Sunday, December 30, 2012

Science (Non)Fiction

Way-out dreams sometimes become reality
不再只是科「幻」 - 遙遠的夢想有時也會成真.

Many technologies that seem commonplace today appeared miraculous when they first appeared on the scene. The creative minds behind these amazing inventions were not only scientists, however. In many cases, they were writers of science fiction . These literary masters conceived of some incredible innovations way before their time.

Examples of current technologies that were once science fiction are not hard to find. Cellphones are now everywhere. Long before they became an indispensable communications device, they were foreshadowed by the "communicator"  (which looked like a flip phone) on the TV show Star Trek in the 1960s.

The Internet was envisioned by Mark Twain in 1898. Credit cards? Predicated by Edward Bellamy in 1888. Satellites? Wtritten about by Arthur C.Clarke in 1945. Military weaponry like submarines, tanks and atomic bombs appeared in novels by Jules Verne (1869) and H.G. Wells (1903, 1014). Lunar exploration was visualized by Johannes Kepler as far back as 1634. So what does this suggest for the future? The bizarre fantasies of today's science-fiction writers may one day be accepted as normal devices. Already we are seeing developments like flying cars, real-time language translation and even thought-controlled computers. The future is becoming "now" faster than ever before!

Grammar Tips:
Credit cards? Predicted by Edward Bellamy in 1888.
Credit card - this sentence has no "verb". (writing grammar: What about credit cards?)
Predicted by Edward Bellamy in 1888. this sentence miss "subject".(grammar: Credit cards were predicted by Edward Bellamy in 1888.)
same thing: Satellites? Written about by Arthur C. Clarke in 1945. 
what's going on?
*The writer use a style of creative way to write it instead of a traditional way.
*The writer use a style of way as he is  talking, when you are talking, is very casual, this is the beauty of the creative way in writing.

Vocabulary Tips:
miraculous - miracle, something is very powerful. super-nature, amazed.神奇的,不可思议的。
*The fairy used her miraculous power to save the princess.
miraculous -惊人的。
*The basketball team's miraculous victory made the headline news tonight.
foreshadow -to show or indicate something might happen in future. “之前”的意思,要来之前的预兆。
*The long-term decline of the stock market foreshadowed a serious global depression. 长时间下跌。。是全球严重经济萧条的前兆。
*The lack of rain last winter foreshadowed this year's drought.。。。干旱的前兆。
visualize -see, imaging, can form a picture on your mind, can imagination it.使形象化,想像。。
visual -sense of seeing. 视觉。
*I can visualize myself working as a professional lawyer.
*I can visualize what my dream house would look like.
non - fiction: is real. 'non' -not, 'fiction' - imagination in science, not real.
way-out -something is possible and will happy.
common - happen every day, every where. nothing special.
innovation -something new, very different with the existing thing. creative.
invention - create something new.
indispensable - something we can not live without it.
envision-some thought in mind.
atomic - element is small but very powerful.原子
lunar -moon.
bizarre (adj)- weird.  古怪的,奇异的

Chat Room:
scene -现场。
the scene of an accident -以外出事现场
The police arrived quickly on the scene.。。。当场。。
The scene of the crime - 犯罪现场。
Many technologies that seem commonplace today appeared miraculous when they first appeared on the scene.
"The"定冠词 + (adj)+ scene  , scene - field.界
the music scene -音乐界。
the pop scene -流行音乐界。
the rock scene -摇滚乐界。
a change of scene -改变步调,换个环境。
change of scene - you feel bore with your current life, you would like to have some change.



Radio City Music Hall

The largest indoor theater in the world celebrates 80 years of entertainment
無線電城音樂廳 - 世上最大的室內劇院歡慶八十年來的娛樂饗宴.

Hollywood once boasted of having more stars than the heavens. Radio City Music Hall could make the same claim. Many, many stars from music and film have appeared on the stage or screen of the theater. The hall in Midtown Manhattan was built by John D. Rockefeller and his partner Radio Corporation of America Radio City is the largest, grandest theater in the world. Nothing blocks the audience's view of the stage. Each seat is a great one - all 6,000 of them.

Radio City opened on December 27, 1932, with an impressive stage show. In 1933, the theater switched to a plan that lasted until 1979. It offered a movie and a complete stage show for one price. In 1979, Radio City became a place for popular concerts, stage shows and special events. Its most popular show - the Radio City Christmas Spectacular - is part of New York's Christmas tradition. The show regularly sells out as more than one million people enjoy it each season.

Everyone loves Radio City - both audiences and performers.

Grammar Tips:
Hollywood once boasted of having more stars than the heavens.
*Start a sentence with more creative and interesting way.
*Instead of say the biggest music hall in the world we found in New York.
*Start with something in common, that bring people more attention to this music hall.

Vocabulary Tips:
boast-以。。自豪。something is very specail, not every other  owns or have it.
*Hawaii boasts its white-sand beaches and tropical fruits. 以。。自豪
*The bookstore boasts the widest collection of children's literature.
boast -自夸。吹嘘。
*Tom kept boasting about his salary and title.夸口,自夸。
claim -自称,宣称,主张。。。apply, what it is true.
*I don't believe his claim of being a retired doctor.
*The candidate's claim to be an equal rights fighter was soon proved to be false.
sell out -(动词片语)销售一空。产品麦完了,东西卖光了。things have been bought, no more left.
*The U2 concert tickets sold out within an hour.
*The baseball cards sold out as soon as they were released. 一发行,一推出。
grandest - most fancy and beautiful.
impressive - real good on something. if you are an impressive person, that mean people like you very much.
spectacular - very good with more exciting, more color or more things in it, hard to describe.

Chat Room:
stage show is same as variety show, not just perform a single type of performance. 综合艺术性的舞台表演, 某某人的个人演唱会不能说是
stage show/ variety show -舞台上的综合艺术性表演/电视里面的综艺性节目。
the show must go on - determine to do it, no any excuse, no matter what you got to do it. 演员之间的鼓励话。不管发生什么事,演出还是必须要继续。延伸出“持之以恒,再接再厉,负责任”之意。





Martin Freeman: The Hobbit's Leading Star

A closer look at the man who plays Bilbo
《哈比人》馬丁.費曼 - 進一步了解飾演比爾博的馬丁.費曼

This month audiences are experiencing the  thrill of seeing another one of film director Peter Jackson's masterpieces: the first installment of The Hobbit. For man The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will be the first time to see English actor. Martin Freeman in action as he takes on the heroic role of Bilbo Baggins. Although this may be Freeman's biggest role yet, it is far from his first. This versatile actor has been acting in TV, radio, movie and theater productions for 20 years.

Born in Hampshire, England, in 1971, Freeman was the  youngest of five children. He had a difficult upbringing - his father died when he was quite young, and he struggled with asthma and a hip disorder as a child. But these obstacles did not prevent him from enjoying an active life. Despite his physical limitations, he played on the British National Squash Squad from the ages of 9 to 14. When he was 15, he joined a theater group. At 17, he decided to pursue acting as a career and trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama at the University of London. 

In the U.K., Freeman may be best known for his role as Tim Canterbury in BBC's TV comedy The Office. However, he's equally comfortable in serious roles. Freeman made headlines as Dr. John Watson  in BBC's Sherlock, a modern-day adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes detective stories, for which he won a BAFTA award. In spite of these impressive acting credentials, he's been relatively unknown outside of the U.K. All of that is changing this month. According to Peter Jackson, Freeman is the perfect fit for the role of Bilbo Baggins: "intelligent, funny, surprising and brave - exactly like Bilbo."

In fact, filmmakers were so intent on having Freeman for the part that they delayed production of The Hobbit to give him time to finish Sherlock. For now The Hobbit and its second installment are the biggest films on the horizon for Freeman. But for this talented actor, there is sure to be more in store. Freeman is clear in his feelings about his work: "Acting, for me feels like an absolute expression - a really necessary one. It would be a lie if I said it's just a job. It's a lot more than that."

Grammar Tips:
At 17, he decided to pursue acting as a career....
pursue = chase.
The police pursued the bank robbers.
pursue = to work towards or to accomplish.
What goals do you have? (informal way to say )
What goals are you pursuing? (say in formal way)
I'm going for a master degree in psychology. (informal )
I'm pursuing a masters degree in psychology. (formal)

Vocabulary Tips:
masterpiece -杰作,名作,代表作。
master - 大师
*"Starry Night" is one of Vincent Van Gogh's masterpiece. 星空时樊谷的名作之一。
*"Pride and Prejudice" is Jane Austin's masterpiece. 骄傲与偏见是。。。代表作。
*The cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. 这高耸的大教堂是歌德建筑的杰作(代表作)
versatile -able to do a lot of things. 多样多元化的。多才多艺的。 "vers" - many kinds of something.是“变化"的意思。
*This versatile young actress can sing, dance and write poetry.多才多艺的年轻演员。。。
*a versatile blender.多功能适用的果汁机。
upbringing -成长过程。父母教导与培育。
*Billy's upbringing was quite difficult, He was sent from home to home.
*The child's good upbringing made him a polite and positive kid.。。有好的父母教导与培育。
installment - partial or section of something.
hobbit's - a type of people, very tiny, small and short. (Lord of the Ring )
limitation - a loft of things can not do, limited to do something, not able to do too many things.
squash - a kind of vegetable, but on sport, mean a sport that two or four people play, one to one or two to two.
squad - team, squad team, a group of people to do some thing. a group of people who has same job assignment.
credential -abilities,knowledge and experiences to prove someone that is fit in the job. 执照,证书。
*You need a teaching credential to teach in public schools.
*Howard's credentials as a musical theater director are quite impressive.
On the horizon -在地平线上的。horizon- the most far that you can see.  there is line from a sea faraway. something will happen just take a bit of more time.
horizon - 地平线。
*Troubles are on the horizon.有麻烦的,很快的会有麻烦,麻烦很快会来到。
*The sun was on the horizon.太阳在在地平线上的,(马上就要升起,即将升起。)(希望在望,只是时间问题。)
*There's a cure for this fatal disease on the horizon.
in store - 储藏,储存。有即将到来,很快发生的。
*With her talent and looks, there will be plenty of opportunities in store for the young actress.(有潜力,有前景,有机会等着)
intend - determine.
delay - move to later time, not follow the schedule should be.
equally - same.
relatively - most commonly.

Chat Room:
far from- (negative) 落后很多,远不及。。
far in the way - must advanced
by far - (positive) 超过很多,遥遥领先的。
That book is by far her best book. 。。最好的作品。。
by- far = far and away 超过很多,遥遥领先的
That book is far and away her best book. 超过很多,遥遥领先的她最好的作品。
far from -落后很多,远不及
That book is far from her best book.
Although this may be Freeman's biggest role yet, it is far from his first. 落后很多,远不及
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Elementary my dear Watson - 
elementary - very basic knowledge.基本的推理,基本的常识。
Watson - Dr. Watson, Sherlock often use this phrase when  Dr. Watson near around him..










Tuesday, December 25, 2012

When The Gift Meets The Need

The joy of Christmas
真正滿足需要的禮物 - 聖誕節的喜樂.

My parent grew up during the Depression attending small country churches. At the close of Christmas Eve services, children were called down front. Each one was given a brown paper sack containing an apple, an orange, nuts still in their shells and several chocolates.

Years later, whenever Dad recalled that tradition, his eyes sparkled reliving the memory  My mother not so much. She always said she suspected the chocolates had been pre-sucked; they tasted cheap and old. You can't blame the woman.

Even as a child, she had a discriminating palate. Cheap chocolates or not, the paper sacks with goodies were an event. Gifts of any sort during the Depression were rare, especially in large farm families with seven, eight and nine children. 

When our children were young and we were home for Christmas one year, Mom and Dad gave each of the grandkids a brown paper sack holding an apple, an orange, some nuts and chocolates. This was in addition to the mound of gifts beneath the tree. When we finished the eight-hour drive home after the holiday, there was a message waiting on the phone when we walked in the door. "Your ungrateful kids left their apples and oranges in the back of our refrigerator. No more fruit for them!" Grandpa and Grandma were teasing, of course, still there was an element of disrespect in the kids leaving behind thoughtfully  chosen gifts. But the paper sacks did not have a context for our children. We had apples and oranges at home.

Our children had never known fruit to be a scarcity, just as they had never known bare-bone want, or bread-and-butter sandwiches. They didn't appreciate the gift because they had never experienced the need the gift was meant to fill. The same is true of Christmas today. We don't appreciate the true gift of the season because we don't comprehend the need the gift was given to fill. Consequently, we relegate the gift of Christ to the back of the fridge.

It's not like we don't know we have needs. We know them, all right - patience, love, self-control, strength, courage, faithfulness, forgiveness - it's just that we have become experts at numbing ourselves to our needs. We mute them by shopping, eating and never-ending activities. The true gift of the season is a perfect fit for our every need. The lasting gift of Christmas is that God took on flesh and bones and was born of a virgin in a stable amid sheep and cattle and straw.

The Divine descended to earth. The invisible became visible. Angels lit up the skies over Bethlehem, rugged shepherds shook with terror, and the Magi changed course to follow the stair. No video game can compete with that drama. No holiday table setting can hold a fraction of that dazzle. When a gift like apples and oranges fits a need, there is a cheerful contentment. When the gift of the manger fits a need, there is the joy of Christmas.

Grammar Tips:
My mother not so much.
grammar rule is " subject + verb + object or abject "
here is a creative way to write in casual way.
"my mother" , "not so much" there is no verb in between.
Bob loves sports, but Billy hates it.
Bob loves Sports, Billy no way.
Billy enjoys art exhibits, but Bob doesn't.
Billy enjoys art exhibits, Bob not a chance.
** Encourage people writing in a creative way, but when you doing the school work, report or test better stick to grammar rule.

Vocabulary Tip:
recall -回想,回忆。
*Lawrence recalls the wonderful time spent with his grandparents as a child.
*I don't recall meeting that man before.
discriminating (adj) -有分辨能力的,分辨力强的,由鉴赏力的。ability to tell the difference.
discriminate -区别,分别。
*The food served in this restaurant can satisfy the most discriminating customers.
*As a discriminating movie-goer, I have to say this is a very entertaining film.
mound -(amount ) pile up, many of them.小山丘,一堆。
*You can see mounds of books in Eric's study. He hasn't had the time to sort them.
*These mounds of dishes and dirty laundry need to be washed.
context -the situation is existing, has some meaning in it.背景,事情的前因后果,来胧去脉。
*The decline of Japanese economics needs to be seen in context .下降。。
*To understand the reasons for these racial conflicts, you have to know the historical context of the country.
scarcity - something is not easy to find or get. Something that you can't get them easy.罕见珍贵的事物。
scarce -稀少的
*When was a child, birthday cakes were a scarcity.
scarcity -缺乏。
*The fuel scarcity caused severe economic problems.石油的缺乏。。。
consequently -结果,因此,必然地。“seqi”有跟随的意思。
* Ashley was addicted to computer games, and consequently her grades fell.
* The restaurant cut their staff, and consequently they couldn't keep their previous standard of service.
numb (adj) -麻木的。“b”不发音。you can't feel it.
numb (v)- 使麻木,失去知觉。
*The low outdoor temperature soon numbed my face.
* She was numbed by the tragic news and couldn't speak for days.
divine -神圣的,神的。非凡的。refer to "super nature"
*The Divine -(大写)指“那神圣的”,即是上帝,救主耶稣基督。
*The composer claimed he wrote the symphony through divine inspiration. 作曲家。。乐章。上帝的灵感。
*The singer's sound is divine. 非凡的
dazzle (v) -市目眩,使眼花。something very exiting that bring you attention.
dazzle (n)-耀眼的光。
*The dazzle of the spotlight blinded me for a few seconds.
*The dazzle of the diamond ring captured our eyes.
fraction - a small portion of the whole piece. 分数,几分之几。。
all right - is a casual way to say "definitely" or "of course."
faithfulness - willing to commit to serving other people in a sincerely heart.
expert - who has skill, experience and knowledge in certain area.
mute - to turn the noise off.
perfect fit - fit well, exactly meets the need or size or situation.
flesh and bones - human being.
cattle - caws.
straw - caws, cattle eats.
amid - among, around by...
Magi - wise man.
descend - came down from above.
visible - see-able.
invisible - not able to see it. not see-able.
rugged - not smooth, refer to people live in the wildness, fight with nature for themselves to live.
shook - shake.
shook with terror - trembling by scaring.
depression - sadness.
The Depression - refer to 1930's the U.S.A had really bad economy, during that time  millions of people lack of food and live in extremely poverty.
still in their shells - not open yet, still fresh, with shells on.
sparkle - energetic, some good memory that make one's eyes lighting up, shining.
suspected - you think something might be wrong.
sucked - someone has tasted or licked already.
blame - think something wrong with someone or something.
palate - build in with your body that can tell good or bad, like or not.
rare - not happen very often.
ungrateful - not show appreciation, not thankful. lack of appreciation.
respect - honor or care of something.
tease - make joke, not mean, if mean then will not teasing.
bare-bone : very basic, (something that with no meat only bone alone.)
bare-bone want - very basic need.
comprehend - understand.
relegate / promotion : 
relegate - low position, place in a low position, put in a low place, not important at all.
promotion - high position,  put in a high position (place). something is important.
Angel - super nature being.
lit up -lighten up, bring light. also refer to "a lot of activities going on."

Chat Room:
Cheap chocolates or not, the paper sacks with goodies were an event.
The paper sacks with goodies were a big deal.
a big deal -了不起的一件大事。(要注意语调,否则会让人误以为“有负面”意思)
His visit was quite an event.。。。了不起的大事。
event -某个事件。something special or exciting activity
the main event - the most important part of the whole activity
main event -.活动当中最主要的项目。
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thought -思想
thoughtful (adj) - 考虑周全的。深思的,体贴的。
thoughtful person -很会为他人着想的人。
thoughtful gift -考虑很周到的礼物。
It's the thought that counts. 心意到了就好。礼轻情意重。
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fit -(v),(n), (adj)
fit (adj.)-广义的说“适合,合适”。
a good fit -很合适。
Bill's job is a good fit for him.-。。。很合适他。
The water in the creek is fit to drink.- 。。。适合饮用。。
The true gift of the season is a perfect fit for our every need.
This coat fits perfectly.很合适。
That coat has a loose fit. 。。很合适与喜欢穿得宽松些的人。。
**fit (adj.)- can not talk about the size, you can not say " That is a fit shirt for you."
you should say " That shirt fits you." or "That shirt is a good fit." 

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Polishing Your Manners Can Improve Relationships

It never hurts to be polite at home and in public
有「禮」走遍天下 - 無論在家或在公共場合,禮多人不怪.

 Did you know that most tension in any relationship is caused by someone using a negative tone of voice? And in most instances, a tense conversation can cause friction with your in-laws or coworkers indefinitely. Good manners work magic in a different way.

Behaving nicely includes speaking thoughtfully and using a pleasing voice tone that denotes respect. Married people, especially, know how hurtful behavior erodes a relationship. For example, can you identify with the following conversation?

 "Honey, I need you to pick up the kids from school today." says Mom. "No way, I told you I'm staying late at work all week," Dad retorts. "The boss is breathing down my neck. What do you expect me to do - clone myself?" Using manners would ratchet up this conversation to a different level of respect if it went something along these lines: "Honey, I need you to pick up the kids from school today," says Mom. "I would like to," Dad assures her. "But, don't you remember that I have to stay late at work all this week?"

Good manners make you more desirable in circles that include people of power. If you have poor manners that include judging others harshly, you may get passed over for promotions at work. It's likely, also, that you'll be excluded at times from social events for those who are movers and shakers in your community. No one is going to invite you along to an event whereby your behavior becomes an embarrassment to the one who invited you.

 "I have a friend visiting me from the Southwest," says an attorney we'll call James. "He puts his foot in his mouth 10 times a day." James told us he ignored the facts and invited Mr. Big Mouth along to a wedding a couple of days ago. "I was mortified when he asked the second-time bride if her last wedding was as lavish as this one!" James told us. "People with poor manners are becoming more prevalent in our society," says James, "and they'll pay the price by getting ostracized from polite circles."

It pays to practice excellent manners within your own family on a daily basis. Otherwise, you'll swing back and forth between smooth manners and your casual self. You'll get tripped up at the worst possible time. "I'm absolutely giving up swear words and bad manners, "laughs a friend of ours we'll call Jason. "I was crabbing at my wife during a parent-teacher function a couple of weeks ago. I didn't know the microphone near me was on.

 "There I was, like a fool, using foul language to tell my wife to hurry up and get her fill-in-the-blank laptop turned off so the program could begin. Almost everyone in the room heard me." Jason told us he assigned himself to the doghouse. His wife, Jill, didn't have to do it. "Honey, if I'm crazy or profane, I want you to slap my dumb head off." Jason told Jill. "I've learned my lesson, and I will clean up my act from now on."

Grammar Tips:
Good manners work magic in a different way.
"to work magic" - is not as a magician to play a magic trick.
"to work magic " - here mean " to make a situation improve."
The housekeeper is so good at cleaning things up; she can work magic on any messy room.
The stain remover works magic; it can remove all kinds of stain!

Vocabulary Tips:
denote - represent something. 表示,代表。。。
*The knight's bow denoted his submission to the king.骑士礼表示对。。。服从。
*The boy's frown denoted that he didn't understand my explanation.
denote - a symbol for something.作为谋事物的符号,记号或象征。
*The letter T denoted time required in my report.
erode - slowly disappear, gradually reduced.侵蚀,磨损。此为“耗损,,降低”
*Larry's passion for football was slowly eroded because of his injuries. 对。。兴趣。。降低,减少了。
*People's support for the president is gradually eroding.对。。支持。。。渐渐下降。
*The paint on the car was eroded.磨损剥落。
retort -response back in a rush with unpleasant, unfriendly, impolite tone.顶嘴,反驳。态度恶劣又没耐性的回答。
*Eileen retorted her mother in public.当大庭广众。。顶嘴。。
*The thief retorted that he was completely innocent.
polishing - make it clean, clear, shinning to look good.
friction - disagree with each other, causes unfriendly feeling between two, don't like to be around it.冲突。与某人有过节。
tension - a feel of angry, frustration or fear among certain people.紧张气氛,气氛或关系的紧绷。
breathing down someone's neck - something is urgent, need to finish right away, someone was behind you and waiting for you to finish right at that moment.
assure - certainty.
ratchet something up -take to the next level. make it better. 转圜委婉,加以润饰。。
ratchet - is a construction tool that can tighten it, make better or higher.
mortify - extremely feel embarrassed. 使羞辱或羞耻。
*William was mortified because he was the only one in his class who couldn't ride a bike.感到羞耻(辱)的。
*Ray was mortified by his inability to win the game. 。。因无能力赢这比赛。。而感到羞耻
prevalent - very often, happen a lot, very common.普遍存在的。普遍发生的。
*A rebellious attitude is prevalent among the students in this class.
prevalent -very common, popular.流行的。
*The disease is still prevalent in some African countries.疾病仍在。。。。流行。
ostracized - kept away from people, people push you aside out of their group. They are not welcomed you.
*Nathan was ostracized by his classmates because of his arrogance. 排斥,排除。(常用被动式)
*Jack was ostracized by the team because he refused to follow the coach's instructions.
promotion - get better job. 
excluded - not included, you are not been included.
more and shaker - people who are in power and in control, can influence many others.
embarrassment - make people feel bad.
attorney  - who works in law field.
second-time bride - the bride had married before.
lavish- extremely fancy, usually very expensive, spend money generously.
trip somebody up -make someone fail. make big mistake. fail, mix up. 让某人失误。(难倒人的。)
trip -使跌倒,使失误。
*Some questions in the game show were designed to trip up the contestants.
foul -bad, rude and dirty.无礼的,下流的。
foul language - 脏话。dirty word. bad words cause people not comfortable.
*There's too much foul language used in this movie.
foul -糟糕的,令人不快的。
*Lillian had a foul day. We'd better leave her alone.
slap - very quickly hit someone with hand. 掴,拍,击掌。
slapped / slapping
*The boy slapped his friend on the back. 拍他朋友的背。
*The furious wife slapped her husband across the face. 气疯了的妻子掴了她丈夫一格巴掌。
smooth manner - here means someone try to let people like him, so he act very nice, inside of him is different person. not having good behave and polite.
casual way - relax, just being yourselves.
fill-in-the-blank : there is a space for fill in. here skip "bad word", "fill-in-the-blank" to take place of that "bad word".
doghouse - a small building for dog to stay. When dog make mistake, kept dog in the doghouse as punishment. In the old days, husband and wife arguing or  fighting, the wife will ask husband to leave the room, go outside, sleep with dog. here is "get punishment by staying outside."
profane -  absolutely rude with no respect.

Chat Room:
tone of voice -声音的音调。语气,口气。
tone-音调。
voice -声音。
Did you know that most tension in any relationship is caused by someone using a negative tone of voice?
a negative tone of voice - No respect speak in rudeness,  unfriendly and impolite way. 不好或是很负面的说话语气。
sarcasm -sarcastic.挖苦,讽刺。
" Oh, that was smart!" is sarcasm, you know it means another way.
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He puts his foot in his mouth 10 times a day. 常说错话,常说不当说的话。
"Put one's foot in ones mouth" -say something that he shouldn't say or something later you regret what you said. 说错话而伤到别人。或是说了叫自己很不好意思,很后悔的话。
faux pas (French word,sound as "fou pa") -是说“社交上的失礼或过失”。如果要不“faux pas”就要“tact”,机智老练圆滑的
tact - 机智,老练的手法。机智老练圆滑。
tactful -机智老练圆滑的,不会失礼,失态或做错。
tactless -不机智老练圆滑的。
It was tactless of you to tell him in front of others. 他。。。实在太不圆滑了。。。
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clean up -清理,打扫。
clean up your language - 把语言打扫干净,即是“注意言语,别再说脏话”
clean up one's act -改变某人的行为,由不好变好,理清自己的坏行为。即“改头换面,洗心革面。把不好的行为改好。
"I've learned my lesson, and I will clean up my act from now on."
squeaky-clean : 非常的干净,特别的干净。也抽象的指精神和道德方面的纯洁,清新,洁净。
a squeaky-clean politician -光明正大,廉节,干净的政客。
clean slate- 清洁的石板,如白纸一张。引申为:尽弃前嫌,重新开始,以前种种不再被提及或纪念。

More Information:
*Behave nicely.
*Speak thoughtfully.
* Use pleasing tone and voice with respect.
* Basic polite manner: such as :
  1, Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
  2. Remember "please, thank you" those magic words
  3. Holding the door for people behind you.
  4. Don't talk when your mouth full.
  5. Speak gently,avoid loud voice, shutting or yelling in the public.
  6. When you need something on the table, avoid stand up and reach it with your hand.
  7. Don't push other people who are on your way with your hands or with something because you are in a hurry.
  8. Yielding your seat to old people.
  9. Talk nicely to people who serve you in the restaurant or on the plain.
 10. Say "sorry" when you hit someone.
  and many more:

*** A person very smart, very talented  and well educated, if don't have social tact, social skill, good manner and polite, he can't reach to the full potential.
 
                                          
Share an experience:
One good shopping day, Costco was packed of people,  I have checked out and was in the line to followed  people gradually moved toward the exist through the door inspection. Suddenly, my both back heels were hurt badly by a pushed cart behind me, I turned to see who did it. I was expecting to see an apologetic face. Instead,  an old lady who is behind me kept pushing her cart against me, ignore her cart hit my both heels. She said to me " you are on my way!" I can't believe what I heard, she said again, "get out my way!". she was try to ragging a fight I guess. The first thought came to my mind was to get hold of the door keeper to report this lady, but I changed my mind. I felt sad for her, she must have a bitter life in her all years.  With her rude attitude she must get ostracizing all the time from people around her.... I felt very sorry for her, I would like to help her but I know this is not a good time because obviously she was in a bad mood. I endured my painful heels and smiled to her, also tried my best to moved my cart to the left as possible to let her go first. I wish what I did can make her feel a bit better, at least I will better feeling when I out of there.

I am really appreciated the Lord - my savior,he reminds me through this lady that when I get old I need to keep act right and have self-control, not having any rude behavior that embarrassed myself or my family members and my Lord.

Never ever believe that because of the old age, have a reason or excuse to be rude, and everyone should yielding you.:)

Friday, December 21, 2012

BYOD

There's more to this new business trend than meets the eye
帶自己的電子裝置上班 -這項新的商業趨勢並不如表面上看起來的那樣單純.

Do you Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) to work? If you do, you aren't alone. Businesses around the world are increasingly allowing, or even requiring employees to provide their own electronic devices - notebooks, tablets and smartphones - for the tasks they perform at work.

Advocates say that BYOD has the potential to save companies a fortune since employees assume the costs of providing the devices they use on the job. The trend may also lead to greater efficiency because staff members are able to use devices they are familiar and comfortable with. 

Unfortunately, BYOD also has some very significant drawbacks. In some cases, employees feel put out at having to pay for devices that were once supplied by employers. BYOD also means that company files are stored on personal devices, leaving many companies scrambling to create polices to safeguard their information. 

Regardless of the position companies take on BYOD, it is becoming difficult to control. The trend toward mobile technology is making people increasingly dependent on devices like smartphones.  As such, workers are becoming inclined to use their personal devices for work - with or without the company's approval.

Grammar Tips:
...employees assume the cost of providing the devices they use on the job.
" assume " - to think that something is true even though you don't know for sure.
" to assume the costs :-
"assume " - here is mean that " take on / to be in charge of .
"assume " -
If the manager is out of the office, who assumes responsibility in case of an emergency?
When the king became ill, the prince assumed full control of the government.

Vocabulary Tips:
drawback - negative thing, bad thing.
draw - pull.拉
back - hold back.向後。
drawback- 缺点,缺失或是不利的条件。
* One of the drawback of current smartphones is their short battery life.
*The main drawback of this product is its packaging.
scrambled (adj) -you are running around try to do things as fast as you can also competing something with others.慌忙乱行动。仓促拼湊。
*The town's people scrambled to evacuate to higher ground.环乱的梳散到高处去。
*People are scrambling to buy food and batteries because the typhoon is coming. 慌乱仓促的去购买。。
incline -want or try to do something.倾向于。。。clin-有弯曲,倾斜之意。 
incline to -倾向于某方向(某事物)。
*The congressman is inclining to reject this proposal.。。。倾向于否定此提案。
inclined (adj)-倾向于。
*Teenage girls are usually more inclined to worship their favorite singers than boys are.
put out - have bad feeling about it, disagree. 不高兴,不乐意。
file - information. video, conversation ..etc. 资料
trend - popular in short period of time.
advocate - suitable, great for , good for.
efficiently - doing things well and correct.


Chat Room:
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
device (n) -装置,器具,电子品。
electronic device -电子仪器,器具。电子产品。any  products which relate to electronic.
electronic devices -手机,电脑,iPad, tablet 等都是电子产品。
literary device - 写作的手法,技巧。literary - write or read abilities.识字的。能读能写的。
metaphor  is one of literary device. metaphor -“隐喻”即是写作的手法,技巧之一。
devise (v)- ('s' "z" ) 设计或发明。
We must devise a plan for earning money. 发明,设计出一套能赚钱的计划。
devise a plan -发明,设计出一套计划。


Monday, December 17, 2012

Santa Claus, Indiana –America's Christmas Town

Welcome to the town where every day is Christmas Day
印第安納州的聖塔克勞斯 ──美國的聖誕城鎮 - 歡迎光臨,在這座城鎮裡,天天都是聖誕節.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!" People don't usually hear this popular holiday song until the Christmas season arrives. But in Santa Claus, Indiana, Christmas lights twinkle, and Christmas music plays all year. Holiday excitement can be felt all the throughout the town, from Santa's Candy Castle to Lake Rudolph. The town is famous for having the world's only post office with the name "Santa Claus." The area is also home to the world's first theme park, Santa Claus Land.

The park first opened in 1946. Then in 1984, sections representing other holidays were added, and the park became "Holiday World." In 1993 Splashin' Safari, a 30-acre water park, was added. Today. TripAdvisor.com calls it "the nation's #1 Water Park.". The admission price includes both theme parks, free parking, free soft drinks and free all-you-need sunscreen. That helps make it a very affordable and fun family vacation! No wonder "The World's Friendliest and Cleanest" theme park has had over a million first-time visitors.

Back in town, kids of all ages enjoy Lake Rudolph's light show from Thanksgiving through New Year's. The more than 300 light displays portray the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Though every day is Christmas Day in Santa Claus, December is the most exciting month! The first three weekends are packed with holiday fun. Family-friendly games include tree decorating, a 5-kilometer holiday race and more. The second weekend features a delightful Christmas parade.

For those with a sweet tooth, a trip to Santa's Candy Castle is a requirement. The castle-shaped building was first built in the mid-1930s. Today it houses many treats and the world's largest selection of candy canes.America's Hometown Christmas Tree is a must-see with decorations from all 50 states. And what's the holiday season without gifts? At the enormous Santa Claus Christmas Store, there are Christmas-themed gifts for everyone.

Make plans to visit Santa Claus, Indianan, where you can celebrate Christmas 365 days a year!


Grammar Tips:
And what's the holiday season without gifts?
" What is a situation....without (something)? " - This sentence pattern used on the situation that something is very important, without that is not have fun or special.
What's a Thanksgiving dinner without a turkey?
What is movie without popcorn?


Vocabulary Tips:
twinkling -闪闪发光。
twinkle - light flashing, strong and weak constantly. 闪耀,闪烁,一闪一闪的。
*We could see the lights of the village twinkling in the valley below.
*The girl's blue eyes twinkled when I mentioned a trip to get ice cream. (小女孩眼睛闪闪发亮当我提到去吃ice cream.
splash - bring water wildly go up and coming down. 泼,溅,泼水,水溅开。。
*Kevin splashed his face with cold water to help him stay awake. 泼水在脸上。
*Brenda accidentally splashed some paint on her shirt.把颜料溅到衣服上。
splashing -水花四溅
*The kids were playing in the splashing fountain. 水花四溅的喷水池。。
admission - a fee or price to pay to enter into some places. enter into a place. 进场,入场。
*The admission fee of this amusement park is $45.进场,入场的费用,门票)
*The admission to the building is strictly controlled.进场,入场。
*There's a sign that says: "No admission before 2 p.m." at the entrance. 入口处
theme park - a permanent place that provide all kinds of entertainment, attractions and food, like Disneyland.游乐园
adviser - a person who's job is giving advise in specific area to others.
sunscreen - something that protect your skin get burn from sun.
portray - representing or describe someone or something. 描述,描绘,描述。
* The movie portrays Queen Elizabeth's life.描述女王。。。一生。
* The winter portrays peasant's life in a remote French village.描述偏远乡村农民的生活。
* The painting portrays a beautiful dancer looking at herself in the mirror. 这幅画是描绘。。。。
pack - complete full. 挤,充满。拥挤。
*Thousands of sports fans packed into the stadium for the final games.挤着进入。。。
*The camp was packed with exciting outdoor activities.
pack - 打包(行李).
*I haven't had time to pack for my trip.
decoration (n)-装饰。
decorate (v)-sue something to make other something more pretty.装饰。
*The decoration for prom was designed by the seniors. 毕业舞会。
*All the Christmas decorations in grandma's house were hand-made.
light show - different shape or color lights set in a special design to tell different stores.
sweet tooth - who love sweet things such as candies, or cake.
requirement - you have to, must to.
castle shaped - shape like castle, very big, huge.

Chat Room:
free all-you-need sunscreen. 免费提供你所需的防晒品。
All-you-need sunscreen.你所需的防晒品,要用多少就用多少。
all-you-can-eat buffet.-吃到饱的自助餐。要吃多少就吃多少。
"all-you-can-eat" has been change the name to "all you care to eat".吃到饱的自助餐,常常吃过量而伤到肠胃,所以很多商家把它改名叫“吃你想吃的, 挑你爱吃,喜欢吃的吃。
all you care to eat -尽量挑你爱吃,喜欢吃的吃。
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house (n)- a place to stay and live. 房屋。住处。
house (v)- store, keep something in the house。 当动词用,尾音要发“z"的音。收藏,储藏。
to house something -to store something in the house, kept something in the house. 收藏,储藏东西在房子里。
That library houses many books.-收藏,储藏很多书。
....houses many treats and the world's largest selection of candy canes. 收藏,储藏很多的甜食及世界上选择性最多的拐杖糖。
house (v)- provide a place for someone to stay overnight.收容,留宿。
I'm housing a friend for the night.





Sunday, December 16, 2012

A Lesson In Finance Is A Great Gift For Kids

Teach your child to spend money wisely.
給孩子上一堂理財課 - 教導孩子明智花錢

If your child is asking for Ugg boots, a pricey hot toy or a smartphone for the holidays, it's time for a teachable moment. Even if your kid has less lofty tastes, the holidays are still a great time to hammer home some important financial lessons. "Parents want kids to have everything they want, but if they're not teaching limit-setting, it's doing them a terrible disservice," says money coach Olivia Mellan.

Financial literacy expert Susan Beacham says parents have to lead by example. If they buy gifts for their kids that stretch their own budgets, they're only hurting their families when the bills cause financial hardship and stress in January.

Money is an abstract concept for young people, which can contribute to an "I want it all " approach to holidays. Studies have shown their brains don't develop enough to deal with such concepts until they're in their early 20s, says Beacham, who owns financial education company Money Savvy Generation.

Mellan, a psychotherapist and author, recommends giving children allowances "as soon as they are old enough to make change." Beacham sells a piggy bank with sections for each.That money should be divided into "spending, saving, investing and charitable giving." she says. It may not look as good under the tree, but cash is a great gift, couple with a set of allowance money, your kids  could get gifts with other dreams or may reconsider. Children need to realized the cost that associate with phone streams for example.

The cost of smart phone average cost at $50 to $300 with carrier's contracts, that doesn't include monthly bills, replace cost or insurance. There is not shortage of options if you face the budget-busting wish listing from one or more children. If $100 Leapad explore kids tablet is too pricey, the expert suggested $20 Disney Appmats (download the Apps) for kids who allow to share family tablets. LEGO sets and bobby dolls were two of the most search toys in the last  past two weeks. Those reasonable price and the more traditional toys popularity show how much of the role parents have that influencing toy that children interested.

An expert recommends affordable priced collectible toys, such as the new DaGeDar balls that have different "personalities" and can be raced or used in play battle. They're good options for families trying to keep spending in check: "Kids can save their own money to build on their collection," she says. Other ways to set limits this season: Get children of all ages involved in setting a holiday budget and deciding what gifts to give those outside the family, including grandparents.

Beacham suggest coming up with "homespun" gifts that don't cost anything but are far more meaningful, such as biweekly calls or a letter as a present to grandparents. She has told her two daughters each year since they were in high school that all she wants is a letter from both of them at Christmas. And she gets and cherishes them. Financial lessons for kids at the holidays don't have to spoil the spirit. "Scale it back and define good boundaries," says Beacham. "This is going to sound so cold for so many people, but the whole tone of the house in January is going to be different."

Vocabulary Tips:
abstract - existing, more than just idea or feeling but you can reach it or grape it. 抽象的
concrete -  opposite of abstract, is solid and existing. 具体的,重音在后面。
concept - idea.
approach - the way you think of something.
contribute - give or dispensing.
savvy - particular knowledge in some area. 理解,见识,悟性,知道,了解。
couple (n)- a  pair, two. 一双,一对。
couple (v)- combine.结合,加上,和。。什么。用"with"
couple with - come together, combine with (something). 结合,加上,,
utility - provide you constantly than you need to pay, such as gas, electricity, water.
shortage - lack of something.短缺,不足,缺乏。
short - not enough. not long. 短。短少。
collectible - something is worth to get it and kept it for a long time, it may have value in future.
in check - limited, watch or keep eyes on it do not let it go over. 约束,抑制,制止。
*Richard tried to keep his anger in check but failed.
Keep something in check.-
*The vaccine successfully kept the spread of the disease in check.
homespun - something simple and common,  not pricey, not expensive, come from your home or you made it, you spend time involved.
pricey - expensive, not cheap.
affordably - affordable.-买得起的,有能力买的。
affordably-priced.
*These affordably-priced mp3s are very popular among teenagers.
scale something back -缩减某件事情的范围,程度,等级,或规模。
scale- boundary. size, amount. 事情的范围,规模,
scale it back - reduce something in amount. less the amount.
*We have to scale our expenses back to be able to pay all the bills.缩减开支。。
*Molly decided to scale back her calorie intake to lose weight.减少摄取量。
riots -暴动

Chat Room:
bust -毁坏,破坏,打坏一样东西。打破。
busting the budget -break the budget, break the money plan. 打破预算,即把预算都花光了。
budget-busting wish list -超支的,让你破产的梦想礼品单。
bust -caught, stop by police.被警察逮到,叫下车或停车开罚单。
I got bust for speed.- I was bust by policeman due to speedy driving.
speed - speedy. drive too fast over the city limit.超速。
Policeman bust criminal.
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allowance -零用钱。
allowance after age 13
allowance -容许,容许的量。
baggage allowance.-行李重量的限额。
***allowance should not related to chore, chore is kids contribute something to their family.
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.....Those outside the family including grandparents.
grandparents are outside the family.
outside the family = extended family.
nuclear family -社会学所谓的‘核心家庭“
the nuclear family - 核心家庭。
nuclear family/ extended family -核心家庭/ 旁系家庭。
immediate family =nuclear family.直系家庭 ,核心家庭。
extended family - family members who are not living together everyday under the same roof, such as uncle, aunt, nice...etc include grandparents.
the nuclear family -only you, your spouse and your children.

More information:
1. Encouraging kids saving, giving them bonus if they reach certain amount...
2. Teach them investing.
3. Help them plan a long term goal.
4. Show them spend money wisely and set budget.
5. Remind them be patient.
6. As a parent not just teach them, set a good example for kids.




Tuesday, December 11, 2012

How To Host The Perfect Party

Planning a party? Check out these helpful tips!
舉辦完美派對的祕訣 - 打算辦個派對?試試這些有用的訣竅吧!

It's the season for holiday parties - a time for celebration! But if you're planning the party, it might feel more like a time for stress! Avoid the anxiety, and host a party your friends won't forget with these simple tips. 

* Think about how many guests you have room for.

* decide what you will do at your party. Will your guests be eating a meal, or will they be doing some kind of activity?  Let them know in advance.

* Prepare for your event. If it's in your home, clean the rooms that people will be using. If it's at a restaurant, reserve enough tables for everyone.

* If you are providing food - be prepared! choose food that is easy to make and serve. Better yet, prepare the meal with your guests. Is the party on short notice? Tell your guests which dish they can bring to share!

* And the final tip? After all your hard work, relax for about a half hour before the party begins.

* After the party, it's better to write down a summary about the party: how many came, who came to the party, what went wrong, what missed, what can be improved, what food was good for the party and what wasn't a good idea to serve at the party.....- Can help you have better planning next time.

Grammar Tips:
Better yet, prepare the meal with your guess.
"better yet" -an even better idea would be....
"better yet " - there was a good idea just mentioned but you have even better idea you want to mention....
Since it's rare that all of us have the day off, let's go out for dinner! Better yet, let's watch a movie afterwards!
We should send Becky a birthday card because it's her birthday today. Better yet, let's go to her house and surprise her with a cake!.

Vocabulary Tips:
anxiety (不可数n)- exciting and worry about it.焦虑。
*Max was full of anxiety after hearing about possible layoffs.
anxious (adj)- 感到焦虑不安的。
*Victor is very anxious about his test results.
on short notice - short amount of time before the thing happen. 临时通知。
"notice "- notify people.-通知。
*Sorry that I asked to have this meeting on such short notice.
*We changed our meeting schedule on short notice because the boss suddenly decided to join us.
relax -放松,休息。
*Why don't you take the day off to relax with your family?
relaxed -感到很放松的。
*I felt so relaxed during vacation.
potluck- a party that everyone bring a dish to joint.

Chat Room:
dish - 盘子,碟子。
dishes/ plates -菜肴。佳肴 / 盘子,碟子
a dish -一道菜,一道佳肴。
Tell your guests which dish they can bring to share. (可以)告诉宾客要带什么菜来分享。
dishes -菜肴, 也指盘碟等。
the dishes - 加定冠词the ”在dishes之前。 ,意思是包刮了所有餐桌上的杯,盘,碗,筷,汤匙,调羹,刀叉等。
clear away the dishes.- 收拾(干净)桌上所有的碗盘。
to do the dishes -清洗(干净)用餐时所有的餐桌上的杯,盘,碗,筷,汤匙,调羹,刀叉等。
do the dishes - wash the dishes.





Do You Want A Dog?

Owning a dog can be fun, but it's also a lot of work
想養狗嗎? 養狗雖然充滿樂趣,卻也很花工夫.

Terry: I just love dogs. I think I want to get one.
Carol: That's a pretty big decision. Why do you want a dog?
Terry: I've always loved dogs. When I was a child, our dog Scooby went everywhere with me.
Carol: Dogs make great pets because they're so loyal to their owners.
Terry: You know I live by myself and sometimes I feel lonely. A dog would be good company.
Carol: Some dogs are good at defending their owners, too. Since you live alone, it might be helpful to have a dog that will bark and scare away burglars.
Terry: Plus, I could take the dog on walks. It would get me out of the house.
Carol: That's good exercise for both of you! I definitely need motivation for more exercise. Caring for a dog would help me with that. I love seeing people walk their dogs in the park.
Terry: Some of the owners let me pet their dogs, but of course, I always ask first! Many dogs are friendly and social. That's another reason I want a dog - I'd like a cute, cuddly companion that makes people smile!
Carol: But dogs are a lot of work, too.
Terry:  Yes. Owning a dog isn't all fun and games. Cleaning up after them - and keeping them clean - can be a chore.
Carol: I've heard that some dogs shed a lot. And some bark a lot and chew on your things.
Terry: True. They can really get into trouble. I'll need to train my dog well! I know it will take time and commitment.
Carol: And you need to take the dog's happiness into account Your're not planning to get a big dog, are you? Your apartment isn't that large. And a friend told me that her dog was unhappy because it was confined all day.
Terry: A small dog would be happy in my apartment. Definitely not a big one! I do work, but I plan to go home to walk it at lunch.
Carol: That's good. Also, don't forget how much it costs!
Terry: I'm thinking about adopting a dog from the animal shelter.
Carol: Adopting a dog is fantastic, but you still have to pay an adoption fee. Then there's food, toys and trips to the vet.
Terry: I haven't thought much about the cost. I guess I still have a lot to consider.


Grammar Tips:
A dog would be good company.
company - business organization.
Mike works for a toy company.
company - one to be with.
The job is not so difficult when you have agreeable company.
Would you like to have some company or would you rather go there by yourself?

Vocabulary Tips:
loyal -faithful, commit and show love to something or someone. 忠心的,忠实地。
*Martha is a loyal friend.
loyal to -忠心的,忠实地对那个对象用“to ”。
* Ricky remained loyal to the company, even though other workers left.
defend -fight for, fight against, protect.防御,防护,保御。
* These soldier will defend their homeland against enemies at all costs.
offend - feeling bad, hurt, wound. 冒犯,触怒,受伤。
* I felt offended by your harsh words. 我被冒犯或受伤了被你严苛的话。
cuddly (adj)  - very cute, make people like to hug, pet, wrap around it with hands and arms. 令人想要去拥抱的,或是可爱的。
* the cuddly teddy bear is my son's favorite toy.
cuddle (v) -  hug, wrap around it in arms.很亲热地去搂住拥抱
*Jennifer loves to cuddle her cat.
a lot of work - 很费工夫的。
commitment and responsibilities - 承诺和职责。
burglar - theft. 小偷。
Vet - veterinarian.
take something into account - 考虑到某件事。
account-理由,根据。
*As the owner of the company, I have to take the employees' best interests into account at all times.
*When we make the decision, we'll take into account your suggestion. 作决定时会考虑你的建议。
confine -使受限制,使受局限。" to " - 限在那个范围confine at certain area.
*Please confine our discussion to  our original agenda. 讨论仅限于原定的议题。
*Luckily, the spread of the disease was confined to only a small group of people. 只限于小部分的人。
confine -卧病。
*George was confine to bed for weeks after surgery. 手术后。。。卧病(在床)
adoption (n)-收养,领养。
adopt (v) -收养,领养。
* The single mom decided to put her child up for adoption. 让人去收养,领养
*The adoption was kept secret until the child became an adult. 小孩领养的事。。一直保密直到小孩成人。。
chore - job or a piece of work need to be done regularly in our daily living, it's important, small job but have to do, most of them are not very present. 令人不愉快但又是不能不作,必须做的日常琐碎又麻烦的事。
shed - hair or skin came off from human or animal. A lot of hair fall off from dog.掉毛。(人也会掉头发)
chew - bite something and destroy them into small pieces with tooth. 咬

Chat Room:
to bark: 喊叫。
Bark the wrong tree -古时,打猎,狗总是跟着主人追猎物,猎物躲到树上, 狗看走眼,对着(动物)不在其上的树叫喊。意即:找错对象,弄错对象,白费精力。
every dog has its day. (idiom) - encourage people has his turn (day), his day will come, don't feel so bad.
Don't worry. Every dog has its day. Just keep on trying. (here "dog" is not a "lowly" 低下,不好的话 word, it will not offend people)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
clean -清洁
clean/clean up- 清洁/整理。
clean - clean things that are dirty. 清洁干净。
clean the floor. (floor has not take care for a week, full of dust.) 打扫地,擦地板。
clean up - clean things that are messy. need to put all items back and organized. 整理,归位,弄整齐。
clean up the room.- 整理房间。把房间弄整齐。
clean up after someone - 在某人后面整理。整理或收拾某人留下的脏乱残局。
clean up after..../ pick up after...-跟在后面整理/ 跟在后面收拾。
parents always clean up (pick up) after their little children.
cleaning up after them can be a chore.跟在(狗)后面收拾,整理是一件麻烦又不能不作苦差事。






Saturday, December 8, 2012

Can Your Desk Help You Lose Weight?

Sitting too much is bad for your health


黏在辦公桌前,瘦得下來嗎? 久坐有害健康.

James Levine has reviewed the statistics: One in three Minnesota adults is either diabetic or pre-diabetic, and one in four is obese. And he thinks he's found the underlying ailment: "the sitting disease."

 "Sitting is sort of the new smoking," the Mayo Clinic endocrinologist said on the eve of an experiment designed to tackle so-called "lifestyle" diseases. He and a team of researchers from Mayo and the University of Minnesota believe that even modest increases in daily activity could help people lose weight and improve their health - and help control the nation's staggering health care bills.

Levine, who walks on a treadmill while he works and believes in "walking staff meetings," said similar studies have suggested that employees can burn up to 350 additional calories per day, reduce their health care costs and perform better at work by replacing two hours of sitting with standing each day.

To test that theory, Levine and his team dropped in on the Minneapolis offices of Caldrea, a maker of environment-friendly cleaning supplies. The desks of 30 employees have been replaced with adjustable "work-fit" stations, developed by the St. Paul, Minnesota-based company Ergotron, that give the employees the option to sit or stand while working on their computers.

The researchers began health screenings for the study in Mayo's "Obesity Prevention Bus," a lab on wheels. The bus will return to Caldrea every 30 days for three months to measure changes in employees' behavior and fitness. James Greenwood, a senior sales analyst and account manager for Caldrea, said he jumped at the opportunity to participate in the study because for the last 14 years, he's spent about 35 hours per week sitting at a desk. He found out that his body mass index (BMI) is 19, well within the range considered healthy, but he would like to get it lower.

He said he's tried everything from sitting on an exercise ball at his desk to biking and walking on his lunch breaks to stay active and alert in the office. "I think any time you get a chance to do something to break up your day or do something at work, it's wonderful," he said.

Greenwood transferred to Caldrea five months ago, and he said he's already seen how working for a company that "invests in his health" - Caldrea offers catered organic lunches and group-fitness outings - can improve office life. "Employees are definitely engaged," he said.

Grammar Tips:
And he thinks he's found the underlying ailment...
"underlying " -lying under something. here means basic or important.
Doctors could not determine the underlying cause of Andrew's medical condition.
Although lawmakers gave several reasons for their new proposal, the underlying issue was never mentioned.

Vocabulary Tips:
obese - "e" 发“i”长音。(o-bi-s ), extremely over weight. 肥胖,过胖。
*Obese teenagers often lack self-confidence and are withdrawn.
obesity (n)-肥胖,过胖
*The patient suffers from obesity.
staggering - 摇摇晃晃,瞒姍而行。此处意思是“巨大,难以置信的。
stagger - 摇摇晃晃不倒的。
*The movie's staggering production budget is record-breaking. 破纪录的巨大制作预算。。
*The company announced bankruptcy because of its staggering debt. 巨大(数量惊人的)负债。。宣布倒闭。
option -选择,选择权。choice.
*Nick had no option but to accept his parents' arrangement.
option-可选择的选项,项目或事物。ways of choice.
*There are three options for you to pay: cash, credit cards or personal checks.
analyst - a person who's job is to test and exam something very closely. 分析师。发音时,重音在第一音节。
*a system analyst. - 系统分析师。
* a financial analyst - 财务分析师。
analysis -分析。发音时,重音在第二音节。
*The article is an analysis of current racial conflicts.
cater -提供餐点或承办筵席。 provide you that food and service from outside.
catered dinner -晚餐有叫外烩提供服务。
a catered banquet - 提供外烩的宴会。
a catered wedding - 提供外烩的婚宴。
*The restaurant that catered the wedding banquet is famous in our town.
engage - 投入。使投入的。participating and involve.
engaged  (adj) -从事某种事物,投入某种事物。something that you are interested and participated.
*Tina has been engaged in charity work for many years.
*Patrick is deeply engaged in the development of new computer games.

Chat Room:
Sitting is sort of the new smoking.
"the new black " - black color is main color for fashion, but now there is some other color became popular, take place of black, we may say " something color is the new black."
Brown is the new black. 咖啡色是时装的新趋势。
" the new black "  apply to other usage such as "40 is the new 30" or " 30 is the new 20 ". it means that person is in 40's but look and act like 30's. or 30 look and act like 20. 40岁看起来像是30岁的人。。。
Sitting is the new smoking - 久坐如同吸烟,对身体有害。
---------------------------------------------------------------
work (n) - (一般是不可数n)。
I have a lot of work to do. 我有许多的工作要做,工作不加“s ”
go to work, get off work or at work (work here is where the place you work at.)
go to work -去上班,去工作。
get off work-下班。
at work-在工作。。
the works of Shakespeare. ( work refer to a pieces of article,当文学作品,著作等,work 加“ s”
work (n)- (当项目,工程时,work 加“s”
public works - 政府的公共工程如建桥,铺路,造路,修桥,路灯,水利,航运建设等。work 用复数。

Friday, December 7, 2012

Five Apps that Could Change Your Life

Improve your productivity with these five smartphone apps


五項可望讓生活改觀的應用程式
運用這五種智慧型手機應用程式,來改善你的生產力


A smartphone can be a powerful tool to organize your life - if it contains the right applications. Whether you're a student or a professional, these five apps have demonstrated an ability to help you work productively and efficiently.

Evernote
A powerful note-taking application, Evernote lets you integrate documents, pictures and audio files into your notes. The app also lets you access your notes just about anywhere - through your phone, tablet, computer or a web service.

Box
Box gives you a fantastic way to store large files online and to access them anywhere. Box gives you control over who can access and edit your files, making it great for online cooperation.

Office work
Now that you've moved all of your files to your phone, you'll need a way to work on them. Apps like iWork and Quickoffice let you create and edit Microsoft Office files on your phone.

MindMeister
Are you a visual thinker? MindMeister gives you a great way to organize your ideas by creating useful mind maps.

Timesheeter
Are you self-employed or just in need of a better way to manage your time? Timesheeter allows you to schedule projects, record the time and money spent on them, and analyze the results.

Grammar Tips:
A powerful note-taking application Evernote lets you integrate documents, pictures and audio files into your notes.
(1) Evernote is a powerful note-taking application.
(2) Evernote lets you integrate documents, pictures and audio files into your notes.
combine these two sentences into one to make short and simple, not so wordy.
(1) Toby is an ambitious businessman.
(2) Toby is always working long hours and doing more than his coworkers.
An ambitious businessman, Toby is always working long hours and doing more than his coworkers.
(1) Hank's new gadget is always breaking down.
(2) Hank's new gadget has proven to be unreliable.
Always breaking down, Hank's new gadget has proven to be unreliable.

Vocabulary Tips:
demonstrate -展示,显示,
*The new manager has already demonstrated his ability to lead the team.
*Fred fully demonstrated his willingness to change with the apology letter. 充分表达歉意。
integrate -整合,结合,使一体,融入。。重整,调整。
*The science curriculum integrates exploration with learning.
*My boss decided to integrate my ideas into our proposal. 融入我的构想于提案中。
*The engineering department is trying to integrate these two systems together.
audio/visual :
audio -anything relate to "ear" - "sound". 声音的。
*The radar detected the audio signals from the submarine.
visual - relate to "eye" -"picture". 视觉的。
*Teacher sometimes need visual aids to keep students' attention.视觉辅助

Chat Room:
Evernote - powerful note-taking application.
note-taking : 做笔记的。
take notes ( notes 复数) - write down notes with pen.作笔记,用笔写记下来。
take note (note 单数 ) - pay attention, be aware of, careful.小心,注意,留意。
make a mental note - not written down, remember it (make a note) in you mind. 记在脑子里,(没写下来)

More Information:
MapQuest 4 Mobile - down load map
Relief Central - foreign place find a direction.
XE Currency Converter - 181 countries currency exchange info.
Bump app - need a business card? just let smartphone close each other for phone exchange.
SmartGuard - phone got lost? easy to find where it locate, also you can lock it to prevent others use or stolen your info.


.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Holiday Movies

This season's holiday films aren't to be missed!
佳節電影院佳節電影不容錯過!

People will want to take plenty of breaks from their holiday preparations this year to enjoy some great movies. Hollywood is once again offering many films that are sure to entertain and excite. Several holiday films tell the stories of famous classic novels. Anna Karenina, based on Leo Tolstoy's epic novel, stars Keira Knightley. When Anna (Knightley) questions her happiness, change comes to her family, friends and community with tragic results.

Millions of people around the world enjoyed the musical stage play Les Miserables. The film version of the musical hits the big screen this month. Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, the film tells the story of Prisoner 24601. He is newly released from prison but struggles to survive. The kind action of a bishop saves him from a return to prison. He then resolves to show kindness to others. The all-star cast includes Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe.

Leonardo Di Caprio stars in The Great Gatsby, the latest film based on the classic novel. Nick Carraway, played by Tobey Maguire, moves to New York's Long Island. There he meets Jay Gatsby (DiCaprio). For a while, Gatsby's luxurious lifestyle appeals to him. But problems soon begin to show up.

The latest film by Academy Award winning director Ang Lee is also based on a book. Life of Pi follows Pi Patel as he travels from a zoo in India across the Pacific. He survives a shipwreck and ends up in a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger for a companion. The film's special effects promise to be amazing. Those looking for an adventure should look no further than The hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
This first of two films based on the book by JRR Tolkien tells the story of hobbit Bilbo Baggins. He and his companions travel to Lonely Mountain. They plan to get back a treasure stolen by the dragon Smoug.

In Rise of the Guardians, favorite children's characters Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and others work together. They must stop the evil bogeyman from bringing the world into darkness. James Bond fans have been waiting for his 23rd adventure. Skyfall has Agent 007's trust in M tested as events in her past become known. Two comedies will keep people laughing. In Parental Guidance, Billy Crystal and Bette Midler play Artie and Diane. Their daughter asks them to care for their three grandchildren. But their old-school parenting methods clash with the grandchildren's over-schedules way of life. Wreck-it Ralph is Disney's 52nd animated feature. Ralph is the bad guy in a video game. For 30 years he has destroyed things. Now he wants to prove he can be a good guy. So he escapes his game and finds another where he can be the good guy.

Whatever film you choose to see this holiday season, it's sure to be a good one.

Vocabulary Tips:
preparation- prepare.(单数)准备,预备。
*Kate bought a lot of food in preparation for the hurricane.
preparations -(复数)指“准备的工作。
prepare (adj)- 准备,预备
*The preparations for the wedding took the couple almost six months.
release -释放,解放。电影或专集的发行。
*The hostages were released at 1 a.m. this morning. 人质被释放。。。
*The wounded parrot was released into the wild once it healed. 受伤的鹦鹉一旦痊愈被方生野外。
*The band's next record will be released in the spring of 2013. 乐团的专集明春发行或出版。
resolve -决定,决心 determine
resolve to - 决定(心)要做的事determine to do something.
*Sean resolved to practice guitar at least one hour per day.
resolve to that -决定(心)要做的事是。。
*Samuel resolved that he would exercise at least three times a week.

Grammar Tips:
Those looking for an adventure should look no further than The Hobbit....
looking for -
I'm looking for my keys, I don't know where they are.
looking for = expecting.
to look for -someone wants to experience something.
Sophie doesn't care if the party is fancy or casual; she is just looking for a good time.
You must be looking for trouble if you think you could just walk into a neighborhood full of gangsters.

Vocabulary Tips:
companion - friend who stay with you a lot, or a person travel with you.在一起的同伴,朋友。
*Laura has been her aunt's traveling companion since she was 16.
companionship - 友谊。
*Josh is a successful businessman now, but he still cherishes the companionship of his childhood friends.
special effect - 特殊效果。(多用复数)
*The special effects in the movie "The Matrix" were highly praised by audiences.
sound effects -特殊音效。
*The sound effects in the film were so real that I thought I was actually in a jungle.
amaze -使惊奇。
amazing - (当adj)惊人的,了不起的。 amaze 的现在分词。
*The amazing scenery of the solar eclipse was unforgettable. 日蚀惊人景象感到忘怀。
amazed - 感到吃惊的,讶异的。
*We were absolutely amazed by the actress's talent.
guardian - guard -保护,守护。 "dian" - 有“人”之意。
*This candidate sees himself as the guardian of democracy.
*The hospital needs the consent of the child's guardian before operating.
old-school :旧式的派风。 (is a casual word, don't use in formal writing.) means out of date, old fashion, not updated, very old way. school here is not mean 学校。此处是指“派风”
*Some old-school traditions still exist at this college. 旧式的传统。
*The CEO's old-school management style was strongly criticized by his staff.
clash-发生冲突,抵触 (with)。撞期 (with)
*Bob clashed with his colleague over the marketing strategies for the new product.
*The company banquet clashed with my sister's wedding.撞期
base on - come from..
appeal to him - he enjoys very much, he has a great joy..
luxurious- very expensive and comfortable living.
Academy award- the highest honor in film industry and recognition good performance.
promise - going to be.
journey - ongl travel. travel a long way.
comedy- make people laugh. very funny.
animated - 动画。

Chat Room:
matinee / Martini -
martini -马丁尼,鸡尾酒。
matinee -(法文)Ma-ti-nee, 早晨的意思。指早场电影,特点是比晚场电影票价要便宜许多。
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
picture- 指“电影”。
motion picture- 一旧称“电影”
big screen - refer to "movie"
the big screen (n)- 大银幕,电影
What's playing on the big screen?
big-screen (adj) - 大银幕
He is a big-screen star.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
parental guidance - 家长辅导PG
PG (parental guidance) -
G (general audiences )-
R (restricted ) -
PG -13 : not suitable for age under 13.
What is the movie rated? 是什么等级的电影?
rate - 估价,此为“等级”。

Monday, December 3, 2012

The history of Keys

You can't get in unless you have the key!鑰匙的演變。
少了鑰匙,你就進不了家門!

Locks help protect our homes - and the things inside them -from thieves. Keys that open those locks really are the key to home security! Some of the earliest keys, dating back to 700 B.C., were large and made of wood. They opened palace gates and looked like giant toothbrushes with pegs on them.

Hundreds of years later, the Romans made smaller, metal keys. In fact, rich Romans wore some of them as rings. They locked boxes that contained valuables with these keys. Key designs became more artistic in the 14th century. Some European locksmiths became famous for making beautiful keys. Kings invited them to design their castle keys. As European cities grew in the 18th century, so did the number of thieves. So locksmiths designed locks and keys that were better at preventing thieves from breaking in.

Today, office workers and hotel guests open doors using electronic keycards, cards that are used as keys:  There are even smartphone apps for gaining entry to one's home without a key. Although traditional metal keys may one day disappear, the need for security will remain.

Grammar Tips:
Although traditional metal keys may one day disappear, the need for security will remain.
Although...may disappear, the need for ...will remain.
Although many experts say that traditional books may disappear someday, the need to read will remain.
Although fossil fuels will someday disappear, the need for energy will remain.

Vocabulary Tips:
valuable (adj) -贵重的,有价值的。(n.)贵重的物品或财产。 (复数名词)
*All our valuables in the hotel room were stolen.
*We keep our valuables in a safely deposit box.
break in -非法进入,闯入。 break -打破。
*The burglars broke into the house through the bedroom window.
break-in (n) -非法进入,闯入
*The police are investigating the break-in at the office building that happened last week.
entry (n) - 进入。enter(v)-进入。
*The thief gained entry to the house by breaking the lock.
entrance (n) -入口,门, 通道。
*The singer arrived from the back entrance of the stadium.

Chat Room:
Some European locksmiths became famous for making beautiful keys.
famous - well known by the whole world. 有名气的,出名的。非常出名,远近驰名,全世界各地向往,中外人士想要前往的。
famous restaurant - 有名的餐厅,饭店。
popular - well known only in the local. 只在当地城市 很受欢迎的。很热门的。但不能说是很出名的。