Benedict Cumberbatch

Just like his name, he’s one of a kind
千面英雄班奈狄克?康柏拜區 -人如其名，他是如此獨一無二.

Benedict Cumberbatch is an actor - simple as that. The story of his becoming one is not amazing or inspirational but really just natural. It's the daring choices of this unique individual that make him someone worth watching.

Choosing range, not renown
Cumberbatch challenges himself at every turn, playing hero (TV's Sherlock), villain (Star Trek Into Darkness and The Hobbit) or maybe both (The Fifth Estate). In this variety of roles, he has proved himself very capable at each but finds adjusting to fame much more puzzling. Cumberbatch jumped at the chance to learn the violin as Sherlock and asserted his ability to capture the dragon Smaug's motions as well as its voice.

However, when it comes to an obsessed fan tweeting his every move in his apartment, he's at a loss. And who wouldn't be? Fame is a weird one," he says, "People see a value in you that don't see yourself." It must be all the weirder for an actor like Cumberbatch, now 37, who worked for many years without instant recognition in public. With his experience, he knows as well as anyone that success is very possible without it. 

Choosing diligence
Even before Cumberbatch became a rather long and silly-sounding houehold name, the parts he played showed that he was a quality actor. In fact his first leading character on screen, after a couple years of TV work, came with Hawking, about the world-famous physicist in his younger years. He undertook extensive preparation for the role, including meeting Stephen Hawking and others with his disease, which probably contributed to his BAFTA nomination for the part. Hard work may be the primary reason that Cumberbatch is constantly cast as highly intelligent men, including TV roles Sherbock Holmes and Vincent Van Gogh.

Choosing excitement
But Cumberbatch wants no one thinking that he's like his brilliant characters, nor does he want to be stuck playing them forever. However, his mom says he is rather like Sherlock though he thinks that's probably because of his impatience rather than his intellect. Still, Cumberbatch's abilities show he possesses some intelligence, as well as being very adventurous, using extreme sports as a way to escape. After experiencing a terrifying carjacking, he used skydiving to recover from the shock, which makes sense considering his age at the time.

Choosing focus
Cumberbatch admits to a lack of concentration during much of his schooling. "I was always performing, doing silly voices. The teachers realized I could go one of two ways: be creative  or destructive." As it ended up, Cumberbatch went both ways, being creative on stage and destructive on the rugby field. No one was surprised that he took to acting, his parents being professional actors themselves, though they wanted him of inconsistent work. Cumberbatch considered studying law, which his parents encouraged, but took a gap year and taught English in Tibet first.

Choosing fulfillment
Upon his return, he launched into university theatrical programs for drama and classical acting instead of law. His parents' full support didn't come until they saw him in a play, and his dad said, "You're better than I ever was or will be." After finishing his education at 24, he plunged directly into theater, performing Shakespeare and other classic plays. From there it was awards, TV, movies and fame, but life experience is what really satisfies Benedict Cumberbatch. "I've seen and swam and climbed and lived and driven and filmed," he lists, "I really have lived five thousand time over."

Grammar Gym:
"However, when it comes to an obsessed fan tweeting his every move in his apartment, he's at a loss."
"When it comes to " - regarding, when a situation involves.
Sunny is usually careful with her diet, but when it comes to ice cream she loss control.
When it comes to choosing between his family or his work, Henry always puts his family first.
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"a way to escape."
"escape" - find some way to be free and to run away.
"a way to escape " - a method in which a person can take a break from something that is stressful or very busy.
A lot of people like to put on headphones and listen to music as a way to escape.
Whenever Catherine has free time, she likes to read as a way to escape.
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"No one was surprised that he took to acting"
"took to" - to take to, to really like "something".
"To take to + (verb-ing) :
While Lisa was at camp, she enjoyed all kinds of outdoor activities and really took to mountain biking.
" to take to + (noun) 
The new babysitter is very good, and it's no wonder the kids really took to her.


Vocabulary Tips:
villain -小说或戏剧中的恶棍，坏人，反派人物。bad guy in the movie.
*The villain in "Peter Pan" is Captain Hook.
*The actor played the villain in the film and got nominated for Oscar. 提名
assert (v) -显示，确定，确认。
*The boss asserted his authority by deducting people's salaries for tardiness.
assert -坚决申明立场。
*Derek is very shy. He needs to learn how to assert himself more. 坚持自己的立场。
extensive -广泛的，大量的，极大地。
*The team did extensive research before reaching its conclusion.
The hurricane caused extensive damage.
extensively (adv)-广泛地。
*This political issue  has been extensively discussed lately.
cast- 戏剧或电影的选角，分配角色。
*The actor was cast as a self-righteous lawyer in the film.
*The director cast the multitalented girl as the leading lady in the musical.
intellect -智力，理解力，聪明才智。
*Bob is humble even with such tremendous intellect.
intellect -拥有聪明才智的人。
*This intellect is highly respected by his colleagues.
carjacking -劫车，劫车事件。
*The driver was attacked during a carjacking.
carjacker - 劫车者。
*The carjackers were wearing masks, so nobody could identify them.
schooling - 求学期间。
destructive -具有破坏性的，有害的。 'de' -“向下“之意 'struct'-建造。
*The negative thoughts you're having are very destructive.
*The destructive power of a nuclear bomb is unimaginable.
inconsistent -不一致的，矛盾的， 反复无常的。 'in' -“否定”之意 'consistent' -一致的。
*Richard's inconsistent leadership confused his employees. 反复无常的领导方式。 
inconsistent with - 与什么。。不一样， 不符，用 “with”
*The witness's testimony was inconsistent with the other witnesses.
theatrical -戏剧性的。舞台剧的。
*This film is considered the best theatrical production of the year.
theatrical -戏剧性的，很夸张的。
*Martha is very theatrical when she gets emotional.
plunge - drop in, get deeply jump from cliff, not able to come back. 投入，掉入。
*The lifeguard plunged into the sea and swam toward the drowning child.
*Nathan plunged into the online shopping business after retirement.
jump at the chance- say "yes" when the chance it comes, take the opportunity, catch the chance.
stuck - trap, no escape from it.
possess - own, a part of you.
escape - leave the place where you are.
lock up - tied up.
contribute (idea, time, clothing, things and money etc.) - to give out something to people.
all the ...- all the weirder - how much more of people knows.
......as well as anyone - he will know because he has experienced.
diligent / diligently - work hard.
lack of something - you need it but you don't have it.
lack of knowledge, lack of money, lack of wisdom, lack of information.
admit to....- something you did, you don't want to say it but you brave to tell people that it is you did it.
to take to something or someone - talk about something or someone you really enjoy or like.
focus - keep eyes on something.
upon - talking about what happen at a certain time.
obsess - 担忧，过度看重，着迷（常用被动语态）被什么迷住了用"with".
at a loss -have no idea, not sure what to do or what to say or what to response.  "loss" -丧失，损失。
at a loss for words- speak-less.不知道该说什么才是。
*He is at a loss. 不知所措。

Language Tips:
paparazzi -狗仔队。
The paparazzi and the fans were waiting for the star outside the fancy restaurant.
paparazzi -集合名词，用作（代表）多数时，前面要加上定冠词“The”。
The paparazzi -一群，一些狗仔队。
paparazzo- 单一的一个狗仔队。
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stage name -艺名
Tom Cruise （艺名） -Thomas Mapother IV （本名）
Merrily Malone （艺名）- Norma Jean Baker （本名）
leading actor (role) / supporting actor (role, character)- 主角/配角，帮衬的。
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superlative -文法中的最高级。重音在第二音节。
such as "fastest, shortest, smartest."
superlatives -指“毕业册上同学们选出的风云人物。
superlative section -风云人物一段，一页。
superlatives such as:风云人物们如：
"the most creative" -最有创意的人。。
"most likely to succeed" -最有可能成功的人。。
"most athletic" -最具有运动员相的人。。
"most theatrical" -最有戏剧细胞的人。。
"most funniest" -最诙谐的人。




Notes taking of Studioclassroom

Mae Whitman

You know her, but you may not know her name
梅?惠特曼 - 你認得她，但你可能不知道她叫 什麼名字.

"What are you, some kind of knucklehead?" Bored at Mom's acting test, a 3-year-old responded as such to a director's empty admiration of her dress. With those words, the impressive career of actress. Mae Whitman was born and defined.

Child Actor
With a voice-artist mother and a father who builds sets, it's no surprise Whitman ended up in acting. Such parents also knew to prepare her for adult exposure early on. In her first film role, she played the daughter of Meg Ryan in When a Man Loves a Woman. Calling George Clooney father in One Fine Day and Sandra Bullock mother in Hope Floats, she won two Young Artist Awards. 

Through these family dramas, her true parents supported her but were concerned when a certain alien invasion movie came knocking. At first, they were uncomfortable about letting her accept such a role, but they changed their minds after reading the script. Not yet 10, Whitman then added the president to her list of "parents" due to her part in Independence Day.

Voice Actor
Following in her mother's footsteps, Whitman also acts with her voice alone. She also started this at a young age, but her best voice roles came later. In her teens she provided the voice for Katara in the popular cartoon Avatar. The last Airbender. And she is the first person to ever voice classic Disney character Tinker Bell.

Current Actor
Now 25, Whitman continues to pursue both screen and vocal performances. Though she is in some films like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, she is much more established on TV. She has a substantial part in Parenthood, now in its fifth season, and is featured in the returning series Arrested Development. Her voice is also being used in a new TV version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Making good on her parents' advice, she's invested in every role, whether live-action or cartoon, with love and hope. "Hopefully that communication has maybe made some people feel less alone." she says of her roles. Someone's grown up since waiting for Mom.


Grammar Gym:
"Through these family dramas, her true parents supported her but were concerned when a certain alien invasion movie came knocking."
"came knocking" - how something is available. or describe something or situation is near or about to happen.
As soon as Mr. Lee was ready to sell his house, offers came knocking.
Ron smokes all the time and doesn't watch what he eats, so it is no wonder health problems came knocking.

Vocabulary Tips:
admiration (n) -admire.
admiration for -  对某人或某事物赞美，钦佩，羡慕
*I have great admiration for this director.
admire (v) -赞美，钦佩，羡慕。
* I really admire your courage to try new things.
exposure - 爆光，曝光，报导，噢日宣传。"ex" -有‘向外’之意，
*Intensive media exposure made the actress a household name.
expose -揭露，曝露。
*The reporter exposed a scandal involving the governor.
invasion - invade, attack. 入侵，侵略。
*The troop's invasion of the country caused strong condemnation from many nations.
invade (v) -侵略。
*The allies invaded the capital and successfully took over the whole city.
script - lines that actor need to say.剧本，角本。一部电影，一个script。
*The movie script was written by a renowned playwright.
*The actor made up a new line which was not in the original script.
follow in someone's footsteps - you doing it the same or similar as someone already did before.效仿，步某人后尘，步某人的脚步。
*Shanna followed in her sister's footsteps and applied to Brown University.
*Ricky followed in his father's footsteps and became a teacher.
vocal -声音的。 'voc' -“声音”
*The singer underwent vocal training before she started recording her album.
vocal -直言不韪，激烈的表达意见。
*The public was quite vocal over the sudden change in the policy.
substantial -有实质的，重大的，相当程度的。
*Substantial funds were invested in this project.
*There has been substantial improvement in his health.
substance (n) -实质的，重大性，重要意义。
*Nothing of substance seems to have been achieved in the discussion.达到实质的效果。。讨论。
communication -信息，消息。
*We received your communication last Wednesday, and we're sorry that we can't attend the banquet.
communication -沟通。
*Tom needs to improve his communication skills.
empty admiration - not really appreciated. not agree with it.
empty - nothing, not agree. without.
career - not just a job, also you will doing it in most of your life time.
established - stapled. her face is showing often on TV.
make good on something - follow, do.
* His father make good on his promise of attend the game and watch he play.

Language Tips:
know-知道。
Do you know him? No, I don't know him.
know -认得。认识。曾经认识，见过，听过，能够辨认出来的。
You know her. But you may not know her name.
know of someone or something - 知道或听过。
I know of a good plumber.
know about something or someone.- 知道或听说过有关。。。隐秘的不为人知道的事。
I know about the plumber. 
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advice (n) (发's') / advise (v) (末尾发 'z'，重音在第二节) - suggestion.
a piece of / a word of advice.
Let me give you a word of advice.
Here are three pieces of advice.
advice 不可数名词，不能加's'/ suggestion 可数名词，可加‘s’ :
three pieces of advice = three suggestions.
The teach advise (v) his students three pieces of advice (n).



Notes taking of Studioclassroom

The Tale of Tolkien

	Learn the story behind the stories of Middle Earth
‘	魔戒作者托爾金 -進一步了解中土傳說背後的故事-by Elizabeth Sunshine - By Elizabeth Sunshine. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings delight book and movie lovers alike. These great stories sprang from the mind of one man - J.R.R. Tolkien. John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born in 1892. He spent much of his childhood in the beautiful English countryside. He enjoyed studying and learning languages from a young age. And his mother taught him the strong Christian faith that he believed his whole life.But Tolkien's early life was also touched by tragedy. His father died when Tolkien was 4. Then Tolkien's mother passed away when he was 12. Love, War and Studies As a teenager, Tolkien fell in love with a girl named Edith Bratt. But his guardian forbade him to contact her until he turned 21. Tolkien obeyed and focused on school. But he didn't forget Edith, and he contacted her on his 21st birthday. His patience paid off. They were married in 1916. But soon Tolkien faced his darkest trial - fighting in World War I, Life as a soldier was difficult, painful and dangerous. Tolkien became sick and had to return to England. Others were not so lucky. "by 1918, all but one of my close friends were dead." Tolkien later wrote. Back in England, Tolkien became a scholar. He taught literature classes at Oxford University, did research and wrote-several influential papers. he continued to love languages, studying Greek, Anglo Saxon, Finnish and more. But Tolkien didn't just study languages; he invented his own! they added to the rich setting of the fantasy stories he had been writing for years. The Hobbit One day while grading tests, Tolkien found a blank page. He wrote the sentence, "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit." This began his children's story. the Hobbit. When it was finished, a friend gave it to publisher Stanley Unwin. Unwin's 10-year-old, Rayner, loved the book, so Unwin published it in 1937. The Hobbit enjoyed instant success, and the publishing company asked for a sequel. So Tolkien wrote The Lord of the Rings, a longer, more complex tale. Rayner Unwin, now an adult, helped publish The Lord of the Rings. It was so long that it came out in three parts in 1954 and 1955. Tolkien's Legacy Yolkien died 40 years ago this month. He was a committed father to his four children. He received an honorary degree from Oxford for his studies. But his greatest legacy is his stories. Tolkien wrote many tales besides The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. They tell about good and evil, the importance of friendship and making right decisions. Tolkien's life shaped his stories. The peaceful, beautiful Shire resembles the English countryside where Tolkien grew up. Some think the evil land of Mordor came from Tolkien's war experiences. His relationship with his wife inspired the love stories he wrote. Through his work, Tolkien has brought joy, hope and encouragement to millions. Grammar Gym: "These great stories sprang from the mind of one man - J.R.R.Tolkien." 'sprang' - spring, to appear. The pond was nice and quiet, but all of a sudden some ducks sprang out of nowhere and the whole place became noisy. Mandy sprang through the doorway to show us her new outfit. Vocabulary Tips： delight- feel happy. 使高兴，使欣喜。 *The football team's victory at the state final delighted the whole town. delight (n) -高兴，愉快。 *Hanna takes great delight in taking care of her grandchildren. childhood -is the time you spend while you were a kid, during that time about your life.童年时期，童年时代。 *Sean had a happy childhood. *The novel is full of the author's fond childhood memories. *The artist's childhood home was turned into a museum. tragedy (n) -sad things happen to your life. Parents pass in person's young age, you can call it 'tragedy'.惨剧，悲剧。 *It was a tragedy that this great athlete lost her leg in a car accident. *Nathan never enjoys tragedies. tragic (adj) -悲惨的。 *The movie is about a boy's tragic childhood. guardian (n) -a person after to someone to watch and take care of somebody when someone died, or not be along.监护人。 'guard' (v) -指导，监护，看守。 "ian" - 人。 *The hospital needs the guardian's consent before operating on the child. guardian - 护卫者。 *These reporters see themselves as guardians of truth. tale - story. pay off - you work hard and endure for long time for something you are looking forward to, then you got what you expected at the end. something is pay off - your hard work at the end are awarded. scholar (n) -学者。 *Many scholars participated in this conference. *Dr. Williams is a well-respected scholar who specializes in Mayan culture. scholarship - (scholar + ship) 奖学金。 *Wesley got a scholarship to Princeton. influential -  （重音在"en"） impact to people's thought or think.有影响力的，或是有权势的。 *Eric is an influential biochemist. 。。。。举足轻重的地位，重要影响力的生化家。 influence (v) -（重音在 'in'）影响。 * Brenda is always influenced by other people's comments. fantasy - not happen in the real world, dream of something that almost is impossible. 幻想，幻想的产物。 *The little girl lives in a fantasy world. *The book is full of fantasies and exotic stories. fantasize (v) -幻想。 *Dave fantasized about becoming the world's greatest baseball batter. publish -出版，发行，发表，宣布。 'public' -大众。 *The writer's first poetry was published in 1983. publisher (publish + er) -出版商。 *Random house is a famous international publisher. take away from something - had removed from something. sequel - after the first book or first movie, there is another book or movie that continue the store of the first book or movie.指某本书或某个电影的续集。 'sequ' -跟从。 *The sequels to 'Iron Man' are now on DVD. 续集 sequel - 也指‘后续发展事件。 *The conflicts on the city streets were sequels to the riot at last night's soccer game.街市上的冲突事件。。。 complex (adj) - not simple, make of many different parts. many things come together, or a lot of things effect to it. 复杂的，难以了解的。 *The complex situation between the couple is beyond my understanding. 复杂状况。。。超过我能理解 complex (n) -指同类型的建筑物。 *Billy's factory is located in an industrial complex in Chicago. 工业区。 resemble - (‘s'发 'z'的音。) to look like someone or something, many similar with someone or something. 类似，与某对象相似。很像。're' -有‘再一次’之意。 *Sunny really resembles her grandmother. 很像她的祖母。 *The city resembled a war zone after the earthquake. inspired / inspire / inspiring -touched someone, give someone idea to do something.启发，激励，激发灵感。 'spir' -‘呼吸’ * The movie was actually inspired by a headline news report. inspiration (n) - 灵感。 *The writer finds her inspiration in her friends and family. legacy - earned respect and well-known. committed - work very hard, give your life to something. What are you committed to? honorary degree - a degree to honor someone for something. Language Tips: die -死亡。过世（euphemism） pass away -- die. Is a euphemism way to say die. euphemism -婉转，委婉的说法。（但要小心，用的太多或太刻意，会让人以为你在咬文嚼字，玩弄文字。 pass on - (Christian refer to die is not a pass away thing, is pass on.) has gone to meet his maker. He is in a better place.  过世， Watch! pass out is not die, pass out is faint. pass out 是昏晕过去，昏倒，不醒人事。 ----------------------------------------------------------------- all but - 所有。。。但是除了。。 all but - all except, I finished all but one book. 所有。。。只剩下。。。 .....all but one of my close friends were dead... 所有。。。。除了。 all but  - almost.- 几乎 the language is all but forgotten.。。几乎被遗忘。 He is all but bankrupt. -几乎破产。  ----------------------------------------------------------------- dozen/ hundred / thousand / million -都是用来表示数目的字。看你表达什么。若是表示大概的数字，可以在这些字后加‘ s’。如： dozens of cars were stolen. hundreds of people attended the meeting. thousands of flowers were in bloom. millions - 大概有百万。。。。 dozen/ hundred / thousand / million -若在前面有数字，则这些字的后面绝不能加‘’，因为不是大概数字，而是准确的数字。 He has three million in his bank account. three million - million 后面不能加 "s".因为不是大概数字，而是准确的数字。 Notes taking of StudioClassroom.

Quvenzhane Wallis

Happy 10th birthday to this rising young star!
天才童星葵雯贊妮．華莉絲    -  祝這位竄起的小明星十歲生日快樂！

Most actors search for years to find the ideal role that will make them famous. For quvenzhzne Wallis, however, the role found her while she was still in kindergarten!

Opportunity came knocking
The young girl, known as Nazie, from Houma Louisiana, was living the life of a normal 5-year-old. Then one day her mother received a call from a friend. The friend reported that a movie director was auditioning young girls to star in his movie.

The caller thought Quvenzhane would be perfect for the role, but Mrs. Wallis wasn't sure. It was true that people always said her daughter had a special gift. But nazie's parents considered her just a normal, active imaginative child.

When Mrs. Wallis asked her daughter if she would like to audition, Nazie said yes. They went to the library where auditions were being held for the movie Beasts of the Southern wild.

It turned out to be a trip that would change Nazie's life forever. Director Benh Zeitlin immediately saw the special quality in Nazie that others had seen. He chose her from among 4,000 others who had auditioned for the role of Hushpuppy.

It was Nazie's first acting role and Zeitlin's first full-length film. In the film, Nazie plays a courageous little girl. She tries to save her dying father and her neighbors. Audiences fell in love with. Beasts and especially with its young star.

The film won awards at Utah's 2012 Sundance Film Festival and France's Cannes Film Festival. Zeitlin was pleasantly shocked, but the praise didn't stop there. The film continued to receive many more awards.

In addition, it received four Academy Award nominations, including one for Bet Actress. The nomination made 9-year-old Quvenzhane the  youngest actress to ever be considered. Een though she didn't win, movie offers still came pouring in. Audiences got just a taste of quvenzhane's  talent as Hushpuppy. And now they are anxious to see more from this talented, young actress.

Grammar Gym:
but the praise didn't stop there.
(something) didn't stop there. - something does not end but continues on.
Tiffany had a lot of problems at work, her computer broke down, she lost her files and got yelled at by her clients and her boss, but her problems didn't stop there.
On her birthday, Annie's friends took her out to breakfast and gave her lots of presents; but the surprises didn't stop there.

Vocabulary Tips:
ideal (adj.) - something very wonderful, perfect, always dream for it. 理想的，最佳的，完美的。
*This apartment is ideal for newlyweds.
*Frank is the ideal person to take the position.
ideally  (adv.) - 理想地。
*The car is ideally suited for families.
audition (v) - people go to try on the roll for a movie or a commercial. 试镜 , 为何而试镜用for。
*Dancers from around the country came here to audition for the musical.
audition (n) - 试镜。
*The audition only took me three minutes.
imaginative - very creative, think different with others.
imagine (v) -想象
*The author's imaginative stories attracted many readers' attention. 富有想象力的，富有创造力的。
imagination (n) -想象力。
beast  (n) - big animal that very wild. 野兽。
*The lion is the king of beasts. 兽中之王。
*The aboriginals used fire to keep the beasts away from them. 原住民。
*The football player worked out so much that he was as strong as a beast.
immediately - right away, do it quickly.立刻地，马上地
*When Wesley got his girlfriend's call, he rushed out of the door immediately.
immediate -立即，马上。
*Immediate action must be taken to stop the chaos.混乱。
courageous (adj) -勇敢的，有勇气的。
*It was courageous of you to go inside the burning house to save the boy.
*Your decision to study abroad is courageous.
courage (n) -勇气。
*Derek didn't have courage to ask Molly out.
pour in - 'pour' -倒。 倾倒，倒水。此指“大量的涌入”。
*She poured some hot water in the cups.
taste -尝试，品味。
*Fan letters poured in after the band released their first album.
*Audiences got just a taste of Quvenzhane's talent as Hushpuppy.
taste - short enjoyment or experience. 短暂的尝试或体验。
*the camping trip was the boy's first taste of freedom.

Language Tips:
Quvenzhane Wallis - 1960 年后，非洲裔的人常用非洲语言，或回教，或阿拉伯文化来为小孩命名，不同于一般的美英国家的英文名那么耳熟名详，通俗化。
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"ough" - sound out at least 6 different ways, such as:
though - even though.
thought - think.
through - pass over.
rough - not smooth.
cough - sound come out from mouth when you chock.
bough - (n), sound (bou) - a main branch of a tree.
All "ough" are sound not the same from each. 英文并不是都是很有规则的。



Notes taking of StudioClassroom.

Mumford & Sons

Meet the Gentlemen of the Road
蒙福之子樂團 －來見識蒙福之子樂團.

If you haven't heard Mumford & Sons, get online now, and they will blow your mind. Check out the songs "the Cave" or "I Will Wait." Done? Maybe now you have an idea of how an infectious sound can spring a young British band to amazing heights. The group earned two 2013 Grammy awards, and in 2012 their album Babel had the second highest new album sales. But Mumford's four unrelated members offer more than that they invite you to join them.

The Mumford Family Tree
They make fans feel at home and strive to make their music accessible online, keep ticket prices low and tour as much as possible. "We're pretty intent on touring for the rest of our lives, really." claims Marcus Mumford, and they're already traveled around the U.S. 10 times. Their variety of locations also lets them grow the Mumford family tree, ranging from outdoor festival audiences of thousands upon thousands to smaller gatherings at indoor clubs. That's probably why throngs of American teens and British Prime Minister David Cameron, who requested they perform at White House, name them their favorite band.

Roots Across Borders
These London locals clearly have major followings in their home country and in the U.S. , but what is it that appeals to both? The reason might well be that their style takes its cues more from American flavors than British. Folk and bluegrass tour companions and recording in Nashville, Tennessee, America's country capital, may have won them their Best Americana Album Grammy nomination this year. At the same time, you can find allusions to Shakespeare, The Odyssey and the Bible in their music - there truly is something for everyone.

If they would claim anything about their style, it might be summed up in this, "We're more about people than music." They don't even like the distinction between band and audience but would rather that bother be considered as one whole, one family. For now, Mumford & Sons just want to keep up their energy, their creativity and the relationships they've found on the road. "I feel like we've got a lot more to say. We haven't said a third of it, a half of it, an eighth of it yet." Marcus says. This writer, for one, can't wait to hear more.

Grammar Gym:
"This writer, for one, can't wait to hear more."
" for one " - one example out of many.
Many people weren't impressed by the speaker, I, for one, think his talk was too long.
"one " - we also can use on when we talk about thing and situation.
My day just din't go smoothly, for one, I overslept and was late for work.
I don't think you should take that job; for one, the pay is so low and the hours are horrible.


Vocabulary Tips:
blow one's mind -surprised people, blow people's mind, out of people's thinking.让人吓一跳的，使人惊讶不已的。 'blow' -吹
*The movie's special effects will blow your mind.
*The circus performance really blew the audience's mind.令观众叹为观止的。
infectious - infect, body get infected, became sick.传染的，具有传染性的
*This highly infectious disease was finally controlled.高度传染的疾病。。。
*The patient is infectious and is already isolated.　这具有传染性的病人。。。隔离。
infectious -Florence, catch people's heart. refer to music can be infectious, catch you that make you want to hear more. 有感染力的。
Kelly's optimism is infectious.。。乐观很有感染力。
intent -determine to do something. 下定决心，或是一心想要的。
be intent on something (noun, v+ing )
*Peter is intent on winning the championship.
*Sherry is intent on opening her own business.
throng-  intensely pack of groups of people.　一大群的。
*Throngs of fans fathered outside the stadium to see their favorite players.
throng -蜂拥，涌向。。
*Loyal customers thronged to the store to buy the latest version of the iPad.
Something of Son = something of Co., something of company. (some other state saying)
check out something -check something out, look up, something to look at.
amazing heights - from nothing (no body known to well known) every house knows about them.令人难以想象的高知名度。
ranging from.....  to ......- to describe all kind of people, all ages.　范围从。。。到。。。。
folk- here refer to 'a type of music - folk music（民谣）.'大家的，通俗的，民间的。
*Ellen learned folk dancing from her grandparents. 土风舞
*The lyrics of the folk songs are so melancholic. 民谣歌曲的歌词 好悲伤的
folk -人们，大家 （很口语的）
*These folks are from New Orleans. 这些人来自。。。
allusion (n) - 暗指，言及，引喻，引述。间接的提及或引喻。
allude (v) -imply.
allusion to - 间接的提及或引喻什么，暗示什么。要接“to”。
*The novel is full of allusions to Hemingway's work. 有。。影子。
*Jason made no allusion to the reasons for his resignation. 任何动态或理由
sum up (v) - summary (n), summarize, say a long story in a short way.
summed up -make it shorter.简而言之，概刮而论。sum -总计，总结。
*Debra summed up her vacation with her parents in one word: 'Miserable.' 悲惨
distinction -difference,separate from...分别，区别或差异，
*There are obvious distinctions between a professional actor and an amateur. 业余者
make a distinction - make a difference from ...做区别，做差异，有不同。
*The company makes no distinction between genders and racial backgrounds.性别，种族，背景
might will be - only a possibility, not truly sure..
cues -take in advise, suggestion...
country - here is not refer to a name or a place. here is refer to a type of music called " country music in American"
capital - refer to the country music source from.
Americana - any thing related or refer to America.
about - really care about that things. is the main meaning or goal of something.
this writer - if you don't want to let other reader to know that you wrote the article, not show your name, you  can write " this writer" instead of you.
for one - one example of many.

Language Tips:
go on tour / go on a tour -中间只差一个字，但意思大不相同。
go on tour -巡回（演出）
go on a tour -有专员陪同讲解的导览。。
Mumford & Sons go on tour to preform their music.
tour guide / travel guide -　注意二者意思差很大。
tour guide -指（人），导游
travel guide -指（书）旅游指南
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allusion:暗指，言及，引喻，引述。有些典故是由圣经中引述出来的，是圣经中引喻。
the Garden of Eden -伊甸园（圣经中提及的）现指‘任何美好的地方。’
Goliath -歌利亚，出自圣经旧约，大卫杀死巨人歌利亚的故事。现引喻‘任何一个巨人，或巨大的组织，公司等。
The Good Samaritan -出自圣经新约中有关一个商人被人打伤，好心的Samaritan 带他去旅店疗伤并且照料他的典故。
a good Samaritan - 现指“任何一个行善的人。”
Armageddon -圣经新约最后一卷提及的世界末日时的一场大战。现被引用为‘任何一场大的战争或大的患难。


Note taking of StudioClassroom

Orioles Pitcher Chen Wei-Yin

Durable is Chen’s middle name

「鶯」雄投手陳偉殷 - 耐力十足的陳偉殷.

When you're a lefty born into a traditional Taiwanese family, you might get scolded a few times for eating with the wrong hand. But what if that lefty grows up to use that same hand to pitch in Major League Baseball (MLB)? That happened to none other than baseball hero Chen Wei-Yin (陈伟殷 )! This 27- year-old major league sensation has quite a track record.

He played in the Olympics twice representing Chinese Taipie. In 2009 he became one of the best starting pitchers in the Japanese Central League with an emphatic earned run average (ERA) of 1.54. This is a fancy way of saying not many batters could do their job when Chen was on the mound.

In 2012, during his first season pitching for the American League of MLB, he started 32 games and pitched 192 2/3 innings. And on October 8, 2012, he became the first Taiwanese pitcher to claim victory in an MLS postseason debut.

But what's with those numbers? They're just statistics, right? Wrong. They testify to one trait of this made-in-Taiwan Orioles pitcher - durability. Not many pitchers can pitch game after game like he does without breaking down!

Eye on the ball

Chen's parents weren't always the biggest fans of him throwing baseballs around, regardless of how big their neighborhood alley was. One too many broken windows, bruises on grandma and a big brother's black eye caused Chen's family to clamp down on his ball-throwing activities. Still, his mother saw some sense in letting him play ball in the club at school. By the time he was in high school. Chen's dream of joining the major leagues began to form.

Playing with the big boys

That dream became a reality in 2012. However, he received a rude awakening on April 10, 2012, during his MLS start, which was a game against the Yankees. Derek Jeter, the first batter, hit a home run! While the Orioles lost that game, Chen had the most wins, game appearances and strikeouts of any pitcher for the Orioles last season. 

Not to mention their entry into the playoffs -a feat they hadn't accomplished since 1997 - came after he was on board. "My responsibility.... is to make every pitch my best. My ultimate goal is to do the best for my team in every game." His reputation as "a man you can trust" has definitely been well-earned.

Grammar Gym:

"But what's with those numbers?"

"what's with " - why something is there or why something is the way it is. it is a casual way to ask whenever you feel that something is special or unusual.

What's with these boxes? (when you see your roommate who suddenly brought in a lot of boxes.)

What's with that nice outfit today? ( a person never dress up and wear very nice.)

Vocabulary Tips:

lefty - a person is left handed, we give a nick name of "lefty". but we can't say "righty" for person whoever is right handed. 左撇子。

* He is lefty but he can write with his right hand.

* This store sells all kinds of tools for a lefty.

lefty -特别是指用左手投球，打击的投手和打者。

*George is such a strong lefty that most batters miss his pitches.

emphatic - stand out, very impressive. 突出，凸出的，明显的。

*The emphatic success of the band's last album inspired the band to create their next one. 有目共睹的成就。。激发创作下一个专辑。

emphatic -emphasis about something。强调，坚定的。

*Tina's emphatic refusal to Josh's proposal really hut him. 断然拒绝。。

debut - (t)-不发音。 first time perform in the public.

*Tonight's performance was this young singer's debut.

*This world-renowned model made her debut at a high school fashion show.

durability (n) - can last long, strong and can stand  in a difficult situation. 耐用度，持久力。坚固。

*German cars are characterized by their fine engineering and durability.

durable (adj)-lat long. 耐用的，持久的，坚固的。

*The boots are strong and durable. 坚固又耐穿。

none other than - He is the only one, describe this person how important or special.

track record - success or failure events someone have made in his life.

* He has a good track record. He doesn't have track record. How is this person's track record?

post season - only outstanding baseball player have chance to play in post season.

testify - test it and prove it.

break down - feel weak, clapped-out. torn.　坍塌，崩溃。

oriole - 金鹰，白头翁的小鸟。

regardless of - not matter what. 不顾，不管，不论。。+ 名词片语。

*These rescuers will climb to the top of the mountain regardless of the danger.

*We will finish the project regardless of how much time it takes us.

clamp down on - you do something too much, set up a limitation that limited your free time on it, you got less time to play the game.强力的限制，强力的压制。

*The governor's attempt to clamp down on smuggling didn't succeed.。尝试着极力强制 走私

*The school's effort to clamp down on drop-outs really worked.

feat -something is not easy to do but you accomplished well.功勋，功绩，英勇事迹。

*The police officer received a medal because of his heroic feat.

*The manager accomplished a marvelous feat by raising the sales figures 4% within 3 months.惊人创举。。

ultimate -main, the most important, the final.最终的，终极的。

*The ultimate goal of the course is to help trainees develop a healthy life style.课程。。最终的目标，目的。。学员。。发展出健康的生活方式。

*Winning a medal at the Olympic Games is his ultimate challenge.赢得。。 锦标。。终极挑战。

eye on the ball - really focus on the ball. pay attention on the ball.

alley -  event 活动。small street. （小巷，小街）

play ball - slam word, means "play baseball"

rude awakening - something isn't expected, something is not what as you thought will be, wildly give attention. 爆发性的被提醒，强烈的醒悟。。

appearance - show up that people can see you. ( Chen show on on the filed very often)

playoff - same meaning as "postseason". (postseason=playoff)

on board - join the team, get on the boat.

Language Tips:

first name/ middle name/last name - 名/  字（中间的名字）/姓

first name - such as studio classroom teachers, name Steve, Ken, Gabe, Michelle...those are first name.

middle name -only appear to the legal, important document, usually you don't see it often.

last name - because place in the last, so call "last name" 

surname, family name are same meaning as last name.

middle name - （口语的）指某人的特性或强项，就会说“my middle name is diligent"

Patience is (his/ her/ my) middle name -很有耐心是。。。强项（特点）

Durable is Chen's middle name. 耐力十足是陈的强项（特点）

durable - 耐力十足的。

---------------------------------------------------------------------

fan /fans - 迷，（歌迷，戏迷，喜欢）（台湾或中国人所谓的“粉丝”）

I am your fan.（要用单数）不可用fens （复数）

Those people are Chen's fans.

The biggest fans of him throwing baseballs around.

groupie - mush strong reaction that " fan", nearly crazy.  比" fan"　来的还要痴迷，还要疯狂。所谓的“迷哥，迷姐”之类的。

Taking note of study "Studio Classroom"

Maya Moore - Reaching for the Heights

This amazing young basketball player is taking the game and her life to a new level

奧運籃球金牌選手之路 - 這位神奇的年輕籃球員，把籃球這項運動以及自己的 人生帶向新的境界.

Success seems to find Maya Moore everywhere she goes. But life hasn't been a bed of roses for Maya and her biggest supporter, her mother. The path to success required a lot of hard work and sacrifice.

More than teammates

Maya discovered her love of basketball in 1997 at the age of 8. That was the year the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) began holding games. The young girl watched WNBA star Cynthia Cooper play in the Olympics. Maya dreamed that she, too, could one day compete in the Olympics.

Three years later her mother, Kathryn, was offered a better job in North Carolina. Kathryn decided to make the move from Missouri because North Carolina provided greater basketball opportunities. Sadly, in under two months the company downsized, and Kathryn lost her job. She remembers, "It was a bad, bad time." Maya says the difficulties brought them closer, and she praises her mom. "She's more than a teammate. I know she's going to be on my side."

A winning partnership
About a year later, mother and daughter moved to Georgia, where Maya continued to play basketball. In high school she had the opportunity to play basketball against some of the nation's best players. The competition improved her skills. Maya led her team to 125 victories and three state championships. During this time, she was named the national player of the year twice.

Universities competed to recruit her for their women's basketball programs. Maya and her mother approached the college decision like they did everything, with careful consideration, Maya chose the University of Connecticut.

In her four years at the University of Connecticut, she led the school to a 150 and 4 record. After graduating in 2011, Maya was the first choice of the professional team the Minnesota Lynx. She rewarded them with the 2011 WNBA title and was named rookie of the year.

No wonder man call Maya one of the best to ever play the game! Maya was chosen to play on the 2012 U.S.A. Olympic basketball team. She and her teammates went on to win the gold medal

A giving nature
Though she found success in basketball, Maya cares about much more than just the game. Everyone agrees that she strives to show respect to her mother.

While in high school, Maya worked hard and was an honor student. She also spent much of her free time mentoring kids who needed help. She spent her days off taking children to amusement parks or feeding the hungry.

According to her high school coach Tracey Tipton Maya is motivated most by her belief in God. "She wants to make a difference in the lives of people around her." says Tipton. Maya offers young people the following suggestion. "Surround yourself with winners... Surround yourself with people who have good character.... And just work your hardest."

Those are wise words to live and win by!

Grammar Gym:
"Those are wise words to live and win by!"
"by" - how something is done. (依循）
Before the game begins, each player will be given the rules to play by.
All new employees must learn the work procedure that everyone has to go by.

Vocabulary Tips:

bed of roses - bed with full of roses, a very relax and ease life.用玫瑰铺出来的床，意即“称心如意的境况”。

*Marriage isn't always a bed of roses, it takes patience and perseverance.

*It is definitely no bed of roses to manage such a big staff.

association - associate with each other.协会。

*NBA - National Basketball Association.美国职篮联盟协会。

* Taiwan Visitors' Association.

associate -联盟。联合，使产生联系。

*People tend to associate entertainers with extravagant lifestyles.

opportunity / chance -机会

opportunity -（通常指好的）机会

chance -机会，指好的，也指坏的。不一定都是好事。

*This homestay program gives students opportunities to study abroad.

downsize -缩小范围，减缩，减小规模。

down -向下，往下。

size -大小，尺码。

*The company's stock price dropped 5% when the president announced the decision to downsize.

*Once their children leave home, many couples downsize from a big house to something smaller.

teammate - someone else in your team.

hold - carry things with your hand, but here is " you have a game or party going".
partnership -someone work with you and has same level and same burden and same responsibilities.合作关系，合伙关系。
*The partnership between these two companies brought in a great profit.
go into partnership with someone -和某个对象合伙。
*Lawrence went into partnership with his college pal.
championship - game for gaining the winning title.冠军的称号，冠军的头衔。
*The two teams will fight for the NFL championship tonight.
championship / champion :
championship -冠军的头衔
champion - the winner. 个到优胜冠军的人。
*The champion will take home a brand new car.
approach -对待或是着手处理的。
*We'd better approach this sensitive matter with great tact. 。最好是要很有技巧的处理对待这敏感事件。
approach -接近。
*The police approached the stolen car carefully.
consideration -仔细考虑，斟酌
*We have to take into consideration the benefits for our kids when making the decision.仔细斟酌考量。
consideration - 体谅。
*Ted shows no consideration for others.
considerate person  - person who is very kind and care for others.
rookie - not having experience, usually refer to the first year of high school or college.
of the year / of the month / of the week - show appreciation to someone for that year/month/week.
lead something to - led something to..., or led people to, let the situation to ...
WNBA - 美职业女篮联盟协会。
honor student - outstanding student. 模范生。"honor"- 荣誉
*Simon not only is an honor student, he also plays in the band.
honor roll- 模范生的名单或行列。
*Peter's name always appears on the honor roll.
mentor (n)- a person who help you and give you advise.
*My coach is my mentor. He taught me how to be strong and confident.
mentor (v)- help and give advise.
*The professor has mentored many young doctors.
motivate (v)- cause you to do something or be one of them. try to do something.给与动机，激励。
*I am greatly motivated by Ang Lee's accomplishments.
motivation (n) -动机，动力。
*The kid lacks the motivation to excel. 追求卓越的动机（力）
surround -all around you, not just on your sides or front and back.包围，围绕。
*As soon as they appeared in the airport, the band was surrounded by fans.
surrounding - the area near by.周遭的，附近的。
*The surrounding area of the mansion is protected by a security system.
go on to something - to continue in something which has already being good. to fulfill the dream.
nature (n) - mountain, river, tree flower etc. here refer to "born with some kind of character. 大自然。天生本性，天然性格。
friendly nature, giving nature.
*It's not his nature to be late. (he always on time)
strive - not easy, work hard to..努力
amusement park -游乐园。 amusement (n) -娱乐，乐趣，快乐可笑滑稽好玩。

Language Tips:

be on my side -站在我这边，支持我的。

I'm in your corner -站在你的角落，支持你。（拳击比赛中，站在一起对付共同的敌人。）

I got your back -我会帮你注意你的背后，意即“我来，我会掩护你，支持你，做你的后盾。“

I've got you covered.-我已替你付了钱；我会罩着你；或是我已照应了，支持你。

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vertical leap -从一个半蹲的姿势直接的向上弹跳。（要求球员有快速弹跳的爆发力）
quick muscle reflex -快速肌肉反射。
peripheral vision -周边视力。（眼睛所看到的中心视野之外的东西）
peripheral -周边,周围。
vision -视力
------------------------------------------------------------------------
muscle memory -practice more and more until it become a part of your body muscle , without thinking your body and your muscle can perform the work. 经常练习，直到它成为你自身肌肉的一部分， 如骑脚踏车，弹琴，画画，投篮等，不需思考，自然就表现出来了。
perfect practice makes perfect.-一般说来是practice makes perfect. 但是若是没有正确合宜的练习，是无法达到完美的。，要注意正确合宜的练习，久了才能达到完美无误的表现。
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maya Moor suggestion: "Surround yourself with winners... Surround yourself with people who have good character.... And just work your hardest." 

Those are wise words to live and win by! 会让我们变得更好。

Taking  note of study "Studio Classroom"

Margaret E. Knight

Meet a woman whose ingenuity still affects our lives today
大發明家瑪格麗特 E. 奈 特 - 來見識這位發明才能至今仍影響人類 生活的女性.

No one could have predicted that a baby girl born on February 14, 1838, in the cold northern state of Maine would revolutionize the world. Yet, that is what Margaret Knight did . She was not wealthy, received little education and lived at a time when women were not expected to accomplish much.

Nevertheless, Knight's intelligence, effort and  persistence enabled her to invent many devices with great significance for her own time and for our lives today. Knight lived during a time when factories were springing up all over the United States and manufacturing was booming. Her father died when she was 10 years old, so she like many young women of her day, began working in a textile  mill.

When she was 12, Knight witnessed an accident in which a component of one of the machines flew off, seriously injuring a worker. Horrified, she determined to devise a way to prevent such accidents in the future. Knight designed a safety feature that would stop the machines if something got caught in them. The device soon became common in textile mills and is still used in some factories to this day.

Although factories were eager to adopt her first invention, Knight did not receive much in the way of compensation for her effort. Because of her youth and her family's lack of education, Knight was unable to patent her safety device to earn a profit from selling it. But Knight did patent many of her later inventions, including one of her most enduring creations - a machine for producing flat-bottomed paper bags.

In Knight's day, paper bags were shaped like envelopes, which made them difficult to fill. While working at a paper bag factory, Knight conceived of bags with flat, rectangular bottoms that would be stronger and more practical. Then she endeavored to invent a machine that would manufacture them, and she succeeded. Knight's one machine could perform the work of 30 people, cutting, folding and gluing the bags together.

Knight worked for months to perfect her masterpiece, but when she applied for a patent, one was already on file! A man named Charles Annan had seen an early prototype of Knight's idea and had attempted to patent the machine as his own.

Knight insisted that the patent should be hers and ended up taking Annan to court. During the case, Annan argued that a woman would not be able to invent such a complex and innovative machine. But Knight provided evidence proving that the device rightfully belonged to her and received the patent in 1871.

Knight then founded the Eastern Paper Bag Company, a business that would utilize her new machines. But invention remained her primary work, and Knight didn't limit her ideas to a single industry. In her lifetime, Knight received at least 27 patents, and some sources claim she invented over eighty devices. These include several machines designed to help with shoe manufacturing, a numbering machine, a clasp, a skirt protector and several improvements to her paper bag machine. She continued inventing things into her sixties, even patenting some designs for rotary engines.

Knight died in 1914, and on her death one newspaper described her as a "woman Edison," At a time when women's intelligence was often underestimated, this mechanical genius proved that women too could develop innovative ideas that would shape the future of manufacturing.

Grammar Gym:
".....factories were springing up all over the United States."
"spring up " - "to appear and usually in a very quick way."
When the park was opened to the public, hotels and motels began to spring up nearby.
Shops and restaurants were springing up along the beach as the place became more popular.

Vocabulary Tips:
ingenuity -very creative in thinking.　独创性，别出心裁，发明的才能，创意。
*The girl showed ingenuity in her paintings.
*We were amazed by the artist's ingenuity.
persistence -坚持，毅力，契而不舎。
*The tennis player's persistence and hard work contributed to his success today.
persist (v) -坚持。
persist in -在那方面坚持用（ｉｎ）。
*If you persist in that behavior, I'll take away your computer privileges.
textile mill -纺织工厂。
textile -纺织或纺织品。
mill -　工厂。
*Patrick used to work in a textile mill when he was young.
a steel mill -铁工厂。
a cotton mill -棉花工厂。
component - a piece or a part of something. parts (fancy word)　零件，成份。
*Fresh fruit and vegetables are important components of a healthy diet.。。　重要成份。
*Most of the car's components were made in Germany.　车零件。。。
revolutionize - change something for better.　改革，革新，革命。
nevertheless - despise, even so. something did not look good, still...
boom -a loud voice like thunder, here means something successful, growing, increase..
horrified - terrified. (emotional feel)
devise (v) vs. device (n) -
devise (v)- design, come out with something, create.
device (n) - an item. a product, a thing.
adopt - make it your own.
in the way of something - something as idea, experience or compensation.
compensation - get back in turn of what you give.报酬，津贴，补偿金。
*Nathan claimed compensation for his surgery. claim -申请。
*Ricky received $10,000 in compensation for his injury.
in ( someone's ) day - in her day, in my grandfather's day...在（某某人）那个年代。
conceive -pregnant, or some idea in mind.怀孕，也指构思，设想，孕育，酝酿。  "ceive" -有“接受”之意。
*The idea of platform computers was conceived many year ago.酝酿经年（以久）
*The novel's plot was conceived during a trip to Rome.
endeavor (v)- put afford to carry out the idea.尽力，努力。
*The CEO endeavored to save the company but failed.
endeavor (n)- 尽力，努力
*Helen's endeavors to win the case proved to be successful.
on file -already been recorded.存档的，有档案可查的。　  "file" -档案。
*I'm sure my application is on file already.有记录可查了。
*You should keep this document on file for future reference.未来的参考
prototype - 原型，原形，标准，模范。
patent - give you rights to protect the product, work or invention idea who created or made.专利。
copyright - same idea as patent to protect singer, writer, composer etc works. 　版权。
innovative -create, inventing new things.创新，革新，有创新精神的。
*The innovative design of this computer system won several international awards.
innovation (n)- 改革，新的方法。
*an innovation of telecommunications.-　电信通讯的创新之举。
utilize (v)-to put something to use.使用，利用，运用。 "uti" -有“使用”之意。
*The power plant utilizes wind power to generate electricity.
utilization -使用，利用，运用
*Howard is skilled in the utilization of different kinds of software.。。　利用不同的软体非常得心应手。
clasp - bring two things connect  together.栓扣，扣子。
*The belt's clasp was handmade.皮带的栓扣。。
clasp -紧握（手），紧紧地拥抱。
*The host of the banquet gave me a warm clasp when he greeted me.
under -在。。之下。
estimate -评估，估计，估价。
underestimate - give low estimate.　低估。
*Never underestimate the influence of the media.。。。地估了媒体的影响力。
underestimation (n)-低估
*The underestimation of the raw materials' price caused serious problems.
claim - says that is yours.

Language Tips:
Margaret Knight received little education.
little education - 一点点，几乎没有。。。
a little education - 一些些，还有些。。。
a little / little -　（a little 正面）／（little 负面）
a little -有一点。有一些，比较乐观的想法或看法。
I have a little money.　我有一点钱。
little -　没什么，根本就没有，很少一点点，有等于无。
I have little money.　我没什么钱。
a few / few -（a few 正面）／（few 负面）
a few -不少，有一些。
A few friends came to see him.有些朋友来看他。
few -没什么，几乎没有。
Few friends came to see him.－几乎没什么朋友来看他。
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eager/anxious -渴望的，迫不及待的。
eager -比较正面，渴望，巴望。。
anxious -较负面，带有忧虑，焦虑的巴望，渴望。from "anxiety".
anxiety -焦虑。
I'm anxious to see my son. (when he is not home when he should be).孩子在该回家时不见人影，是焦虑的盼望，渴望。
I'm eager to see my friends.一般没什么特殊关系，特殊事情，都用"eager",而不用“ anxious”，避免混肴。
Not say: " I'm anxious to see my friends" unless in some specific situation.
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a woman Edison -　比喻为女爱迪生。
allusion -运用文学典故，或历史背景，来比喻。
illusion -　假象。
allusion -　运用文学典故，可用历史知名人士或发生的历史著名的战事，史事来比喻。
Waterloo -　滑铁卢即是一例，提到滑铁卢就会连想起拿破仑的最后一战。

Taking notes of study "Studio Classroom"

U-KISS: Conquering the World Music Scene

These K-pop stars have a global audience in mind
U-KISS：征服世界樂壇 - 這些韓流巨星想要贏得全球聽眾的喜愛.

Amidst the many successful Korean boy bands, U-KISS is rising to the top - at home and abroad. U-KISS stands for "Ubiquitous Korean International idol Super Star." a fitting name for this world-famous group. They were created by NH Media and got their start in 2008. A little bit pop, dance and R & B, U-KISS sound is modern and catchy. Their first single was "Not Young." an unusual title for a group in their late-teens, and early 20s. But age wasn't a problem for the members of U-KISS; in 2009 their single "Man Man Ha Ni" spurred them on to success. They've been famous ever since.

An international star
From the beginning, U-KISS was created for an international audience. Although the seven members are all Korean. U-KISS was a joint project between Korean and Japanese media groups. And the members have a skill most other K-Pop  bands don't possess: They're multilingual. Several of them have lived and studied overseas. Among them, they can speak Korean, English, Japanese and Mandarin, thus winning them a wide audience in Asia.

Going global
International fans are important to U-KISS as the group has demonstrated throughout its career. In 2011 the members spent three months in Japan preparing for the release of their album Neverland to Japanese audiences. They worked on choreography that Japanese fans could identify with. They also learned Japanese so they could sing and rap in their audience's native language. In 2012 their Japan tour attracted 25,000 fans. The group has also toured in the Philippines, and two members were featured in a TV drama in Thailand.


In 2012 U-KISS became the first K-pop group to hold a fan meeting in Cambodia. They began the day by making a surprise visit to a school on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. There they played with the kids and passed out baseball equipment. Then they held a meeting for their Cambodian fans. Five thousand people showed up, including the prim minister of Cambodia and his family!

U-KISS will continue to tour and perform internationally as their fame grows. Korea may be their home, but they sing for a worldwide audience.

Grammar Gym
.....the members have a skill most other K-pop bands don't possess: they're multilingual.
": " - after ":" have more information wants to give out or there are some reasons given.
There is a reason why John doesn't want to go into the pool : He can't swim.
Trent and Ashley make the announcement yesterday : they're finally getting married!

Vocabulary Tips:
amidst -in the middle of something, among.在什么什么之中。
*My missing mobile phone was finally found amidst piles of books.
*Amdst many contestants, Renee stands out as the most talented.在许多参赛者中。。。
*A deer admist the flower bed. 在花田中。
spur on - press on, push from behind. 激励，鞭策。刺激。
*spurred / spurring -
*The rise of the stock market spurred on the real estate market.。。。刺激房市。
*Spurred on by the success of their previous album, the band will release another album next month.
join (adj)- 联合的，共同的。
*U-KISS was a joint project between Korean and Japanese media groups.
*The joint project of the two companies was a great success.
join (n)-关节，结合点。
*The joint of his left knee got hurt when he went hiking.
possess - to have.拥有。具有。
*Annie possesses a keen sense of fashion.
possession (n)- what you have. 财产，东西。
*The man was charged with illegal possession of weapons.被控非法持有武器。
conquer - overcome, win the challenge.
Love conquers all.
rise to the top - oil came out of water to the top. or rise above it.
Good students raise to the top.
abroad - not home, oversee.
ubiquitous - see it anywhere.
fitting - just right. is appropriate.
catchy - very easy to catch, easy to pick up and sing.
multilingual - many languages.
multi - many.
lingual -language.
going global - to reach to the whole world, all nations. 迈向全球化。
go - 朝向某方向，或方位进行。或是变为，成为。
*The company has decided to go international next year.
*Frank started going gray when he was only in his mid-30s.
choreography -编舞。（重音在'o'）many dancers dancing together.
*The choreography of the dance was very unique.
choreograph (v) -重音在第一音节。编舞
choreographer (n) -编舞者。
*The dance was choreographed by an award winning choreographer.
outskirts - not the center, is outside. the outside surrounding area of the city.城市外围，郊区，市郊。
*The factory was built on the outskirts of Chicago.
fame - became famous.（不可数名词） 名声。享誉。
famous - well known.有名的。
*a famous violinist.
show up - be there, be the place you said you will be. 出席。
identify with someone - understand, something in common. 认同，体会。
hold meeting - have meeting.
hold - hold something with your hand. or to have something.

Language Tips:
New Kids on the Block -街头玩童合唱团。（60年代熟知的）
boy band -男孩乐团。80 代才开始流行的称呼。
Jackson Five -早期的男孩乐团。
Backstreet Boys -早期的男孩乐团。
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the British invasion -英国入侵。早期，美人对英国的乐团由喜爱十分着迷。
hallyu - the Korean wave. 韩流，刮起韩流，美人对韩国的电视剧或乐团十分着迷。

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..

Alex Honnold – Rock Climber

This man climbs thousands of feet above the ground without a rope
攀岩好手艾力克斯?翰納 . 翰納可以不用繩索就攀離地面數 千英尺高

Why would someone climb straight up a steep rock face without a rope or safety equipment? According to Alex Honnold, who is known internationally for free soloing, it's no big deal! But many in the climbing community disagree. In fact, free soloing is so dangerous that less than 1 percent of climbers ever attempt it.

A natural interest
Honnold grew up in California around a climbing culture and started climbing at 10. He would go to a climbing gym six days a week for three hours a day. Honnold was a straight - A student in school. But climbing was his main interest, and free soloing quickly became his favorite style. Since those early days, the 27-year-old has made over a thousand climbs. He is considered by many to be the best climber in the world. Experienced climber John Long says over half of the well-known free solo climbers are dead. According to him, Honnold's greatest achievement is that he's still alive.

How does he do it?
Honnold climbs by fitting his fingers into the cracks of the rock face. With most of his weight supported by his fingers alone, he pulls himself up. However, his ability to stay focused is as important as his strength.
Other climbers agree that the fear of climbing without a rope is a huge challenge to overcome. Everyone know that a single mistake would probably be a fatal one.

Too dangerous?
One of Honnold's greatest achievements occurred in California's Yosemite National Park. He became the first free solo climber to scale the 2,000-foot northwest face of Half Dome. This and other climbs have made him famous, but along with praise comes lots of criticism. Many accuse him of taking too many risks. Honnold responds by saying, "I don't think I'll do this forever. But I don't think I'll stop because of the risk. I'll stop because I lose the love for it." For now he's continuing to follow his passion and climbing to new heights.

Grammar Tips:
This and other climbs have made him famous, but along with praise comes lots of criticism.
.......but along with .......comes.... ( something else different with first has mentioned.)
Winning the lottery gave Mr. Jenkins the financial security he wanted, but along with wealth came lots of unwanted attention.
The young actress' first few movies were well received, but along with success came lots of pressure from paparazzi.

Vocabulary Tips:
deal -决定，安排，交易。
big deal - very big problem. 事关重大的，了不起的事。
*It's no big deal for Eileen to quit her job. She never keeps a job over three months.
* " I got an A on today's math quiz." "Big deal! I get A's all the time." 好了不起哦（讥讽）意思是没什么了不起。
attempt - want to try it , or try to do it.尝试，企图。（企图或尝试 做某件事在attempt 后面加"to".
* These hikers attempted a climb up to the top of the cliff.
*Quincy attempted to get in contact with his high-school teacher, but failed.
Straight-A - consistently get "A" in all classes.
straight - continue without stop. 连续不断的。
*Eric is a straight-A student. He also plays on the football team.考试都得优等。。
*Tanya's straight-A report card surprised her parents.
free soloing - not use rope or any safety equipment to climb the rock, go higher and higher.
rock face - rock surface.
natural interest - "natural" - just happen, not we try to made it happen.
achievement - something very hard to do but you did it, and did well.
main - most important.
strength -力气，力量。 power.
*After the surgery, Glen didn't even have the strength to get out of bed.
*Charlie is building up his strength of his upper body muscles.
strength -优点，长处。
*A good understanding of English is Ricky's educational strength.
scale - climb. 攀爬，到达顶点。to scale is to climb.
*The mountaineers will scale Mt. Everest tomorrow.
*Gil and his friends are planning to scale this steep cliff next weekend. 攀爬。。
criticism - 批评，指责。rebuke you, not agree with you, think you are poorly or foolish and bad doing.
critic -评论家，鉴定家，苟评家，非难者。
*The new personnel policy drew a lot of criticism
*Sandy finds job performance criticism hard to take.
criticize (v)- 批评，指责
*The article strongly criticized the mayor's comments. 工作上的批评，指责，她难以接受。
crack - rock separates by rain or wind , has small tiny holes on the rock face.
challenge - put a lot of afford and energy, time to work, require a lot of attention to get to success.
fatal - cause to someone die.
could be - more likely will be...
praise - say good things about you.

Chat Room:
early days/early years -早期，早年。
early days - 童年，年轻时的岁月（日子）
the good old days - 过去留下美好回忆的那些日子（时光）。
good old days - 指“过去”的那些美好日子，时光，年代。
golden age - 可指“过去”也可指“未来”的“全胜时期”，在某个领域的黄金时代，或人的黄金岁月.
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high (adj)  / height (n)
high (adj.)- 高，高度 (adj)
The mountain is 3,000 meters high.
height -高度 (n)，高点。
The mountain's height is 3,000 meters.
height -顶峰，顶点。高点。巅峰。
In the height of summer -夏季的（顶）巅峰。
He reached the height of his career when he was 50. 达到他事业的巅峰。
heights - 人成功的巅峰是可以一再被自己突破的，height 所以加上“s ”。一般高度是固定的，不能被突破，height 所以没有“s ”。
For now he's continuing to follow his passion and climbing to new heights. 突破佳绩，再创新的佳绩。攀爬到新的高点。


Attention: 
This article by no means to encourage you to do the rock climbing. nor challenge any rock climber to try free soloing.