
self-centered - 以自我为中心的。self-自己 centered-以某个对象为中心。
*Children are often self-centered so they need their parents' guidance.
*This famous director is a self-centered and ambitious person.
assurance-把握，信心。有信心的。fency word for "promise"
*George's parents have always been very supportive of his career, and that assurance gives him tremendous power.
Chat Room:
pass down-承传，传给下一代。give to..
Pass down to him.
"like father, like son " or " like mother, like daughter" 有其父 （母），必有其子 （女），像他老爸（妈）
"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." means "like father, like son"
take after someone -某项才能等很像某人（父，母亲）
------------------------------------------------------------
financial aid-助学金
financial aid include loans/grants/scholarships.
loans-助学贷款。
grants-need-based 政府给的奖助金，不要还的，以需求为主，给家境清寒子弟的。
scholarships -奖学金，
need-based -以需求为主的。
merit-based - 以成绩表现优异为主merit-优质 good grades or good performance.
sports scholarship - is merit-based scholarship.
-------------------------------------------------------------
This assurance gives him peace in spite of the pressure he faces.
in spite of -虽然。。尽管
in spite of =despite，当用 "despite" 时，前后不加“in" and "of"
This assurance gives him peace despite the pressure he faces.
In spite of the rain, the streets were full of people on Independence Day.
Despite the rain, the streets were full of people on Independence Day.
spite- 恶意，怨恨
out of spite -出于恶意。
.
The Family Effect
Lin's enjoyment of basketball actually began in Taiwan, where his father started watching it. Lin's father moved to the U.S., and his interest in the sport only grew. He passed on this love of basketball to his son, introducing him to the game at the age of five.
The young Lin spent much of his youth playing basketball for fun, learning from his father and older brother. But his family taught him about more than basketball. After games, his parents would discuss not only his score but also his conduct toward other players. This taught Lin that character was more important than playing well, a lesson he still remembers.
Rise of a Star
In high school, Lin dreamed of playing in the NBA but did not really expect to do so. When he applied for college, he was not offered a single sports scholarship. However, after his admission to Harvard, he was offered a place on its college basketball team. During Lin's time at Harvard, his basketball career began to take off.
He scored 1,482 points making him one of the highest scorers in Ivy League history. Eventually, the recognition he received led him to suspect that his NBA dream could come true. When he first graduated, no professional teams offered Lin a contract, but he was invited to play in the NBA Summer League. He played well and ended up eagerly signing a contract with the Golden State Warriors.
Life in the NBA
At first, playing in professional games filled Lin with excitement. He treasured opportunities to meet players he had been watching on TV for years. He was thrilled by the opportunities he had to ride in private planes and give interviews. But slowly, the excitement wore off and was replaced by anxiety. Lin was afraid of playing badly and disappointing his fans. He constantly compared himself to other players and gave himself no time to rest up. For the first time in his life, he no longer enjoyed playing basketball.
After a few very difficult months, Lin turned to his Christian faith to help transform his attitude. He realized that much of his anxiety and stress come from self-centered desires like wanting to be famous. Instead, Lin chose to see basketball as a way of serving God. As he said in an interview, "I"m not working hard and practicing day in and day out so that I can please other people. My audience is God."
Lin is confident that God loves him whether he plays well or not. This assurance gives him peace in spite of the pressure he faces. Now Lin tries to play each game with joy and gratitude for the opportunities he has been given.
Grammar Tips:
I'm not working hard and practicing day in and day out so that I can please other people.
"day in and day out" -every day, day after day. Speaking every day situation people often use"day in and day out"
We will have to work day in and day out to get this assignment done in one week.
Having a puppy is fun, but it's also a huge job. You have to take care of it day in and day out.
Vocabulary Tips:
NBA = National Basketball Association.
court -球场 area for sport activities.
*He was seriously injured when he fell on the court in today's game.
Name + court = 什么球场，在球场前加上“名词”
basketball court蓝球场, tennis 网球 court, volleyball排球 court, badminton 羽毛球 court.
faithful-忠实可靠，诚实可信。 faith-信心，信赖
*The butler's faithful service won him respect from the whole family.
*This faithful old clock never fails us.
conduct (v) con'duct -实施，执行
conduct (n) 'conduct -行为举止，品行。behavior.
*As a public figure, the district attorney's conduct is carefully watched.
enjoyment - like it very much.
admission- accept and get in, enter, a fee paid for get in. 进入许可，入场费用。
*Many students applied for admission to this prestigious college.
*Admission to the exhibition is restricted to invited guests.
*The admission to the museum is $5. 入场费。
take off -quickly go up, fast to success.飞机起飞，突飞猛进，大受欢迎，一飞冲天，窜升，
*The actress acting career took off after she got married.
*The sales of our new product took off because of our commercials.
thrill- very happy, very exciting.使惊喜，使欢欣，。
*The triumph of our basketball team thrilled the whole school.
*The baby was thrilled by the sight of this big teddy bear.常用被动语态。
rest up-彻底的，好好的休息，get good rest to regain one's strength.
*Patty is too weak now. She needs to rest up before she starts working again.
*After finishing this novel, the author decided to rest up for a few months.
self-centered - 以自我为中心的。self-自己 centered-以某个对象为中心。
*Children are often self-centered so they need their parents' guidance.
*This famous director is a self-centered and ambitious person.
assurance-把握，信心。有信心的。fency word for "promise"
*George's parents have always been very supportive of his career, and that assurance gives him tremendous power.
Chat Room:
pass down-承传，传给下一代。give to..
Pass down to him.
"like father, like son " or " like mother, like daughter" 有其父 （母），必有其子 （女），像他老爸（妈）
"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." means "like father, like son"
take after someone -某项才能等很像某人（父，母亲）
------------------------------------------------------------
financial aid-助学金
financial aid include loans/grants/scholarships.
loans-助学贷款。
grants-need-based 政府给的奖助金，不要还的，以需求为主，给家境清寒子弟的。
scholarships -奖学金，
need-based -以需求为主的。
merit-based - 以成绩表现优异为主merit-优质 good grades or good performance.
sports scholarship - is merit-based scholarship.
-------------------------------------------------------------
This assurance gives him peace in spite of the pressure he faces.
in spite of -虽然。。尽管
in spite of =despite，当用 "despite" 时，前后不加“in" and "of"
This assurance gives him peace despite the pressure he faces.
In spite of the rain, the streets were full of people on Independence Day.
Despite the rain, the streets were full of people on Independence Day.
spite- 恶意，怨恨
out of spite -出于恶意。
.
Friday, February 3, 2012
The dangers of Bullying
Sometimes classmates are one's worst enemies
A girl sits alone at lunch and tries not to cry. Her classmates are pointing at her and laughing. A boy walks quickly home with his head down. He hopes the older kids who often beat him up won't see him. These kinds of incidents are too frequent when children are together.
Bullying is not limited to a single country or culture. A British study in 2003 indicated that 51 percent of British fifth graders had reported being bullied. And 28 percent of eighth graders had also been bullied. In a 200 2010 study of American high school students, 47 percent said they had been bullied. In parts of Asia, the percentage of students who admit to having been bullied has nearly doubled since 2007. And many more victims don't want to speak out.
Bullying takes many forms. One is physically attacking the victim, which can leave him or her with broken bones or worse. But insulting someone, spreading rumors or preventing someone from making friends also count.
Bullying causes serious damage. Victims' grades often drop because they skip classes or cannot concentrate. Bullying also lease to stress and depression and can even cause victims to commit suicide.
If you notice bullying occurring, tell the bullies to stop. Few students realize this, but more than half the time, speaking out ends incidents of bullying.
Are you a bully? Consider your behavior toward people you don't like. Do you hit them, insult them or laugh when others make fun of them? Even those who look, speak or act different deserve respect, so consider their feelings.
If you are being bullied, don't be afraid to tell an adult. That person may be able to stop the bullying without revealing who told him or her. Remember that the things others say and do are not your fault. Find freinds who encourage and stand up for you.
Don't give up - many people have faced similar experiences. They care about you and want to help.
Grammar Tips:
Bullying takes many forms.
to take many forms
to take - use your hand to get something. Getting something with your hand.
May I take this last piece of cake?
to take many forms: There are many forms or kinds of what was just mentioned
There are many forms of bullying.
to take many forms:
Depression symptoms take many forms.
Lunar New year celebrations take on many forms.
Vocabulary Tips:
bullying-威吓，要挟，侮辱 bully 霸凌
*Bullying is a serious problem in inner city schools.
*This incident of bullying caused major conflicts between the parents of both parties.
beat somebody up - hit someone badly. 痛打
*the boy was beaten up by the gangsters.
*The robbers beat up the old man just to get this wallet.
count-数，计算，此指 "算为"
*The basketball player and the referee argued about whether or not this shot should count.
*The teacher announced that any reports turned in late wouldn't count.
frequent - very often.
incidents -things happen. event.
insult - making fun, rude to someone.
Don't let someone being bullied you. Don't bullying others. If you are bullying someone, stop, to make it right.
behavior -the way you behave.
commit - to do something. 犯下某事，去做某事。
concentrate - pay attention.
reveling- show, disclose. 透露，露出，揭露，显露。
stand up for someone - support someone. 支持，护卫，捍卫。
suicide- intent to kill one's self.
consider -think about.
Chat Room:
limit-限制
limit "to" - 上限 limit to five books. Bullying is not limited to a single country or culture.
limit "by" - 被（因）什么而受到限制。limit by law. limited by the size of the tank
limit "in"- 受限，limited in space, limited in number，limited in weight 空间上，数字上，重量上受限。
-----------------------------------------------
drop- 放下，滑落，掉落，下降，grades drop 成绩退步。
"drop it" - 口语用法，叫人“打住”，“到此为止，别再提了” drop means "stop"
"drop the ball" - making mistake. making unforgivable mistake.（球场上）掉了球，到手的球，失手把球掉了， 意即“失误，失职，犯错”，尤指“ 犯下不该犯的错”。
A girl sits alone at lunch and tries not to cry. Her classmates are pointing at her and laughing. A boy walks quickly home with his head down. He hopes the older kids who often beat him up won't see him. These kinds of incidents are too frequent when children are together.
Bullying is not limited to a single country or culture. A British study in 2003 indicated that 51 percent of British fifth graders had reported being bullied. And 28 percent of eighth graders had also been bullied. In a 200 2010 study of American high school students, 47 percent said they had been bullied. In parts of Asia, the percentage of students who admit to having been bullied has nearly doubled since 2007. And many more victims don't want to speak out.
Bullying takes many forms. One is physically attacking the victim, which can leave him or her with broken bones or worse. But insulting someone, spreading rumors or preventing someone from making friends also count.
Bullying causes serious damage. Victims' grades often drop because they skip classes or cannot concentrate. Bullying also lease to stress and depression and can even cause victims to commit suicide.
If you notice bullying occurring, tell the bullies to stop. Few students realize this, but more than half the time, speaking out ends incidents of bullying.
Are you a bully? Consider your behavior toward people you don't like. Do you hit them, insult them or laugh when others make fun of them? Even those who look, speak or act different deserve respect, so consider their feelings.
If you are being bullied, don't be afraid to tell an adult. That person may be able to stop the bullying without revealing who told him or her. Remember that the things others say and do are not your fault. Find freinds who encourage and stand up for you.
Don't give up - many people have faced similar experiences. They care about you and want to help.
Grammar Tips:
Bullying takes many forms.
to take many forms
to take - use your hand to get something. Getting something with your hand.
May I take this last piece of cake?
to take many forms: There are many forms or kinds of what was just mentioned
There are many forms of bullying.
to take many forms:
Depression symptoms take many forms.
Lunar New year celebrations take on many forms.
Vocabulary Tips:
bullying-威吓，要挟，侮辱 bully 霸凌
*Bullying is a serious problem in inner city schools.
*This incident of bullying caused major conflicts between the parents of both parties.
beat somebody up - hit someone badly. 痛打
*the boy was beaten up by the gangsters.
*The robbers beat up the old man just to get this wallet.
count-数，计算，此指 "算为"
*The basketball player and the referee argued about whether or not this shot should count.
*The teacher announced that any reports turned in late wouldn't count.
frequent - very often.
incidents -things happen. event.
insult - making fun, rude to someone.
Don't let someone being bullied you. Don't bullying others. If you are bullying someone, stop, to make it right.
behavior -the way you behave.
commit - to do something. 犯下某事，去做某事。
concentrate - pay attention.
reveling- show, disclose. 透露，露出，揭露，显露。
stand up for someone - support someone. 支持，护卫，捍卫。
suicide- intent to kill one's self.
consider -think about.
Chat Room:
limit-限制
limit "to" - 上限 limit to five books. Bullying is not limited to a single country or culture.
limit "by" - 被（因）什么而受到限制。limit by law. limited by the size of the tank
limit "in"- 受限，limited in space, limited in number，limited in weight 空间上，数字上，重量上受限。
-----------------------------------------------
drop- 放下，滑落，掉落，下降，grades drop 成绩退步。
"drop it" - 口语用法，叫人“打住”，“到此为止，别再提了” drop means "stop"
"drop the ball" - making mistake. making unforgivable mistake.（球场上）掉了球，到手的球，失手把球掉了， 意即“失误，失职，犯错”，尤指“ 犯下不该犯的错”。
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Stop the Spread of AIDS
Despite great progress, the fight against this disease is far from ever
On June 5, 1981, the public first learned of a disease that soon became know as AIDS. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report describing five men with a rare type of pneumonia. Two of the men had died.
Health workers were alarmed when other seemingly healthy young men developed similar symptoms. Scientists later realized that a virus had weakened the men's immune systems, allowing the sickness to attack. In 1984, scientists identified this virus and called it HIV.
Most people who contract the virus but do not receive treatment will develop the condition known as AIDS within 10 years. People with AIDS are in danger of having common colds turn into other sicknesses. By 1986, cases of AIDS had been reported in 85 different countries, making AIDS a global concern.
How is HIV spread?
Experts tracked the virus and learned that HIV is spread through contact with infected body fluids. This usually happens either during unprotected sex or when drug users share needles. Infected mothers can also pass the virus to their children during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding.
Abstinence, limiting sex to committed relationships, using condoms and only using clean needles are ways to dramatically reduce one's risk of HIV infection. Over the last 31 years, the war against AIDS has seen some success.
Advancements in drug treatments have allowed HIV- Positive people to lead longer and healthier lives. Recently, anti-HIV drugs have been shown to prevent healthy people from becoming infected. In addition, prevention programs worldwide have influenced people's behavior, with the rate of new infections decreasing by nearly 20 percent over the last decade.
So experts fear young people are forgetting that AIDS remains a fatal disease with no cure. And although medications have improved, HIV-positive people must take them every day for the rest of their lives. Also, since the drugs are expensive, many low-and middle-income countries may never be able to offer universal treatment to their HIV-positive citizens. That means some countries are at risk of losing a generation due to the lack of life-saving drugs.
Since that first report in 1981, AIDS has claimed more than 30 million lives. people everywhere, both young and old, should make stopping the spread of HIV a priority.
Many challenges remain
Despite these successes, more than 7,000 new HIV infections occur every day globally - more than half involving people under the age of 25.
Grammar Tips:
People everywhere, both young and old should make stopping the spread of the HIV a priority.
People everywhere, both young and old.
subject + everywhere, (comma) both adjective and adjective.
According to the new law, citizens everywhere, both rich and poor, have to pay the additional tax.
Elementary shools everywhere, both public and private, will benefit from the extra government funding.
Vocabulary Tips:
HIV = human immunodeficiency virus.
symptom - 症状。症候
*A high temperature and headaches are common symptoms of this disease.
*The symptoms of the stomach flu might last for a week.
*The medicine can help ease the symptoms of the infection.
immune-免疫
*The ones who already got infected will now be immune to the disease.
*A healthy diet can help strengthen your immune system.
abstinence (from)-禁欲，戒酒, 节制 not to do something.
*The speaker preached about abstinence among teenagers and they appreciated his lessons.
*After months of abstinence from alcohol, he looked wonderful.
blood, substance.
advancement-前进，进展，有进步。 advance- 前进，在前的。improve, moving forward.
*This finding is considered a significant advancement in curing liver cancer.
*The advancement of this tennis player's ranking is due to intense training.
positive-确实的，确信的。此指“测验或病毒呈阳性。
HIV-positive :
anti-body positive : 有抗体
*THe swimmer tested postive for steroids and was suspended from the competition. 类固醇。
priority -优先考量的，
*Taking care of the baby is Molly's top priority for now.
priority -优先性，优先次序，通常用复数 priorities
*You have to get your priorities right before you make this career change.
Chat Room:
contract (n)-（ 'contract） 合同，契约
contract (v)-（ con'tract） 感染，感染到 Use this word for catch a serious disease. Caught a cold, we don't say contract a cold.
He contracted malaria in Africa. 感染到疟疾 （ma'laria)
Most people who contract the virus but do not receive treatment will develop the condition known as AIDS within 10 years.
Catch a cold - He caught a cold over the weekend.
come down with （片语） = catch. He came down with a cold over the weekend.
---------------------------------------------------------
Over the last 31 years, the war against AIDS has seen some success.
war-指大规模的，全面性的抵抗
battle-个人的博斗。
war on poverty- 抵抗贫穷的运动
war on drugs- 反毒运动
battle with drug addiction. 个人对抗吸毒，毒瘾。
On June 5, 1981, the public first learned of a disease that soon became know as AIDS. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report describing five men with a rare type of pneumonia. Two of the men had died.
Health workers were alarmed when other seemingly healthy young men developed similar symptoms. Scientists later realized that a virus had weakened the men's immune systems, allowing the sickness to attack. In 1984, scientists identified this virus and called it HIV.
Most people who contract the virus but do not receive treatment will develop the condition known as AIDS within 10 years. People with AIDS are in danger of having common colds turn into other sicknesses. By 1986, cases of AIDS had been reported in 85 different countries, making AIDS a global concern.
How is HIV spread?
Experts tracked the virus and learned that HIV is spread through contact with infected body fluids. This usually happens either during unprotected sex or when drug users share needles. Infected mothers can also pass the virus to their children during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding.
Abstinence, limiting sex to committed relationships, using condoms and only using clean needles are ways to dramatically reduce one's risk of HIV infection. Over the last 31 years, the war against AIDS has seen some success.
Advancements in drug treatments have allowed HIV- Positive people to lead longer and healthier lives. Recently, anti-HIV drugs have been shown to prevent healthy people from becoming infected. In addition, prevention programs worldwide have influenced people's behavior, with the rate of new infections decreasing by nearly 20 percent over the last decade.
So experts fear young people are forgetting that AIDS remains a fatal disease with no cure. And although medications have improved, HIV-positive people must take them every day for the rest of their lives. Also, since the drugs are expensive, many low-and middle-income countries may never be able to offer universal treatment to their HIV-positive citizens. That means some countries are at risk of losing a generation due to the lack of life-saving drugs.
Since that first report in 1981, AIDS has claimed more than 30 million lives. people everywhere, both young and old, should make stopping the spread of HIV a priority.
Many challenges remain
Despite these successes, more than 7,000 new HIV infections occur every day globally - more than half involving people under the age of 25.
Grammar Tips:
People everywhere, both young and old should make stopping the spread of the HIV a priority.
People everywhere, both young and old.
subject + everywhere, (comma) both adjective and adjective.
According to the new law, citizens everywhere, both rich and poor, have to pay the additional tax.
Elementary shools everywhere, both public and private, will benefit from the extra government funding.
Vocabulary Tips:
HIV = human immunodeficiency virus.
symptom - 症状。症候
*A high temperature and headaches are common symptoms of this disease.
*The symptoms of the stomach flu might last for a week.
*The medicine can help ease the symptoms of the infection.
immune-免疫
*The ones who already got infected will now be immune to the disease.
*A healthy diet can help strengthen your immune system.
abstinence (from)-禁欲，戒酒, 节制 not to do something.
*The speaker preached about abstinence among teenagers and they appreciated his lessons.
*After months of abstinence from alcohol, he looked wonderful.
blood, substance.
advancement-前进，进展，有进步。 advance- 前进，在前的。improve, moving forward.
*This finding is considered a significant advancement in curing liver cancer.
*The advancement of this tennis player's ranking is due to intense training.
positive-确实的，确信的。此指“测验或病毒呈阳性。
HIV-positive :
anti-body positive : 有抗体
*THe swimmer tested postive for steroids and was suspended from the competition. 类固醇。
priority -优先考量的，
*Taking care of the baby is Molly's top priority for now.
priority -优先性，优先次序，通常用复数 priorities
*You have to get your priorities right before you make this career change.
Chat Room:
contract (n)-（ 'contract） 合同，契约
contract (v)-（ con'tract） 感染，感染到 Use this word for catch a serious disease. Caught a cold, we don't say contract a cold.
He contracted malaria in Africa. 感染到疟疾 （ma'laria)
Most people who contract the virus but do not receive treatment will develop the condition known as AIDS within 10 years.
Catch a cold - He caught a cold over the weekend.
come down with （片语） = catch. He came down with a cold over the weekend.
---------------------------------------------------------
Over the last 31 years, the war against AIDS has seen some success.
war-指大规模的，全面性的抵抗
battle-个人的博斗。
war on poverty- 抵抗贫穷的运动
war on drugs- 反毒运动
battle with drug addiction. 个人对抗吸毒，毒瘾。
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