Are you ready for the worst? 居安思危- 灾难应变（准备工作）。面对最坏的状况，你做好准备了吗？
When disaster strikes, you might find yourself without water, gas and electricity. You might even need to leave your home with little warning. But emergencies don't have to surprise you. Plan ahead for bad situations.
Planning for the worst.
Hold a family meeting. Discuss the types of disasters that could happen. Then plan a way to gather your family together if they get separated. Choose two locations for everyone to go to if it isn't safe to return home.
The first should be near your house. You can go there in an emergency like a fire. The second meeting place should be outside your neighborhood. This will give your family a place to gather if you must evacuate. Next, choose a contact person outside your area. After a disaster, it is often easier to communicate over a long-distance call than a local one. A contact person can pass messages between family members if they can't meet or get in tough.
Preparing to survive
Then create a family disaster kit. It should include everything your family needs to survive for at least three days. Place your kit in a bag so you can carry it if you need to evacuate. When preparing it, remember that different people have different needs. Include special items necessary for elderly or young members of your family.
Don't forget your dog
Pets are important members of the family with their own special needs. Decide how you will care for your pet in an emergency. Remember, pets are often not permitted in emergency shelters. You may need to find someone to care for your pet if you have to evacuate. You may also want to create a special pet disaster kit.
Once you have prepared your family for the worst, it is important to maintain your plan. Practice your emergency plan, and update it as necessary. You may not be able to prevent disasters, but with a little planning you can prepared.
Grammar Tips:
Practice your emergency plan, and update it as necessary.
"as necessary " - in a formal situation. something to be done whenever as needed.
When you play this guessing game, leaders can repeat certain questions as necessary.
Certain kinds of knee braces can be readjusted as necessary. 护膝
Vocabulary Tips:
emergency -紧急状况，紧急事件。urgent, need to take care right away, something happen unexpected.
*This savings account can only be used in an emergency.
*Call this number for help in case of an emergency.
emergency room ( E.R.)- 急症室。E.R. 是 急症室的缩写。
neighbor -邻居
hood -有“状况，时期，性质”的意思。
neighborhood - 邻近的地区，或街坊。the area around your home.
*Our neighbor came to borrow some sugar.
*People in the neighborhood all knew this family very well.
evacuate -疏散，撤离，使避难。leave from a danger place where you at, fallow the authorities' instruction, go to a safe place to get protection.
*The nursing home residents were evacuated before the hurricane hit this area.飓风
*All the people who live in the coastal area were evacuated to higher ground.
elderly - older people.年长地，上了年纪地。
*The elderly patients are well taken care of in the hospital. 被照顾的很好。
*This restaurant gives a special offer to elderly customers.给与年长者特别优惠。
*Tanya's grandparents are elderly and frail. 年老体弱。
permit (v)-重音在第二节。allow. 许可，允许，准许。
permitted / permitting
*We are permitted to enter this restricted area.管制区。
permit (n) -重音在第一音节。 许可证，执照。
a work permit -工作许可证。
a parking permit -停车证。
update - make sure to have the most recent news or items (water/food/tool/medicine and phone number etc.) 更新，最新信息。使合乎现在需求。
*Our computer system needs to be updated for higher efficiency. 更高的效率
*We'll update you with the latest information as it happens.
disaster - an event that end up can cause death or harm, and not easy to predict. 灾难
strikes - come fast and quickly with strong force and unpredictable. 袭击。
little warning -"little" -here means in a very short time.
situation - event.
kit - a set of thing or tool for special purpose. such as sawing kit, medicine kit, emergency kit, and survival kit.
survival kit - it should contains water, food, clothing, medicine, battery, flash light, matches, glasses, money, keys I.D. and important phone number.tools (you need to protect you, help you survive or help you get out.) etc. to keep your life safe.
maintain - keep up.维护。
prevent - to stop from happening or stop a person to do something.
Chat Room:
plan for the worst -为最坏的状况，预作规划。
Better to be safe than sorry -小心总比后悔好。（即鼓励事前多做些准备，免得后悔）。
"Better safe than sorry" - 小心总比后悔好的口语化，较简单的说法。
"Better late than never" -有亡羊补牢之意。晚一点做总比不做的好。
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
prepare your family for the worst.-为最坏的状况替你的家庭预先做好准备。
the worst = worst-case scenario 可能发生的最坏状况。
scenario -假设的情况。。
the worst case scenario -能想到的最坏的可能发生的情况。
unforeseen circumstances -不可预料的突发状况。即‘不能预先意料到的事件状况。
contingency -偶发事件。
life is full of unforeseen circumstances.
acts of God -天灾（常在美国正式的合约上看到）something happen beyond our preventing.
Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIY. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Changing your financial future
Four simple steps to help you make and stick to a budget. 改变你未来的财务状况。四个简单步骤助你制订及坚守预算.
Are your spending habits doing you more harm than good? Getting control of your daily finances is an important part of personal financial management. If you struggle with budgeting, these four steps will put you on track to a more prosperous future.
1. Track your spending
How much money did you spend on coffee and entertainment last month? Most people have no idea where most of their money goes, so finding out can be a life-changing experience.
Try tracking your spending for one month. Each time you make a purchase, write it down. This will make you aware of your spending and help you analyze it. You may be shocked by how much you are actually spending on something.
2. Making a budget
After you've tracked your spending for a month, creating a realistic budget will be easy. Start your budget by listing all of your major spending areas - food, clothes, entertainment, etc. Then use the information you gained from tracking your spending to come up with a reasonable estimate of how much you should budget for each area.
3. Stay on budget
Once you have created your budget, stick to it by using the envelope method. Prepare on envelope for each of your budget items. Then put your budget money into the envelopes so you can monitor your spending throughout the month. Using the envelope method helps you control the pace of your spending. It also makes it easier to adjust your budget so it is realistic and reflective of your needs.
4. Start an emergency fund
Unexpected expenses can create havoc with your budget. Having an emergency fund gives you the ability to deal with unexpected occurrences while letting you stay on budget. First, decide how much you will need.
Experts often recommend having enough money to cover between three and six months of living expenses. Then set up your emergency fund by opening a bank account that will only be used for emergencies. Make saving for your emergency fund and other saving part of your budget. You can even have your bank automatically transfer a set amount of money into your emergency fund and other savings each month.
Vocabulary Tips:
finances-财务状况，或是可以动用的钱。money status.
* Vivian's finances have improved since she got a second job.
* The company's finances are perfectly sound.
finance (n) - 财务管理。managing of money.
*Minister of Finance -财务部长。
on track - 上轨道，步上轨道。'track' -轨道 train track, train is running on the track keep one direction toward the destination.
* Even though the team was not in good shape, after intense training, they're back on track.
on the right track -在正确的方向（前进.） toward the right direction.
*The sales report shows that our marketing is on the right track.。。。方向是正确的。。
estimate -估计，预估。take a good guess, not sure, believe it close enough to the real.
estimate (n) - 预算，估的价码。
* I told my mechanic to give me an estimate of the cost to fix this old car.
* The estimate number of homes lost in the hurricane is in the hundreds.
analyze -to exam. or study it in detail to figure out what it was and understand more about how it was, where your money went, in order to make change to be better.
major - big one.
realistic - to be more real, more reasonable.
come up - create
prosperous - successful, doing great.
reflective -反应的，也指反射，反光 reflect -反应，反射。
*This movie is reflective of the problems that teenagers are facing today.
*The incident is reflective of serious conflicts between races.
reflective-反应的，也指反射，反光
*reflective road signs. 反光路标
havoc -大混乱，杂乱。（with)
*A car rushed into a store and caused great havoc.很大的混乱。
*The accident created havoc with the subway schedules.
occurrence -发生，出现。 "occur"-发生
*The consistent occurrence of computer crashes impaired our department.瘫痪
*There is an increase in the occurrence of thefts in this area. 发生小偷偷东西。。
Chat Room:
realistic -逼真。
realistic - 现实的，实际的，
This ins't a realistic plan -不切实际的计划。
make a budget - 订下计划。
realistic budget - 切合实际的计划。
get real! - 现实一点。别自欺欺人。切合实际一点。
Get real! You'll never lose weight.
---------------------------------------------------------------
cover -垫钱，代付，足以应付。。。(for)
cover -覆盖，遮盖。遮住。
cover - 玩球时，防守紧紧盯着。。。
I need walk away for a few minutes, can you cover for me.代替某人工作。
cover -行走某段距离
We need to cover three blocks in a short time. 在短时间内，。。必须走完三条街
Are your spending habits doing you more harm than good? Getting control of your daily finances is an important part of personal financial management. If you struggle with budgeting, these four steps will put you on track to a more prosperous future.
1. Track your spending
How much money did you spend on coffee and entertainment last month? Most people have no idea where most of their money goes, so finding out can be a life-changing experience.
Try tracking your spending for one month. Each time you make a purchase, write it down. This will make you aware of your spending and help you analyze it. You may be shocked by how much you are actually spending on something.
2. Making a budget
After you've tracked your spending for a month, creating a realistic budget will be easy. Start your budget by listing all of your major spending areas - food, clothes, entertainment, etc. Then use the information you gained from tracking your spending to come up with a reasonable estimate of how much you should budget for each area.
3. Stay on budget
Once you have created your budget, stick to it by using the envelope method. Prepare on envelope for each of your budget items. Then put your budget money into the envelopes so you can monitor your spending throughout the month. Using the envelope method helps you control the pace of your spending. It also makes it easier to adjust your budget so it is realistic and reflective of your needs.
4. Start an emergency fund
Unexpected expenses can create havoc with your budget. Having an emergency fund gives you the ability to deal with unexpected occurrences while letting you stay on budget. First, decide how much you will need.
Experts often recommend having enough money to cover between three and six months of living expenses. Then set up your emergency fund by opening a bank account that will only be used for emergencies. Make saving for your emergency fund and other saving part of your budget. You can even have your bank automatically transfer a set amount of money into your emergency fund and other savings each month.
Vocabulary Tips:
finances-财务状况，或是可以动用的钱。money status.
* Vivian's finances have improved since she got a second job.
* The company's finances are perfectly sound.
finance (n) - 财务管理。managing of money.
*Minister of Finance -财务部长。
on track - 上轨道，步上轨道。'track' -轨道 train track, train is running on the track keep one direction toward the destination.
* Even though the team was not in good shape, after intense training, they're back on track.
on the right track -在正确的方向（前进.） toward the right direction.
*The sales report shows that our marketing is on the right track.。。。方向是正确的。。
estimate -估计，预估。take a good guess, not sure, believe it close enough to the real.
estimate (n) - 预算，估的价码。
* I told my mechanic to give me an estimate of the cost to fix this old car.
* The estimate number of homes lost in the hurricane is in the hundreds.
analyze -to exam. or study it in detail to figure out what it was and understand more about how it was, where your money went, in order to make change to be better.
major - big one.
realistic - to be more real, more reasonable.
come up - create
prosperous - successful, doing great.
reflective -反应的，也指反射，反光 reflect -反应，反射。
*This movie is reflective of the problems that teenagers are facing today.
*The incident is reflective of serious conflicts between races.
reflective-反应的，也指反射，反光
*reflective road signs. 反光路标
havoc -大混乱，杂乱。（with)
*A car rushed into a store and caused great havoc.很大的混乱。
*The accident created havoc with the subway schedules.
occurrence -发生，出现。 "occur"-发生
*The consistent occurrence of computer crashes impaired our department.瘫痪
*There is an increase in the occurrence of thefts in this area. 发生小偷偷东西。。
Chat Room:
realistic -逼真。
realistic - 现实的，实际的，
This ins't a realistic plan -不切实际的计划。
make a budget - 订下计划。
realistic budget - 切合实际的计划。
get real! - 现实一点。别自欺欺人。切合实际一点。
Get real! You'll never lose weight.
---------------------------------------------------------------
cover -垫钱，代付，足以应付。。。(for)
cover -覆盖，遮盖。遮住。
cover - 玩球时，防守紧紧盯着。。。
I need walk away for a few minutes, can you cover for me.代替某人工作。
cover -行走某段距离
We need to cover three blocks in a short time. 在短时间内，。。必须走完三条街
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Tips for taking great cellphone photos
How to make your memories into works of art. 让回忆变成艺术作品的方法
Now that most cellphones have built-in cameras, taking photos is easy. But to make your cellphone snapshots look really good, try following these tips.
Plan your photo
First, identify your subject-the person or object you're taking the picture of . Place the subject a little bit to one side, not in the center. Surround the subject with contracting colors to make it stand out. Lines from walls, sidewalks or fences can paint to the subject, creating an interesting picture. But make sure the background is not too busy. You don't want the subject to get lost. Check to see if anything is directly behind the subject. You don't want your photo to look like a tree is growing out of your friend's head!
Stay steady
Don't move when taking a photo because cellphone cameras are very sensitive. In fact, try leaning against a solid object to stop your hand from shaking.
Don't zoom in, stand closer
When the subject is far away, most people try zooming in. This looks fine on a phone's small screen. But when the picture is enlarged, it won't look sharp or clear. Instead of zooming in, try stepping closer until the subject almost fills the picture.
Provide enough light
If possible, try to take your photos outside using sunlight. Artificial lights tent to be dim and can sometimes turn objects a strange color. Some, but not all, cellphone cameras have a flash. Even if your phone has a flash, it is probably pretty weak. If you need a flash, move very close to make sure it hits the subject. If your cellphone doesn't have a flash, consider carrying a pocket-sized flashlight.
Experiment
If you see something that you think would make a good photo photograph it! Some great photos don't fallow these rules. Take lots of pictures from different angles. You may be surprised by which ones look best!
Grammar Tips:
"check to see" - take time to look carefully to make sure...
Check to see if all the lights are turned off.
Check to see if our guest is here or not.
Vocabulary Tips:
snapshot -快照，简略的印象 snap- 拍快照
*Eric took snapshots of his daughter playing with a puppy.
*The documentary gave the audience a snapshot of the refugees' condition.
contrasting (adj)- 杰然不同，对比 -contrast -使对比
*Throughout the debate, people had a chance to hear the contrasting political views of both candidates.
*The main character's contrasting personalities made the movie fun to watch.
steady-平稳，稳定，稳靠的
*a steady chair-
*Hold the camera steady when you take the shot. 拍照
*His steady hands made him an excellent surgeon.
*You can see a steady increase in the sales of this product.
zoom in-（动词片语）把要拍的景放大。什么景，对象用“on” （zoom ）v. 调整焦距
*To get a good picture, I had to zoom in on the peacock, because it was very shy.
*the picture of the suspect was enlarged so the features of his face would be clearer.
enlarge - 使放大。"en"-使如何
*The office building was enlarged last year.
experiment (n)- 实验 (v)-做实验，实验。以什么为对象用“on”，用什么工具用“with”。
*Some believe that it's inhumane to experiment on animals.
*I'm experimenting with different media to express this topic.
Chat Room:
stand out-站出来。
stand out-( two words)凸出，对比，瞩目
Surround the subject with contrasting colors to make it stand out.
standout -(one word) 杰出的（人）。
He was a real standout.
He was one of the standout players.
outstanding -杰出的，凸出的，极出色的，优异的。
He's an outstanding student.
You did an outstanding job.
----------------------------------------------------
sharp- 锋利，锐利的。
a sharp knife.
sharp- 清晰，鲜明，锐利。
it won't look sharp or clear.
sharp-精明，聪明，敏锐。反应快 smart, quick in thinking and response.
He's a very sharp child.
sharp wits- wits - 锐利的才智，机智，
sharp-（时间）準，準时。
We arrived at three o'clock sharp.
sharp-装扮时髦，萧洒，流行的，干净利落的 look very good.
You look sharp today. 看来很潇洒，利落。
He's a sharp dresser.时髦的服装师
Now that most cellphones have built-in cameras, taking photos is easy. But to make your cellphone snapshots look really good, try following these tips.
Plan your photo
First, identify your subject-the person or object you're taking the picture of . Place the subject a little bit to one side, not in the center. Surround the subject with contracting colors to make it stand out. Lines from walls, sidewalks or fences can paint to the subject, creating an interesting picture. But make sure the background is not too busy. You don't want the subject to get lost. Check to see if anything is directly behind the subject. You don't want your photo to look like a tree is growing out of your friend's head!
Stay steady
Don't move when taking a photo because cellphone cameras are very sensitive. In fact, try leaning against a solid object to stop your hand from shaking.
Don't zoom in, stand closer
When the subject is far away, most people try zooming in. This looks fine on a phone's small screen. But when the picture is enlarged, it won't look sharp or clear. Instead of zooming in, try stepping closer until the subject almost fills the picture.
Provide enough light
If possible, try to take your photos outside using sunlight. Artificial lights tent to be dim and can sometimes turn objects a strange color. Some, but not all, cellphone cameras have a flash. Even if your phone has a flash, it is probably pretty weak. If you need a flash, move very close to make sure it hits the subject. If your cellphone doesn't have a flash, consider carrying a pocket-sized flashlight.
Experiment
If you see something that you think would make a good photo photograph it! Some great photos don't fallow these rules. Take lots of pictures from different angles. You may be surprised by which ones look best!
Grammar Tips:
"check to see" - take time to look carefully to make sure...
Check to see if all the lights are turned off.
Check to see if our guest is here or not.
Vocabulary Tips:
snapshot -快照，简略的印象 snap- 拍快照
*Eric took snapshots of his daughter playing with a puppy.
*The documentary gave the audience a snapshot of the refugees' condition.
contrasting (adj)- 杰然不同，对比 -contrast -使对比
*Throughout the debate, people had a chance to hear the contrasting political views of both candidates.
*The main character's contrasting personalities made the movie fun to watch.
steady-平稳，稳定，稳靠的
*a steady chair-
*Hold the camera steady when you take the shot. 拍照
*His steady hands made him an excellent surgeon.
*You can see a steady increase in the sales of this product.
zoom in-（动词片语）把要拍的景放大。什么景，对象用“on” （zoom ）v. 调整焦距
*To get a good picture, I had to zoom in on the peacock, because it was very shy.
*the picture of the suspect was enlarged so the features of his face would be clearer.
enlarge - 使放大。"en"-使如何
*The office building was enlarged last year.
experiment (n)- 实验 (v)-做实验，实验。以什么为对象用“on”，用什么工具用“with”。
*Some believe that it's inhumane to experiment on animals.
*I'm experimenting with different media to express this topic.
Chat Room:
stand out-站出来。
stand out-( two words)凸出，对比，瞩目
Surround the subject with contrasting colors to make it stand out.
standout -(one word) 杰出的（人）。
He was a real standout.
He was one of the standout players.
outstanding -杰出的，凸出的，极出色的，优异的。
He's an outstanding student.
You did an outstanding job.
----------------------------------------------------
sharp- 锋利，锐利的。
a sharp knife.
sharp- 清晰，鲜明，锐利。
it won't look sharp or clear.
sharp-精明，聪明，敏锐。反应快 smart, quick in thinking and response.
He's a very sharp child.
sharp wits- wits - 锐利的才智，机智，
sharp-（时间）準，準时。
We arrived at three o'clock sharp.
sharp-装扮时髦，萧洒，流行的，干净利落的 look very good.
You look sharp today. 看来很潇洒，利落。
He's a sharp dresser.时髦的服装师
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