The Top of Europe 歐洲之巔Experience the best of the Alps in Switzerland's Jungfrau Region by Beth Bowyer Wei
Anyone who has traveled through Europe no doubt recalls its impressive landmarks, museums and historic sites. While Switzerland boasts its share of those attractions, the country’s spectacular natural beauty is what attracts tourists. The Jungfrau Region, with its breathtaking scenery, stands out as the most dramatic example of that beauty.
Located in central Switzerland, the Jungfrau Region draws over half a million tourists each year. The Alps’ most famous trio – the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau – dominates the area. These three massive snow-covered mountains and their surrounding valleys, waterfalls and lakes make the region an idyllic vacation destination.
The train ride of a lifetime
Trains and cable cars conveniently connect many of the region's villages, making it easy to see all the sights. At Kleine Scheidegg, a beautiful ski and hiking area, tourists board a cogwheel train for a thrilling climb to jungfraojoch. Europe's highest railway station. After offering amazing glacier views, the train enters a 7.3-km mountain tunnel. As the train creeps upward, the railroad's engineering-a 16-year construction effort-fascinates tourists.
Jungfraujoch
The train stops at two viewing stations within the tunnel, rewarding riders with stunning views of green valleys and snowy mountains. Finally, the train arrives at Jungfraujoch, "the top of Europe." The multilevel station sits at 3,454 meters in a winter wonderland between the jungfrau and the Monch. After enjoying the scenery from the station, tourists visit the Ice Palace, a group of rooms carved out of a glacier. Or they can take a husky-drawn sled ride through the snow.
Cheese, please!
Back near the base of the mountains, visitors continue to admire the region's beauty. Travelers can also please their taste buds with Switzerland's most famous food: cheese! Cheese fondue is a tourist favorite. Eating this dish involves dipping pieces of french bread into a pot of melted cheese. Another common dish is raclette cheese melted over potatoes and eaten with pickles. Suppentopf stew, a local favorite, contains beef and vegetables covered with-of course-Swiss cheese.
Whether visitors stay two days or two weeks, they'll always remember the spectacular sights and mouthwatering tastes of the Jungfrau Region.
Extra info.
Take train from Interlaken, to Wilderswil , Zwellutschinun and end at Lauterbrunnen. Then from Lauterbrunnen, to Wengwald and end at Wengen. From Wengen take hike to the green valley, beautiful flower field, and crystal clear lake of Kleine Scheidegg.
Grammar
While Switzerland boasts its share of those attractions, the country is spectacular natural beauty is what attracts tourists.
share:
1.to divide or use something with someone else. --
There aren't enough textbooks, so the students have to share.
2. a part of something-- While Switzerland boasts its part of those attractions, the country's spectacular natural beauty is what attracts tourists.
We have a lot of clean-up work to do, but if everyone does their share, we can get it all done in one day.
Although the inheritance was divided equally among the five sons, the oldest son believed he deserved a bigger share.
Vocabulary
scenery (n)-风景what you see when you travel, outside and around the area beautiful and natural.
The spectacular mountain scenery of Guilin can be seen in many Chinese paintings.
trio (n)-三人组成的一组,团队,三种东西组成一套的,In the late 1990s, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman were the most famous trio in basketball.
*The family business is run by a trio made up of the boss and his two sons.
*This jazz trio is quite famous in New York.
*The trio of swimmers each won medals in the freestyle and backstroke categories.
idyllic (adj)-如同田园诗般的. 悠然恬静的田园般的
The grassy spot under that beautiful tree is an idyllic place for a picnic.
*Many people moved from the city to the countryside to enjoy an idyllic life.
*The small idyllic village is only accessible by boat.
fascinate (v)-使人着迷的,使强烈的吸引
The toy's bright lights and interesting sounds fascinated the baby.深深吸引住
*Her singing fascinated the whole audience.
*Anything with numbers fascinates my son.
*The boy was fascinated by the toy train in the window.
train ride, cable car-connect with cable/ wire, a transportation, take people from bottom to the top
cogwheel-wheel has teeth. to moving.
stunning (adj)使吃惊,使惊奇的,极美的extremely attractive, very pretty.stun-令人震惊的, 了不起的 On her wedding day, Joyce wore a stunning white and silver gown.
*The stunning scene of the car accident still haunts him fifteen years later.
*She wore a stunning evening gown and captured everyone's eyes.
carve (v)-雕刻 cutting out -Vance gave his daughter a doll carved out of a piece of wood.
*The ice sculpture was carved outdoors.
carve out of something-用什么雕刻.
*This canoe was carved out of a tree trunk.
*The hostess carved the ham for the guests.
taste bud (n)-味蕾Located on the tongue, taste buds allow people to recognize different flavors.
stew (n)- similar to soup, cook for long time.炖煮.
For dinner, Mrs. Carter served a delicious vegetable stew full of carrots, potatoes and beans.
*Grandma's beef stew is quite famous in her neighborhood.
*Janet prepared a hearty bean stew for dinner.炖豆子
*We stewed the lamb with lots of onions.
fondue-dipping things into the melted cheese or chocolate pot. the melted cheese kept warm.
massive-another word to say "very huge, very big"
Chat Room
Trio- three...
a three-ring circus-三环马戏团. 是可同时提供三套节目的大马戏团.
three strikes and you're out!棒球-三好球出局.三次记过开除,用在任何方面,指三次几会成或败
The three Rs-reading 读, writing 写, arithmetic.算
----------------
高楼有些不同的名称:
multilevel (adj) station- a multistory station. not say " multifloor", say "multistory".多層的
multilevel =skyscraper- 刮到天上的东西scraper刮到,磨到 - 摩天大楼.
high rise (n) 二个字分开,名词,/ high-rise (adj)二个字之间有连接线连接,形容词 -高楼大厦
a high-rise apartment building.
tower-the Sears Towers- the Petronas twin Towers. 高楼,高塔,建筑上也可以有塔或钟楼.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Expressing Opinions
我有話要說How direct can you be? by Ruth Devlin
When Americans discuss ideas or express their opinions, they are often direct. They talk about good points and bad points. They disagree and may even argue about issues. These kinds of conversations contrast with discussions held in Chinese culture where mianzi (面子) is very important. Mianzi, or “face” in English, translates basically as respect or honor. In Chinese society, people can lose face, save face and give face. Losing face means bringing shame on oneself and others. This is done when a person shows anger or says negative things about others in public.
Why the difference? In general, Western cultures tend to be "individualistic" People place a lot of importance on public debate and freedom of expression. A personal sense of guilt guides one's behavior. When an adult makes a mistake his or her action involves only personal embarrassment.
There is no shame placed on one's family, company or country. Even though Westerners don't have conflict all the time, differences of opinion are accepted as a natural part of life.
Conversation A -Laura comes into the room
Hi, Laura, You look pretty upset. Yes, I just attended a very annoying meeting.
Why was it annoying? All we did was argue. No one agreed on anything.
Well, at least you know where everyone stands on the issues. That's true. But everyone has strong opinions, so we may never make a decision.
Who led the meeting? Jim, the guy who was supposed to lead it, didn't take charge.
So it was a disaster? Yes, I think I'll talk with him before the next meeting and encourage him to take control.
Good idea.
Conversation B-Jack hangs up the phone
Oh boy, I need to help the new guy in our office, Steve. Why?
Because he always says exactly what he thinks.What's wrong with that?
He's not sensitive. Being honest is good, but you have to be careful how you say things.
Yes, you do, or people won't have a very favorable opinion of you.
Steve needs to think before he speaks and consider the effect of his words.
Well, I hope you can help him understand the importance of tact. If you can't he's going to have a difficult time.
Grammar
These kinds of conversations contrast with discussions held in Chinese culture where mianzi is very important.
where-here is not for "place" is refer to " in which"
These kinds of conversations contrast with discussions held in Chinese culture in which mianzi is very important.
We have a situation in which no one is the winner.
We have a situation where no one is the winner.
The president created a program in which private companies could work with public agencies in helping the poor.
The president created a program where private companies could work with public agencies in helping the poor.
"where" and "in which" can interchangeable.
" where" is use in informal or verbal conversation, and "in which" is in formal situation.
Vocabulary
shame (n)-羞耻,耻辱Shame on you for cheating on the test!
*The student who cheated showed no shame for what he had done.
*His behavior brought shame on the whole company.
expression (n)- 表达,表示,表现,表情express (v)-表达
Our teacher Ms. Newport encourages expression of our opinions and ideas.
*Henry sent his girlfriend a bouquet of flowers as an expression of his love.
*The card is simply an expression of our gratitude.谢意
*She showed no expression when her boss fired her.无表情
guilt (n)- Marilyn is feeling a lot of guilt for running into your car.
embarrassment (n)- 不可数名词,难堪 embarrass-不好意思
It was a real embarrassment for everyone when Jack lost his temper at the party.
*He tried to hide his embarrassment by making jokes.
*The outcome of the basketball game was an embarrassment for the team, they lost by 30 points.
annoying (adj)-Cecily is so annoying. She talks all the time!
take charge (idiom)- take control, take responsibility.
After Mom took charge of the picnic, everything went well.
sensitive (adj)-Hank asks too many embarrassing questions. He's not sensitive to others' feelings.
*A good nanny should be sensitive to the baby's needs and know how to respond.
*Peter is a warm and sensitive husband.
*Brenda has very sensitive skin. She can't stay in the sun too long.
favorable (adj)-赞同德或称赞的。好评的。favor-偏爱，
Everyone has a favorable opinion of your idea, so let's do it! *The movie received favorable reviews from the critics.
*The new CEO has created a very favorable impression of the company.
tact-老练，机智，应对得体，圆滑He showed great tact during the negotiations.表现老练
* You need a lot of tact to deal with angry customers in the customer service.懂得应对
hang up-put back on something (the hoke, the phone).
upset-angry, sad, mad, not happy.
know where one's stands-truly know what people are thinking. know people's idea or opinion.
Chat Room
direct-直言不讳,直率的straight forward, frank (adj)坦白,坦率的, “Frank (n.)”
stop "beating around the bush” (idiom), get the point.说话不直接,拐弯抹角,(前猎人打猎,在灌木草丛的周边外围敲击,把猎物引出来不直接射猎.)
mince words-mince-cut meat into small pieces.把话切碎了说,避免太刺耳.说话不直接.
don't mince words-叫人"不要太含蓄,直接说." 比较有负面的意思.
-----------
So it was a disaster-灾难，很失败，夸张的表示任何一个失败的结果.dinner /dating was disaster.
disaster is something happen cause wide spread destruction. such as fire, plane crash, ship sink either nature（自然的） or man-made (人为的）.
disaster=catastrophe灾难=fiasco很大的失败，一次惨痛的经验=total failure.
Learn from this article: Watch what you say, but more important is that how you say it.
speak directly is fine but be sure speak with sensitive and respectful manner.
When Americans discuss ideas or express their opinions, they are often direct. They talk about good points and bad points. They disagree and may even argue about issues. These kinds of conversations contrast with discussions held in Chinese culture where mianzi (面子) is very important. Mianzi, or “face” in English, translates basically as respect or honor. In Chinese society, people can lose face, save face and give face. Losing face means bringing shame on oneself and others. This is done when a person shows anger or says negative things about others in public.
Why the difference? In general, Western cultures tend to be "individualistic" People place a lot of importance on public debate and freedom of expression. A personal sense of guilt guides one's behavior. When an adult makes a mistake his or her action involves only personal embarrassment.
There is no shame placed on one's family, company or country. Even though Westerners don't have conflict all the time, differences of opinion are accepted as a natural part of life.
Conversation A -Laura comes into the room
Hi, Laura, You look pretty upset. Yes, I just attended a very annoying meeting.
Why was it annoying? All we did was argue. No one agreed on anything.
Well, at least you know where everyone stands on the issues. That's true. But everyone has strong opinions, so we may never make a decision.
Who led the meeting? Jim, the guy who was supposed to lead it, didn't take charge.
So it was a disaster? Yes, I think I'll talk with him before the next meeting and encourage him to take control.
Good idea.
Conversation B-Jack hangs up the phone
Oh boy, I need to help the new guy in our office, Steve. Why?
Because he always says exactly what he thinks.What's wrong with that?
He's not sensitive. Being honest is good, but you have to be careful how you say things.
Yes, you do, or people won't have a very favorable opinion of you.
Steve needs to think before he speaks and consider the effect of his words.
Well, I hope you can help him understand the importance of tact. If you can't he's going to have a difficult time.
Grammar
These kinds of conversations contrast with discussions held in Chinese culture where mianzi is very important.
where-here is not for "place" is refer to " in which"
These kinds of conversations contrast with discussions held in Chinese culture in which mianzi is very important.
We have a situation in which no one is the winner.
We have a situation where no one is the winner.
The president created a program in which private companies could work with public agencies in helping the poor.
The president created a program where private companies could work with public agencies in helping the poor.
"where" and "in which" can interchangeable.
" where" is use in informal or verbal conversation, and "in which" is in formal situation.
Vocabulary
shame (n)-羞耻,耻辱Shame on you for cheating on the test!
*The student who cheated showed no shame for what he had done.
*His behavior brought shame on the whole company.
expression (n)- 表达,表示,表现,表情express (v)-表达
Our teacher Ms. Newport encourages expression of our opinions and ideas.
*Henry sent his girlfriend a bouquet of flowers as an expression of his love.
*The card is simply an expression of our gratitude.谢意
*She showed no expression when her boss fired her.无表情
guilt (n)- Marilyn is feeling a lot of guilt for running into your car.
embarrassment (n)- 不可数名词,难堪 embarrass-不好意思
It was a real embarrassment for everyone when Jack lost his temper at the party.
*He tried to hide his embarrassment by making jokes.
*The outcome of the basketball game was an embarrassment for the team, they lost by 30 points.
annoying (adj)-Cecily is so annoying. She talks all the time!
take charge (idiom)- take control, take responsibility.
After Mom took charge of the picnic, everything went well.
sensitive (adj)-Hank asks too many embarrassing questions. He's not sensitive to others' feelings.
*A good nanny should be sensitive to the baby's needs and know how to respond.
*Peter is a warm and sensitive husband.
*Brenda has very sensitive skin. She can't stay in the sun too long.
favorable (adj)-赞同德或称赞的。好评的。favor-偏爱，
Everyone has a favorable opinion of your idea, so let's do it! *The movie received favorable reviews from the critics.
*The new CEO has created a very favorable impression of the company.
tact-老练，机智，应对得体，圆滑He showed great tact during the negotiations.表现老练
* You need a lot of tact to deal with angry customers in the customer service.懂得应对
hang up-put back on something (the hoke, the phone).
upset-angry, sad, mad, not happy.
know where one's stands-truly know what people are thinking. know people's idea or opinion.
Chat Room
direct-直言不讳,直率的straight forward, frank (adj)坦白,坦率的, “Frank (n.)”
stop "beating around the bush” (idiom), get the point.说话不直接,拐弯抹角,(前猎人打猎,在灌木草丛的周边外围敲击,把猎物引出来不直接射猎.)
mince words-mince-cut meat into small pieces.把话切碎了说,避免太刺耳.说话不直接.
don't mince words-叫人"不要太含蓄,直接说." 比较有负面的意思.
-----------
So it was a disaster-灾难，很失败，夸张的表示任何一个失败的结果.dinner /dating was disaster.
disaster is something happen cause wide spread destruction. such as fire, plane crash, ship sink either nature（自然的） or man-made (人为的）.
disaster=catastrophe灾难=fiasco很大的失败，一次惨痛的经验=total failure.
Learn from this article: Watch what you say, but more important is that how you say it.
speak directly is fine but be sure speak with sensitive and respectful manner.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
HOW TO BE THE CEO OF YOUR LIFE-EVEN IN TODAY'S ECONOMY
MANAGE THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE BETTER做自己生命中的执行长-好好经营你的生活.
"For years, many people have felt the different parts iof their lives-jobs, families, personal time-are at odds and that there is nothing they can do about it." says Michigan State University distinguished professor Dr. Ellen Kossek, co-author of CEO of Me: Creating a Life that Works in the Fexible Job Age.
But even as work demands ratchet up, you can take steps even small ones-to self-manage your career and life, says Kossek. She's identified three main "flexstyles" - ways people manage to mix their work and personal life.
A. Integrators tend to blend work and personal matters throughout the day. If you are an integrator, you take personal e-mails or calls on the job and handle work while cooking dinner.
B. Separators set apart time and mental space for each primary identity. You focus on one role at a time-when you are at work, you work; when you're with family or friends, you set work aside.
C. Volleyers go back and forth between periods of intense separation and times of integration. A magazine editor's deadlines or an event manager's trade show dates will force periods of separation. But a volleyer will jump back into other commitments and relationships during downtimes.
Your patterns can shift and change over the course of your life and career, says Kossek.
The question you need to ask is whether your current flexstyle is working for you or not. Whatever your flexstyle is, you will benefit from these four tips.
1. Distinguish between high-value and low-value work. Give the most time and attention to the high-value stuff; find new ways to deal with the rest.
2. Negotiate more. Offer more of what you can (and, but) draw lines when you need them most.
(you can't do)Maybe you need to be at home for the kids by 5:00 so that your partner can get to an evening job. Offer to come in early or bring work home.
3. Track your habits. Look at how you spend your time. What does an honest evaluation of your days and weeks tell you?
4. Rethink demands. What is real. unavoidable pressure and what is self-imposed pressure? When it seems that everything is important and nothing can give, it is time to review your priorities.
"Even in turbulent times- perhaps especially in turbulent times- you are the CEO of your life, " says Kossek. "You do call more of the shots than you probably realize."
Grammar
But a volleyer will jump back into other commitments and relationships during downtimes.
downtimes-down time -is the period of time that slow down, not as busy as usual.
But a volleyer will jump back into other commitments and relationships when things are not so busy.
Teresa had been so busy with work that she found her sudden downtime to be a blessing.
Many people have chosen to go back to school to get another degree during this economic downtime.
Vocabulary
at odds (idiom)-不一致,有矛盾的against each other, oppose each other.
Tim and his sister are at odds over how to care for their aging parents.
*对某件事用"over"-The two managers are at odds over the marketing strategy.
*对某个对象不一致用"with"-
ratchet up (phr v)-板手, tide something bid by bid, step by step. up-increase,down-decrease.
My boss really wants me be accept the promotion, so he's really ratcheted up the pressure.
integration (n)-整合,合并..integrate (v)-使结合,使合并
The integration of creativity into the workplace helped the workers feel more important.
*We won't be able to make any decision until the integration of data is complete.
*The European integration is responsible for improving the economy of the whole region.
commitment (n)-所承诺要做的事情.promise.
Ethan can't go with us tonight because he has a prior commitment. 之前.先前.
*Sorry I can't stay for the party-I have a prior commitment.
*She's taken too many commitments and became exhausted.
course (n)-direction, route 路程,过程.
Over the course of a year, Paul usually travels to 65 different cities.
*The trip to China changed her course of life dramatically.
*During the course of the investigation, the detectives found that many mobs were involved in this case.
draw the line at (idiom)-Johnny's mom helps him a lot, but she draws the line at doing his homework for him.
self-imposed (adj)-Kari has stuck to her self-imposed, early bedtime for more than a month.
turbulent (adj)-混乱的,动荡的. turb-混乱
Sylvia and Jack fight quite often, so I think they have quite a turbulent marriage.
*This has been a turbulent week for Patty. She just started her second job.
*During turbulent periods of time people find comfort in literature and music.
call the shots-CEO has authority make the decision. - take control of life.
*You have to listen to me in this restaurant.. I'm calling the shots here.
*Who's calling the shots in this house?这屋子里谁是当家作主的人 call the shots=call the tune.
Chat Room
intense-激烈的,强烈的strong and firm, intense heat-酷热.
intense person-认真的,精神集中,很严肃,做事拘谨的人.
intense study of English专心用功的赌英文.
intensive-集中的,密集的,形容外在的事务. highly concentrate.
intensive care unit -加护病房.
intensive bombardment-
an intensive English course-密集班.
intense vs intensive= person vs the world (outside)
------
Nothing can give-没有转圜的空间.
give-给,折衷,让步.
what give?=what's wrong?=what's going on?发生甚么事,最近如何 ask friend what give?
"give me liberty or give me death." Patrick Henry. 不自由,毋宁死.18 世纪,美独力战争开战前夕宣言,呼吁殖民地连和起来为自由而战,反对英国,向英国宣战.
"For years, many people have felt the different parts iof their lives-jobs, families, personal time-are at odds and that there is nothing they can do about it." says Michigan State University distinguished professor Dr. Ellen Kossek, co-author of CEO of Me: Creating a Life that Works in the Fexible Job Age.
But even as work demands ratchet up, you can take steps even small ones-to self-manage your career and life, says Kossek. She's identified three main "flexstyles" - ways people manage to mix their work and personal life.
A. Integrators tend to blend work and personal matters throughout the day. If you are an integrator, you take personal e-mails or calls on the job and handle work while cooking dinner.
B. Separators set apart time and mental space for each primary identity. You focus on one role at a time-when you are at work, you work; when you're with family or friends, you set work aside.
C. Volleyers go back and forth between periods of intense separation and times of integration. A magazine editor's deadlines or an event manager's trade show dates will force periods of separation. But a volleyer will jump back into other commitments and relationships during downtimes.
Your patterns can shift and change over the course of your life and career, says Kossek.
The question you need to ask is whether your current flexstyle is working for you or not. Whatever your flexstyle is, you will benefit from these four tips.
1. Distinguish between high-value and low-value work. Give the most time and attention to the high-value stuff; find new ways to deal with the rest.
2. Negotiate more. Offer more of what you can (and, but) draw lines when you need them most.
(you can't do)Maybe you need to be at home for the kids by 5:00 so that your partner can get to an evening job. Offer to come in early or bring work home.
3. Track your habits. Look at how you spend your time. What does an honest evaluation of your days and weeks tell you?
4. Rethink demands. What is real. unavoidable pressure and what is self-imposed pressure? When it seems that everything is important and nothing can give, it is time to review your priorities.
"Even in turbulent times- perhaps especially in turbulent times- you are the CEO of your life, " says Kossek. "You do call more of the shots than you probably realize."
Grammar
But a volleyer will jump back into other commitments and relationships during downtimes.
downtimes-down time -is the period of time that slow down, not as busy as usual.
But a volleyer will jump back into other commitments and relationships when things are not so busy.
Teresa had been so busy with work that she found her sudden downtime to be a blessing.
Many people have chosen to go back to school to get another degree during this economic downtime.
Vocabulary
at odds (idiom)-不一致,有矛盾的against each other, oppose each other.
Tim and his sister are at odds over how to care for their aging parents.
*对某件事用"over"-The two managers are at odds over the marketing strategy.
*对某个对象不一致用"with"-
ratchet up (phr v)-板手, tide something bid by bid, step by step. up-increase,down-decrease.
My boss really wants me be accept the promotion, so he's really ratcheted up the pressure.
integration (n)-整合,合并..integrate (v)-使结合,使合并
The integration of creativity into the workplace helped the workers feel more important.
*We won't be able to make any decision until the integration of data is complete.
*The European integration is responsible for improving the economy of the whole region.
commitment (n)-所承诺要做的事情.promise.
Ethan can't go with us tonight because he has a prior commitment. 之前.先前.
*Sorry I can't stay for the party-I have a prior commitment.
*She's taken too many commitments and became exhausted.
course (n)-direction, route 路程,过程.
Over the course of a year, Paul usually travels to 65 different cities.
*The trip to China changed her course of life dramatically.
*During the course of the investigation, the detectives found that many mobs were involved in this case.
draw the line at (idiom)-Johnny's mom helps him a lot, but she draws the line at doing his homework for him.
self-imposed (adj)-Kari has stuck to her self-imposed, early bedtime for more than a month.
turbulent (adj)-混乱的,动荡的. turb-混乱
Sylvia and Jack fight quite often, so I think they have quite a turbulent marriage.
*This has been a turbulent week for Patty. She just started her second job.
*During turbulent periods of time people find comfort in literature and music.
call the shots-CEO has authority make the decision. - take control of life.
*You have to listen to me in this restaurant.. I'm calling the shots here.
*Who's calling the shots in this house?这屋子里谁是当家作主的人 call the shots=call the tune.
Chat Room
intense-激烈的,强烈的strong and firm, intense heat-酷热.
intense person-认真的,精神集中,很严肃,做事拘谨的人.
intense study of English专心用功的赌英文.
intensive-集中的,密集的,形容外在的事务. highly concentrate.
intensive care unit -加护病房.
intensive bombardment-
an intensive English course-密集班.
intense vs intensive= person vs the world (outside)
------
Nothing can give-没有转圜的空间.
give-给,折衷,让步.
what give?=what's wrong?=what's going on?发生甚么事,最近如何 ask friend what give?
"give me liberty or give me death." Patrick Henry. 不自由,毋宁死.18 世纪,美独力战争开战前夕宣言,呼吁殖民地连和起来为自由而战,反对英国,向英国宣战.
The Gaelic Athletic Association
蓋爾運動協會
A different way to play by Simon Stopps
Professional sports have become big business. Athletes are paid huge salaries. You can buy T-shirts, coffee mugs and seat cushions with your favorite team logos on them. If you have enough money, you can even buy a team and move it from city to city. But that’s not how things work in the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).
Formed in 1884, the GAA was designed to promote traditional Irish culture and sports. With more than 2,600 clubs and over 1 million members, it’s now Ireland’s largest sporting organization. In keeping with its mission, the GAA promotes a range of Irish sports and cultural traditions. That said, the association's best-known sports are Gaelic football and hurling. Both are traditional Irish sports.
Gaelic football is often described as a mixture of soccer and rugby. However, it is older than either of those games. In contrast, hurling is a lot like field hockey. It's Europe's oldest field sport and has been around for at least 2,000 years.
From the lowest to the highest levels. GAA players are amateurs. More importantly, clubs cannot be sold or even owned by individuals. Instead, each club is based in a community and run by the people of that community. Each year, club members vote to elect a committee to manage the club's affairs. Even at the highest levels, association officials are elected and can only hold their posts for four years.
Despite its focus on amateur sports, the association's business model has proven extremely successful. Over the years, the GAA has built up more than 2.6 billion euros in assets. Last year it earned an additional 64 million euros. An impressive 80 percent of that income was invested back into local GAA clubs. This year the GAA marks its 125th anniversary. As an organization, it has stood the test of time. The association has demonstrated that community and culture can still be an important part of top-level sports.
Grammar
In keeping with its mission, the GAA promotes a range of Irish sports and cultural traditions. That said, the association's best-known sports are Gaelic football and hurling.
that said is fancy way to say " however"
The hostess has asked us not bring anything to the dinner party. That said, we're still planning to take a small gift.
The theater has asked the audience to not take pictures during the performance. That said, many people still had their cameras out.
More information:
Will Gaelic Games die out?
With its stable, healthy economy, Ireland has become a very desirable place to live. What this means is there are more and more people living in Ireland who aren't Irish. This presents a unique challenge to the Gaelic. Athletic Association, which has traditionally marketed itself to Irish nationals. So now, the question is: can the GAA help Ireland's non-Irish people develop a passion for Irish sports?
Vocabulary
athletic (adj)-Roberta and Alexandra are very athletic. They swim, play soccer and run.
*The athletic facilities here in the gym are pretty old. athlete (n)-
*Jason is an athletic boy. He's good at many sports.
cushion (n)-soft square pillow type thing, can move around.
I brought a cushion because the chairs are very hard.
promote (v)-提倡，促进，宣传，推动，宣传
Carol's job is to promote the development of the downtown area.
*The organization promotes literacy programs in poor areas.
*The campaign successfully promoted this new product.
mission (n)-purpose, the most important goal.
The organization's mission involves helping poor students get a good education. 在行。
mixture (n)-混合，混合体，混合物The movie is a mixture of laughter and drama. mix-混和。
*The style of the band is a mixture of rock and country.
*Leave the mixture of flour, eggs and milk in the fridge for an hour.
professional sports- player and couch get pay a huge money to play.
logo-一个品牌的图样。owl is Studio classroom's logo.
In keeping with (idiom)-keeping here means Harmony, unity or agreement.
committee (n)-a group of people who have chosen to make decision for the organization or event. Last year we started a committee to help plan student events.
extremely (adv)-at very great (greatest) degree. It's extremely hot outside.
Mountain climbing is an extremely exciting hobby.
invest (v)-投资make the money grow, spend money on something to increase it's value and gain more money from it.
Simon would like to invest his money but he has a lot of questions.
*Alex invested some of his savings in real estate.
*investment-He made a large investment in the stock markets.
demonstrate (v)-证明，表明show, how something work.
Mr. Maxwell stood at the front of the class to demonstrate the experiment.
*The research clearly demonstrated the connection between lung cancer and smoking.
*The change of location of headquarters demonstrated the company's determination to take over the Asian market.
asset-The majority of the couple's assets are in cash. 资产，财产，大都用複数"s". assets.
*The most valuable assets of this company are their copyrights.
*Britney is an important asset of our company.
amateurs-业余的 don't play for money, not been paid. opposite of professional.
Chat Room
Sport's play place: 不同球类场地有不同的名称。
outdoor sports:field-大型的户外球场。
ballpark/ field-棒球场地。
diamond-内野的球场，一垒到本垒形状像diamond
Indoor sports: court- 小型尤其是迁涉net 网子室内球场。tennis court, volleyball court, basketball court.
bowling alley-is a building where you play bowling, where you roll the ball is call "land"
rink- ice skating, hockey, play on ice溜冰，冰上曲棍球的场地。
arena-古罗马德里竞技场，现在的室内运动场。
stadium-大型的户外运动场。
---------
stood the test of time-means to last for a long time.经得起时间的考验to stand the test of time。
stand out from the crowd-杰出，凸出，突出，很优秀 stand out =prominent
stand out like a sore thumb-也是很显眼但是负面的，如一个人包了受伤的大拇指般很突出。
It stands to reason-make sense. 显而易见的
stand up to- confront-抵挡，抵抗某人，勇敢面对某人。
stand on one's ground-站立在自己的地方stand on your ground-不退后,不屈服,坚持自己的立场.
A different way to play by Simon Stopps
Professional sports have become big business. Athletes are paid huge salaries. You can buy T-shirts, coffee mugs and seat cushions with your favorite team logos on them. If you have enough money, you can even buy a team and move it from city to city. But that’s not how things work in the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).
Formed in 1884, the GAA was designed to promote traditional Irish culture and sports. With more than 2,600 clubs and over 1 million members, it’s now Ireland’s largest sporting organization. In keeping with its mission, the GAA promotes a range of Irish sports and cultural traditions. That said, the association's best-known sports are Gaelic football and hurling. Both are traditional Irish sports.
Gaelic football is often described as a mixture of soccer and rugby. However, it is older than either of those games. In contrast, hurling is a lot like field hockey. It's Europe's oldest field sport and has been around for at least 2,000 years.
From the lowest to the highest levels. GAA players are amateurs. More importantly, clubs cannot be sold or even owned by individuals. Instead, each club is based in a community and run by the people of that community. Each year, club members vote to elect a committee to manage the club's affairs. Even at the highest levels, association officials are elected and can only hold their posts for four years.
Despite its focus on amateur sports, the association's business model has proven extremely successful. Over the years, the GAA has built up more than 2.6 billion euros in assets. Last year it earned an additional 64 million euros. An impressive 80 percent of that income was invested back into local GAA clubs. This year the GAA marks its 125th anniversary. As an organization, it has stood the test of time. The association has demonstrated that community and culture can still be an important part of top-level sports.
Grammar
In keeping with its mission, the GAA promotes a range of Irish sports and cultural traditions. That said, the association's best-known sports are Gaelic football and hurling.
that said is fancy way to say " however"
The hostess has asked us not bring anything to the dinner party. That said, we're still planning to take a small gift.
The theater has asked the audience to not take pictures during the performance. That said, many people still had their cameras out.
More information:
Will Gaelic Games die out?
With its stable, healthy economy, Ireland has become a very desirable place to live. What this means is there are more and more people living in Ireland who aren't Irish. This presents a unique challenge to the Gaelic. Athletic Association, which has traditionally marketed itself to Irish nationals. So now, the question is: can the GAA help Ireland's non-Irish people develop a passion for Irish sports?
Vocabulary
athletic (adj)-Roberta and Alexandra are very athletic. They swim, play soccer and run.
*The athletic facilities here in the gym are pretty old. athlete (n)-
*Jason is an athletic boy. He's good at many sports.
cushion (n)-soft square pillow type thing, can move around.
I brought a cushion because the chairs are very hard.
promote (v)-提倡，促进，宣传，推动，宣传
Carol's job is to promote the development of the downtown area.
*The organization promotes literacy programs in poor areas.
*The campaign successfully promoted this new product.
mission (n)-purpose, the most important goal.
The organization's mission involves helping poor students get a good education. 在行。
mixture (n)-混合，混合体，混合物The movie is a mixture of laughter and drama. mix-混和。
*The style of the band is a mixture of rock and country.
*Leave the mixture of flour, eggs and milk in the fridge for an hour.
professional sports- player and couch get pay a huge money to play.
logo-一个品牌的图样。owl is Studio classroom's logo.
In keeping with (idiom)-keeping here means Harmony, unity or agreement.
committee (n)-a group of people who have chosen to make decision for the organization or event. Last year we started a committee to help plan student events.
extremely (adv)-at very great (greatest) degree. It's extremely hot outside.
Mountain climbing is an extremely exciting hobby.
invest (v)-投资make the money grow, spend money on something to increase it's value and gain more money from it.
Simon would like to invest his money but he has a lot of questions.
*Alex invested some of his savings in real estate.
*investment-He made a large investment in the stock markets.
demonstrate (v)-证明，表明show, how something work.
Mr. Maxwell stood at the front of the class to demonstrate the experiment.
*The research clearly demonstrated the connection between lung cancer and smoking.
*The change of location of headquarters demonstrated the company's determination to take over the Asian market.
asset-The majority of the couple's assets are in cash. 资产，财产，大都用複数"s". assets.
*The most valuable assets of this company are their copyrights.
*Britney is an important asset of our company.
amateurs-业余的 don't play for money, not been paid. opposite of professional.
Chat Room
Sport's play place: 不同球类场地有不同的名称。
outdoor sports:field-大型的户外球场。
ballpark/ field-棒球场地。
diamond-内野的球场，一垒到本垒形状像diamond
Indoor sports: court- 小型尤其是迁涉net 网子室内球场。tennis court, volleyball court, basketball court.
bowling alley-is a building where you play bowling, where you roll the ball is call "land"
rink- ice skating, hockey, play on ice溜冰，冰上曲棍球的场地。
arena-古罗马德里竞技场，现在的室内运动场。
stadium-大型的户外运动场。
---------
stood the test of time-means to last for a long time.经得起时间的考验to stand the test of time。
stand out from the crowd-杰出，凸出，突出，很优秀 stand out =prominent
stand out like a sore thumb-也是很显眼但是负面的，如一个人包了受伤的大拇指般很突出。
It stands to reason-make sense. 显而易见的
stand up to- confront-抵挡，抵抗某人，勇敢面对某人。
stand on one's ground-站立在自己的地方stand on your ground-不退后,不屈服,坚持自己的立场.
Monday, October 26, 2009
A Bunny's Tale
兔寶寶的故事When you know you shouldn’t – don’t! 这支小兔子能不能度过难关呢?by Hazel Johansen
It was quite chilly as Bunny Longears skipped along the forest trail that led home. Suddenly he stopped. He thought he heard someone calling. He listened carefully. He looked around. He saw nothing. But as he started off, he again heard the faint cry.
“Please,” the voice called, “won’t you help me?”
“Oh, dear,” thought Bunny. “The forest is full of danger. I ought to go straight home, but this is such a strange thing. I’d better look into it.” So he turned back and headed toward the voice. He soon approached a deep pit. A cry came from the bottom of the damp hole.
“Please,” the voice called, “won’t you help me?”
“Who are you? What do you want?” asked the curious rabbit.
"See for yourself," invited the voice. "I have fallen into this cold, dark ditch. May I look to you for help?
"Well, I'll have to see about it. Come out where I can look you over." replied Bunny Longears. The creature moved into plain view.
"I'm just a little garden snake," he grinned slyly.
"I can see right through you," Bunny scolded. "You're no garden snake; you're a cold-blooded killer snake. You're nothing but trouble and everyone knows it. Look for help somewhere else." And he turned away.
"But wait1" the serpent urged.
"One as intelligent as yourself should see fit to help me."
"Intelligent?" smiled the rabbit.
"Most intelligent!" flattered the snake "Surely you know I mean no harm. I only ask a favor."
"What favor?" asked the bunny.
"A simple one," replied the crafty serpent." Just look through the grass and find a strong stick.
Then kindly lift me out of this miserable pit. Afterward, we can see one another off... as friends."
"I really shouldn't" said Bunny. "But maybe I'll look after you just this once." So he found a stick and lifted the ugly snake out of the pit and onto the grass nearby.
"My!" exclaimed the rabbit as he looked over the snake. "You look disgusting"
"Yes," grinned the snake, "And you look delicious!"
"Delicious?" cried the rabbit
"But I thought..."
"Don't be surprised," said the reptile. "You knew I was trouble when you lifted me out of that hole."
What happened to the little rabbit I cannot tell. I didn't dare look on. But learn a lesson as you look at this simple tale. When trouble calls-watch out! Keep moving on and don't look back.
Grammar
You're nothing but trouble, and everyone knows it.
nothing but = only
You're only trouble, and everyone knows it.
How could anyone trust Charlie? He's nothing but a clown!
You shouldn't buy that game because it's nothing but a waste of money.
Vocabulary
faint (adj)- soft很小声,很轻. speak up 大声说话Listen carefully. Do you hear the faint sound of music playing?
*From a distance you can see the faint glow coming out from the lighthouse.
*We still have some faint hope that our team will win.
pit (n)-坑,洞The dog fell into a pit and couldn't get out.
cold-blooded (adj)-冷血的,冷酷的,残忍的 reptile is cold blooded animal, the body temperature changes when the outside temperature changes; person shows no emotion when other people are suffering or they did evil things with no bothered. --The prisoner was a cold-blooded murderer.
*Lizards are cold-blooded animals. *A cold-blooded killer
warm-blooded-温血的.
flatter(v)-奉承,献媚, 阿谀If you flatter the boss, you might get a raise.
*He is good at flattering his boss, and that's why he's been promoted.
*I am flattering that you invited me to join your wedding. 我很高兴
crafty (adj)-狡猾的,诡计多端的She's a crafty lady. Don't let her trick you!
*Joe always come up with all sorts of crafty ideas that got him into a lot of trouble.
*He's a crafty politician. You never know how he will react. 老奸巨滑的政客,永远不知道他会如何反应
reptile (n)-Turtles, snakes and lizards are reptiles.
see fit- fit适合的,适当的, see fit=think fit-愿意的,决定或觉得适当的,决定去作某件事.
*Spend your money as you see fit, but be careful to save some too.你看合适的花钱,但也留心存钱.
*The publisher didn't see fit to publish the sci-fi novel at the time.出版商不觉得合适..
tale-story, tail-Bunny's tail, rabbit's tail is like a little ball of cotton. Bunny rabbit.
Longears is a rabbit's name in "Bunny's tale"
skipped along-跑跑跳跳的
ditch=hole=pit.
look into-seek, investigating that.深入了解,一探究竟, 进入去了解.
*The private detective promised that he would look into the case.
look to someone or something-you are asking or relying on someone or something.
look over -look good at, look clear for a full picture. look it thoroughly.
look on -continue to look, or watch without participating.
plain view-good for people see clearly.
slyly (slaili)-do best to trick someone to get what you want. 很有手段的,很技巧的,很诡诈的.
exclaimed-not happy, says something suddenly and loudly.
disgusting-look bad, make you feel sick.恶心
.
watch out-careful
***(You'll find out you're in that situation cannot get out. In the general is okay to help people. Try not to do something by yourself if you feel something wrong. If you have to deal with, it's better to find someone to go or do with you , not be alone.)
Chat Room
chilly-just cold enough to make you feel uncomfortable and shiver.发抖(冷飕飕,令人感到不舒服,甚至冷到发抖
cool- make people feel good. 凉爽.
brisk (crisp)-air feels very fresh, weather is cold but make people feel energizing很舒服,叫人感觉很有精神的冷
a brisk fall morning. a crisp mountain air.
freezing-结冰的冷,虽未到结冰的程度,但也可说是..
bone-numbing cold/ bone-chilling cold-冷到骨头发抖,刺骨的冷.
---------
pit-坑,洞,天然或人为的坑洞. man made hold. hold, trap-陷阱
a granite pit-采矿场,采矿而有的坑道.
the pits (idiom)-倒霉,运气真坏,很衰的状况. get sick on the vacation, it's the pits.
orchestra pit-剧场里预留给管铉乐团表演的中间低下去的舞台orchestra-管铉乐团.
It was quite chilly as Bunny Longears skipped along the forest trail that led home. Suddenly he stopped. He thought he heard someone calling. He listened carefully. He looked around. He saw nothing. But as he started off, he again heard the faint cry.
“Please,” the voice called, “won’t you help me?”
“Oh, dear,” thought Bunny. “The forest is full of danger. I ought to go straight home, but this is such a strange thing. I’d better look into it.” So he turned back and headed toward the voice. He soon approached a deep pit. A cry came from the bottom of the damp hole.
“Please,” the voice called, “won’t you help me?”
“Who are you? What do you want?” asked the curious rabbit.
"See for yourself," invited the voice. "I have fallen into this cold, dark ditch. May I look to you for help?
"Well, I'll have to see about it. Come out where I can look you over." replied Bunny Longears. The creature moved into plain view.
"I'm just a little garden snake," he grinned slyly.
"I can see right through you," Bunny scolded. "You're no garden snake; you're a cold-blooded killer snake. You're nothing but trouble and everyone knows it. Look for help somewhere else." And he turned away.
"But wait1" the serpent urged.
"One as intelligent as yourself should see fit to help me."
"Intelligent?" smiled the rabbit.
"Most intelligent!" flattered the snake "Surely you know I mean no harm. I only ask a favor."
"What favor?" asked the bunny.
"A simple one," replied the crafty serpent." Just look through the grass and find a strong stick.
Then kindly lift me out of this miserable pit. Afterward, we can see one another off... as friends."
"I really shouldn't" said Bunny. "But maybe I'll look after you just this once." So he found a stick and lifted the ugly snake out of the pit and onto the grass nearby.
"My!" exclaimed the rabbit as he looked over the snake. "You look disgusting"
"Yes," grinned the snake, "And you look delicious!"
"Delicious?" cried the rabbit
"But I thought..."
"Don't be surprised," said the reptile. "You knew I was trouble when you lifted me out of that hole."
What happened to the little rabbit I cannot tell. I didn't dare look on. But learn a lesson as you look at this simple tale. When trouble calls-watch out! Keep moving on and don't look back.
Grammar
You're nothing but trouble, and everyone knows it.
nothing but = only
You're only trouble, and everyone knows it.
How could anyone trust Charlie? He's nothing but a clown!
You shouldn't buy that game because it's nothing but a waste of money.
Vocabulary
faint (adj)- soft很小声,很轻. speak up 大声说话Listen carefully. Do you hear the faint sound of music playing?
*From a distance you can see the faint glow coming out from the lighthouse.
*We still have some faint hope that our team will win.
pit (n)-坑,洞The dog fell into a pit and couldn't get out.
cold-blooded (adj)-冷血的,冷酷的,残忍的 reptile is cold blooded animal, the body temperature changes when the outside temperature changes; person shows no emotion when other people are suffering or they did evil things with no bothered. --The prisoner was a cold-blooded murderer.
*Lizards are cold-blooded animals. *A cold-blooded killer
warm-blooded-温血的.
flatter(v)-奉承,献媚, 阿谀If you flatter the boss, you might get a raise.
*He is good at flattering his boss, and that's why he's been promoted.
*I am flattering that you invited me to join your wedding. 我很高兴
crafty (adj)-狡猾的,诡计多端的She's a crafty lady. Don't let her trick you!
*Joe always come up with all sorts of crafty ideas that got him into a lot of trouble.
*He's a crafty politician. You never know how he will react. 老奸巨滑的政客,永远不知道他会如何反应
reptile (n)-Turtles, snakes and lizards are reptiles.
see fit- fit适合的,适当的, see fit=think fit-愿意的,决定或觉得适当的,决定去作某件事.
*Spend your money as you see fit, but be careful to save some too.你看合适的花钱,但也留心存钱.
*The publisher didn't see fit to publish the sci-fi novel at the time.出版商不觉得合适..
tale-story, tail-Bunny's tail, rabbit's tail is like a little ball of cotton. Bunny rabbit.
Longears is a rabbit's name in "Bunny's tale"
skipped along-跑跑跳跳的
ditch=hole=pit.
look into-seek, investigating that.深入了解,一探究竟, 进入去了解.
*The private detective promised that he would look into the case.
look to someone or something-you are asking or relying on someone or something.
look over -look good at, look clear for a full picture. look it thoroughly.
look on -continue to look, or watch without participating.
plain view-good for people see clearly.
slyly (slaili)-do best to trick someone to get what you want. 很有手段的,很技巧的,很诡诈的.
exclaimed-not happy, says something suddenly and loudly.
disgusting-look bad, make you feel sick.恶心
.
watch out-careful
***(You'll find out you're in that situation cannot get out. In the general is okay to help people. Try not to do something by yourself if you feel something wrong. If you have to deal with, it's better to find someone to go or do with you , not be alone.)
Chat Room
chilly-just cold enough to make you feel uncomfortable and shiver.发抖(冷飕飕,令人感到不舒服,甚至冷到发抖
cool- make people feel good. 凉爽.
brisk (crisp)-air feels very fresh, weather is cold but make people feel energizing很舒服,叫人感觉很有精神的冷
a brisk fall morning. a crisp mountain air.
freezing-结冰的冷,虽未到结冰的程度,但也可说是..
bone-numbing cold/ bone-chilling cold-冷到骨头发抖,刺骨的冷.
---------
pit-坑,洞,天然或人为的坑洞. man made hold. hold, trap-陷阱
a granite pit-采矿场,采矿而有的坑道.
the pits (idiom)-倒霉,运气真坏,很衰的状况. get sick on the vacation, it's the pits.
orchestra pit-剧场里预留给管铉乐团表演的中间低下去的舞台orchestra-管铉乐团.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wearing My White T-Shirt, Khaki Shorts and Flip-Flops
美國留學記：穿上白T恤、卡其短褲和涼鞋
Starting my first semester by Luke Wang
I was frightened on my first day of school. Like a kid going to school for the first time, I felt my heart beating fast as I walked to my first class. American universities do things quite differently from most Asian universities. Here in America, we choose every class ourselves. In order to complete a major, students are required to take certain classes. Even with the requirements, students have the freedom to choose which classes to take, the class times and even the professors they want.
This was my first time sitting with so many Americans in a classroom. Unlike many other classmates, I sat quietly by myself. My teacher spoke fast – definitely faster than my English teacher in Taipei. I had a hard time understanding him.
English, without a doubt, is the hardest thing I have experienced so far. Because I'm an international student, communicating fluent with Americans can be really difficult. Most American college students speak quickly while using lots of slang and idioms. I, therefore struggle with understanding in class and communicating with other students. Also, reading and writing are equally as important as listening and speaking. When my classes started to get busier, the readings got longer, the papers got harder, and that's when real disaster struck.
Grammar:
English, without a doubt, is the hardest thing I have experienced so far.
without a doubt-is a fancy way to say"definitely" "certainly"
English is definitely the hardest thing I have experienced so far.
Stuart is, without doubt, the fastest inner on the team.
without a doubt is without question.
This year's party is, without question, the most creative one I have ever attended.
Vocabulary
professor (n)-a person who teach in the college or university.
Our history professor is very popular because he makes the subject so interesting.
fluently (adv)-流利的When you first start to learn a language, it is difficult to speak it fluently.
*She can speak three languages fluently.
*All students need to learn how to type fluently in their freshman year.
*Nathan is fluent in Spanish.
idiom (n)-technically a group of words has special meaning that not by word to word.
Sean uses a lot of idioms, so it is hard for my European roommate to understand him.
disaster (n)-灾难,栽祸 -发生灾祸用strike
An environmental disaster occurred along Alaska's coast when oil from a ship leaked into the ocean.
*The disaster happened in the coal mine took many people's lives.
*Losing his job was a disaster for Victor.
*Everything went smoothly on our way home till disaster struck-we ran out of gas.
slang-（哩語)common word to use but not formal or proper in writing.
The essay he wrote is full of slang.
*She was taught not to use slang in her language.
"Buck" is a slang expression for money.
Khaki shorts-
Flip-flops -托鞋
Chat Room
class/ course-课程
take a class/take a course-选修一门课
class has wide meaning. go to class, this class will be over in an hour.
Ok, class, It's time for a test.指全班同学
required courses-必修课，入门课程 survey导论
electives-(specialist)选修课,中高级的课程。
get course catalog from school to choice courses.课程目录
Starting my first semester by Luke Wang
I was frightened on my first day of school. Like a kid going to school for the first time, I felt my heart beating fast as I walked to my first class. American universities do things quite differently from most Asian universities. Here in America, we choose every class ourselves. In order to complete a major, students are required to take certain classes. Even with the requirements, students have the freedom to choose which classes to take, the class times and even the professors they want.
This was my first time sitting with so many Americans in a classroom. Unlike many other classmates, I sat quietly by myself. My teacher spoke fast – definitely faster than my English teacher in Taipei. I had a hard time understanding him.
English, without a doubt, is the hardest thing I have experienced so far. Because I'm an international student, communicating fluent with Americans can be really difficult. Most American college students speak quickly while using lots of slang and idioms. I, therefore struggle with understanding in class and communicating with other students. Also, reading and writing are equally as important as listening and speaking. When my classes started to get busier, the readings got longer, the papers got harder, and that's when real disaster struck.
Grammar:
English, without a doubt, is the hardest thing I have experienced so far.
without a doubt-is a fancy way to say"definitely" "certainly"
English is definitely the hardest thing I have experienced so far.
Stuart is, without doubt, the fastest inner on the team.
without a doubt is without question.
This year's party is, without question, the most creative one I have ever attended.
Vocabulary
professor (n)-a person who teach in the college or university.
Our history professor is very popular because he makes the subject so interesting.
fluently (adv)-流利的When you first start to learn a language, it is difficult to speak it fluently.
*She can speak three languages fluently.
*All students need to learn how to type fluently in their freshman year.
*Nathan is fluent in Spanish.
idiom (n)-technically a group of words has special meaning that not by word to word.
Sean uses a lot of idioms, so it is hard for my European roommate to understand him.
disaster (n)-灾难,栽祸 -发生灾祸用strike
An environmental disaster occurred along Alaska's coast when oil from a ship leaked into the ocean.
*The disaster happened in the coal mine took many people's lives.
*Losing his job was a disaster for Victor.
*Everything went smoothly on our way home till disaster struck-we ran out of gas.
slang-（哩語)common word to use but not formal or proper in writing.
The essay he wrote is full of slang.
*She was taught not to use slang in her language.
"Buck" is a slang expression for money.
Khaki shorts-
Flip-flops -托鞋
Chat Room
class/ course-课程
take a class/take a course-选修一门课
class has wide meaning. go to class, this class will be over in an hour.
Ok, class, It's time for a test.指全班同学
required courses-必修课，入门课程 survey导论
electives-(specialist)选修课,中高级的课程。
get course catalog from school to choice courses.课程目录
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Decorating for the Holidays
Holidays mean decorations for Americans 佳節應景裝飾
Americans enjoy making their homes look beautiful for holidays by Ruth Devlin
No matter what holiday it is, many Americans love to make their homes look festive. People put up decorations both indoors and out. Lawn displays are very popular at Christmas. And at Easter, people decorate trees in their yards with colored eggs.
Decorations can be simple or expensive. In these do-it-yourself days, many people enjoy making their own decorations, especially children. They make pictures and posters, knickknacks or window displays
Decorations are not strictly limited to single homes. Some neighborhoods work together to create a neighborhood effect. This is particularly popular at Christmastime. A street may call itself "Candy Cane Lane" for the Christmas holidays. Every house on the block will have candy canes along with other decorations in its yard.
Some communities even hold contests and give prizes for the best-decorated houses. In some areas, people buy tickets to tour decorated homes. The money from the ticket sales goes to a charity or another good cause.
Simple or extravagant, to many Americans, decorations make the holidays.
Conversation A:
"Hi, Jack, Please put this box of Halloween decorations in the basement."
"Where in the basement?"
"With all the other holiday decorations. And you can bring up the Thanksgiving decorations while you're at it."
"Where are they?"
"In the box marked "Thanksgiving decorations" of course!"
"We have way too much boxes of different decorations if you ask me."
"Oh, lighten up, Jack."
"Holiday decorations help get everyone in the mood to celebrate."
"I know, And when you're finish decorating, the house looks great. But we have so many decorations! And you buy more when they're on sale!"
"On can never have too many decorations!"
Conversation B
"There, That's the last string of Christmas lights."
" Thanks, Jack. I can't wait until dark so we can turn them on and see how they look!
"They're going to look great. We must have put 60,000 lights on the house."
"We didn't hang that many!"
"OK, probably not. But we still have a lot. I'm glad these lights don't use much electricity or our bill would be sky-high this month!"
"Tonight after dark, let's drive around and look at the Christmas lights."
"Ok, we'll drive into the Westport neighborhood. All the houses there have really fancy decorations."
"I know, The whole neighborhood gets into the act."
Grammar
We have way too many boxes of different decorations,if you ask me.
"if you ask me” = "in my opinion"
We have way too many boxes of different decorations, in my opinion.
If you ask me, he has had too much coffee today.
She should have applied for the job, if you ask me.
Vocabulary
unalterable-
Mr. Sparks had one unalterable rule in his classroom. You had to show respect to everyone.
lawn (n)- None of the houses on this street have lawn decorations.
poster (n)-Jim put up posters of his favorite cars in his room.
strictly (adv)-仅仅的, 完全的
The number of people able to attend the dinner party is strictly limited to 11.
*These parking lots are strictly for the use of our VIPs.仅供VIP 成员使用。
*We discussed strictly business.仅只于谈公事。
*The use of cameras is strictly prohibited in this area.
particularly (adv.)-特别地,尤其是.This house is particularly nice looking, don't you think.
*Bobby loves to be with children, particularly the toddlers.幼童
*The company is particularly interested in developing new technology.对发展新科技（尤其）特别感兴趣。 particular (adj)-特别的,特殊的.
extravagant - 过度浪费的,奢侈.
*The extravagant lifestyle of the young star is the focus of the paparazzi.狗仔队
*Cathy considers eating out to be extravagant.奢侈的
knickknacks-small decoration- make out of paper or plastic.
festive- very joyful and merry.
lawn-a pasture of green grass.
poster-large printed picture that give out some information.
lighten up (phr v)-放轻松，别担心relax. lighten-变轻，变明亮。
Oh, lighten up, Don't be so serious all the time.
*Lighten up! I was just joking.
*Everything will be alright! Lighten up and stop worrying!
*After talking to his best friend, Tim lightened up a bit.
mood (n)-I wouldn't talk to Amber right now. She's in a bad mood.
string (n)- Anne's mom is wearing a beautiful string of pearls around her neck.
sky-high (adj)-非常高的。Max can't afford to live in this neighborhood because rents are sky-high.
*The boy hit the ball sky-high, it was a home-run!
*The price of oil went sky -high today and many industries suffered.非常昂贵的，受到冲击。
*Very few can afford the sky-high rent in Manhattan.
get into the act- (V. idiom) （动词片语）参与某种活动。，get in and join and participate in something. act-行动
*The whole class got into the act and competed in the Science Fair and won the title.参与。科学竞赛比赛
*Everyone wants to get into the act of saving more money. 加入省钱族
Chat Room
Every holiday involve "eat"
summer time activities--may take a trip to a cabin on the mountain or to a ocean for fishing or camping.小木屋
grill (n)-烤肉的架子.cooking on the grill.
grill (v) out-户外烧烤.got outside and grill out. B.B.Q.
the 4th of July -是一个大节日,美国人会有家庭聚会或 at night to watch fire works.
bonfires-秋天点燃大型的营火来庆祝,同时用这营火烤好吃的东西.
-------
winter time activities--Many people would like go ski, or sled (n)雪橇 sledding 滑雪橇。
Thanksgiving holiday is celebrating of God's blessing. Family gather around and eating turkey with other type of food and thankful for God's blessing and protection for this whole year.
Christmas- family gathering and gift sharing. also celebrate the birth of Christ.
Thanksgiving and Christmas these two holidays are for family gathering. American would like to back home, family get together and celebrating and enjoy each other.
Americans enjoy making their homes look beautiful for holidays by Ruth Devlin
No matter what holiday it is, many Americans love to make their homes look festive. People put up decorations both indoors and out. Lawn displays are very popular at Christmas. And at Easter, people decorate trees in their yards with colored eggs.
Decorations can be simple or expensive. In these do-it-yourself days, many people enjoy making their own decorations, especially children. They make pictures and posters, knickknacks or window displays
Decorations are not strictly limited to single homes. Some neighborhoods work together to create a neighborhood effect. This is particularly popular at Christmastime. A street may call itself "Candy Cane Lane" for the Christmas holidays. Every house on the block will have candy canes along with other decorations in its yard.
Some communities even hold contests and give prizes for the best-decorated houses. In some areas, people buy tickets to tour decorated homes. The money from the ticket sales goes to a charity or another good cause.
Simple or extravagant, to many Americans, decorations make the holidays.
Conversation A:
"Hi, Jack, Please put this box of Halloween decorations in the basement."
"Where in the basement?"
"With all the other holiday decorations. And you can bring up the Thanksgiving decorations while you're at it."
"Where are they?"
"In the box marked "Thanksgiving decorations" of course!"
"We have way too much boxes of different decorations if you ask me."
"Oh, lighten up, Jack."
"Holiday decorations help get everyone in the mood to celebrate."
"I know, And when you're finish decorating, the house looks great. But we have so many decorations! And you buy more when they're on sale!"
"On can never have too many decorations!"
Conversation B
"There, That's the last string of Christmas lights."
" Thanks, Jack. I can't wait until dark so we can turn them on and see how they look!
"They're going to look great. We must have put 60,000 lights on the house."
"We didn't hang that many!"
"OK, probably not. But we still have a lot. I'm glad these lights don't use much electricity or our bill would be sky-high this month!"
"Tonight after dark, let's drive around and look at the Christmas lights."
"Ok, we'll drive into the Westport neighborhood. All the houses there have really fancy decorations."
"I know, The whole neighborhood gets into the act."
Grammar
We have way too many boxes of different decorations,if you ask me.
"if you ask me” = "in my opinion"
We have way too many boxes of different decorations, in my opinion.
If you ask me, he has had too much coffee today.
She should have applied for the job, if you ask me.
Vocabulary
unalterable-
Mr. Sparks had one unalterable rule in his classroom. You had to show respect to everyone.
lawn (n)- None of the houses on this street have lawn decorations.
poster (n)-Jim put up posters of his favorite cars in his room.
strictly (adv)-仅仅的, 完全的
The number of people able to attend the dinner party is strictly limited to 11.
*These parking lots are strictly for the use of our VIPs.仅供VIP 成员使用。
*We discussed strictly business.仅只于谈公事。
*The use of cameras is strictly prohibited in this area.
particularly (adv.)-特别地,尤其是.This house is particularly nice looking, don't you think.
*Bobby loves to be with children, particularly the toddlers.幼童
*The company is particularly interested in developing new technology.对发展新科技（尤其）特别感兴趣。 particular (adj)-特别的,特殊的.
extravagant - 过度浪费的,奢侈.
*The extravagant lifestyle of the young star is the focus of the paparazzi.狗仔队
*Cathy considers eating out to be extravagant.奢侈的
knickknacks-small decoration- make out of paper or plastic.
festive- very joyful and merry.
lawn-a pasture of green grass.
poster-large printed picture that give out some information.
lighten up (phr v)-放轻松，别担心relax. lighten-变轻，变明亮。
Oh, lighten up, Don't be so serious all the time.
*Lighten up! I was just joking.
*Everything will be alright! Lighten up and stop worrying!
*After talking to his best friend, Tim lightened up a bit.
mood (n)-I wouldn't talk to Amber right now. She's in a bad mood.
string (n)- Anne's mom is wearing a beautiful string of pearls around her neck.
sky-high (adj)-非常高的。Max can't afford to live in this neighborhood because rents are sky-high.
*The boy hit the ball sky-high, it was a home-run!
*The price of oil went sky -high today and many industries suffered.非常昂贵的，受到冲击。
*Very few can afford the sky-high rent in Manhattan.
get into the act- (V. idiom) （动词片语）参与某种活动。，get in and join and participate in something. act-行动
*The whole class got into the act and competed in the Science Fair and won the title.参与。科学竞赛比赛
*Everyone wants to get into the act of saving more money. 加入省钱族
Chat Room
Every holiday involve "eat"
summer time activities--may take a trip to a cabin on the mountain or to a ocean for fishing or camping.小木屋
grill (n)-烤肉的架子.cooking on the grill.
grill (v) out-户外烧烤.got outside and grill out. B.B.Q.
the 4th of July -是一个大节日,美国人会有家庭聚会或 at night to watch fire works.
bonfires-秋天点燃大型的营火来庆祝,同时用这营火烤好吃的东西.
-------
winter time activities--Many people would like go ski, or sled (n)雪橇 sledding 滑雪橇。
Thanksgiving holiday is celebrating of God's blessing. Family gather around and eating turkey with other type of food and thankful for God's blessing and protection for this whole year.
Christmas- family gathering and gift sharing. also celebrate the birth of Christ.
Thanksgiving and Christmas these two holidays are for family gathering. American would like to back home, family get together and celebrating and enjoy each other.
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